Dates for ICAWC 2009 announced!

The dates for the 11th International Companion Animal Welfare Conference have been announced!

7th-9th October 2009

BUDAPEST, Hungary

HOTEL HÉLIA
H-1133 Budapest
Kàrpàt u. 62-64

www.danubiushotels.com/helia

A full programme and details of how to register will be available very soon; in the meantime, please let us know if there's anything you'd particularly like us to feature at hq-icawc@dogstrust.org.uk.

You can also read the 10th Edition of ICAWC News, all about the Stresa conference.

ICAWC 2008: Day 2 - The Presentations

Good morning! After a welcome buffet dinner last night which gave many of us a chance to meet someone we hadn't met before (and some who are ICAWC veterans got a chance to chat with well-known and liked faces), we're all back, bright and early and ready to hear the first day of presentations.

I'm all set up and ready to go behind the sound desk - with up to 200 people in the room, the speakers will have to be heard properly -with my laptop in front of me and Chris Laurence's digital camera to my left. I'll be making the speakers nervous while they talk and hoping no-one does that to me when it's my turn tomorrow.

I'll be liveblogging highlights from many of the presentations to give everyone who couldn't attend a chance to see what to expect next time. That means I'll be posting, editing and posting again as things happen, so it's best to refresh the page every 5 minutes or so if you want to folow a particular presentation. You can do that by pressing the refresh button on your browser or F5 on your keyboard.

We'll kick off shortly with ICAWC Chairman and Dogs Trust Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin giving the welcome address, who will be followed by ten presentations on topics ranging from population dynamics to human-animal interaction, changing behaviour patterns to education and Tellington Touch to international training opportunities.

You know, I can feel my hands getting tired already from the typing I'm going to be doing!

ICAWC 2008: Workshops - First Aid for Dogs & Cats by Catherine Gillie

Catherine Gillie is the Assistant Field Director at Dogs Trust, and oversees the work of our centres in her area. Her discussion will centre on the aims of first aid as well as the techniques. This blog will cover the highlights but you'll really need to attend a session to get a proper overview. Please keep refreshing the page to see the latest updates. You can also find more information on Dogs Trust's website.

3:15: Catherine introduces her lovely assistant, Dogs Trust's Steve Goward, who is a training and behavioural specialist at Dogs Trust Roden. There won't be dog assistants here, it's too stressful, but delegates will test out techniques on each other.

Catherine covers the main aims of first aid which are to:

• Preserve life
• Prevent suffering
• Prevent the situation deteriorating
• Promote recovery
• Protect personal safety

Personal safety is the first priority because injured animals will be frightened and can be dangerous. Plus, look at the situation; if the animal's been run over, electrocuted or burned, are you at risk from the same in the current context?

The first thing to do is call for help. Then, assess the situation and think about your own safety.

3:20: Moving an injured animal might open you to bites, so Catherine demonstrates a tape muzzle for emergency situations where there's no other option, or where applying a muzzle might have associations that increase the stress in the circumstances.

3:25: Cats are trickier than dogs. Wrapping a cat in a towel will often help; if the wounded area can be kept exposed and treated then that's great, but the more effective course can sometimes be to wrap the cat up safely and head straight for a vet.

3:30: Catherine moves on to talk about the conscious and unconscious nervous system and the way this can affect the nature of the immediate treatment. Of course it's also a way to check for likely aggressive responses. You're of little help to the animal if you end up hospitalised because of bites, so you must think of yourself first for both your sakes. There are ways of testing reflexes to establish if the animal is alive or dead, conscious or unconscious.

We're now looking at a diagram of the respiratory and circulatory systems. Suddenly GCSE biology lessons about oxygenated and deoxygenated blood are coming back to me! Catherine's tour of animal physiology also goes on to cover the digestive system.

3:45: Having given a short overview of the reproductive system, Catherine turns to Stephen and the two discuss the medical and behavioural ramifications of neutering. The overall consensus is that the health benefits are obvious and very important. The behaviour considerations are more open-ended and open to discussion.

Catherine moves on to demonstrate recovery position, artificial respiration and heart massage. If you have established that a dog (or cat) is unconscious, it is worth checking that the tongue has not accidentally been swallowed - pulling that out (or, if the dog is small enough, tipping the head forward and using gravity to help 'knock' a blockage out gently but firmly, supporting the head) can be the lifesaving move. If you're worried the dog might be conscious enough to bite by reflex, try shielding your fingers under the dog's gums as you ease the mouth open. The dog will feel the bite itself and quickly open its mouth.

CPR is very similar to that in humans, only closing the muzzle and blowing into the nose. With the animal preferably on the right side, the hands are clasped together and there are three breaths into the nose - from a tiny puff for a puppy to a harder blow for a Great Dane - for every 15 heart compressions as a rough guide.

