This is really great book of healthy dog treat recipes written by dog lover and fundraiser, Kris Owen. The recipes are easy to follow and are great for half term activities [...]]]> A La Bark Baking by Kris Owen

Recipe book for dog treats

This is really great book of healthy dog treat recipes written by dog lover and fundraiser, Kris Owen. The recipes are easy to follow and are great for half term activities when you want to make something with the kids.

All the profits from the sale of the books go to help greyhound and lurcher rehoming charities and Kris also offers bulk purchases to charities so that they can raise more funds selling the books at their events.

The dogs go mad for the treats and they can be used to great effect as a reward when training your dogs.  There is a sample recipe at the end of this review, Chester’s Cheesy Chomps

• Healthy dog treat recipes
• Easy to follow instructions
• Great for kids baking activities
• Profits go to rehoming charities
• Dogs love the treats
• Great training aid

Is it worth the money?

Very well written book of dog treat recipes with healthy ingredients that will tickle the dogs’ taste buds and get their attention when you need to, for example, useful as a training aid as rewards.  There is a guide at the back of the book explaining the ingredients used and also a list of foods that you should avoid feeding to dogs.  I love that the profits raise funds for rehoming greyhounds and lurchers.  If you are looking for a doggy treat recipe book then you can’t go wrong at £7.99 rrp.

Good points –

• Easy to follow recipes
• Dogs love the treats
• Low price
• Raises funds for hounds

Bad points –

• Dogs can’t get enough!
• Paperback version might get tatty with overuse

Marks out of 10

10

Where Can I Buy One?

• Buy A La Bark Baking on Amazon
• Occasionally available on ebay
• From the A La Bark Baking website

Sample recipe

Chester’s Cheesy Chomps

Light, golden biscuits.

The dough is so easy to work with you can make double batches and freeze some of the biscuits for later.

• ½ cup (60g) wholemeal flour
• 1 cup (100g) oats
• 1 ¼ cup (100g) grated cheese (preferably cheddar)
• ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ – ¾ cup (100-150ml) water.

Pre heat oven to 180C, 350F, gas mark 5
Cover a baking tray with baking paper.
Mix all of the ingredients except oil and water together in a large mixing bowl.
Add the oil and stir with a large spoon.
Add sufficient water to make the dough stick into one ball.
Place onto floured surface and roll out gently with floured rolling pin.
Aim to have your dough about ¼ – ½ inch thick.
Cut with a cookie cutter and place onto the baking tray.
Cook in centre of oven 25 -30 minutes or until they start to turn slightly golden.
Makes about 24 middle sized biscuits.

Store in airtight container and they may keep weeks, but they will probably be gobbled up long before then.

(If you have a good sized food processor – chop your cheese then add all other dry
ingredients. Pulse the processor and add the oil and water slowly. Stop as soon as the dough sticks into one ball. Roll out and cook as normal. Biscuits made in the processor have a smoother consistency as the oats will have been chopped but they still taste great.)

It is made of strong, waterproof pvc fabric which gives a wipe clean surface,
[...]]]> Danish Design Pet Lounger

Memory Foam Dog BedThis large memory foam dog bed is an ideal size for a Greyhound.   It allows room for them to stretch out when asleep and that means they get more restful sleep.

It is made of strong, waterproof pvc fabric which gives a wipe clean surface,
has deep sides which act as a headrest as well as shielding against draughts and keeps its shape very well.

The large size is 80 x 100cm (31.5 x 39 inches) and although may seem rather large, it can be stored on its end when not in use, thereby saving floor space

• Large size suitable for a Greyhound
• Made of strong durable pvc fabric
• Wipe clean surface
• Sides shield against draughts
• Memory foam keeps it shape well
• Easy storage when not in use

Is it worth the money?

A lot of dog beds are not available in sizes suitable for Greyhounds, who like to stretch out on their backs when asleep, but this bed is plenty big enough, sometimes big enough for two! (see below).  I like the wipe clean surface as my hounds love to chew on a pigs ear in bed and it can get very greasy and messy but just a wipe round with a damp cloth is all you need to freshen up.  Thr price is good for a durable bed as I expect it to last a good long time and the hounds find it very comfortable so it gets plenty of use.

Good points –

• Well made, durable fabric
• Wipe clean surface
• Dogs find it comfortable
• Large size suitable for Greyhound (or 2)

Bad points –

• Has seams at the corners so may not be completely waterproof
• Takes up rather a lot of floor space

Marks out of 10

10

Where Can I Buy One?

• Buy Danish Design Pet Lounger on Amazon
• Occasionally available on ebay

Provides privacy for bathrooms, showers, storage areas and windows that are overlooked without blocking out the natural light. It is self adhesive so no glue products needed and can be fitted easily with just a few essential tools such as a blade and [...]]]>  

White frosted privacy glass window film

Provides privacy for bathrooms, showers, storage areas and windows that are overlooked without blocking out the natural light. It is self adhesive so no glue products needed and can be fitted easily with just a few essential tools such as a blade and a straight edge. Available in a choice of widths and lengths

• Attractive frosted appearance
• Gives privacy
• Lets in sunlight
• Self adhesive
• Scratch resistant
• Easy to fit

Tools needed: washing up liquid, hand sprayer, squeegee, sharp knife, kitchen paper

Is it worth the money?

I was advised to use some frosted glass window film on my downstairs front windows to stop the dogs barking at everyone who walked past the house. We are very close to the footpath and it can be very annoying at busy times.  This product was extremely good for the price, delivery was very fast and I was impressed that although I ordered multiple rolls it came in one long length so I didn’t have a lot of wastage and have some left for another project.

Although the instructions seemed complicated at first, as I worked through them step by step I was able to cut the film, stick it to the windows and cut to size very easily.  The finished job is perfect and under £15.00!

Good points –

• Economical
• Easy to fit
• Better than net curtains
• Fast delivery

Bad points –

• Instructions seemed complicated at first
• Tools needed include a squeegee but I used a car windscreen scraper

Marks out of 10

9

Where Can I Buy One?

• Buy White Frosted Privacy Glass Window Film on Amazon
• Visit your local DIY store

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
[...]]]> Greyhounds4me Ezine Mid February issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

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Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

As a special Valentine’s gift to all you loyal subscribers of the Greyhounds4me ezine, I am offering you a FREE knitting pattern download of the Greyhound Footie Snood. Make it in your team colours! You will find it on the pattern download page HERE

And if you cannot knit, that is no excuse! We have a new page containing videos on How To Knit. Simple, easy to follow instructions on video so you can start making some fantastic garments for your hounds! Go to the page HERE

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Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

Weather Wise

This is just a short article to get everyone thinking about how the cold affects muscles. Most animals love the snow, dogs especially. The most common reaction of dogs is to tear around and roll in it and have an absolutely lovely time.

