One of my students experienced this the day after she had taken the Canine First Responder course:

Hi Pauline,

Many thanks for the course on Saturday – very enjoyable and useful.
You’ll not believe it – had to put my training into practice on Sunday afternoon.
Jess decided to jump the sea wall at South Queensferry – 2 foot on our side – around 15ft on the other side.
It is beach below but Jess managed to land on the rocks!
Damaged paw and possible neck injuries.  Managed to keep her calm, while I examined her – dispatched hubbie off to get the car and daughter to phone vet.  Emergency vet gave sedative and pain killers – and we took her home, hubbie slept downstairs on air bed beside her all night as she cried all night.  She was admitted this morning for full tests and x-rays – should hear later this afternoon – not expecting it to be too bad as I say bad strain or possible fracture but not broken bones!
There you go!  Who would have believed it??
Thanks again for a great day.

What would you do if your dog ran off? please read the heart breaking post below.

On the day of his disappearance, he had unfortunately travelled 4-5 miles from where he went missing and was unlucky to have been hit by a car on a roundabout. The police and the environmental services nor the dog warden never let me know that Nandor’s body had been picked up, and disposed of.  I found out by chance of talking to somebody (6 days later) who had heard of a dog which had been knocked down and killed on the road. The events leading up to and following his death are still too painful to go into detail but you can read about them on his doglost link http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=26758 . If you scroll down the page you will see how I found out my beloved boy had been killed.
You can appreciate the heartbreak I have endured and on top of that I have been robbed of the chance to say goodbye to my boy. This suffering has to stop. We all love our dogs like part of the family and I would hate for anyone else to go through what I have.

Please sign his petition to help – http://www.petition.co.uk/more-communication-between-authorities

please  circulate it to as many dog owners as you can.
I will not let this lie.  This will be Nandor’s legacy.  The authorities are trying to make it law that we have our dogs microchipped or tattooed but why as they don’t seem to check for id when you expect them to.
Many thanks for your time.

Jake, a former rescue dog, was on a walk in a park with his owner when a woman’s screams were heard in the distance.

The fearless hound darted off into a woodland area and found Esmahil Adhami, 18, molesting a woman, aged in her 20s.

Jake lunged at Adhami and chased him away – and stayed with the distraught victim, circling her “like he was guarding”, until the police arrived.

His owner, Liz Maxter-Bluck, said Jake had been “incredible” during the incident that took place on Hershall Common, Coventry, last July.

She said: “I heard shouting and screaming but thought it was just kids but Jake ran off into the woods.

“I went to catch up with him and the next thing I knew this bloke is running towards me a terrified look on his face and Jake is about 2ft behind him.”

The attacker has since been convicted of serious sexual assault and jailed for four years.

Jake received his bravery award and a medallion from the RSPCA in recognition of his actions that prevented a life-threatening situation.

Mrs Maxter-Bluck said: “He is such a lovely natured dog and is very nosey so I think that was why he went to investigate that day when he heard the screams. After I called the police he stayed alert and close to us like he was guarding us.”

She added: “It is brilliant that he is receiving this award from the RSPCA, I am really proud. It is especially touching because we got him from the RSPCA. As soon as I saw him that December in the kennels I wanted him.

“Rottweilers don’t always get good publicity so it is great to see a rottweiler being recognised in such a positive way.”

DC Clive Leftwich, from Coventry Police, who nominated Jake for the award, said: “From our point of view Jake the rottweiler stopped a serious sexual assault from becoming even worse.

“The dog frightened off the attacker and stayed at the scene until we arrived.”

Glenn Mayoll, manager of RSPCA Coventry Animal Centre which cared for and rehomed Jake in 2008, said his team were “immensely proud” of the courageous canine.

“This story just goes to show that a rescue dog can be a great addition to any family,” he said.

“Certain breeds of dogs, such as rottweiler’s, often stay too long in rescue kennels but I really cannot stress enough that dogs should never be judged simply by their breed and Jake certainly proves this point.

“It is wonderful that Jake is now part of a loving, caring family and that his brave actions are being recognised.”

