“The Canine Conundrum: Exposing the Truth Behind UK Dog Food – What You Need to Know!”

As pet owners, we all want the best for our dogs. We shower them with love, attention, and care. However, one area that often goes overlooked is their diet. Feeding your dog a cheap dog food may seem like an economical choice, after all there must be regulations to ensure the standard of their food! right? Wrong! the dog food industry in the UK lacks stringent regulations, leaving a concerning gap in ensuring the quality and safety of the products we feed our pets. In this blog, we will explore the alarming lack of regulations in the UK dog food industry, citing specific cases of recalls, and uncovering the reasons behind this concerning issue.

1. The Absence of Adequate Regulations: The regulations governing pet food in the UK are significantly less rigorous compared to those imposed on human food. Currently, there is no specific legislation that sets out the minimum nutritional requirements or ingredients allowed in dog food. This lack of regulation allows for potential loopholes that could compromise the quality and safety of the products.

2. Ingredients Found in Dog Food and Associated Issues:

a. Fillers and By-Products: Some dog food manufacturers use fillers and by-products as cost-saving measures. These can include ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products. While these ingredients may not pose an immediate danger, they lack the nutritional value necessary for a well-balanced diet, potentially leading to deficiencies and digestive issues in dogs.

b. Artificial Additives and Preservatives: Many dog foods contain artificial additives and preservatives to enhance flavour, colour, and shelf life. Some common additives include propylene glycol, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ethoxyquin. These additives have been linked to various health concerns such as allergies, organ damage, and even cancer in dogs.

c. Allergenic Ingredients: Certain dog food brands may contain ingredients that are known allergens for dogs, such as beef, chicken, dairy, or grains. Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities can experience symptoms like skin rashes, itching, gastrointestinal issues, and even chronic ear infections when exposed to these allergenic ingredients.

3. Recalls and Safety Concerns:

a. The 2007 Pet Food Recall: One of the most notorious cases of dog food recalls occurred in 2007 when contaminated ingredients from China led to the deaths of thousands of pets in the US. Although not directly related to UK regulations, this incident shed light on the potential risks associated with inadequate quality control and lack of transparency in the dog food industry.

b. The 2019 Taurine Deficiency Scare: In 2019, a worrying trend emerged as several dog breeds were diagnosed with taurine deficiency, a condition linked to heart disease. Investigations revealed that certain dog food brands contained insufficient levels of taurine, a crucial amino acid for canine health. This case highlighted the need for stricter regulations to ensure essential nutrients are present in dog food.

4. The Role of Self-Regulation: Currently, self-regulation plays a significant role in the UK dog food industry. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of their products, and adherence to voluntary guidelines such as those set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). However, relying solely on self-regulation poses inherent limitations and potential conflicts of interest, compromising the well-being of our pets.

5. The Path Towards Improvement: Recognising the need for change, various organisations and pet food manufacturers have been advocating for stricter regulations in the UK. Calls for mandatory labelling, clearer ingredient disclosure, and nutritional standards have gained momentum, aiming to provide pet owners with greater transparency and peace of mind.

Can this effect behaviour or just health?

The absence of stringent regulations in the UK dog food industry raises concerns about the quality and safety of the products we feed our four-legged companions. Ingredients found in some dog foods, such as fillers, artificial additives, and allergenic substances, can lead to nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and other health issues in dogs. Combined with cases of recalls and safety concerns, this emphasizes the pressing need for stronger regulations to protect our pets’ health. As responsible pet owners, it is essential to stay informed, demand transparency, and support initiatives that aim to improve the regulations surrounding dog food manufacturing. Together, we can ensure a healthier and safer future for our furry friends.

1. Lack of Essential Nutrients: The use of fillers instead of the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to thrive are typically high in carbohydrates and lack essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional deficiency can impact your dog’s physical and mental well-being, leading to lethargy, weakened immune system, and an array of behavioural problems.

2. Hyperactivity and Aggression: Diet plays a crucial role in a dog’s behaviour. Feeding your dog food that contains excessive levels of artificial additives, preservatives, and food colourings can trigger hyperactivity and restlessness. The lack of proper nutrition and an imbalanced diet can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and even aggression in some cases.