4:00: Catherine also demonstrates useful vet lifts - how to lift or hold, and calm, a dog and cat for an examination. This is best seen rather than described! She advocates using some of the techniques from the T Touch at the same time to help the situation if the animal is stressed.

4:15: A quick overview of signs of internal bleeding, and it's almost at the practical stage! Bandages and other props have been set out on each table, and each delegate will get a chance to practice a technique.

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Excited your interest? A hands-on basic first aid course can make all the difference in they way you care for animals - or even respond if you happen to come across a freak accident. If you have the opportunity to attend a demonstration or learn more, I highly recommend it!

ICAWC 2008: Workshop - Tellington Touch by Sarah Fisher

As workshops go, this is definitely hands on; there will be dogs here! Brought in by a nearby shelter (which is also hosting visits for delegates), they will allow workshop host, Sarah Fisher, to demonstrate how body language and postural cues can help canine carers assess and respond to a dog's behaviour.

"I love the way this work is really respectful to the animal... and helps that animal reach its full potential". With this positive start, Sarah's getting started, and I'll keep editing and updating this page to bring you the highlights.

1:20pm: In response to a question, Sarah says she has worked using these stress-reducing strategies with all sorts of animals (including meerkats, prairie dogs, snakes - even tarantulas!). Shelter work is her favourite, as it's so rewarding and makes life easier and more positive for both animals and people in a potentially stressful environment.

1:25: The dogs are ready to make their entrance! Sarah is prefacing this with a list of things to look out for. Because of the situation, the dogs have been chosen by the shelter only if they're happy to be handled by people, but Sarah has not worked with them before. Her first observation - of uneven ears - speaks to her as typical of dogs that don't like to be handled in a certain way and might have been misdiagnosed as 'dominant' when actually they're fearful and tense.

1:30: The dogs, two beautiful hounds called Dimo and Pizzikella, are brought in. D is instantly uncomfortable - there is huge muscular tension through the legs, a tucked in tail and very little movement. P is a little happier and more mobile, but still nervous.

Touch starts with the back of the hand. All the touches are very, very light, using just the fingertips or palm but not gripping - just floating across the skin. Sarah begins at the area the dog is most comfortable with, often the front end (where 60% of the weight of the dog is). From back of hand, you can move to one and a quarter turns of a circle, clockwise, with the fingertips.

1:40: The idea of the T Touch is to "bring movement back to the body even though the animal is afraid".

As Sarah's hands move to the hindquarters, D moves away. She resumes contact from the front, guiding him back to her by stroking, not pulling the lead. Slowly he shoes signs of movement. These can be fearful of calm (just like people, dogs yawn, lick lips, sniff as a calming signal or sign of stress, so it's important to read context).

A body wrap is applied, which can be a useful distraction and calming technique for the animal. D does not object; if he had, it would have been removed.

1:50: Treats are brought out. P confidently wolfs down a few; D is still to nervous to eat.

2:00: In answer to questions, Sarah recounts some success stories, such as that of a Pointer that could only be approached with stroking sticks through kennel bars, such was its kennel guarding fear. Within an hour of repeating a few strokes, followed by a break, she was calm enough to be put on the lead and lead out of her kennel.

A story about an Akita that narrowly escaped destruction after savaging its owner follows. Despite being virtually untouchable, working only "within the threshold of what the dog can cope with" (in this case touch for a few seconds near the head only) and some physiotherapy delivered amazing results, with a dog who started out with eyes fixed, and no interest in humans rapidly becoming a tail-wagging, eager friend.

2:10: Sarah demonstrates the touching techniques on the backs of some willing human volunteers before letting them try on the dogs (provided the hounds are comfortable). They agree that clockwise, gentle motions are much more pleasant than flat-handed, heavy pressure patting and stroking. A very soft tissue lift is demonstrated, cupping the skin to raise and guide down the tissues. This can also be used over joints. She explains how we must mirror relaxed body language and respect what the animal is telling us: "we're the only species that greet head on with eye contact and something held out - and that's considered polite!".

2:20: Despite having a short break out of the room followed by a drink (a very promising sign), D signals he's had enough by going to sit under a table and stare at the wall.

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Reading this blog is no substitute for attending a session like this. Sarah worked on, showing the delegates the right type of touch by demonstrating on the backs of willing volunteers, and displaying props that can help with animals that can't be approached. I hope this taster makes you think of finding out more about the Tellington Touch and using these calming techniques on animals in your care. I know that my kitten can be a bit fractious and fearful, having lived on the streets, and I'll certainly be trying out the basic strokes and finding out more.

Hopefully there will shortly be some photos to follow, but in the meantime I'm gearing up to join a workshop on pet first aid. More blogging to come!

And we're off... day one begins!

It's morning in Stresa, Italy, and morning is indeed broken, or at least the clouds are, because it's very, very rainy! Still, it's all go inside, where badges are being alphabetised, welcome packs assembled, the stage paced by nervous speakers and Internet connections are being alternately blessed and cursed...

