Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Summer 2024

L ocal accounting firm Tax Stuff has proudly concluded a fundraising effort for SoCares, the Central Coast’s leading animal rescue organization. Tax Stuff has donated $20 to SoCares for ever tax return filed between July and August this year and has donated $4,060 to SoCares for much needed food and supplies for all the animals in care. Tax Stuff plans to run the same promotions next year and sees this sponsorship as an ongoing relationship designed to support SoCares’ and their vital work in rehoming stray dogs and cats across the coast and providing them with a safe haven. Brad Anthonisz, owner and director of Tax Stuff, has a special connection to SoCares, having adopted his beloved dog, Charlie, a cheeky Staffy x Ridgeback, from their Charmhaven shelter in 2022. Since then, Charlie has become an integral part of Brad’s life and even serves as the unofficial mascot of Tax Stuff. “I’m a huge advocate for the incredible work that SoCares does for the Central Coast community,” Brad shared. “When I adopted Charlie, I saw firsthand the dedication of the team to animal welfare. Charlie has brought so much joy into my life, and I knew I wanted to give back in some way. I encourage anyone looking for a pet or a worthy cause to support them.” SoCares (Society of Companion Animal Rescuers) manages the only two animal shelters on the Central Coast—Charmhaven Tax Stuff Donates $4,060 to SoCares Animal Rescue

anxious around other dogs, which can lead to reactivity and aggressive behaviour. So, how do you deal with and adolescent dog? Owners need to be aware that their dog is going through a phase. Simply punishing them for unwanted behaviour can make it a lot worse, so it’s important to provide consistent, positive training and socialisation. This includes daily exercise, structured training sessions, mental stimulation and exposure to new and varied environments, people, and dogs in a controlled and positive way. Avoid busy dog parks and arrange play dates with calmer, well-adjusted dogs that can show them the ropes on how to behave appropriately, while allowing them to still have fun and play, to help expel some of that pent up energy. Don’t expect your adolescent dog to just grow out of it either without addressing the issues, see a professional trainer as soon as any problems arise or consider puppy school at your local vet to help you reinforce this training ongoing at home. As dogs move through adolescence it is also a time when their nutritional needs change, so talk to your vet or pet food nutritionist about their diet and any adjustments that will need to be made as they move into adulthood. It is a good idea to provide safe toys for your dogs to play to stop them digging or chewing destructively. You can also provide good quality long lasting chews under supervision to keep your dog occupied and happy. Led by Brad Anthonisz, the firm offers expert accounting services, including tax returns, BAS lodgements, and bookkeeping. To learn more about how you can support SoCares, or if you’re looking to adopt a pet, visit SoCares website or social accounts. Social & Web Links: SoCares https://www.socaresanimalcarefacility.com. au/taxstuff https://www.facebook.com/ SoCaresCentralCoastAnimalShelters Tax Stuff https://taxstuff.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/taxstuffgosford

M uch like puberty in humans, dogs also go through adolescence. This is when they are developing and experience significant hormonal changes that makes dealing with an adolescent dog a challenge for even the most patient owners. Adolescence in dogs typically occurs between 6 to 18 months, depending on the breed and individual dog, for most dogs though it’s around 8 or 9 months. This is a time that some dogs start to exhibit problematic behaviour as the hormonal changes can make them appear less obedient. Your formerly well-behaved or shy puppy may start to become more assertive, independent, and push the boundaries. At this stage their brain is disorganised, and they become curious to explore and release energy and hormones, wanting to interact more with the environment and people in it. The surge of hormones and energy levels that an adolescent dog can experience can result in increased territorial behaviour, mounting and aggression, or lead to hyperactivity, destructive behaviour and excessive barking. It’s important to know that this behaviour will pass with guidance from responsible owners. Another factor contributing to problem behaviours is a lack of positive socialisation and training, or even over-socialising them during their critical period of development which is the first 3-4 months of their life. If dogs are not socialised correctly during these earlier months, they may become fearful or Brad and the team at Tax Stuff are deeply committed to supporting their local community, both through their accounting services and through partnerships with important organizations like SoCares and The Entrance Hockey Club. Based in Gosford, Tax Stuff is dedicated to helping local businesses and individuals take control of their finances. and Erina Animal Care Shelters—in partnership with Central Coast Council. Since 2014, SoCares has been a leader in pound reform, rehoming stray animals and helping them find loving homes. As a registered Not for Profit Charity, SoCares plays a vital role in the local community, ensuring the welfare and care of countless animals.

Dealing with an adolescent dog

24 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2024