3. Digestive Issues: Poor-quality ingredients and fillers can upset your dog’s digestive system. Digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, and excessive gas can be signs that your dog’s current diet is not suitable for their optimal gut health. These digestive problems can lead to discomfort and subsequently affect your dog’s behaviour, causing irritability and mood swings.

4. Skin Problems and Itching: Many dog foods contain low-quality protein sources and unhealthy fats that can lead to skin issues, such as dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. Uncomfortable skin conditions can cause your dog to scratch excessively, leading to behavioural changes like restlessness, irritability, and difficulty in focusing.

5. Poor Dental Health: The quality of your dog’s food can significantly impact their dental health. Foods lacking in the necessary texture and quality to promote good oral hygiene and can lead to dental diseases, including gum infections and tooth decay, which can cause pain and discomfort. These discomforts can manifest in behavioural changes like aggression, reluctance to eat, and increased irritability.

Conclusion: Feeding your dog cheaper dog food may seem like a money-saving option initially, but the long-term consequences can outweigh the short-term benefits. Poor nutrition resulting from low-quality ingredients can lead to a range of behavioural issues, including hyperactivity, aggression, digestive problems, skin issues, and poor dental health. It is crucial to prioritise your dog’s nutritional needs by investing in high-quality dog food that provides a balanced diet to ensure their overall well-being and behaviour stability.

Choosing the best types of food to feed your dog is essential for their overall health and well-being. While individual dietary needs may vary based on factors such as age, breed, and any underlying health conditions, here are some general guidelines for selecting high-quality dog food:

1. Look for Complete and Balanced Formulas: Ensure that the dog food you choose is labelled as “complete and balanced” by reputable organisations.

2. Real Meat as the Main Ingredient: Check the ingredient list and look for real meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish, listed as the primary ingredient. Dogs are carnivores by nature and require a high-quality protein source to thrive.

3. Avoid Fillers and By-products: Steer clear of dog foods that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients offer little nutritional value and are often used as inexpensive fillers. Similarly, avoid foods that contain meat by-products, as they are less desirable protein sources compared to whole meats.

4. Whole Grains and Vegetables: While dogs primarily need animal-based protein, some whole grains and vegetables can provide additional nutritional benefits. Look for dog foods that include wholesome sources of carbohydrates like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and peas.

5. Natural Preservatives and Additives: Opt for dog foods that use natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) instead of artificial ones like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. Additionally, avoid foods with excessive artificial colours, flavours, and additives, as these are unnecessary and can potentially trigger allergies or behavioural issues.

6. Consider Specific Dietary Needs: If your dog has specific dietary needs due to allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions, consult with an independent veterinarian to determine the best food options. They may recommend specialised diets that are grain-free, limited ingredient, or formulated for specific health concerns.

7. Wet vs. Dry Food: Both wet and dry dog food can be part of a balanced diet. Wet food generally has higher moisture content and can be beneficial for dogs who don’t drink much water or have dental issues. Dry food, on the other hand, can help maintain dental health and is often more convenient. Some pet owners even opt for a combination of both, offering wet food as a topper or occasional treat.

Remember, always transition your dog to a new food gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult with your canine nutritionist for personalised recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and monitor their health and behaviour to ensure they are thriving on their chosen diet.

Facts about the top 5 UK brands:

Royal Canin: Royal Canin is a popular dog food brand in the UK, known for its extensive range of breed-specific and life stage-specific formulas. The company is owned by Mars, Incorporated, a global food and pet care company. In 2013 they issued a voluntary recall in for specific batches of their dry dog food formulas due to potential salmonella contamination.

Hill’s Science Diet: Hill’s Science Diet is a widely recognised brand that offers a variety of dog food options tailored to specific health needs. The brand is owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, a multinational consumer products company. IN 2019 they voluntarily recalled several of their canned dog food products due to elevated levels of vitamin D. James

Wellbeloved: James Wellbeloved is a well-regarded dog food brand in the UK, known for its hypoallergenic formulas suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. The brand is owned by Mars, Incorporated. No major recalls or issues reported in the UK in the past 10 years.

Burns Pet Nutrition: Burns Pet Nutrition is a family-owned business that focuses on producing natural and holistic dog food. The brand is known for using high-quality ingredients and avoiding artificial additives. No major recalls or issues reported in the UK in the past 10 years.

