The Puppy Tutor, Ealing, West London

27/06/2024

Henry VIII was fond of dogs 🐕 and he had a spaniel named Cutte and another dog named Ball.

Both of them had a tendency to get lost which caused Henry great discomfort. He would offer a substantial reward. Cutte, for instance, disappeared in May 1530 and than again in February 1531.

The dog was wearing a high quality and distinctive collar of velvet and cloth of gold emblazoned with the king's initials . These features helped tracking him down.

The chains were sometimes made of silver or silk . Anyone who found the dogs have been in no doubt as to their owner.

From Tracy Borman's The private lives of the Tudors.

15/06/2024

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. This is a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

These are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***
- Levitt Leads

12/06/2024

The Power of Canine Loyalty: The Inspiring Story Behind Edwin Henry Landseer's Painting "Saved"

In 1856, British artist Edwin Henry Landseer created a poignant painting titled "Saved," which tells the story of a devoted dog's heroic rescue of his owner from a shipwreck. The painting is based on a true event that occurred over a century ago, when an English merchant and passenger ship, the "St. John," sank off the coast of Ireland in 1845. The tragedy resulted in the loss of many lives, but one remarkable story of survival and loyalty emerged.

A Newfoundland dog named Swain, who was on board the ship, refused to leave his owner, a young woman, behind. As the waves crashed against the shore, Swain swam with the woman to safety, saving her life. This incredible act of loyalty and bravery inspired Landseer to create his iconic painting, "Saved."

The painting depicts the moment when Swain and the woman reach the shore, exhausted but alive. Swain is shown standing proudly beside his owner, his fur soaked with seawater, his eyes gleaming with devotion. The woman lies on the ground. The painting is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and animals and the power of canine loyalty and rescue instincts.

Landseer's "Saved" has become an iconic representation of the Newfoundland breed's reputation as loyal and heroic companions. The painting has inspired countless reproductions, adaptations, and tributes, cementing its place in the hearts of art lovers and dog enthusiasts alike. The story behind "Saved" serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, loyalty, and companionship between humans and animals.

Credit Goes To The Respective Owner ~
Follow Us : WilderNest ~

08/06/2024

DOG ATTACK - WHAT TO DO!

Engaging in physical actions such as striking, kicking, punching, or slapping a dog that is involved in an attack on another dog, oneself, or a child is comparable to instructing someone to 'calm down' during a confrontation. These behaviors typically serve to escalate and exacerbate the situation.

In the midst of an attack, a dog in a fight or prey-driven state (which is significantly different from fear driven reactivity!) is unlikely to immediately perceive pain from physical stimuli and may even become more agitated if they do register pain, potentially escalating their aggression.

It is distressing to observe situations where individuals try to intervene in an attack by waving lightweight objects near a dog that is actively eating alive another.

Given the level of force necessary to effectively stop such an attack, it would likely have to be substantial, potentially requiring the aggressive animal to be rendered unconscious.

In the recent incident involving a dog fatally attacking its owner, that dog had to be shot four times to be stopped. This exemplifies the challenge in stopping an animal hell bent on finishing what it started.

Kindly bear in mind that in the event of a dog attack, should you find yourself involved or present at the scene, attempting to use human force against a powerful breed is ineffective. Breed types such as XL Bullies have been selectively bred to possess strength surpassing that of humans.

Employing a slip lead or a similar device to choke the attacking dog is the swiftest and most dependable method to prompt the dog to release its bite.

Yes, you read right. The purpose of the slip lead is to strangulate the aggressive dog, serving as a tourniquet rather than as a regular lead. They may have power, teeth and muscle but the throat is a vulnerable place and all living beings require oxygen to function.

While discussing this subject may be challenging, the dissemination of this information could potentially prevent other tragic outcomes.

If you really worry about finding yourself in this situation, having yourself, child or your dog attacked by a powerful dog of any breed, carry a slip lead in your pocket while out on walks.

15/05/2024

The microbiome of a non -aggressive dog has higher levels of bacteroides vulgatus compared to that of an aggressive dog. The dog profiles of aggressive versus non-aggressive were significantly different using the weighted Unifrac metric.
It’s possible to increase vulgatus by feeding or increasing animal-based proteins- particularly from red meat or dairy (kefir has a similar effect).
The type of protein is important and though soya contains higher levels at 30g per 100g it has a different effect on the biome.
Dogs fed plant-based protein have an increase in biome percentages of ruminococcaceae (relating to an increase in aggression) rather than increasing levels of bacteroides vulgatus.