What I would like you to consider is the role of muscles in this scenario. Most of us that have greyhounds wrap them up in lovely snugly coats- although some greyhounds don’t like wearing coat but admittedly this is unusual. Even so, muscles are very vulnerable in the freezing temperatures we have been experiencing. There is a reason why athletes warm up before training and competitions and they also take time to cool down, in fact the cooling down period is often thought to be more important than warming up.

Muscles are dense and take time to warm up and if they are not warmed up before being used to their fullest capacity and gently cooled down afterwards, strains and pains are likely to occur. A dog I know was walked on Sunday after a relatively quiet week as she was having stomach problems. The owners drove out to a park for what they thought would be a lovely long walk in the powdery stuff. They were out for a good 2 hours and then put her in the car to come home. Cars, as we all know, are cold and take ages to warm up-and that is the essence here. On return home she was uncomfortable and shivery but not anything too noticeable but by Monday morning she was very uncomfortable, shivering and crying out in pain.

Dogs do not always know when to stop when they are having a good time so even if you are enjoying watching your dog belt around please take time to walk quietly for a short time (about 10 minutes) before putting a dog into a cold car. If you are walking closer to home  and can walk back this is a good preventative measure against problems and the best way of helping to combat muscles going into spasm and therefore preventing a visit to the vet (or indeed your canine Bowen therapist), although of course we love to see our clients!

Following Pennie’s article in the last issue about Pet Bereavement we have had many emails, here are some of them:

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
[...]]]> Greyhounds4me Ezine End January issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*******************************************************************************

SALE ends Tuesday!!

20% discount off Greyhound coats, dog beds and knitted items in the Greyhounds4me online shop HERE

and download knitting patterns HERE

Sale ends 31st January 2012

This giant knitted hound mascot available in the shop!

To get your 20% discount simply use checkout code robbie

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Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

DOG GONE

Pretty much the only thing we can be sure of when we take on a dog is that he or she will have a short life span compared to our human lives.

Yet we go ahead and take that on. Then when the inevitable happens we grieve. If we are lucky we have a few lovely human friends who know exactly why we are grieving as hard as we are.

When we chose a dog we choose a best friend- often all that we need is that one “look” and we then start a new chapter in our lives. If we are lucky that chapter will last more than a decade but sometimes we are short changed and our dogs leave us before that. When they leave us we look down the years and see memories and markers of our shared time, precious memories that are poignant and sometimes momentous because we were together and we shared those times with them, very often there is nobody we would rather share that time with. Our lives can change immeasurably during this time and our dogs may even be the catalyst for that change. My dogs have had an impact on my life that I could never have dreamed of, and my choices are always based on all of us as a team.

I lost my lovely girl Bella yesterday and among my grief at her rapid and unexpected departure there is so much to remind me of her. There is newspaper scattered around the floor as she was not able to go through the night for the last month without peeing on the floor. I didn’t always hear her get up and ask to go out. She couldn’t get up the stairs with her amazingly long legs and always slept downstairs. The newspaper remains today while I get myself together but as we walk about it is swishing around on the floor but I really can’t bring myself to pick it up yet. There is so much space too, she was a big girl, who when she was asleep on the couch spread herself along the length of it and refused to move.  A short time after she arrived (only a year ago) I bought a new sofa so she would be comfortable and this was quickly followed by a second so I could sit down too although that is generally filled with a dog too. Now we all fit in nicely but what I wouldn’t give to have her here, sofa or no sofa.

In the last few days I have not just been grieving I have been wondering what is so special about the nature of our love for them. My heart is broken in a way that differs so much to grieving for a person. Dogs become our very BFF’s. Those of us who treasure our dogs make sure that they have choices, to deny that would lead to a very different relationship. This is why I have very evolving emotions towards “dog training” – do we train our best friends? Our human best friends are very tolerant about our deficiencies, they very rarely gripe and complain about our behaviour, and if they do it is usually because we need to change and we eventually listen to their criticisms which  are inevitably right.  Overall our human best friends tolerate our shortcomings and love us for our idiosyncrasies. If that did not happen they would never have been elevated to our best friends. Do we accept that our very best friends will always agree with us? absolutely not and we treasure and appreciate them all the more for that.  It is far more about giving though than taking. This is, I think, why our hearts fracture into the tiniest pieces when our dog best friends die. Something very important and integral goes, never to be replaced.

After their passing the smallest thing can cause us to break down, love and grief floods our hearts out of nowhere. I took the most breathtaking walk today, the sun was setting and a fiery glow appeared on the horizon and one of my dogs was just snuffling and running for the sheer joy of being. It was so peaceful and special. What I wouldn’t have given to have shared that with Bella. These are the moments that pierce your heart. Bella had such a short time with us and she spent such a long time in kennels. There was very little time left to her to have the kind of life she deserved.  She should have had more time hogging the sofa and being walked into her very old age and I would have adored this.

I do think that truly loving a dog adds another dimension to us and that we become all the better for it. Forget the concept of them giving us unconditional love.  I think that this is wrong, anthropomorphic and it is just too simple, they are sentient beings that experience the world in a similar way to us. They get frustrated and irritated with us at times just as we do with our human friends but they have the same range of emotions, emotions are not an exclusive human thing.  Unconditional love is not why we should love them and we have no right to expect it. If we think they are here to veto our continual needy demands we are very wrong- love is a two way thing and we should constantly look at whether we are fulfilling our side. Dogs do not owe us their loyalty as many people think, why should they? Why should we not remember that it has to be earned? If we work hard enough we will balance our expectations, making sure that it is not always our dogs that “pick up the tab”. Through our dogs we become better people, people that recognise that the balance between us and our dogs is weighted heavily in our direction and we owe them more than they ever owe us.

We very rarely have the same relationship with dogs as we do with humans, and I have to say that is such a blessing. It makes me cringe when I see people dressing their dogs up, this would be bad enough but dogs are not children and they should never be treated like children. There is a kind of parenting role that we undertake when we first meet our dogs but I feel that becomes obsolete as time goes on. Treats should not be given to make us feel better and to be used as canine blackmail (I believe dogs see through this quicker than many owners would ever believe). Yes I use the word “owners” in this case as that in essence is as far as the dog /human relationship in this scenario ever goes.  They do not need compliments and superficial affectations, they are happy with us as long as we choose to let them show us what they need.

Human relationships can be so loaded. My relationship with my mother for instance is complicated and I am often stuck between guilt and resentment. I am often compelled to do chores for her because of one of these overriding emotions. This is never close to any emotion I have about my dogs, I never resent them and the only guilt I have ever had is failing them- but they are never going to criticize me for that.

If I can’t do my very best then I had better start shaping up because that is what they deserve, not because I feel an element of emotional blackmail. I think we grieve for the very best of ourselves when they pass.

If we are lucky we are blessed with another special and very precious best friend who yet again will be with us through thick and thin and who will ride the waves of life with us. The next BFF will support and help us if we seek to balance the debt we already owe them. The life we spend with them is lived together and becomes embroidered and stamped with their presence and may be why we grieve so very much.

