Edition 25 2012 Fancy A Doggy Facial People have been enjoying the health and relaxation benefits of face and body massage and other beauty treatments for centuries. With this in mind, Aussie Pooch Mobile, the pioneer of the Pooch Pampering industry, has carried out research into various new services with the help of dogs and their owners across the globe, a human beautician, a dog masseuse and dog makeover specialists. With the outstanding feedback received, Aussie Pooch Mobile is now introducing an exciting new additional service – ‘An Aromacare Doggy Facial’. And the dogs love it! They are so relaxed with this extra special pampering. It is like they go off into a world of pure enjoyment. They will truly thank you for allowing them to experience this service. An Aromacare doggy facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes your dog’s skin, to ensure it looks and feels great. The massaging facial thoroughly cleans around your dog’s face and head to target slobber, gunk and tear stains. The Doggy Facial Aromacare cleanser, which is exclusive to Aussie Pooch, is a naturally based and lightly foaming fragranced cleanser, containing optical brighteners to help remove tear stains. Infused with vitamin E, lavender and chamomile pure essential oils it promotes relaxation and can help with mild facial irritations. Like any therapist, Aussie Pooch Mobile operators have been trained in administering the doggy facial for your dog’s benefit and thorough enjoyment. Special steps are taken to ensure your dog enjoys the experience throughout the facial. To begin with your dog has the standard Aussie Pooch service including the warm massaging hydrobath then your dog is dried and covered in a doggy wrap/towel to enhance relaxation. Your dog’s face and head is cleansed paying particular attention to any problem areas using relaxing massage techniques. To complete the facial the cleanser is rinsed off with warm water and the dog’s face and head dried. Go to our YouTube channel to see a video we have created so you can see first hand how this service works. Dog owners need to get tick-ready The Australian Veterinary Association is warning dog owners, in Queensland and NSW especially, to be prepared for ticks this season, though owners in all states should be careful. The mild winter this year in several states resulted in perfect breeding conditions for ticks. Veterinarian and Dogs NSW spokesman Dr Peter Higgins says: “Ticks can kill small animals and even larger ones. Tick prevention is crucial because the onset of paralysis and death can occur in a matter of hours. Dog owners must contact their vet as soon as a tick is found.” Early warning signs include vomiting and a visible weakness when standing and walking. Ask your Aussie Pooch Mobile Operator about Tick preventative treatments. In this edition What happens to me when you die Yikes we have fleas Paws for thought Success for mature aged workers Safety first for your dog Dog Dung Power Station Know your breed 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 Pooches Partied in beautiful Style FIJI Win a trip for two to the The inaugural Pooch Party Birthday Month (4 Oct – 4 Nov 2012) that Aussie Pooch initiated to help raise funds for the Animal Welfare League has seen lots of happy dogs attending birthday parties across the nation, with much needed funds being raised for the AWLA. You can still donate to this worthy cause or hold a dog’s birthday party throughout the year. To find out more and to watch an instruction video, go to To enter this competition simply tell all your dog loving friends and family to mention your name when contacting us to enquire about a franchise. If they go onto purchase a franchise before September 2013 you will go into the draw to win two return flights to FIJI. You can even refer yourself, buy a franchise and go into the draw. There is no limit as to how many times you can enter. For further information contact Aussie Pooch Mobile today 1300 369 369, visit our website and speak to one of out franchisees. www.everydayhero.com.au/PoochParty A big thank you to all those that have given to such a worthy cause. What happens to us It’s easy to overlook our pets when it comes time to making a Will. Even though most Australians have pets how many of us have thought about what might happen if our pets outlive us? You can make sure that your pet is looked after when you die. You must make a Will that clearly says how your pet is to be cared for. Look at the options set out below and think about which one best suits you and your pet. Then go and see a solicitor, the Public Trustee or Trustee Company and have your Will professionally drafted to ensure that it is valid and your wishes are carried out. When providing for your pet in your Will your options are: • a legacy to a friend or relative with a non-binding request they look after your pet • a legacy program with an animal charity. This involves leaving