HoundMasters

19/06/2024

As we head into the summer months.... apparently. it's important to remember to keep our dogs hydrated and cool while out for walks in the heat 🐾💧 Just providing water may not be enough to keep them hydrated, especially on hot days. Dogs can only cool through their feet, ears, mouth and nose. We sweat all over our body which is incredibly efficient when coupled with evaporation. We can take off layers and seek shelter. Don't forget dogs will not suffer for missing a day off from walking, but if you insist on walking them try to walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day to prevent overheating and the high energy play to a minimum. Dehydration can occur in minutes and is often fatal if not treated immediately. If in doubt just stay indoors. The pictures below were taken 2 days ago in 20C. Always carry non chilled water.

16/06/2024

D is one of 3 Bernese in the family and she's needed some 1:1 training for distraction, recall and socialisation and she's absolutely mastering the tasks we're giving her. Well done D!

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

10/06/2024

Discipline and Disciplining

Let's be clear not to get the two mixed up. There is discipline and disciplining. In context and in the real world they mean two totally different things.

Telling your dog off (disciplining) for stealing food or soiling the carpet is the quickest way to erode and destroy a relationship between you and your hound. Dogs have little or no comprehension when it comes to ethics and manners and what you deem as good behavior in human terms. If they are exhibiting destructive behaviours such as sofa chewing, that's on us as owners to correct and reward accordingly. They have no idea that we pay for these items. To them it's an object that brings pleasure and relief, or perhaps a need that is not being met.

Stealing food that has been left unattended to them is not theft but an opportunity. Dogs are opportunists with the instinctive need to survive despite them being fed on a daily basis.
If we allow these opportunities to present themselves then we have noone but ourselves to blame. Stop shouting at your dog. Advocate, make the boundaries clear and fair. Think more dog.

09/06/2024

K is half way through his training for reactivity to humans and dogs, nervousness with new people and resource guarding and he's doing great and had fun socialising with one of our dogs on our recent session.

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

06/06/2024

Is it worth it?

As the warmer temperatures approach, I can't help but notice the multitude of dogs hanging out the back of family cars as I drive behind them. While they may be secured in the vehicle, the risks of potential dangers increase with the rising temperatures - especially on back roads filled with overgrown vegetation. Using your wing mirror is a gauge for how close you get to branches etc is not relevant. Think! We've all had to tuck ourselves in to the vegetation to let bigger vehicles through..... Your mirror cops it, with scratches, a broken lens or a fold back.....its replaceable.

I shudder to think about the potential consequences of a dog being struck by a rogue branch or having their eye ripped out by a bramble. The thought of life-changing injuries or even worse, death, is enough to send chills down my spine.

Is it worth it? Is it worth risking the safety and well-being of our beloved dog for a moment of fun? The answer should be a resounding no.

05/06/2024

A huge thank you to all my clients and followers. I don't ask much from my clients but when they honour and deliver on a request, it truly thrills and motivates. Your hard work with your doggies and your loyalty to the training is exemplary. Keep up the good work and don't be strangers!

04/06/2024

Turning your dog into a therapy dog is no easy feat. It takes careful preparation, assessment, and training. S is currently undergoing training in preparation for his therapy assessments. Matt will be working closely with a colleague when the time comes for the transition. K-9 Enrichment

31/05/2024

A brilliant effort by my latest clients who covered basic obedience, socialising, loose lead, training and recall. A Dog’s Life

26/05/2024

HoundMasters 1:1 Dog Trainer

🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

24/05/2024

19/05/2024

Feeling like walking your dog is a chore because you don't know what you're going to encounter?

It can be frustrating dealing with irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs off lead and assume that all dogs are friendly. Whether your dog is reactive or you just have anxiety about potential encounters, it can make walks stressful.
But what if your knowledge with dog body language and awareness was in tune? All of a sudden you are able to think calmly and methodically choosing the best decisions for your dog.

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

12/05/2024

It’s really not rocket science, respect space and always listen to the dogs owner. They are the advocates and know their dog. No one cares if your dog is “friendly” do the right thing 👍

10/05/2024

Whilst it's good to train your doggies day in day out, don't forget they need a day off just like us, let them play

05/05/2024

R is a 2yr old who's with us for loose leash, engagement, reactivity and routines. He's nearly at the end of his training with us and we'll be spending that time helping him with his reactivity

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

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28/04/2024

A Time to Teach

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

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20/04/2024

E is with us for engagement, loose leash and recall. She's nearly at the end of her training with us and has made amazing progress, she's a star pupil!

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

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14/04/2024

P is a little guy who is with us to help with his reactivity to other dogs and his fear of unexpected noises. He's had a couple of sessions so far and made fantastic progress with being able to focus and not react to the neighbour's dog. Looking forward to his next session!

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

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13/04/2024

Is Your Dog Ready for a Heatwave?

As the temperatures start to rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s important to consider how our furry friends are handling the heat. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and even heatstroke if they are not properly cared for during a heatwave. To ensure your dog is ready for the summer heat, it’s important to address the following five basic objections:

Objection 1: My dog has a thick coat, so they’ll be fine in the heat.

While it’s true that some dog breeds have thicker coats that provide insulation in colder weather, a thick coat can actually make it harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature in hot weather. It’s important to make sure your dog’s coat is properly groomed and not excessively long during the summer months to help them stay cool.

Objection 2: My dog loves being outside in the sun, so they must be fine in the heat.

