Practical, kind, effective dog training and behavioural advice tailored to suit you and your dogs.
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Experienced, professional puppy and older dog training and behavioural advice in group classes and one to one visits to your home and preferrred outdoor exercise areas.
LIBRELA : THE NEWEST PAIN RELIEF FOR OSTEO ARTHRITIS IN DOGS - PROS AND CONS OF USE
Key Highlights This blog post provides an update on Librela, an injection in veterinary medicine used to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Studies have shown that Librela can significantly improve pain scores and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis pain. The most common....
From The Canine Training & Behaviour Society - advice on how best to handle your exempted dog breeds at the vets.
FEEDING PUPPIES & ADULT DOGS...
Just a reminder please to read carefully the quantity you should be feeding your puppy or dog and if you switch to another dog food read that as amounts vary from one food to another.
I saw a lovely puppy once who was very lively for short bursts but rested a lot more than normal. On checking the amount fed, I found it was way too little and a couple of weeks of increasing her food intake (several smaller meals spread over the day to increase it) she was much better.
Also below: a guide on how and when to switch from puppy to adult food:
https://blog.orijenpetfoods.com/switching-from-puppy-food-to-adult-food/
Also below a guide on different dog foods for pups and adults.
As examples I chose Orijen and James Wellbeloved. Orijen is much better quality although JW is better known. Both are owned by Mars.
Click on each product and you can see all ingredients and scroll down the page to see a pie chart with a breakdown of ingredients – a quick view to see what your dog’s eating.
You will see many filter options on this site. You can select just your current brand of dog food and others and so easily check ingredients.
https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/dog-food-reviews/0083/orijen-puppy
See how Orijen Puppy really compares on the world's most comprehensive dog food review site, All About Dog Food! Pupp
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ANIMALS ARE NOT CARED FOR OR TRAINED CORRECTLY...
I watched on Netflix recently a documentary called BLACKFISH about a killer whale kept in captivity with SeaWorld. Interesting but very sad to hear what still continues to go on for the sake of so called 'entertainment'. However, it is a reminder that any animal that is not given the appropriate amount of mental and physical exercise and environmental enrichment may react with frustration and aggression. Add to that the use of inappropriate training methods which lead to more frustration and it does not end well.
This fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum, who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity.
TOADS EMERGING TO BREED...
Two things to bear in mind:
1. They are poisonous to dogs - please see link below (along with other poison advice).
2. Please slow down when you see a road sign advising of frogs and toads crossing roads. Masses of them are killed each year by car.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisons-and-hazards-for-your-pets?_$ja=tsid:|cid:1403862223|agid:61029692051|tid:dsa-582247928352|crid:269429513170|nw:g|rnd:691341563371182239|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:9045825&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrK6Ri7fdhAMVEYBQBh2Rcwe1EAAYASAAEgKazfD_BwE
https://www.froglife.org/who-we-are/common-toad-2/
Common Toad 6 Common Toad 11 Common Toad (Lucy Benyon) Common Toad 10 Common Toad (Jules Howard) Common Toad 9 Common Toad (Oliver Kratz) Common Toad 8 Juvenile Common Toad (Lucy Benyon) Common Toad 7 Common Toad 6 Common Toads breeding (Silviu Petrovan) Common Toad 5 A juvenile Common Toad (Laur...
A REMINDER ABOUT XYLITOL AND TOXICITY TO DOGS...
Many of you will already be aware of the toxic to dogs sugar replacement but it is also listed as a number of other ingredients. Please read labels carefully on food and household products and keep out of reach of your dogs. See link below:
This poster describes the common types of xylitol containing products and the most common symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs.
STILL COLD OUT THERE....
Wrap up warm!
How much water should your drink each day?
I was talking recently with a client about water intake and found this useful guide via a vet:
https://www.caldervets.co.uk/pet-help-advice/general-pet-advice/pet-health/110-why-is-my-dog-or-cat-drinking-so-much-water #:~:text=How%20much%20water%20should%20my,a%20pint)%20in%2024%20hours.
Calder Vets - Vets In West Yorkshire | Calder Vets West Yorkshire
BUILDING UP THE ‘TRUST BANK’ …
I recently attended a webinar with The Canine Behaviour and Training Society, of which I am a member. The lady giving the talk used the phrase of ‘building the trust bank’ between ourselves and our dogs. I thought this was worth sharing as if there is trust it leads to a lot more co-operation and also in cases of emergency or unexpected events then your dog should be more trustful of your actions and motives.
