Alfie’s Dog Club

08/11/2021

I hope everyone is safe and well.

I thought I’d share the latest video of Xela now that she is 6 months old. She has settled in very well and this is a normal day with Alfie in Tenerife. This looks like play, and it is, although there is a serious side to it in terms of discipline.

James and Alfie.

01/08/2021

Good afternoon everyone. I thought I’d give everyone a wee update on Xela.

We will be supplementing her diet with raw food as it’s very important for her to have as varied and balanced diet as possible. This video is her first taste of turkey breast and it difficult to tell if she even tasted it.

The training here is keeping the pup as calm as possible before she gets her food.

James and Alfie.

20/07/2021

Good afternoon everyone.

I thought I’d post another short video of Xela with Charlie the cat who is only 5 months himself. As you can see they’re firm friends and this is demonstrated by their play fighting.
This is an important part in the development of both the puppy and the kitten as Xela has a very high prey drive already.
It’s crucial that she learns that Charlie is very much part of the pack although as you can see Alfie is always on hand to oversee pack behaviour.

James and Alfie.

28/06/2021

Good evening everyone.

We have had Xela for a week now and it has been a very interesting week. Charlie the kitten has now become firm friends with Xela, and today, we turned a corner in terms of the pup’s acceptance into the pack.
As you will see from the video, Alfie has begun playing with Xela. Please never underestimate the learning opportunity this is for any puppy.
Alfie is very gentle as always, and although this is play, it has very serious implications for the development of the puppy with regard to pack acceptance.
It’s important to note that Xela is quiet throughout this encounter which is unusual for a puppy in my experience, especially as young as Xela is.

James and Alfie.

24/06/2021

Good afternoon everyone.

Just to say that Xela is settling in very well, and is behaving like any puppy would, however I have noticed differences in how she perceives the world around her.

Her need for pack acceptance is very clear although as you can see her manners need a little work. Alfie, as always, is on hand to oversee pack behaviour.

James and Alfie.

21/06/2021

I hope everyone is staying safe back home.
We have a new addition to our pack here in Tenerife.
This is Xela and she’s a Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog.
As Alfie will be 7 in October, we need another dog for the Finca, as we have a lot of space here.
I will keep everyone updated on her journey and training with Alfie and I.

James and Alfie.

27/04/2021

Good afternoon everyone. I hope all is well and that now restrictions back home have been relaxed a bit, you can get to meet more people and dogs to keep the socialisation going.

I have been asked by a few people for some advice and guidance from here in Tenerife.
I have carried out a few Zoom/FaceTime consultations and these have worked well.

I have been working with a few dogs here in Tenerife however Alfie hasn’t been involved yet but this will change soon as he’s not enjoying his “retirement”.

We have added to our family with Charlie the kitten and I’m pleased to say that Alfie is taking to him in his own unique way.

If anyone would like any advice or guidance then please contact me. If it’s the UK then I can do it virtually however here in Tenerife can be face to face.

James and Alfie

26/03/2021

Good Afternoon everyone.
I hope you are all staying safe and getting regular exercise (humans too).

Apologies for not posting for a while as we have been up and down with tier lockdowns here in Tenerife.

This is Alfie’s idea of helping with watering the garden this morning. I have to say it does keep him cool as it was 22 degrees at 10 o’clock this morning.

James and Alfie.

04/01/2021

Happy New Year to everyone and we hope 2021 is a better year for everyone. Please remember your dogs in these unprecedented times too.
My nephew Oliver made this video and most of you will know him from the Sunday sessions.

Please follow our new bar on Instagram bar29coralmartenerife.

26/10/2020

I have created a YouTube channel for everyone to watch our videos. Please subscribe using the link below.

James and Alfie.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGZeNnXeffoo2b8j4yzVHMg

Information, advice and guidance videos on all aspects of dog training and behaviour correction.

23/10/2020

I hope everyone is safe and well.

I have been thinking about some of the things I could cover in my videos on Facebook and I happened to get a question on messenger about collars.

