Scottish Dog Behaviourist

09/01/2024

07/01/2024

What's your Dog called and why? Lets have a look at how we choose our dogs names...

How do we choose our Dogs name, Choosing the Perfect Dog Name can be Blend of Culture, Preference, and Science.

06/01/2024

Never mind, I didn't want a pic anyway 😂🤯

Remember if they don't get it the first few times, try again a bit later. They'll gt it, just be patient and calm.

05/01/2024

Couch cuddles, love them or hate them you just can't help but love them! ❤

04/01/2024

Ever wondered why they do this? Well there's quite a few reasons, not just for sexy time 😂

Why do dogs hump? From play, dominance, stress, to hormonal changes in heat. And learn how a dogs estrous cycle differs from human menstruation.

03/01/2024

Did you ever wonder if your dog knows what it looks like? I went on a deep dive with this and kinda regret it, was VERY interesting though 🤔.

Do dogs recognise themselves on sight? Has your dog every looked a the mirror puzzled or a noticed a picture of themselves.

02/01/2024

Such a serious issue for humans, but can it affect our dogs too? Lets have a look...

Learn how seasonal changes impact dogs' moods, activities, and well-being. Can they be affected by a canine version of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

31/12/2023

Happy New Year from the team here at The Scottish Dog Behaviourist.

29/12/2023

Really starting to regret handing out these toys 🧸 🤯😂

They’ve ALL GOT ONE! 😱

24/12/2023

Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Scottish Dog Behaviourist!

22/12/2023

I’m not one for gushy sentiment, normally, but this festive season I wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

Your encouragement and support over this past year (and for many before) has encouraged me to keep moving forward, even on the toughest days. I hope I’ve helped you in even the smallest way during our time together.

I wish you all an amazing holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, happiness, and prosperity (and Dogs, always dogs!)

Here’s a wee Scots poem (video) I wrote about ‘Love & Dogs’ to say thank you for your past, present and continued support into 2024 and beyond.

21/12/2023

Unwavering loyalty, from both of us. ❤️

19/12/2023

Just a festive type pic for the sake of it. Walks done, presents wrapped, house not tidied yet but got a few days to go. 😆😆

16/12/2023

Wee Shug has hard time of it recently and is looking for a forever home. Ideally a calm environment where he can be treated with patience while he settles. If you know anyone who might be interested contact the team at Ayrshire Drone Dog Ayrshire Drone Dog Rescue - ADDR.

14/12/2023

My own beard is going white, times a gettin' on for old Craigie but Khaleesi's just a young(ish) pup. Why is hers going all santa beard colour too?

Explore the reasons behind our dogs muzzles turning white. Why do they get grey or white beards like we do?

13/12/2023

Lets avoid unfortunate moments, take a minute to have a look at my top tips when approaching a dog you don't know to minimise an unwanted reaction.

Key tips on safely approaching dogs, understanding their body language, and preventing bites.

10/12/2023

Throwing sticks for your dog can be risky and even dangerous to their health, here are some potential dangers to look out for:

Your dog may run after the stick so enthusiastically that they can injure themselves when catching it. Sticks can cause cuts, punctures, or abrasions to the mouth and throat.

If they accidentally swallow a part or even all of the stick it could cause a choking hazard, even a splinter from the stick can also pose a risk of causing internal damage.

As much as we imagine our dogs jumping gracefully and snatching the thrown stick out of the air majestically, some of them are just not as agile as we’d hoped and may not always catch the stick as intended, leading to the possibility of eye injuries if the stick hits them in the face.

As above, if they catch the stick at an awkward angle or if the stick splinters they could suffer injuries to their gums, teeth, and the roof of their mouths.

Repeatedly chasing and fetching sticks can encourage possessiveness or aggression in some dogs. They may become overly protective of the stick or view it as a threat, leading to potential behavioural issues. If you feel this is happening, contact your local dog behaviourist for help.

To minimize these sticky risks, consider using toys specifically designed for dogs, such as rubber fetch toys or soft frisbees.

Always supervise playtime, and if you notice any signs of injury or discomfort in your dog, contact your vet.

It’s also important to train your dog to drop items on command to help prevent possessive behaviour.

09/12/2023

08/12/2023

This was Khaleesi's experience of snow and she just LOVED IT.

A little hesitant at first, but once she embraced it, her joy was infectious.
Seeing her jump about in the cold white stuff made me think about how new experiences shape her character.

It's not just about the fun; it's about building strength and resilience.

She wasn’t bothered about the short time she was outside with the cold under her paws, it was a stepping stone to growth.

Each leap and ‘Leesi spin’ was a testament to her continued strength and adaptability.

These precious moments with our dogs are more than just play; they're opportunities for them to evolve.

It reminded me that every new experience we give our dogs enriches their lives.

Khaleesi's fun in the snow wasn't just a run about with a new environmental change; it was a reminder that for our dogs (and for us) challenges and new adventures are the building blocks of a vibrant and fulfilling life.

07/12/2023

***UPDATE - OWNER FOUND ***
A Collie has been handed in to the practice this morning - found near Cairn Primary School in Maybole. Dog is microchipped but the contact details are out of date. Please contact the practice if you think it might be yours 01655 883277

03/12/2023

Dogs CAN catch colds, but their colds are different to ours, and no, they can’t catch one from humans.

Dog colds are caused by different viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, lethargy, and sometimes fever.

If you think your dog has caught a cold, make sure you give them a comfortable, warm place to rest and always ensure they have access to fresh water so they can stay hydrated.

Minimise their time outside in cold weather, keeping them indoors can help them to recover quicker.

