Waggle Crew

23/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/100076142256590/posts/568356105712460/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Children represent a massive proportion of reported dog bite cases.

These pictures, selected from a massive library of similar stock photos of children with dogs, show some of the reasons for this.

Humans like physical contact. We're generally huggers, particularly with a gorgeous animal like a dog - that soft coat and gorgeous faces just look perfect for a hug, especially to a child.

Dogs are definitely not like us in this way. True, there are some dogs who may enjoy cuddling up with their people, and even like or don't mind hugs. One of my dogs is very much in favour of physical contact. Importantly, however, it is only with the people he chooses. The ones he knows and trusts.

Kids often cannot read canine body language. The signs are here in the photographs used of a tense and unhappy dog, but the children in these pictures can't see and interpret them.

It's up to us as adults, whether parents, dog caregivers, or both, to make sure that we are educated on canine body language and can see the signs of stress.

That we make sure to advocate for the dogs so that they are not put in this position.

To make sure that the children around us are educated and taught about the likes and dislikes of dogs.

To stop putting children and dogs into potentially dangerous situations for the cute photo or video (the videos of babies propped up against dogs make most behaviour professionals shudder because that is so not fair on either species!)

Let's be fair to both dogs and children and use education and understanding to keep children and dogs happy and safe together.

28/08/2024

I love helping people teach their gorgeous puppies

06/06/2024

Positive feedback loops makes for happy people and pups

"Classes were fun and informative.. we really enjoyed the course."

We love positive reinforcement as much as our puppies do! :)

Puppy School classes run regularly in Hove and Worthing. Check out our website for dates.

22/04/2024

Woop, one of my 121 Lead Walking clients pictured for Schooling4Dogs recommended for top dog trainers in Brighton 🥳

31/03/2024

Don't believe the hype!
Easter bunny ears make a tasty but fatty treat, however they don't clean worms out of the intestines! The only real way of knowing if your pooch has a worm burden is to regularly wormcount and treat accordingly.

Look at wormcount or feclab for p**p inspector deals.

Happy Easter x

🐰🐰🐰🐰Has the Easter Bunny visited you yet this weekend?🐰🐰🐰

While on the bunny theme, it's a good time to revisit the oft cited myth that rabbit ears are effective (de)wormers......

TLDR; they aren't 🫣

🐇👂'Ear, 'ear 👂🐇

Can I whisper something to you? 🤫

*hairy ears (or other hairy body parts of animals) are not effective de-wormers for your dog* 🙈

I see this being advertised and advised a lot and it worries me as parasitic worms are capable of causing significant health and welfare issues if not appropriately managed - and feeding hairy ears are not appropriate management methods! 🐰

If furry things were effective dewormers, wild and free-living scavengers and carnivores would not have the parasite burdens we know they can have 🦊🦝🦡🦅

What these chews are however, are tasty (for some dogs) additions to our dogs' daily diet and can provide enrichment and a source of animal-derived fibre that may support gut health. Their effectiveness at 'trapping' worms and microscopic worm eggs in the gut....no robust evidence at all 🪱🔬

(And honestly.... just because you never see worms or eggs, that doesn't mean they aren't there!)🫣

If you want to control parasites;
🪱poo pick regularly and keep housing areas clean - many parasites are transmitted in 💩

🪱ensure good overall health for your dog through diet, exercise, management and care

🪱use a service to know what is ACTUALLY going on

🪱treat based on need and seek veterinary advice on local issues relating to management, parasite species concerns and possible resistance problems - these differ based on geographical location, climate, vector species and a whole host of other variables!

Keep hairy ears as tasty treats (but also source carefully....remember these are by-products of animal production systems and not all are as high welfare as we might like to think 🐰)

And if you want to learn about dietary animal-derived fibre, have a look at

Depauw S, Hesta M, Whitehouse-Tedd K, Vanhaecke L, Verbrugghe A, Janssens GP. Animal fibre: the forgotten nutrient in strict carnivores? First insights in the cheetah. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2013 Feb;97(1):146-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01252.x. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PMID: 22074361. 🐆

14/03/2024

This team were super attentive to each other and the relationship shows :) Waggy tails for the win!