Pennie Clayton runs “Horse and Hound School” and is a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and trains horses. She owns greyhounds and lurchers and is very familiar with day to day problems with rescue dogs and rehabilitating rescue dogs. She is available for behaviour advice, training and problem solving for all types of dogs.
Contact – Email: info@horseandhoundschool.co.uk or on 07910 720961

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Rocky’s Progress

As you know, Rocky came to the greyhounds4me household just after Christmas following Reggie’s passing.  I soon discovered that Rocky has some issues with other breeds of dog. He seems to be really scared by them and Rock and I have been working together to see if we can get him over this gradually.  Luckily, he loves treats and will eat when he is outside so I am able to reward him when he quietens down after a squealing fit triggered by seeing another dog. I have been keeping a diary and here are the latest entries……………

Jan 19th - I have been walking Rocky on his own and walking away when he sees another dog that makes him go bonkers and today my friend Sue came with me and she walked Vera, for a change. Rocky and Vera walked really nicely and we went down the alley, along the bypass and through the quiet estate all without incident. Even when we bumped into neighbour Nathan with his little terrier it was quiet, mostly cos the sun was in Rocky’s eyes and Nathan scooted behind a bush with Ben.

Then we got to the park and there was a JRT off lead chasing a ball Rocky was ears up! on his toes and ready to roll. He was squealing away and Sue said he sounds like the dogs in the traps as the hare comes round. And he does!

So is it just a prey instinct thing? does it take him back to racing days and he is getting ready to chase? wish he could tell me. We turned and walked away and he calmed down straight away and nudged my hand as if to say, ‘Ive gone quiet, I should get a treat now’ he is by no means a dumb dog.

Jan 24th – Rocky did really well today on our walk. It was wet and misty and mid afternoon so not many dogs in the park. We could hear some little terriers barking at one point and Rocky was interested to find out where they were but we never saw them so must have been in a garden somewhere. As we came to the park gates towards the recreation ground we could see a chap with the big mastiff/ ridgeback cross. The man is quite friendly, the dog not so much he was a fair way away from us but Rocky could see him ok. He stopped still and just watched them walking around the edge of the rec and didn’t make a sound. I gave him a couple of treats as he stood there quietly to reinforce it As they moved away from us we started walking, slowly, after them and Rocky was still quiet. The disappeared into the alley and we didn’t see them again although Rocky was tracking his scent.

Interestingly, the chap was wearing a yellow site coat like I wear for dog walking wonder if that is significant?

Jan 29th – Had a quiet start to our walk today, nice little stroll in the park. There was the girl on a scooter, with her spaniel pulling her along, in the distance and Rocky was having a look but was quiet. They were about 50ft away and moving away from us. It seems he has a personal space bubble of about 50ft. Anything getting closer than that starts him off.

We got to the flats and one of the residents stopped us for a chat. She hadn’t seen Rocky before and was asking me about Reggie etc. We stood there for a few minutes and I told her he was being walked on his own as he had issues with other dogs and I was working with him to fix it. She said he looked very calm and placid standing there. Suddenly a chap with 2 large shaggy dogs – on lead – turned the corner and approached us, into Rocky’s 50ft zone He went crazy! whining, squealing, barking, twirling and pulling towards and away from the other dogs. I tried to get him to walk away to the right but he was very stressed and didn’t want to walk away. The dogs passed by us into the alley, the old lady scuttled off – fastest I’ve seen her move! and my friend Sue who lives in the flats recognised the noise and opened her window, she knew who it was straight away!  When Rocky saw Sue and realised the dogs had gone he calmed down instantly. It’s like flicking a switch. He got some treats for that.

I feel we are making progress, if it’s only educating the neighbours to keep away from us!

Pennie’s comments………

“Oi!, Rocky mate! didn’t anyone ever tell you that we don’t let our humans know that we can sit?”

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Charity Fundraising

givingabit.com is an online shopping site which enables you to raise funds for your chosen charity just by doing your shopping!

1. Register 2. Link to a charity or community 3. Go shopping

All givingabit journey’s start by registering - that could be you, your charity, your good cause, your school, your club, your business, or your community. Our generous retailers make the donation to your chosen charity to say thank you for shopping with them, it will not cost you anything extra. You could even save money by using our voucher codes and special offers.

No matter how much or how little each of us raise, it all adds up to make a huge difference.

So sign up for Free HERE and start raising funds for your charity

******************************************

Congratulations to Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust!

This week, LGT rehomed their 1000th Greyhound. Well done to all involved with the rehoming and fundraising, you are doing a fantastic job.

To contact LGT for details of hounds available go to

http://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust/

******************************************

Waggy Tails is the official newsletter of Dumfrieshire and Cumbria Greyhound Rescue. A really great read of fundraising news, dogs looking for homes, recipes and some gorgeous photographs. In this month’s copy I was thrilled to see that they are fundraising with greyhounds4me knitted stoles!

To receive your own free copy of the Waggy Tails newsletter email: waggytails@hotmail.co.uk

or visit the website: www.dgrescue.org.uk

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Home Made Dog Treat Recipe

SARDINE SPONGE CAKE (For Dogs)

Ingredients

170g Plain Flour

1 x tablespoon Baking Powder

2 x Large Eggs

1 x 425 g tin of Sardines or Pilchards in Tomato Sauce

Method Pre heat oven to 180 c, 350 F or gas 4 Lightly grease an 8 inch sponge tin and line bottom with baking paper Sieve flour and baking powder into large bowl Add the eggs and all of the fish reserving the sauce – mix well with a fork until smooth

Tip mixture into a cake tin –it should be about ¾ full

Smooth the top flat Place in oven and cook for 25/30 minutes.

Turn out once cool

The cake only keeps well in the fridge for a few days but freezes well.

To make special – add some of the reserved tomato sauce to flavour cottage cheese or low fat cream cheese and spread on top.

Recipe taken from Waggy Tails newsletter www.dgrescue.org.uk

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Craft Showcase on Greyhounds4me

Each issue of the ezine will feature one of our Crafters from the

Craft Showcase

This week is the turn of

Jay Diamond

Jay Diamond is a retired Art teacher and currently lives in Shropshire. She enjoys painting pet portraits in acrylic and watercolour pencils.

Read more…

Would you like to be featured in our Craft Showcase? It is free to join. Just email a short write up about you and your crafts, 3 photos of your work and a link to your website to valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*****************************************************************************

Classified Ads

The ultimate grooming experience. Covering Leicestershire area
Download your Free Greyhound Grooming guide HERE
www.peti-cure.co.uk

****************************************************************************

Dog Walking and Doggy Daycare. Experienced lady offers dog walking in Wigston, Oadby, Glen Parva, Blaby, Countesthorpe, South Wigston and Aylestone. Areas slightly further out for dog sitting. Doggy Daycare in Wigston, dogs need to be good with other and smaller dogs. Affordable rates. All dogs must be covered by Pet Insurance for third party liability. Please phone for a quote 07725 911981

***********************************************************************

Classified Ads are FREE for 6 insertions. Maximum of 60 words. Plus one web address,email address and phone number.
Insertions will begin with the next available issue and will appear on the greyhounds4me website the life of the ad.

