Mount Barker Veterinary Clinic

29/05/2025

If you haven't had a pet for a while, you might be surprised to find out, our desexing timing recommendations have changed since you last had a puppy. This easy to listen to podcast very nicely explains some of the reasons and why this is to help your dogs stay healthy. Also please note we offer vasectomies for our boy dogs.

Podcast Episode · pureANIMAL Collective · 06/05/2025 · 58m

30/04/2025

THE PLOT TO DOMINATE HUMANS

We hear it far too much - “my dog is dominant” or “trying to be the alpha” or “I have to be the pack leader to show my dog who’s in charge”.

The definition of dominance - dominant in the chain of command / occupying or being in a commanding or elevated position / having a controlling, prevailing, or powerful position in a social hierarchy. Do we really believe this of our dogs in the context of our relationship with them? Are dogs really trying to take over our homes and rule the world?

We control everything in their lives - what and when they eat, when they go out, their choices, where they sleep, who they interact with, their environment etc. and yet it’s still believed they are trying to dominate us.

Yes, dominance between dogs does exist, but not in the way that we may assume. It exists in certain situations or contexts, is fluid and may constantly change. It’s not usually about using force but about one individual deferring to another.

Dogs know that we are not dogs and they don’t expect us to behave like other dogs.

Dogs need us to be their advocate, a source of security, of safety and a secure base from which they can navigate our world – not a source of pain, fear, intimidation, force, competition and dominance.

There is a vast amount of scientific evidence and information available that debunks the dominance myth as it pertains to our relationship with dogs.

Here are just a few links and references for further information -

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour – “An appropriate trainer should avoid any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains prong collars, or electronic shock collars), intimidation (sq**rt bottles, shaker noise cans, compressed air cans, shouting, staring, or forceful manipulations such as "alpha rolls" or "dominance downs physical correction techniques (leash jerking, physical force), or flooding exposure. The learner must always feel safe and have the ability to "opt out” of training sessions”

Why Dominance Theory Fails in Dog Training
https://readypupgo.biz/why-dominance-theory-fails-in-dog-training/

Dr Anne Mcbride & SJ Evans
https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/APBC-Dominance-Article.pdf

Dr. L. David Mech talks about the terms "alpha" and "beta" wolves and why they are no longer scientifically accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNtFgdwTsbU

26/04/2025

Well a rather belated World Veterinary Day 2025, mind you I think our team is worth celebrating every day! The 2025 theme this year is 'Animal Health takes a Team ' and that is so very right, as without you our dedicated owners, and our wonderful Vets, our Vet specialists as well as the many amazing Vet nurses, lab technicians and all the other important support staff, in fact the whole team, our animals lives would be so much the poorer. Please say thanks to our Vets and super team as they are here to help, care and support you and for your pets making their lives better.😇

25/04/2025

ANZAC day 2025, While we remember the men and women who gave their lives fighting for their country, please also remember the many animals that served and gave their lives as well. They did not chose to go to war and most did not return to their homeland again. While we are closed for Anzac Day, we available if you do have an emergency please ring the Clinic on 8391 1404 and you will be transferred to the Vet on call.

22/04/2025

Do you have a new puppy? We have a couple places left in our Puppy Preschool classes starting either Saturday 26th of April at 9am or Tuesday 29th of April at 6.30pm, 1 hour x 4 weeks. Please ring the Vet Clinic on 8391 1404 or book online at https://www.barkerbehaviour.com.au/ and your puppy can make new friends and start foundation training, while you are getting up to date Vet approved information to give your puppy the right start in life. Your puppy only needs to have had their first vaccination usually given at 6 -7 weeks to attend. Video 1 is controlled gentle play during preschool and video 2 is Bentley and Brix, new friends playing after puppy preschool while we are packing up. What fun!

17/04/2025

We will be closed for normal business over the Easter long weekend but we of course will be available for emergencies with our Vets over the long weekend between the hours of 6.30am - 10.30pm. Please ring our main number 08 8391 1404 and you will be diverted to our Vet on call. We reopen for normal business on Tuesday 22nd of April. ps. Please make sure you find the chocolates that Easter Bunny brings before your dogs, as chocolate is poisonous for dogs especially dark chocolate. If in doubt please ring our vets for advice. 🐣🐥🐇🕊🐾

04/04/2025

Meet the Team: Sarah Porter Trainee Vet Nurse

What was your journey to becoming a Vet Nurse and what made you decide to become a veterinary Nurse?
I first completed a pre-requisite at course at TAFE in the first half of 2021 called Animal Studies (the course has since changed) which ran for 6 months. I wasn’t completely set on working within the animal industry as I had the opportunity to study Fashion Design and needed to decide first which road I wanted to take. Six months after completing Animal Studies, I decided to apply to a few vet clinics around the hills with a traineeship in mind. Mt Barker Veterinary Clinic was my top choice as my family have been clients since I was about 2 or 3. Vet nursing has always been on my radar (after being a vet seemed too daunting and dog boarding/walking was a brief interest to a then younger Sarah). For as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to animals and they have always been a peak interest of mine, hyper focusing on different species throughout my years. Being fortunate enough to work up and close with them has been a dream.

