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IKEA is launching UTSĂ…DD, a collection for dogs and cats from April 2024

The IKEA lively pet collection was developed based on research on the daily life, behaviours and preferences of dogs and cats at home. The collection focuses on four different activities: eat, sleep, play and hide

Made with products and materials that are affordable, easy to clean, resistant to everyday use and blend seamlessly into any home, UTSĂ…DD will be available in store and online, across Australia this April 2024.

Cats and dogs are an integral part of the life of many Australians. More and more Aussie families choose to welcome four-legged, furry members and, like their human relatives, they have needs to be met. 

IKEA set out to develop a playful collection that considered the needs and wants of cats and dogs and their families, all while prioritising safety. After a two-year journey and obtaining sign-off from a panel of cats and dogs, UTSĂ…DD is finally ready to make its debut across many Australian homes.


“At IKEA, we believe that pets are family. Our goal was to develop a collection of products that our cats and dogs love and that their human parents can feel good about and truly enjoy having as part of their home,” says Julia Rosenberg, Product Design Developer at IKEA of Sweden AB.

UTSĂ…DD was developed around the four most common activities that cats and dogs carry out around the home – eat, sleep, play and hide. 

The collection is designed to make these activities enjoyable and easy to manage for both pets and humans. 

  • Colourful food bowls help minimise messes during mealtime. The bowls are ceramic and, therefore, heavier, and less likely to move around. They also come in multiple sizes and are dishwasher- and refrigerator-safe.
  • A soft blanket and cushy beds help provide comfort and reduce anxiety during snooze time while blending seamlessly into the home. They come in different options, materials and sizes, and are water-repellent and machine-washable.

  • Bone-shaped toys invite to hours of fetching, chewing, and searching for treats. The toys, which are made from natural rubber and fabric, were carefully designed to be durable and robust, yet gentle on teeth and gums.
  • Rattan-made house and dog beds makes hiding and sleeping deliciously cosy for cats and dogs, and a style-approved addition to any space. 
UTSĂ…DD also includes an updated version of the LURVIG range that blends nicely into the KALLAX shelving unit.


Prioritising safety

Pet safety was considered and prioritised at all stages of the development of UTSĂ…DD, and from as many aspects as possible.

“We formulated protocols and risk assessments based on our research, evaluations of previous pet collections, and input from our partner veterinarians and pet product experts. Our protocols include periodic chemical, mechanical and physical safety tests on all UTSĂ…DD products,” says Julia Rosenberg.

Additionally, all UTSĂ…DD products carry a label with symbols that aim to provide clear and user-friendly safety messages. These messages state, for example, that the owner should always be present when the pet is using the product, or that a product should be thrown away if it breaks. “We urge customers to read and become familiar with the safety label on UTSĂ…DD products,” concludes Julia Rosenberg.

The UTSĂ…DD collection will be available across Australia in store and online starting in April 2024.

For more information or to view the entire UTSĂ…DD range, you can visit the IKEA website.

MEDIA RELEASE, March 2024


What is Hoopers and how can it help your dog's behaviour?

Hoopers is a low impact agility dog sport with no high-power jumping, no jarring sharp turns, and no large pieces of equipment to navigate.

It is about handler-dog connection, communication and confidence. Three traits everyone wants with their dog all developed in one fun activity.

Canine Hoopers World brought Hoopers to Perth, WA, Australia in 2019.  Although it originated in the USA, Hoopers had been sweeping the UK and Europe for almost 10 years. 

Hoopers is fun, we can’t say that enough! It is ideal for all aged dogs and pet parents. 





Some dogs like to take off like a rocket and run (get your gym shoes ready and be prepared to sprint), some dogs like to canter (taking things in their stride and enjoying the moment) and some dogs want you to get out of their way (communication from the side line is all they need from you). Which team will you be?

What do you do in Hoopers?

You and your dog learn a personalised way of communicating to manoeuvre around a course at your dog’s pace. It has all the fun and skillset of agility style games. Hoopers is focused on the ability of dog and handler to work off leash together. You need to be in sync with your dog, it’s a team sport.