I have experienced this many times with clients and their dogs, and personally when with dogs of my own or others’ dogs.
The basics of building trust are:
• Be fair.
• Be consistent.
• Be kind.
• Remember you need to gain respect and trust – it is not an automatic right just because you are the owner.
Recently I was clipping a large guarding breed dog as a favour to a friend and he was sensitive to this procedure and didn’t like to be restrained. So I didn’t tie him up at all but, having built trust over time, verbally encouraged him back to me and did a little at a time. The dog started coming in closer and remaining in position and I was very careful not to hurt him to retain his trust.. It takes time to do things this way, especially at the start, but you will reap the benefits of your patience for the long-term.
Photos of me are demonstrating how to build a good relationship through play-training – just one way of many to build the trust.
KEEPING YOUR DOG WARM IN WINTER ….
With some beautiful sunny days recently please remember that it’s still very cold and, like us, dogs can feel it too.
A lot of dog owners already have dog coats on their dogs during the walk so this article is aimed more at dogs who generally do not wear a coat but are inclined to get wet in some way or other – swimming, lying in puddles, etc.
If you are out and about please make sure you keep your dog warm and dry after walks by being prepared. The cold and wet will not only make your dog feel uncomfortable but can affect the long-term joint health of your dog.
Also, when a dog is not dried off quickly after a walk or dip into the sea, their skin may suffer.
To keep your dog’s skin in good condition and to speed up drying them off, make sure they are groomed regularly.
A few useful items for you to keep your dog dry, warm and healthy are given below for guidance but you can also buy similar in stores:
Soft Rubber Horse Sweat Scraper
For dogs that get very wet, a good short-cut to drying which I picked up from an American groomer is to use a soft rubber horse sweat scraper. Traditionally used to dry off horses, these are really good at removing the excess water before you start to use shammies and towels. Be sure to use the soft rubber edge and never the harder metal edge and be gentle where you use it:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergonomic-Handheld-Shedding-Grooming-Cleaning/dp/B092ZZ1PF5/ref=sr_1_16?crid=3RBN674JPUVH1&keywords=sweat+scraper+for+horses+soft+edge&qid=1706722534&sprefix=sweat+scraper+for+horses+soft+edge%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-16
Professional drying off shammy cloth
One example (which I have) is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Groomers-AQ001-Aquasorb-Towel-Medium/dp/B003BOCFQ4?th=1
This should be kept moist in the packaging it comes in. Simply wipe over your wet dog, ring out the cloth and wipe again until you have as much moisture off as possible and then switch to using a towel. By using this shammy first your towel will get less soggy and so you dry your dog more quickly. Dog groomers always use this before towelling off to save time.
Dog coats
Once you’ve dried your dog off well and removed as much as possible then put on a coat to help wick away the remaining moisture and keep him or her warm. If it will be a while before you get home then have two coats so you can switch over to keep your dog even warmer and drier.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lucky-Paws%C2%AE-Dog-Drying-Coat/dp/B09CH5Z1B1/ref=asc_df_B09CH5Z1B1/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=565719938536&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4896974359328636649&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045825&hvtargid=pla-1508012379480&mcid=78191f4a9ff135e7b0a0023e3fd2812b&th=1
https://www.fieldingengland.co.uk/acatalog/dog-coats.html
Vet bed
One of my pet-hates (literally) is to see cold and/or wet dogs expected to wait patiently on hard floors either inside or out. If you want to linger over coffee or a meal then it’s a good idea to do all the above to dry off your dog and also provide them with a warm and comfy bit of vet bedding to settle on. Your dog will be happier and more settled and you can have dessert!
Don’t forget a treat for your dog and/or chew toy and ensure they are offered a drink before you feed and water yourself. It’s only fair and you will have a more relaxed refreshment break.
https://www.simply2pets.com/products/profleece-premium-vet-bedding-1200-green-back?variant=44200083718367¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5rydhPOHhAMVaJhQBh05CQj8EAQYAyABEgKzqvD_BwE
You may also like to see the article on my page which I wrote recently about ‘Swimmers’ Tail’ : https://www.facebook.com/CooperativeCaninesDogTraining
Happy winter walking….
Sally Bartlett
www.co-operativecanines.co.uk
07752 427804
WITH SO MUCH TALK OF HUMAN VACCINATIONS IN THE NEWS RECENTLY, JUST A REMINDER ON DOG VACCINATIONS. PLEASE SEE MY BLOG ARTICLE:
Vaccinating guidelines and titre testing to avoid unnecessary vaccinations
SWIMMERS' TAIL ...
