Dr. Harry's Dog Q&As

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a one litre bottle and put in a pot over areas the dog digs up.
• Secure chicken wire over digging areas.
• Fill any holes with the dog's stools.
• Consider boredom - ensure plenty of stimulating toys available and the dog must get lots of exercise.
• Sprinkle chilli or curry powder on old rag and hang on the line. One taste should deter him.
• Tie plastic bags partly filled with water on the line. If every time he gets wet from pulling items of the line, he may    rethink this game.
•  Look at hanging a tyre from a rope attached to a tree or pergola for him to play with or check out tug toys available    from pet shops.
• Add approximately 1 metre of fencing or wire in height to the fence.
• Add a shelf towards the top of the fence at 90 degrees. You can put pot plants on the shelf to add a further barrier.
• Consider boredom - make sure there stimulating activities for the dog to be involved in the yard, including exercise,   obedience training and some fun games, eg fetch the ball or frisbee.
• Undertake some training of the dog which includes teaching the dog only to bark on command.
• When the dog barks, spray water at him using a spray bottle and the command "Quit".
• Enclose the dog in an area (e.g. laundry) so that he won't be stimulated to bark.
• If he's barking at people passing by, don't allow him to view them by either restricting access or blocking the view by a   solid object.
• Ask yourself why the dog is barking (generally boredom). Ensure he has plenty of stimulating activities eg keep him   busy with a game of Hide & Seek. Put about 10 bowls hidden around the yard in different positions each day with a   small amount of SUPERCOAT treats.
• Gradually increase socialisation.
• All training must be on a lead. Do not let him off lead.
• Correct with a firm "NO" on lead when behaviour is undesirable.
• Train the dog to sit and stay and have people offer small food rewards for acceptable behaviour.
• Seek professional help from a qualified animal behaviourist/trainer.
• Under a strict program, gradually increase socialisation with different people.
• Train your dog to drop and stay in that position when people arrive.
• The dog must be kept on a lead for all training and never let off lead around strangers and when possible.
• Put the dog into a sit position and allow visitors to offer a small reward for acceptable behaviour.
• Correct with a firm "NO" on lead when behaviour is undesirable.
• Seek a referral to an animal behaviourist/trainer.
• Desex the dog.
• Have your vet check the dog for any physical discomfort, injury or disease.
• If the health check is clear from your vet, one member of the family needs to take the dog to obedience classes.
• Do not allow the dog near any family members unless in a sit / stay or drop / stay position.
• Once this is established, other family members need to learn how to train and control the dog in the same routine.
• Seek a referral to an animal behaviourist/trainer.

"One of my main aims in life is to teach children a love, understanding and respect for animals – knowing they’ll carry that through to adult life and hopefully translate that into a love and understanding for their fellow man." – Dr. Harry Dr. Harry is a typical country vet - living on a picturesque property in Relbia, in Northern Tasmania with his family and extended family of four-footed friends and winged creatures. Harry’s love for animals began at a young age with his mother breeding Pomeranians and his father breeding ducks, chooks, dogs and birds. His first pet was a duck called ‘Squeaker’ - who lived in the house! And Harry’s earliest childhood memories are of falling asleep in the straw while his father was showing dogs. Born and raised in Sydney, Dr. Harry graduated from Sydney University; Faculty of Veterinary Science in December 1965 aged 21. He has been practising as a vet for many years in Australia and also for a few years in the UK. Dr. Harry has also been part of breakfast television as the vet expert, had a spot on Don Burke’s radio program and on Burke’s Backyard TV show, hosted the much loved shows Talk to the Animals , Harry’s Practice and can now bee seen as part of the team on Better Homes and Gardens. Dr. Harry still uses the black leather vet case which he bought with his second pay in February 1966. (He spent his first pay on a surfboard!) and is known for his trademark caps. He has a collection of more than 70 - and never leaves home without one! "I think they breed in the wardrobe" he says. Dr. Harry was ranked the 4th most trusted Australian and 1st most trusted Australian male in a Readers Digest poll in 2005 and again in 2006 ranked the 5th most trusted Australian.