Lochaber Dog Services

24/01/2025

A big issue for many walking their dogs on leads (for any one of a number of reasons) can be uncontrolled loose dogs running up to their dogs. Three of the most common reasons are shown in the image - an older dog who may be hurt in an over-enthusiastic and excitable greeting, a dog recovering from illness/injury/surgery, and a dog who is scared - perhaps the victim of a previous dog attack.

There is a misconception that 'good' dogs will love all other dogs and, if in a public area, should be prepared to play and interact with any other dog in the area. The truth is that, just as we are, most dogs are at least a little selective in who they want to interact with. They will show this in their body language which - subtle as it may be to humans - a socially competent dog will be able to read and respect.

The problem is that these 'good' and 'friendly' dogs as their humans perceive them are generally not actually all that socially competent, and don't respect those subtle signals asking for space and to be left alone. They can keep pushing and pushing until the on lead dog (who is not able to avoid them because they are on lead and can't get away) feels they have no choice but to defend themselves. And then it's often the poor on-lead dog who is labelled as 'bad' when they were just trying to get out of the scary situation.

An off lead dog should not be allowed to approach unknown on-lead dogs. If you see your dog approaching an on-lead dog, call your dog back and keep them close by, either by calling them to heel or putting them on the lead. For the sake of everyone's enjoyment of the space you are in, keep your dog under control for the few minutes it takes to give the on-lead dog space, and then carry on.

If your dog cannot be called back from approaching an on-lead dog, they are not ready to be off-lead in a public place. Use a longline while working on strengthening their recall around distractions - for their own safety, as well as that of the other dogs around.

23/01/2025

*SCENT/PERSON TRAILING INTRODUCTION*

I'm looking to bring a scent trailing instructor to Fort William on the weekend of 15/16 February to offer an introductory session of scent trailing with a view to making it a weekly or fortnight class.

To begin with, we will do introductions while dogs remain in vehicles, a little line handling exercise, then chat and any questions.

Then we will start trailing!

One team (dog & handler) is trailing.
One of the other handlers is a trail layer (the one that hides).
Instructor follows the trailing party to instruct and help them. During this time, one of the other handlers stays with the vehicles to monitor the pooches

The remaining handlers are welcome to follow the trail behind the instructor to learn and observe, or stay at the car with their dog if they wish to do so. We take turns at who's doing what. We aim for every team to get to do three trails.

This intro session will last approx three hours and will cost £65.00. you will receive a certificate and if successful we can get the instructor to offer further sessions at £25.00

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, drop me a message and I'll add your name to the list

22/01/2025

Dogs shouldn't be electrocuted.

Tomorrow we're giving MSPs the chance to vote to ban electric shock dog collars in Scotland.

Tell the Scottish Government to follow the recommendation of its own Animal Welfare Commission and support a ban on these cruel devices at the link in the comments. 👇

21/01/2025

Ban electric shock dog collars -

20/01/2025

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

🐶❤️

19/01/2025

*
Please take a few minutes to support the ban on shock collars due to be heard this week in the Scottish Government on Thursday 23rd Jan.

You can click this link, enter your postcode and email all your representatives with a single letter. I've sent to all my MSPs but also my local councillors and MP

https://www.writetothem.com/

Sample text below if you want to copy and paste, thank you
*

"Electric shock collars are cruel devices that cause dogs pain and fear. They're already banned in countries across Europe and the world, including Wales since 2010.

Yet almost a decade after the Scottish Government brought in guidance against electric shock collars, dogs here are still suffering their use.

Countless animal rights groups, such as the SSPCA and the Kennel Club, have all called for a ban, saying they cause unnecessary suffering.

Even the Scottish Government’s own Animal Welfare Commission has said that a ban is needed. But the Scottish Government has sat on the Commission’s report since 2023 without doing anything about it.

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has now tabled amendments to the Welfare of Dogs Bill which would criminalise the use of these collars, and restrict the use of other harmful training tools on dogs.

For years the Scottish Government has failed to act, and we need your support to ensure they change their stance and finally agree to protect Scotland's dogs. It’s time for the Scottish Government to end the use of electric shock collars for good.

MSPs are due to vote on the proposals on Thursday 23rd January and I urge you to support the amendments.

Yours sincerely,

WriteToThem is a website which provides an easy way to contact MPs, councillors and other elected representatives.

17/01/2025

Electric shock collars are cruel devices that cause dogs pain and fear.

On Thursday Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer will bring a vote to criminalise their use.

You can help us bring an end to their use, but we need to act fast. Find out how you can join the campaign at the link in the comments. 👇

13/01/2025

This Veganuary we wanted to offer something that gives you a little bit of everything without the big commitment, sample all of our Vegan Dog products in 1 Bundle for 20% the usual listing price.

10/01/2025

I mean, I would have left you all cosy in your bed but your mum wanted me to take you for a walk 😊

Someone does t look happy about the temperature 😬🥶

10/01/2025

Snow buddies 🐾

10/01/2025