Woof Woofington

They Do The Hard Work So You Don't Have To

Yep, that’s what I reckon TV and radio executives decided when they launched two new stations.

The first, an online radio station purely for dogs, is now available in Thailand of all places. DogRadioThailand.com features barking DJs playing vocal and instrumental music for 24 hours a day.

Radio station owner Anupan Boonchuen believes listening to music has an effect on canine behaviour. "At my grooming school we found that when we turned on music the dogs' mood improved. They were more obedient and let us trim their hair easily." As a result, 10 students from the dog grooming school have been hired to work as DJs.

Mr Boonchuen added: "One of the main qualifications is that he or she must be good at barking ... And they must be able to communicate with the dogs, even if they can't see them." OK then!

Meanwhile, parents have been at odds to decide whether a new TV channel targeting the under-threes is a good thing or not. BabyFirstTV has been launched in the US and there are reports that the company is planning to launch the station here in the UK by Christmas.

So, are these stations just a free babysitting service for children (or dog sitting service for your pooch)? After all, campaigners say babies should not be watching television at all.

With increasingly busy lives, parents have less time to interact and play with their children. Fact. Similarly, dog ownership in the UK has dropped because there are fewer people at home to look after them. Fact. The trend may reverse now that there are more homeworkers than ever but it’s too early to say.

What cannot be disputed is that watching TV and listening to the radio does lend a certain type of company. Yes, a sort of babysitter. Homeworkers will tell you that having either on in the background reduces the feeling of being alone. So maybe it’s reassuring for children to not feel so alone either. Who can say? I reckon parents will be letting out a huge sigh of relief - even if it is secretly.

I can’t say if it’s a bad thing or not but surely, children, just like dogs, need to be playing outside as much as they can. And they need human supervision, too!

Woof Woof

Educating Enzo

Forget all the recent criticism about Chris Evans being back on Radio 2. You really need to tune in to hear about his dog, Enzo. Apparently, Enzo has piled on the pounds, as has Chris, and now there is a two-week challenge to see who can drop the weight.

This week began with doggy dieting tips and, of course, I emailed the show to give Enzo some encouragement. After all, a dog on a regime needs all the help he can get. Personally, I think Enzo has a distinct advantage; unlike the Labrador breed, he (a German Shepherd) is not genetically predisposed to eat everything in sight.

Animal behaviourist, Peter Neville gave Chris some advice for the head-to-head challenge. He explained that dogs had spent years perfecting the “I’m starving” look, which you humans can’t resist. Why give our secrets away, Peter?! He also said that Chris and Enzo must brace themselves for the weeks ahead. Too right. Being on a diet is NO fun, in spite of what people like Rosemary Conley will have you believe. Anyway, super animal expert, Peter, continued to explain that dogs must be made to work for their food, just as humans should be. Hmmmm.

Upon hearing this, the Mistress started to look up dog agility holidays, etc. And she thinks she has found the solution - http://www.cani-cross.co.uk - “Where your dog takes YOU for a run”. I kid you not. Is she mad?! It’s bad enough with all this walking she is doing for the marathon (Playtex Moonwalk).

Enzo and Chris face a steep learning curve but it will be worth in the end.

Woof Woof

"Very British, don't you think?"

Well, that's what one commentator said about giving animals a special award in recognition of their work during a war.

If you think animals don't deserve any such honours because it's just another British eccentricity, then take a listen:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/noscript.shtml?/radio/aod/radio4_aod.shtml?radio4/animals_vc and go to visit the beautiful memorial in Park Lane http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm.

I think you'll agree, British or not, that a medal of honour is the least you humans can do for the millions of animals that work alongside troops during warfare.

Woof Woof