07/03/2024

Excellent infographic on some subtle and obvious (once you know) signs of fear or worry in dogs.

Another great infographic. It just shows that all is not what it seems – tail wagging for instance, it seems like an obvious body language signal. If a dog’s tail is wagging the dog is happy, right? WRONG! All a wagging tail means is that the dog is emotionally aroused. It could be excitement, but it could be frustration or worse.

Dogs can exhibit a variety of subtle signs indicating fear and anxiety. While some signs like trembling, panting, and pacing are more obvious, here are some subtler signs to look out for:

Yawning: Dogs may yawn excessively when they're feeling anxious or stressed. This can be a way for them to try to calm themselves down.

Lip licking: Similar to yawning, lip licking can be a calming signal in dogs. If you notice your dog licking its lips frequently, especially in situations that may trigger anxiety, it could be a sign of stress.

Avoidance: Dogs may try to avoid certain situations or people when they're feeling anxious. They might move away, hide, or try to escape from the source of their discomfort.

Excessive shedding: Stress can cause dogs to shed more than usual. If you notice your dog shedding a lot more than usual, especially in response to specific triggers, it could be a sign of anxiety.

Panting without exertion: While panting is a normal behaviour for dogs, excessive panting without physical exertion could be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Freezing: Some dogs may freeze in place when they're feeling fearful or anxious. This can be a response to feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to do in a particular situation.

Excessive grooming: Dogs may engage in excessive grooming behaviours, such as licking or chewing their paws, when they're feeling anxious. This can be a way for them to self-soothe, but it can also lead to skin irritation or other problems if it becomes compulsive.

Changes in appetite: Some dogs may experience changes in appetite when they're feeling anxious. They may eat less than usual or refuse food altogether.

Excessive drooling: While drooling is normal for some breeds, excessive drooling in situations that don't typically trigger it could be a sign of stress or anxiety.

It's important to pay attention to your dog's body language and behaviour to pick up on these subtle signs of fear and anxiety. If you notice any of these signs frequently or in response to specific triggers, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance on how to help your dog manage their anxiety.

05/03/2024

We have a new Puppy School term starting on Monday 11th March in Hove. Our popular course has a rare space available so get in touch via the https://www.schooling4dogs.com/ website if you'd like to join :)

Whatever the weather, we're here to help with your puppy training.

Here Frankie nails Loose Lead Walking thanks to her folks rewarding her efforts with a ton of praise and the odd treat 🙂

We offer 121 training sessions as well as our popular Puppy classes running indoors in Hove and Worthing. Check out the website for more details on how our accrediated trainers can help you and your pup have a great relationship.

19/02/2024

Positive reinforcement is beneficial for the canine-human bond and better for animal welfare.

16/02/2024

Following 2 hormone filled end of term classes with Schooling4Dogs last night, this makes for interesting reading..

Pseudopregnancy in spayed bi***es presents a welfare problem that can easily be prevented and treated with correct intervention

12/02/2024

Dog owners are being advised to wash mud off their pets' legs, tummies and paws as a precaution.

15/01/2024

Happy 2024! Fancy getting involved in dog science? Treat are running multiple doggy health studies which you can sign your dog up for:

Treat Therapeutics provides ethical, tech-enabled end-to-end support for animal based research. Animal health & microbiome research all with real, home based pets.

24/10/2023

The last Puppy School terms of 2023 starting in Brighton and Worthing soon.. get in touch to grab one of the few remaining spaces 🐕🦮🐩🐕‍🦺 Schooling4Dogs.com

28/09/2023

27/09/2023

AWWWWW I LOVE catching up with my old WaggleCrew

07/09/2023

Fun learning in Schooling4Dogs' Worthing Puppy class :)
There's a couple of spaces available on the new term starting 30th September.

