Co-operative Canines Dog Training & Behaviour

05/11/2024

ALABAMA ROT...
Please see link to my blog article on this - particularly relevant at this time of year when woodlands are muddy.
https://dogpuppytrainingadvice.blogspot.com/

29/10/2024

NOVEMBER TO END JANUARY SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES FOR PRIVATE PUPPY & DOG TRAINING FOR ALDINGBOURNE, EASTERGATE & BARNHAM RESIDENTS...
Training and behavioural help to give you a well mannered and happy companion at home and in public. Don't delay - please get in touch via phone 07742 427804 or via website contact page www.co-operativecanines.co.uk
For reviews from previous clients please see the 'Reviews' on this page and also the 'Testimonials' page of my website:
https://www.co-operativecanines.co.uk/testimonials

Practical, kind, effective dog training and behavioural advice tailored to suit you and your dogs.

15/10/2024

Puppy packages ...
This fantastic Cocker puppy is enjoying private training in his home and garden and started just a few days after arriving. No need to wait for vaccinations as all foundation exercises are taught before then. Please call on 07752 427804 to get your pup off to the best start for a happy life. Discounted packages offered.

30/09/2024

FISHING HOOKS...
I have just seen this BBC report from Lincolnshire (but it applies to any beach, pier or river). Please ask any fishing friends to be sure to take home their hooks and if you unlucky enough to find or suspect a hook in your dog then please go to your vet - it is dangerous to try to remove them yourself as they have the barb on which will cause damage to your dog. I've experienced this myself but glad to say it was through my own finger and not in my dog!

A dog owner is urging anglers to take care with their equipment after spending £7,500k in vet costs.

16/07/2024

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....

08/07/2024

From The Canine Training & Behaviour Society - advice on how best to handle your exempted dog breeds at the vets.

16/04/2024

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

09/04/2024

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.

02/04/2024

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...

05/03/2024

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.

05/03/2024

STILL COLD OUT THERE....
Wrap up warm!

15/02/2024

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

07/02/2024

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.

31/01/2024

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

23/01/2024

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

16/01/2024

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/

24/08/2023

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.

04/07/2023

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.