To place a Classified Ad or to send in letters, poems, recipes please email
valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
[...]]]> Greyhounds4me Ezine Mid January issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Rocky’s Progress
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*******************************************************************************

SHOP ONLINE for Greyhound coats, dog beds and knitted items in the Greyhounds4me online shop HERE

and download knitting patterns HERE

*******************************************************************************

Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

A bit different this time as Pennie has been advising about training a new boy who is having difficulties on walks.  So this is a combination of Pennie’s piece and a new feature that will be called Rocky’s Progress.

A few months ago Greyhounds4me featured a lad who had been in kennels for some time at Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust. Rocky had his photo featured here asking if anyone would be able to offer him a home

Well, shortly after we lost our wonderful Reginald Barker, Kev at LGT flagged up that Rocky was still in need of a home and had been in kennels for over a year waiting for that forever sofa. We were all feeling very sad without Reggie and invited Rocky to come and visit us to see if he would like to join the Greyhounds4me team. He got on really well with Mikey who has been looking for a garden playmate for some time now since his great friend Josh went to the Rainbow Bridge. They became firm friends straight away. Vera gave Rocky a good bossing about, as only Vera can. She likes to let all the boys know who wears the trousers! Robbie likes to keep out of the way and let the youngsters get on with their rough and tumbles so he is not worried by a new addition. He has seen fosters come and go in the 7 + years he has been with me and takes everything in his stride as long as he has a comfy sofa and a full tummy. So Rocky got the thumbs up and has moved in with us.  He is a live wire and we have had some fun already with him finding out what being in a home is all about.

Rocky sharing a bed with Mikey

Rocky got stranded upstairs one day. He followed Mikey up the stairs but when it came time to come back down he scared himself and froze. I tried everything I could think of to get him to trot back down. Pushed him, pulled him. Held treats in my hand, put treats on the stairs, bacon on the stairs! I put his lead on his collar, put a harness and lead on him, put his coat on him, squeaked some toys, went downstairs and left him alone, rattled the keys in the front door then the back door. No way could I lift him as he weighs about 35 kilos. So in the end, after about 45 minutes, I sat on the top stair and grabbed him, pulling him into a sitting position onto my lap and, holding tightly onto the coat that he was still wearing, shuffled down the stairs on my bottom until we reached the hall floor and he was down! Now I am making full use of the kiddie gate that is across my hallway cutting off access to the stairs.  We will leave stair training for another time!

Meanwhile, we have discovered that walks are a bit of a trauma. The first day, I took Rocky out with Vera and everything was fine until a lady with a Staffie appeared around a corner. Rocky lunged at the Staffie and did some barking and squealing. Next day we encountered a pair of Staffies and all hell broke loose! I have never known a Greyhound to react so strongly to other dogs. Rocky was twirling round, howling, barking, screaming like a banshee with darting eyes and a very nervous look about him. This seems to be a fear response and not aggression.  Greyhound rarely, if ever, encounter other breeds of dog when they are in racing kennels and so it can be a shock for them to discover the whole place is full of these strange creatures!

Pennie says…………

Rocky’s Progress. So far, I have been walking Rocky on his own without Vera or the others and just going around the block to the local park so not an overly long walk.  I have small treats in my pocket and have been using the word Treat! to draw his attention to the treat before giving it to him. He gets one when we get outside the front door to show him that they are available and then as we walk up the road he gets treats for stopping pulling on the lead. If we encounter another dog (or a cat) and he starts to react, we turn and start walking in the opposite direction and when he calms down to a normal level he gets a Treat!  Close up dogs are the worst. If they suddenly appear out of a gateway or driveway and are way too near in his comfort zone then he will do the spinning, twirling, screaming behaviour and, as I have a neck collar and lead and also a body harness and lead on him, I am happy that he can’t get away and cause himself harm running in a blind panic so I am able to be more relaxed to try and give him confidence that it is not a life threatening situation. We stop, turn and start walking in the opposite direction. He keeps up with the screaming for a few seconds in case the offending creature is following us but so far the other owners – who are totally gobsmacked at such a horrific response to their cute fluffy Yorkie (or today it was ugly Pugs!) that they just stumble off the other way. When he is back to normal he gets a Treat!

Today was also interesting as after the Pug trauma, we had a stroll around the park and then on the way back to the house we saw a man with a Rottie a little way ahead of us joining our path from a side road. I stopped still with Rocky as there was a family approaching, between us and the Rottie, and thought it might be too many stressors all at once. As the family walked past us Rocky could see the Rottie and just whimpered a few times and as the Rottie went off into the distance he was quiet again. Treat! I thought this was very interesting as this was the biggest other breed we have seen so far on our walks, most other dogs around here are Yorkies, Staffies or Spaniels which he reacts to, so I wonder if he prefers larger dogs, more his kind of size.  I think it will be very educational to monitor Rocky’s progress.

Yesterday, Saturday 14th January was Rocky’s 5th birthday so I am really pleased he was able to find a home in time for a birthday celebration of hot dog sausages and pizza! and the other 3 hounds were happy to join in the feast.

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I was reminded of this wonderful piece about newly homed greyhounds which I think all new hound owners should be encouraged to read………….
An exerpt from a 1998 seminar given by Kathleen Gilley.

“What is your new adoptive greyhound thinking?”

This breed has never been asked to do anything for itself, make any decisions or answer any questions. It has been waited on, paw and tail. The only prohibition in a racing Greyhound’s life is not to get into a fight—————-or eat certain stuff in the turn out pen.

Let us review a little. From weaning until you go away for schooling, at probably a year and a half, you eat, grow and run around with your siblings. When you go away to begin your racing career, you get your own “apartment,” in a large housing development. No one is allowed in
your bed but you, and when you are in there, no one can touch you, without plenty of warning.

Someone hears a vehicle drive up, or the kennel door being unlocked. The light switches are flipped on. The loud mouths in residence, and there always are some, begin to bark or howl. You are wide awake by the time the human opens your door to turn you out. A Greyhound has never been touched while he was asleep.

You eat when you are fed, usually on a strict schedule. No one asks if you are hungry or what you want to eat. You are never told not to eat any food within your reach. No one ever touches your bowl while you are eating. You are not to be disturbed because it is important you clean your plate.

You are not asked if you have to “go outside.” You are placed in a turn out pen and it isn’t long before you get the idea of what you are supposed to do while you are out there. Unless you really get out of hand, you may chase, rough house and put your feet on everyone and every thing else. The only humans you know are the “waiters” who feed you, and the “restroom attendants” who turn you out to go to the bathroom. Respect people? Surely you jest.

