Busy Paws Academy

18/08/2024

30/05/2024

My gang walking 🚶 with me 🐶…. I am no social media guru, nor selfie 🤳🏻 guru, but I tried today as they deserve shout! We certainly enjoy our walks and take it all in instead of picture taking …. Here are 5 amigos …. Love love woods. Phone back to pocket and Bye 👋🤣🥰

18/12/2023

With this bully ban coming into force I was quiet and I was asked endlessly on my opinion. When I used to run puppy classes I preferred owners to come before puppy arrived so they get understanding of training, methods and have time to process everything (they were getting written instructions as well as videos so they can practice once puppy arrives). One of their first homework was to research breed they have chosen. What was breed bread for, genetics, what breed needs to satisfy those genetics. I found majority being surprised once they did digging. So …. With bully breed there is certain genetics you can’t override for sure, but owners who got those dogs were responsible to satisfy that dog’s needs.

I own doberman and I know what her needs are and I can see when they are not met as she turns into walking nightmare. Baby in my hands made me busier, but I had to find time for her as otherwise she would turn into weapon which would be out of control. And that’s exactly what happened with those instances which were or weren’t fatal with XL bullies. Will ban solve it= I don’t know. Is it a good idea = I don’t know. Will they become more popular in wrong hands now as pitbulls did = most likely. But what is right or wrong here I genuinely stand on fence with it.

My advice: research the breed, see what’s what and if you can deal with it. Just because for example sausage dog is small and cute doesn’t mean they don’t need work. They are working dogs! So don’t go by pictures go by research.

05/12/2023

Did you know:

If you have a pacemaker, you can put it in your Will to have your pacemaker donated to a dog in need after you pass. Pacemakers cannot be donated to another human, but they can be donated to dogs with cardiac issues who would depend on it to stay alive.

You can have the pacemaker brought to a vet of your choice. So many of those get thrown away and dogs die because people don't know they can do this. It even saves the dog's owner the cost of the actual pacemaker which sometimes means the difference in being able to afford lifesaving treatment or not.

16/11/2023

To all our XL bully owners. You have until the 1st February 2024 to get your dog registered on the index of exempted dogs. This is due to the XL bully becoming a prohibited dog by vertue of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

It is now essential that you to do the following

* Ensure that your dog is neutered
- If your dog is less than one year old on the 31st January 2024 then it must be neutered by 31st December 2024
- If your dog is older than one year old on the 31st January 2024 then it must be neutered by the 30th June 2024.
* Ensure that your microchip is up to date
* Ensure that you have third-party liability insurance
* Ensure your dog will walk to heal on a lead
* Train your dog to wear a muzzle
* Ensure that your property is sufficiently secure to prevent escape

If you require any training assistance eg. Muzzle training or general obedience then please contact Andrew Rowley at Woodborough Kennels.

If you would like specialist legal advice for any aspects of Dog legislation then please contact Lisa Rowley at Allen Hoole Solicitors who has a proven track record of protecting dogs from euthanasia as a direct result of falling foul of the complex Dangerous dog legislation. See below link for details.

A specialist in criminal litigation, Lisa has been working within the legal profession for over 10 years. Commencing her legal career as a Police Station Representative and Mental Health Lawyer where she advocated in Tribunals for clients detained under various sections of the Mental Health Act. Lis...

22/10/2023

Bye bye my old friend … loyal in all weathers…. 10 years together … today I officially had to walk out of you as you zip broke 😞😞😞 to those who know me by my legendary jacket - don’t panic , I have identical replacement just new and shiny … let’s hope for another 10 years in it fingers crossed 🤞