Hoopers equipment is low cost, easy to DIY and set up, which sets it apart from agility. Hoopers equipment doesn’t take up much space and can be stored in a cupboard, garage or shed.

There are three pieces of equipment you use to make up a Hoopers course:

  • the Hoops, which dogs run under,
  • Barrels, which dogs go around,
  • and large straight Tunnels for dogs to run through.

Your dog learns to run through a sequence of hoops, around barrels to adjust their direction and through tunnels to complete courses. 

It sounds deceivingly simple so how much fun can it be?

Hoopers is generally taught with two different styles.

One where you, the handler, gets a head start and your dog catches up, like in agility, and you do your best to lead whilst running alongside your dog on the course. 

Or there is distance handling; where the handler’s physical movement is minimal and with clear communication and strong foundation work, your dog navigates through the course with calm verbal and visual directions.





Once the foundation skills are under your belt (e.g. see a hoop, run through it, see a barrel, navigate around it), watch as you both thrive in an engaging activity and see how movement alone can be such a positive motivator.

Which style should you choose?

Whichever way works best for the individual partnership, the aim is to navigate around and through equipment fluidly as a dog-handler team.

Some dogs find the pressure of you running that close too overbearing and don’t like it. Other dogs need you to stay close to them whilst guiding them throughout the course. Work with the style that suits both participants for the best success.

How do dogs take part in Hoopers?


Begin by finding a qualified instructor through Canine Hoopers World instructors as they have undergone training with Hoopers experts.

Most instructors run classes in pairs or one-on-one to get you succeeding quickly with a personalised training approach.

What is the benefits of Hoopers?

For the dogs: confidence, resilience, connection, body awareness, engagement, the significance is continual, and the growth is inspiring!

The fact that dogs are off leash, means your dog gets to make their own choices building on independence. We add in the mental challenge of understanding how to manoeuvre each piece of equipment and see the certainty and enjoyment that comes when you celebrate with them for mastering a course successfully as a united team.

For over excited dogs who have minimal perception of their personal space (or yours), Hoopers helps with proprioception, which means it helps dogs to be aware of where they’re placing their feet and bodies.

For dogs who are overthinkers, easily distracted, or disconnect if feeling uncertain or pressured, the reassurance from only having three types of equipment gives them confidence to know what to do.

There are also multiple benefits for you. A relationship with your dog at a distance increases trust, leading to increased amazement at how brilliant your dog is whilst interacting with a group of like-minded dog enthusiasts and remember “it’s heaps of fun!”

What kind of dog is ideal for Hoopers?

Hoopers is for dogs of all ages (6+ months), all breeds, all sizes and pretty much most temperaments.

It’s perfect for high-energy dogs as it channels their focus; and it’s a great energy burner too, both physically and mentally.

Because Hoopers is a ground-level course, gentle senior dogs can join in as it puts less strain on their joints, making it appropriate for teenage dogs, retired agility dogs and younger dogs. Hoopers courses are designed to be fluid and flowing so they don’t involve tight turns; massively reducing the impact and likelihood of injury for your dog.

We saw the potential for Hoopers to help dogs who are anxious, or show big emotions often described as ‘reactive’. Hoopers provides them a safe space to engage with their guardians in a stress-free environment.

We love teaching anxious, nervous, or reactive dogs who can’t participate in group classes. Often their owners tell us that they’ve always wanted to participate in a fun sport with their dogs and they’ve felt left out.

What is it about Hoopers that dogs enjoy?

We can only guess why dogs enjoy playing Hoopers. There are plenty of options to consider.

Is it the independence of being off leash?

Do they love the fact that they can accelerate, find the track, stay on course, zoom through tunnels, make turns around barrels… is that part of it? Or is just about running?

Is it that you are having fun with them? Learning something new together? Learning a new language? Is it your favourite time for just you and your dog?

Do they love the joyful feedback? Do they love that you don’t get upset when mistakes happen. You love them for trying, being involved and for tolerating your side of the learning journey. 

The development of Hoopers goes both ways… you grow together, you start to see and listen to each other, you reflect and work as a team in motion.

Can you practice Hoopers at home?

