Step by Steph Dog Training & Walking

12/09/2024

Double trouble with Luna & Tilly
Nicknames include:
Tia & Tamara
Patty & Selma
Blanche & Dorothy

12/09/2024

That first pic though 😂 Try and at least look enthused guys.

10/09/2024

The best pals (and a very waterlogged human)

03/09/2024

There's always one 😂

03/09/2024

Crazy bunch

02/09/2024

Top physio 🙌
We wouldn't go anywhere else

02/09/2024

Rolo & Bailey had the pleasure of Nyx and Tilly's company on their walks today. They were all on their best behaviour despite some busy crowds and distractions.

02/09/2024

Ross, Otis, Nixie & Mabel made sure every single treat was snaffled (Otis tried trading a few snogs for snacks).

Ross, Amber, Archie & Bailey had some swims but Archie's tail became sad so they had to make do with the rest of their walk being on land.

29/08/2024

A Ross in between a bunch of roses 🌹

28/08/2024

Soggy soggy soggy

27/08/2024

"Very demure"

23/08/2024

Another amazing post by Valleys Dog Behaviour And Training

If you're thinking about getting a puppy, or thinking about breeding yourself always always always book a consult with a professional first. It is quite literally a minefield out there and you could he inadvertently adding to an ever increasing problem.

There’s three types of breeder, and one is the most problematic of all.

The first type is the ‘ignorant’ breeder.
The second type is the ‘liar’.
The third type is the ‘ethical’ breeder.

I will discuss the first and third before I talk about the big problem. The Liar.

The first type is the one that in dog world, particularly in rescue, we hear the most about. Those are the breeders who breed for colour and look over health and temperament. They inbreed without consideration and don’t health test or believe a vet check is equivalent to a health test. They breed for hyper types (big rope bulldogs, euro danes etc). Puppy mills fall into this category too as does the ‘oh I wanted my pet to have one litter’. These breeders usually are ignorant and lack education. They breed for ‘fluffy’ genes not knowing (or possibly admitting) that means there’s a cross in the lines. They breed for merle or champagne or lilac because it sells for a higher price. They breed a nice family pet because ‘she deserves to be a mum’. These breeders need education and I firmly believe the way to tackle these breeders, is strong regulation and laws surrounding breeding in general in combination with required education before breeding. This post isn’t about them though. These are a problem of their own.

The third breeder is the ethical breeder. The one that breeds rarely, and to preserve a line or trait. They breed to breed standard and they don’t breed for hyper type. These are the ones that health test and BVA score and study their dogs genetics. The ones that deliberate, often for years, about which two dogs to put together. The ones that often have waiting lists and intense interviews and application processes for their pups. These are the ones that trial and title their dogs. These breeders will be in your life for the lifespan of the dog and often more. These are the ones that LOVE their breed and want to preserve it and produce happy, well rounded dogs that are healthy and fit for purpose and never end up in rescue (side note. I love these guys!)

So onto the second one… the purpose of my post.

The Liar.

The Liar is the most problematic of all. Their puppies are often KC registered and health tested. They often show their dogs and even compete in sports with their dogs. But they lie to get up the ladder in breed specific circles. Their goal isn’t always money, it’s often status and fame within their chosen breed.

They breed dogs under a certain age. They register litters under different kennel names so no one can call them out on how many they are producing. They breed dogs that are BVA hip and elbow scored, with less than desirable BVA results. They claim both parents have outstanding temperaments, and hide that they are unmanageable in daily life. They produce puppies with ‘hung papers’ (falsified paperwork). They promise you their dogs are loved pets but their dogs often live in squalid conditions, brought out and buffed and shined when ready to go into the ring, then back to their lonely life. The Liar welcomes you in with a smile and a promise but once the money is handed over, the shop is closed.

The problem is with The Liar is that as we get more knowledgable on where our dogs come from, we see the KC Accredited Breeder badge on the website, we see the health tests on Champ Dogs, we see their posts about their dogs winnings and titles and we see ‘ethical breeder’. This is why, often, this is a lie, and a virtually impossible one to see through at that.

I have numerous dogs on my books who come from KC assured breeders, who have been promised health testing on parents and have been assured of the lineages titling and achievements but all it takes is a quick lookup, and you can see that it’s a lie.

I have heard of puppies purchased, only for mum to ‘disappear’ a few months later with no trace.

