Article by Dr Sheilagh Hahn in the journal for SABCAP (SA board for Companion Animal Professionals). A cat that has had 4 kittens (which is a small litter), may have 2 daughters in that litter. If those 2 females had 4 kittens each a few months later, we’d have 4 females plus the original mother having more kittens in this time. If you continue to do the maths at a doubled up ratio every six months (again, this is conservative), and include the kittens that the male cats from these litters are fathering, after 4 years you’ll be nearing the

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This breed is intelligent, observant, loyal, courageous, protective and energetic. The Boerboel was bred to guard the homestead and family within, and to tackle large animals like lions and baboons. They’re therefor very protective of family and territory, always wanting to be with their owners and involved in family life. This dog will not hesitate to defend a family member to the death. It is not unusual for the breed to display aggression toward other dogs or strangers so early and ongoing socialisation is necessary. The Boerboel needs firm handling and good leadership skills from an early age. Obedience training

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As people are opting for fewer refined grain product, a lot are switching their dogs to a gluten-free diet too. Here’s a yummy recipe for your dog’s favourite treats. Ingredients 2 cups fine almond flour ½  cup coconut flour 2 tablespoons ground flax seed ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup water Method Preheat oven to 160ºC Line a baking sheet with parchment paper Combine flours & flaxseeds Add peanut butter & water. Mix together Kneed mixture until it forms a dough ball Roll out to approximately 1cm thick. Use a biscuit cutter to stamp out biscuits or cut into squares

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The brave and bouncy Bully was originally bred in Europe for human “entertainment” by way of dog-fighting and bull-baiting as well as for vermin control. By mixing the English Bulldog for its tenacity and the old English terrier for its speed, the Bull terrier was born. Then because 20% of pure white Bull terriers were being born deaf, some colour was introduced by further breeding with the Staffordshire Bull terrier to lower probability of deafness.  This mix is the Bully we know today. The breed is known to be loyal and protective of their human family and because of their

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Wild dogs long ago adopted a hierarchical order that establishes which members get first option on food, the best resting spots and the healthiest mates. So rather than having to fight for access to valued things every time, those lower down in rank know to wait their turn. That way they not only keep order within the pack, but also keep the pack strong because the best genetics are bred with, while the weaker animals’ offspring may not be as healthy and die earlier. In our domesticated dogs, the more senior pack members will sometimes show a bit of aggression

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The Basset was bred for pack hunting because of its good sense of smell. At home the breed needs a fairly firm and patient owner. Training can be challenging as the Basset can be a stubborn dog. Toilet training is also sometime quite a job with the breed. It doesn’t have high energy needs, but requires space and regular unhurried walks. The breed also enjoys playing so its a good idea to introduce a play routine early on. The Basset is sometimes difficult to let off-leash during walks because of its strong scenting ability, which can override the need to

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Eyes open                                                        10 – 14 days                   (gentle introduction to handling) First set of teeth, start walking                                    2 – 3 weeks                     (supply appropriate rubber chews, safety) Ears open                                                         3 weeks                              (continue careful socialisation) Controlled excretion – no reflex stimulation            1 month                              (start house training) Eyes start to focus                                            6 weeks                              (more socialisation – add variety) Weaning                                                           7 weeks                              (soft solid food) Pack formation begins                                              2 months     

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Do we get it right – trying to communicate information to our pets? Why then do their “bad” behaviours continue? Naturally we view everything from our human perspective. We judge situations by our own experiences, by our needs and by our norms, so misunderstandings with our pets can happen easily. Confusion and stress can result, which often worsens the problem. That ‘guilty look’ – the low posture and looking down as you raise your voice and wave your finger at your dog isn’t guilt at all. Its “I see you’re angry about something. I’m sorry you feel that way. Please

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This elegant gentle giant was originally bred for hunting and to guard property. The breed is generally affectionate and greatly enjoys family life. Danes are not very active but need lots of space because of their size, as well as unhurried, regular walks. These dogs should never be exercised on a full stomach as they can develop painful and even dangerous intestinal torsion. Their tendency to dig and bark are low making them a relatively popular breed to welcome to the family, provided there’s enough space. In training these dogs can be stubborn and might need an extra treat or

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Try not to use your dog’s name in negative ways too often, even if you are a bit angry. If that happens once too many times your dog may not be that keen to listen to you the next time. They may be scared of the consequences. If you use their name mostly in positive ways, such as during play and praise, which time should always be made for, the sound of it is more likely to get your dog’s positive attention and interest in the future. You’ll be training your dog and yourself!

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