The below tips can help to keep your anxious or nervous dog safe and secure during fireworks and other loud experiences. 

When possible, plan ahead for when your dog will be exposed to loud noises. Aside from thunder storms, you are often aware of expected loud construction work or fireworks beforehand. 
In these instances, walk and exercise your dog prior to the noise beginning. Get your dog as tired as possible. The less energy they have when the noise starts, the less energy they have to put into their stress.
Make sure to feed your dog well in advance. Some dogs, when they become stressed, can vomit. If they have had the chance to digest their food in advance, they will be less likely to do so. If you are unable to feed them earlier then normal, consider reducing their meal size. You can always offer them the remainder at a later time once they are calm again. 

As mentioned above, getting your dog out for a walk and exercise is a great way to reduce their energy levels.
If there is the risk of storms or something could occur during a time when you are not home, leave things for them to play with that can keep their busy. Puzzle toys and bowls are a great way to keep them entertained and burn lots of mental energy. 

If you dog can react in an erratic way when they are scared, be sure to have them in safe space prior to the loud event occurring. In same cases this is inside your house, sometimes inside a room or sometimes outside if inside is not an option.
Make sure there is no possible way for your dog to escape, even dogs who normally don't jump or climb can be capable of reaching heights when they are scared. They can also squeeze through gaps when needed too. Make sure to check there are no spaces of escape. 
​If there is a safe space you can keep them inside, ensure there are no items that they can break or damage in an attempt to get out that could cause them harm. 

If you are home with your dog during a time when they are anxious, be cautious of your behaviour and if this is encouraging your dogs anxiety.
​For example, if the situation is making you anxious or nervous or you are rushing around trying lots of different methods to sooth your dog, you will only create more anxiety for them. As their pack leader, they look to you for guidance, if you are stressed, they are stressed.
Remain calm, talk to your dog in a nice calm and gentle voice. Avoid holding them or trying to shelter them from the noise. This only confirms to them that there is something to be scared of. Simply pet them in calm, gentle strokes and reassure them that they are okay. 

​Origin:
The Rottweiler, or Rottie, was bred in the German town of Rottweiler and are listed as existing as far back as the 2nd century. The first Rottweiler club was listed in Germany in 1907.
They are believed to have descended from the Italian Mastiff that were brought over by the Romans when they invaded Europe.  The breed almost died out when work dried up in the mid 1800’s, however breeding improved in the 1900’s when they were used as working, guard and protect dogs. Since then, their popularity has continued to grow.
 
Purpose:
Originally used as guard dogs for livestock and money, over the years the Rottie has been used as police and working dogs, watchdogs, search and rescue, guide dogs and herding. They are one talented pooch!

Coat care:
The Rottie is an average shedder with a generally easy to maintain coat. Their short, smooth coat only requires brushing with a bristle brush every other day and only need bathing when needed, their natural oils from their skin will help to repel dirt, smell and keep their coat beautiful and shiny.

Health & Temperament:
The Rottie is a devoted, loving and loyal dog. They are powerful and protective of their pack/family. When their needs are met (mental and physical exercise) they are a calm, laid back pet who settles well into any family dynamic.
They are a dog that loves exercise, they need plenty of physical exercise daily. After this, they can become a very lazy, laid-back couch potato who will happily lay around the house. They enjoy walks, runs, jogs, swimming and fetch. Being a work dog, they like their mind to be kept busy too. Activities such as fetching and seeking, competitive obedience and tracking are a great way to keep them entertained. They are a highly intelligent breed of dog who can bore without stimulation, this can lead to destructive behaviour. If socialised well from a young age, they can live with other pets in the home.
The breed is unfortunately prone to ACL injuries and hip dysplasia. Health checks of breeding parents are essential when looking for a puppy. They can also gain weight easily so a well balance diet and plenty of exercise are essential. On average, they live for 10 – 12 years. 

​Australian Support Dogs (ASDOG) train and raise dogs to join homes of those with physical disabilities who require assistance with their day to day tasks.
The process that an ASDOG pup goes through is extensive. They start in a 2 year Puppy Raising Program, then advance to Advanced Training and Team Training Programs. None of this would be possible without the tireless work of their amazing team and volunteers.
Once a dog passes all of their training, they are matched with their new forever human, completely free of charge, to help improve their quality of life and as dogs always do, bring a smile to their face. 

Want to know more about Australian Support Dogs and the amazing work they do? Visit their website here!