Once you’ve learned the foundations you can absolutely practice the skills at home. We encourage you to do so and add fun tricks into your daily walks. You strengthen your skills at home, from obedience skills such as ‘wait’, sending your dog around objects, right down to working on your warm-up routine to ensure that you and your dog stay in Hoopers shape.

Can you run a course at home? 




That can be tricky. We perceive for many city dwellers we are often restricted with space limitations. However, if you have a large grassy secure space, go for it! Due to such common limitations, we think it is paramount to join a Hoopers training community and get amongst it!

What made us decide to be a Hoopers instructor in a country that hadn’t heard of it?

We had been watching Hoopers take the UK by storm. When we heard that Canine Hoopers World was coming to Australia in early 2019, We packed our bags, flew to Perth and completed the Canine Hoopers World Level One instructors course and recently again in late 2023 to become accredited Level Two instructors.

After our initial experience with Hoopers, we immediately realised what Hoopers could offer our urban dogs; we each purchased a set of Hoops that weekend, bought extra luggage space on the plane, and never looked back.

We are delighted that we offer an ongoing sense of support and continual development for our community beyond life skills courses, where our clients can grow. This remains priceless.

Success in Hoopers shows its weight in gold when we see understanding and improved teamwork. Our dogs are listening at speed, in the moment, potentially in a challenging situation… and yet trusting the guidance, making great decisions. That is worth more than words can describe.

What kind of comments do we regularly hear in class?


“My dog loves Hoopers so much! I think it’s the highlight of their week!”

“I love this. Thank you for providing this space for us”.

“That was my fault, not my dogs
.

“Can I run through that course again? I think I know where I went wrong”.

“When is the next Hoopers course?


You can see that people love working with their dog and they get genuinely excited when they see what their dogs are capable of.” - Fellow trainer watching.

Where can people find out more?


Start your Hoopers journey at the Canine Hoopers World website: www.caninehoopersworld.com and follow their Facebook page: Canine Hoopers World.

Find out more about Hoopers in Australia with:

Louise Newman at letsgofido.com.au/hoopers

Shelley Aukett at pawsandthink.com.au/training-classes/hoopers  

About our writers

Shelley Aukett
is both Director and Dog Trainer at Paws And Think in Sydney's Inner West, a dog training business founded on positive reinforcement with positive outcomes.

In her career she's also worked as an animal behaviour technician and as a Veterinary Specialist (Diagnostic Imaging) for 16 years before returning to her passion: animal behaviour!

She's a member of PPGA (Pet Professional Guild Australia), DI (Delta Institute) and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Her qualifications include Delta Institute Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services, Karen Pryor Academy as a Professional Dog Trainer, Certificate of Excellence with Behavior+Works in Living and Learning with Animals (Friedman), Fear Free Certified Professional, Canine Hoopers World trainer, and certifications through the Master Course in Aggression in Dogs (Shikashio) and L.E.G.S - Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Group (Brophy).

Louise Newman
is the Owner and Dog Trainer at Let's Go Fido. She believes that training goes beyond puppyhood – that it is a way of life. It should be fun, relevant and most importantly add to the bond between you and your dog. With this in mind, Let's Go Fido was created in 2011 running a variety of training classes in Sydney's Lower North Shore and Balmain/ Hunters Hill area.

Louise’s professional qualifications include Karen Pryor Academy Certified Professional Trainer, Delta Cert IV Companion Animal Services, Susan Friedman Functional analysis of behaviour change, Assessor for GreenHound and MindDog, Professional member of KPA, PPGA APDT Aggressive Dog and 
BSC Hons/ Post Grad in another life too!

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The Petstock Foundation teams up with Laura Byrne to celebrate 10 years of National Pet Adoption Month

This March, 2024, the Petstock Foundation is celebrating a milestone 10 years of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative that helps find loving homes for pets in need of adoption. And Ambassador Laura Byrne is encouraging Australian’s to adopt, not shop in March.

As an adopted dog owner, and advocate for the Petstock Foundation, Laura Byrne knows all too well the positive impact adopted pets can bring. 