12/07/2023

Have a teenage or older dog who needs help with focus and impulse control, or want to teach them fun tricks and brain workouts?.. Schooling4Dogs Middle School course starting next week has space for a lucky dog team! Get in touch via the website, woof 🐾

Struggling with your adolescent dog? Can’t get focus on walks? Do they struggle to relax in busy or new environments?

Our Level 2 classes in Worthing and Hove are what you need.

Kind and effective methods to build the relationship between you are your dog.

Get in touch for more information: [email protected]

www.schooling4dogs.com

19/06/2023

Puppy skills!
I run Puppy School and Follow-on classes in Hove and Worthing where your pawsome friend can learn essential showing off skills like these ;)
www.schooling4dogs.com

14/06/2023

Puppy and teen classes available in Hove and Worthing!

A few places left on our next term of Worthing puppy class....

WORTHING - Saturday 24th June
HOVE - July

Get in touch for more details:
[email protected]

20/04/2023

The sun is shining so what better way to remember this gorgeous ray of sunshine that made every walk a jolly one. RIP you little legend

03/10/2022

😍 Had a catch up with this gorgeous girl over the weekend 💝 She was one of the first woofs I walked all those years ago and she's one of the trio on the WaggleCrew logo as she taught me so much about rescue dogs 😍

15/08/2022

The cat, or should that be dog, is finally out of the bag! My clients and Crew have been the most joyous over the years so it was a tough decision to suddenly up and leave them. Thankfully the humans knew I'd been working towards such a training opportunity and encouraged me to go for it. I hope my Crew are having the best time with their new walkers and I look forward to bumping into them around Brighton. Love, Peace and exciting new adventures XX

19/07/2022

Waaaay too hot for walks today so a brain game and snuggles hour instead for this gorgeous gal 😍

18/07/2022

https://heatstroke.dog/

Sharing our research into canine heatstroke and heat related disorders.

11/07/2022

IT's VERY HOT! WaggleCrew recommends only taking your dog out for a SNIFFARI EARLY MORNING & LATE AT NIGHT. THE BEST WAY TO COOL A DOG IS TO PUT NORMAL TEMP WATER ON THEIR UNDERNEATH, ESPECIALLY ON THEIR INNER THIGHS - on their back or neck amplifies the heat, as does sea water.

WaggleCrew doesn't offer 'normal' walks in these temperatures, we either go to the woods very early for a mooch or if a dog needs a drop in / pop out toilet break we'll stay in the shade and have a short sniff about. NO RUNNING on days like these. Dogs don't die from missing a few 'normal' walks but unsafe sun exposure can lead to death. Here's a few top tips to help everyone through days like these..

THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY IS OFTEN AFTER WORK at 5/6pm so only give your dog a quick toilet break until it's much cooler later on!

THE TEMPERATURE MAY SAY 25degrees BUT WITH HUMIDITY IT CAN FEEL LIKE 30degrees and become a heatstroke risk for dogs. Walk when it's cooler, leave the ball at home, take plenty of water and stick to shady areas such as woods as much as possible.

PAWS AND HOT PAVEMENTS DON'T MIX.. many surfaces can become too hot for your dog's sensitive paws so do the 7 SECOND HAND TEST BEFORE VENTURING ON.. If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand against the surface, it's too hot for paws which could easily become burnt.

HOME DAYS OF REST AND MENTAL STIMULATION are just as good as going for a walk. 20 mins of sniffing brain work is more beneficial than an hour's exercise. Look up CANINE ENRICHMENT IDEAS for fun things to do at home such as treat puzzles, hunting for toys or learning a new trick together.

KEEP COOL by drawing the curtains and blinds, limiting access to areas like the conservatory or garden, ensuring water bowls are always topped up, providing cool places with fans, cooling mats (but be aware that cooling mats can heat up if used incorrectly), wet towels or freezer packs, making a paddling pool (but supervise and limit the time in the pool), and making cooling treats such as frozen fruit ice cubes or a Kong stuffed and frozen with veg and cottage cheese.

FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE IN DOGS, BE CAUTIOUS AND HELP OUR BELOVED PUPS STAY SAFE XX