Want to know how you can help? There are several ways you can help and support ASDOG. Did you know that the average assistance dog costs approximately $20 000 to complete its programs? With no government funding, they solely rely on donations to make it possible to continue to raise Assistance Dogs. To find out how you can help with donations to ASDOG, visit here! Donations over $2 are tax deductible. ASDOG is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient.
You can also become a member of ASDOG – for more information on membership, visit HERE.
You can volunteer for ASDOG. Your donated time can be offered in many ways, including raising a pup to offering your expertise or services including graphic design, book keeping, photography and more. If you would like to volunteer – visit HERE. 

When it's not an option to have your dog inside with the cooler on during the hot weather, keep these tips in mind on how to keep your doggy cool at the temperature rises. 

​Throughout Australia, there are many wonderful groups that work tirelessly to train and raise dog's to assist those in need.
A fantastic group we are excited to share with you is 'Australian Lions Hearing Dogs' who are also branching into raising, training and pairing Medical Alert Dogs too for people living with complex and chronic illnesses. 

​Airlie is the first Interstate Diabetic Alert Dog to be placed in their home by ALHD. Her new home is now in Melbourne where she has settled in straight away.
Airlie does amazing work, she is trained detect naturally occurring low and high blood glucose level events in her human. She is scent and saliva trained on her human too. How incredible is that?!
Airlie is also trained to retrieve a medical kit to help treat a low or high blood glucose event, get assistance from another member in the household if needed or pressing an emergency button to alert emergency contacts in case her human falls when home alone and becomes unresponsive.
Along with the other amazing medical alert dogs, Airlie could not only save the life of her owner but will also drastically improve their quality of life. 

Want to learn more? Visit the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs website HERE for more information?

How can you help? The training and placement cost of ALHD  is just under $40,000. There is no cost to their human for this, so donations are greatly appreciated. All donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible and will receive a receipt in return for your donation. Click here if you would like to make a life changing donation. 

Origin:
It is unknown when or where the Basenji originated, they are considered one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Drawings of the Basenji have been found in ancient depictions all over the world including Egyptian tombs. Back in 1937, when they were known as the ‘Congo Dog’, the Basenji was first introduced to England, it was from here that they were bred and exported around the world.     
 
Purpose:
The earliest recording of the working Basenji indicates they were used in Africa. Natives would use the dog when hunting in the forest as the Basenji was a great warning dog, alerting them to any approaching dangers. They would also assist in driving small game into catching nets and retrieving the game. 

Coat care:
The Basenji is the perfect dog for anyone wanting no coat maintenance and any allergy sufferers as they shed almost no hair all year round and require no grooming. They don’t even require to be bathed as they will clean themselves as a cat would.

Health & Temperament:
The Basenji is a happy, alert and curious breed of dog. When handled well from a young age and raised around other animals, children and people, they make a fantastic pet. Great for families or individuals.
Unlike other dogs, they have a different shaped larynx which prevents them from being able to bark. They can vocalise by howling or growling but it is uncommon for them to make noise.
The breed is not a fan of wet weather, so needs lots of stimulation indoors during the wet months. They have plenty of mental and physical energy to burn so daily walks are a must. The Basenji thrives best with consistent rules and good exposure to new situations.
They are prone to kidney, eye and intestinal problems which can be well managed if addressed at the first sign of symptoms. 

​Origin:
The need for excellent working dogs on farms in Australia’s harsh climate is how the Australia Cattle Dog (also known as a Heeler) was created. The name ‘Heeler’ comes from their method of herding, being to nip at the animals’ ankles/feet.
Sometime in the 1800’s, pioneer settlers created the ACD by cross breeding Dingos with Dalmatians and Kelpies, with some sources believing the Bull Terrier was used in the cross breeding as well.
The result was exactly what we needed, the perfect working farm dog. Not only could they handle the extreme weather conditions, but worked hard all day long with incredible stamina.    
 
Purpose:
The Australian Cattle Dog, even to this day, is still an excellent working dog. They are born herders and can last all day on the farm working. Aside from herding, they are great guard and protective dogs as well as thriving at agility and obedience.

Coat care:
Grooming and coat maintenance is very easy with the ACD. As they were bred for working in all climates in Australia, their coat is water resistant and repels dirt. A brush of the coat a few times a week and bathing only when needed will help their natural oils from their skin to maintain their coat health.

Health & Temperament:
The ACD is a bold, brave and energetic breed. Being a working dog, they like to be kept active, both mentally and physically. If not being kept for working, they are only suitable for an active family who has the time to include them in their activities. Without lots of daily mental and physical stimulation, they can become very destructive trying to entertain themselves. They can also be very good climbers and jumpers.
The breed is prone to hip dysplasia and PRA, an inherited eye disease that leads to blindness. ACD that are merle coloured are also prone to being deaf too. Aside from these health issues, they are in general a very hardy and healthy breed of dog. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years.