dogs

Gene mutation linked to sudden blindness in dogs

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A new study has found that a change in genetic code is linked to sudden blindness known as goniodysgenesis ( or ‘gonio’) in Border Collies. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies identified a mutation in the gene called 0LFML3.  This is a gene involved in […]

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“Nip it in the bud!”

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Five words that sum up an owner’s frustration about their dog’s problem behaviour.  Five words I have heard so often if they were airmiles I would be heading to the States right now.  Five words that also make me twitch… Can unwanted behaviour be ‘nipped in the bud’? In some cases, yes. Managing your dog’s […]

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Chemical pollutants at home and in diet may impact dogs’ fertility

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Whether you are aware of it or not hazardous chemicals are often lurking in many of the products we use and immediate environment.  Two of these man-made chemicals include: i.) DEHP, a softener for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in a wide array of products such as carpets, clothes and toys and, ii.) polychlorinated biphenyl 153, […]

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German Shepherds bring the big bucks at the cinema

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According to a recent study, German Shepherds claim the top spot when it comes to box office smashes. The pet insurer, Everypaw, analysed the top 50 live-action films starring dogs to better understand if there was a link between breed type and film earnings. Of the 35 breeds, pedigrees appeared in 97% of the box […]

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Can allergy-friendly dogs prevent allergic reactions?

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Allergies to dogs have increased in prevalence presumably as a result of increased dog ownership and sensitisation.  Consequently, public interest in “hypoallergenic” breeds has surged in the last decade.  Such interest was boosted when President Obama selected Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog – a breed considered ‘allergy-friendly’ – to be America’s First Dog due to his […]

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The science of emotions

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Being a great pet owner is to better understand their mind and our own.  One topic hotly debated by owners for centuries is whether our four-legged friends experience emotions. During the 17th century, Descartes (1596-1650) suggested humans were creatures of reason, linked to the mind of God whereas animals were incapable of consciousness and nothing […]

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Sizing up the competition via scent

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Urine marking is the canine equivalent of a graffiti artist leaving a tag to mark their territory.  Not only does scent marking serve to cover up scents left by neighbourhood canines, it also provides precious information to others: from when that individual passed by, the animal’s state of health and emotional state to age, gender and […]

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Calming effects of music during animal surgeries

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Over the years, various studies (Wells et al., 2002; Kogan et al., 2012) have illustrated the positive benefits music therapy has on dogs.  Not only can auditory stimulation mask ambient noise that may otherwise trigger vocalisations but classical music, and even the audio-book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia read by […]

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Galen massage with Emma Tanaka

Emma Tanaka has been part of the Hanne Grice Dog Training & Behaviour team for over two years.  A firm favourite with clients, Emma instructs at our Puppy & Dog School and assists with our behavioural work.  Now, Emma has added a ‘new string’ to her bow of many talents – Galen massage. For the […]

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Using ‘baby-talk’ gains attention and supports the human-dog bond

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Data suggest dog owners tend to anthropomorphise their four-legged friends more than cat owners (Dotson et al., 2010).  Indeed, in recent years research has explored dog owners use of ‘baby-talk’ and how they are more likely to cradle their pet much like you would hold an infant (Serpell, 1996), highlighting similarities between the dog-owner relationship […]

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