Lily’s Kitchen: Lily’s Kitchen is a premium dog food brand that prides itself on using natural, organic ingredients. The brand offers a range of wet and dry dog food options. Lily’s Kitchen was founded by Henrietta Morrison and is now owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a subsidiary of Nestlé. In 2018 for specific batches of their dog food products. The recall was initiated due to potential elevated levels of vitamin D.

How do I choose the best for my dog?

Its a difficult to navigate the minefield of dog food so I have attached a link below to ‘All about dog food’. They are a comprehensive website dedicated to providing pet owners with detailed and unbiased information about dog food products available in the market. The website offers a wealth of resources and tools to help dog owners make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the best food for their furry companions. Their website features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and find the information needed. It provides a wide range of articles, guides, and reviews that cover various aspects of dog food, including ingredients, nutritional content, manufacturing processes, and brand comparisons. One of the good features of “All About Dog Food” is its comprehensive dog food directory. This directory allows you to search for specific dog food products and access detailed information about their ingredients, nutritional analysis, and user ratings. It also provides a unique rating system called the “Dog Food Directory Rating” that evaluates each product based on its quality and nutritional value. If that isn’t enough they regularly update their content to keep up with the latest research, industry news, and recalls. This ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date and reliable information to make informed decisions about their dogs’ diets. It is valuable resource for those seeking reliable information, guidance, and recommendations on choosing the best dog food for their pets.

Thanks for reading

References: European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fediaf.org/ Animal and Plant Health Agency. (n.d.). Pet food manufacturing and imports. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-food-manufacturing-and-imports Royal Canin UK. (2013). Voluntary recall of specific Royal Canin dry dog food formulas. Retrieved from https://www.royalcanin.co.uk/about-us/recall-information/ Hill’s Pet Nutrition UK. (2019). Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalls canned dog food due to high levels of vitamin D. Retrieved from https://www.hillspet.co.uk/productlist James Wellbeloved. (n.d.). Our approach to pet food safety. Retrieved from https://www.wellbeloved.com/our-approach-to-pet-food-safety/ Burns Pet Nutrition. (n.d.). Quality and safety. Retrieved from https://burnspet.co.uk/quality-and-safety/ Lily’s Kitchen. (2018). Voluntary product recall. Retrieved from https://www.lilyskitchen.co.uk/news/voluntary-product-recall

Understanding Age-Related Behavioural Changes in Dogs

As our beloved canine companions age, they may experience behavioural changes that resemble dementia in humans. Known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), this condition can significantly impact a dog’s behaviour, leading to confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. Understanding these changes, their causes, and exploring ways to help our furry friends cope with CCD is crucial in ensuring their well-being and quality of life.

Causes of Age-Related Behavioural Changes:
Age-related behavioural changes in dogs are often the result of the natural aging process. As dogs grow older, their brains can accumulate a build up of proteins that interfere with nerve cell function. This build-up affects cognitive abilities, leading to CCD. Common behavioural changes associated with CCD include confusion, disorientation, altered sleep patterns, house soiling, and decreased social interactions.

Recognising the Signs:
It is essential for us as pet owners to be vigilant in recognising potential signs of CCD. While these changes may be subtle, they should not be dismissed as typical aging. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, consult with a veterinarian:

1. Disorientation: Your dog may appear lost or confused in familiar environments.
2. Social Interactions: Reduced interest in social activities, toys, or family members.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, such as increased daytime sleep or restlessness at night.
4. House Soiling: Forgetting house training and having accidents indoors.
5. Activity Levels: Decreased enthusiasm for exercise or play.

Ways to Help Dogs with CCD:
1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Providing a predictable routine can reduce confusion and disorientation. Stick to regular feeding, exercise, and playtimes to create a sense of stability.
2. Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in interactive games, puzzles, and training exercises to keep their minds active and stimulated.
3. Environmental Adaptations: Make adjustments to the living environment to accommodate your dog’s changing needs. Use visual cues and landmarks to help them navigate their surroundings more easily.
4. Sensory Enrichment: Provide sensory stimulation through toys with different textures, scents, and sounds to engage your dog’s senses.
5. Balanced Diet: Opt for high-quality senior dog food that supports brain health. Supplements like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins may also be beneficial (consult with your vet before introducing any new supplements).

