www.naturallyhappydogs.com - The online dog video magazine

Monday 6 June 2011

Canine Health 101

There are some people you meet, that you just know are incredibly passionate about their cause, Hope Turner is one of them. Having completed an animal management degree, Hope is now looking to start her MA and is tirelessly pioneering the value of a more natural way of life for dogs.

Hope makes sure that her ideas and ethos are always backed up by science and so we were very pleased to film an article with her on the benefits of a raw diet for dogs.

Her own beautifully healthy dogs (cream coloured German Shepherd x Huskies), are testament to the strength of the nutrient base within a raw diet.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

June 2011 issue is live

The June issue is now live...and what an issue! This month we are supporting Dogs Trust and so for every person who signs up to an annual subscription, we will donate £1 directly to Dogs Trust. To find out more about Dogs Trust's brilliant work, why not watch our free video about the trust 'Dogs Trust: An Introduction'.

As an added bonus for this month, thanks to our friends at www.dog-and-bone.co.uk, every new annual subscriber will receive a voucher code which can be used to purchase a KONG product worth up to £20! And if that wasn't enough, they are also providing a fantastic prize of a 300g pack of Trainers Secret liver or garlic treats (the garlic treats have only just been launched but we have been reliably informed that dogs will do anything for them!) To enter this prize draw, simply sign up to our free newsletter.

Just another dog training method?

There are so many ways to look at dog training and here at Naturally Happy Dogs we are keen to provide you with all the kind, positive methods we can. One such method is a training method called EMRA. EMRA stands for Emotional, Mood State and Reinforcement Analysis...quite a mouthful! However, as we found today the name is the only complicated thing about this fantastic training method.

The method takes a holistic approach to behavioural assessment and looks at the way a dog is feeling when he or she performs certain behaviours. By analysing the dog's underlying emotions and mood states you can begin to understand what is motivating certain behaviours. You are then in a fabulous position to help them and train them through the undesired behaviour.

We met up with Sue Ketland who has been involved in dog training for over 20 years and works at the rescue centre Wood Green Animal Shelters. Sue is an advocate of EMRA having been trained in the method through the Centre Of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). The method is used by Wood Green staff to help dogs through behaviour issues and improving their chances of finding their forever homes.

As well as the article on EMRA, we also filmed an article on some seriously outdated training methods of using 'choke chains' on dogs, especially on those dogs that are pulling on the lead.

Sue explained for us the choices dogs owners now have for walking dogs and exactly why the older choking training aids are now so unnecessary and even potentially damaging to dogs.

We very much look forward to proving the video and giving people the knowledge they need to live in better harmony with their beloved pet.