UK dog ownership survey

A new study has been undertaken in the UK to determine how dogs have adapted to modern day domestic living.

The University of Lincoln is behind research, which they are conducting online through the Doggy Diaries Internet Survey, as a part of the Owner Expectation & Development Of The Successful Human-Dog Bond research project.

Already, out of the 199 dog owners surveyed, the researchers say they have identified the top 5 advantages and top 5 disadvantages of dog ownership.  

Top 5 Advantages:

  Companionship

  Encourages a healthier lifestyle

  Teaches children responsibility & respect for animals

  Provision of security & protection

  Emotional enrichment

Top 5 Disadvantages:

  Restriction on freedom of movement

  Financial cost

  Time commitment

  Household hygiene

  Illness or death of the dog

The Lincoln researchers hope to get as many respondents as possible so as to gain further insight into how dogs currently living in the UK spend their time. They are also collecting data concerning the frequency, predictability, control and actual time spent on each activity listed in the survey, and find out how this may effect owner satisfaction and the welfare of the dog.

Source: Steve O’Malley, UKPets, April 2008

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(Another) Groomer reality TV show

 

Reality TV shows about pet grooming seem to be popping up all over the place. The US has only just launched Groomer Has It! and now the UK satellite channel Living TV is rearing up to air their own show, Paris Pooches –and no, it isn’t about pooches in Paris.

 

As if we hadn’t already seen enough of the 26-year-old heiress on our screens we soon will, as Paris Hilton will be the star of the new show, in which she will manage a beauty parlour for dogs in Bond Street, London. It should be interesting TV... at least in a can’t-look-away, train-wreck sort of a way.

 

One source told Britain’s Daily Star Sunday newspaper: “Watching Paris act out her Los Angeles lifestyle, in which tiaras for Chihuahuas are of real importance, should be very entertaining. And she will no doubt be hitting the clubs and parties over here in the same way she does back home."

 

The only thing left to wonder is when Australia will have its own groomer reality TV show. Any volunteers?

 

Source: BANG Media International, April 2008

 

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White shepherd pups stolen from backyard

 

People are being asked to keep their eyes open for three white purebred shepherd pups which were stolen from a Reservoir breeder on the weekend. The six-week-old pups were taken from their pen at 5am on Sunday, and each are worth about $700 each.

 

Police suspect that the dognappers knew the layout of the backyard and how to enter without being spotted by the security camera. One of the thieves jumped a neighbour’s fence to get into the pen, and made a quick escape by using an awaiting getaway car.

 

“They’re very rare puppies. There are only about 700 of them in Australia,” said Senior Constable Alisha Weel, of Reservoir police.

Only one puppy remains out of the litter of nine. Five were sold before the theft, and now that the other three have been stolen, the one left over has been nicknamed Lonely.

 

Vicky McFarlane, one of owner Debbie McFarlane's two daughters, was very upset by the ordeal.

 

“I’m gutted. Mum’s shattered. We put so much into these pups. We sat with Koora for two days while she gave birth," she said. "What’s worse is we don’t know what sort of home they’re going to go to. We’re scared for their welfare.”

 

Vets and councils have been notified of the missing puppies, and Sen-Constable Week is asking for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Source: Peter Anderson, Herald-Sun, April 2008

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