Medication for CCD:

Selegiline is an oral medication used to treat CCD in dogs. It works by protecting nerve cells and enhancing dopamine in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function. It increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement, emotion, and cognition. By enhancing the production of dopamine, the drug helps protect nerve cells from damage and enhance cognitive function, which can reduce the symptoms of CCD.

Selegiline has been shown to provide some relief from CCD symptoms in dogs. Owners have reported improvements in as little as two weeks, with some dogs even showing restored mental alertness and increased social interactions. Although Selegiline is generally safe and well-tolerated, some dogs may experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dementia and age-related behavioural changes in older dogs can be challenging for both pets and their owners. However, by recognizing the signs, providing a supportive environment, and considering appropriate medications, we can help our dogs maintain a good quality of life. Remember, early detection and intervention are key. If you suspect CCD in your aging dog, consult with a veterinarian who can provide guidance tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour:

A Guide for Frustrated Owners

Why fighting genetics is a loosing battle. It is vital to consider genetics when training dogs with bad behaviour because genetics can significantly influence a dog’s behaviour and temperament. Dogs inherit certain traits and tendencies from their parents and ancestors, which can impact their behaviour patterns, instincts, and predisposition to certain behaviours.

Understanding a dog’s genetic background can provide valuable insights into their behaviour. Certain breeds have been selectively bred for specific purposes, such as herding, guarding, or hunting, and these instincts may manifest in their behaviour. For example, a herding breed may display a strong desire to chase and nip at moving objects, like children or bicycles, which can be misinterpreted as aggression or bad behaviour.

By considering a dog’s genetic predispositions, we can tailor our training methods and techniques accordingly. For example, a dog with a high prey drive may benefit from structured and consistent training that focuses on redirecting their natural instincts in a positive way.

Furthermore, understanding a dog’s genetics can help us set realistic expectations and avoid frustration. Some behaviours may be more challenging to modify due to genetic factors. It’s important to remember that while training can have a significant impact, it cannot completely override a dog’s genetic predispositions.

Overall, considering genetics when training dogs with bad behaviour allows us to develop a more comprehensive and effective training plan that takes into account the dog’s natural instincts and actually use these to our benefit, leading to better outcomes and a deeper understanding of the dog’s behaviour.

Here are the top 5 issues we get calls for.

1. Destructive Chewing:
   – Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and rotate them regularly to keep your dog engaged.
   – Dog-proof your home by removing valuable or hazardous items from your dog’s reach.
   – Supervise your dog and redirect their chewing behaviour to appropriate toys when they start chewing on something they shouldn’t.

2. Excessive Barking:
   – Identify the triggers for your dog’s barking and work on desensitizing them to those triggers through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement.
   – Provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog through regular exercise and interactive toys.
   – Teach your dog a “quiet” command using positive reinforcement training techniques

3. Separation Anxiety:
   – Gradually desensitize your dog to your departures by practicing short absences and gradually increasing the time.
   – Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog when you’re away, such as a crate or a designated area.
   – Use positive reinforcement training techniques to reward calm behaviour when you leave and return.

4. Lead Reactivity:

– Identify the stimulus, is it the lead? cars? movement? people? dogs? etc
   – Gradually desensitize your dog to the presence of the stimuli by using counter-conditioning techniques.
   – Use a front-clip harness or head collar to give you more control and prevent pulling.
   – Seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist to address lead reactivity as this can escalate to being dangerous quickly.

5. Jumping Up on People:
   – Teach your dog an alternative behaviour, such as sitting or offering a paw, that is incompatible with jumping.
   – Ignore the jumping behaviour and only reward your dog when they exhibit the desired alternative behaviour.
   – Consistently reinforce the desired behaviour and provide plenty of positive reinforcement for calm greetings.

Always remember that consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when addressing behavioural issues in dogs. It’s important to tailor your approach to your specific dogs needs and seek professional help if you are unsure.

It is easier to pay for one session to ensure your on the right path then leaving it until the behaviour has escalated.

Remember we are here to help.