With beautiful sunny weather recently lots of dogs have been enjoying a swim. But please be aware that too much swimming in cold water or a cold swim and vigorous exercise can cause painful 'Swimmers' Tail'.
I've only seen this twice but it is fairly common so please be aware and condition your dog gradually.
It can also have other causes. Please see link to article.
As always, if your dog is unwell please consult a vet to rule out other causes and to get the correct treatment for your dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/swimmers-tail-what-to-know/
HOLIDAYS OVER, BACK TO TRAINING...
I will have availability at end of September for private puppy and older dog training and behaviour. Boost your dog's training with one or more private sessions with me.
Meanwhile a photo of some recent friends who were interested in my snacks: so easy for bad habits to form! But they soon gave up and went off to relax in the sun.
Several new clients recently to work on general training, lots of recall, some reactiveness to other dogs but I'm so busy with training I forget to take many photos. However while pausing for some shade in a local park I did remember to photo this lovely young Springer.
PROFESSIONAL VET ADVICE 24/7 VIA VIDIVET
(ONLINE VIDEO ADVICE) 24/7
Some veterinary practices already offer this service in addition to their own or you can join directly online.
Friends of mine have recently used this for their two dogs and found the service very useful for initial advice.
Please remember however that in an emergency you will need to take your dog to your own vet immediately and also take the advice of Vidivet if they advise visiting your vet in person.
Vet advice at your fingertips 24/7 - your pet questions answered by a UK-qualified vet via our app. Ask by text, video or upload, when and wherever you are. Peace of mind in a matter of minutes.
PLEASE TAKE CARE AFTER SPAYING
I have just spoken to a friend of mine whose dog was spayed a week ago but despite being very careful and lead walking only, as advised, now has to take her dog back again for a post-spay hernia operation. These are not common and most dogs recover very well after being spayed but it is worth taking extra care post-spay.
If you have a lively dog that may over exert herself in the garden please take extra care and put her on a lead. Some dogs may also become over excited in the house due to lack of exercise.
When my last dog ( a very lively Labrador x Golden Retriever) was spayed a few years ago I gave her short lead walks each day but also made part of her meals into stuffed frozen kongs to keep her mentally occupied during the day as well as giving her suitable chews and chew toys to keep her calm.
Hernias after spaying can happen due to either a weakness in the sutures (stiches) or over exertion.
A note on various hernias is below, including a note on post-spay hernias.
AN UPDATE TO THE ABOVE POST: When examined again by the vet the lump turned out to be a seroma - quite common after surgery due to damage to blood vessels during surgery or an over active dog post-surgery. Link to vet article on this is below:
https://www.kingsdale.com/what-is-a-seroma-in-dogs-and-how-to-prevent-it
Concerned that your dog may have a hernia? We take a look at the different types of hernias and potential treatments for them. Read more here...
I helped a friend (ex client from 12 years ago with a chocolate Labrador now 13 years) settle in her new Golden Retriever rescue a few weeks ago and work on recall, lead walking and general good manners training. All going well and the girls are getting along nicely. Also the new lady loves to paddle so here she is enjoying her reward after some recall training.
TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE...
I have recently watched a very good dog webinar on dog behaviour and particularly liked this quote which was amongst others given at the end of the webinar.
To understand dogs more there are lots of good books but one I particularly liked which I read many years ago and which looks at things more from the dog's viewpoint is BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY by Suzanne Clothier
Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs
BOOK NOW FOR SPRING...
Usually March is busy so if you are planning to do some training please book ahead now rather than leave it until the last minute. I work with puppies and older dogs so whatever your training requirements please get in touch so that I can help you, your dogs and your family to improve your dog's or puppy's training and behaviour. I look forward to hearing from you.
JUST A REMINDER TO WORM OUR CATS AS WELL OUR DOGS..
Both dogs and cats with worms pose a threat for humans:
Please see vets' article:
Brought to you by Merck Animal Health, the makers of Bravecto® (fluralaner) and Sentinel® (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron).
SAD NEWS ABOUT THE SURREY DOG ATTACK
However, I read one article (Telegraph) saying a Leonberger was involved and that they are a 'guarding breed', seeming to imply this breed may have been responsible. The Leonberger is a gentle and affectionate breed, a cross of St Bernard and Newfoundland and whilst its ancestry did include some guarding traits it is not an aggressive breed - quite the opposite, I have had the pleasure of knowing several over the years - all gentle giants.