When did you start at Mount Barker Veterinary Clinic and what is your roll?
I started working at the clinic as a kennel hand for 4 short months in 2022 before starting my traineeship in 2023. I’m currently in my 3rd and final year of Cert IV Veterinary Nursing at TAFE. Three years sounds like a long time but honestly the years have flown by, and I am still learning so much.

What do you love about working at the clinic?
The amazingly supportive team when we have to the hectic days, to all the varying species we see, there has been no two days alike. Both vets and nurses are filled with knowledge, individual experiences and have been interesting to learn from. As the clinic is based in the hills there is always a variety of wildlife that comes through the door which has piqued my interest in working with wildlife and exotics and expanding my knowledge on their needs and care.

What do you find challenging about working as a veterinary Nurse?
I know I am not the first one to speak about client communication, but with there being a huge variety in cases, personalities, and outcomes, it has been a constant learning experience figuring out how to address sensitive or emotional topics. Especially when a nurse has a limit as to what information we can give to clients without a Vet and we don’t have a Vet always on hand, as they may be with other clients, to fill in that information whenever requested.

What do you do when not working at the clinic?
I enjoy both time with friends and family as well as time to myself. Catching up with friends over brunch and coffee is one of my favourite things to do. In winter you’ll find me on the volleyball court, diving left, right and centre to keep the ball alive!
I’ve been keen to experience and develop new hobbies recently which has led me to learning how to surf (getting every opportunity possible to get out in the water with fellow Vet Nurse Bec before and after work), sitting on the beach early in the morning to dog watching, and expanding my baking skills (croissants being the current focus). I also love painting, photography, exploring, crafting, hiking, and enjoying nature in general. No matter what I’m doing, you’ll always find a coffee cup either in my hand or nearby!

11/03/2025

Meet the Team
Rebecca Calvert : Veterinary Nurse
1. How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse, and what made you decide to become a Veterinary Nurse?

I recently completed my final year of study in December 2024 to receive my Cert 4 in Veterinary Nursing. I worked part-time at the Vet clinic during my studies. I've always had a passion for helping others and a strong connection with animals, making veterinary nursing an ideal career choice for me.

2. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet Clinic, and what is your current role at the clinic?

After completing my Certificate III in Animal Studies in late 2021, I needed to find a clinic that could take me on as a trainee to complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I had my eyes set on Mount Barker Veterinary Clinic and stayed persistent until I was offered a position in March 2022. I began as a kennel hand until my part-time study commenced in July 2022, and I am thrilled to now be a qualified vet nurse!

3. What do you love about working at the clinic?

There are many things I love about working at the clinic. To start, the staff I’m surrounded by have become like family to me. Their ongoing support throughout my training has been immensely helpful and has shaped me into the nurse I am today. I also love the challenge of learning new things and assisting in emergency cases. Of course, we can’t forget the patients; I do have a soft spot for elderly cats and dogs!

4. What do you find challenging about working as a vet nurse?

One challenge I’ve faced as a vet nurse is navigating difficult conversations with clients. In this industry, there is quite a number of unexpected or difficult situations that clients and staff deal with daily. Being able to handle these conversations with professionalism, kindness, and support is very important. I have improved in this area since starting at the Vet clinic, and I hope to develop even more with the assistance and experience of my work team.

5. What do you do when you’re not working at the clinic?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my friends and partner—going out for brunch, to the beach, trying new hobbies (currently attempting to surf with another vet nurse Sarah), and much more. I love to get away for a weekend whenever I can to camp or travel to new areas, and I am currently in the process of converting a van into a camper to explore Australia! I have a passion for health and nutrition, so I enjoy going to the gym, playing volleyball, hiking, and cooking. I also care for my elderly cat, Miley, and refer to my place as her ‘retirement home.’

08/03/2025

Happy International Women's Day. Without the many amazing women in our Vet clinic, it could not function. In fact out of the 30 plus staff we only have two men. Here is a funny picture one of our nurses made showing our team as superheros doing their work. Also a reminder while we are closed on Monday for the public holiday, we will be available for emergencies all long weekend from 6.30am - 10.30pm if you require help. Just ring our main number and you will be connected to the Vet on call. 🦹‍♀️

18/02/2025

We have had the gorgeous boy Jet bought in to us lost. Unfortunately his Microchip details are not up to date. If you own Jet please come in to claim him, proof of ownership will be required. 🐈‍⬛