Everyone I have worked with, or has been at a Sunday session, will know that I recommend specific collars and leads when working with dogs, standard leads if used with a choke or a slip if not.
I also recommend that you seek advice and get the collar fitted for your dog in your local pet shop.

Country Feeds next to Tesco in Barrhead have excellent staff who will be more than happy to give advice and fit an appropriately sized collar for your dog.

The video on this post was shot today to send back on messenger and apologies about the framing as it was done very quickly, however I thought I’d share it.

I will be posting a video soon which covers the four basic commands I start every dog with regardless of age or issue.

James and Alfie.

10/10/2020

I hope everyone is safe and well and keeping up the good work. This is Alfie out on his morning walk this morning.

James and Alfie.

26/09/2020

As some of you may already know, Alfie and I are off to start a new adventure in Tenerife.
Unfortunately this had to be a very quick decision, and move, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and the uncertainty with Brexit.

I have given this post a lot of thought over the last few days, and truth be told, I am struggling with my emotions and not too proud to say that I am shedding tears as I write this.

I want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Alfie and I over the last few years and I hope we have made a difference to the countless dogs and owners across the country.

Keep up the good work, get the basics right and all will be well.

This page will remain live and I still have the same number, therefore anyone is welcome to contact me for advice at anytime.

Please look out for a new format of Alfie’s Dog Club coming soon in the form of Facebook Live/YouTube in order for me to continue with my passion for helping dogs.

Please remember, the dog wants to be a dog, so let it be what it was born to be and follow a positive assertive leader.

James and Alfie.

06/08/2020

I have been asked by numerous people and clients over the last few weeks regarding the Sunday group sessions. Unfortunately due to the current restrictions I am unable to restart the Sunday sessions due to the potential numbers involved.
I appreciate there is a lot of other group activity in the park with football etc. however my understanding of the current restrictions do not permit me to have the numbers I anticipate attending on a Sunday.
I am able to visit on a 121 basis and have been prioritising puppies, young dogs and rescued/re-homed dogs which in my experience have faced the most challenges during lockdown.
If anyone has any questions then please message me or comment on this post as others may benefit from your questions.

James and Alfie.

22/06/2020

I thought I’d post an update about the Sunday sessions as I was asked if I had started back by a few owners who regularly attend.
This comes from people seeing a group of people with dogs in the park yesterday afternoon (Sunday) and the video was sent to me by a dog owner.
By the time Alfie and I got to the park the group was just finishing with the owners leaving the park.

I asked who they were and it was a whippet club of some sort training/exercising their dogs using lures. I saw no evidence of any box muzzles of any kind therefore this, in my opinion, is reckless and dangerous and poses an extreme risk to other dogs in a public area like the Cowan Park. This is not to mention the current restrictions regarding COVID-19 as I am still unable to re-start the Sunday sessions.

I have a lot of experience with schooling greyhounds behind lures and this should always be carried out in a controlled and secure environment with all dogs muzzled at all times whether chasing a lure or on a lead.

Just to be clear, I have no issues with this type of activity, however it should never be in a public park as it poses too much of a risk to other users of the park and would never be covered by any sort of insurance.

James and Alfie.

28/05/2020

I thought I’d just put on a wee video of Alfie heading to the park as he misses the Sunday sessions. Hopefully we’ll be back soon.

James and Alfie.

02/04/2020

We would like to say thank you to all the NHS and support staff including family carers for their continued care for all of us. Alfie is doing his bit too.

James and Alfie.

16/03/2020

In light of the WHO and Government information and advice given out today I have decided that it would be sensible to cancel the Sunday sessions for the foreseeable future. I will still be available for contact through Facebook, email or text if you have any questions or issues you think I may be able to help with or just for general advice.

I will of course update the page when I can and please look out for some upcoming information videos to keep you all going with home sessions.

Thank you to everyone for your understanding.

James and Alfie.

14/03/2020

I am sure everyone is aware of the ongoing situation relating to Coronavirus. At the moment due to the small numbers attending, the sessions will go ahead as normal, however could I please ask that we all follow the official guidelines and if anyone has any symptoms then please do not attend.
We will keep you all informed as much as we can with regard to the continuation of the sessions therefore please this page regularly check for any updates.

