Puppy Play Time

Do you know that dogs play and interact differently depending on age and breed?

Puppies younger than 4 months play much differently to juveniles (4-12 months), adult dogs like to play as well but they are generally more likely to want to romp around rather than bounce or mouth each other.

Some breeds like rough play where as some other breeds prefer just to say hello.

It is very important for puppies to learn how to interact with different dogs, and how to play nicely so no one gets hurt!
This is called socialisation, you can socialise your puppy by attending Puppy Pre-School at RSPCA Yagoona.

                

For more information on Puppy Pre-School call (02) 9770 7555 

RSPCA Van Photo Competition

Entries for our RSPCA Education Van Photo Competition 2011 are arriving every day!

All you need to do is email us a photo of you and your pet, and you will have the chance to appear on the new RSPCA Education Van.  Here are some entries we have received so far....



Tamieka and Freckles



Billy and Lucy

 



Sofia and Sienna

 

For further information, see earlier posts on our Blog or check out the RSPCA NSW website:
http://www.rspcansw.org.au/rspca_newsletter_display/july_enews_2011

For full terms and conditions go to: 

http://www.rspcansw.org.au/rspca_newsletter_display/hyundaivancomp/_nocache





Why should I microchip my pet?

source: www.petregister.com.au/

Have you ever wondered why people should microchip their pets? Well, a microchip is like a license plate on a car, if people can see the license plate, they can tell where that car comes from and who it belongs to.


So, if your pet ever goes walking around without you or decides to take a holiday without you knowing then a microchip is a perfect way to know where your pet is.

There are two parts to microchipping though and they are both really important!

1: take your pet to the vet and have them microchipped - this one is easy to understand BUT - getting the microchip put into your pet does not mean you can find out where they are if they get lost. To do this, we need number 2.

2: your local council will send you information about registering your pet and the microchip. Once you register your pet, their details and the microchip number will be saved on a huge database and then, if your pet gets lost, you have a much better chance to find it!

Many people do stage 1, they go and get the microchip and think its perfect, they don't need to do anything else but we all know that stage 2 is equally as important as step 1. So, if you have any cats or dogs and they are not microchipped AND not registered then you can talk to your parents and make sure they do both stages.

This way, you have a better chance of finding your pet no matter where they go!

Rain rain rain...

Its rained so much recently it is hard to believe there is any water left in the sky!
Even when it rains, your best mate still needs their daily exercise in order to burn off some of energy stored up from being inside relaxing.

Walking your dog every day is one great way to make sure your relationship with your animal is as good as it could be. Dogs are very active and running around your back yard is good but nothing beats a good walk with its favourite person; you!

So, even with all this rain, get our your umbrella and a rain coat for your mate and make the best of the puddles. Just make sure you don't go home covered in dirt or your parents might not be as happy as your dog!

Balloons = Smiles

Yesterday it was concluded that balloons DO equal smiles, according to Education Team members Claire, Matt and Tanya and the kids they encountered. Setting up an information stall in Rosemeadow Marketplace saw the Community Education Managers and Community Vet Nurse give away more than just balloons, but all important advice to pet owners in the local community. Many people are often overwhelmed by the commitment required when adopting an animal for the first time so providing an opportunity to have their queries answered was the aim of the day.

One enquiry fielded during the day involved a father concerned over the interactions of his young son with strange dogs in the park. Matt provided him with information of how the son’s Childcare Centre could get in contact with the Education Team to organise for the kids to participate in our Dog Safety Program, messages which will prove vital in keeping the young boy safe.



Support our Campaign here.



“I’m thinking of getting a puppy...” was frequently also posed to the Team during the day and they were quick to hand out the RSPCA’s ‘Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide’, outlining how people can avoid supporting Puppy Factories.

It’s important for people to be aware of where their new puppy comes from so RSPCA recommends that people adopt their animal from the many awaiting adoption at Shelters or if a breeder is preferred that you are able to ask the breeder three questions:

1. Can I see the mother of puppy?

2. Can I see the father of the puppy?

3. Can I see where the puppy was born?

The answers to these questions will ensure that you have peace of mind and know that you are not supporting puppy factories.

Help us decorate our new Education Van!



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

Please note, images must be between 1 and 2 megabytes

Only one entry is permitted per pet and entry is only open to residents of NSW, Australia.

Also, please include your name, your pets name and no more than 25 words about your pet (if you choose to). 

Don't forget to include your contact details, and if you would like a future visit from RSPCA NSW Education to your school / club / community group. (Visit subject to location and availability of the RSPCA NSW Education team)

By submitting a photograph you are acknowledging that the photograph was taken by yourself, and is not from copyrighted sources. While the photographer retains the copyright of any images submitted as a competition entry, RSPCA NSW reserves the rights to use photograph entries in any future publicity by RSPCA NSW. This includes use on the RSPCA NSW website, annual publications and other promotional activities.

By entering the RSPCA Education Van Photo Competition you agree to abide by our terms and conditions. For full terms and conditions please visit our website - http://www.rspcansw.org.au/rspca_newsletter_display/hyundaivancomp/_nocache

Competition closes 5pm AEST, 31st August 2011







School holidays come to an end...

Zoe and Karl raring to visit the kids!

To round up another fun-filled two weeks of Education visits, Zoe, Eva and Karl visited a lively Vacation Care group in Seven Hills today. Who is Karl you may ask? Why another wonderful dog awaiting adoption at our Yagoona Shelter of course!



Karl's definitely enjoying all the attention!



The kids were enthralled by the dog safety messages and had the chance to put theory into practice: approaching Karl using the safest method of approach when meetings dogs for the first time. At only 6 years young,  Karl was happy to meet the kids one by one, winning over some nervous participants with his friendly yet relaxed demeanour.



Often these older and more mature adult dogs are overlooked by potential new owners at the Shelter, where visitors head straight for the puppies. When choosing the right dog for a visit, the RSPCA Education Team are in favour of these more ‘senior’ dogs. Thanks to their years of experience, socialisation and desensitisation in different environments, they are worlds apart from young pups who can be unpredictable and still require a lot of training.

Come visit Karl at our Yagoona Shelter.