Halfway there!

Yesterday saw the halfway point for the RSPCA NSW Education School Holiday Program with the Secondary School Program coming to a close.

The Team were brimming with excitement as they took 11 teenagers under their wings and through the normally "closed to the public" doors of the Sydney Shelter. There were to be many "ooh's" and "aah's" as each of the two groups were shown what it means to be part of the RSPCA and refuge for the many unwanted animals, eagerly awaiting their forever family.

Some feedback from the Program so far...

"It was great to see a real workplace and environment firsthand and see what it means to be at the RSPCA"

"I loved being able to interact with the animals because I don't have any pets at the moment"

Several shelter dogs were chosen to leave behind their daily routine and experience some one-on-one training with the groups. The groups were privilege to some positive training tips from none other than Tanya, our resident Pet Behavioural Trainer and author of "Tanya's Training Tips". The training may result in better doggy 'manners' from the Shelter dogs, which in turn improves their chances of being adopted.



Ellie, a kelpie cross, did not let down her breed and mastered
sit, drop and rollover in a matter of minutes!

Tanya's Training Tips

The Scaredy Dog


Often mistaken for a variety of other personality traits don’t be fooled!
Most dogs that: lunge at people or other dogs, snarl, snap, whimper, shake and bark are usually almost always scared out of their minds!
These behaviors mostly labeled aggression are actually fear based your dog has learnt that acting in this way people or other pets will go away. This only cements the idea that to get the scary thing away I need to act tough, and for some dogs shaking, hiding and whimpering works in the same way as most people and animals do not normally like approaching what seems to be a ferocious dog or whimpering mess!




For training or treatment of these issues please contact the Education team on 9782 4460.

Do you want the inside scoop on the RSPCA Sydney Shelter?

Kicking off tomorrow, RSPCA NSW Education launches its School Holiday Program with two out of the four days completely booked out!

This week sees the Education Team inviting those people aged 13-16 years to be part of their Secondary School Program where kids will have the opportunity to interact and help train some very lucky Shelter dogs, gain an insight to the world of the Inspectorate and see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes at the largest animal shelter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Next week, will see the Primary School Program rolled out with kids aged 8-12yrs getting up close and personal with both the canine and feline friends at the Sydney Shelter and learning what it means to get down and dirty in the world of animal welfare.

If you are interested in being part of our School Holiday Program, please see current availabilities below before contacting the Education Team on 9782 4460 or education@rspcansw.org.au

Secondary School Program:
Tuesday 27th September, 2011 - BOOKED OUT
Wednesday 28th September, 2011 - Places limited.

Primary School Program:
Tuesday 4th October, 2011 - BOOKED OUT
Wednesday 5th October, 2011 - Places limited.

3 days until the School holidays, yeah!

So you're eagerly counting the days until freedom is upon you and you have two weeks of blissful leisure time. You may be tempted to check out amusements in your local area and come across advertising for a visiting Circus. Don't be fooled by the glitz and glamour because if the Circus uses exotic animals (such as monkeys, lions or elephants) as part of their entertainment, you can be sure these animals are not going to have a good time.

In the wild, monkeys form complex social groups, elephants wander across open ranges for tens of kilometres looking for food and big cats are highly intelligent and require regular stimulation. In a circus environment they are instead made to perform tricks, live in small spaces and go through the hardship of travelling from circus to circus.

There are many ways you can help, like going to a human circus instead such as Cirque De Soliel or having a chat to family and friends about the issue. If you would like to help the RSPCA ban the use of exotic animals in New South Wales, please click here for more information.

Captive lions are often seen pacing repetitively
 which is a severe sign of boredom.

Should you encounter an unknown dog in Croydon Park...

Be sure to ask kids from one particular preschool in the area about what you should do, as they were taught this crucial information today during a visit today from Education Officer, Eva.

Many people are unaware of what to do should they cross paths with an unknown dog. The first instinct is to run away or call for help but according to the RSPCA Education Dog Safety Program, these may not be the safest options.

In research recently undertaken by RSPCA NSW, participants were tested on their dog safety knowledge prior to participating in the program and then again following their involvement in the program. The success of the Dog Safety program is illustrated with an accurate recollection of knowledge in all areas. One astounding statistic shows 23% of participants prior to the program would have approached a dog alone in the back of a car and only 1% would do so following their involvement in the program.

The Program can be catered to any audience and is part of an extensive range of programs offered to the community by the RSPCA NSW Education Team. To contact us, please call 9782 4460 or email: education@rspcansw.org.au

Is it safe to approach this dog...?

To be or not to be...a dog owner, that is the question!

The dog owners of rural and regional NSW would know how much dogs love their wide open spaces! In Sydney Metropolitan areas however, many families now live in apartments and townhouses and with living spaces shrinking it means that many people forego the joys of owning a pet. The RSPCA Education Team visit hundreds of schools and community groups across the state and it seems that they too are witnessing this trend of lower pet ownership amongst those who live in the suburbs and closer to the city.

This needn’t be! Anytime one considers what pet is the most suitable, there are particular breeds of dogs who may be more suitable and would enjoy, even thrive in smaller homes. Think small in size and low on energy levels and you’re on the right track!

Also remember our feline friends love to spend much of their day lounging around so they too may also be the perfect apartment companion!

Check out our RSPCA “Guide to apartment living for you and your dog” for more information.

And don't forget, if you're ever missing an affectionate lick or friendly tail wag, you can always come and visit the many animals waiting for adoption at our RSPCA Shelters.



All dogs, whether they are apartment dwellers or living it up on a farmstead,
need at least a daily, if not twice daily, walk. 

Cranbrook Pet Show and Fete

On the weekend, Mark and Zoe from the Education Team attended the Cranbrook School Pet Show and Fete in Rose Bay.  An RSPCA marquee was set up with information on pet ownership, campaigns and how to help the RSPCA. 

The day was a huge success with a great turn out from students and their families.  Students brought their pets along of all shapes and sizes including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even some stick insects! 

Photo Entries for our Van Competition

Here are some more of the fantastic photo's we have been receiving for our RSPCA NSW Education Van Photo Competition!  Thanks everyone!

 

 

 

 

It's not too late to enter the RSPCA Photo Competition!

Have you sent in your photo entry yet? If you haven't, there is still plenty of time to enter our Van Photo Competition. The closing date has now been extended so get your camera out, grab your pet and take a photo!

To enter, simply send a phto of you and your pet to rspcanswedu@gmail.com

• Images must be between 1 and 2 megabytes.
• Only one entry permitted per pet.
• Please include your name, pets name, and no more than 25 words about your pet (if you choose to).

By entering the RSPCA Education Van Photo Competition you agree to abide by our terms and conditions.

For full terms and conditions please visit the following link http://www.rspcansw.org.au/rspca_newsletter_display/hyundaivancomp/_nocache

Hope to see your entry soon!