Cosy K9's Dog Boarding Service

19/09/2024

Off on our hols for a few weeks. Then we are adding dog walking to our services. Any messages will be replied to when I get back. 🦮🛺❤️

16/09/2024

15/09/2024

Word of warning to anyone who plans on walking their dog on Waldridge fell today, Durham Scouts are up there with a lot of children doing activities. So I would strongly advise to keep your dog on lead, or go to cong burn side. 🦮🛺❤️

14/09/2024

Few from today with Duke & Winnie 🦮🛺❤️

13/09/2024

Another fun walk with Winnie and Duke 🦮🛺❤️

13/09/2024

This mornings walk with Duke and Winnie. Bumped into Alpha Pet Care always a pleasure 🦮🛺❤️

11/09/2024

Fun in the sun with Duke, Rosie and Teddy
🦮🛺❤️

11/09/2024

This is why I hate these things !!!!!

This last week I have had several clients working though issues that are at least partly caused by ‘ The Tennis Ball Launcher’ or flanger, wanger, flingy thingy or whatever it is you call it.

Throwing a ball is something that many if not all pet dogs owners engage in at some point, if not on a regular basis.

Quite rightly, concerns within the veterinary and behavioural professions have been raised about the mental and physical impact the launcher can have on dogs.

For me, it’s the levels of excitement and arousal these games create. The increased arousal can involve increased heart rate and adrenaline levels. Adrenaline itself should be released in short bursts, such as during a one off during a chase , but repeated ‘throw it, chase it, catch it means Adrenalin is released for much longer periods.

Repetitive chasing in this way is not a natural behaviour for any dog.

This increase of Adrenalin in turn causes an increase in cortisol levels, and can lead to ‘frantic’ behaviours as a result of reduced impulse control and frustration tolerance. Cortisol levels take a good few days days to return to normal.

Adrenaline and cortisol both play a role in the regulation of behaviour. Promoting increased production of both over a long term period can trigger problematic and behaviours. No ‘off switch’, lack of frustration tolerance and general erratically behaviour.

Due to this ( and because they are being conditioned to behave in a certain way to get their ‘reward’ )you may find your dog plays ‘keep away’ and wants to be ahead of you to the distance where they usually have their ball thrown.

They will possibly struggle to walk beside you ( want to be ahead of you)

They cannot calm down or exhibit any self control around a ball or in the place you usually throw it.

If the potential behavioural issues are not enough to help you ditch the ball thrower, the physical impact of using one can be immense.

High speed impact, uncontrolled twists and turns, rotatory force on joints etc can cause a multitude of injuries. Let’s be honest, how many times is the dog even ‘warmed up’ before embarking on such vigorous exercise?

There is soooo much more you can do with a ball or toy to work your dog mentally and physically. You can, if needed use them in certain situations if your dog is happy to wait calmly by your side. However you may find they need a ball detox for a few weeks prior to using it in a new way ☺️

10/09/2024

Duke's had a pamper today. Play time with Molly & Winny, then off for a teeth clean at Kanny Kaynines.
What a difference. I'm over the moon.

08/09/2024

Had to take Bonnie back to her mum today. Going to miss her ❤️

06/09/2024

What a difference the sun makes on a walk. With Duke, Bonnie and Teddy 🦮🛺❤️

05/09/2024

And she's back beautiful Bonnie ❤️
Little trip up to Lumley for a wander with Teddy and Duke

05/09/2024

Bit of a wet one up the fell this morning but the 3 girls and Eric still had fun 🌧🦮🛺❤️

04/09/2024

Nice walk with the 2 Teddy's this afternoon 🧸 🧸 ❤️

04/09/2024

Said goodbye to Emmy & Skye today 😢. They had a fun holiday with us and we loved having them here but they were so happy to see their dad when he came to pick them up today ❤️
Here's a few of my favourite times with them
🛺🦮❤️

04/09/2024

Don't know what happened yesterday. Pooches not in the mood to pose. All I got was butt's 🤣🤣🤣

02/09/2024

Just a few from today with Duke, Emmy, Skye and bumped into Precious Pooches Dog Walking 🛺🦮❤️

31/08/2024

Well what else would we be doing on a sunny Saturday 🌞🏖🦮🛺❤️

30/08/2024

More fun in the sun today with Duke, Emmy and Skye 🦮🛺❤️

29/08/2024

Today's adventures with Duke Skye and Emmy 🦮🛺❤️

29/08/2024

A lovely wake up cuddle from the pooches. You can just see Emmy's leg, but believe me all 3 were on the bed and I'm in there somewhere 😊🛺🦮❤️

29/08/2024

Way too busy getting cuddles last night to sort photos out so here is a few from yesterday 🛺🦮❤️

28/08/2024

Lovely morning walk with
Duke,Emmy and Skye 🦮🛺❤️

27/08/2024

Look who's back to stay❤️
Duke was so excited when the girls turned up. 🦮🛺❤️