Community & Business
4 December, 2024
Training done, time for fun
DOGGIE treats, dog smiles, and dog happiness were all around, when the Tablelands Dog Obedience Club celebrated its Christmas break-up party with a fancy dress parade, trophy giving, awards, and a big thank you to all of the volunteer instructors and committee members. The not-for-profit club, which has been in operation since 1990, offers affordable classes on responsible dog ownership and training.
We do like to talk to the animals
MOST Australians talk to their dogs and cats like they are humans, showing just how close we are to our treasured pets, a new survey has revealed.
A recent poll of 1000 Australians found some 93% of respondents said they spoke to their dog or cat as if they were simply another member of the family.
Almost 60% (59%) said they regularly spoke to their dog or cat like a human, while a further 34% said they spoke to their dog or cat like a human “sometimes”.
Only 7% said they never engaged with their dog or cat on a human level.
The reasons for such conversation were varied.
The top response was “My pet is part of my family” with 72%, while another 36% said “My pet is like my child/best friend”.
Another 32% said “I’m sure they understand me”, while 28% said their dog or cat was a “great listener”.
To add to that special relationship, dogs and cats are often included in special occasions, with 37% getting birthday and Christmas presents every year.
Overall, more than half of the respondents were dog owners (54%), 28% were cat owners and 18% owned both.
And there are some pampered pets among them: 32% said their dog or cat slept in their bed, or in bed with somebody in the house, while 43% had their own bed or crate.
Our pets also make themselves right at home, with 60% of owners saying their dog or cat was always allowed on the couch or furniture, while another 30% said “sometimes”.
The poll was conducted by Budget Direct Pet Insurance.
Competition RESULTS
Titles achieved in 2024 for TDOC members
Rally Advanced, Trick Starter:
Vicki Sanders and Ch. Glenloy
One Last Kiss
Tricks Starter: Athena Arnett
and Rubble
Rally Excellent, Novice Tricks: Jessica Crerar and Paris
Tricks Starter: Marie Solomon
and Dappa
Tricks stater, rally novice:
Janet Fornier and Harley
Freestyle Starters (DWD), Tricks Novice, Rally Advanced, Snooker Novice: Mia Cavanagh and Bronte Novice Jumping, Novice Snooker, Rally Novice: Tayla Arnett and
Sarasota Spruk It Up
Tricks Starter: Scarlett Martins
and Bullet
Open Obedience, Rally Excellent: Michelle Rothwell and Smudge Trophies Highest scoring Games handler: Mia and Bronte
Highest scoring Novice jumping: Tayla and Rafe
Tricks starter: Marie Solomon
and Dappa
Tricks novice: Mia Cavanagh
and Bronte
Open Obedience Dog: Michelle Rothwell and Smudge
Rally Novice: Tayla Arnett and Rafe Rally Advanced: Mia Cavanagh
and Bronte
Rally Excellent: Michelle Rothwell and Smudge
Junior encouragement award: Athena Arnett
Encouragement award:
Mia Caulfield
Perpetual Aggregate award for highest scoring junior:
Scarlett Martin
