Talk to the Animals

2009 SERIES FINALE
Last Episode - Sunday 4:00pm 1st November

Story Title: New Giraffes
This is a road trip with a difference. Due to the success of the their breeding program, two young male giraffes, Amani & Thembi, are making the long trek from Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo to Werribee Open Range Zoo just outside of Melbourne. Fifteen hours on the road & the youngsters are keen to stretch their legs but they will have to spend four weeks in quarantine before they can venture out on to the savannah.

More info:
Ph: (03) 9731 9600
zoo.org.au/WerribeeOpenRangeZoo

Story Title: Geriatric Pets
It’s not just humans that suffer the ravages of old age. Pets too can suffer hearing loss, poor eyesight, arthritis and lots of other problems associated with old age. Dr Mel meets three of our elderly pet citizens, Mr Jones, Zack & Heckle and talks to their owners about how they are being affected and how best to care for your ageing friend

Story Title: Best of 2009
We take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of our favourite stories from 2009. From sad to funny moments, dangerous to dead cute, they’re all here in a recap of our year.





Dr Mel's Vet Tip - Dogs in Hot Cars
Despite constant reminders, people still leave their dogs locked in the car during summer. The temperature in a closed car can quickly reach fifty degrees celsius and it doesn’t take long for a dog to start suffering from heatstroke. Leaving a window slightly open is not enough – imagine how you would you feel locked in a car wearing a fur coat!


Basil’s Boot Camp
Learn top tips each week on the best way to train your dog.
This week – Meet Max

Basil takes time out from boot camp to make a house call; today he visits Max and his owner Pru. Max is out an out-of-control 15 month old Cavador (King Charles Cavalier x Labrador) with all manner of common behavioural problems.

To contact Basil: thedogtrainer.com.au

   

 

Previous Episode - Sunday 4:00pm 25th October

Story Title: Bill’s Border Collies
At 78, most people would prefer to spend their time relaxing, playing cards & doing crosswords. Not Bill Goldsack. Bill breeds border collies and always keeps at least one pup from each litter. He currently has 8 dogs (including one ring-in kelpie). He not only trains his dogs to herd sheep but many other tricks - including climbing trees. After a quick lesson, Nicky gets to try her hand at instructing the dogs.

Story Title: Elephant Check
10 year old Asian elephant, Kulab, is five months pregnant. Dr Mel joins Melbourne Zoo veterinarian, Dr Michael Lynch, as our expectant mother is given a blood test & ultrasound to check on the progress of her baby. This is Kulab’s first pregnancy but, with a gestation period of 22 months, she still has a long way to go until her big day.

More info:
Ph: (03) 9285 9300
zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo

Story Title: Gerbera Alpacas
What do gerberas and alpacas have in common? Not much really, but that didn’t stop Bert Rijk from raising both alpacas AND gerbera’s on his property in Healesville in the beautiful Yarra Valley. Pete Lazer finds out these cute creatures all have very individual personalities. He also learns that pregnant females warn off the male of the species with a very nasty habit – spitting!

More info:
Ph: (03) 5962 2283
bigbouquet.com.au

 



Dr Mel's Vet Tip - Puppy & Kitten Club

New pet owners always have lots of questions about the best way to care for their new puppy or kitten. By visiting purina.com.au you can get your free puppy & kitten club kit containing a booklet answering the most common questions on pet health and goodies for your new furry friend..


Basil’s Boot Camp
Learn top tips each week on the best way to train your dog.
This week – Myth busting

When choosing a new pup let the breeder help you, observe the litter and choose the one with a personality to suit you.

Start puppy training at 8weeks old, but it is never too late to train an older dog.

When your puppy has an accident inside do not rub their nose in it, pop him outside to finish and be enthusiastic when he chooses a suitable location to use as a toilet.

Do not use your knee to discourage your dog from jumping up; you will hurt your pooch. A better technique is to ignore him when you first arrive home and over time your dog will get the message.

Do not always train with treats or you will end up with an overweight pooch, toys are just as an effective incentive.

To contact Basil: thedogtrainer.com.au



 

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PET OF THE WEEK
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Click here to send them to the team.