Hudson's Hounds Dog Walking & Pet Services

25/02/2025

25/02/2025

THE FOOLISHNESS OF FLOODING

Using flooding as a behaviour modification technique involves exposing a dog to an intense amount of something they fear with the goal of eliminating that fear / anxiety / emotional response.

This approach is often recommended as a quick fix that achieves fast results.

Some examples of how flooding is used –
A dog fearful of water might be forced into a pool and prevented from escaping.

A reactive dog may be forced into a “sit” near other dogs or people and be punished for any signs of reactivity.

A dog afraid of loud noises might be forced to stay in a room while loud sounds play, with no way of escape.

In flooding theory, once a dog stops reacting, the fear has been cured, but at what cost?

Flooding is traumatic and may cause extreme stress, anxiety and even more long-term fear related problems, increasing negative associations.

Flooding often causes learned helplessness - an emotional coping mechanism that may look like a dog is completely “cured”, but in reality, they have shut down, given up, disengaged, become emotionally numb and detached. There is no other choice because no matter how hard they try there is no longer any point in trying to escape or react.

Flooding can destroy the trust our dogs should have in us. Dogs depend on us to advocate for them, protect them and keep them feeling safe from whatever they’re afraid of.

Flooding prioritises achieving quick fixes over emotional wellbeing and a safe and supportive environment.

Using modern, scientific, effective, ethical and humane modification methods like positive reinforcement, counterconditioning or desensitisation is the answer to achieving positive learning experiences, to build trust, relationship, safety and in turn, long lasting behaviour change.

The harm and negative consequences that flooding causes is certainly not worth it.

“In the soil of the quick fix is the seed to a new problem” …. Wayne Muller

19/02/2025

12/02/2025

ARE YOU WORTH COMING BACK TO?

I’m often horrified when I watch people trying to get their dogs to come back to them when they call.

They call and call and get increasingly angry and frustrated as their dog keeps ignoring them.

When their dog eventually comes back, or has been chased and "captured” by the now really angry person, they get screamed at, yanked about, or punished in some way for taking so long and not listening.

Why on earth would a dog want to return to someone who does this to them!

The most common reason dogs don’t come back when we call is because it’s not a positive experience.

A new environment is generally far more rewarding, stimulating and exciting than coming back to us.
An exciting scent or seeing something to chase can all override a response to recall.

Make coming back to you well worth it by always making it a rewarding experience and keep practicing this throughout a dog’s life.

Have a little patience if it takes longer than you would like, let your dog finish what they’re doing before calling them, practice in different locations and environments and never reprimand or punish them for coming back.

There is never a guarantee of a perfect recall each and every time, but making it a rewarding experience will greatly improve the rate of success.

10/02/2025

👀Only a few places left for March. Book now to avoid disappointment.🐾

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06/02/2025

Lovely to see the sun showing its face 🌞

01/02/2025

Holiday dates for 2025 for your diary.

I will remind clients nearer the time.

30/01/2025

Lovely walk today with this gorgeous lad showing how relaxed he is being transported in our crate.

This crate complies with safely standards and keeps your dog safe. They have room to lay down, at full length and chill.

https://mimsafe.com/uk/product/variocage-single-xxlplus/

24/01/2025

23/01/2025

I’ve been asked by a few people where to purchase Crash tested crates so I’ve added the link below.

They are not a cheap version and whilst they may seem overpriced and expensive there is no denying that they are a life saver for your dogs.

Folding crates from Pets at home or tethering your dog to the rear seat does work but it does not offer the ultimate protection to your fur babies if the boot has massive intrusion or if the boot or tailgate flips open on impact.

In my mind they are worth every penny!

https://mimsafe.com/uk/

22/01/2025

Car update

This crate was purchased in 2013 for approx £600. It’s was the best money spent! Not a mark or scratch on it except dust!!

Picture 2 & 3 is the whole cut to release the tailgate and get it open as it was mangled and allow access to the rear.

I have always been neurotic about safety for clients dogs and my own and I am glad that I’ve never cut corners.

Both dogs from yesterday are fine and we’re doing zoomies to prove it.

I however am a little worse for wear and have multiple pain related areas but have been referred to a physiotherapist who can help once things settle.

And more good news the other party has admitted full liability.

A day in the life of a dog walker!! Thanks for all your kind messages it means a lot x

21/01/2025

This mornings first walk didn’t get off the gound as before I could reach the park a cement lorry smashed into the back of me.

The car needs a new rear hatch and I am battered in a few places but all good.

The moral of the story is always invest in decent crash tested crates to transport your dogs in because they were not hurt and there was no intrusion even from this HGV which I expect weighs a fair bit:

The hatch could not be opened to release the dogs so we had to use the rear escape door behind the seats. The rear dog guard had been shifted by the shut and we were unable to remove it.
Luckily LFB sent an amazing crew who got them quickly safely and without much fuss.

The dogs are absolutely fine and under supervision of their hoomans receiving extra treats for the trauma incurred.

This however may put the walking schedule out for the rest of the week while I sort out the mess left behind.

14/01/2025

⚠️6 SIGNS YOUR DOG ISN’T GETTING ENOUGH EXERCISE⚠️

🔹WEIGHT GAIN 🔹
If your dog has been getting a bit plump lately, it may be an indication that more exercise is needed. Chat with your vet about what diet tweaks you might want to consider while you are also increasing daily walks, play breaks, and general activity.

🔹DESTROYING THE HOUSE🔹
Behavioral problems, and especially destructive behavior, are commonly a result of not getting enough exercise. Many dogs become bored & frustrated if they don’t get enough outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. Letting your pup release that pent-up energy with a long walk with lots of sniff breaks at least once a day may be the only treatment needed.

🔹WITHDRAWN BEHAVIOUR🔹
Some dogs will become very withdrawn and depressed when they are lacking in mental and physical stimulation. However, this can also be a sign of illness, so consult your veterinarian if you are seeing this as a symptom.

🔹HYPERACTIVITY🔹
Dogs that are hyperactive are often exercise-deficient. This is commonly seen in young dogs and energetic breeds. If their energy is not used in a productive way, it will be used for naughtiness. These pooches are begging for interactive exercise time.

🔹EXCESSIVE BARKING🔹
Some dogs that are restless and bark or whine a lot are the vocal versions of hyperactivity—they are just telling you that they need more exercise. Regular outdoor play periods are often the cure to this behavior issue.

🔹STIFFNESS🔹
Just like with people, a sedentary lifestyle—especially in older dogs—leads to muscle loss and stiff and painful joints. Daily exercise helps to maintain muscle tone. Do touch base with your veterinarian to see if a health problem such as arthritis is involved. But even if it is, a daily exercise plan will go a very long way to keeping your dog more limber and able to get around.

13/01/2025

1 space left for 25th January 2025

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