a gift of money to the charity in exchange for the charity looking after your pet; • a trust for the care and maintenance of your pet; • euthanasia. Whichever path you choose it is very important that you consider: • your pet’s expected lifespan; • the cost of the upkeep of your pet for the rest of their life; and • who will look after your pet should you die – are they reliable? Legacies to Family and Friends If you have a trusted friend or family member this option may work very well. A simple clause in your Will leaving your pet and a sufficient gift of money to the carer you nominate, while not binding, will enable the carer to use the legacy to care for your pet. Before you make your Will you must talk to your friend or family member to see if they are prepared to take on the duties of looking after your pet. when you die? Legacy Programs Both the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League have a “Pet Legacy Program”. Under these programs a gift of money is made to the charity to either re-home your pet or to place them in a facility that these charities operate especially for pets of people who have passed away or are unable to care for their pet due to age or illness. This option is very popular, particularly for those who do not know anyone prepared to look after their pet when they die. You must contact the charities to find out the requirements for you to take advantage of the program. For your peace of mind you may also wish to visit their facilities to ensure that your pet would be happy with the accommodation. There are other animal rescue groups, while not operating accommodation facilities, that can try to re-home your pet. It is worthwhile investigating this option as well. Information courtesy of www.lawsociety.com.au Legacy Programs: www.rspca.org.au www.animalwelfare.com.au Yikes! We Have Fleas! animals. Coming into contact with other animals causes exposure to the problem and can start a flea problem in your home. Fleas, mites and ticks are parasites with a short lifespan so they reproduce quickly. Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs a day. So you can see just how quickly the problem can get out of hand! Fleas, ticks and mites are tiny black, brown crawling creatures that can even look like dirt. Fleas like warm places like the fur under a dog’s ears and arms/legs. You can also see flea egg sacks and flea droppings in their fur if you look closely. At some stage of their pet's lifespan every pet owner will have to deal with the problem of fleas, ticks and mites. If left untreated they can take over your pet's skin and coat so it is really important to keep them under control. It's best to stop the problem before it gets out of hand. It’s easier to treat your pet for a few fleas than treat the whole house for an infestation! There are some misconceptions about flea infestation. It is not something that only happens to dirty Treating your environment and all your pets is essential to keeping these pesky critters under control. A wash in flea control solutions and grooming on a regular basis is essential to keep your dog comfortable and flea and tick free. It is important to treat your home for fleas as well. Fleas can survive in almost anything in your home furniture, rugs and bedding. Any flea treatments will be pointless if the flea's eggs or fleas themselves remain in your living space. To clean your home properly you will need to sanitize and clean the areas where the pet sleeps. Be sure to clean out the vacuum as you do not need these pesky creatures escaping again. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need to throw away blankets that have become infested with eggs. Often, just washing the affected bedding in hot water and some flea shampoo can do the trick. In some cases you may need to have your home fumigated. Always be sure to request a product that will treat the eggs to help stop the breeding cycle. Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. The main thing is to catch the problem early and wherever possible be sure to treat the dog and it’s environment on the same day. Your Aussie Pooch Mobile operator can provide advice and products for the best treatments for fleas and ticks. Your Aussie Pooch Mobile operator can provide advice and products for the best treatments for fleas and ticks. Paws for thought A dog’s paws are the equivalent of human hands and feet. The skin of the digital pads is thick and pigmented. The roughness of the surface is due to conical papillae-multiple small protuberances - which may become rounded if the dog is exercised regularly on concrete or rough ground. The pads of the feet can sometimes become cracked through a lot of activity on rough ground, and they can be cut by sharp objects. Such injuries may cause lameness. Applying Vaseline to the pads twice a day may help to make them suppler and less cracked and washing and drying the paws after walks may remove allergens and reduce any allergic disease. Should the paws not settle down consult a vet, it could well be a dietary insufficiency. Doggone success for mature aged workers Ten years ago, you could realistically think about retiring when you turned 55. You’d pack up the Winnebago and travel around Australia, living the dream. But now, thanks to events such as the Global Financial Crisis, the boom is over for baby boomers now reaching that age. It is a well-known fact that once you are over 55, employment opportunities are limited. But all does not have to be lost. Franchising provides you with an opportunity of being trained and supported in a new field and the independence of being self-employed. Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash is a franchised company that embraces older workers. In fact, at least 1/3 of our franchisees are over 55. John Fyfe 65 purchased his franchise in 2011 after a 46-year career in high-level management with Westpac. He retired at 63, but decided he needed to, and wanted to, continue working. “I knew I wanted to continue working for several reasons, but was unsure what I wanted to do. I wanted to try something different so I decided on a complete change of direction and in 2011 joined the Aussie Pooch Mobile team, washing dogs! “I am thoroughly enjoying what I’m doing. I’m my own boss, running my own business. My office is my trailer, which is outdoors, where I love being. I really enjoy the relationships I have developed with my clients and especially the dogs. “The income is of course, very handy, when you consider the current economic environment for investments. The return on my investment is at least 10 times better than a bank term deposit. “I intend to keep working whilst I am still physically able, and this role has me the fittest I have been for years. I would wholeheartedly recommend a franchising role with Aussie Pooch Mobile.” Carol Garratty, 64 is another baby boomer that owns a franchise. “I started with Aussie Pooch Mobile as a representative in 2009 and I purchased the franchise in April 2010. “I previously worked for a 4WD company as their cook on Tagalong Tours and before and after the tourist seasons I worked in their admin office. I left this job as the work was slowing down and they closed the business. “At 61 I was then faced with a dilemma. I did not want to work in admin any longer, but had no idea what I could do differently. I’d always loved dogs and then I discovered Aussie Pooch Mobile and decided I would give it a go. “It was scary at first as it was completely different. But the support I received was terrific. I loved the job from the minute I started. Not only am I now financially independent, and my own boss, working with the dogs gives me such a boost. “I would absolutely recommend working for Aussie Pooch Mobile, especially if you older or returning to the workforce and want a complete and rewarding change in your life.” Aussie Pooch Mobile has openings for franchisees Australia wide. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience as you will be fully trained and supported the whole way. Many of us have always dreamed of being our own boss, self-employment can bring financial and lifestyle rewards – along with enormous personal satisfaction. For further information contact Mark Welham today on 0411 553 796, visit our website and speak to one of our franchisees. TopinDog Franchising Becoming a small business owner at just 16, Christine Taylor has built her small income earner “Aussie Pooch Mobile”, into a franchise which continues to flourish 21 years later. She is the latest inductee into the Franchise Hall of Fame, announced at the NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards in Canberra, October 2012. ‘Safety First’ for your dog The two most important ‘tricks’ you can teach your dog is to COME WHEN CALLED and to STAY WHEN TOLD. When taught correctly these two exercises will definitely save your best friend’s life one day. Let’s deal with COME WHEN CALLED. When teaching this exercise it’s critical that your dog is never put in a position to disobey your command. Always follow correct training techniques and always put yourself in a winning position. Chris, who wanted to work with animals from a very young age, is now a proud mother of two, and with the help of her husband, David, and their loyal support team, they continue to grow the business throughout Australia and off shore through USA, UK, Malaysia, New Caledonia and NZ under The Pooch Mobile. What does the Hall of Fame accolade mean to you? I’m humbled and honoured by being recognised in this way. For someone who started out washing a few dogs to be recognised as a leader in their field in this industry is certainly a very honourable accolade. My greatest reward comes from helping others. As a member of the Hall of Fame it will allow me a platform to reach out and continue to help others and enhance the profile of franchising within