Also, it seems that the attack may have been a result of 'redirected aggression'. This is where a dog is initially frustrated or aggressing towards another subject (dog, person, other) and because it cannot get to that stimulus it redirects onto the nearest thing. In this very unfortunate and sad incident it was the dog walker as I understand from news articles that the dogs were tangled around her legs and unable to escape.
Another point that concerns me is the thousands of reported 'dog bites' each year which the press state in their articles. However, I doubt their journalists have investigated these figures accurately. During my studies into aggression I found that all dog related incidents which need medical attention are recorded as a 'dog bite', even if it was simply a dog accidentally injuring someone without any bite involved, even including something like a person tripping over their dog. Again, it's a shame the reporters on these incidents are not more concerned with accurate reporting rather than trying to sell newspapers with dramatic and ill researched 'facts'. I researched statistics noted on: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) - NHS Digital
No animal uses aggression unnecessarily as it is a risk to its own survival. Dogs that are aggressive have either been bred that way by people to develop the aggressive traits for their own gains, deliberately raised to be aggressive by people and/or not given sufficient and suitable socialisation skills as puppies, adolescents and adults. At times also a perfectly well natured dog may show redirected aggression but usually on a much lower and manageable scale (ask for professional help from a trainer and behaviourist to learn how to improve your dog’s perception of the stimulus and how better to manage the issue). I have seen it with a Border Collie in one of my classes in a hall (I now only train in owners’ homes and outdoor public areas) and I also saw it with a large affectionate mastiff type who had been in kennels most of his life and found it hard to cope in public. Both dogs were loving family pets.
One thing to please be aware of: be careful where you buy your dogs from and ensure that you see the parents, or at least the mother, together with her puppies. Ask lots of questions of the breeders and ensure you are buying a well cared for and well socialised puppy (good breeders will have systematically socialised puppies before they leave home with a variety of visitors to the home – this can and should be done even before they have their vaccinations). Ongoing training and behavioural advice is also really important to ensure your puppy or rescue dog can learn to be relaxed and happy in public and understand at least basic commands so that you can help your dog to be calm in any situation. Owners also can benefit from learning how to calmly and gently remain in control.
Please see my website: www.co-operativecanines.co.uk and https://co-operativecanines.proimageblogs.com/correct-puppy-socialisation/
And for more information on raising puppies: https://co-operativecanines.proimageblogs.com/?s=puppy
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO DOGS AND OWNERS....
Just to let you know that one-to-one training is very effective for all puppies or older dogs but if you have more than one dog there is no extra charge for the time so a very useful way to train in your home and favourite outdoor locations with you and your family in a relaxed environment. I look forward to hearing from you.
SPLASH HOUNDS DOG SWIMMING
Since moving to Westergate I've been checking out all things dog and found the lovely people at Splash Hounds where dogs can have fun with a play swim. Swimming is helpful for weight loss, relief from joint issues, general well being, and it should be fun - please make sure your dog will appreciate this sort of exercise as it's not every dog's choice! However, while I was there I saw a very happy Cockerpoo chasing his ball into the heated pool, clearly enjoying his playtime....
For those of you who don't already know about them Splash Hounds are in Shripney and you can call on 01243 210244.
NEW DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOUR IN WEST SUSSEX...
I have just moved to the Aldingbourne area after many years' training in Surrey. Do please get in touch to discuss any training or behaviour issues you need help with, either with your puppies or older dogs.
I have been working with owners, their families and their dogs and puppies for many, many years and will always give a very personal and caring service to you all.
Please don't be put off by my website saying East Sussex (and a few other less than perfect presentation issues) - I asked the 'professionals' to do it as having just moved I was short of time, but it is not the standard of site I had previously.
I am very much looking forward to meeting new clients and working with you and your best friends.
Please do get in touch.
Sally
PLEASE CLEAN YOUR DOGS' BOWLS AFTER EACH MEAL...
FOR YOUR DOGS' HEALTH & ALSO YOUR OWN.
Read the recent vets' article on this:
Information from the National Sanitation Foundation found pet dishes are ranked among the top 5 most contaminated areas of the home. Each time a pet eats or drinks, it deposits microbes (e.g., algae, fungi, bacteria) from its mouth into the food or water dish. These organisms can be inherent to the animal or they may be from the environment.