Just like ours, their colds usually resolve on its own but keep an eye o them.
If symptoms persist or get worse, or if there are signs of more serious illness such as difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, or unusual lethargy be sure to take them to your vet.

They’ll determine if the symptoms are due to a cold or a more serious health issue and provide appropriate treatment.

02/12/2023

I always like checking out new venues for my, and my clients dogs.

We had a great time with the dogs last night at Bedlay Gardens Dog Forest. An excellent fully enclosed woodland area (in Chryston, Glasgow) for private hire to let your dogs run free.

It was dark for my booking but we still had a great time, these are just two of the MANY photos I got:

Khaleesi (my Spanish Queen) and Bhruic (my Scottish Badger 😂). If you're in the area it's definitely worth checking them out.

Of course book ahead of time using their easy to use online booking system.

https://www.bedlaygardensdogforest.co.uk/

They also do Bedlay Gardens - Dog Day Care, Dog Walking & Home Boarding

https://www.facebook.com/BedlayGardensDogDayCare/

02/12/2023

When I hear the phrase "teaching an old dog new tricks" I think of the assumed difficulty for us to learn new skills or habits later in life. I like to think of it as more of a challenge than a difficulty.

In terms of Dog Training, it can be viewed in a similar way.

I’m asked often if it’s too late to train an older dog, absolutely not, older dogs can learn new behaviours and commands, though their learning process might be a little different from that of a younger dog.

Patience and positive interaction are key and older dogs might require shorter but more frequent training sessions.

Their cognitive abilities, while different, are not necessarily diminished. In fact, their life experience can sometimes make them more adaptable to new situations, the wise of hounds they are.

It's important to understand the individual dog's health, temperament, and learning style.

Training in later life can enrich their life, providing mental stimulation and physical activity, and also strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner, proving that age is not a barrier to learning and growth.

01/12/2023

How do your dogs sit?

As elegant as this? 😂🤣🐕

30/11/2023

Happy St. Andrew's Day!

It would be remiss of me not to post to celebrate St Andrews Day and the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Scotland with of course, a direct focus on our loyal companions, our dogs.

As the patron saint of Scotland, his story, and the symbol of his cross (the Saltire) have come to represent the enduring spirit and resilience of the Scottish people.

Like Saint Andrew, our dogs embody the same strength and resilience as they stand by us, displaying unwavering loyalty and courage that mirrors the heart of Scottish people.

This is a spirit adopted by our very own Khaleesi. She’s faced hardships, a victim of abuse but she epitomises the spirit of a warrior, reflecting the unrelenting strength and determination revered so deeply in Scottish heritage.

Her recovery and rehabilitation thanks to her guardian angel has been nothing short of remarkable, exhibiting not just her ability to endure but also to thrive and spread joy in her new life with us.

Her unwavering loyalty and courage echoes with the soul of Scotland, a land known for its rugged perseverance and brave heart.

We see Scotland's spirit reflected in Khaleesi with her unbreakable determination to overcome the pains of her past and a loyalty that will endure through the best and worst times ahead.

Her being in our lives is a daily reminder that, like the resilient Scottish people and the enduring legacy of Saint Andrew, strength and love can conquer all.

30/11/2023

In a world where we’re often preoccupied with material possessions and ownership, here’s a different, more meaningful perspective to consider.

I came across this photograph of Julie and I with our dogs during a camping trip to Wales a few years ago with Calaidh and Freya sitting on the car bonnet as we posed for a muddy photo!

As I thought back on it and how unbothered (is that a word?) about the scratches and scuffs they were making and how, in that moment our priority was their happiness and the shared adventure, not the smooth shine of the paintwork on the car.

As with many things that we’ve been through since then as a family it’s easy to reflect on a deeper philosophy.

Is that the right word, philosophy, I suppose it is, it’s a way to look at life, about remembering it shouldn’t be about accumulating things, but about collecting moments and memories.

The scratches on the car became trophies or souvenirs of our journey, reminding us where we were, where we camped, who was with us and how much fun we had with friends.

If you really think about it the most cherished parts of your life aren’t the things you own, but the experiences we share, especially with not only our family and friends, but the pets we love along the way, as they teach us to find joy and happiness in the simplest of adventures.

Dog trainer and dog behaviour specialist, one to one throughout Ayrshire, Kilmarnock, Ayr, Largs, Glasgow, Greenock, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Central Scotland.

29/11/2023

Nurturing with nature, is a profound example of the symbiotic relationship between humans, our dogs and the natural world. Get out there and explore with your best friend!

28/11/2023

Been looking all weekend for winter warmth for our Spanish Queen Khaleesi. I've never had clothing for my dogs before so thought I'd write a bit to give you an insight into why?

How to keep your dog warm this winter with my comprehensive look at choosing the right clothing for warmth, safety, and style.

27/11/2023

Bhruic remembers that when the ‘gate’ is closed, so is the field, but how did she remember? Her, (a dogs), memory is different from us humans and is mainly based on associative memory rather than direct recall.

Dogs form memories by creating associations with people, places, and experiences, often influenced by positive or negative connotations.

For example, a dog might link a specific person or location with a pleasant and unpleasant experience, leading to a repeat response upon encountering them/it again and they use their senses, such as sight, smell, and hearing, to help develop these associations.

Recent research, including Dr. Claudia Fugazza's "Do as I Do" technique, suggest that dogs might also possess a form of episodic-like memory.

This ability allows them to recall specific actions observed from their owners, even without immediate expectations of a reward or the need to replicate the action immediately.

This suggests a more sophisticated memory system in dogs, indicating they do more than just live in the moment, continually forming and recalling memories.

22/11/2023

Forgot about this 'dogs level' summer walk with the 3 monsters from the back of wee Freya. Evertyhing looks so much more interesting down there.