I’ve heard of all health tests being done, but the failed result being hidden and pups then falling sick.

I’ve heard of epilepsy in lines being ignored and brushed under the rug because ‘well only a few dogs have had seizures’

I’ve heard of health tests being falsified.

I’ve heard of breeders registering under multiple kennel names so as not to fall foul of overbreeding laws.

I’ve heard of parents in the show ring being reactive and aggressive, then being beaten as a result (and remember behaviour is genetic too!). And yes, this was reported to the KC and they achieved a slap on the wrist and a £250 fine. That was it.

I’ve heard of and seen evidence of so much and it makes my heart hurt for the dogs and the families that have been lied to. It makes life for ethical breeders and supporters of them very difficult because The Liar puts themselves in the ethical category and lines get blurred.

Owners go out and do their research much more now thanks in large part to social media. They know their puppy needs to have the relevant health testing and they know to look for the KC assured breeder scheme and often, all appears to be perfect. They were led to believe they had found the ethical breeder. But they were lied to.

These breeders are insidious and if you delve too far, they will close ranks and ostracise you for daring to question their status and this is becoming a very big problem. They are often surrounded by supporters who are ignorant to the lies and if you whistleblow, you are public enemy number one.

How are potential owners to know what is an ethical breeder and what is a liar? The Liar in my opinion is worse than the Ignorant. The Liar deceives with purpose to maintain their status within breed communities, at the detriment of the dogs.

I don’t actually know what the answer is. I don’t think this is solely on the kennel clubs shoulders as there’s rotten eggs in every walk of life. What I do know is that I support the ethical breeder and that nothing will change unless The Liars are called out by those in the breed specific circle, then held accountable by the governing bodies. The rotten eggs need to be held accountable.

I have spoken to many people in many different breeds and all of them have mentioned that someone has a problem in their lines (be it ethics, keeping conditions, health or temperament) and it’s brushed under the rug never to be spoken about.

We desperately need stringent and strict laws on breeding before our rescue centres burst and before more families experience heart ache and sorrow.

(Photo is of my NSDTR who comes from an ethical breeder who I am eternally grateful to have found)

23/08/2024

Happy Birthday Tilly Tots!
What a girl! She's always on her best behaviour and jumps at the opportunity for a game of chase with her pals.
Love you TillyToops. From all your play mates at school 🎒🐶 🎈🎂

14/08/2024

Cockapoo Ralph was just a little bit hen pecked today. Surrounded by beautiful women 😜😎

14/08/2024

Bailey & Ruby's summer date
Complete with ball and sausage snacks
🥎

13/08/2024

The afternoon gang brought their posing A game today

06/08/2024

I'm not gonna tell you how many takes this photo took to get right 😂

01/08/2024

When the poodle eats your instrument 🎷 😅

29/07/2024

What a post. Thanks Snap Happy Pets

❤️🥵🙌

The Sun ☀️

I would love to say sorry it’s warm next week so I’m off for the week 🤩🥳💃🏻

Easier said than done.

Irritates me with posts like dogs before dough.
It’s definitely not about the money, I mean who would be in this job if it was.

Every walker has dogs who need us.
It’s not as hot some places as others.
One morning walk a day where possible.
Shorter walks if needed.

I have a few dogs who only get their walks with me.
If this means early walks, evening walks, walks where they stay in the water the whole time then so be it.

That worry of what others will think, what will others say, nah.
We are all not stupid.

No dog is dragged around the hot pavements.
We have a few walk places with practically all shade and a river running right through. Or places with big reservoir’s 💦

But we will cancel if we need to.

Alarm set early for tomorrow ⏰

Peace out ✌️

25/07/2024

Mud

Who wore it better?

React ❤️ for Rudi (left) and 😂 for Tilly (right)

24/07/2024

Today has been a day of dogs deciding we weren't wet enough and shaking river water all over us 💀

🐶 Molly, Ross & Bailey at the river where we retrieved tennis balls and did the best poses.
🐶 Ross, Peggy, Peach, Molly, Ruby & Bailey at the woods (where they found a mud bog and thankfully, a stream to wash the muck off).
🐶 Cub, Rani & Tilly at the quarry where they learned ducks are not for chasing 🦆
🐶 Cub, Teddy, Lilly & Tilly at another river where they were adamant about having ALL the treats because they are obviously abused little doggos who are never ever fed 🥹🤣

16/07/2024

This week we said "goodbye for now" to our very own Golden boy- Otis who is moving out of area. We will miss this boy so much, he is such a treasure and a total character. He will be joining Snap Happy Pets for adventures so if you don't already, give her a follow to keep up to date with Mr Otis' antics. Hopefully we will see you soon with Nic and steal some snugs ❤️❤️

16/07/2024

Yes this compilation of sleeping dogs (in Oakley's case - dog paws sticking out from behind the sofa 🤣) isn't particularly exciting to look at. It's actually rather ordinary and every day for many dogs.