When combined with oils in pet foods, leftover crumbs, and moisture, these organisms flourish. These conditions are often perfect for the formation of biofilms—colonies of microorganisms that stick to surfaces—which can be difficult to eradicate without proper cleaning and disinfection of the dish.
Since pet owners often feed their pets in or near the kitchen, there is a high risk of exposure to pathogenic bacteria that may be in these biofilms—including Escherichia coli, salmonella, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—for the humans in the household.2
Experts recommend that a clean dish be used for every meal, every time; therefore, it is a good idea to advise clients to have extra food and water dishes on hand for the sake of convenience. Many pet dishes are dishwasher safe, and running them through a normal hot wash cycle should thoroughly clean and disinfect them.
When washing dishes by hand, pet owners should follow certain basic precautions:
If possible, wash pet dishes separate from other dishes and cookware and away from human food preparation areas. Use hot, soapy water. A mild dish detergent is acceptable if dishes are cleaned after each use.
Do not use scouring pads or other items that could scratch or damage the surface of the bowl. Designate “pet only” sponges or cleaning brushes, and do not use them to clean human dishes.
If desired, dishes can be disinfected using a dilute bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water). Care must be taken to ensure the dishes are rinsed well before use.
Clients should also clean and disinfect floors, countertops, and other pet feeding areas regularly using household cleaners.
Teaching an emergency stop is an essential part of training and here's the result with a young puppy I worked with recently and his owner's consistent daily work.
SOCIALISATION is really important, as most pup owners know. Getting your pup used to a special pup pram or pushchair means more socialisation for your pup and less aching joints for you. For advice on how to do this effectively to ensure positive and confidence building experiences for your pup please get in touch. Here I was working with this beautiful puppy but I also used a pup pram for raising my Canine Partners puppy a few years ago.
A CHEAPER WAY TO GET THE RIGHT VETERINARY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR DOG...
As many of you may already know, you are able to ask your vet for a prescription and then buy elsewhere at a cheaper rate. Always, of course ensure that you do buy from a reputable supplier and that you get the genuine article.
Some products do not even require a prescription so a vet may recommend a product but you may be able to buy online from a reputable supplier such as Animed. For example, an elderly dog which I live with at the moment can get Denamarin liver supplement from Animed and it is about £40 cheaper per month than buying from the vet.
The same dog also has a prescription from the vet for Gabapentin and this is much cheaper to be bought from a pharmacist, as it is a human drug but permitted to be used with animals.
PLEASE ALWAYS REFER YOUR DOG TO A VET. IN GENERAL, MEDICATION SHOULD NOT EVER BE SHARED BETWEEN ANIMALS AND PEOPLE AND ONLY A VET IS QUALIFIED TO ADVISE YOU.
BOOM IN 'DESIGNER' DOGS CREATES THE PERFECT STORM FOR ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES - ARTICLE FROM THE RVC (ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE)
Please click on the link below and then choose the 'FOLLOW LINK' option.
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/peke-a-poo-boom-in-designer-dogs-creates-the-perfect-storm-for-animal-welfare-issues?fbclid=IwAR3h1mHFrlAPdWw0aooFO78SoW-3SrJ7plT0pvyI9FsHKiQqlmrqHmkat8o
Peke-a-poo: Boom in designer dogs creates the perfect storm for animal welfare issues Published: 24 May 2022 | Last Updated: 24 May 2022 16:33:50 A new study, led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), has revealed a huge demand for designer crossbreed dogs in the UK between 2019 and 2020 and has ...
DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO TAKE YOUR PET IN AN EMERGENCY? DO YOU HAVE THE EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS' VETS' TELEPHONE NUMBER?
With more and more vets now using a different vets who are based in a different location, it's really important to know:
- Whether your vet offers 24/7 cover for your pets.
- If not, during which hours do you need to go to the out of hours
vet.
- What is the out of hours vets' phone number.
- Know exactly where to go by having driven there already so that in an emergency, which can be very stressful, you do not get lost.
Recently Gayton vets have announced they will be using a surgery in Cheam and other local vets use one in Coulsdon so please do find out whether your vet offers 24/7 cover and, if not, where you would need to go.
Gayton
http://gayton.co.uk/emergency-service/
Other local vets use Vets Now in Caterham:
https://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/vets-now-caterham/index.htm
Please check now so that you ready for an emergency.
Bognor Regis
PO203RB
| Monday | 9am - 6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 6:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 6:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 6:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 6:30pm |
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Teaching an emergency stop is an essential part of training and here's the result with a young puppy I worked with recently and his owner's consistent daily work.