Laura says, “Buster came into my life when I was having a tough time and had recently gone through a break-up. I befriended my neighbour, who was fostering Buster, and I quickly fell in love with him. 


After a few months of taking him for walks and getting to know him, I moved into a new pet friendly apartment and officially adopted him. Not only did I now have a loving pet in my life, but also a new close friend in my neighbour – Buster was the wonderful glue that brought people together.”

Laura continues, “There is a misconception that rescue animals are going to be harder to look after; It’s this idea that you ‘don’t know what you’re going to get’. But Buster is the sweetest, most gentle angel ever. He went through some big, scary stuff when he was a puppy, and lost a leg, but it has not adversely affected him at all in terms of his temperament and personality. 




I am proud to partner with the Petstock Foundation for National Pet Adoption Month in March. There are so many incredible animals out there who are desperate for a loving home and I strongly believe that everyone should adopt. Adoption is an opportunity to not only give a pet in need a new life, but also bring a huge amount of joy into yours,” Laura finished.

Over the past 10 years, the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month has helped find loving homes for 40,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand, but there are still more animals in need of homes. 

There are currently over 8,000 pets at shelters, rescue groups, pounds and vets across Australia awaiting adoption [1], and with the rising costs of everyday expenses, sadly it is predicted that this number will continue to rise. With a mission to improve the lives of people through the strong bond we experience with our pets, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging people to adopt or foster a pet this National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM), to open your heart to a pet in need, and experience the positive impact a pet can bring to your life.

Research [2] indicates that 36% of Australian adults have reported feeling lonely, showing we have a need for more connection and companionship in our communities. Additionally, research [3] has shown universally, 97% of people agree that having a pet positively influences one’s life, and improves the mental health of the owner and those around them (95% agree). Pets are seen to offer emotional support (81%), companionship (80%), and are seen as family (76%). So, adopting a pet can not only give a pet in need a loving home, it can also improve our mental health by decreasing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

These findings are supported by studies that show companion animals have been found to bring substantial health benefits to people both physically and mentally [4], and an association between all types of pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children [5].

Fostering a pet or welcoming a different kind of animal into your family could provide immediate relief to the rescue community. There are currently over 7,306 adoptable pets advertised as needing foster carers on the PetRescue website, which is currently Australia’s largest searchable database of rescue pets. There’s no shortage of different kinds of animals to consider welcoming into your home either. You’ll find over 4907 interesting species of animals including guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, horses, sheep, rabbits, and more, all currently available to adopt today, also listed on PetRescue
.

If you’re considering adopting, like over 25% of Australians8, but are hesitant of bringing an animal with poor behaviour traits into your home, fear not. Animal Behaviourist and Petstock Foundation ambassador, Dr Kate Mornement says it shouldn’t put you off. “Many rescue animals have been surrendered for reasons other than their behaviour, and many have undertaken basic training, so I would encourage people to not be deterred from adopting for these reasons. In my experience, an adopted animal can adjust and learn how to fit into your life, with a little training and patience”.

“If you’re still concerned, why not consider adopting a different kind of animal? Guinea pigs, birds and rabbits also make wonderful pets, and are particularly great companions for children to help teach them kindness, compassion and how to care for animals. Or if you are not currently in a position to adopt, you could consider fostering a pet in need. Most animals in foster care have their food and medical expenses paid for by the rescue organisation, and it’s a great way to see if your family is ready to commit to a pet long term. 

Our family has fostered a number of dogs, as well as a small Conure parrot we fostered before we had kids. After that, we knew we were ready for a pet, and we adopted our foster dog Lenny, who is now a huge part of our family.” says Dr Kate.

Jessica Curtis, Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager says, “There are so many wonderful benefits of pet ownership, including reducing feelings of loneliness, opening up opportunities for social interaction, and increased overall happiness. Pets and people truly are better together, and to get involved in National Pet Adoption Month, we’re asking Australians to adopt or foster a rescue animal, or donate to the Petstock Foundation to support rescue pet charities across Australia”.

Animal lovers are encouraged to visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt or head to their local store in March to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home. 

