STAN Pet Beds

02/11/2025

Always.

23/10/2025

I posted this as it gives something to think about. Since the vagus nerve is in the parasympathetic nervous system and works to calm the body, what may happen if it is over ridden or over stimulated by an external source?

The Adverse Effects of Shock Collars on Dogs and the Vagus Nerve

Shock collars have long been a topic of debate when it comes to training dogs. While some argue that they can be effective tools, it is important to consider the potential negative impact they may have on a dog's well-being. One area of concern is the effect of shock collars on the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the dog's nervous system. Understanding the role of the vagus nerve and how shock collars can be aversive is essential in evaluating the ethical implications of their use.

The vagus nerve is a major cranial nerve that plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and stress responses. It serves as a communication pathway between the brain and the body, facilitating the parasympathetic nervous system's calming influence. Activation of the vagus nerve promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and helps maintain overall well-being in dogs.

Shock collars, also known as electronic or e-collars, deliver electric shocks to dogs as a form of punishment or negative reinforcement during training. These shocks are intended to deter unwanted behaviors. However, the use of shock collars can be highly aversive and cause distress to dogs. When a shock is administered, it triggers a stress response in the dog's body, activating the sympathetic nervous system and potentially overriding the calming effects of the vagus nerve.

Repeated exposure to electric shocks from shock collars can disrupt the normal functioning of the vagus nerve. The stress and fear induced by the shocks can lead to increased heart rate, elevated cortisol levels, and heightened anxiety in dogs. Over time, this chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can negatively impact the dog's overall well-being, affecting their emotional state, behavior, and even physical health.

Considering the potential harm to the vagus nerve and the overall negative impact on a dog's well-being, it is crucial to question the ethical implications of using shock collars. As responsible pet owners and trainers, it is important to explore alternative, positive reinforcement-based training methods that prioritize the dog's welfare and strengthen the bond between the dog and their human companion.

The vagus nerve plays a significant role in maintaining a dog's emotional and physical balance. The use of shock collars, with their aversive nature and potential to disrupt the vagus nerve's functioning, raises concerns about the well-being of our canine companions. By opting for humane training methods that focus on positive reinforcement, we can ensure a safer and more compassionate approach to training, promoting the overall welfare of our beloved dogs. Author- Jenny Test

20/10/2025

This beautiful lady was a customer of STAN Pet Beds.

To say the news shocked me is an understatement. Sending so much love and prayers to her husband Nathan, baby boy Axle and Winter the Frenchie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP-dHVLEmiw/?igsh=eGdram9paWM2eHBs

19/10/2025

Sorry friends,
The freight app has been unalived by me. It was quoting insane prices. Website is sleeping until we get rid of it and reinstall AP for supplements and covers.
If you were quoted $1 million dollars for an extra large cover, take a breath, correct prices will be up tomorrow. 🫶

19/10/2025

If you loved Masterchops in 2015 you won’t want to miss CANINE MASTERS this November!

VIP tickets include a cocktail event after the show with ALL the speakers 🥂

Only Lite $89 tickets will be available after today.

⏰LAST CHANCE! Canine Masters Tickets Closing at midnight!

Don’t miss out on the full Canine Masters experience...
🎟️ BOOK YOUR SEAT: https://caninemasters.com.au/pages/tickets

Australia’s pioneering natural dog health and wellness summit returns!

Live Talks, Global Experts and Natural Pet Health Insights at Canine Masters 2025

Saturday, 15 November 2025 – The Capitol Melbourne

Australia’s growing movement towards natural and holistic pet care takes center stage at Canine Masters 2025, an inspiring full-day event uniting dog lovers, pet parents and some of the world’s leading experts in natural pet wellness.

Returning after ten years at a time when many pet owners are seeking natural alternatives to conventional treatments, Canine Masters offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from global leaders in canine natural health all under one roof at “the world’s most beautiful cinema,” The Capitol Melbourne on November 15th.

Proudly supported by major sponsor The Pet Food Shop, Canine Masters 2025 will feature an extraordinary program of live talks by international dog health experts, interactive sessions and wellness insights designed to empower pet owners to help their dogs live longer, happier and healthier lives.

The global canine wellness community first came together at MasterChops 2015, Australia’s pioneering holistic dog health summit.

Held in Melbourne, MasterChops featured renowned international experts (Dr Karen Becker and Rodney Habib) and Australian leaders challenging conventional ideas about animal health and championing the role of nutrition and lifestyle in disease prevention.

A decade later, Canine Masters continues that legacy, once again uniting global experts and passionate dog owners to drive a new era of collaboration, science-backed natural health, and empowered pet care.

The event is co-hosted by Phivo Christodoulou, founder of Augustine Approved Pty Ltd and the original creator of MasterChops, and Michelle Cummins of The Natural Pet Farmacy and STAN Pet Beds.

“We’re thrilled to launch Canine Masters – the revival of the natural pet health movement that began a decade ago with MasterChops,” says Phivo. “This event builds on that legacy by once again bringing together some of the world’s leading minds in natural canine health to empower pet parents with knowledge, connection and community.”

With international experts like clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan (USA), renowned veterinary homeopath Dr Michael Dym (USA) and the founder of Zoopharmacognosy Caroline Ingraham (UK), the program promises dynamic discussions, practical insights and heartfelt inspiration.

