After intensive training, the ten-month-old Labrador/Retriever cross will be ready to become a guide dog and transform the life of someone living with sight loss.

David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone raised £1,000 for Guide Dogs by donating training ground fines.

Goalkeeping coach Eric Steele said: “Once the goalkeepers knew the money was going towards training a guide dog they were more than happy to donate the fines. We took a vote among the players and chose the name Titan because we wanted a good strong boy’s name, and he is definitely a big strong boy!

“We take our support of good causes very seriously and Guide Dogs is extremely deserving. We wish Titan all the best and hope he will go on to make a massive difference to someone who’s lost their sight.”

Titan will do his training at Guide Dogs’ training school in Atherton, near Manchester. Volunteer puppy walker Kay Kelly, from Stockport, has been looking after Titan since he was six-weeks-old, preparing him for his intensive training.

She said: “It was fantastic for us to come here and meet the Manchester United players. Titan’s had a great time and loved being the centre of attention. The players and staff at the club have been brilliant with him.”

Lisa O’Neill at Guide Dogs said: “We’re really grateful for Manchester United’s support. Their backing means Titan has a great chance of going on to help someone with sight loss get out and about on their own terms, giving them back their freedom and independence.”

The club also donated a signed football as a raffle prize at this summer’s Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards. Titan met Sir Alex and the Manchester United goalkeepers on Friday, 11 May, 2012.

Manchester Utd Keepers’ Titanic Fines Produce Guide Dog is a post from: My Dog Magazine

Researchers found that low Agreeableness was the best predictor of a preference for those dogs seen as more aggressive, such as bull terriers or boxers. Individuals low in Agreeableness are typically less concerned with others’ well-being and may be suspicious, unfriendly and competitive.

However, the study found no link between liking an aggressive dog and delinquent behaviour, or the possibility that liking an aggressive dog is an act of ‘status display’ to show off or attract romantic partners.

Dr Vincent Egan, lead researcher on the study, said:

“This type of study is important, as it shows assumptions are not the whole picture. It is assumed owners of aggressive dogs (or dogs perceived as aggressive) are antisocial show-offs. But we did not find persons who expressed a preference for aggressive dogs had committed more delinquent acts, or reported showing off more.

“However, we did find a preference for a dog with an aggressive reputation was related to being younger and being lower in Agreeableness (i.e., being less concerned with the needs of others, and being quicker to become hostile).”

The study looked at the reasons why some people prefer aggressive dog breeds. Professor Egan explained:

“A lot of human behaviour involves status display and dominance, and evolutionarily this helps with finding mates. Basic personality also influences a lot of our behaviour. By measuring both at the same time, we could see whether they each had an influence on liking aggressive dogs, or whether one was due to another.

“We were surprised mating effort did not have an influence here, but think it might be because we looked at a wider age range. A preference for a non-aggressive dog may also make a statement about a person; liking a pedigree Labrador or a clipped Poodle may be as much a statement as having a pit-bull with a studded collar.”

In the study, participants indicated their preference for different types of dogs, and filled in personality tests. The dogs were independently rated according to how aggressive people perceived them to be. Bull terriers were rated as most aggressive, followed by boxers; retrievers and cocker spaniels were seen as least aggressive.

Analysing the findings, the research team found that certain personality factors indicated a preference for dogs perceived to be more aggressive. Low agreeableness and higher conscientiousness were related to a preference for aggressive dog breeds. Younger people were also more likely to prefer the aggressive breeds.

Surprisingly, the results indicated a small effect suggesting that those who liked aggressive dogs showed signs of conscientiousness – being careful, reliable and thoughtful about their actions. This contradicts the perception that owners of aggressive dogs are always irresponsible.

Dr Egan said:

“These results with Conscientiousness were unexpected, but the effect is a small one, and needs to be repeated in a different group of people. Studies of this kind tend to only look at a restricted age ranges, which may exaggerate findings which do not occur across the entire lifespan, so we believe a stereotype is always true, whereas it may only be true under certain conditions. Our study employed a broader age range.

“We were surprised to find a small association between a preference for aggressive dogs and greater Conscientiousness (i.e., valuing and following rules). However, dogs also prefer rules and firm boundaries themselves. We speculate that cheap dog-training classes would be enjoyable and beneficial for both dog and owner.”

The findings were published last week in the journal Anthrozoos.

Disagreeable People Prefer Aggressive Dogs (Study) is a post from: My Dog Magazine

It's no secret that K9 Magazine has a real (REAL) soft spot for Patterdale Terriers. There's just something about them that makes us smile. Little packages of pure fire and brimstone with a healthy dose of the funny thrown in for good measure.

Here's 5 videos of Patterdale Terriers being cool….