1 www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 7 December 2023

2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Australia’s welfare 2023 data insights, catalogue number AUS 246, AIHW, Australian Government. Link

3 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023

4 - 5  Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Social isolation and loneliness, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 30 November 2023.

6 - 7  www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 15 January 2024

8 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023

About the Petstock Foundation

The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.

About National Pet Adoption Month

The Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to support rescue pets this National Pet Adoption Month, the 10th year of the initiative. Unfortunately, thousands of pets enter the rescue cycle each year through no fault of their own. This National Pet Adoption Month, we want people to open their hearts to a pet in need, and in turn experience the positive impact a pet can bring to their everyday life. Pets and people: we’re better together.



Trailblazing Veterinarian revolutionises pet care ensuring accessible pet care for those facing financial hardship

Eloise Bright, a trailblazing veterinarian, leads the charge in ensuring that no pet suffers due to financial constraints. Under her visionary leadership, ACT Pet Crisis Support, a not-for-profit, has brought together a dedicated group of volunteers united by a common goal: to prevent the unnecessary suffering, rehoming and euthanasia of cherished family pets.

Since 2019, ACT Pet Crisis Support has spearheaded efforts to deliver essential veterinary services to vulnerable animals and their owners.

Dr Eloise Bright with patient Ruby
at TVC Karabar
Operating from the innovative Tiny Vet Clinic, housed within a converted caravan meticulously designed by Dr. Bright and her team of volunteers, her mission is undeniably revolutionary.


Every Wednesday, this clinic serves as a beacon of hope for pet owners facing economic hurdles, offering a vital lifeline to those who might otherwise be compelled to make agonising decisions between their cherished companions and life's fundamental needs.

"At the Tiny Vet Clinic, we are not just treating animals; we are preserving the bonds that tie families together," Dr. Bright remarked passionately. "Our services extend far beyond mere consultations; we offer essential treatments, vaccinations, and even surgical interventions, all with the aim of ensuring the welfare of every pet in need."

The drop-in clinic mainly treats dogs and cats and the odd rabbit or two for all sorts of ailments: allergies, ear infections, microchipping, arthritis injections, even behavioural issues etc. It also provides free health checks to pet owners with a healthcare card.

Dr. Bright also works at the RSPCA one day a week and runs her other business Canberra Behaviour Vet which helps pay the bills so she can treat animals in need through the Tiny Vet Clinic.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Dr. Bright's vision transcends the confines of conventional veterinary practice. Her ambition to expand the Tiny Vet Clinic's reach is evident, with plans underway to upgrade facilities, acquire larger premises, and recruit additional medical staff.

Dr Eloise Bright with patient Belle 
at TVC Ainslie
"The demand for our services has never been greater"
, Dr. Bright emphasized. 

"Every day, we encounter heart-wrenching stories of pet owners sacrificing their own well-being to care for their animals. It's our duty to alleviate this burden and provide comprehensive care to every creature in need."

With unyielding determination, Dr. Bright seeks to break barriers and shatter stereotypes within the veterinary community. Her advocacy for a mobile veterinary clinic capable of delivering vital services directly to underserved communities represents a bold stride towards a more equitable future for pets and their owners alike.

"We refuse to accept a world where financial hardship deprives pets of the care they deserve," Dr. Bright declared fervently.
"You shouldn't be rich in order to have a pet!" she added.
"Together, we can redefine the landscape of pet healthcare, ensuring that no animal is ever denied treatment based on economic status."
Volunteer Dr Heather at
TVC Karabar

ACT Pet Crisis Support
 is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and all donations over $2 are tax deductible. 

ACT Pet Crisis Support is entirely run by volunteers, so your donation goes directly towards unexpected vet bills for pets who would otherwise be unable to receive veterinary care. 

To help keep The Tiny Vet Clinic on the road, donate here

Join the conversation by following on social media:
 ACT Pet Crisis Support on Facebook 
 @act.petcrisissupport on Instagram.




About ACT Pet Crisis Support:

ACT Pet Crisis Support is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing essential veterinary care to pets in need, owned by disadvantaged, low-income pet owners in the ACT region.

