Positively K9

Positively K9 Vet nurse with 25 years of experience offering a range of services. Walks, training, visits.

Whilst it’s super cold out there and we are dealing with winter weather it’s helpful to think about how we can keep our ...
08/01/2025

Whilst it’s super cold out there and we are dealing with winter weather it’s helpful to think about how we can keep our dogs happy and entertained indoors as conditions can be treacherous to walk in.

Here are a few ideas for you to try:
🫣 hide and seek! Dogs love it when they have to find their favourite toy, treat or even their favourite person. It’s fun and stimulating and you can use the simple command ‘find it’ which all dogs can easily understand
🦴long lasting chews or items you can fill with tasty treats provide great mental stimulation for your dog and can also be comforting and relaxing.
🐾 revisiting some key training and making it fun is brilliant for your dog and for you as an owner as you will both feel more confident and it supports your bonding which you will both love

Let me know in the comments if you try these ideas already or if you have any that I haven’t suggested so we can all learn from each other!🤩 follow along for more support and advice for you and your doggo!

31/12/2024

Dear 2025: More of the same please🐾🐶

As we enter into a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the things that went well, and challenges overcome, lessons learned and how we continue to build skills. I think this is much more effective than outlandish extreme resolutions that don’t stick. Be kind, slow down for a moment and listen to the world around us, and keep trying , keep learning 🙂

I’m grateful to every one of my customers and of course to all the dogs I train and/or walk who brighten up everyday! Excited to work with you all again and of course some lovely new 🐶 in 2025!

Who else doesn’t know what day it is?! I’ve heard these ‘inbetween’ days after Christmas and before New Year described a...
28/12/2024

Who else doesn’t know what day it is?! I’ve heard these ‘inbetween’ days after Christmas and before New Year described as ‘the hush’ by Beth Kempton - Do What You Love and it’s a perfect way to reframe this time. It’s such a lovely opportunity to slow down, recharge and rest after the rush of Christmas.

Our dogs certainly seem to have the right idea with their extra snoozing and enjoying the peace wherever possible!

Wishing you the same as we move closer to the start of 2025✨🥰

Who else is ready to down tools and spend the holidays snuggling up with their fur balls🙌🏻🐶🐾🎄It can be an overwhelming t...
20/12/2024

Who else is ready to down tools and spend the holidays snuggling up with their fur balls🙌🏻🐶🐾🎄

It can be an overwhelming time of the year but Santa paws will be here soon and we will know it’s worth it when our pets are feeling spoilt rotten with all their new toys and treats!

Are you finished work for the holidays now? Hope so and you have some nice plans leading up to the big day, even if that’s just hibernating under a blanket with your favourite pooch to cuddle🥰

21/11/2024

Snow zoomies!!❄️💙🌨️

Isn’t is brilliant how our dogs show us to not only live in the moment but to LOVE each moment.

The joy of watching this can’t compare! Anyone else have a dog who loves the snow this much?!

It’s getting cold out there!❄️🥶Just a reminder that our pets care will need some extra thought as we come into these win...
18/11/2024

It’s getting cold out there!❄️🥶

Just a reminder that our pets care will need some extra thought as we come into these winter months.

You might have already considered getting your dog a coat and cold temperatures can affect elderly or younger dogs more so keep a special eye out for them and think about keeping your walks shorter when the temperatures drop.

Salt/antifreeze in paws can bring problems too. Ideally if you can give your dog paws a warm wash and thorough dry after any walks on road/path to make sure they’re not irritated or licked off and ingested! If it snows, it’s worth checking your dogs paws incase they are compacted with snow which can be uncomfortable for them🐾

A little shout out to cats too🐈‍⬛ Cats have a habit of drinking from puddles containing antifreeze. If your cat comes in and appears drunk/vomits/ uncharacteristically quiet/uncordinated/ has a seizure or tremors/seens to have rapid or disrupted breathing, contact your vet asap.

Another note of caution - remember that ponds and areas of water often only have a thin layer of ice and will easily beak if your dog walks on them.

Taking all of this into consideration there is no reason why you can’t enjoy your winter walks - just remember to pack some extra layers for yourself too!

Happy Friday all!🎉I’ve had some queries lately about both my services and prices so thought it would be helpful to put o...
15/11/2024

Happy Friday all!🎉

I’ve had some queries lately about both my services and prices so thought it would be helpful to put out a post which explains all the different services I offer and prices.

As a qualified veterinary nurse I’m thrilled to offer a range of services from dog waking, nail clips, behaviour consultations and training to name a few!🐾

If you’re looking for someone who is caring, knowledgeable and fully committed to providing the best care to your beloved dog then look no further. I honestly love my job!

I cover Matlock and surrounding areas up to a 5 mile radius. Don’t hesitate to contact me if your would like any more information and I’ll be happy to talk through what I do and my availability. I look forward to meeting you and your lovely 🐶!

How amazing is it to have some sunlight again!☀️Those grey days can get a little relentless can’t they?Did you know that...
12/11/2024

How amazing is it to have some sunlight again!☀️

Those grey days can get a little relentless can’t they?