🐶 STOP IGNORING ME 🐶

I’m sure we all have been ignored when someone is engrossed in a film! But did you know this is actually a phenomenon called “inattentional deafness”. 👂
Studies on humans revealed that concentration on visual tasks will render you temporarily deaf to normal sounds.
🧠 Brain scans have showed that people do not purposely ignore known sounds, but that they actually aren’t hearing them in the first place!
The findings support a shared audio-visual centre, which, when depleted under load, leads to failures of sensory perception and awareness.
Example:
You turn down the music in your car so you can see better? Especially when we want to focus on reading the street names.
🐕 So how does this relate to dogs?
The thalamus is the area of the brain that’s is responsible for relaying sensory information such as hearing, sight, touch and pain. It also enables the dog to concentrate on one thing at a time.
So just like your partner watching a film, when your dog is sniffing the ‘pee mail’ and all the wonderful smells on his walk, they will very likely not hear you and why should they? It’s their walk after all!
Wait for your dog to finish “reading” then call him back!

Puppy Conner

It’s been a busy morning!
I needed a pee at 06:00! as my humans only give me a treat and a dance when I make my waterfalls outside, I decided it was best to wake them up, that wasn’t that easy! I had to shout as loud as I could, I didn’t give up and I was right, daddy took me out and I got some yummy treats.
Daddy was muttering something about 6 am on a bloomin Sunday I’m not sure what that means but he didn’t look his happy self so I cheered him up with a game a ‘shark attack’, I loves my needle teeths, so does daddy!! he makes funny noises when I try and pull the hairs off his legs with them!

Mummy’s been great fun this morning she hasn’t sat down for a minute, I found us a new amazing game, not sure what to call it yet, but boy it’s the best ever. I hunt around for things then start chewing them, and mummy has to chase me and get them out of my mouth before I swallow them. I think Mummy is winning but wow it’s such fun!

It sucks having to share the same water bowl as my older sister, she is smelly and so old, I think she puts cooties in the water!
I tried to explain this to mummy & daddy but they didn’t get it! I really had to think hard how I could get then to clean the cooties out!!
I tried barking at the bowl, bowing at it, zooming past it, sitting and staring at it, I even tried getting the cooties out with my paw, eventually I had no choice but to sit right in the middle of the water bowl and try and push them out with my bottom!! Yippee 🙌 it worked, fresh water, and a tickle with a towel, what fun!

I think I need a little nap now, then I’ll try the ‘I’m a parrot 🦜 game’
It’s a good job my claws are still so sharp otherwise I’d never be able to climb up mummy and daddy’s back to bite their hair!

Is Christmas Merry for our Dogs?

Christmas is a happy time for humans to get together and be merry (or argue depending on your family) But it can be a stressful and confusing time for our dogs.

Routines change, more people visit, or they are alone more often than normal, most dogs like routine and can get anxious when there are changes. On top of this they now have to cope with a tree in the house they can’t pee on, it has shiny balls all over it and nobody throws them! sometimes there are even edible things hanging there too that can’t be eaten, interesting presents they can’t chew, twinkling lights with wires that bite.

Did you know some fir trees produce oils which are mildly toxic and if ingested could cause your dog to vomit or excessively drool.

We all know there are loads of Christmas foods which are poisonous or toxic to your dog, including grapes, sultanas chocolate and raisins,

mince pies, Christmas puddings, dried fruit nuts, chocolate, even something that sound like they could be safe often aren’t. Turkey scraps could contain tiny bones which are dangerous.

This doesn’t mean we should lock ourselves away and not celebrate, it’s just something all dog owners need to be aware of so we can make sure Christmas is a happy time for our dogs too.

Dog bites over the Christmas periods are higher than any other time of the year, in the majority of cases this involves young children. Not all dogs like tiny humans, they are loud and erratic. At Christmas they can be more excited than normal, maybe they have friends over, or even relatives the dogs have never even met!

All of this on top of probably getting less physical exercise than usual as we are all busy desperately trying to prep a meal and trimmings for the whole of the Moscow state circus !

Most well-socialised family dogs can cope with the temporary craziness of Christmas – and some actually enjoy it, however for a surprisingly large number it’s stressful and worrying. A dog that is under-exercised, over stimulated, under-supervised and over-threshold is an accident just waiting to happen.

So how can we prevent the dog from biting?

Make sure they get enough exercise, (it might actually help your stress levels to escape in the fresh air for an hour. Aunt Mable won’t notice the dust behind the chair!