No one comes into or goes out of your kennel without your knowledge. You are all seeing; all knowing. There are no surprises, day in and day out. The only thing it is ever hoped you will do is win, place or show, and that you don’t have much control over. It is in your blood, it is in your heart, it is in your fate– or it is not.

And when it is not, then suddenly you are expected to be a civilized person in a fur coat. But people don’t realize you may not even speak English. Some of you don’t even know your names, because you didn’t need to. You were not asked or told to do anything as an individual; you were always part of the “condo association”; the sorority or fraternity and everyone did everything together, as a group or pack. The only time you did anything as an individual is when you schooled or raced, and even then, You Were Not Alone.

Suddenly, he is expected to behave himself in places he’s never been taught how to act. He is expected to take responsibility for saying when he needs to go outside, to come when he is called, not to get on some or all of the furniture, and to not eat food off counters and
tables. He is dropped in a world that is not his, and totally without warning, at that.

Almost everything he does is wrong. Suddenly he is a minority. Now he is just a pet. He is unemployed, in a place where people expect him to know the rules and the schedule, even when there aren’t any. (How many times have you heard someone say, “He won’t tell me when he has
to go out.” What kind of schedule is that?) Have you heard the joke about the dog who says, “My name is No-No Bad Dog. What’s yours?” To me that is not even funny. All the protective barriers are gone. There is no more warning before something happens. There is no more strength in numbers. He wakes up with a monster human face two inches from his. (With some people’s breath, this could scare Godzilla.) Why should he not, believe that this “someone,” who has crept up on him, isn’t going to eat him for lunch? (I really do have to ask you ladies to consider how you would react if someone you barely knew crawled up on you while you were asleep?) No, I will not ask for any male input.

Now he is left alone, for the first time in his life, in a strange place, with no idea of what will happen or how long it will be before someone comes to him again. If he is not crated, he may go though walls, windows or over fences, desperately seeking something familiar, something with which to reconnect his life. If he does get free, he will find the familiarity, within himself: the adrenaline high, the wind in his ears, the blood pulsing and racing though his heart once again–until he crashes into a car.

Often, the first contact with his new family is punishment, something he’s never had before, something he doesn’t understand now, especially in the middle of the rest of the chaos. And worst of all, what are the most common human reactions to misbehavior? We live in a violent society, where the answer to any irritation is a slap, punch, kick, whip, or rub your nose in it. Under these circumstances, sometimes I think any successful adoption is a miracle.

He is, in effect, expected to have all the manners of at least a six- year old child. But, how many of you would leave an unfamiliar six- year old human alone and loose in your home for hours at a time and not expect to find who knows what when you got back? Consider that if you did, you could be brought up on charges of child abuse, neglect and endangerment. Yet, people do this to Greyhounds and this is often the reason for so many returns.

How many dogs have been returned because they did not know how to tell the adoptor when they had to go out? How many for jumping on people, getting on furniture, counter surfing, separation anxiety, or defensive actions due to being startled or hurt (aka growling or biting)? So, let’s understand: Sometimes it is the dog’s “fault” he cannot fit in. He is not equipped with the social skills of a six- year old human. But you can help him.

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Danny the Reading Dog

Hi, My name is Tony Nevett, I have a greyhound called Danny, who is a Therapy dog. He is also a Pets as Therapy dog, and a Blue Cross Education dog and a Reading Education Assistance Dog. He goes into schools and kids read to him, this works well because he doesn’t judge, critsise or laugh. It works really well with special needs kids as it helps build self-esteem, he has been on Sky, BBC, ITV and BBC Breakfast and even to Downing Street. Danny has also been on the cbbc channel and has just been named the IFAW dog of the year 2011. All our work is free and voluntary.  Here is a video for Danny on Tour

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Thank you to everyone who sent kind messages of support after Reggie passed away, here is just one from Janice ……..

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
Greyhounds4me Ezine End December issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*******************************************************************************

Last few days of Sale in the Online Shop

Buy One Get One Free offer on gift wrap.

Offer ends 31st December 2011

Greyhound themed designer Wrapping Paper. Greyhounds in Pyjamas and Heart Dog by Zoe Potter designed especially for Greyhounds4me. Ideal for gift wrapping, card making, scrapbooking and craft projects!

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Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

Pennie’s dog’s Christmas wish list

*

Food

Walks

Lots of treats

Treats and more food

New fluffy beds and blankets

Plenty of space, peace and quiet and

Less noise from children going past the window

(that one was from Loopy). More homemade liver and

Sardine cake. More walks which involve treats. More sunny spots in

the garden to sunbathe in and less rain. Less cats hanging over the fence

In the garden and winding us up! (we hate them). No vets in 2012

Did we say treats? More attention would be good too she spends too much

time on her computer and

And on that phone thing!

More sofas!

Merry Christmas everyone

and a very happy New Year!

Pennie Clayton runs “Horse and Hound School” and is a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and trains horses. She owns greyhounds and lurchers and is very familiar with day to day problems with rescue dogs and rehabilitating rescue dogs. She is available for behaviour advice, training and problem solving for all types of dogs.
Contact – Email: info@horseandhoundschool.co.uk or on 07910 720961

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Reginald Barker’s Blogspot

R.I.P Reggie – Sir Gregory 1st February 2000 – 21st December 2011

It is with deepest regret and sorrow that I have to report the sad loss of Reggie, better known as Reginald Barker.

Reggie came to me in August 2004 from a Greyhound rescue where he had been removed from an RSPCA kennels, about to be put to sleep. How he got there we will never know as he had finished racing some months earlier and it is suspected he was being used by travellers for hunting.

From the very beginning Reggie turned out to be a character! I had never met a Greyhound in the flesh before, I had seen them running at the dog track a couple of times but never got to know any of them. What had I been missing!  I soon learned that Greyhounds can reach up onto kitchen counters and make short work of your latest baking efforts! and Reggie had a penchant for chewing wood. He loved to nibble on the knobs on my wooden dressing table,  managed to chew through all 4 corners of the pine bedstead and severely re-designed a Parker Knoll recliner chair.  He took time to go through a few books too and particulary liked the Italian recipe book and the dog training manual entitled ‘The Only Dog Training Manual You Will Ever Need’.

At the time of Reggie’s arrival, I was working full time and he would spend some hours alone in the house before my daughter, Fel, would visit him after her shift at work and keep him company until tea time.  My next door neighbour informed me that Reggie would howl and bark all day when on his own and suggested I ‘get rid’ of him.  I had a better idea and the next day when I saw her I told her that the problem would soon be sorted. She asked ‘Oh are you rehoming him?’ ‘No,’ I replied ‘I’m getting another one to keep him company!’ and that is when Robbie joined us.

That began my love affair with Greyhounds and ever since then I have been involved with fundraising, fostering and raising awareness that Greyhounds Make Greyt Pets!