Talking Patterdale Puppies

Patterdale Terrier Overcomes the Odds Against Two Border Terriers

Patterdale Terrier vs Plantpot

Patterdale Aces Agility Course

Fast Learning Patterdale Terrier

Reckon there's a dog breed out there cooler than the Patterdale? Well we'd: A) first like to challenge you to a duel at dawn and/or B) would be happy/willing to hear your case for a cooler breed (use the comments form below).

5 Videos of Patterdale Terriers Being Cool is a post from: My Dog Magazine

Dogs Trust this week called on MPs to join the charity in tackling irresponsible dog ownership at its annual House of Commons reception hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick MP. 

Dogs Trust unveiled a stunning photographic display alongside a policy summary, depicting the work carried out by the charity within communities to help reduce the problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership. The event provided a platform for MPs to talk to Dogs Trust staff about the work carried out on the ground to encourage owners to train, neuter and microchip their dogs.

The launch of ‘Taking The Lead, Tackling Irresponsible Dog Ownership’ follows the government’s recent announcement on irresponsible dog ownership. Dogs Trust has urged the government to seize this opportunity to introduce meaningful reform rather than tinkering with existing dangerous dog legislation.

Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:

“Dogs Trust works with over 300 local authorities to tackle the root causes of irresponsible dog ownership. We know from working in affected communities that this is a complex social issue; one that requires a multi-agency approach to target harder to reach groups. As the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, we believe that we’re in the best position to promote change by engaging with dog owners, schools, dog wardens, young offenders, housing associations and the police. We hope that MPs will support the work that we are doing by pushing ahead with better and more effective legislation, which holds dog owners to account and better protects the public”

Dogs Trust to MPs: Dangerous Dog Legislation Needs Leadership is a post from: My Dog Magazine

Environment Minister John Griffiths launched the consultation today (Wednesday) which sets out five options for introducing compulsory microchipping of dogs over different timeframes.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are members of the Microchipping Alliance which is campaigning for the compulsory microchipping of dogs across the whole of the UK. In Northern Ireland microchipping became mandatory earlier this year and Defra is currently consulting on plans for England.

Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said:

“We are delighted that the Welsh Government recognises the enormous animal welfare benefits of microchipping dogs. By facilitating the quick and safe return of stray dogs microchipping literally saves dogs’ lives.

“Compulsory microchipping would also save local authorities millions of pounds in kennelling fees and the administration costs of handling lost dogs.”

Mark Johnston, President of BSAVA, added:

“Microchipping is safe and cheap with chips being implanted for around £15 to £20 and many veterinary practices and charities offering microchipping for free or as part of a low-cost promotion.

“As part of the consultation BVA and BSAVA will be making the case for all dogs to be microchipped from a certain date, rather than a phased-in approach that would be difficult to enforce.”

Vets Back New Dog Microchip Proposals in Wales is a post from: My Dog Magazine

A recent study of 300 rescue centres in the UK has raised concerns about the prospects of abandoned dogs finding new, permanent loving homes. More than 35% of dogs abandoned in 2011 are still waiting to be rehomed as economic conditions and the volume of dogs in rescue shelters take their toll on Britain’s animal welfare sector.

Aside from financial reasons, relationship break-ups are the main reasons UK’s dogs are being given up, but there is a glimmer of hope which has been sadly lacking in previous years.

Encouragingly, over half (56%) of 1,277 dog owners surveyed wouldn’t consider a dog who’s been in a rescue centre for six months or more a problem dog, according to the recent survey carried out on behalf of Churchill Pet Insurance by UK dog adoption site, DogsBlog.com. In the past dogs who’ve been in rescue homes for more than six months have remained there because would-be dog owners have had concerns about how they would fit into their home.

Pete Bishenden, spokesperson for Churchill Pet Insurance, said: “It’s worrying that so many pets are being housed in rescue centres because owners are struggling to cope. However, it seems that more prospective dog owners are willing, and would even prefer, to take in a rescue dog. Over 90% of dog lovers know about the problems dogs in rescue centres face and are aware of how many dogs are currently waiting for new homes. As a result, more would-be dog owners than in previous years are investigating adopting a dog.”

DogsBlog.com co-founder Ryan O’Meara offered his thoughts on the findings:

“Sadly, the number of dogs seeking new, loving homes from Britain’s rescue shelters is making it almost mission impossible for the UK’s already over-stretched animal welfare organisations. Whilst donations and funding for the welfare sector are as important as ever, the only real, long-term solution to the problems are for more dog lovers to consider adopting a dog rather than buying from breeders. We are facing a tipping point. As more dogs are being bred every day, the consequences of Britain’s dog population problem are being felt in rescue organisations and healthy, loving dogs are losing their chance at a happy life with a loving family.”

