Pawsitive Stride

27/06/2024

The temperature is predicted to be slightly cooler for today so looking forward to getting out for a walk with Simba this morning, then Bleu and Willow, Bruce, Henry and Pixie then another drop in visit to Simba this afternoon ❤️ Have a great day everyone 🐾

25/06/2024

I’ve had a couple of people ask me what do I mean about whale eye.

Whale eye in dogs refers to a situation where the white part of a dog's eye (the sclera) becomes prominently visible. This typically happens when the dog moves its head slightly away while keeping its eyes fixed on something or someone, often as a reaction to stress, fear, or discomfort. Here are the key details about whale eye in dogs:

Signs and Characteristics

‼️ Visible Sclera: The most noticeable sign is the visible white part of the eye, usually on the outer edges. This creates a striking contrast with the coloured part (iris) of the eye.

‼️ Eye Movement: The dog's head may be turned slightly away from what it is watching, but the eyes remain focused on the object or person of interest.

‼️Facial Expression: The dog's overall facial expression may appear tense or anxious. Other body language signs of stress might also be present, such as pinned-back ears, a lowered body posture, or a tightly closed mouth.

Causes of Whale Eye

⚠️ Stress and Anxiety: Dogs often display whale eye when they feel threatened or anxious. This could be due to a new environment, the presence of unfamiliar people or animals, or an impending action they find unpleasant (e.g., a visit to the vet).

⚠️ Fear: A dog may show whale eye when it is scared or feels cornered. This is a defensive reaction, indicating the dog is not comfortable with the current situation.

⚠️ Aggression: In some cases, whale eye can be a precursor to aggressive behaviour, especially if the dog feels its warnings (like growling or backing away) are being ignored.

⚠️ Discomfort or Pain: Dogs might exhibit whale eye when they are in physical discomfort or pain, signaling that they need relief or medical attention.

Contexts Where Whale Eye Might Occur.

❗️During Grooming: Some dogs are uncomfortable with being groomed and might show whale eye as a sign of their stress.

❗️When Guarding Resources: A dog that is protective of its food, toys, or space might display whale eye to signal its discomfort with someone approaching.

❗️In Training: If a dog is confused or stressed by a training session, it might exhibit whale eye as a way of expressing its feelings.

Responding to Whale Eye

✅ Assess the Situation: Try to identify what is causing the dog to feel stressed or uncomfortable. Understanding the trigger can help you address the underlying issue.

✅ Give Space: If a dog is showing whale eye, it’s important to give it space and avoid further confrontation. Forcing interaction can increase the dog's stress and potentially lead to aggressive behaviour.

✅Calm Environment: Create a calm and reassuring environment for the dog. Speak in soothing tones and avoid sudden movements that might increase its anxiety.

✅Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to help the dog associate stressful situations with positive outcomes. Gradually exposing the dog to the stressor in a controlled manner can help desensitise it over time.

✅Consult a Professional: If a dog frequently shows signs of stress, fear, or aggression, consulting a veterinarian or a behaviourist can provide guidance and strategies to help the dog feel more comfortable and secure.

🐾 Understanding and responding to whale eye in dogs is crucial for ensuring their well-being and maintaining a positive relationship with them. Recognising this behaviour as a sign of discomfort allows owners to take appropriate steps to alleviate the dog's stress and prevent potential negative outcomes.🐾

24/06/2024

JUST A REMINDER, TO ALL DOG OWNERS.

⚠️🚙⚠️ Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the UK die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️

SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.

• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.

• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.

• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.

• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.

• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.

• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.

• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.

Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.
Please don’t risk their safety.

If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

24/06/2024

Today didn’t go as planned with Henry so we didn’t go out for a walk but he enjoyed some mental stimulation games at home without any contact from me as he’s just too wary at the moment and I don’t want to cause him any stress. We will try again in a few days to build up our relationship so he learns he can trust me 🐾

23/06/2024

This morning I’m looking forward to meeting the gorgeous Henry who will be joining the Pawsitive Stride family next week 🐾

23/06/2024

22/06/2024

⭐️IMPORTANT⭐️

🌞Hot Weather Policy🌞
As a professional dog walker, I am very aware of the risks hot weather poses during walks and so I may need to make changes to routines in order to minimise them🐾

In the heat of summer, each walk will be planned with careful assessment to safeguard our furry friends. Should I feel we have unsafe conditions, I may need to cancel walks and organise drop-in visits instead🐾

I understand that changing routines can be inconvenient but the safety of our dogs is paramount. Remember, missing a walk/shortening a walk is minor compared to the risk of heat-related issues🐾

🥵Temperature 21°C-24°C🥵:
🐾Walking in shaded woodlands
🐾Walking with access to water (I always take fresh water on our walks for dogs to drink whatever the weather)
🐾Shortened walks for the safety of the dogs throughout the day.