Reggie was such a fantastic ambassador for the breed, he was gentle, happy, inquisitive and very friendly with a waggy, curly tail. He was always happy for people to fuss his ears and loved everyone, human and animal alike.  He had an underlying instinct to chase after rabbits and cats but when he caught up with them he didn’t really know what he was supposed to do and this led to several incidents where cats got the better of him, landing him at the vets a couple of times having scratches tended and needing antibiotic injections.

When I began knitting greyhound coats for people, Reggie stepped forward as the model for my prototype coat design, very patiently standing for me to tweak the design and take photos of him.  You can see Reggie modelling on several of my knitting patterns, he was always ready for some attention and loved to be in the thick of everything. He especially loved the film crew visit for the making of a tv documentary about people over 50 starting in business. He made sure to get some good close ups. The programme is due to air on January 16th 2011 and I will make sure to get the link from the BBC website to share with everyone.

Last weekend Reggie started to get weak and had a collapse in the park, having to be carried home by Nathan, one of my very kind neighbours.  Reg had been suffering with epileptic fits for some time and it was thought that he had just had one of his ‘turns’. He rested over the rest of the weekend and had a gentle walk on Tuesday. Then he started to feel unwell, went off his food, even tripe, which was his favourite. By Wednesday he was very poorly and Fel and I took him to see Greyhound specialist Richard Torr who is a long time friend of Greyhounds4me. A few hours later it became apparent that Reggie had some serious health problems, and that evening we said our goodbyes and helped him on his way to the Rainbow Bridge.

I will never forget my Reggie, his playful antics and his crazy Hokey Kokey dance that he did at bedtime, every night! Thankfully we have a short video of him doing his bedtime ritual which I can watch so that I can remember him having fun.

Watch Reggie’s video on youtube HERE

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Home Made Dog Treat Recipe

Flax Seed Dog Biscuit Recipe

12 oz (340g) whole wheat flour
12oz (340g) bread flour
2 oz (55g) wheat germ
1 t (5g) salt
2T (30g) brown sugar
3-4T Flax Seed
3 eggs
1c (240ml) vegetable oil
3oz (85g) powdered dry milk
1c (240ml) water

1. Combine wheat flour, bread flour, wheat germ, salt, and brown sugar, and flax seed in mixing bowl. Stir in eggs and vegetable oil.

2. Dissolve dry milk in water then incorporate the mixture.

3. Mix to form a very firm dough that is smooth and workable. Adjust by adding a little extra flour or water as required.

4. Cover the dough and set aside to relax for 15-20 min.

5. Roll the dough out to 1/2? (1.2cm) thick. Cut out biscuits using a bone-shaped cutter 3?x1.5? (7.5×3.7cm). Place the biscuits on sheet pans lined with baking paper.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) gas mark 5 for approx 40 minutes or until biscuits are brown and, more importantly, rock-hard. Let biscuits cool, then store in a covered container five to six feet off the floor!

taken from http://whiteonricecouple.com

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Winner in our Greyhound Stole in Christmas Day Draw

is Linda Bryant in the USA

all runners up have been notified by email with their vouchers, if you entered the draw but have not received your voucher please email valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

New Competitions Page added to Greyhounds4me HERE

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Craft Showcase on Greyhounds4me

Each issue of the ezine will feature one of our Crafters from the

Craft Showcase

This week is the turn of

Houndstooth Chic

My name is Helen Forrester and I love making items for hounds which are both beautiful and functional.

Would you like to be featured in our Craft Showcase? It is free to join. Just email a short write up about you and your crafts, 3 photos of your work and a link to your website to valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

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Charities

Classified Ads

The ultimate grooming experience. Covering Leicestershire area
Download your Free Greyhound Grooming guide HERE
www.peti-cure.co.uk 

****************************************************************************

Dog Walking and Doggy Daycare. Experienced lady offers dog walking in Wigston, Oadby, Glen Parva, Blaby, Countesthorpe, South Wigston and Aylestone. Areas slightly further out for dog sitting. Doggy Daycare in Wigston, dogs need to be good with other and smaller dogs. Affordable rates. All dogs must be covered by Pet Insurance for third party liability. Please phone for a quote 07725 911981

***********************************************************************

Classified Ads are FREE for 6 insertions. Maximum of 60 words. Plus one web address,
email address and phone number.
Insertions will begin with the next available issue and will appear on the greyhounds4me
website the life of the ad.

To place a Classified Ad or to send in letters, poems, recipes please email
valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
Greyhounds4me Ezine Mid December issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*******************************************************************************

B.O.G.O.F  Sale in the Online Shop

Last chance to buy! Buy One Get One Free offer on gift wrap

Greyhound themed designer Wrapping Paper. Greyhounds in Pyjamas and Heart Dog by Zoe Potter designed especially for Greyhounds4me. Ideal for gift wrapping, card making, scrapbooking and craft projects!

*********************************************************************************

Win a Greyhound Stole in Christmas Day Draw

Made to your own design

New Competitions Page added to Greyhounds4me HERE

*****************************************************************************

Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

Pennie’s Pet Peeves – He Knows Better!

Whilst I was walking my dogs this morning I met a lady with a little Bichon Frise. The dog is very young, still adolescent, about 18 months old. I quite often see her, the dog and children as they walk and the little dog is irrepressible and good tempered and the children adore him.

Today she had him on a flexi lead which was yanked tight (yes I know I may get yet more pro flexi lead mail here, but I am only reporting what I saw) and she was in a bad temper with him. I stopped and let my dogs have a brief chat with him, and as always he grinned and wagged his tail, truly happy. (I think these dogs have the most fantastic outlook on life!)

She chatted and started to tell me that he was in her bad books as he had chewed the lead to their Christmas lights on the tree. I commiserated a little and said I had given up having trees because of the dogs, but then realised and commented that of course she had to have all the trimmings because of the children. I suggested tidying the cable up and hiding it away so it was not in his line of sight, and commented that I was sure there was a way of making sure it was not as tempting for him. Her response was “NO, he knows better than to chew it”. At that point she marched off with him in tow.

Once again I sighed a big sigh (actually I have just sighed again as I write this) and felt sorry for a dog who was supposed to know all our odd human customs. I never understand how dogs are supposed to pick up this amazing sense of right and wrong, I am almost positive she would not have been able to convey the “idea” that wires were not dog toys. As I always remind people when they have puppies, anything left on the floor is likely to be viewed by a puppy as a chew toy so not to be surprised if items left on the floor are chewed.

This Bichon is no puppy anymore, but the breed is renowned for retaining very puppy-like characteristics and are we not responsible for our dogs whatever age they are?

