Parrot Behaviour and Training Workshop

Professional trainer Barbara Heidenreich will be presenting a Parrot Behaviour and Training Workshop on Sunday 22nd August.

In this workshop parrot enthusiasts learn basic methods and tools to teach their birds using positive reinforcement. The workshop will cover:

• The basics of training- how does it work?
• How to read and interpret bird body language
• Solving behavioural problems
• Training basic behaviours
• Training to benefit the health and welfare of your bird
• Training advanced behaviours for fun and more

Workshop includes lecture, PowerPoint presentation, video, interactive activities, games, written materials and live demonstrations on how to train behaviours from start to finish.

An educational and fun experience is the goal. An open forum is encouraged to analyse all companion parrot behaviour challenges and goals.

Workshop is suitable for companion animal caregivers as well as animal industry professionals.

The workshop will be taking place on Sunday 22nd August from 9am to 4pm in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre, Athlone , Co. Westmeath.

The price of the full day workshop is €65 including  tea and snack in the morning, and 3 course Sunday Lunch.

For further information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.parrots.ie/workshop.htm

You can read more information about Barbara Heidenreich here http://www.goodbirdinc.com/barbaraheidenreich-bio.html

By Juan. Posted in Events

‘Dog Breeding Bill’ seeks to end back-street breeding

This year will finally bring regulation on puppy farming in Ireland with the introduction of the long awaited Dog breeding Establishment Bill. Ireland has been named the ‘Dog breeding capital of Europe’ and in recent years it has come to light the truth behind some establishments, were animal welfare has suffered at the hands of breeders, whose only concern is profit. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, has made it clear it should ‘hold no fear for those who run their establishments well’.

A working group was set up and following consultation with dog interest groups such as the ISPCA, they has made several recommendations. This new bill will be welcomed by dog lovers across the country who have been disgusted by, a minority of unscrupulous and neglectful puppy farmers who have given dog breeders a bad name.

A state – regulated registration system for dog breeding establishments is to be put in place. This is to be enforced by the local authority dog control department. It will include a comprehensive set of statutorily enforceable standards for the operation of dog breeding establishments by local authority offices. Each dog in these establishments must be micro chipped.

A dog breeding establishment is a premises at which six or more bitches over the age of four months and who are capable of being used for breeding purposes, are kept.

The fee will vary in accordance with the amount of breeding bitches kept. For example: 6 -12 bitches having a licensing fee of € 400 and 13 – 25 a fee of € 800. The minister, when addressing the Seanad on the 6th January, took the example of a breeder with 12 bitches, each having one litter of 5 pups a year, thereby having 60 pups available for sale at a estimated figure of € 500 each which totals € 30,000. With such possible financial gain the new licensing fee should therefore not be a significant overhead. Rescue centers, hunt kennels, commercial boarding kennels will be exempt from the fee but will have to be open to inspection.

The local authority will after their inspection either issue a certificate which must be displayed, or make recommendations for improvements, to be carried out within a specified time period. They will also have the power to close any establishment that is unsuitable. Breach of this legislation could see a breeder with fines of up to € 5000 or imprisonment of 6 months.

Finally we have the means to put a stop to back street breeders whose dogs are merely breeding machines and who don’t even have there basic needs catered for. This bill has been talked about since 2004 and only time will tell if these regulations will be enough to put an end to the suffering of thousands of dogs on puppy farms across the country.

By Una. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs

RTE’s Ear To The Ground Look At Puppy Farming

View the program here http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1064999

By Juan. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, News

Cutting the cost of pet ownership

Research has proven that sharing our homes with animal companions is good for both our physical and emotional health. But, depending on our choice of companion, pet care can be expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to stretch your pet care budget. Here are some suggestions:

Spay or Neuter—NOW!
Not only does spaying or neutering your pet make good common sense, it makes good financial sense too! A spayed or neutered pet is less likely to roam and fight, and far easier to train. Because they are happier to be homebodies, they are less likely to need costly emergency veterinary care resulting from street fights, car accidents, etc. Neutered pets are also less likely to suffer cancer of the reproductive organs later in life. This can save you money in the long run.

Invest in Proper I.D.
Be aware that you can save time and money and reduce stress by ensuring your dog wears his identity tag. When your local Dog Warden picks up a dog, the first thing he will do is check for identification. If your dog is wearing his Identity tag, the warden can attempt to bring him right home to you. If a dog is NOT wearing a tag, he must be transported to the Animal Shelter or dog pound, and you may have to pay more to release him.
The cost of a microchip implant is also invaluable, especially for cats, which are less likely to wear a collar and tag. In the event that your pet strays, there is far more likelihood that he will be promptly returned if properly identified. The more quickly your lost pet is safely off the streets and back home, the less likely you are to have to pay emergency vet bills or impoundment and boarding fees. Think of pet identification as a low-cost investment in “lost pet insurance.”

Brush Up on Grooming
Have your vet show you how to clip your pet’s nails and check his or her ears for infections. Clipping nails at home can save you upwards of €50-€100 a year. Catching an ear infection early usually requires minimal treatment at a minimal cost. Be aware that dogs with folded ears are more susceptible to suffer reoccurring ear infections. Left untreated, ear infections can be painful to your pet.

You should also take time every few days to run your hands all over your pet’s body to check for tender spots, lumps and bumps, cuts, or abrasions. Again, early detection of medical problems often results in less stress on both your pet and your budget.

And don’t forget your pet’s teeth. Regular brushing can lessen the need for costly dental care.

If you have a pet that requires professional grooming every month or two, you can reduce this cost by diligently brushing your pet between appointments. Because it takes more time and effort to bathe, clip, and style matted fur, pet groomers must charge more for ill-kempt coats. As a bonus, regularly grooming your pet can also lower your blood pressure!

Think Positive!
Yes, owning a pet can be expensive, but the financial sacrifice is worth it! For the price of a meal, a warm, safe place to sleep, and little attention, our pets offer unconditional love. This alone makes the privilege of owning a pet priceless!

This blog post was contributed by Liam Moriarty MVB. For more pet care advice visit www.myvet.ie.

By Juan. Posted in Animal Welfare, Cats, Dogs, Pet Care

Cat vs. Ice Cream

Ice cream loving cat get his head stuck in a tub of Haagen Daz.

By Juan. Posted in Cats, Random