🔥Once the temperature gets above 25°C🔥:
Walks will be cancelled and I will provide a replacement drop in service to clients that are not home during the day.
🐾Toilet breaks
🐾Mental stimulation
🐾Cuddles and company

High-Risk Breeds:
Dogs with a higher susceptibility to heat stroke, such as brachycephalic breeds, older dogs, very young pups or double-coated breeds may have their walks cancelled for their safety. A drop in service for their usual times will be arranged to allow for toilet breaks, mental stimulation and company🐾

I will make a decision each day based on the safety of your individual dogs and will let you know if their schedule changes from the usual🐾

Please message me if you have any questions🐾

20/06/2024

Today is going to be a very emotional one for me today, I’ve already had a little cry just thinking about it. 😢

It’s my last walk with this beautiful girl this morning before she moves. Tulley has definitely stolen my heart, we’ve created such a bond and worked so hard together. She is a different dog compared to when I first took her out and every walk we go on she just gets better and better ❤️

I really am going to miss this girl 🐾

18/06/2024

Willow met a cow on our walk today, it was just staring over the wall as we walked past 🥰🐾

18/06/2024

Exposing a dog to its triggers, also known as desensitisation, is a process used to help the dog become less reactive over time. It is often combined with counterconditioning, which involves changing the dog’s emotional response to the trigger.

Guide to Desensitisation and Counterconditioning:

Identify the Triggers:
Observe your dog to determine what specifically causes fear, anxiety, or aggression (e.g., other dogs, loud noises, specific people, or environments).

Create a Safe Environment:
Choose a controlled, quiet environment where you can manage the presence and intensity of the trigger.

Start with Low Intensity:
Introduce the trigger at a very low level that does not cause a significant reaction. For example, if the trigger is other dogs, start with the other dog far away.

Pair with Positive Reinforcement:
Use treats, toys, or praise to create a positive association with the trigger. Give your dog a treat every time they notice the trigger but before they react negatively.

Gradually Increase Intensity:
Slowly decrease the distance to the trigger or increase its intensity. Ensure your dog remains below their threshold of reactivity. If they react negatively, you have moved too fast.

Stay Consistent and Patient:
Repeat the process regularly. Desensitisation takes time and patience. Progress might be slow, but consistency is key.

Monitor Body Language:
Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Signs of stress include yawning, lip licking, panting, and looking away. If you see these signs, reduce the intensity of the trigger.

Incorporate Counterconditioning:
While desensitising, also work on counterconditioning by associating the trigger with positive experiences. For example, if your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, give them high-value treats while the vacuum is on (at a distance).

Practical Example:
Desensitising a Dog to Loud Noises:

Start with Recordings:
Play a recording of the noise (e.g., thunder or fireworks) at a very low volume.

Pair with Treats:
Give your dog treats while the noise is playing, ensuring the volume is low enough that they are not scared.

Gradually Increase Volume:
Over several sessions, slowly increase the volume, continuing to reward your dog with treats.

Real-life Exposure:
Once your dog is comfortable with the recordings at higher volumes, you can start to expose them to real-life situations, ensuring you can still control the intensity (e.g., being farther away from fireworks).

Tips for Success:

Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to prevent overwhelming your dog.

End on a Positive Note: Always end sessions with a positive experience, even if it means reducing the intensity of the trigger.

Patience and Consistency: Desensitisation is a gradual process that requires patience and regular practice.

Avoid Punishment: Never punish your dog for reacting to a trigger, as this can increase fear and anxiety.

By following these steps, you can help your dog become more comfortable with their triggers and improve their overall well-being

16/06/2024

Pippa 🐾

15/06/2024

Tulley❤️

Look how far she’s come! I never would have been able to let my 10 year old son walk Tulley when I first started walking her at the end of April, she definitely would have pulled him over!

We have worked so hard together since then, we’ve built up an amazing trust between us, she knows she’s safe with me, we’ve worked on her pulling on the lead, we’ve worked on her reactions towards other dogs (she would get over excited wanting to play so would bark and lunge at them) She is still learning not to pull towards other dogs and get all up in their faces but she has improved loads and there’s no longer any barking at other dogs when she sees them. I could walk her for hours, I enjoy our walks so much and next week is our last week together as she is moving house 😢

I will miss her so much, I honestly look forward to our walks every week. I know she will love all the countryside to run around in where she’s moving to and hope she continues to be the superstar that she is. I’m beyond proud of this girl 🐾

13/06/2024

I’m so sorry I’ve been rubbish at updating my social media lately with all the photos/videos of your lovely dogs, I’ve been super busy and just not found the time to get it done. I will be catching up with all my admin work over the weekend. Thank you all for your continued support 🐾

11/06/2024

Alert 🔔
Competition and our first ever give away … the winner will be announced on Monday the 17th of June , for a 20m/65ft pvc long line , that’s suitable for all weathers , woodland walks and beaches , no more muddy yucky long lines 😊
Good luck people and pooches 🐶 just upload your favourite photo of your dog and tag friends 🐶

11/06/2024

So today I met this little pickle bum Bleu, my fellow dog walking/trainer friend Jessie Fletcher from Fetch With Fletch usually works with Bleu but she is a bit poorly at the moment and has lost her voice and hearing in one ear (not great when you need both of these to communicate with the dogs you are training) so I collected him and took him out and met Jess with one of her other regular dogs. This boy is a little ball of energy, likes the sound of his own voice and has selective hearing but I think with some time and patience we can sort him out so I am teaming up with Jess to work with Bleu 🐾

08/06/2024

How gorgeous is our Brucie boy 🐾

07/06/2024

✨️✨️💛💙💖💛💙💖💛💙💖✨️✨️

06/06/2024

Tulley earned herself this today, I’m super proud of this girl and how much progress she’s made 🐾

05/06/2024

Pixie and Moon 🐾

05/06/2024

Nala and Pippa 🐾

02/06/2024

When you get reviews like this it just means the world to me. I love every dog I walk and treat it like I do my own dogs. I am so grateful for all the support I get from my clients 🐾