While it’s great that your dog enjoys spending time outdoors, it’s important to remember that dogs can easily overheat, especially if they are left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Make sure your dog has access to shade and plenty of fresh water when they are outside to help prevent overheating.

Objection 3: My dog has plenty of water, so they won’t get dehydrated.

While it’s crucial to provide your dog with plenty of water during a heatwave, it’s also important to monitor their water intake to ensure they are staying properly hydrated. Dogs can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so make sure to refill their water bowl frequently and always have fresh water available.

Objection 4: My dog is young and healthy, so they can handle the heat.

While it’s true that younger and healthier dogs may be better equipped to handle the heat than older or sick dogs, it’s still important to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Make sure your dog has access to cool, indoor areas during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous exercise in extreme heat.

Objection 5: My dog has never had any issues with heat before, so there’s no need to worry.

Just because your dog hasn’t had any issues with heat in the past doesn’t mean they are immune to heat-related illnesses. Dogs can easily succumb to heat exhaustion or heatstroke if they are not properly cared for during a heatwave. It’s important to stay vigilant and watch for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or vomiting.

It's crucial to ensure your dog is ready for a heatwave by addressing these five basic objections. By taking precautions, such as grooming your dog’s coat, providing shade and water, monitoring their water intake, avoiding excessive exercise, and staying vigilant for signs of overheating, you can help keep your furry friend safe and healthy during the summer months. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sunshine with your hound!

10/04/2024

WHEN WILL IT SINK IN?

Dog attacks and aggressive behavior can be terrifying and dangerous, not only for the victims but also for the owners of the dog involved. In cases where a dog has attacked a person or worried livestock, there are serious consequences that can be imposed by both the court and council dog wardens.

When a dog has strayed, attacked a person, livestock, or another pet, a council dog warden can issue a notice requiring the owner to take specific control measures. These measures may include muzzling the dog in public, keeping the dog on a lead when in public, securely confining the dog when not under control, keeping the dog away from certain places, and possibly having the dog neutered within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in fines of up to £2,500.

Additionally, if the dog shows aggressive behavior or attacks a person, the owner can face even harsher penalties. Simply causing fear in a person that they may be attacked can lead to prosecution and potential imprisonment. If the dog does injure the person, the owner could face up to two years in prison and a fine of £5,000.

In cases where the dog worries livestock or injures another person's pet, the owner can also be fined up to £1,000. This includes chasing livestock in a way that causes suffering or financial loss to the owner, as well as attacking or injuring another person's pet.

It is clear that owning a dog comes with responsibilities to ensure the safety of others and the welfare of animals. Dog owners must take these responsibilities seriously and adhere to any control measures imposed by the court or council dog wardens. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Dog attacks and aggressive behavior can have serious consequences for both the victims and the owners of the dogs involved. It is important for dog owners to take all necessary precautions to prevent their dogs from causing harm to people, livestock, or other animals. By being responsible owners and following any imposed control conditions, we can ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our communities.

TRAIN YOUR DOG, ITS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.


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07/04/2024

Meet L the Yorkshire terrier! Despite his issues, his attitude is larger than life! He's with us for obedience and reactivity to dogs and humans. Loose leash, car reactivity, crate train, routines, engagement, socialisation, learning to relax and being left alone.
With the right plan in place and going back to basics he's making progress. Old habits take time to conquer, but dedication pays off. We're optimistic about his future.

🐾 If you and your dog need help to sort or fine tune any issues we'd love to have a chat and get a free meet/consultation booked in to meet you and your dog.
🐾 Call or WhatsApp on 07361 221393 for a chat and to arrange the meet/consultation
🐾 Fixed fee with lump sum or interest free instalments/pay as you go options available
🐾 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundMastersUK and our website www.houndmasters.co.uk

04/04/2024

As parents, there are many important lessons that we must teach our children to keep them safe and help them navigate the world around them. One crucial lesson that often gets overlooked is teaching children how to properly interact with dogs. Dogs are wonderful animals, but they can also be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if not approached or handled correctly. It is essential that parents take the time to instill in their children the importance of respecting and understanding dogs to prevent any accidents or harm.

One of the most important lessons parents must teach their children is never to disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Just like humans, dogs can become agitated or defensive when startled or interrupted during these moments. It is crucial for children to understand that a dog's space should be respected, and they should never approach or bother a dog during these times.

Additionally, children should always wait for the dog to approach them. NEVER force and interaction.

Parents should also teach their children to never approach a dog who is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain. Dogs can become territorial or anxious in these situations and may react aggressively if approached. It is best to avoid these situations altogether to prevent any potential conflicts or harm.

Parents play a vital role in teaching their children how to properly interact with dogs to ensure their safety and well-being. By instilling in children the importance of respecting a dog's space and knowing how to react in potentially dangerous situations, parents can help prevent any accidents or harm from occurring. It is essential for parents to take the time to educate their children on these important lessons to promote a safe and harmonious relationship between children and dogs.

31/03/2024

Wishing you a fabulous Easter from HoundMasters

31/03/2024

🚫🍫 Did you know that chocolate contains a chemical called 'theobromine' which is toxic to dogs? The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. Dogs should never eat chocolate as it can be harmful to their health. If your dog has accidentally consumed some, their risk will depend on their weight, the type of chocolate, and the amount they have eaten. Make sure to keep chocolate out of reach of dogs!

29/03/2024

To all our clients and followers, have a fantastic Easter