17/10/2023

Hello everyone …
As cold days hit us I can’t help but think about few things. I follow and I am involved with rescues back home. I follow their struggles and hard work they put in. Quite frankly work I couldn’t do myself as I am too weak. These charities go out to mainly gypsy ghettos and pull abused dogs out. They see dogs used for dog baits, they use them also for entertainment whilst violently hurting them, starve them and keep them in conditions you can’t even imagine. I could go on and on to be honest, but it’s pretty grim and even my stomach turns thinking about it. We all own dogs who are very privileged in their life and so they should be as there is no better friend then your dog. So this brings me to the fact that I decided to set up the crowdfunding page to collect as much as I can for those poor souls before hardest winter hits them. They need medical care, warmth , food and resources so volunteers can continue going and saving them for that horrific suffering. I put on here some examples they achieved. ‼️‼️PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ON CROWDFUNDING PAGE ARE SOME GRAPHIC PICTURES ‼️‼️‼️. I attach the link here to the page. Any, I mean any help is help. Maybe just your coffee money from one morning. Thank you ever so so much x x x x once collection is finished I will post what we achieved. Please share and try and help me.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anna-ashley-smith?utm_term=83gRVDkew

08/10/2023

I stopped training as many of you know since having my daughter. But when someone sends you message like this - it makes you question it : “Was it the right decision?”. Some who know me better know that my daughter wasn’t the only reason for stopping training. It was the new age of “fur babies” and “fur mums and dads” who didn’t want to listen to advice, didn’t do homework and thought Facebook knows better. But I won’t forget those who listened and had trust in my training. When this message came to my inbox my heart skipped the beat as all those years weren’t completely wasted. Maybe one day I return to training, but for now I will just cherish those who were the ones to remember and who trusted in the process of busy paws….

25/07/2023

Hey guys, if anyone wants to have a fun dog day at ashton court this year 2-3 September we were sent discount code : 20% discount code DFLOCAL…. Enjoy day full of shopping and activities x x x x ( no royalties recieved by us using the code )

28/06/2023

My Millie getting treatment by lovely Fir Tree Canine Massage (Helena). Even old dogs need TLC. X x x x

03/06/2023

I'm going to do it asap! 🐝🐝🐝🍯

Who will join me...?

🐝 PLEASE SHARE 🐝
Let's help the bees 🐝🐝
There are few flowers now with most things getting mowed , it is dry and the bees try to drink from the pools and big bowls etc , but they drown.
We can put an grated apple on plate and add some water. Bees are strengthened by the juice of the sweet fruit and do not drown when standing on pieces of apples. ❤️
And one more request. If you have to spray your gardens with chemicals , please do it in the evening when the bees are no longer flying 🙏
Thanks for sharing 🙂

31/05/2023

If you see me in your garden, give me food (raw unsalted or minced meat; I also like cat food, but not fish) and water. Don't give me milk because I have stomach problems and could die of dehydration. I'm naive, and when I see milk, I drink.
Don't give me milk!
Do not use insecticides or traps. We are harmless and helpful to your garden because we feed on insects that attack it.
My species are endangered, help me survive. Thank you! 🦔❤️
PS: Happy mum photo☺️☺️☺️☺️

27/04/2023

I am ever so proud of my very close friend Helena and all the hard work she put in to get where she is. She helped my Millie with movement and her painful legs and muscles so much that she actually made it up to Pen Y Fan …. If your dog is active , stiff or any issues please don’t hesitate to contact her x https://www.facebook.com/firtreecaninemassage

REST ASSURE YOUR COMPANION IS HANDLED WITH EMPATHY AND KINDNESS...
AT FIR TREE CANINE MASSAGE

04/04/2023

2 walks …. 2 different types of walks according to the group who is going out….

03/04/2023

Omg …. That took me back almost 10 years …. love when memories pop out on Facebook x xx x How young do I look there ????? 🫣

16/03/2023

UPDATE ********** REUNITED ********

Found these two beauties on my way home this morning x HAMBROOK LANE X took them to rowes in Bradley stoke x very friendly but didn’t have chip x

27/02/2023

When you get home after day of work and you see this it makes it all worth it. Things happen, emergencies happen, but I will try and help my clients as much as I can in any scenario. Sometimes it means triple work but hey 👋 that’s what is here for. ❤️❤️❤️

29/01/2023

THIS ABSOLUTELY THIS!!! The struggle is real as a mum, wife, friend and daughter/niece/godchild etc….

****************************************************

Copied and pasted ..

Please remember this when you see your self employed friends or family who don’t always seem themselves.