James and Alfie.

09/02/2020

Hi all. We had to cut the first session there to under an hour as the weather is horrendous. The second session won’t be going ahead therefore if you haven’t started to come to the park then please don’t. I’ll be here until 12.30 just to let anyone know who turns up.

James and Alfie.

08/02/2020

Apologies to everyone as I haven’t had a minute this week to get a post on but I thought I’d better put something up regarding the current weather.
We have just driven up from Greenock and the weather is awful as I’m sure you’re all aware.
We will be in the park at the usual time tomorrow however I will make a decision whether the sessions go ahead based on the weather in the morning.
I am aware that there may be a potential heath and safety issue with the location of the sessions due to the trees so please accept my apologies in advance if the sessions do not go ahead as normal.
We will however be walking round the park if the sessions are off to give Alfie his exercise and everyone is welcome to join us.
I appreciate your understanding of the situation and I apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

James and Alfie.

24/01/2020

Apologies for the delay in this week’s post. Thanks again to everyone who attended both sessions this week and especially for the support for Mirrin who is the star of this week’s video.
Mirrin is currently working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and we at Alfie’s Dog Club are happy to support her achievement of the skill element of this.
I feel that supporting our young people in this type of activity benefits the wider community and I’m sure Mirrin will pass on her knowledge whenever she has the opportunity.

James and Alfie.

15/01/2020

The owners are finally getting the idea of the leapfrog activity 🙄. The dogs got it on the first week 😂😂. Thanks again to everyone who attended the sessions this week.

07/01/2020

Thanks to everyone who attended the first sessions of 2020 and continue to support my vision of a community of responsible dog owners in and around Cowan Park.
I regularly get asked about the content of the sessions and how they run in general.
Just for clarity, the sessions are not formal dog training sessions but focus on activity led socialisation for dogs and owners. We do have some basic training involved in the sessions however any particular issues should always be addressed on a 121 basis with dog and owner.
As I said on Sunday if anyone has any thoughts or ideas on activities we could include then please feel free to comment.
Usual times for Sunday and both Alfie and I look forward to seeing you all as always.

James and Alfie.

22/12/2019

Well that’s 2019 over for Alfie’s Dog Club and Alfie and I want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has attended the regular Sunday sessions.

I would also like to add my sincere thanks for your generosity today with the cards and gifts we both received.

As I said today, we are back for 2020 on the 5th January with two sessions as normal, and again, everyone is welcome at either or both sessions.

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020.

James and Alfie.

18/12/2019

Thanks to everyone who attended both sessions this week. Due to the holiday period coming up there will only be one session this weekend. It will be the later session from 12.30pm until 2pm. There will be no sessions on the 29th however it will be back to normal with two sessions from 5th January.
If Alfie and I don’t see you on Sunday, thank you all for your support at the sessions and have a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2020.

James and Alfie

08/12/2019

Thanks again to everyone who attended today’s group sessions as the weather was terrible. Keep up the good work with the sit, come, stay basics and a bit more lead work.

James and Alfie.

03/12/2019

Thanks again to everyone who braved the very cold weather to attend Sunday’s sessions, particularly the first, as it was reading minus five when we left the car.
I received a number of messages asking if the Sunday was on and just to confirm again that sessions will go ahead regardless of weather provided it is safe to do so.
Wrap up well and we hope to see you on Sunday.

James and Alfie.

24/11/2019

Another two good sessions today so thanks again to everyone who attended. Please remember to keep up the work at home with the basics we went through today.
Sit, come, stay and the touch command as a start to recall training as much as possible, preferably every day, and you’ll see positive changes in the dog’s behaviour.

21/11/2019

One of my client owners has very kindly sponsored a guide dog called Cookie in Alfie’s name as a thank you for working with her dog and for the time Alfie and I give on a Sunday to promote responsible dog ownership in and around the local area. I have posted the certificate and picture of the sponsored dog and respectfully ask if people could support this dog as she will be a very valuable and helpful addition for her future owner.

Thanks, James and Alfie.