Did you know that whilst humans can absorb Vitamin D from the sunshine, dogs are not able to efficiently. It is however a key nutritional element that dogs need to thrive.

Vitamin D is vital for their skeletal health and is also known to protect them against certain diseases by boosting their immunity.

Where can dogs get Vitamin D? Most of a dogs vitamin D should come from their diet and they have evolved to absorb this vitamin from meat, fish, eggs, beef and dairy products.

When feeding your dog foods that are high in Vitamin D remember to only offer them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Some of these foods are high in fat and could cause weight gain and health issues.

Although Vitamin D deficiency is not common in dogs, some signs include hair loss, fatigue or bone/muscle weakness. If you notice any of these signs contact your vet immediately for advice.

But in the meantime we will continue to enjoy the sun rays and getting out!✨☀️

06/11/2024

Hands up if you wish you had this energy?!

Midweek can be tough can’t it, especially when the skies are grey and the weather is changing.

But I can promise you will feel energised by getting out - even if it’s just by seeing how happy your dog is! Can you create some sunshine on your walk? Play your dogs favourite game (hide & seek is brilliant!), take a different route, stretch yourself to go a little further and see what a boost to your mood this brings.

The nights are drawing in quickly - it feels like it’s happened in the blink of an eye but it’s already getting dark by ...
04/11/2024

The nights are drawing in quickly - it feels like it’s happened in the blink of an eye but it’s already getting dark by 5pm!✨

It’s important to think about both yourself and your dogs safety as there is a high chance you will need to be out walking in the dark at some point!

Our personal safety is a must to consider! It would be helpful to complete walks on well lit paths and to let someone know where your going and expected return time. You might want to consider some reflective clothing and even better if you can share the walk with someone else - persuade that friend or family member and have a good catch up!

Our dogs safety is also a priority! Keeping your dog on a lead ensures your dog doesn’t run off if they get spooked by any wildlife and having a light up/reflective collar will allow you to see your dog at all times and gives others who are walking a sign your there💡

Walking at night can be peaceful and is likely to settle your dog down for the night but look out for signs that they may be scared or distressed. Never force your dog out as this will make their anxiety and behaviour worse. Like all new things, introduce a night walk to your puppy early on so they can get used to the different sensations, sights & sounds!

Happy, safe, walking!🚶‍♀️🐶

01/11/2024

Autumn is the BEST season by far🧡🍁🌿

What a joy to be out with the stunning colours, crunching through the leaves and enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets🌅

Pausing to enjoy watching the leaves falling, letting your inner child out trying to catch them 😂🥰 and just feeling grateful for the beauty of this time of year is such a boost!

It’s a chance to enjoy some new walks with your dog before the nights really close in and it’s not yet too 🥶! A daily walk helps boost your mental health and boosts your immunity whilst supporting you to bond with your dog and make sure they are also physically and mentally in the best place too. Win, win🤩

Let me know your favourite part of Autumn!🧡

Noisy season is upon us!🎇🎆🔥👻It’s very common for dogs to be easily spooked by unexpected and loud noises particularly fr...
30/10/2024

Noisy season is upon us!🎇🎆🔥👻

It’s very common for dogs to be easily spooked by unexpected and loud noises particularly from fireworks and also Halloween trick and treaters.

As we know, dogs ears are highly sensitive to noise and they hear things much more acutely than we do - to the point that this can be painful for them. Some dogs may develop noise anxiety and this can look like your dog being extra jumpy, panicky, panting, drooling, pacing, hiding, or running away/lying very still.

Prevention is better than a cure and in an ideal world you would start to desensitise a puppy from as early as 4/5 weeks old. All puppies should be carefully exposed to a range of noises whilst they are in the stage of socialisation as this enables them to feel less anxious on hearing those same noises in the future.

What do I do if my dog is still anxious?
✅ if your expecting noise then don’t leave your dog home alone
✅ create a safe space for them to feel secure such as a cupboard or a covered crate with blankets and some of their favourite toys
✅use background noise to mask others that are causing your dog distress. Classical musical is known to be excellent for this!
✅distract your dog with treats & toys during a period of more intense noise to help them feel calmer
✅keep curtains closed during fireworks
✅show your dog that your are not worried and talk to them in a patient, calm and reassuring way. Allow your dog to come to you and to also have access to areas of your home where they feel the safest.

Starting to desensitise your dog ready for next years noisy season will be a huge help and there are lots of online resources that you can access.

Let me know in the comments if your dog is sensitive to noise and how you help them.

27/10/2024

Everytime you step outside with your dog, you have access to the best playground! Every woods, fields & outdoor space is an opportunity to have fun with your dog🤩

You can try simple agility exercises (depending on your dogs heath and mobility) by using logs on the floor and encouraging your dog to jump over them or you can guide them to weave around fence poles or trees. You might consider laying out a simple course in your garden using plant pots as obstacles for your dog to navigate or use treats and do a hide and sniff game in any grass or field.