Supervise all interactions between children and dogs. If you can’t, then create a safe space for your dog to get away

Try and keep your dog’s routine the same as always.

Watch out for any signs your dog might be getting stressed.

Licking their lips, or parts of their bodies

Not settling

Following you around

peeing in the house

Chewing

Pacing or shaking

Whining or barking. …

Yawning, drooling,

Panting.

If you recognise the early signs then help your dog,

Give them a quiet area away from everyone. Maybe try Lick mats or a kong, with some tasty treats.

Have yourselves a merry Christmas and relax and enjoy the time with your friends and family knowing that your dogs are safe and happy too.

Pacing or shaking

Whining or barking. …

Yawning, drooling,

Panting.

If you recognise the early signs then help your dog,

Give them a quiet area away from everyone. Maybe try Lick mats or a kong, with some tasty treats.

Have yourselves a merry Christmas and relax and enjoy the time with your friends and family knowing that your dogs are safe and happy too.

MANTRAILING Do you influence your dog on the trail?

The line we use is the way we communicate to our dogs while they are working: The length between you and your dog needs to be long enough to allow your dog to work to the edges of the scent with minimal hindrance from us. If it is too short (which we see all the time) the dog will not be able to naturally follow the scent and work uninfluenced, too long and you will spend your time untangling it and tripping up your dog.

The tension on the line is so super important, I really cant stress this enough, Lines that drop on the floor with no tension and aren’t looped up quick enough often result in the dog being jerked at a critical point, (most common is after casting at a junction, the dog makes the correct direction choice, heads off quickly full of enthusiasm, reaches the end of the line with a jerk and reads this as a correction or a negative communication, the motivation drops and some dogs who are eager to please their owners will even just head off in the direction the handler is facing whether it is correct or not!

The line should NEVER be used to Influence your dog while they are working. Using the line to direct or guide your dog will simple teach them to rely on you and not their own abilities to follow the scent. Use your words to engage your dog to trail, and be patient, to quote Kevin Kocher

“communicating with your dog through the lead is part of handling a dog. It is what separates a dog handler from a lead holder”.

Don’t be a lead holder! your dog deserves more than that from you!

And finally never underestimate how your position behind your dog can unintentionally influence them on a trail. A line to short and a handler stood or facing to the left in a junction can and often and does encourage the dog to head off in that direction. Patience is the key, always, and I really do mean ALWAYS try to stay directly behind your dog at safe but non hindering distance. Some handlers have a right or left bias, meaning they naturally walk slightly to one side or another, at a greater distance behind your trailing dog this may not be problem, but closer, maybe in a busy town or next to traffic when the line needs to be shorter for safety reasons, this slight bias may make for bad decisions on your dogs part. Dogs are clever at reading us, and taking situational cues we don’t even realize we are showing, this is true in trailing too, as instructors we are very careful not to influence your dogs as we invariably know where the trails go and are very aware that some dogs will pick up on us standing still at a missed turn or moving over to one side or another when a turn approaches.

For the more advanced trailing teams we follow you when you make mistakes and encourage you to ‘have a plan’ and assist you in helping your dog make the right decision.

Some dogs are quick we know this and their directional changes are equally as rapid which will mean the line will end up on the floor, we understand this and totally sympathize with the difficulty as one of our dogs is just the same. The skill you have to practice is a little like cowboy rodeo training, gathering the line in a tidy loop at the same time as staying behind and facing the dog! I’m dizzy just typing this, but it can and must be done to ensure our dogs progress without influence or hindering, so grab your Stetson and get practicing!

Fabulous article by hound and the found

How Scent and Airflow Works.

rattlerjen9 years ago

How do those dogs find missing people?

Remember PigPen from Charlie Brown? He always appeared to have clouds of dust coming off of him wherever he went. This is not far from the truth.

You have thousands of tiny pieces of your body leaving you every minute; 40,000 pieces to be exact. These tiny cornflake like bits are called rafts.

They are made up of skin cells, hygiene products, bacteria, fungus, parasites, sweat, hormones, and enzymes. They are unique to each individual human. Even skin rafts from identical twins are different. These are what dogs smell.

Some skin rafts are lighter in air, easily carried by air currents. Others are heavier than air, alighting on vegetation or falling to the ground.

Dog Handlers pay attention to air currents.

