Watsons Dog Training

26/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BJSH7f8Qf/?mibextid=UalRPS

23/10/2024

Is your dog scared of fireworks

Many dogs get scared of fireworks, and we do not want them to live in fear, or not want to go outside, so below are some tips for desensitizing your dog to the sound of fireworks:

Here are some tips for desensitizing your dog to the sound of fireworks:

• Start early: Begin training when fireworks are unlikely to occur, a few weeks in advance.
• Schedule regular sessions: Train every day if possible.
• Progress gradually: Start with a low volume and increase it gradually.
• Use treats: Pair the sound of fireworks with a treat your dog likes. This is called counter-conditioning. So the dogs hear the sounds and then get a treat, so that sound has a positive link.
• Vary the source of the sound: Use different recordings, phone, Bluetooth speaker, TV, home cinema.
• Use headphones or earmuffs: Dog-friendly headphones or earmuffs can muffle the sounds and provide ear protection. You can also put cotton in your dog's ears.
• Stick to your dog's routine: Take your dog for a walk and a toilet break before it gets dark.
• Reassure your dog: Remain calm and do something your dog enjoys, like playing a favourite game, tug toy, treat chase, or scatter feed on the lawn. If they show fear and seek your attention or jump up, ask them to do something you can praise them for, sit, down, etc.
• Prepare your dog before the fireworks start: Give your dog something enjoyable to do, like a toy stuffed with food or a long-lasting chew.
• Dogs that are exposed to loud noises during their socialization period (3–16 weeks of age) often cope better with loud, frightening sounds later in life. The older the dog gets the more worrying it could become and long it takes.
• Use Pet Remedy. Spray (or use another natural product) it on your hands and rub it into the dog’s muzzle/nose. If your dog gets very stressed, you might want to consider CBD for dogs, or in very severe cases, consult your vet for sedation medication.

If you have questions or want help, please call Watsons Dogs for a free telephone consultation. www.watsonsdogtraining.co.uk 07768800181

07/10/2024

Fireworks season is coming; be prepared.

New research released today (24 October) by The Kennel Club, ahead of Diwali and Bonfire Night celebrations, shows an alarming 100 per cent increase in the number of dogs that go missing during fireworks season, as well as highlighting that thousands of UK canine companions suffer from stress and wo...

02/09/2024

Be puppywise

New owners need to make sure they can provide the best care for their puppy, which is why we’re encouraging people to .

30/08/2024

🐶Heatstroke and Parasites in Dogs - Part Four🐶
👉Spotting parasites on dogs 👇
When your dog is frolicking outside in the sunshine, there’s always the risk they might pick up an unwanted parasite. If left untreated different types of parasites can make your dog ill. Below are the different types of dog parasites:
👉Fleas
👉Ticks
👉Mites
👉Lice
👉Fox Mange
👉Intestinal Worms
Speak to your vet about ways to protect your dog from parasites, especially if you suspect that your dog might be infected.

🌐To read the full blog, please follow the link to our website in the comments.


Source: 608 Vet Practice

08/08/2024

21/07/2024

15/04/2024

Alabama rot is rare, but it’s worth knowing the signs to watch out for.

Find out more at thekennelclub.org.uk/alabamarot.

04/04/2024

With summer finally coming and things drying out, it's really important to keep your dog safe in the garden.

30/03/2024

Keeping control of your dog/s on and off lead is so important. Never let your dog approach another dog/s you do not know, we all like our personal space, respectful keep your distance, a dog may be on lead for any number of reasons. Show you have control by keeping control.

12/01/2024

With the weather turning colder, there are lots of weather-related dog dangers to watch out for, such as:
· Frostbite
· Frozen lakes
· Hypothermia
· Road salt
Find out more at thekennelclub.org.uk/winter.

05/01/2024

https://thecaninetimes.co.uk/judicial-review-hearing-over-american-xl-bully-ban-to-be-considered/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=Weekly%2005%20January%202024&utm_medium=email

A judicial review hearing over the recent American XL Bully ban is to be considered in January.

24/12/2023

TWO more sleeps!

Top tip

Avoid playing space invaders this Christmas

This can be tricky over the festive period with lots of visitors coming around. Sometimes we need to be advocates for our dog’s wellbeing … and it’s often easier to lead from the start with this one.

Either:
Ask guests upfront to not approach your dog - likely saying in advance something like “I know how great you are with dogs so I m sure you can understand this is an overwhelming time. Could you could do me and “dogs name” a huge favour, and wait til they come to you. They re not keen on being approached at the moment, rather needing to take their time to make the first move. Greatly appreciated”

This sort of phrase may need a little rehearsing so it’s ready to come out in a calm, smooth style.

Encourage your guests to let your dog lead the way. Maybe even ask your guests if it’s ok if your dog meets their shoes or coats before meeting them in person . .. you could make a joke about sniffing out for —- best gifts, illegal products … etc …
And encourage then to try out the 3 second rule - a fuss for 3 seconds then pause to see if the dog wants some more or wants to move on to mingle (or have some time for themselves)

OR:

Have your dog in a safe, dog friendly and interesting space in advance of arrivals so they don’t have to get involved in these interactions
(See previous post from nine more sleeps)

Dog bites increase over the festive period and space invading is a leading cause in my experience. That’s not a “game” we want to take part in.

22/12/2023

The Watsons Dogs team, Brent, Diane, Beth, Callum and Oscar, would like to wish You and Yours a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

29/11/2023

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/winter-dangers-to-dogs

During the winter, watch out for antifreeze poisoning, the extreme cold, icy weather, frozen lakes and dangers during walks in the dark.

07/11/2023

1. Use a FORMAL NAME for your dog. Let's face it, YOU are inconsistent and unreliable. So are we. Most of the time we spend with our dogs, it's casual, and our dogs don't really need to listen to us. When we talk to them, it's usually more of a suggestion than an urgent command. Give your dog a Formal Name and then use it to clearly communicate to your dog when they really do need to listen to you and do what you ask immediately. Use their regular, casual name most of the time, and save their Formal Name for when it's important and when you're ready to follow up.

2. FOLLOW UP to achieve compliance when you need it. If you do use your dog's Formal Name, it means your dog must listen to you and do what you ask immediately. If your dog doesn't, you have to follow up until they do, and you have to do this consistently. You don't need to be unpleasant, but you do need to be persistent. Keep at it until your dog does what you want. If you started with verbal instruction, you'll probably want to try a hand signal, move closer to your dog, or move so you are in front of your dog. You may need to make use of a food lure or a toy lure. You may need to stick with it for several minutes until your dog gets bored of a distraction in the environment. But stay with it until your dog does what you want. Then, ask them to do the same thing one more time. This time, they will be much more likely to do it immediately, without the need for a lure, and you can reward them. Your dog will quickly learn that, whenever you use their Formal Name, they might as well do what you ask because otherwise, you are going to be in their face until they do.

3. PLAY GAMES to measure reliability and increase motivation. The more you practice with your dog, the more likely they will be to listen to you. The more fun you have while practising, the more you and your dog will want to practice together. By far, the best way to make practice fun and exciting is by turning it into a game. When you play games with your dog, you objectively measure their skills and behaviour, which makes it much more noticeable and enjoyable when your dog improves. You can play games against other people and their dogs, or you can play games where you and your dog try to beat your own personal records. When you turn training into a game, it makes it much more exciting, and that excitement makes training way more fun.