“The unfortunate truth of owning and running a business”
Running a business is extremely hard.
What they don’t tell you is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid back people.
People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view you as a service and not a person anymore.
People expect you to be available 24/7 and at the drop of a hat because “you work for yourself so you can make time” unfortunately this is not the case most of the time.
Friends and family will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store.
You have to worry about if you forget to email/message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can’t get to everyone’s messages and emails.
Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the cleaner..... All whilst being a parent, a husband or a wife, family support, friend... it’s one of the hardest things you will try and balance ever.

There’s a reason you don’t see many people succeed in small businesses after 5 years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It’s freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control.

Here’s a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support small businesses…….and hopefully more of us will stick around!
2023 - supporting small business

05/12/2022

I know , banging about hedgehogs and wildlife again…. It’s just something to consider…..

If you & your children are thinking of putting Reindeer Dust outside this Christmas PLEASE THINK TWICE before buying: many of these products contain glitter, foil and oats - which can be really harmful to the digestive system of our local wildlife, particularly birds and hedgehogs.
Why not do something special indoors instead for when Santa arrives on Christmas eve with his reindeer - and leave our gardens safe for wildlife ❤️.

30/11/2022

I not so long ago was looking after my very good friends dog and had to take her to vets whilst she stayed with me. My friend told me: “ prepare yourself she is psycho in waiting room” …. So I did , and she was brilliant and calm… As very clever and very admired by me Balance Behaviour said! I couldn’t describe it better then Julie did in her post so copy paste here we go…..

Vet anxiety deconstructed

OK so...nobody's saying you shouldn't be empathetic to your fearful dog at the vets, and nobody is saying that you can't help the situation or that you have to ignore anxiety, but please don't just reassure. There are better ways!

There are many many statements about, and studies that PROVE, that cuddling your trembling terrified dog lowers the heart rate etc etc, it does, but this isn't the whole story!!

From a training point of view - operant conditioning / action and consequence - you cannot reward an emotion, TRUE. You can only reward a physical behaviour, TRUE. So everyone on the bandwagon says well if this is the case then I will reassure my terrified dog - science says it's OK. However...

You can absolutely classically condition a mood / emotional state, and worse, you can make it more intense via biofeedback (this is the type of conditioning where - totally passively - the brain makes more of the hormones that are deemed necessary or rewarding under certain conditions). In the scaredy dog's case this means more stress hormones next time we go to the vets.
Even more worrying, this type of conditioning has a way of generalising to other areas, much more so than operant conditioning...

Get the whole picture and do the best for your dog.

You can help best by asking your dog to 'Watch' and then celebrate that with some jolliness, or ask for a 'sit', and do the same, even walking outside and making lots of turns and changing direction will force the thinking brain into the picture whilst removing some stress from the system so that panic doesn't take over. THIS way you are at least attempting to supress the instinctive part a bit and get the dog thinking instead of just allowing/encouraging instinct to take over.
Just ask for a teeny tiny bit of focus and concentration to supress the heebie jeebies so that anything rewarding that follows promotes a slightly lower level of stress, and you're making real changes - or at the very least you will be maintaining the current level of intensity rather than further conditioning and generalising fear in the dog.

My heart goes out to everyone with a dog that is really scared at the vets, it's so difficult for them, and so horrible for us to witness, but be reassured, because there ARE ways to make measurable improvements!
We can be pro-active and prepare in many ways, and we can do what's best for the dog through good management in difficult scenarios too.
Low stress handling, counter conditioning, relaxation protocol, and sensible plans that are tailored to the dog in question can make all the difference in the world! Feeling anxious along with the dog and soothing isn't the only or right option.
Think bigger and better! 🥰🥰🥰

22/11/2022

⚠️🦔⚠️ ATTENTION PEOPLE⚠️🦔⚠️
It is November, the winter hibernation period of Hedgehogs.
If you find a "dead" hedgehog, do not bury it, do not throw it in the trash ... We know that no one wants to see a dead animal in the garden etc , but it could be a hibernating hedgehog.
Hedgehogs hibernate from November to March, usually burrowing for safety, but since we have less green areas, bushes or forests, it is harder to find safety.
Some may come into your homes looking for safety and warmth to hibernate, some are so exhausted from the search that they fall asleep in the strangest of places. When you hibernate, your heart rate and overall body function slows down as a way to conserve energy, which can make it harder to be sure between hibernation and death.
If you see a stationary hedgehog, make sure it is in a safe, warm place where it can stay for up to 5 months.
If you find a disoriented hedgehog in your garden , house or street, put a cardboard box lined with newspaper in a dry, safe and quiet place for him to rest peacefully
Hedgehogs are an endangered species, completely harmless and very important in our ecosystem.
Please be careful and protect the hedgehogs, it costs nothing to help such a fragile animal.
Please don't ignore it!