Kirchoff, N. S., Udell, M. A., & Sharpton, T. J. (2019). The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris). PeerJ, 7, e6103.

07/05/2024

Letting your puppy drag you to meet every dog or you going out of your way to make sure your dog meets every dog is actually poor socialisation!

17/03/2024

This saying is probably the most inappropriate and potentially disastrous sentence in the dog world.

"It's all in how you raise them."

Genetics play a significant role in a dog's behaviour, not just how they are raised. The phrase 'It's all in how you raise them' overlooks the importance of a dog's genetic makeup and what they were bred for. Your dog's breed and genetic background are crucial factors that cannot be changed by love or affection. Let's reframe this common saying to focus on being educated about your dog's breed, function, needs, and working from there.
Because all the kisses and cuddles in the world, don't change and can't change where they come from.

15/03/2024

The needs of a Belgian Malinois are more than most dogs, and if the stimulation, training, and socialization needs are not met, these dogs can develop reactivity and aggression, a very dangerous combination in a powerful breed bred for chasing and biting.

Why do Malinois like to bite?

Because they were:

Bred To Hunt, Chase, And To Bite

That's really it. They haven't been bred to be attractive, not been bred to be pretty. The Malinois has been bred to do a job. First, as a herding dog and today, to hunt people down.

Why do Belgian Malinois bite so much?

There are many tasks Malinois are bred for that require biting. It's actually a big part of there DNA

Why are Belgian Malinois difficult?

Because they were:

Bred To Hunt, Chase, And To Bite

This is a dog that does not do well with boredom – Mals can become restless and frustrated when they don't have a job to do. This means that they aren't well suited to households where the owners work long hours or travel often. Excess energy, coupled with such boredom, could have them tearing your house apart.

Are Belgian Malinois naturally aggressive?

These dogs are naturally protective of their family members due to their herding instincts, but such behavior can be problematic for visitors and unfamiliar guests. The Belgian Malinois can have aggressive tendencies if you fail to socialize them at a young age.

Why?

Because they were:

Bred To Hunt, Chase, And To Bite

What are the disadvantages of Malinois?

They were:
Bred To Hunt, Chase, And To Bite

Although its more of “arousal biting” than aggression biting in most cases
Belgian Malinois bite because they were bred to do so, plain and simple. So next time you see one on TV or in the movies keep this in mind, that without training and boundaries set from the minute you bring one into your home.

17/02/2024

These problems and others can impact on a bull dog's behaviour, especially the ability to deal with social interactions and stress.

15/12/2023

30/10/2023

A dog embryo in the womb after 7 days of gestation.

10/08/2023

Summer is officially back this week! As temperatures rise over the next few days, it's easy for our pets to overheat and suffer from heatstroke 🐶🐱☀️

Heatstroke can progress very quickly, and in severe cases, cause seizures, organ failure and death. Check out this guide to make sure you spot the signs of heatstroke and keep your pet safe in the hot weather 👇

04/08/2023

Did you know?
Back in the early days of his career, Sylvester Stallone was so broke he ended up homeless and unable to buy food. At his lowest point, he realized he had no option but to sell his beloved dog and best friend, Butkus, whom he simply couldn't afford to feed.
After selling Butkus to a stranger for $25, he walked away crying.
Just two weeks later, Stallone saw a boxing match between Mohammed Ali and Chuck Wepner. It inspired him so much, he wrote the script for Rocky. As he started approaching movie studios, he had one request: he would star in the movie. With offers for as much as $350,000, Stallone still refused until they agreed for him to play the lead.
But the compromise came at a cost, with Stallone instead receiving just $35,000 for his script.
The first thing the actor did when he received the money was return to the liquor store where he had last seen Butkus. After standing there for three days, he saw the man who had purchased his dog approaching and begged to buy his dog back.
It would cost him $15,000, but it was worth every cent to Stallone. Butkus would appear in the film with his owner.
Rocky went on to be the highest grossing film of 1976 and won three Oscars. It also propelled Stallone to fame.

