Sue McCabe (M.A.P.D.T. 00956) Kennel Club Listed Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Northumberland. Pet Dog Training & Behaviour. Puppy socialisation & Clicker training classes. Kennel Club Good Citizen Puppy Foundation Level Training. Fun Agility Classes. K9 Games Workshops. Pet Dog 1st Aid courses. Tel:07725 053482. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk email sue@muttamorphosis.co.uk Visit our Dog Blog for Sue's latest news, observations and chat on dog training and behaviour. Listen to the puppy podcast, view training videos on the Muttamorphosis Youtube channel.

Brain Exercise For Your Dog. Peace Quiet For You!

Ever wondered what to do to entertain your dog during the dark winter nights? This video will show you a how to provide a great mental work out for your dog, as well as providing you with some pace and quiet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ALvDXUsDQM&feature=player_embedded

Breed Specific Legislation. Are we barking up the wrong tree

Sue McCabe When the Dangerous Dogs Act was passed in the UK in the early nineties it was against many animal charities advice. Almost twenty years on, with increased pressure from dog welfare associations to repeal the act, why is the government just not listening? Evidence around the world, shows over and over again that dogs are still being used as dangerous weapons, that any dog can become aggressive given the right, or wrong circumstances and that no specific breed is any more likely to bite than any other (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1269541257750&ref=nf). A recent media announcement that the government was proposing compulsory micro-chipping of all pet dogs and in addition, mandatory public liability insurance for dog owners, came following discussions on how best to proceed, since clearly the 1991 DDA is simply not working. However, despite the news less than a week later that the no such change in the law would now go ahead, no mention was made to repeal Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. This is despite pressure from most of the major dog welfare charities in the UK, the Dog Wardens Association and even the British Veterinary Association (see below for more details). Whatever your view, it’s clear that the current law is simply not working as people continue to be bitten-or worse-by dogs. It is equally clear that in every breed there are good and bad specimens who can be the best pet ever, or a lethal weapon in the wrong hands. Breed specific legislation makes no allowances for this fact and it is in this that it ultimately fails. RSPCA (http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/1645/dangerous-dogs-act-breakthrough-rspca-back-calls-for-immediate-end-to-bsl/). National Dog Wardens Association (http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/1652/rspca-commended-for-breed-specific-legislation-stance/). Dogs Trust (http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/mediacentre/newsreleases/pr10dangerousdogsresponse.aspx). British Veterinary Association (http://www.bva.co.uk/Dangerous_dogs.aspx).

Five Things Every Dog Owner Should Know!

Five Things Every Dog-& Owner-Should Know! copyright Sue McCabe www.muttamorphosis.co.uk Five Things Every Dog-and Owner-Should Know! 1. People are worth being around. It is vital, if your dog is to live a happy life, that he enjoys being around people. His learning experience as a puppy must include careful introduction to people of all ages, in all kinds of environments. Firstly, every dog’s best friend should be his owner and through play, training and relationship building, your dog should choose you to around, above any other, including other dogs. Secondly, your dog must also understand that strangers and regular visitors to the house are also worth interacting with in a friendly way. This is especially important with certain breeds that may have a protective or guarding instinct. 2. Alone Time doesn’t bother me. By allowing your dog to follow you around when you are at home, you increase the chances that he may be anxious, vocal or destructive when you leave the house. Through gradual exposure to alone time and using appropriate chew toys and an indoor kennel or crate, you can teach your dog that he must be calm and relaxed regardless of what’s going on and who is around or absent. 3. The world is not a scary place. Owning a well balanced dog is a true pleasure as he will be welcome wherever you go. Part of being a well adjusted dog is the ability to relax in new environments, whether they are busy and loud, or quiet and empty. Only through careful socialization and habituation will your dog be able to accept any situation he finds himself in as the norm, and not overreact as a result of being there. 4. If my owner calls me, I should always run back to them. If you asked any dog what their biggest thrill in life is, they would all shout a resounding ‘running free off leash’ as their reply. Dogs are smart creatures and because most of them were originally bred to do a job, they will become self employed if their owner doesn’t give them something to do off leash. In order to allow your dog freedom of running free, you must teach them that you are his primary source of fun and entertainment. He should always choose to return to you when you call, in case he misses out on a fun game, a tasty treat or the sounds of your voice telling him he’s a great boy and you love him. 5. ‘Stop’ could save my life. Teaching your dog to stop ahead, or freeze where they are and not move until you tell them, is a crucial command for controlling them out and about, but also could save their life one day. When you ask your dog to do something (sit, lie down, fetch a toy, drop during tug etc.) always make sure you are clear that you have finished interacting with them. Do not simply allow your dog to get up from his sit or wander away during a game. In addition, teaching your dog to stop and go on command is a great way to control them when they are ahead of you on walks, and may save their life one day. copyright sue mccabe www.muttamorphosis.co.uk

Specialist Services

Expertise for new puppy owners. Advice on choosing a puppy to suit your lifestyle and home environment. Lister to our free puppy podcast on our website www.muttamorphosis.co.uk Specialist rescue dog training and rehoming programme.

Trade Bodies / Associations

Fully assessed Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK www.apdt.co.uk 00956 using their strict code of ethics for kind, fair and effective training. Kennel Club Listed Status

Pet Dog Training & Behaviour, dog & puppy training classes for all ages. One to one behaviour consultations & private home visits. Puppy advice clinic. APDT UK registered & Kennel Club Listed Status.

Trading Since

2005