14/11/2022

When Wicket is a poser on a walk

13/11/2022

This is my “first born” , my over 12 year old best friend Millie the , those who ever had pleasure to meet her know she is the

13/11/2022

So… after some busy time at home and few scares I finally found time to make this post. Please look at this diagram, take it in….
As an owner of big scary dog 🙄🙄🙄 in some peoples eyes - I do struggle some days with walking in the park. Finger is always pointed at her not on the others because she is the doberman and stigma comes with the breed. is a friendly, gentle and at times playful dog, but she certainly is “selective”. Dogs who run at her too quick are No No, dogs who jump her are No No. there is certain “ceremony” which has to happen before she is comfy to play, being chased or being jumped.
Every dog owner in this world needs to realise just because your dog is friendly and happy with whatever life throws at him doesn’t mean others are the same. When you see dog in solid heel, on the lead or owner hiding in a bush (yes I’ve seen dog owners run into bushes, because of irresponsible dog owners) please get your dog! If you don’t have recall your pooch unfortunately shouldn’t be running free. There are really good long lines to help you with training and walking. Please don’t get your knickers in a twist if the dog tell your “sociable” dog to bu**er off when you can’t even recall yours and other dog is under control. I would certainly punch someone who would jump me out of nowhere so why should our dogs be comfy with it, why do we have that expectation? Would I be happy if someone charged at me? No. Probably I would scream 😱. So why are we expecting dogs to be different?
Please be considerate to others in the park, not everyone wants their dog to go bonkers, some of us put a lot of work into our dogs. You ruin it for most of the park users. I sometimes just want to walk and enjoy my dog, but …. I come home looking like I was rolling in a mud whilst out as other peoples dog jump up and have absolutely no manners. I gave up on dressing decently on my days off now. How sad is that? I refuse on my day off to be in park by 7am so I can have a nice walk, it shouldn’t be that way. Let’s be all one team and work together on a fact that dogs need to be under control or on a lead whilst you do some training. Let’s be

01/11/2022

Some of my superstars posing… x

07/07/2022

Harness? Flat collar? Slip lead? French collar? You do your pick.. but keep in mind what was each of them created for ….

Harnesses have been a part of the pet dog training world for many years, and as positive only training increases, so too does the recommended use of the harness. Rather than putting the focus on training a dog to walk nicely on a regular collar and lead, or on a slip lead, different types of equipment are being recommended instead; harnesses, headcollars, and sometimes a combination of the two.

Forums on social media are full of folk asking how to train a dog to walk on a loose lead and if a harness should be used over a slip or collar and lead. Many dog trainers now insist that dogs attending classes, and especially puppies, are walked on a harness.

So, should harnesses be the ‘go-to’ piece of equipment for walking our dogs?

~ see us at stand K246 ~
~ 29-31 July 2022 | Ragley Hall, Warwickshire ~











https://www.trainedforlife.co.uk/Home/Books

16/05/2022

*rant* ish

Another senseless loss of life in the paper again, we're seeing such a rise in dog attacks and dogs pts due to deemed behavioural issues.

Is it the dogs faults?

Is it the owner, the breeder, the seller, the resuces, the trainers fault 🤷‍♀️
all of the above and in some circumstances its at the hands of another irresponsible entity crossing paths with an unexpected soul

All too often we see "home protection" dogs sat in their 1 up dwellings, surrounded by screaming kids, loud vehicle noises, strangers coming and going, with no human interaction, no stimulation, no guidance what is expected of them, no contuinaton training.