Skin rafts are carried along currents of air like millions of fluffy dandelion seeds.

We pay attention to physics. Warm Air rises

and Cool air sinks. Cold and moisture make air heavier. Your skin rafts first leave your body at about 2mph up in the air traveling along the current of air your 98.6 degree F produces.

Without any air movement

scent diffuses evenly

Diffusion

But of course, there is always something making air move.

When things are perfect, scent moves predictably like this:

Laminar Flow

Objects and other factors often cause air to move like this:

Turbulent Air Flow

Turbulent air flow causes handlers and their canines to mutter choice words under their breaths.

Different Types of Airflow

Normal Daytime Air

When the ground heats up during the day time, air begins to rise.

Normal Nighttime Air

When the ground begins to cool, air cools and begins to fall. It flows downhill like water.

Coning Plumes

movement of scent from subject downwind in the shape of a cone
during cloud covered days or nights
travels long distances
ideal for dogs

A dog will run perpendicular to the flow of the scent crossing in and out of the scent cone zeroing in to its source.

Fumigating Scent

occurs in the morning before sunup
scents travel down valleys like water
subjects on a hill can be detected by dog down below
It is good to get dogs out before sunrise

Lofting Scent

Occurs after sun sets
The ground is cooling but aloft air is still warm
usually occurs in valleys first then other areas later on
Work dogs on the high ground in the evening

Fanning Plumes

at night in stable air
scent holds at the same elevation level without falling or rising
dog may alert across a drainage or canyon at the same level, but can’t find a person
Be sure to report your alerts as scent can carry

Pooling Scent

collects in an area like a pool of water
usually occurs in a low area
Occurs where there is little dispersal of scent by the wind
It hard for dog to follow a scent pool to the subject

Eddying Scent

circular air forms behind an object (turbulence)
prevents scent from traveling along prevailing wind
example: eddies form at a line of trees next to an open field

Looping Plumes

Occurs in clear sky or with high clouds
Occurs at midday, a high convection situation
scent rises, cools, falls, heats up, rises, cools, falls, etc.
Dog will alert by putting his head up, but will lose the scent.

Chimney Effect

Happens when air currents move straight up an object
alerts may occur nearby -but-
scent may come down as much as several hundred meters away from the subject
This makes it nearly impossible for the dog to find the subject
You should check around tall objects in the area

Thermoclines

caused by significant temperature and humidity differences in short distances
changes in elevation
drastic changes in shade and sunny spots
creates a wall like barrier of scent

The partnership with a hound by Darin Lee of Houndsong Rescue

I think the frustration with hounds comes from a lack of understanding of them and what their original purpose for being selectively being bred.
Hounds do not believe that they NEED you. You are a lovely part of their day – like a favorite coffee cup or a favorite pair of shoes. If the cup is broken or the shoes are lost, we can get along just fine with another.
Let me explain:
Where other breeds of dogs like Labradors, Shepherds, Border Collies, and a host of others are bred to work WITH man; their original bred temperament is to work alongside man in cooperation to achieve a goal.
The Border Collie follows man’s commands to herd the livestock. The Lab follows the hunter’s commands to get the quarry – so and so forth. They are a teammates of man. Neither can do their work without the other — and so they have been bred for eons to have that in their make up — to be anxious to please. Even the worst behaved Labrador cares when mom and dad are annoyed. It is in their DNA to make man happy.
Hounds… not so much.
Hounds have been bred for eons to be taken out to the edge of the woods or field and be let loose to go out and do what they do with NO INSTRUCTION from the hunter or handler. They go out and do their thing, all on their own. They make their own decisions and do their own work. And when that work is done and they have found their quarry, they command/call the hunter to come to them with those beautiful voices. (Who is working for whom in that scenario?)
Do you see how your hound thinks differently?
Life with a Hound is far more like having a spouse than a dog. It is far more of a “cooperative effort” with all the give and take that implies. Hounds are not going to do what you say just because you have said it. You are secondary to their desire. There has to be something in it for them. There has to be a trade off. If there is no reward or benefit for the Hound, the Hound cares little what you are asking him/her to do. People incorrectly refer to this as being stubborn – or worse, stupid.
Hounds are actually neither of those things – they are just independent and cunning. They prioritize things differently than do other breeds. They prioritize differently and you are not always their priority.
And, This is EXACTLY AS THEY SHOULD BE.
They were bred to be this way. It is all necessary to be a Successful hound dog.
When working with a Hound you have to always be thinking:
How do I make myself the priority?
What do I have to give this dog to make me more important than what it smells – or wants?
(and do not expect that anything will ever be 100% successful every time – always be looking for your Hound to act like a Hound.)
We humans always think we are in charge of things. We think that we are top of the chain, the head honcho’s…and we naturally approach training our dogs and living with our dogs this way – as though we are in charge.
Your Hound doesn’t see it that way.
Your Hound – at best – sees you as a family member or as a sibling (if you are very fortunate – as a parent). Do you walk into your sister or brother’s house, start barking orders and they hop to?
Mostly your Hound sees you as a good friend. And what do we do with our friends? When a friend does something for us, we return those favors. There is give and take. When a friendship is out of balance – when one friend takes and takes but does not give – the friendship suffers.
Hounds are happiest when their humans are humble and work with their character. A bond with a hound is not an easy one to create. There is a lot of ground work involved but when it is established and the balance is there, it’s a beautiful thing.
So if you have a hound or want one, love and appreciate them for what they are and not what they aren’t.
(This is a repost from a few different areas on the web where the author is unknown. If anyone knows of the author I would be happy to tag them!)