Registration is due to begin at 11, but we're expecting a few early comers who will want to be registered and ready to go by the time the first shelter visit leaves. We'll be ready for them! The two visits today will run alongside workshops in Tellington Touch, Feline Infectious Diseases, Shelter Building in a Rescue Environment and First Aid for Dogs and Cats. Not to worry if you haven't managed to register first thing, though, as someone will be manning the desk until 5pm.

I'll be floating around the workshops blogging away, so if you want to know more about the content bookmark this page and check back. As long as the WiFi doesn't fail me (and I have faith it won't!), I'll be bringing you a regular dose of news from the conference.

Well, except when I'm the one speaking. *Quakes*

Alexandra Roumbas, Dogs Trust

Reminders, packing and preparation, oh my!

Reminder emails being sent out for the 1,000EUR competition can only mean one thing: it's time to pack!

We're all due at Terminal 5 on Tuesday morning, so it's time to get my shirts and skirts in a row and make sure my presentation still feels as fresh and interesting as it did when I first started work on it. I've got supporting documents ready to upload right afterwards so that anyone who needs further information should have it at their fingertips when visiting the ICAWC website.

I'm a little nervous about the presentation, but much more so about the flight! Now it's getting closer I have remembered my dislike of take off, but also started to get quite excited about all the possibilities next week has to offer.

I've already heard from one delegate who is coming all the way from Australia; it will be great to meet her and I guess after that I really can't complain about two hours in the air!

Remember, I'll be blogging about the different presentations and activities here so that if you couldn't make it this year you'll still have a good idea what to expect in the future. Just bookmark this page and head back here on Wednesday.

Alexandra Roumbas, Dogs Trust

Chris Laurence on the preparations for ICAWC - including the IT!

ICAWC is always an interesting challenge. Not only do I get to do a couple of presentations, but I also run the IT to make sure that everyone else’s presentations run smoothly as well. Making sure everything works properly is a very time consuming exercise!

But the conference is also such fun. The range of people to chat to is vast and there’s a good social element as well talking far into the night about animal welfare issues (and other things too!). I’m really looking forward to it as I know Stresa is such a lovely place.

Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director, Dogs Trust

Clarissa Baldwin on international attendees and raising the status of dogs

I'm not really a blog writer, but reading both Adrian's and Carolyn's posts reminded me that I have to prepare my 10 minute slot at ICAWC. Yes, I'm going to have an actual slot, not just a Chairman's role, this time!

It's about raising the status of dogs. It should be easy to talk about, but I want to make sure it fits the audience's requirements; does anybody want to give me any examples?

I'm looking forward to seeing you all. Helen, my PA, came and updated me this morning about numbers of booking for the conference - so far more than 60. It's always great to see old friends but she tells me we have new delegates from Somalia and Pakistan. Is anyone coming from even further afield?

Meanwhile, we have some cheeky animal welfare friends trying to win the cash prize for registering - without attending the conference. Nice try!

Clarissa Baldwin
Chief Executive, Dogs Trust

Dog Talk's Carolyn Menteith on what to expect at ICAWC 2008

It’s getting to that time of year again. The time when the animal welfare world starts turning it’s eyes towards ICAWC. And I am certainly no exception. This will be my 6^th Conference and I am looking forward to this as much as my first – in fact probably more so. I know what to expect from ICAWC; I have to say I always love every minute of it and I know this one will be as enjoyable and educational - and as inclusive - as all the others!

I enjoy listening to all the speakers – but I think even more than that, I love listening to the stories from people around the world who are managing, against the odds, to do some truly remarkable things to benefit, protect and care for animals. It always fills me full of enthusiasm and hope, and I think this is what ICAWC is really all about.

For the last four years, my job at ICAWC has been to compile and write the ICAWC newsletter… so if anyone accosts you in the bar looking for quotes on what you think of the conference, that will probably be me! This year however a page of the newsletter will be devoted to blog quotes (I am finally getting the hang of all this technology!) so please post your thoughts – both before and after the conference – here. I look forward to being able to include them in the newsletter.

I also have another job at ICAWC this year and it is one I am looking forward to but also one I am somewhat nervous about….! I am presenting a new resource that is a joint project between Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – and it is a template designed to help anyone wanting to start up a trap, neuter return programme to help their local street dog population. It is based on both their expertise and also on their experiences setting up a successful TNR centre in Oradea, Romania. I have been spending the past few (well actually quite a few!) months compiling, writing, editing and designing this web-based template, and it will have its first outing at ICAWC. I am excited about it because I think it is fantastic, and has advice from some of the very best welfare brains in the business, and I believe that it will prove invaluable in helping dogs around the world. On the other hand, I am nervous because I want it to be the very best it can be…. So a few sleepless nights for me before ICAWC!

Carolyn Menteith, Dog Talk