The topic I would like to discuss today is the plight of unhappy parrots who are so greatly misunderstood by their owners and who suffer life long lonely existences that truly denies their natural right. The other day I ventured into a Pet Shop looking for puppy toys when I saw the most heartbreaking sight ever. At the back of the neon lit dusty shop, there on death row, amongst other birds for sale, was the slumped form of a forgotten and unloved Ringneck parrot. Continue Reading

So you have a dog which is no longer a pup? Well the good news is, yes, teaching an old dog new tricks is possible! For the school records, a pup is usually over 8 weeks and under seven months of age. Older dogs from 8 months to senior citizen will probably be placed in an Obedience Training program which is really not that much of a jump - it’s really because the Lighties can be intimidated by mature, uneducated dogs which are often boisterous and unruly. But as soon as these guys have learned a few new tricks and got the mothballs out of their ears, they are also allowed free-play which is always the highlight of the lesson. Continue Reading

To dock or not to dock puppy dogs tails?  That is the question!
And although The South African Veterinary Council has announced tail docking is considered unethical, Pro-dockers have vowed to go underground and continue to severe their puppies’ lower spines with a pair of scissors themselves which they see as their constitutional right. Continue Reading

In pack fighting amongst one’s own dogs is probably just as distressing as fighting amongst one’s children! After all we love them equally, treat them equally and often believe the reason for their aggression is to spite us. Well, it may be true about kids … but it’s certainly not true about dogs because the reason is usually good old, self preservation! Continue Reading

 Angela has started feeding her dogs on an raw food diet, as recommended by Glynne. She now wants to know if raw meat will increase her Staffies’ aggressiveness, as they have been attacking each other lately.  Continue Reading

Many dog owners have to deal with the very serious problem of aggression. Odette would like to know how to make her dog less aggressive, as well as how to control his barking. Continue Reading

This Shar Pei has a problem with aggression towards other dogs. Why does she feel the need to attack them? Continue Reading

Dominance aggression in a dog can be extremely dangerous, especially if it is a large, strong animal … and even more lethal if it is in the hands of  an ignorant, ineffectual owner who believes ‘love cures everything.’! Well it doesn’t with dogs, and these anthropomorphic owners are likely to be visiting a cosmetic surgeon sooner than they thought. Continue Reading

Most male dogs which are brought to me for help with behaviour problems have already been castrated. Now that should be a clue! In fact, I can’t understand why removing testicles would stop digging, chewing, destruction, eating faeces, barking incessantly, fighting, aggression, separation anxiety, pica, obsessive behaviours, self-mutilation or  tail chasing?! In fact, there are many consequences of castration, especially if it is a decision that has not been carefully thought through. Continue Reading

This owner is concerned about her dog’s aggressive and unpredictable behaviour. Continue Reading