23/06/2023

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ealing-council-please-cut-the-dangerous-barley-grass-seeds

If you have a dog and enjoy walking them in our beautiful parks in Ealing, please sign this petition to avoid unnecessary pain for them and the cost to you for vets bills.

25/05/2023

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.
HERO DOGS THAT SAVED MANY LIVES DURING THE BLITZ.

As the bombs fell on London they scoured the rubble of ruined buildings, finding hundreds of survivors for rescue teams.

When the Second World War ended, each was awarded the Dickin Medal for uncommon valour, the four-legged equivalent of a Victoria Cross and the highest honour bestowed by the charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Without these brave heroes many more lives would have been lost, they put themselves at risk to save others.

PETER: COLLIE CROSS

His owners signed him over to the War Office in the hope he might help on the Home Front. He passed search-dog training with distinction and went on to locate a succession of victims trapped in or under bombed buildings.

His most triumphant moment came when he saved the life of a small boy in Chelsea after one of the last flying bomb attacks on London.

Recognition came when the Civil Defence was formally stood down at a parade in Hyde Park.

RIP: MONGREL TERRIER

A stray adopted by an air raid warden unit after being bombed out of his London dockland home.

They couldn’t stop him becoming a search and rescue dog – it seemed he did it for the enjoyment.
But what made this tale of a shaggy dog so remarkable was that Rip was never trained for search and rescue - he simply attached himself to a Civil Defence team after being bombed out of his home. Then he mucked in as a sniffer dog solely because he enjoyed it.

In 12 months between 1940 and 1941, he rescued more than 100 people from the air-raid ruins. He carried on the good work for another four years.

JET: ALSATIAN

Jet of Lada, to give him his full pedigree, was born in Liverpool to celebrated breeder Mrs Babcock Cleaver.

He attended ‘war dog’ school in Gloucester from the age of nine months and was initially stationed in Northern Ireland, later distinguishing himself in anti-sabotage work for the Government.

When he was rebased in London, he became one of the most successful rescue dogs of the war, called out every night until the end of the air attacks on the capital.

BEAUTY: WIRE HAIRED FOX TERRIER

Pioneered a special squad to locate and rescue trapped animals despite never being trained for a wartime role.

Her owner Bill Barnett, a PDSA superintendent, used to take her on patrol with him when he toured the East End with a Civil Defence unit. She rescued 63 animals overall.

IRMA: ALSATIAN

Irma trained at the Ministry of Aircraft Production Dog School and is credited with saving hundreds of lives.

Her ability to locate victims through the most dense and difficult obstacles constantly astounded her handlers.

After one air raid she insisted she had found life under a collapsed house, and refused to budge.

After a day, rescuers pulled two young girls alive from the ruins.

THORN: ALSATIAN

Thorn came from a distinguished line of search and rescue dogs.

He was spectacularly fearless and happy to dash into blazing buildings to do his sniffer duty inside.

He once found a family trapped under a burning house.

How he detected their scent baffled rescuers – but they got the family out alive.

REX: ALSATIAN

Rex was described by Civil Defence authorities as having done ‘outstanding good work’ during the years he worked to the end of the war in 1945.

They said he displayed uncanny intelligence and outstanding determination in his efforts to follow up any scent which led him to a trapped casualty.

25/04/2023

In the summer of 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Fraser and their two-year-old dog set out from Oregon, Indiana, to visit family. When they stopped for petrol at a service station in Indiana, the dog was attacked by three dogs belonging to someone at the petrol station and fled.
They searched everywhere for him, but in the end could not find him. They returned to Oregon heartbroken, believing they would never see their beloved dog again. After losing all hope, one day their daughter saw a skinny and exhausted dog on the street that looked like Bobby. After his joyful reaction, it turned out to be the missing dog Thanks to the people who sheltered him during the journey, they were able to reconstruct the complete route he crossed.
To see his family again, he crossed almost 2500 miles (4,000 kilometers) in six months. He hiked across the Rocky Mountains in the middle of winter and ended up being nicknamed "Bobby the Wonder Dog." He was the inspiration for the movie "Lassie Returns".

02/04/2023

As dog guardians, we all want our loyal companions to be well-behaved and happy. But when our dogs exhibit undesirable behaviour, we may be tempted to resort to quick fixes like punishment collars or trainers who use forceful techniques. However, these methods come at a high cost to both the dog and...