7th November 2010

Come and meet pauline & Darryl at the 10th Anniversary of the second chance Kennels

This is a very special year for us here at the kennels as, on 2nd May 2009, we will have been open for 10 years!!!! Where has the time gone?!We worked from home since 1995 to raise the money to build the kennels, my husband Frank has been my rock allowing me to fulfill a lifetime dream of working with and helping dogs who have needed us, some more than others.Yes there have been some very sad times when some wee souls we just couldn’t save have gone to Rainbow Bridge, we miss each and everyone.To our dedicated team of volunteers and everyone who has helped us along the way: we couldn’t have done it without you and count ourselves very lucky to have you on board.Look out for some charity nights where you can come along and help us celebrate.My New Year’s resolution is to get our ‘Staff and Volunteers’ section of the website complete so that everyone who visits can “meet” them and their own dogs (most of whom are Second Chancers I am proud to say!)

Welcome to our 3rd Greyhound Rescue Fife Dog Show that will take place indoors on Sunday the 2nd May at Caldwell’s farm near Collessie in Fife. The organiser’s hope that this family friendly event will help raise awareness of the plight of greyhounds in a relaxed atmosphere and allow people not only the opportunity to talk about their dogs but show them as well. Although the show will have a predominantly greyhound slant to it, some classes will be open to other breeds as well. If you do not have a dog then this is the ideal opportunity to come along and see these majestic dogs “strut” their stuff and learn more about them and expel many of the myths.
Prices
Entry to this whole day event costs only £3pp with accompanying kids going free (16 and under). Although people can pay on the day, buying an advanced ticket will give you entry to our free prize draw, which will take place at the half way stage. These tickets can be purchased at any of the Fife greyhound dog walks or from Jimmy/Celia and others in the Fife area (look out for the posters). This year to ensure that everybody entering the show hall has paid we will be issuing wristbands at the front door as you come in, so please wear at all times during the event otherwise you may be asked to pay again !! On the day entry to each class will cost £1 per dog (payable on entry to the ring) with the exception of “best family of dogs” which costs £1.50 for 2 or more dogs (any breed) and the final which is free.
Venue facilities
Caldwell’s farm, Collessie, By Ladybank, Fife, KY15 7UY. Click here for map. Show will take place indoors in a sandy horse-riding arena. There are car parking and toilet facilities. We also have the use of the adjacent field for anybody wanting to walk their dogs during the day. As it is a working farm owners are asked to be in control of their dogs at all times and clean up any mess they may make. We will also have hot/cold drinks, sandwiches, crisps and confectionery for sale. GRF Merchandise, home baking, book sale, kids lucky dip, tombola and Wii ski jumping competition will also be available on the day, along with several commercial companies who will have various dog treats for sale on the day. These commercial companies help sponsor our event and we would encourage as many of you as possible to visit these stands to find out what these companies have to offer.
Directions

From the M90 southbound, exit at junction 9 onto the A912 following signs for Cupar and Glenfarg. At the roundabout go straight on for Glenfarg. Follow the road alongside the river until you pass the quarry on your left, then turn left signed for Gateside. In Gateside turn left onto the A91.From the A91 eastbound pass through Gateside, and through Auchtermuchty. Approx. 2 miles from Auchtermuchty, you will see hedges beginning on your left and a line of mature trees leading up the hill. Turn left into the drive for Caldwell farm.From the M90 northbound, exit at junct.8 following signs for the A91, St Andrews and Falkland Palace.From the A91westbound. At the Melville Lodge roundabout and the junction with A92 to Ladybank and Dundee, take the A91 signed Auchtermuchty. Follow the A91 until a staggered crossroads, with the ‘Animal Park’ and Giffordtown on the left and Collessie and Newburgh on the right. Caldwell farm is the second entrance on the right after the junction.Watch out for the greyhound signs and balloons.Programme
Door open at 11:00 with the first class starting at 11:30. The winners of each class will go into the “Best of show” final. Your dogs can be entered into as many classes as you want. If you have several dogs at the show and you wish to enter a particular class we hope to have walkers available to take your dog round the ring.
Show order