Through its flagship initiative, the Tiny Vet Clinic, the organisation strives to eliminate barriers to access and ensure that every animal receives the care it deserves, regardless of financial circumstances. 

For more information, visit www.actpetcrisis.com



We train our dogs to sit, stay and other useful behaviours. But what if we could train them to do ingenious feats?

You can! That is how the dictionary defines a “Trick”. Tricks are any behaviours that impress people. Your dog can even earn a Trick Title and letters after their name.

Trick training is fun for both dogs and owners. The behaviours learned are useful for a vet visit. Standing still on the scales, or offering a paw. They may also lead to your dog’s first acting job on a TV commercial!

Best of all, dogs love the attention and food rewards that trick training brings. Owners love seeing the continual wagging of their dog’s tail when they spend training time together.

Tricks often involve physical as well as mental exercise, making trick training great enrichment. A short session of trick training makes for an eventful dog day. The skills learned through trick training can be taken to other sports such as freestyle dog dancing and dog parkour. So much fun to be had!

Recognised dog tricks begin with behaviours such as ‘Sit
, ‘Stand and targeting. Beginner levels are designed to encourage everyone to have a go. 

The tricks increase in impressiveness to things like skipping, pushing a cart (learn how to teach your pet below), painting and even playing chess




Trick titles increase in difficulty, and are designed to be a progression of dog and trainer’s skill. A dog’s trick level increases at the same rate as its owner’s ability to train. Trick training is a great team sport for dogs and owners!

Why not have a try yourself at home with those tricks from Dogs Australia?

#1. Starter Trick - ‘Paws on my Arm’

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards (small pieces of ham, sausage, BBQ chicken)

✔️ A treat pouch so rewards are quickly accessible

Steps:


Paws on my Arm
Dogs Australia Starter Trick
1. Sit with your arm at your dog’s shoulder height.


2. Hold your clicker in that hand and have treats in the other.

3. Hold the treat at the height of your dog’s nose, and lure your dog towards your arm.

4. Click when a paw touches your arm

5. Reward the dog in the position you want to achieve. This position will become more rewarding.

6. Click and reward every attempt at a more successful position.

7. Use less luring each time until you can just hand signal without food to cue the trick.

8. Reward with food often!

#2. Advanced Trick - ‘Push a Shopping Trolley’

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards in a treat pouch

✔️ A shopping trolley the right size for your dog. You may need to put something heavy in it to ensure it doesn’t tip.


Steps:

Push a Shopping Trolley
Dogs Australia Advanced Trick
1. Ensuring the trolley won’t move, cue your dog to put its paws on the shopping trolley handle.


2. Click and reward in this position.

3. Once your dog is comfortable with its paws on the stationary trolley, let the trolley move a tiny bit.

4. Always reward the dog when his paws are on the trolley.


5. Food can be used to lure the dog forward.

6. Click and reward for increasing durations of forward movement

If you feel that you're now ready to compete, Trick Training is now a sport recognised by Dogs Australia. Introduced in 2020, it runs in all States except Tasmania. 

Discover more about what is involved here: dogsaustralia.org.au/training-dog-sports/trick-dog/

Enjoy challenges but not competition? If you prefer to train in your own time or don’t belong to a club, you can earn trick titles from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of home, through Do More With Your Dog. Over 100,000 titles have been awarded to dogs and other animals from 60 countries.

Beanie the sheep with his
Grand Champion Trick Rosette
There are lots of titles you and your dog can earn, ranging in difficulty. Online titles are not just for dogs. Cats, guinea pigs, horses, cows and sheep have also earned titles. 

There are currently 32 other species with trick titles through Do More With Your Dog!

Beanie the sheep has his Grand Champion Trick Title and can do 101 recognised dog tricks. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the most tricks done by a sheep in one minute.

All animals enjoy trick training!
If you're a horse lover, why not try to teach your equine how to bow?



