Bucks'n'Barks

22/02/2024

We're happy that mud is good for business, but everyone here in the UK has definitely reached this point by now!

22/09/2023

Today is PDWA National Dog Walker Appreciation Day so here's a Shout Out for all the wonderful professional dog walkers out there! 👏👏👏💙🐾

“You are just a dog walker!” – we get told this all the time!!!

In actual fact, we are so much more!

We are trusted guardians who bond, exercise and enrich a dog’s life in all weather!

We enable owners to work or socialise with the knowledge their dog is exercised safely if they themselves have no time, energy or are too poorly to do so themselves.

Not just walks ! We provide enrichment and quality time.

We give owners peace of mind their dog’s welfare is paramount and adapt our days to ensure this during inclement weather for example.

We risk assess constantly but if an accident does happen we are first aid trained to look after dogs in our care.

We keep up to date with PSPO’s, Dog Law etc.

We build relationships with our dogs and know their “normal” so we can recognise changes such as tummy troubles, new lumps, different gait or mood etc., and report them swiftly.

We learn as much as we can about canine communication, seasonal hazards, breed traits and find suitable outlets for each one where we can.

Many of us go on to become groomers, pet nutritionists, trainers, behaviourists, pet photographers etc.

We love the dogs in our care. We laugh at their antics, we worry when they are poorly and we cry when we lose them.

We are so much more than “just a walker” and never doubt that.

So……..
Dog Walkers: tell us who you are and where you are based! (members and non-members welcome)
Owners: if you have dog walker help, flag them here and tell us what you appreciate the most about them!
Comment ⬇️

03/08/2023

Recently I read "If you have a dog walker, you shouldn't have a dog."

This is my boy, he has a dog walker 2 days a week, on my busiest days. The days when I'm too wiped out to offer him the decent romp in lovely natural environments that he deserves.

'Dog walker' is such an understated title.

These guys are the bridge between the modern reality our dogs have been thrust into, that's so at odds with their genetics.

The vast majority of dogs were not born to be content with 15 minute pavement walks, but you need to work to pay the bills. I get it.

Did you know behaviour problems rarely occur in nature?

Our dogs are captive animals.

Sit with that one as long as you need.

They were not designed for sofa snoozing and short restrictive walks on a tight lead on paved ground.

When behaviour problems occur in captive zoo animals, we recognise it as the wrong environment for these animals to thrive....

In dogs, we just shoot for compliance and slap on a lazy excuse like 'dominance' or 'stubborn'.

Good dog walkers are a modern day gift to our dogs, and if you use one, you are an ace guardian who chooses to recognise the innate needs of your dog, and respect them for who they are.

You're not a lazy guardian; you're an enlightened one.

Huge high five to all the dog walkers out there, including my own Paw Legged Friends Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Wakefield - thank you for making our restrictive, modern world a better place for our four legged friends 💛

14/06/2023

Keep a watchful eye on your pups x

20/04/2023

01/01/2023

30/11/2022

17/11/2022

When a ball thrower enters the park, there will be a few people taking cover. Dogs racing after something at speed can cause fear, trigger prey drive and create frustration.

It’s always a good idea to throw mindfully, and well away from others.

29/10/2022

Lovely Autumnal walk this morning 🍁🍃🍂

08/09/2022

Such a sad day💔

10/08/2022

Headless dog 😂😂😂😂

27/07/2022

Love this girlie 💝

16/07/2022

As we are all aware by now, temperatures are soring and we wish you and your lovely dogs well as we go through the next few days. Remember to check your dogs regularly and stay happy and safe. We will not be walking Monday and Tuesday and will reassess for Wednesday.

13/07/2022

Must be ear-back Wednesday 😂

26/06/2022

Things change all the time, good to keep up to date

The research and evidence has been updated!! (I’ve updated this on my young dog course) now we are being told not to restrict exercise in our young pups. It could increase the risk of hip dysplasia. The 5 minute rule is on its way out…

Ok let’s not go mad and start pushing it, pups tire out and we certainly want to avoid high impact exercise - stairs, jumps in agility, and long periods of running.

We really need to be mindful of when they are tired and not force them. But a longer sniff walk, meandering on a cool day, meeting new sights and smells, saying hello to new friends, and experiencing new surfaces to help build up muscle groups that’s all good. Strength and socialisation.

My courses will always be kept up to date ❤️

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/

16/06/2022

Just a reminder that we are taking the day off from walks tomorrow, Friday. Its going to be far too hot to be out in it for these guys, although, I’m sure Lula will disagree with me.
Happy to do pop-ins if you need me. Take care everyone ☀️😊🍦

16/06/2022

Early morning walks in the shade, maximum 20/30 minutes in this weather ☀️

14/06/2022

With temperatures set to rise this week, please make sure you keep your dogs safe. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day and provide them with plenty of shade and water.

24/05/2022

Can’t keep his eyes open 🥰

07/04/2022

Little bit of sunbathing on a windy day 🐕☀️🐕☀️

28/03/2022

I do love my job ❤️

17/03/2022

Keep a look out please

07/03/2022

Always check the labels

A reminder to the enrichment toy users and new puppy owners that you should use either 100% nut butters like Meridan or a dog designed peanut butter like the ones in our shop for your KONG or enrichment toys like lickimats.
Xylitol is incredibly dangerous to dogs. It triggers a sudden release of insulin, causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar which can lead to liver damage.
Xylitol may also be legally labelled as birch/beech tree, husk or corncob derived sweeteners so please check labels carefully.
It isn't commonly used in peanut butter here unless specifically marked as low sugar but it's use is growing as we humans look for ways to lower our sugar consumption.
Please be aware Xylitol may be in lots of others foods in the home so please try to avoid sharing human treats with your dog unless you've checked the label carefully.

17/01/2022