Australia and the world. Choose a distraction-free area and always train before meal time. When training the COME command use a light strong cord about 10 meters long. Attach this securely to your dog’s collar, give your dog a release command (I use the word FREE) and let your dog do whatever he pleases for a little while. Because he is on a long line, he will always be safe. Now, here is the important bit: calmly call your dog’s name and the command COME. Do NOT say another word. If he does not come to you after 2 seconds gently pull the lead in until he is close to you and reward him with a tasty food reward, a tug toy, a throw of a ball, or even all of these. It is important that he realises two things: 1. He has no choice but to come when you call him. 2. When he does come to you, it is Christmas Day all over again. Give your dog plenty of rewards and praise. Where do you see the future of franchising in the next 5-10 years? What I find over and over again is that people call and call their dogs, sometimes up to seven times and they might come in but mostly they ignore the owner completely. This is not the dog’s fault – it is always the owner’s. The dog has learnt that he always has a choice and that he does not have to obey you straight away. When training your dog in this exercise you must NOT give him a choice. Always use only one command and follow through with a huge reward when he comes to you. If the last 21 years is anything to go by the future of franchising in Australia has a sound and solid future. Franchising is a wonderful business to be in. With the long lead still attached, add distractions (e.g., train him near skateboard ramps, soccer games, noisy parks, etc) and after a month of training you will find that your best mate will COME WHEN CALLED all the time, happily and with enthusiasm. If you are interested in finding out more about joining our award winning team please contact us. Email opportunity@aussiepoochmobile.com.au or phone Mark Welham on 0411 553 796. Visit www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au Next issue I will cover the other very important exercise: STAY WHEN TOLD. When you have mastered these two commands you will be able to CONTROL your dog in any situation and this will definitely save his life one day. Article courtesy of Steve Austin. Kids ‘n’ Pets: the benifits of children living with pets Most of us have grown up with pets and can’t imagine life without them: The cat that slept on our beds; the dog that waited patiently at the gate until we got home from school. And now some of us have kids whose pets do just the same thing! • Pets can help balance the increasing presence of technology. A pet is a good reason to turn off the computer or video game and have a play or a cuddle. Most children report enjoying playing outdoors with their pets. In fact, it’s second only to playing with friends in the entertainment stakes. Children and pets have a special relationship. While the pet is often entertained by having a child around there are also many benefits for the children in having a pet in their home: • Pets provide unconditional love. Pets hold a special status in children’s lives with 95% of children nominating pets among their ten most important relationships. • Children develop a respect for animals when they live alongside them and this helps prepare them for later life. The child learns about the responsibilities in caring for another living creature – even if they don’t always follow through with their tasks! • In some homes the child sadly does not get the opportunity to nurture their pet, to tell their secrets to their special furry friend or to get a chance to receive that all important unconditional love. This may be because they do not have a pet of their own or their circumstances make it impossible to carry out these activities. • Children with pets are popular with their peers. The antics of a pet can make good topics of conversation, good school news items and children even learn to read body language from watching their pets. It is generally accepted that if you want to change the behaviour of your population it is best to start with educating the children. Let’s keep the relationship between children and pets a special one. • Children interact more with other members of the family when there is a pet in the house. More than half of families with young children undertake physical activity as a family at least once a week by walking their dog. Article courtesy of Dr Joanne Righetti Dog dung power to generate electricity for park lighting ‘Poo Power!’ is a company that generates gases from dog poo to feed electricity back into the grid. Apparently two average boxer dogs can provide enough power from their poo to power a house light for a week! Over 1350 tonnes of dog waste needs to be disposed of every day in Australia. Using this un-tapped resource ‘Poo Power!’ will engage Australians in its science through utilising an anaerobic digester to process dog waste into biogas that can serve as a local renewable energy source. Within the City of Yarra in Victoria there are approximately 6078 dogs that generate over 750 tonnes of waste every year. This waste can be diverted into a local anaerobic digester to generate more than 3800 litres of biogas that can be used for heating, lighting or electricity. This small but important amount of biogas will be used in a City of Yarra park in an interactive public installation as a community meeting place for use by dog owners and other citizens. “This project has the potential to be groundbreaking, a whole lot of fun and will deliver value to the citizens in the City of Yarra, which is why YEF is involved.” Alex Fearnside, CEO of the Yarra Energy Foundation. This project was instigated by Duncan Chew, Project and Science Engagement Manager for the Poo Power! Project. Beagles The Beagle is a breed of small to medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game. They have a great sense of smell and tracking instinct that sees them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. Although beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2,000 years, the modern breed was developed in Great Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier. The Beagle is merry, friendly, gentle, playful, and eventempered. He has a sensitive nature. He can be distant with strangers until they've won him over. He's kind and gentle with children. He's territorial and protective of his family. He has a highly developed nose and will wander off after interesting smells. For this reason, he needs to be securely fenced in or on a leash when he's outdoors or he will wander miles away after a scent and might get hit by a car or lost. He's more interested in finding out where that fascinating smell comes from than obeying your commands! He also doesn't make a good jogging companion because he stops every second to investigate every smell. He loves to play with you! He can be quite noisy: baying and barking. He loves his food and will eat until he bursts if allowed to. He can be quite ingenious in coming up with ways to get to the food in the cupboard, in the bin or on the table! His favourite past time is digging in the dirt. He craves lots of close physical contact, love and attention from his human family! Originally kept as hunting dogs, Beagles fit well in homes with active kids, as they are sturdily built and never too tired to play a game. Friendly, clever and cheerful, the Beagle usually gets along with other pets, too (except for a bit of chasing here and there).However, they do shed, and require frequent brushing and bathing. The typical longevity of Beagles is 10 - 13 years, which is a common lifespan for dogs of their size. While your beagle most likely won't have a bird named Woodstock as his best friend, you can, by all means, name him (or her) Snoopy. D G LOVERS Would you enjoy spending your day with dogs and earning a fantastic income? ll y! this a C datage of er!” Ttaoke advainal Ovaffilablees ecs only a EW sit p “S i for N to Are you... Passionate about all dogs? Wanting to do work to suit your lifestyle? Looking for a fresh and rewarding career direction? Find us on Facebook Ask Us Today! FRANCHISE AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE JOIN THE AUSSIE POOCH MOBILE FAMILY 1300 369 369 AussiePoochMobile.com.au Special Offer* Due to the increased demand of our service, we need more people to join our team. Packages to suit your budget Help with Finance is available! *Subject to availability on New sites. Finance to approved applicants. Full terms and conditions explained upon your enquiry. We Care Pet Products S Pla F Ex OV LT Y T Y T I MES ces vi PP Se tra r IMPR HY BOD y and T reats LT HA AND COA HEA S KI N ling G ee t rea ing G ok ood Lo Pet Products for your dog, directly from your local Aussie Pooch Mobile Operator. ED RE SU FEELING GREAT PLAY AND TREATS Brushes/ Combs Fly Control Deodorants Flea and Tick Treatments Odour Elimination Dental Chew (for teeth) Breath Control Health Supplements Aromacare EXTRA SERVICES Leads Collars Pooch Cookies Doggy Toys Healthy Treats Grooming Doggy Facials Trimming and Clipping Medicated Washes Contact your local Operator for helpful advice. Vo ift uc N A N POOCH GIFTS E T FOR FOR A NY YO O CCA SI hers G ooch G s ift P LOOKING GOOD BUDG GIFT VOUCHERS Birthdays Christmas Celebrations Purchase a special gift for your dog’s special occasion, to make your dog’s special day one to remember. Ask your local Operator for other great ideas. Give your pooch-loving friends an Aussie Pooch Mobile Gift Voucher so they can also have their special pooch cleaned, flea-free and smelling great! A range of gift vouchers are available to suit any budget. *If your Aussie Pooch Operator is unable to supply any product or service they will be able to provide advice on where you can find it. Participating areas.