#3. Do More With Your Dog Advanced Trick - Equine Bow

You will need:

✔️ A clicker or marker word (‘yes’)

✔️ Lots of food rewards (chopped carrot, cut lengthways then widthways)

✔️ A treat pouch so rewards are quickly accessible

✔️ A target stick (crop, fly swat, your hand)

Steps:














1. Hold the target close to your horse’s nose, and click and reward for touching it.



2. Increase difficulty by holding the target to the side, up and down so your horse has to move to touch it. Click and reward.

3. Hold the target down low near your horse’s front feet. Click and reward here. A horse’s vision is not as forward-focused as ours, so your horse may lose sight of the target. Food (as a lure) can be used instead of a target.


4. Hold the target behind your horse’s front feet. Click and reward here. The goal is to have your horse reach between its front legs to touch the target.



5. If you hold the target back far enough, your horse will bring one leg backward into a lovely bow. (see lead image)

In Summary


The growth in popularity of trick training is linked to the spread of positive reinforcement as an effective and kind training method. Tricks are all done at liberty. No force is allowed. Treats are allowed in the competition ring. Treats are encouraged in online entries. 
Both the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA advocate that positive reinforcement training results in improved animal welfare.

To learn more about the benefits of trick training and how to get started teaching your pet, visit www.funandreward.com

If you would like help getting started with trick training the Pet Professional Guild Australia has a database of trick trainers happy to help you. 

Membership to PPGA is free for pet owners, who are also welcome to attend the Pet Professional Guild Australia’s 2024 Biennial Conference in Sydney (14-16 June 2024).

Join a hands-on workshop on Trick Training with Any Species, run by Noeline Cassettari. Thumbelina the miniature horse and Cindy the miniature donkey will be your tutors for this session.

written by Noeline Cassettari, March 2024 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

About our writer

Noeline Cassettari began her career working as an animator for Hanna-Barbera and Walt Disney. Noeline has illustrated many children's books, created digital animations for games, and lectured in Digital Animation at tertiary level. She now lives on a farm near Sydney, Australia, with clever and adorable animals and teaches them tricks!

Noeline 
began clicker training in 2001 after discovering miniature horses existed and buying one! She was uncomfortable with the use of negative reinforcement and punishment traditionally used to train horses. Her search for a different answer led her to 
clickwithhorses.com and the purchase of her first clicker.

She has since trained a donkey, fox, deer, sheep, cattle, dog, cat, chickens, peacocks, and a llama! Rose the miniature horse is the only horse in the world to have earned her Grand Champion Trick Dog title. Thumbelina the miniature horse participated in the Australian Circus Festival and appeared on Australia's Got Talent in 2019. Her Valais Blacknose pet sheep Beanie also has his Champion Masters title and can do 101 tricks!

Rose (horse) and Beanie (sheep) hold Guinness World Records for the “Most tricks done in 1 minute”.

Noelle has studied animal training with Terry Ryan and is a KPA Certified Training Partner and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor with Do More for Your Dog.

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Canine Hoopers: a Fun Dog Sport!



Learn, Grow, Influence at PPGA's June 2024 Conference 

This 3-day event guarantees high-level education, workshops and networking opportunities for pet training and behaviour professionals. Plus pet owners are welcome!

Australia’s leading dog training organisation Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) has opened registrations for its biennial conference themed Learn, Grow, Influence in Sydney from 14 to 16 June 2024. PPGA represents pet industry professionals who are committed to results and science-based, force-free training and pet care, and offer educational resources for pet lovers.

“The pet training industry continues to be unregulated and PPGA is one of the very few organisations in Australia that requires their professional members to do ongoing further education to keep up with best practices and scientific research to maintain their membership,” says PPGA Vice President Barbara Hodel.

PPGA prides itself in using force free methods based on the latest research and science on the ethical treatment of animals! We encourage professionals across the pet industry to attend this special event to learn from our presenters, grow professionally and influence the wider community.”

The conference offers a unique learning experience for pet professionals and pet owners alike through lectures and practical workshops by globally renowned pet training and behaviour experts.

“Attendees will be spoilt for choice with an assortment of workshops designed to provide a 'taster' of new and innovative ideas for trainers, their animals and their clients,” says Hodel.

The morning workshops will be presented by two international experts and one Australian leading expert in their field. The afternoon sessions will feature six local talents covering a diverse range of topics.

