K-9 Enrichment

18/06/2024

In the realm of doggie lore,
Where pups and trainers battle more,
There dwell the keyboard warriors proud,
Their barking loud, their heads unbowed.

With dog pics posted, tails in frame,
They claim their dogs are free from shame.
No dog too wild, no trick too tough,
Their training methods always buff.

They argue over leashes, leads,
And kibble brands for canine needs.
To neuter or to keep intact,
Their wisdom shared in every fact.

The egomaniacs strut in,
With every dog they say they win.
Their selfies with their perfect pooch,
Their hashtags long as they encroach.

"Look at my dog," they love to boast,
"He's better trained than most, almost!"
From sit to stay, to fetch and heel,
They flaunt their skills with grand appeal.

They scorn the clicker, praise the prong,
Debate what's right, debate what's wrong.
From forums to the latest app,
Their doggie wisdom fills the gap.

But in the park, where dogs run free,
The truth is clear for all to see.
Their pooches pull, they bark and yelp,
And suddenly, they need some help.

For life with dogs is more than posts,
It's loving, caring, not just boasts.
So let them yap, let them declare,
Their dogs, their skills, beyond compare.

But we, who know the secret truth,
Will train with patience, love, and sleuth.
For in the end, it’s clear to see,
The best trained dogs bring harmony.

18/06/2024

As a dog trainer, every day’s a romp, a tumble, a cheer,
I start off neat and tidy, but soon I disappear,
Beneath a coat of doggy fur, and splatters of their drool,
A fashion statement only known in training school.

I whistle tunes, they fetch the ball, or chase their tails in glee,
I try to teach them “sit” and “stay,” but they’ve got tricks for me.
One pup thinks “down” means jumping up and licking at my face,
While others think the treat pouch is a fun new hiding place.

We work on leash, and heel, and come, amidst a barking chorus,
They tug and pull, and slobber rains; it's never quite laborious.
A puddle here, a chewed-up toy, my shoes a gnawed-on mess,
And yet their waggly happiness makes up for all the stress.

They prance and dance, their fur flies free, a whirlwind in the yard,
And when they’ve nailed a perfect trick, their joy hits me quite hard.
I wear their slobber like cologne, their hair my new attire,
A crazy, furry, joyous life—what more could one desire?

So here’s to dogs, with slobbery grins, and furballs on my coat,
They fill my days with laughs and love, the best job, that's no joke.
Covered in fluff and drool am I, and wouldn't change a thing,
For training dogs brings endless joy, and that’s the finest zing.

18/06/2024

Understanding an Anxious dog.

Understanding an anxious dog involves recognising specific signs and behaviours that indicate your pet is feeling stressed or fearful. Here are key things to look out for:

Physical Signs.

✅ Panting and Drooling: Excessive panting and drooling can indicate stress, especially when it's not hot or after exercise.

✅ Trembling or Shaking: Dogs might tremble when they are scared or anxious.

✅ Pacing: Walking back and forth in a repetitive manner.

✅ Yawning: Frequent yawning, particularly in situations where the dog shouldn’t be tired, can be a sign of anxiety.

✅ Dilated Pupils: Enlarged pupils can indicate fear or stress.

✅ Excessive Licking or Chewing: Self-soothing behaviour, such as licking paws or chewing objects.

✅ Ears Back and Tail Tucked: These are classic signs of a dog feeling anxious or scared.

✅ Shedding: Increased shedding, especially during a stressful event.

✅ Whining, Barking, or Howling: Vocalisation can be a sign of distress.

Behavioural Signs.

✅ Avoidance Behaviour: Hiding, cowering, or trying to escape from certain situations or people.

✅ Destructive Behaviour: Chewing furniture, digging, or destroying items in the home, often due to separation anxiety.

✅ Aggression: Growling, snapping, or biting can sometimes be an expression of fear.

✅ Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat or reduced interest in food.

✅ Restlessness: Inability to settle down, constantly moving around.

Understanding Triggers.

✅ Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, and loud music can be common triggers.

✅ New Environments or Changes: Moving to a new home, rearranged furniture, or a new pet can cause anxiety.

✅ Separation: Being left alone can be a major source of stress for some dogs.

✅ New People or Animals: Unfamiliar people or other animals can make a dog anxious.

✅ Previous Trauma: Dogs with a history of abuse or neglect may exhibit anxiety.

How to Help an Anxious Dog.

✅ Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat and feel secure.

✅ Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and expend excess energy.

✅ Consistency: Maintain a routine to give your dog a sense of predictability and stability.

✅ Training and Socialisation: Positive reinforcement training can help build your dog’s confidence.

✅ Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually exposing your dog to their triggers in a controlled way to help them become less reactive over time.

✅ Calming Products: Consider products like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming supplements.

Recognising and addressing anxiety in dogs is crucial for their well-being. Understanding these signs and providing appropriate support can help your dog feel more secure and happy.

If you have an anxious dog that both owner and dog would benefit feel free to get in touch.

17/06/2024

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

17/06/2024

I just wanted to express my gratitude after my recent visit to Court Lodge Fields with Buzz, The XL Bully type. To the 2 Ladies, Your dogs – the black Labrador and the tan Cckapoo – approached Buzz off-lead on separate occasions, and I want to let you know there’s no need to apologise. Your dogs’ recall was spot on, and it was clear they are very well-trained.