But for Luca and Oakley's families this is huge.

Words cannot express how isolating and frustrating it can feel for the owner/caregiver of a separation anxiety dog. Imagine scrupulously planning every date night, occasion and work commitment. Imagine not even being able to nip to the shops or the gym without having to consider dog care.

It's alot of sacrifice and strain but it IS changeable. I never mince my words when describing what separation anxiety training is actually like. The training itself is repetitive, boring and you kind of have to be a wizard when it comes to building the training habits into your daily routines. It can be slow and frustrating as hell but progress is guaranteed with dedication and commitment. It all depends how quickly you want to finally enjoy that first blissful dog free trip out of the house (I can still remember crying my eyes out watching my own dog sleep at home on the doggycam as me and my husband headed out for the day)

Both of these clients have been putting 100% in and the results are clear to see. 6 months ago Luca would have been pacing around the house screaming and panicking whilst just 2 weeks ago, Oakley would have been stamping against the front door with his 2 front paws. With this in mind it's easy to see why I feel so much joy when I saw these photos 😍

Well done Team Luca and Team Oakley 🎉

16/07/2024

5 fantastic groups. 19 fantastic dogs.
The weather finally behaved today and we enjoyed some sunshine. The gang was pleased to find our local watering holes have replenished during the rainy spell and played some funny but ridiculous games.

🐶Ross, Luna, Nala, Buddy, Teddy & Ralph played played "who can get the stick off that damned spaniel?"
🐶 Luna, Tilly, Rudi & Ross played "who can run to the water the fastest and get the human the wettest?"
🐶 Yzma, Bobby, Nixie, Mabel, Ross & Coco played "who can yell and burst the human's ear drums?"
🐶 Cub & Nyx played "who can paw slap the other the hardest?"
🐶 Cub, Ruby, Alice & Dexter played "who can roll in the stinkiest 💩 and get the best coat coverage?"

15/07/2024

Zeus had the best day whilst his humans got married! ❤️💍🍾

💍First we took a trip to Dogz Unleashed Freedom Fields whilst everyone got ready, then home for a quick rest and a play with his ball.

💍Before we knew it, it was tuxedo time and we headed to the venue for some photos. He looked especially handsome and was the best behaved boy for the wedding photographer.

💍After some chicken nuggies and some extra snuggles Zeus finished off the day with another blast around DogzUnleashed before heading home for some well deserved snoozes.

Happy Wedding Day to Zeus' pawrents. You looked absolutely stunning.
🥂

14/07/2024

A big Happy Birthday to Lilly!
I'm sure you will be having a thorough spoiling. We will see you soon for some birthday zoomings.
Big slobbery kisses from all of your pals.
🎉🎂🐶

11/07/2024

Another busy busy day down.

🐶 Nyx, Tuska, Poppy & Cub to Dogz Unleashed Freedom Fields for a blast where they went absolutely doolally with excitement.

🐶 Cub, Teddy & Lilly took a stroll along the river and enjoyed many snacks and splashes.

🐶 Zeus had a "getting to know you" walk prior to his family's up and coming wedding next week 😍 He explored the trees, posed for photos and had a little paddle in the stream. (Ask us about our wedding chaperoning service).

🐶Ross, Seren, Nixie & Flick tore around the fields and through the water retrieving sticks, rocks and playing lots of bitey face games.

🐶 And finally Ross, Tilly, Luna, Rudi, Alice & Dexter had absolutely no time for a group photo (they basically vicked me in doggy language). They were completely absorbed in being complete roly, splashy, zoomy bog monsters.

Pass us a cuppa 😴😮‍💨

09/07/2024

Happy Birthday to the beautiful Yzma! Hope you had a fantastic day with all your friends at Four paws Dog Services and we will see you soon
🎉🎂 🐶

03/07/2024

The gang are about as happy as I am with the soggy weather

02/07/2024

Well that's nice
🤎😅