More Than A Third Of Dogs Abandoned Last Year Still Looking For New Homes is a post from: My Dog Magazine

· 58% of surveyed owners state that their dogs do not have breathing problems, despite over two thirds showing difficulties during exercise

Owners of certain popular “short-nosed” dog breeds, including Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese and French Bulldogs, are unknowingly putting their pets’ welfare at risk and not seeking essential treatment because they consider their pets’ signs of breathing difficulties to be ‘normal’ for that breed – so reveals a new study from the Royal Veterinary College, published today (Thursday 10 May 2012) by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) in their journal Animal Welfare. Other affected breeds in the study included the Boston Terrier, Dogue de Bordeaux, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and short-nosed crossbreeds.

As a result of intense selection for short muzzles, ‘brachycephalic’ dogs, such as Pugs, have a compressed upper jaw, which results in the soft tissue being crammed within the skull. These dogs are at high risk of developing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), with clinical signs including noisy and laboured breathing, breathing difficulties even on short walks, overheating, gagging and choking. These difficulties can prevent affected dogs from being able to enjoy the simple pleasures in a dog’s life such as exercise, play, food and sleep. In severe cases dogs can experience almost continuous breathing difficulties and physically collapse due to lack of oxygen. Clinical signs often get worse over time if they are left untreated.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College surveyed the owners of 285 dogs referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals over the course of five months for all clinical services. A total of 31 dogs affected by BOAS were identified, and their owners’ surveyed. The researchers found the marked disparity between owners’ reports of severe clinical signs and their perceived lack of a ‘breathing problem’ to be of great concern.

All affected dogs were reported by their owners to ‘snore’ (some even when awake), compared with less than 2% of unaffected dogs. Over two thirds of affected dogs were also reported to show breathing difficulties during exercise on a daily basis. Yet, 58% of owners of affected dogs stated that their dog did not currently have, or have a history of, breathing problems, despite reporting high frequency and severe clinical signs consistent with BOAS. This suggests that most owners of dogs with BOAS do not recognise the problem, and do not seek veterinary advice to help alleviate welfare issues associated with the condition.

Spontaneous comments were also provided by several owners of affected animals who declared that their pet did not suffer from breathing problems. These included “No to breathing problem – other than being a Bulldog” and “(No,) but he is a Pug!”.

Brachycephalic dogs are increasing in popularity, with Kennel Club registrations of the Pug alone increasing from 3,500 to nearly 6,000 per year between 2007 and 2010.

Rowena Packer from the Royal Veterinary College, who carried out the research, said: “Our study clearly shows that owners of brachycephalic dogs often dismiss the signs of this potentially severe breathing disorder as normal and are prepared to tolerate a high degree of respiratory compromise in their pets before seeking help. It may require a particularly acute attack, such as the dog losing consciousness, for owners to perceive a problem.”

Dr Charlotte Burn, who led the research, said “Short noses may make dogs look cute and human-like, but the frequent association with breathing difficulties means that owners need to be aware that this appearance can come with a serious cost to the animal.”

“’Just because a problem is common, that doesn’t make it less of a problem for the individuals who suffer it.”

Miss Packer said “We would urge dog owners not to simply dismiss abnormal breathing sounds and breathing difficulties as ‘normal’, and instead seek professional help if they notice any signs, as there may be things that can be done in both the short and long term to provide a better a quality of life for affected dogs.”

“Without serious appreciation of the clinical signs of BOAS, affected dogs may be left untreated to suffer for the rest of their lives, may continue to be used in breeding programmes, and efforts to reduce the number of dogs affected by this condition may be hampered.”

James Kirkwood, Chief Executive and Scientific Director of UFAW, which publishes Animal Welfare, commented “It is likely that many other genetic welfare problems, caused by selectively breeding for particular physical characteristics, are also perceived by pet owners as ‘normal’. This could be a major constraint to working towards eliminating the problems since pet owners, through their pet-buying decisions for example, can pressure changes in breeding practices that would improve the health and welfare of pets. Lack of information has been a problem for pet owners and UFAW has addressed this by developing a web-based information resource that describes genetic conditions and their welfare consequences on a breed by breed basis. It can be seen at www.ufaw.org.uk/geneticwelfareproblems.php.

Owners of Short Nosed Dog Breeds Unaware of Health Defects is a post from: My Dog Magazine

British pet owners are spending more than £4bn a year on their pets. Market analysts Mintel reported that this figure has risen by 25% over the past five years and is showing little sign of abating. Dog owners are revealed as the most likely to spoil their pet, despite the reduction in people choosing to own a dog over the same period.

People living on their own with a dog were reported as the most generous when it came to lavishing their pet with gifts, as well as spending the most on food, veterinary care and accessories.

