The decision to use a check chain or harness is one that continues to be discussed. I use the check chain on our beagles. I find it effective in controlling our beagle’s behaviour when out walking and showing.

Evidence I have seen is that a harness does not provide effective control at times of need, i.e. when stress, fear or fight situations arise. If a dog is constantly pulling, a harness will not stop this from happening. For this reason I find the use of a harness for walking purposes to be unsatisfactory.

When used correctly the check chain rarely needs to be tightened around the neck of the dog and should never be used to hurt a dog. When used correctly the dog responds quickly in a positive way. The only time it needs to be tightened is to correct inappropriate behaviour.

It is important when out walking a dog to have effective control. Lack of effective control makes taking a dog out for a walk most unenjoyable. In many cases this results in the dog not being taken out for exercise, which is not a good result.

Some people prefer a harness for their dogs and will not use a check chain believing they are dangerous to the dog’s well being. In over 40 years of using a check chain I have never witnessed a dog hurt by one.

Harnesses are good for restraining your dog in a car where in an accident, the largest part of the dog (the body) takes the force of restraint. Using a check chain for this purpose is most unacceptable and most likely would result in severe injury.

I have experienced a high impact, high speed collision with roll over with an unrestrained beagle on board. This was pre harness days and seatbelts had only recently become compulsory. Thankfully the beagle was not injured, looking back this would not have taken much for anyone of us not to have made it out alive. We are talking all the stars aligning and tenths of a second between a good and bad result. These days my dogs always travel in the dog trailer or in pet packs in the back. Apart from the occasional trauma of experiencing beagle flatulence all is good.

My opinion
Gordon G

Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires puppies to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.

Puppy Vaccination

Puppies are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first few months of their lives, however until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary in a puppy.

Adult Dog Vaccination

The immunity from puppy vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations, as required, will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination your dog may be off-colour for a day or two, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOGS THAT WE VACCINATE AGAINST

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care.

It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk.

Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Canine Cough

Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper.

Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.

Seek advice from your local Vet 🙂