“Canine Masters advances canine health and wellbeing through natural, science-backed practices, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of an event that shares such valuable knowledge with our pet-loving community,” adds Michelle.

Canine Masters 2025 features a powerhouse line-up of international and Australian speakers, including:

Rita Hogan (USA) – Clinical herbalist & author of The Herbal Dog
Caroline Ingraham (UK) – Founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy and the Ingraham Method of Individualised Medicine (IMIM)
Dr. Michael Dym (USA) – VMD. Classical veterinary homeopathy
Amy Renz (USA) – CEO of Goodness Gracious
Dr. Matthew Muir (AUS) – Lyka Co-founder & Integrative Veterinarian. BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS.
Phivo Christodoulou (AUS) – The Dog Health Guy & founder of Augustine Approved

Speaker bios: https://caninemasters.com.au/pages/speakers

Thank you to Sponsors: https://caninemasters.com.au/pages/sponsors

Event Highlights
Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
Location: The Capitol, Melbourne VIC
Live Talks: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Expo Experience: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM featuring select, forward-thinking brands that align with the event’s natural health vision
Meet & Greets, Publicity Photos & Book Signings with speakers
Post-Show Intimate Cocktail Evening for VIP Ticket Holders with Speakers, Hosts and Sponsors
After Midgnight, ONLY Lite Tickets will be available for $89 (limited availability)

Unlock a full day of inspiring talks, exhibitors and hands-on experiences for just $89.

Time permitting, every attendee will have an opportunity to meet and take photos with the speakers.

🎟️ BOOK YOUR SEAT: https://caninemasters.com.au/pages/tickets

12/10/2025

STAN friends the COUNTDOWN is on!

At midnight on Sunday, 19 October 2025, General, Premium and VIP tickets to Canine Masters 2025 will no longer be available.

From Monday 20th, only limited Lite Tickets ($89) will remain — admission-only passes with no showbag or VIP extras.

If you’ve been waiting to secure your place, now’s the moment!

Join us on Saturday 15 November at The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, for Australia’s leading natural canine health and wellness event.

Experience inspiring speakers, live demos, exhibitor showcases, and a community united by one mission: a healthier, more natural future for dogs.

GET YOUR TICKET at www.caninemasters.com.au

YOU TRULY DONT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT.
The speakers have been hand selected for their knowledge and leadership in natural pet health. They speak of medicine and healing the way our pets bodies understand. Their talks are tailored to an Australian audience advising on diet, immune/joint/ gut/cognitive support utilising accessible ingredient, herbs, supplements and support.
We will not have the opportunity to hear these speakers in Australia again.

A day to remember!

07/10/2025

Due to the demand for our senior beds we have decided to focus just on this range for the foreseeable future.

Our SENIOR BEDS are not just for the oldies, they are for any dog who experiences arthritis inflammation - joint problems - muscle strain - injury recovery - dysplasia - spondylosis - IVDD - allergies and skin sensitivity.

🩵We have made slight changes to the density so it is more cushy but still offering essential support.

💙As always, our focus is on the STAN mattress design and its support of the circulatory system which helps to relieve discomfort from inflammation. No need to mention the non-toxicity of our beds - that’s just a given.

🩷Our ROYALE Beds are available from our stockist
Three Pet Collective - 0455 616 018. They may also have ACTIVE Beds available too. Some of our other stockist will be ordering for CHristmas too so check with them if you wish to avoid freight.
We are not making ROYALES this Christmas but will assist with any shipping quotes from Perth to customers location. Please contact us if we can be of service [email protected]

💛Pre-orders are open NOW until October 31st or until we sell out of available materials to make our beds.
We welcome two new direct markets - Singapore & New Zealand!
A live freight app on our website will display freight options to all postcodes. These are direct carrier charges.

💜If you wish to order multiple units or would like us to investigate alternative carrier options, please reach out to us.

🧡It is almost 15 years since I started making our pet beds.
Back in the day I had grand plans and wanted to make beds for every dog in every part of the world. Now, at 51, I just want to make a difference to the beautiful pets who struggle with inflammation, who move a little slower, sleep a little longer and are starting to sprout those grey hairs.
And yes, I am working on a cat bed. Let’s see what 2026 brings...

Bed covers for Henry Hottie and STAN beds are available again too.

Thanks for your patience,

Michelle x

https://stanpetbeds.com.au

29/09/2025

After the cut-off date next availablilty will be Christmas.

https://stanpetbeds.com.au/collections/bed-covers

28/09/2025

An Event Not to Miss!!

For those who remember Masterchops in 2015 - when we launched our organic bed range - this is going to be an even greater event!!

I’ll be fan-girling over the incredible Rita Hogan, author of the amazing book The Herbal Canine; Dr. Michael Dym, who is lifting the lid on the veterinary industry and why pharmaceuticals are not always the answer; the fabulous Caroline Ingraham, founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy (a practice we should all know for our pets’ health); the wonderful Amy Renz, who is leading the U.S. industry in raw feeding; and Aussie-made Dr Matthew Muir founder of Lyka and passionate integrative vet.

ONE DAY ONLY.

See you there 🤩