A sport for nervous dogs

Owning a nervous dog can be hard work. It can not only be distressing, but also isolating for you and your dog. The opportunity to join in with classes or meet other dog owners can be difficult. When building confidence in your dog we want to create positive experiences for them, and encourage them to want to investigate new things. These are built into the very essence of mantrailing.

Mantrailing is teaching your dog to find a specific person’s scent. All dogs are born being able to use their nose so what we’re teaching them isn’t anything new to them. But instead we are just directing their natural talent into a confidence building game using the power of scent, which allows your dog to work naturally in a fun way.

The olfactory bulb in your dogs brain, which processes scents takes up 1/8th of the dogs whole brain. This is why the dogs sense of smell is the their most prominent sense. The olfactory bulb is part of the limbic system which is the part of the brain which deals with emotions, memory and behaviour. Scent passes through this when being processed by the brain, it also travels to the cortex which deals with conscious thought.

Positive associations with scent allow the brain to release endorphins and serotonin. These hormones allow the dog to feel good about what they are doing, and these positive memories are brought to the forethought as they work on the scent again. The scent informs the dogs about the good things, but it also forewarns about the bad. Smells last for a lifetime in the memory of dogs and if we can build positive associations with a specific scent there is a huge foundation to work with.

Dogs can even distinguish the direction of travel of the scent, as well as time passed and the individual’s scent.

Another way mantrailing helps your dog become more confident and overcome their fears, is there always an exciting reward waiting at the end of the trail. This reward and its presentation is individual to each dog. They are able to work as an individual and make choices about how close they want to approach the person or not, we don’t want to create a conflict in the dog about going over to the person.

On introduction courses we can use people the dogs know as their trail layer for the first trail, and then from there we transition onto unknown trail layers when the dog is comfortable and knows the game. These unknown trailer layer do not have to interact with the dog at all and just become the scent to follow in order to get to the prize at the end, be that the food, or a toy. Surprisingly many dogs that initially show avoidance towards the trail layer will start warming up to them after a few trails, and want to investigate them as they have a positive experience with them and are not put into a contradictive situation.

As mantrailing is a dog sport where dogs are worked one at a time, it is ideal for those dogs who are worried about other dogs. Once they get into the task, they often become oblivious to the things around them and they can start to ignore other dogs, or things that would normally frighten or distract them. It can help them get past some fears by indirectly exposing the dog to them. Mantrailing helps create a shift in priorities for your dog from looking for danger, to following the scent. They are less likely to react to things that may trigger them normally.

If we use a toy as a reward, we have to make sure that we choose and instruct a trail layer that is capable of presenting or playing with the toy to ensure that we have the best reward possible for the dog. The sheer existence of the toy is often not enough for the dog, it needs to be interactive in a way that is positive for the dog.

If we use food as our reward, we want it to be licked out of the pot. Licking for dogs has been scientifically proven to release endorphins, the hormone linked to the feeling of happiness in dogs.

Article from Mantrailing uk