The only limit is your imagination! I would love to know what games you enjoy with your dog - let’s inspire each other😍🐶

Grooming and keeping our dogs in tip top shape is just as important in the winter months as it is at the warmer times of...
23/10/2024

Grooming and keeping our dogs in tip top shape is just as important in the winter months as it is at the warmer times of the year.

It can be a popular belief that you should leave your dogs hair to grow in the wintertime to keep your dog warm but this can be detrimental as it can mean more matts and tangles form. This can be uncomfortable and may also lead to skin irritation and infections.

Double coated breeds such as huskies, border collies and golden retrievers have a soft undercoat for insulation and a thick dense outer coat, both of which need regularly brushing to remove loose moulting hair and to prevent mats. When a dogs undercoat becomes severely matted and tangled it will impact on a dogs capacity to regulate its temperature. This can be dangerous as it can lead to hypothermia.

The grooming tools recommended for regular brushing include slicker brushes (great for long haired breeds), a bristle brush (works well for single coated breeds as it helps to spread important oils) and a deshedding brush which will remove loose and dead hair from the undercoat.

If you have questions please let me know!

20/10/2024

It’s such a hard life being a 🐶!

Firstly my hoomans ask me to take them out for a long walk & then I have to watch the fire for them!

Honestly, next I’ll be getting asked to taste test the roast chicken that’s in the oven. They are taking liberties now!

I hope tomorrow isn’t as hard for poor me🐾

The time has finally come! Your puppy is waiting & your about to choose the 🐶 that will become a much loved member of yo...
17/10/2024

The time has finally come! Your puppy is waiting & your about to choose the 🐶 that will become a much loved member of your home🥰

It’s such an exciting time! But how do you know you’re getting a healthy, puppy from the litter?

Look out for healthy looking skin, shiny/soft fur with no signs of scabs, sturdy legs, a clean/dry bottom, a clear nose with no discharge, clear eyes with no redness and clear breathing with no wheezing or coughing.

Personality is also very important and just like humans, every puppy is unique with its own behaviour traits. Healthy, happy puppies will be curious, active and keen to explore the world around them.

You may have a fixed idea about having a male or female dog or how you want your puppy to look but I would urge you to keep an open mind & heart. Spend some time with each of the puppies and look for signs of good socialisation, those who are friendly and responsive to you and also those who interact well with their mother & siblings.

Some signs of a calm puppy will include a pup who happily interacts with their siblings, doesn’t steal toys or get into fights, shows submissive behaviour to more dominant pups but rarely dominates those who are shy/timid and is neither bossy or shy.

Don’t ever feel rushed into making a choice - this is an important decision and not one you should make on a whim!

I can offer pre puppy assessment visits to support you through the whole process of buying a puppy and making sure you’re getting the right breed and dog for you. Don’t hesitate to message me if this could help💕

15/10/2024

Dogs are the answer to everything! Well not quite, but they 100% make life feel just that little bit brighter🤩

Dogs bring us so much unconditional love & the simplicity of this alongside the health benefits of daily walks and the social element of owning a dog brings lots of therapeutic benefits.

Owning a pet can reduce anxiety, depression and alleviate stress and loneliness. As the weather turns colder & the nights get darker, it can be a time when people feel more isolated but having the company of a dog can bring some much needed joy and energy to our day🐶🥰

I can guess watching this video has already made you feel better!😍

Separation anxiety or separation related behaviours (SRB) can be distressing not only for your dog but also for you as a...
11/10/2024

Separation anxiety or separation related behaviours (SRB) can be distressing not only for your dog but also for you as an owner who only wants your dog to feel calm, safe and happy.

What are some of the signs of separation related behaviours?
🐾your dog may display destructive behaviours including chewing or destroying furniture
🐶 howling, barking & whining are common
🐩excessive excitement on your return
🐕‍🦺self injury (signs of excessive paw licking or tail biting)
🦴not eating when you’re out
🦮repetitive behaviour (circling, pacing, barking)
🐶 trembling/panting

Separation related behaviours occur when your dog is left alone, but behaviour changes relating to separation can also occur whilst you are also at home. There are several reasons why your dog may find it difficult to be left alone - the most common being that your dog has never learned that it is ok to be alone. Dogs are naturally social and it is natural for them to want to stay close to their social group (i.e you & your family). To help problems from developing, dogs from a young age, need to learn to feel confident, calm and relaxed when alone which should be done in a positive and gradual way.

What can you do to help your dog?
🔵 speak to your vet to rule out any medical problems which could be influencing your dogs behaviour
🔵 gradually teaching your dog that it is ok to be alone in the house through a process of desensitisation
🔵 changing any associations your dog may have made about events leading up to you leaving the house
🔵in some cases, making sure your dog is well exercised and also had sufficient mental stimulation to help them settle when left alone

Separation related behaviours can be difficult to manage on your own. I’ve worked with lots of different cases and can tailor advice for your individual dog. Don’t hesitate to contact me today if you think this would help you📞🤩

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