“There will also be networking opportunities among like-minded professionals and pet lovers to be inspired, motivated and create new ideas!” says Hodel.

The practical workshops will run on June 14 at St Ives Showground (transport from the city is organised) and the lectures are scheduled for June 15 and 16 at the Rydges World Square in the CBD.

For the full Conference schedule, visit ppgaustralia.net.au/Conference/schedule

International Speakers & Workshop Presenters

  • UK’s Dr Robert Hewings is a former police dog handler and trainer in explosive search and narcotics, and will share his expertise in canine scent detection plus recent research and training of assistance dogs in scent work.
  • Barbara Buchmayer from the US will come to Australia for the first time to present a workshop and presentations covering all things positive herding! Whether you’re interested in the sport or looking for fabulous exercises and strategies to incorporate into pet dog life, Buchmayer will share her 30 years knowledge in herding training methods using positive reinforcement.
  • UK’s Dr Zazie Todd PhD (Psych), creator of the Companion Animal Psychology blog and award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, will cover counter-conditioning, the role of emotions in animal welfare, how to prevent and resolve common cat behaviour issues; strategies for the human side of fearful/reactive dogs and changing minds on training methods.


The Australian line-up is as impressive with many workshops on offer
  • At the ‘Un-Chase!® - In Action!’ workshop, Alexis Davison will help to set clients up for success, teach key alternate behaviours, build calmness, and change chase triggers to cues.
  • Ian Shivers' workshop is all about incorporating enrichment in your training plan.
  • If you want to train a different species, Noeline Cassettari’s trick training with a donkey and a miniature horse might be your choice. (Her miniature horse Rose holds a Guinness World Record for ‘the most tricks performed by a horse in one minute!).
  • Improve your training techniques with ‘Mission Precision’ by Laura Ryder, ‘Clicker Games Tournament’ by Jari Castle and ‘Mechanical Skills’ by Jade Fountain.
  • You’ll have lots of fun while learning new skills at ‘Hoopers for the Inner City Trainer’ with Louise Newman and Shelley Aukett!

The conference is packed with learning and networking opportunities and in addition to the international presenters, the Australians present new and exciting topics!

  • University of Adelaide’s Dr Eduardo Fernandez will introduce the LIFE (Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective) approach to animal training methods, the new best practice model for teaching and training.
  • In ‘Pet Bereavement – PrĂ©cis of a Complex Journey’, Debra Milikan will talk about grief, which comes in many forms when losing a pet.
  • Alex Matsoukas will help you drum up more business with her talk on SEO and website analytics and Jari Castle will explain how to run seminars for reactive dog owners.

Registration Details

3 days entire conference and workshops:
  • Members $700 | Early bird $550*
  • Non-members $800 | Early bird $750*

* Hurry! Early bird pricing ends April 30, 2024.

To register, visit ppgaustralia.net.au/Conference/Register

If you’re unable to make the entire three days, you can select other ticketing options.

For more ticketing information and conference registration details register here.




Thank you to PPGA 2024 Biennial Conference Sponsors!

Thank you to our major sponsor Antinol and our stall sponsors Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Inc (APDT), Assistance Animals International, Pet Behaviour Vet, Karen Pryor Academy, Harbour City Dog Gear, Pet Perspective, Safe4 and Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).

About the Pet Professional Guild Australia

The Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) is a membership organisation representing pet industry professionals who are committed to science-based, force-free training and pet care.

We are an official branch of the Pet Professional Guild, a worldwide organisation committed to advocating, educating and encouraging improvements in companion animal welfare through the use of fear free techniques.

Currently PPGA has over 350 professional members, many of these professional trainers in the animal industry, mostly with companion animals such as dogs, cats, horses, birds and pocket pets. Our PPGA members include some of the most well renowned veterinary behaviourists and trainers, many of which have worked with rescues and councils in the past and have a wealth of knowledge in behavioural modification.

The PPGA members and affiliates focus on a pet’s physical, mental, environmental and nutritional well-being, a holistic approach to the care and training of family pets.

To learn more, visit www.ppgaustralia.net.au

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