K9 Perspective

The magazine your dog would want you to read

Editorial - October-November 2007:

2008 likely to be eventful

HELLO all. I am hoping that 2008 will be a very special year for K9 Perspective. I am at present looking at producing a separate magazine for print, so that a printed copy may be available for those who prefer a printed magazine. Because readership is world-wide I could not possibly print and distribute world-wide, but the option I hope will become available for readers to order a copy online from whatever area they live in. There are some points still to be worked out and some formatting problems to fix, so I can not promise a start with the New Year, however, I will let everyone know as soon as everything is worked out.

Last month (September) I was lucky enough to attend the annual conference of the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe (PDTE), held this year in Bracciano in Italy. There were some very good speakers over the weekend and a report on the event can be found on page six. Trainers from all countries in Europe who use only kind methods of training, no unhealthy equipment like citronella, spiked or electric collars, and who are endeavouring to bring their training methods into the 21st Century, are invited to join the organisation. Canine welfare, safety and health are the sole objectives of this forward-thinking group.

As the northern hemisphere winter approaches just a word to everyone on the importance of keeping your dog warm and dry over the cold months. This is when dogs suffer from arthritis as often as humans do, so if you would not stay out in a cold, draughty kennel all night, then don't expect your dog to stay out and remain healthy. Dogs can die in freezing temperatures as quickly as humans can, especially if they have inadequate food, which is unfortunately a common state for dogs left outside. The type of person who leaves their dog out in all weathers is usually the type of person who is too lazy to feed it when the weather is "too cold or too wet" for them to venture outside. I am sure that no readers of this magazine would treat their dog in such a way, but it is our obligation to keep our eyes open to the plight of all dogs in our areas and either talk to errant owners ourselves if we know them, or report the matter to the SPCA, who will investigate and offer advice to the owners on improved living conditions for the dog and on the requirements of the law regarding the keeping of dogs. Hopefully just the greater awareness will see a better deal for dogs worldwide. - Elezabeth