Saturday 28 May 2011


A few new ones in the puupy groups today:-

Cookie, a lovely little chi x JRT, a playful lad and at a year old just little bit over-confident in how far he ranges.

Judy, the 25 week old Border Terrior puppy has been causing her owners a bit of embarressment creating a scen on lead when she sees other dogs.   A normal behaviour for the growing, excitable and overly social pup.

Buster the rescue beagle made his voice heard, nothing like the lovely bay of a beagle.

There was some great progress in the groups as well:-

Amy the Bichon done so well today, playing and getting involved. It was testament to how far she has progressed as her Mum, Ann was actually on the field today & confident in her handling. Ann has been very nervous for Amy since she got spooked by a dog at Christmas and went missing for 4 hours, crossing lots of busy roads in all the snow.  

Rasmus, the Podenco x done well today as well, a Spanish rescue dog, he is very playful but could be a little overwhelmed when they all wanted to play back. He is with us to work on his recall & he is doing well.  

The second class was great as well, Tetley the boxer coped really well when confronted with a young entire male & a crazy EBT (no offence Boycie, you know we love you)
 
Marley, the JRT was ranging out today as well and playfully interacting with the other dogs & it was a mixed sized group out there with him today.
 
A couple of the owners have asked if anyone wants to meet up in the week for a walk at another location.  Let me have your details if you want me to pass them on.
 


Tips of the day.  
If your dog or puppy is 'shouting' at other dogs when they are on lead, just turn and head in the opposite direction until they calm down and then try again. It doesn't matter if they are barking through excitement or nerves, remove them and try again. 

 
If your dog doesn't always come back when they are called then use a running line. Our instructors are always happy to show you how to use one and just think, every time your dog ignores you when you call them you make your recall command less effective. This is one of the most important things you will ever teach your dog, it's a life saver so don't mess it up.

Saturday 21 May 2011

The sun has got its hat on....

We are all enjoying the warmer weather and although I nag you all at the classes about keeping your dogs cool and being aware when travelling, I can't help but nag you again.  Check out the website and FB page for our information on 'Keeping your dog cool this summer'.
We have had some great new dogs join the groups over the past couple of weeks:- A Podenco,  a chihuahua, a chihuahua x JRT, a JRT, an Irish setter, a border collie,  and the list goes on and on.  I will post some photos and keep you updated on their progress.
Chilli has been trying the waters in the puppy class now and is doing so well, she has really turned a corner, meeting and greeting really well, just the lead issue to settle down now.  Basil is growing well and providing a lovely foil for Chilli's exuberance.
Rubens, the Jack-a-bea is improving, he had some quiet fun today which is always a blessing as he does like to be heard.
Miss Olive has had us worried with a womb infection (pyometra), these are serious things, luckily hers was an open pyo and as I got her to the vets before she became poorly the antibiotics seem to have done the trick.  She will be spayed in 6 weeks unless the infection kicks in again.
I would urge all of you who have entire bitches to monitor them closely during and after their seasons, pyometras can be fatal if the infection takes hold. Have a read of the Wikipedia info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyometra.  I am all for spaying bitches but as a behaviourist I prefer them to have one season first, Miss Olive was on her second as I simply forgot to get her booked in.  Luckily I noticed the signs before she was too ill.