Best junior handlerBest male greyhoundBest non-greyhoundHomeless hound parade (+ advanced ticket raffle)Best family of dogsBest loveable faceBest female greyhoundHomeless hound parade 2 (+ main raffle)Best in show final
Best junior handler: This class is open to all kids 16 and under allowing them the opportunity to show their dogs off (Open to all dog breeds).Best male greyhound: As the title suggests for male greyhounds only, a highly competitive field is expected to see who is crowned prince of the show !Best non-greyhound: open to all other breeds except greyhounds allowing the best of the rest an opportunity to reach the final !Best family of dogs: Open to owners with 2 or more dogs of any breed, the winners of this class will nominate one of their dogs to go into the final.Best loveable face: Open to all breeds with the judges paying particular attention to the dogs facial features, if your dog has a cute face with eyes to melt your heart then this is the class for you !Best female greyhound: The penultimate class and probably the most competitive of the show who will be crowned princess of the greyhounds (open to female greyhounds only).Best of show: The final which is open to all winners of the previous classes. — Who will be crowned King/Queen of the dog world ?Prizes
Rosettes and prizes will be awarded to the first 6 dogs in each class (more than any other dog show !!) with the first three also receiving a certificate. All winners will also have their photograph taken in front of our sponsors wall. Who will be crowned King or Queen of the show in 2010 ?
Previous winners.
2008: Duke (2 year old male greyhound – winner of Best Junior handler class)
2009: Blue (2 year old male greyhound – winner of Best male greyhound class)

This article is about the very first 7 days of training your dog. We are basically going to apply a few techniques created from a well respected dog trainer, Mr. William Koehler. Your dog’s first 7 fays should be praised when doing the long-line method. This is considered one of the best innovations in dog training.
Even if the first few days seem hectic, make sure you follow the methods to the “T”. This will help make your dog more obedient than ever before. He will learn much faster and easier. The first day of training. During your very first day of training, simply take your dog to the park, sidewalk or even your back yard where there is less distractions. Then place his training collar on and make sure it is well fitted. Simply tie one end of the long-line to the “free ring”. Then hold the opposite end of the long-line with a hand and choose a spot at around 30-45 feet away. This can be a hydrant, a can or even a section of grass. Try walking fast in a single line to that area.
Make sure you allow nothing to stand in your way — including your dog. Your dog may begin wailing, this is a sign that he would rather go in the opposite direction and you are not listening. Your dog may even roll over to his back and place his legs up in the air. This is a sign that he doesn’t want to walk along with you.
Your dog may even try resting right in front of you. This means you forgot to ask his permission to walk and he wants to stand still.
During dog training, you have to keep something in mind and that is you are training your dog, its not the other way around. Usually, during the very first 60 seconds of dog training (during the time you’re walking 45 feet) your dog may check your will. It is important that your pet develops assurance/
Your dog will eventually develop his own assurance, only if he is aware that you will go from one point to another. Once you have reached your chosen location, your dog’s learning process will have been imbedded within his mind. So, all you have to do is stand there for around 45 seconds to 60 seconds. Make sure you look around and monitor everything around except your dog. Avoid looking at him.
This may help entangle emotional struggle. When you are around 45- seconds away from your dog, choose another spot around the same distance or so without tugging on his lease. Just walk right to the spot. Make sure you don’t allow your dog to stand in the way. Even if you have to clear your throat to capture your pet’s attention. Never ask your pet’s permission — just walk on. Finally, when you have reached your destination, simply pause once again for around 45 seconds to watch your surrounds with the exception of your dog. When you pick your location, make sure you do it without warning.
You should try this process for around 15 minutes.Information written by Jenny Harris of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a fantastic selection of interactive dog toys online.

National Pet Month in a NutshellWhen?From 3 April – 3 May 2010, you are invited to be a part of National Pet Month, sponsored by Argos. Thousands of people up and down the UK will be celebrating life with their pets, spreading the word on responsible pet ownership or raising money for their favourite charity in fun-filled events. Why not be a part of this?Why?National Pet Month’s aims are toPromote responsible pet ownershipMake people aware of the mutual benefits of living with petsIncrease public awareness of the role of pet care specialistsRaise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animalsWhat?Each year the responsible pet ownership message is conveyed by running the events under a central theme. Our 2010 theme is ‘Healthy pets make happy pets’ – perfect to promote responsible pet ownership.Who?National Pet Month is a registered charity, unique in bringing together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers, with the common goal of improving the welfare of pets. The trustees are National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) and Pet Care Trust (PCT).How?Anyone interested in running events for National Pet Month should check out the details on putting on an event.