13/03/2023

The concept of dominance in dog training is a harmful myth that has been debunked by modern science. It is based on an outdated understanding of wolf behaviour that has been discredited by more recent research.

The idea that dogs are constantly seeking to establish dominance over their owners is not only incorrect but can lead to abusive training practices that harm the dog-human relationship.

It can also lead to ineffective training methods that rely on punishment and intimidation rather than positive reinforcement and clear communication.

By recognising that dogs are social animals that thrive on cooperation and positive reinforcement, we can build stronger bonds with them and create a more positive and effective training experience.

02/03/2023

Are you aware that a badly run puppy class can be detrimental to a dog's long term behaviour.

Why be lost in the crowd at puppy obedience classes where there is limited time to talk to the trainer, when you could have private affordable 121 dog training?

As your private puppy trainer I can give you hour long sessions just for you, your family (including children, the elderly, the anxious etc).

My name's Rebecca, I'm professional dog trainer and behaviour advisor with years of experience. And I'm here to work with you throughout the sensitive stages of development in your young puppy or adolescent dog, with bespoke in-person training sessions to suit all needs.

There is no need to drag yourself to a puppy class after a stressful day, resulting in lost time with friends and family, when you choose 121 training. Every session can be tailored to your individual needs, whether it be toilet training, recall, puppy biting lead walking, engagement or anything else you need.

My hours are between 1.30 pm - 7.00 pm

My fees are from £45 per hour in Ealing, Chiswick, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Hayes and surrounding areas. It's all your hour. My time is yours.

Why accept second best when you can have a puppy training expert, using only the most ethical up-to-date scientifically proven methods.

[email protected]
07380 633272
www.thepuppytutor.co.uk

Professional Qualifications

Certified Puppy Training Specialist: Puppy Specialist Course, OCN Level III qualification in 'Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour, Advanced Canine Body Language Level 3 (VTQ), Canine Body Language Instructor, Canine Behaviour Counselling (Theory and Practice) Level 3 Diploma, Animal Behaviour Level 3 Diploma, Professional Dog Obedience Trainer Diploma. Agility for fun instructor.

I have also completed with distinction training and education from Think Dog! behaviour and Dunbar Academy. Also completed Dog Behaviour & Cognition with Duke University. And Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - multiple courses undertaken. And I'm a proud member of the Sarah Whitehead inner circle of behaviourists and trainers.

Effective affordable one-to-one dog training

06/11/2022

Amazing photo taken by National Geographic of a puppy in mother's womb!

28/10/2022

Things you might not know about your Shih tzu:

1. The Breed Is More Than 1,000 Years Old
Documentation of the Shih Tzu goes back at least 1,000 years. The breed’s ancestry goes back even further than that. Records show that short, square, “under the table” dogs existed in China as early as 1,000 B.C. These short and stout pooches were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu.
2. They Came From Tibet
People commonly associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually came from China’s western neighbor, Tibet, which was a sovereign nation until the 1950s. Tibet probably sent dogs to the Chinese royalty as gifts. The Chinese then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern day Shih Tzu.
3. Their Name Means “Little Lion”
The Mandarin phrase “Shih Tzu” translates to little lion. The Shih Tzu was likely given this name because of its association with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning, who, according to legend, traveled with a small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion.
shih tzu
4. They Are Also Called “Chrysanthemum-Faced Dogs”
Shih Tzu are called “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because the hair on their faces grows in every direction. Shih Tzu owners who keep their dogs clipped short know all too well that not much time goes by before a Shih Tzu’s hair grows up from her snout and in front of her eyes.
5. They Were Wiped Out During the Communist Revolution
When China underwent its Communist Revolution, the Shih Tzu breed all but disappeared. This may not have actually been caused by communism; a contributing factor was the 1908 death of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who supervised a world-renown breeding program of Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Pugs. When she died, the breeding program fell apart, and it became nearly impossible to get a Shih Tzu.
6. 14 Dogs Saved the Breed
Because their numbers dwindled down to almost nothing during the first half of the 20th century, every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of 14 dogs — seven males and seven females — that were used to rebuild the breed.
7. Military Personnel Brought Them to the U.S.
After Shih Tzu were imported to England from China, the English exported them to other countries in Europe. American soldiers stationed in European countries took Shih Tzu back to the United States with them in the late 1940s and 1950s.
shih tzu
8. Many Celebrities Have Owned Shih Tzu
Since the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds, it’s no surprise that many stars have owned them. Celebrity owners of Shih Tzu include Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farell, Bill Gates, and even Queen Elizabeth II.
9. Shih Tzu Are Glamorous . . . and Athletic
Given the long flowing coats of Shih Tzu show dogs, we tend to think of this breed as more glamorous than sporty. But underneath that gorgeous coat is a muscular body that can perform well in agility. Many Shih Tzu have won agility competitions. In 2014, a Shih Tzu became the first of his breed to win both a champion title and an agility title.