That just leads me to say that this time of year can be crazy, please make preparations to help your dog out and give him/her a quiet place to go if they should need it when people visit. And please, please do not resort to the above refrain-your dog is not human he is a dog and he does not always “know better”.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Pennie Clayton runs “Horse and Hound School” and is a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and trains horses. She owns greyhounds and lurchers and is very familiar with day to day problems with rescue dogs and rehabilitating rescue dogs. She is available for behaviour advice, training and problem solving for all types of dogs.
Contact – Email: info@horseandhoundschool.co.uk or on 07910 720961

*******************************************************************************

Reginald Barker’s Blogspot

Sunday – Well what a busy couple of weeks we have had! The BBC film crew came and filmed Mommy talking about starting a business for their show which is due to air on January 16th. Then Mommy decided she had got the filming bug and bought a Flip video camera and from then on a dog’s privacy was not his own! I have been filmed sleeping, stretching, eating, having a pedicure! Yes the pedicure, Aunty Susan from Peti-cure came to visit us for filming some instructions on how to cut claws and brush teeth. Luckily Vera got the teeth cleaning part phew! There are some links below to the videos on youtube. I think you will have to agree that the handsome black hound with the trim nails is the best actor of all! Wishing all you hounds out there a very merry Christmas and don’t forget humans get very upset if you take a whizz up their Christmas tree! another great way to annoy them is to run off with the turkey when it is cooling on the kitchen counter. Ha ha!

Greyhounds4me teamed up with Peti-cure and filmed some claw clipping and teeth cleaning
Watch the 3 parts …………..
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

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Home Made Dog Treat Recipe

As an extra special doggy treat for Christmas here is the

Famous Liver Cake

200g Self raising flour
200g Wholemeal flour
2 eggs
200g Lambs liver – you can use Pigs liver
2 cloves garlic
1 carrot
Enough milk and water to mix to a batter – maybe half a pint

Mix together the flour, eggs, milk and water, adding the liquid a bit at a time until it is a batter of medium consistency. Add the chopped garlic, grated carrot and chopped liver and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased dish – mine is an oblong pyrex dish about 10 inches by 8 inches by 2 inches deep.

Cook at 180^oC, 350 F or Gas mark 4 for 30 minutes.

Leave to cool – in a high place! and then cut into small squares. This amount of mixture makes 4 good bagfuls and it freezes well so you don’t have to use it all at once

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Craft Showcase on Greyhounds4me

Each issue of the ezine will feature one of our Crafters from the

Craft Showcase

This week is the turn of

Dog O’ Nine Tails

Still time to purchase a Christmassy collar for your hound

Read more…

Would you like to be featured in our Craft Showcase? It is free to join. Just email a short write up about you and your crafts, 3 photos of your work and a link to your website to valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*****************************************************************************

Hints and Tips

Linda Valentine Bryant wrote in about Corns and Warts

My 11-year old male greyhound, Pepper, is once again suffering from a corn on one pad of his right front paw. In the past he has had corns on pads of all four feet. The vet uses a dental instrument to “hull” the corns, thereby relieving the pain caused by pressure on the corn when walking. He has been corn free for over a year after multiple treatments, but today he has a corn that is bigger than any he has ever had. I have once again researched the cause and suggested treatment of this problem and thought that the article I found might be of help to the rest of you.

Read the article HERE at the Greyhound Gang website

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Charities

The latest Charity to join our special Charities page is Dumfriesshire & Cumbria Greyhound Rescue.   Graham Hill, in charge of events and fundraising says “we have found homes for just over 700 dogs, a few of them lurchers, but the vast majority ex-racers or coursers. Most of the coursers have originated in Cumbria. We have found that despite their size – they tend to be larger and heavier than racing dogs – they make equally as good pets. The lucky owners who have one would say better! So if you live in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria or wherever, and would like to help us find homes for retired greyhounds, please get in touch. You don’t have to own a greyhound, or even a dog.  All you need is a little time and a big heart!”

Read more on their website www.dgrescue.org.uk

If you would like your Greyhound or Lurcher charity included on our Charities page just email links and details to valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

**********************************************************************

Classified Ads

The ultimate grooming experience. Covering Leicestershire area
Download your Free Greyhound Grooming guide HERE
www.peti-cure.co.uk

****************************************************************************

Dog Walking and Doggy Daycare. Experienced lady offers dog walking in Wigston, Oadby, Glen Parva, Blaby, Countesthorpe, South Wigston and Aylestone. Areas slightly further out for dog sitting. Doggy Daycare in Wigston, dogs need to be good with other and smaller dogs. Affordable rates. All dogs must be covered by Pet Insurance for third party liability. Please phone for a quote 07725 911981

***********************************************************************

Classified Ads are FREE for 6 insertions. Maximum of 60 words. Plus one web address,
email address and phone number.
Insertions will begin with the next available issue and will appear on the greyhounds4me
website the life of the ad.

To place a Classified Ad or to send in letters, poems, recipes please email
valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
Greyhounds4me Ezine End November issue

Sign up HERE and get the Greyhounds4me ezine direct to your inbox. Published twice a month, the greyhounds4me ezine includes:-

* Reginald Barker’s Blogspot
* Dog Behaviour with Pennie Clayton, of Horse and Hound School, a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and horse trainer.
* Articles, features, interviews, recipes, classified ads and special offers all relating to greyhounds and  greyhound owners

If you have a question for Pennie or would like to contribute to the ezine in any way please send an email to:- valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

*******************************************************************************

***** B.O.G.O.F  Sale in the Online Shop *****

Buy One Get One Free offer on gift wrap

Greyhound themed designer Wrapping Paper. Greyhounds in Pyjamas and Heart Dog by Zoe Potter designed especially for Greyhounds4me. Ideal for gift wrapping, card making, scrapbooking and craft projects!

*********************************************************************************

Win a Greyhound Stole

Made to your own design

New Competitions Page added to Greyhounds4me HERE

*****************************************************************************

Canine Behaviour with Pennie Clayton of Horse and Hound School

Pennie’s Pet Peeves – Dangerous Dogs

A couple of days ago I got into my car to drive somewhere and caught the last 15 minutes of a  radio phone in. I couldn’t understand at first quite what the subject was inspired by but it was effectively a public outing of how dangerous certain dog breeds were. The usual suspects were being slated and bearing the brunt of this bad publicity-pit bull “ types” and staffies.

Public Anti Dog Hysteria is one thing but once more berating Staffordshire Bull Terriers made my heart almost stop. They were (and still are in some circles) known as “nanny dogs” and were well known for their wonderful temperaments and for being good with children. There is now a very different public perception of Staffies, they are now seen as status dogs that are generally owned by individuals that encourage them to attack and fight other dogs, and also people both children and adults alike. This has led to many of these dogs being abandoned and the slack has been taken up by rescue centres all over the country.