The report also highlighted a spending phenomenon which sees people continually humanising their pets. Choosing premium pet foods, spending on luxury items and services as well as celebrating birthdays are said to contribute to the ‘child substitution’ concept suggested in the report.

Rising veterinary fees have contributed to the trend in higher spending, but attitudes towards pet ownership are believed to be equally responsible for the huge surge in spending over the past five years.

Birthday Presents for Dogs

The report, which spoke to 1,006 pet owners, found that the concept of celebrating of a dog’s birthday was completely normal to over a fifth of owners. Even owners who didn’t know the exact date of their pet’s birthday, admitted to celebrating with presents, cards and even special meals on a given date each year.

Paul Pates, Managing Director of pet accessory mail order catalogue, Wishbone (www.wishbonedirect.co.uk), has been quick to encourage phenomenon.

“Nowadays dogs are part of the family, they live inside, they eat at set times with the family, and they even go on holiday. So why not celebrate their birthdays? We have a free doggie birthday club, where every member receives a free present from us when their owners place a birthday order. We also send special offers throughout the year to club members, including Christmas”.

Christmas presents too, are deemed to be a natural part of the pet owner’s budget, with the same percentage admitting to buying their dog at least one present to celebrate the festive season.

Dog owners in North Yorkshire are the most generous with their spending, with memorials to deceased pets as well as cosmetic care such as manicures and pedicures forming part of the budget.

Are Briton’s Spoiling Their Dogs With Lavish Gifts & Treats? is a post from: My Dog Magazine

With countless dogs abandoned across the globe and carrying scars from their experiences that make them poor candidates for adoption, Millan steps in to rehabilitate those dogs whose uncertain futures are threatened with lifelong incarceration or euthanasia. Transferring extreme cases to his Dog Psychology Centre — this time in Spain — Millan will rely on his framework dog behavioral expertise as well as his instincts to isolate each dog’s problem issues, reverse bad habits and give dogs the confidence and ability to join their new “pack”. Cesar will employ his “exercise, discipline and affection” method, overcoming hurdles with dogs that are particularly skittish or aggressive to painstakingly rehabilitate each pup at his centre and prepare them for adoption.

But, Millan’s biggest challenge may be training the families from the U.K., Italy and the Netherlands who are hoping to give the dogs a new lease on life. Three families from each country will travel to Spain for each episode to compete for the chance to adopt one special pup, and their dog skills will be put to the test. Millan will evaluate each potential adoptee through a series of assessments designed to gauge their canine compatibility — and identify any red flags — before choosing the dog’s best match.

“Cesar Millan’s unparalleled insight into the unique behaviour of dogs — and their less-than-obedient humans — has sparked a worldwide phenomenon and transformed the way we understand man’s best friend. Leader of the Pack represents the next step in the evolution of Nat Geo Wild’s relationship with Cesar, and we are pleased to provide our audience with a new franchise from a Nat Geo face they love on a global scale,” said Daniels.

Apply to Have Cesar Millan Work With Your Dog

All applications should be submitted by 1^st June via http://natgeotv.com/uk/leader-of-the-pack/about.

Want Cesar Millan to Train Your Dog? is a post from: My Dog Magazine

Recognising the symptoms of diabetes can lead to early detection and the implementation of a management plan.

6 Signs That Your Dog May Have Diabetes

Drinking more
If you find your dog is suddenly more thirsty and is significantly increasing their water intake, this is a key signal to visit the vet. Drinking more and excessive thirst is a signal for many canine ailments, diabetes being one of them.

Lethargy
Is your dog less bouncy and exuberant than normal? Lethargy – sudden onset of lack of energy – can be a warning sign to problem conditions.

Panting
If you find your dog is suddenly panting more for no apparent reason, it's certainly worthwhile to ask for an assessment from your vet. Find out more about why dogs pant.

Weight Gain
Sudden weight gain in dogs is not always as a result of too many calories or not enough exercise (although that is the primary reason why dogs gain weight). If your dog has shown a sudden increase in weight, this could be an early warning sign of canine diabetes.

Sudden Urination in the Home
If your formally well house trained dog is suddenly going to the toilet in the home, this can be a symptom of health problems related to the bladder or kidneys. It's also one of the key symptoms of early stage diabetes in dogs.

Frequency of Urination
Is your dog asking to go out to the toilet more often than usual? This can be common in older dogs but a sudden desire to urinate more is also a symptom of diabetes. Again, ask to see your vet and keep a record of any health or behavioural changes that could assist your veterinarian.

Canine diabetes is manageable. Early detection offers the best chance of implementing the best management plan should your dog be diagnosed with diabetes.

If you'd like a more in depth report on diabetes in dogs – click here.

6 Danger Signs That Your Dog May be Diabetic is a post from: My Dog Magazine