Breeds used as a p***s extension to show the world how tough they are, an accessory to a home that has no time to nurture the dogs needs and guide their instincts in a world they don't understand.

Dogs bought on a whim without research or guidance, just because they looked cool in that movie. Now realising the work thay goes into them, the time, the dedication, the money.

Homes that think it's cool that their dog is an "attack" dog because they read a social media post about an IPO dog and they think one session and you tube is the same as their mate who competes and trains daily and puts the effort in to their hobby sport

Pets bought for that social media attention seek without the thought this is a decade or two of commitment

Breeders over breeding and now stuck as the wave has passed so dogs being rehomed and handed out to every tom dick and sally.

Rescues (some) jumped on the band wagon of capitalising on a war and dumping misunderstood breeds onto unsuspecting homes, then no where to put them when it goes t**s up

What do u mean they don't come fully trained and what do u mean if they do I still have to continue their training

Think think research think and then research

Time money integrity understanding

Please read next!!!!

Elsa Weiss Éducation Canine

BEFORE YOU GET A PUPPY Or ADOPT A DOG - READ THIS! ... and then think long and hard about how you will adjust your life to include your new addition ...

“I am a Dobermann, cataloged one of the most intelligent and most feared dogs, I have served the US Navy and I will not narrate my dark past on the German side. They called me the devil's dog, today they ask me to behave like a Poodle, they have gone so far as to wear clothes ...

I am a Malinois:
Gifted among dogs, I shine in all disciplines and I am always ready to work. Today they ask me to relax on the couch all day.

I am an Akita Inu:
My ancestors have been selected to fight with other dogs. Today they ask me to be tolerant of my peers, and they blame me for my reactivity when one of them approaches me.

I am a Beagle:
When I followed my prey, I gave a voice so that the hunters could follow me. I was leading the dance.
Today they put an electric collar on me to silence me, and they want me to return to the call in a snap of fingers.

I am a Yorkshire Terrier:
I was a rat catcher, fearsome in the English mines. Today they think that I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

I am a Labrador Retriever:
My vision of happiness is a dip in a pond to bring my master the duck he just shot. Today we forget that I am a sports dog, I am fat and I have to babysit the children.

I am a Jack Russell Terrier:
I am capable of facing a fox larger than me in its own den. Today they blame me for my damn character and want to turn me into a parlor dog.

I am a Siberian husky:
I got to know the great spaces of northern Russia, where I could pull sledges at impressive speed. Today I only have the walls of the garden on my horizon, and my only occupation is the holes I dig in the ground.

I am a Border Collie:
I am cut out to work eight hours a day, and I am an incomparable artist of herd labor. Today they blame me because in the absence of sheep, I try to control bicycles, cars, children from home, and everything that is in motion.

I'm a 19th century dog

I am handsome, I am alert, I am obedient, I can put up with being in a purse ... but I am also an individual who needs to express his instincts, and I am not suitable for the sedentary life that you want me to carry.

Spending eight hours a day alone on the patio, seeing you a little at night when you come back, and being entitled to any activity just a short walk to the bathroom will make me deeply unhappy.

I'll express it by barking all day, turning your garden into a minefield, relieving myself on the inside, being unmanageable the few times I'll find myself on the outside, and sometimes spending my days on my cushion, then you'll think I'm happy to To be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work: in reality I will be in full depression, because it is not the preference of the human, but also that of the dog of the XXI century.

If you like me, if you dream of me forever, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athlete look make you want to possess me, but you can't give me a real life of a full dog, a life that is really worth living, and if not you can offer me the job my genes claim ... then quit me.

If you like my rhythm but are not ready to accept my character traits from rigorous genetic selection, and you think you can change them with your only good will ... then quit me.

I'm a 19th century dog, yes. But, deep there, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who led a herd still sleeps. And sooner or later, you will wake up. For better or worse.”

Elsa Weiss Éducation Canine and hero paws- life after service

26/04/2022

When is fun x

19/04/2022

When we have eyes only for Anna and Helena is trying really hard to take good picture of us!!!! 😂😂😂

05/04/2022

Work on your relationship with your dogs guys, it’s amazing how many disconnected dogs I see on daily basis x x x