The item on the radio was apparently inspired because of a brutal attack by Anatolian Shepherd dogs on several dogs and their owner while out walking in the West Country. Years ago I was introduced to an Anatolian Shepherd. I say introduced because he was kept by his owner for security work. The man who owned him said that he had never trained him to attack as the breed was instinctively primed to guard and attack if necessary and he also told me he thought they should never be kept as pet dogs. He maintained that if he had taught the dog to attack the dog would have been very dangerous. He took the precaution of formally introducing every person the dog came into close contact with, to keep everyone safe. The dog was amazing, gracious and calm throughout the introduction, and I was told the dog was always the same in this kind of situation but his handler/owner was always aware of his dog’s instincts and power. In his work the dog’s power was to threaten potential burglars/criminals but not to harm- I have to say I would not have taken the chance if I had spotted him and I was breaking into a place he and his handler were patrolling. His owner took the responsibility of educating people about his dog, which in turn kept everyone safe. These types of dog are clearly different from most dogs and carry a history with them. The Anatolians that attacked the dogs and owner in the news story were supposed to be supervised while the owners were away, but they escaped from the house and the attack was just a few hundred yards away from the house where they lived.

Firstly these dogs should have been closely supervised and secondly the owners of these dogs should have ensured that under no circumstances should they have been left unless the house and garden was 100% secure  with absolutely no possibility of them escaping. This breed I know needs supreme handling skills, so therefore not be a dog taken on lightly, and only with very professional people looking after them when owners are away.

These kinds of attacks are the responsibility of people and the result of this particular type of attack provokes much discussion and hand wringing about dangerous dogs.

The radio programme focussed on the damage that dogs could cause if they “turned”. I then heard a call from a man who on the strength of listening to programme had decided to rehome his much loved dog, which had never shown any aggressive tendencies to either him or his children. He was clearly disturbed and upset while talking but he said he just couldn’t chance the dog savaging his children. How can we possibly get the facts across to the “general public” that dogs don’t just attack for no reason, and that dog attacks do not just happen,  that it takes a build up of many factors such as dogs being reprimanded continually for growling and barking (things that should tell us a dog is worried/concerned and warning other dogs or people to come no nearer) before they “turn”.

No normal pet dog bred for companionship and living in a conscientious family environment will attack unless it is taught to and yes we know all about the usual suspects. Who is going to keep reminding the general public that dogs are NOT people dressed up in furry costumes?

Dogs are animals that have a complex communication system and like all languages we might not like what we are being told but if we learn how it works we can prevent many of these types of attacks, it is people that need to be responsible and educated.

So now, very shortly a dog is about to be left in a rescue centre, for no fault of his own- good education and safeguards are all that would have been needed. Do our dogs not deserve these? Where are the safeguards that protect our dogs? the responsibility that should go hand in hand with dog ownership and rules enforced in a family situation like never leaving a dog alone with children, and teaching children to respect a dog, and give him/her space? These are surely very common sense and necessary strategies that not only keep children safe but keep our dogs safe too?

At the end of the programme the news headlines came on and the lead item was a plea from Battersea Dogs and Cats home for people to rehome the beautiful Staffies that are residing in their centres and across whole of the UK.  How very ironical.

Pennie Clayton runs “Horse and Hound School” and is a dog behaviour consultant, Bowen therapist and trains horses. She owns greyhounds and lurchers and is very familiar with day to day problems with rescue dogs and rehabilitating rescue dogs. She is available for behaviour advice, training and problem solving for all types of dogs.
Contact – Email: info@horseandhoundschool.co.uk or on 07910 720961

*******************************************************************************

Reginald Barker’s Blogspot

Sunday – tomorrow we are expecting a film crew to come and take some piccies of us and record an interview with Mommy about how she started a business knitting coats for us hounds. I have very kindly offered to let Vera star with me in the show and today we tried on some coats that we will be modelling. I think a multi coloured one suits me best.

And here is Vera in a grey and teal one, she had a bigger size as she is a bit of  a porker!

In my next blog I should have a video to show you of our exciting day! Mommy says she thinks it will end up like an episode of The Chucklebrothers. Ha ha! we will do our best Mommy!

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Home Made Dog Treat Recipe

MEATBALL MANIA

Ingredients

1/2 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp. grated cheese
1 carrot, finely grated
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup bread crumbs (whole wheat is healthiest)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. tomato paste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, 180 degrees C, gas mark 4. Combine all ingredients together; mix thoroughly. Roll into meatballs – whatever size is appropriate for your dog. Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-fat cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are brown and firm. Cool and store in the fridge or freezer.

Taken from The Poop Pantry

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Craft Showcase on Greyhounds4me

Each issue of the ezine will feature one of our Crafters from the

Craft Showcase

This week is the turn of

pinkfluffykitty

Fel makes greetings cards and is making Christmas design cards right now!

Read more…

Would you like to be featured in our Craft Showcase? It is free to join. Just email a short write up about you and your crafts, 3 photos of your work and a link to your website to valcharman@greyhounds4me.co.uk

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Hints and Tips

With Christmas approaching, it’s good to bear in mind that some of the traditional Christmas foods are poisonous to dogs. Here are a few to keep out of the way of our ever-hungry hounds:-

Grapes, raisins and currants -  Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract

Chocolate, coffee, tea and other caffeine - Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous systems.

Alcoholic beverages – Can cause intoxication, coma, and death

Tobacco - Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death

Madadamia nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle

Avocado -  The leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea

Cooked bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system

Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - Can cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can result in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can cause liver failure

Taken from peteducation.com

Christmas Tree Decorating for Greyhound Owners

Carefully choose your tree.
Eyeball up the room for best place to put tree out of the path of mad dogs.
Place tree in location least likely to attract mad dogs.
Stifle scream when inevitable crash occurs.
Set tree upright and move to second location.
Get sturdy ladder.
Tell husband to kindly leave room.
Climb ladder to start at top of tree. Stop.
Scramble down ladder and remove star from Greyhound’s yap.
Start over. Climb back down ladder and chase greyhound through house to retrieve extension cord
Climb back up ladder. Hang four ornaments. Jump off 5th step of ladder and attempt to beat greyhound to the tinsel box.
Tell husband to pipe down – everything’s just dandy.
Climb back up ladder. Hang half a dozen more ornaments. Come back down ladder and step on greyhound who was NOT there 2 seconds ago.
Throw away empty treat box and continue to sooth offended dog.
Decide top half of tree looks just fine half naked.
Tell husband you really don’t need his help.
Continue decorating tree while performing intricate leaps and dance steps that would put a 17 year old in traction in order to avoid greyhound.
Stop to ponder how greyhound manages to migrate under your feet no matter where you happen to be.
Screw up next intricate dance step and open second box of treats.
Tell husband that you not only don’t need his help, you don’t appreciate his running commentary.
Grab remaining ornaments, wipe off dog slobber, and place carefully on tree by throwing them at the tree. Keep ornaments that catch – pitch ones that don’t.
Kick empty ornament containers down stairs.
Three parts vodka, wave tonic bottle at glass.

Repeat last step until headache recedes.

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Dog Walking and Doggy Daycare. Experienced lady offers dog walking in Wigston, Oadby, Glen Parva, Blaby, Countesthorpe, South Wigston and Aylestone. Areas slightly further out for dog sitting. Doggy Daycare in Wigston, dogs need to be good with other and smaller dogs. Affordable rates. All dogs must be covered by Pet Insurance for third party liability. Please phone for a quote 07725 911981

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