18/10/2022

There is a reason we don't use wolves to herd sheep (or protect other livestock.) We use dogs. Often, we use dogs to protect livestock FROM wolves.
Ironically, some parts of the dog training industry keeps treating dogs like they were wolves. Well, if that's the case, let's get some wolves guarding those flocks. Or isn't that like asking the fox to guard the hen house?
Similar and related does not mean the same. It is those differences that allow dogs to live with us. Maybe we should just treat dogs like...dogs. Our teammate

15/10/2022

11/10/2022

THE BENEFITS OF EARLY PUPPY INTRODUCTIONS TO THE PROFESSIONAL GROOMING SALON

One of my aims for 2022 was to increase awareness of the importance of puppy introductions in the grooming salon. Please can I ask everyone to share, copy and paste, make your own version up, but lets get this message out there so that we can ensure more puppies have the best grooming start they possibly can.

The benefits of introducing puppies to the grooming salon as soon as they are fully vaccinations are massive. It is a long post but please read on.

A good professional groomer wants your dogs to be relaxed and confident during grooming and this can easily be achieved if you start their grooming experiences early, which gives the groomer time to introduce themselves and the salon (ideally that is the only experience puppies should have on their first visit), equipment, processes and techniques positively over a period of sessions, building pups confidence, making positive associations, teaching them what is required of them during grooming, etc. The groomer will also give you advice how you can help at home to make the process even easier for your puppy.

Many groomers offer puppy packages to ensure your puppy gets the best start. Grooming training is equally as important as puppy training. Investing financially and timewise in your pup's grooming experience should not be undervalued. Also bear in mind that for most breeds their groomer will handled them more than any other canine professional.

Taking a 6 month old matted adolescent puppy to the groomers for the first time prevents all that gentle introduction, leaving the puppy with negative memories and associations which are difficult to undo.

As a human, we really cannot fully understand the impact of walking into a grooming salon for a dog (let's call him Fred). Firstly, the salon is full of information that Fred will need time to process: sounds, sights, smells, textures. This alone can be overwhelming, especially if they are not allowed the time to process that information before they are whipped into the bath or onto the table to start grooming (both of which Fred is unlikely to have experienced before, so needs to process those too).

Most grooms involve:
* Fred being picked up, put on a high surface, moved between bath and table
* Safety restraints applied
* Bath
* Dried (towel, high velocity dryer, finishing dryer)
* Brushed all over (often whilst being dried at the same time)
* Claws Clipped
* Fur clipped, scissored
* Legs, ears and tail lifted
* Being moved around
* Hygiene areas being tided
* Some groomers also include:
* Ear fur plucking
* A**l gland emptying
* Teeth Cleaning
* Applying Cologne, bandanas and bows
* Using crates

That understandably is likely to be stressful for Fred, irrelevant of how good and gentle the groomer is, added to that Fred may have other issues that need taking into account:

* Separation anxiety
* General anxiety around strangers
* Noise sensitivity
* Touch sensitivity
* Discomfort/Pain
* Matted coat
* Not used to being handled by a stranger
* No grooming training done at home
* Other dogs and groomers that may be in the salon
* Not used to standing still for long periods
* Not used to having safety restraints put on

Now we are beginning to build a picture of why Fred is totally overwhelmed, struggles with the whole processes, builds up negative association with the grooming salon. This may then lead to Fred show aggressive behaviours during grooming, requiring muzzles, additional safety aids, etc. Eventually, Fred's guardians may find that groomers will refuse to groom him, leaving no option to have him sedated at the vets to be clipped off - a very expensive groom, or find that Fred freezes at the salon door the next time you take him, or comes home completely exhausted due to the stress and anxiety he has had to cope with.

10/10/2022

True.