The Pudsey effect on talented dogs
Image: Pudsey and Ashleigh
A Kennel Club (KC) survey has shown that more owners are training their pets thanks to TV talent show winners Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey.
Following the success of the Britain's Got Talent winners, "The Pudsey Effect" – as it has been named by the KC – has led to better trained and more talented dogs.
The survey found that almost a third of dog owners (32 per cent) said they had been encouraged to develop their own pet's abilities after the success of Pudsey.
It also found that 81 per cent of pets are taught basic obedience skills, with a further 34 per cent fetching items around the house such as newspapers and slippers.
More than half (54 per cent) said they spend up to five hours a week training their dog new skills, which include tackling obstacles, dancing to music and riding a surfboard or skateboard.
The survey results launch the KC's annual Crufts Factor competition, in which three finalists will perform in front of a celebrity judging panel on TV.
To participate, upload a short video of your dog performing its talent to the Crufts Facebook page. Members of the public can then vote and two dog acts will be chosen from the top 10 voted-for videos.
"The Crufts Factor is all about celebrating the extraordinary talents of ordinary dogs, and what better place to do that than on the world's most famous dog stage," said KC secretary Caroline Kisko.
"It is great to see the so called Pudsey effect motivating people to teach their dogs tricks and take part in dog sports and leisure activities. It is a perfect way for dog and owner to bond and have fun in the process."
Crufts Factor will take place during Crufts 2013, held on March 7-10 at Birmingham's NEC.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
