SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

 

 

 

"What's New?" is designed for posting items from you, that would be of interest to other Shih Tzu folks.  Items that need quick action for example a community vote or protest against proposed legislation re: anti-dog or anti-breeder sentiment. New medical research, new grooming or health products, even new Champions can be posted.  Some of the articles will be moved to a permanent location on the STFSC website with a link from "What's New?" 

Your Participation in

Research on Temperament/Behavior is Needed

The Center for Interaction of Animals and Society at U. of Pennsylvania is doing some  interesting research about the genetic vs. environmental elements of temperament/behavior. Dr. James Serpell, the center's director, described the results of the Center's  initial study at an AKC affiliated All Breeds Club. Dr Serpell's comments strongly suggest that socialization and the skills/experience of the owner are a part of-- if not THE major factor in 'behavior problems." This won't surprise many breeders, but in a time of increasing anti-dog legislation and anti-breeder sentiment, it is an important point to back up with solid scientific research.

The initial study work used surveys that depended to some degree on people remembering incidents in the past. Dr. Serpell is not conducting a more rigorous study in which a diary is kept each week from the 5th through 16th weeks of a puppy's life. He has put together an easy-to-use booklet for this purpose and would like to broaden the number of breeders and breeds participating in the study. Your name, etc. will be kept confidential.

If you have a new litter or are expecting to whelp a litter within the next few months, won't you consider taking a few minutes each week to participate in this research? The puppy diaries are laid out to make it easy for your puppy buyers to continue the notes through the 16th week, if necessary. A stamped, self-addressed envelope is provided with the diary to return to the Center at the end of the 16th week.  The only other participation requested is to fill out a brief form when the puppy is 1 year old.

If you are willing to contribute to this important research, please contact Dr. Serpell's post-doctoral researcher, Dr. Yuying Hsu at yuying@vet.upenn.edu who will send you the diaries and simple instructions.

Dr. Serpell, who is British, commented that he has conducted earlier studies at the request of the Cocker Club in Britain: re: alleged "rage syndrome" in purebred English Cockers.

Article provided by DogWatch. You can be added to their mailing list by emailing: DogWatch@listbot.com

 

 

A PETsMART survey of 500 pet owners conducted by CommSciences proves that pet owners go to extraordinary lengths for their pets.

 

91 percent have pets because of pets unconditional love.

80 percent brag about their pets to others.

76 percent feel guilty leaving their pets at home.

70 percent allow their pet to sleep with them at night.

68 percent consider pets members of the family and make life choices to accommodate them.

68 percent describe themselves as "cherishers" who provide pets privileges usually granted to human family members.

64 percent include news about their pets in greeting cards.

53 percent travel or vacation with their pets.

47 percent speak baby talk to their pets.

37 percent carry a picture of their pets in their wallet.

31 percent stay home when their pet is sick.

28 percent talk to their pet on the phone or  answering machine.

27 percent celebrate their pet's birthday with a party.

27 percent arrange day care for the pets.

23 percent select pet-friendly vacations.

22 percent watch TV shows they know their pet enjoys.

19 percent select meals at restaurants because their pets enjoy the leftovers.

16 percent bought a car with a pet in mind.

PETsMART is a national chain of pet supplies. They operate a national rescue program for dogs and cats, donate a percentage of their profits for animal welfare, and most importantly do not sell puppies or kittens.  Instead the shops maintain a local directory of responsible breeders. For more information on PETsMART go to: http://www.petsmart.com  -- Editorial comment.

 

 

 

 

PET THERAPY

You know what a beneficial effect your pet has on your life, but did you know that modern medicine is starting to recognize a multitude of health benefits that come from interacting with animals? "Pet therapy" is being used to treat a range of physical and mental ailments, and animals have been brought in to help patients with stress relief, physiotherapy, depression, and lowering blood pressure. And it isn't just cats and dogs helping out - some programs have used animals like goats, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, and llamas! Kind of like a portable zoo. Read more about these medical practitioners of the animal world. Medical practitioners of the animal world:
http://www.lfmn.com/r/sr.asp?

 

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