In Episode 136 of DogCast Radio you can hear Pamela Johnson talking about how to train a "hug" behaviour with your dog. Hugging is not something that comes naturally to dogs, and they need to know and trust the person giving them a hug. As Pam points out, you need to work within what your dog is comfortable with, and build gradually - and the behaviour has practical applications. Imagine you're by a road and your dogs pulls away from you, you could avoid an accident by simply opening your arms and your dog walking into them, accepting a "hug". There are many uses you can put a walking into the arms behaviour, and having open arms naturally pulls a dog towards you, as agility handlers will probably already know. Pam runs her Dog Academy in San Diego and if you can't actually attend her classes, you can still benefit from the many informative and educational videos on her YouTube channel.
In the DogCast Radio News, Kate and Nick have news of some shocking accidents that have befallen dogs in the U.K., how a would-be dog poisoner was thwarted in Boston, USA, the French man whose dog shot him, and a significant birthday for Clifford the big red dog.
In Buddy's Diary, Buddy reflects on the very odd things that have been happening to him lately. Why does the vet keep using a sleepy needle on him, and why does he keep waking up with a bit of him hurting? But he has learned from the experience, and has a couple of pieces of wisdom to share. Host Julie brings us her side of the latest developments in Buddy's recent health problems.
Julie also has news of a U.S. artist, Carole Pivarnik, is in the midst of creating a fun new book for dog-lovers called Doggitude. The book features dozens of dogs - portrayed in Carole's lively watercolors - whose irreverent opinions are expressed in sassy haiku. This amusing, artful book is due to be published later this Fall and is sure to be a hit with anyone who has ever wondered what their dog was really thinking! Meanwhile, Carole has a Doggitude campaign active on Kickstarter through October 4, seeking to raise funds for book promotion. Anyone who has ever purchased anything from Amazon can easily back this project for any amount ranging from $1 to $450 USD. In exchange for the amount pledged, backers get to select a rewards package that can include signed copies of the book, note cards and fine art prints featuring paintings from the book, and original watercolor portraits by Carole. Beyond getting 100% funded, achieving certain additional funding milestones will unlock some neat bonus rewards.
If you love dogs, dog art, and dog humor, Doggitude is sure to be right up your alley!
Learn more about the Doggitude Kickstarter campaign, "Like" Doggitude on Facebook to see works in progress and participate in discussion about the project, visit
The Doggitude Web site/blog or for more information, you can contact Carole directly at carole@brindlestudio.com.
Meanwhile in the U.K. Nina Cole, who's been a guest on DogCast Radio talking about her pet sitting experiences, is campaigning to have animal welfare & awareness of animal cruelty taught in all UK schools. She says this would provide an excellent opportunity to reduce the number of animal abuse cases.
Studies show that people who commit violent acts against animals will frequently re-offend against people. Nina wants to work toward a world in which humans respect all animals and including animal welfare as part of the school curriculum, will help to create a more empathetic youth. If you agree with Nina there's a petition you can sign called Introduce Animal Welfare to the School Curriculum.
