Episode 21 - dogshaming, a Downton Abbey star and more

The Dog News Show

The latest Internet craze of "dogshaming" is the story that kicks off Episode 21 of The Dog News Show - and it has divided opinion not just in the dog community but also in the presenters of the show too. One of them finds it funny, the other finds it unpleasant - can you guess which is which? But is it the dog's fault when he commits a "crime"? And where does any "shame" attached belong - with the dog or the owner? See Julie's response to dog shaming on the DogCast Radio site. The girls thrash all this and more out, and before they leave the subject of shame there is a follow up on a story featured in Episode 18. Shane Potts abandoned his two Jack Russell Terriers and when one starved to death, the other dog ate it to stay alive, Potts has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, plus a 10 year ban on keeping animals and a fine of £500.
It's been a while since Debbie got to stomp on any research, so to keep her happy Julie has a story of research into OCD behaviour in dogs. The study was done in Helsinki, Finland, and has come up with some interesting findings; that dogs who display OCD behaviour such as chasing their tail excessively are more likely to have been taken away from their mother too early. Dogs who have vitamin and mineral supplements added to their food are less likely to exhibit OCD symptoms. It's hoped that the study can help to shed light on OCD in humans.

You may know actor Peter Egan best from his role in Ever Decreasing Circles - although you will be seeing him on your televisions this Christmas too, and without revealing too much fans of Downton Abbey should stay tuned! - but are you aware he is a committed advocate for dog welfare and runs his own charity All Dogs Matter? Included in this show is an extract from an interview Debbie did with Peter, and hopefully she'll be catching up with him again when they both attend Marc Abraham's Pupaid in September. You can read an interview with Peter Egan on the Safepets UK website, and you can hear an extract of Debbie's interview with Marc Abraham in Episode 22 next week.
The next story is from Adelaide, Australia, where there have been problems with dog attacks - at one point there were four dog attacks in the space of four days. With both local residents and dog behaviour expert and Australian Veterinary Association spokeswoman Doctor Kersti Seksel supporting mandatory dog training, is that really the answer? Could mandatory training be enforced, or is it better to offer substantial incentives to those who do train their dogs? Plus should owners of all dog breeds be compelled to attend training classes or should some breeds be singled out?
There are stories about dogs falling off cliffs in the news virtually every week, but thankfully when Bella the 15 month old Labrador fell off a cliff while on holiday in Dorset she not only sustained no injuries, but she found her way back to the holiday home the family were staying in. How did she do it? Was it her strong sense of smell or something else? How did her owner react, and why do people keep walking their dogs off lead near cliffs?

In Schmaltz Corner, we end the show with the beautiful story of the duckling rescued and taken into a rescue centre, where she has befriended two dogs, Skip the Terrier and Holly the Collie. Little Fifty Pence, so called as when she was found as a tiny duckling that was how small she was, has fitted right into the pack, attempting to play football with her canine pals, and knowing her place in the "pecking" order. But is it the happy ever after you might hope? Listen and find out.