WARNING
Will owners of Spanish Water dogs please beware of advice from some Breeders/Vet nurses/Trainers, who advise them to pin-down, scruff or smack their puppies either with their hands or rolled up Newspapers to punish them or stop them biting. This does not help to train your puppy and may well lead to more serious behavioural problems.

Congratulations to all dogs at Crufts this year. This years results here

The winners picture here

Information from the Animal Health Trust re Seasonal Canine illness

Please take a look at the following link re the above illness, this is picked up by dogs walking in wooded areas in certain parts of the Country, the link has a list of symptoms, places to avoid, thoughts on the cause of the illness.

New Rules for Travellling with Pets Abroad from 1st January 2012

See Defra web site for Press Release and Leaflet

-------------------------------------------------

For all Members to look at

Please see the following link to www.wales.gov.uk/animalwelfare where there is a link (here) to a consultation document for proposed changes of Welsh Breeding of Dogs.  We have received a letter from the Kennel Club who agree with the intentions of the Welsh Assembly, the regulations on age of breeding bitch and number of litters.  They are concerned that the best, more reputable breeders will be negatively affected by excessive regulation.

Their concerns include;
the number of breeding bitches being the test for when licensing should kick in (preferring that it be litter numbers)
prescriptive regulations on water bowls and staff numbers
requirement of breeders to vaccinate
requirement to microchip

The Committee invites all members, breeders and owners to look at the proposed changes then respond using the online form.