Thank you so much for your responsible dog ownership. I wish more owners would follow your example.

HoundMasters you might know these if so can you pass on my compliments please

16/06/2024

fans For those I know and have worked with could you please leave me a google review

42 Sarel Way, Horley RH6 8EW, United Kingdom

16/06/2024

Happy Fathers Day to all the dog dads out there

16/06/2024

16/06/2024

In silent rooms where shadows grow,
And whispers of the heart fall low,
A gentle paw, a knowing eye,
A therapy dog comes by and by.

Through tangled thoughts and restless nights,
A beacon shines, a soft light,
In fur and warmth, a comfort found,
Where chaos roams, they stand their ground.

With every wag and every nudge,
A bridge to hope, a gentle judge,
No words are needed, none required,
Their presence calms the mind so tired.

In moments when the world feels strange,
And all the pieces rearrange,
A furry friend, steadfast and true,
Brings balance back, a clearer view.

Their eyes reflect a love so pure,
In every gaze, a quiet cure,
For minds that wander, hearts that ache,
They bring the peace no pill can make.

Through anxious days and stormy nights,
They hold the soul, they set it right,
With every bark, with every sigh,
They teach the heart to reach and fly.

In a world that often misunderstands,
They offer love without demands,
A therapy dog, a healing friend,
On them, a life can safely depend.

In fur and paws, in gentle grace,
They find the places pain can't trace,
For neurodivergent hearts that yearn,
A faithful friend, a life returned.

15/06/2024

👇👇👇👇👇

15/06/2024

14/06/2024

Bumped into Off-leash obedience at Horley rec today, chewed the cud for a bit then he shared some cake 😋

14/06/2024

A webbing clip dog collar can have several disadvantages for strong dogs:

1. Durability Issues: Webbing material and plastic clips might not be strong enough to withstand the pulling and force exerted by a strong dog. They can wear out or break more easily compared to more robust materials like leather or metal.

2. Escape Risk: Strong dogs may be able to exert enough force to break or unclip the collar, potentially allowing them to escape.

3. Limited Control: Webbing collars with plastic clips might not offer the same level of control as sturdier collars, making it harder to manage a strong dog, especially during walks or in challenging situations.

4. Chafing and Discomfort: For strong dogs that pull, the webbing material can cause chafing or discomfort, particularly if the collar is not padded or if it does not distribute pressure evenly.

5. Longevity: These collars might need to be replaced more frequently due to wear and tear, leading to higher long-term costs.

For strong dogs, a more durable option like a leather collar with metal hardware.

13/06/2024

Building trust with Dylan

13/06/2024

Oh dear

12/06/2024

Dogs often display empathy towards children, showing an understanding of their emotions and needs. Some ways dogs demonstrate empathy with children include:

🐾 Comforting behaviour:

Dogs may cuddle up to a child who is upset or crying, offering physical comfort and emotional support.

🐾 Gentle interactions:

Dogs often exhibit gentle behaviour around children, being careful not to knock them over or play too roughly.

🐾 Protective instincts:

Many dogs have a natural instinct to protect children, whether it's from perceived threats or simply keeping a watchful eye on them during play.

🐾 Sensitivity to cues:

Dogs can pick up on subtle cues from children, such as body language and tone of voice, and adjust their behaviour accordingly to provide comfort or assistance.

🐾 Bonding and companionship:

Dogs often form strong bonds with children, becoming loyal companions who provide constant companionship and unconditional love.

Overall, the empathetic nature of dogs can have a positive impact on children, fostering emotional development, social skills, and a sense of security and belonging.

12/06/2024

🐾 Overcome Your Child's Fear of Dogs with Gentle Therapy 🐾

Is your child struggling with a fear of dogs? My therapy dog Simba and I are here to help! We understand the challenges and anxieties that come with fear, and we offer a safe and supportive environment for your child to overcome their fears.

My gentle and patient therapy dog provides a calming presence, helping children gradually build confidence and trust around dogs. Through structured and positive interactions, we aim to empower your child to conquer their fear and develop a newfound appreciation for our furry friends.

With personalised sessions tailored to your child's needs, we focus on fostering a positive relationship between your child and our therapy dog. Together, we'll work towards building confidence, reducing anxiety, and creating lasting memories of joyful interactions with dogs.

Don't let fear hold your child back any longer. Contact us today to learn more about how our therapy dog can help your child overcome their fear and embark on a journey of healing and discovery.

12/06/2024

🤣🤣🤣

12/06/2024

Today, during a session with a dog on a lead, another dog came charging over and attacked. I stood my ground to protect the dog in my care. This particular client’s dog has been attacked several times before, and I was working with him to build his confidence. The attacking dog's owner was unable to recall their dog, despite numerous commands. The dog was completely fixated, and no treat or distraction could deter it.

Fortunately, I was wearing my body camera, and I intend to present the footage to the police. I am extremely frustrated with the irresponsible "my dog is friendly" mentality that leads to such incidents. If your dog is out of control and poses a threat to others, I will report it to the authorities.

Ironically, I managed to capture the attacking dog using a slip lead, to which the owner responded by criticising it as an aversive tool. This incident highlights the need for responsible dog ownership and control.

For further information read the DDA

12/06/2024

12/06/2024

HoundMasters Home-made and Hand-made with love is the lady who did my work clothes.

11/06/2024

While I was chatting to our cockapoo, i turned to her and….
Captions please
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