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Illustrations: Emma Thrussell.
HELP!
Would you know what to do in an
emergency? Attending a canine i rst aid
course will increase your knowledge and
boost your coni dence so you can cope in
a crisis and take the correct action. Check
out the PDSA web page where you can i nd
advice on recognising an emergency and
dealing with common problems, watch
a video on giving doggy CPR, and check
out details of PDSA Pet First Aid courses.
Alternatively, why not ask your veterinary
practice if they might consider running
a course for clients. For more information,
visit http://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-
pet/pet-i rst-aid-course
GEOCACHING FOR DOGS
Fancy trying a new activity with your dog,
but nothing too sporty or competitive?
Geocaching might be just your thing
— a 21st century version of a treasure hunt.
It will introduce you both to new walks and
trails, with the excitement of new snif s for
your dog, and a change of scenery for you,
plus the challenge of discovering some
of the millions of ‘treasure’ caches hidden
worldwide. You may even have walked past
some during your usual daily walks without
even being aware of their existence!
Find out more at http://www.geocaching.com
or http://www.gagb.org.uk
HEARING DOGS
FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Deafness can be a very isolating disability
for humans, and having a hearing dog can
give a newfound sense of independence
and coni dence. It also fuli ls a practical role
in alerting owners to sounds that would
otherwise be missed, such as the doorbell
or an alarm clock. Hearing dogs have even
saved lives by alerting owners to i re alarms
sounding at the dead of night, the shouts
of a loved one who is in peril, and even
potential car thieves!
Find out more ways you can help at
http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk
HOLISTIC THERAPIES
If you’d like to use the services of a holistic
vet, you can i nd one (although it isn’t easy!)
on the RCVS ‘Find a vet’ online facility:
go to http://www.i ndavet.rcvs.org.uk/home/
and click on ‘Advanced search’, then
on ‘Practice interests’ and i nally on
‘Complementary medicine’.
Many complementary and alternative
therapies are currently under threat,
including massage therapies such as Bowen
and Galen myotherapy, and homeopathy
and herbal remedies. Find out more at
http://www.CAM4animals.co.uk
http://www.yourdog.co.uk 39
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HELP!
Would you know what t
emergency? Attending
course will increase you
boost your coni dence
a crisis and take the cor
out the PDSA web page
advice on recognising a
dealing with common p
a video on giving dogg
out details ofPDSA Pet
Alternatively, why not a
practice if they might c
a course for clients. For
visit http://www.pdsa.org.uk/
pet/pet-i rst-aid-course
HARD OF HEARING
A deaf dog can be just as rewarding a companion as one with no auditory
impairment; they can understand, interact, and learn all the behaviours that
a hearing dog can. You can substitute verbal cues for hand signals, either making up
your own or using UK or US sign language. Dogs are incredibly observant of body
language, so this isn’t as dii cult as you might think!
Even though your dog may not have been born deaf, as he grows older, it’s likely
that his hearing will become less acute, and he may eventually go deaf altogether, so
it’s not a bad idea to plan for the future. Rather than phasing out hand signals during
training as he learns the verbal cues, keep on using them.
To learn more, try the following:
● ‘My Dog is Deaf but lives life to the full’ by Jennifer Willms, or for an uplifting
true story about how a deaf dog turned her owner’s life around you might enjoy
‘Amazing Gracie: A Dog’s Tale’ by Mark Becklof and Dan Dye; both books are
available from Amazon.
● Investigate ‘The Deaf Dog Network’ on Facebook; The Deaf Dog Education Action
Fund, visit http://www.deafdogs.org; Deaf Dogs Rock, http://www.deafdogsrock.com
