Positively K9

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Positively K9

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

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.

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!🧡

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😍🐶

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🐾

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!😍

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📞🤩

09/10/2024

Our dogs don’t care whether it rains or shines - they just want time with you!

I know it can feel hard to get out on walks when the weather is grey and wet but our dogs love that time with us and their daily walks bring them enrichment which is super important for their body and minds!

So let’s get on those wellies and waterproofs & head out!🥾💦☔️💙

06/10/2024

Once you’ve made a decision about the breed of dog you’d like to join your family, finding a good breeder is absolutely crucial.

A breeder should always have the health and welfare of their dogs, and the breed as number one priority. Sadly puppy farming is still a profitable business, and many dogs suffer, not just within the establishments, but lifelong , as a result of poor breeding and subsequent health issues. Finding a puppy with the best possible start in life is a good way to ensure you’re on the right track.

A quick shout out to rescues! I’ll be covering this in another post, but I’m a huge advocate for rescue dogs and have had many of my own. However, one way of reducing numbers in rescue, is to be supportive of good breeders and reduce the number of puppies being sold by puppy farmers by ensuring new owners are informed & knowledgeable before purchasing a puppy.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1) They will be happy to spend some time talking to you on the telephone, answering and ALL questions you will have
2) They will invite you to visit to meet the puppies and their mother in the place where they were born
3) If you would like more than one meeting they should be happy to arrange this
4) They should ask you lots of questions to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home where they will be well looked after
5) Provide genuine paperwork & certificates for the puppy’s vaccinations, microchipping, worming and any health test results

BE AWARE IF:
‼️if your being rushed to part with your money in exchange for a puppy
‼️they stop you from seeing the mother or make excuses why you can’t see her
‼️offer to deliver the puppy to you or somewhere random like a car park
‼️hand the puppy over before 8 weeks old which is illegal
‼️say it’s normal for ‘the breed’ if they have any health issues

Finally a good breeder will have a puppy information pack, a contract for the sale and purchase for the puppy. If at any time, something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t! If you suspect there is puppy farming at play then contact the RSPCA and report your concerns immediately.

If you take all this advice on board, you will be on the right track to getting a healthy, happy puppy🥰

02/10/2024

Let’s talk about crate training! This can bring mixed feeling for lots of owners as it can feel for some that they are ‘punishing’ their dog by using a crate BUT I would urge you to consider how using a crate can actually give your dog a sense of safety, routine and a place to find some peace. Crate training for puppies can be particularly important and here’s why:
🐶 Puppies naturally don’t like to be left alone and a crate can help them feel at home, even when you’re not there. Without crate training, they can start to display destructive or anxious behaviours which nobody likes! A crate can offer reassurance and support your puppy to relax and even when you’re there, your puppy can learn to retreat to the crate when it feels overwhelmed.

How can I support my dog to use the crate?
1) place the crate in a room where the family are often together
2)line it with a soft blanket and either have a trail of their favourite treats or best toy leading into the crate to encourage them to go inside
3) leave the door open to start with so your dog can explore within their own time
4) As your puppy begins to get more comfortable you can start to experiment with closing the door for short periods until you’re confident you can close the door for longer.

To increase their sense of safety, especially when your dog is sleeping within the crate, place a blanket over the crate so that all sides are covered.

Don’t forget the crate should be large enough for your dog to be able to stand up comfortably and to also turn around fully. Never use the crate as punishment and if your dog is showing signs of distress, whimpering or crying allow it to become accustomed to it in its own time so that the crate is a positive and comforting experience.

Any questions please just ask!

30/09/2024

Now I’ve seen it, I’ll never unsee it!

As a collie lover, I can agree they have this spot on🥰 let me know where you are in the collie country and let’s enjoy finding each other!

I’ll go first - I’m in Matlock, Derbyshire🤩 your turn!

25/09/2024

Chewing is a completely natural action for all dogs and is actually an important activity. Excessive chewing however can become a destructive behaviour problem and can be a result of:
🐾 puppy teething
🐶 anxiety
🐩 boredom or excess energy
🦴curiosity (especially in puppies and younger dogs)

Always encourage your dog to chew on appropriate things such as safe dog chew toys and if you see your dog chewing the wrong thing, replace it with a chew toy or distract it to keep its attention on another activity. Keeping your dog well exercised and stimulated should support your dog not to chew excessively but when your not home, it’s worth considering keeping your dog crated or confined to a safe area.

It’s also worth having a check up at the vets just to ensure your dog isn’t chewing because it’s easing pain or there is any problems with their teeth 🦷

23/09/2024

Some amazing facts about dogs to make you smile on this rainy Monday☔️!
1) 🐽 their sense of smell is up to 40 times stronger than humans! This explains why they love their sniffing and are often used as ‘sniffer’ dogs in the police, search and rescue teams etc
2) your dog can be right or left pawed!🐾 just like humans, dogs will have a preferred hand (or in this case paw!)
3) Dogs can learn over 100 words/short phrases and are as intelligent as most two year olds. Some might say however they are easier to train!
4) Dogs have 18 muscles that control their ears - you will have noticed a lot of your dogs body language is expressed through their ears & understanding what they might be communicating is vital!🐶
5) We know that alot of dogs are fast but did you know a greyhound could out last a cheetah reaching up to speeds of 35mph and can keep this going for up to 7 miles!💨

Is there any facts that surprise you? Let me know in the comments!f

21/09/2024

Choosing a puppy is such an exciting time and whether it’s your first dog or tenth you will naturally give a lot of thought to the type of dog you would like to join your family.

Every breed is unique and it’s essential you choose a dog who best suits you, your family and your lifestyle. A dogs size, exercise needs, the space you have, and your work/life commitments all need to be considered very carefully to ensure you get a dog who matches your needs and most importantly that you can meet theirs!

Working breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, certain kinds of Spaniels, Siberian husky and Parson Russell Terriers will need lots of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation/exercise but also an understanding of rest and sleep requirements. Many working breeds find it challenging to settle in a busy environment, and lack of rest can lead to hyperactive, reactive behaviour.

If you have a young family and would like a more placid addition look for a breed with a history as a family pet. Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bulldogs or Irish Setters could be perfect.

If you know you have a more ‘couch potato’ lifestyle (no judgement here) remember ALL dogs still need daily exercise and attention. Some breeds are more known for their calm demeanour and slow energy such as Shih Tzu, Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Maltese and Chinese Crested.

Also bear in mind the specialist requirements of some of these breeds in terms of coat care and health issues. Some breeds have many more health concerns than others. From joint issues, to heart, skin and autoimmune disorders. Always do your homework and get to know your chosen breed. The good the bad and the ugly!

I love to offer advice and support via my pre puppy assessments visits if you’re struggling to know what breed would best suit you. Many of my clients have shared that these have been invaluable to them and they have the perfect breed for them, their family & lifestyle! I have spaces available NOW if you think this could help you too🤩

18/09/2024

Hands up if this is you too?👋🏻

I saw this on social media recently and thought how true! I think I’m not the only one who finds peace and joy in my relationships with the dogs I work with every day and it’s no surprise that studies show that dog owners (or those who work with animals) will have higher levels of happiness and better mental health.

Regular dog owners walking also improves our physical well being and being out in nature is proven to lower stress and high levels of cortisol. Not to mention how lovely cuddles with our furry best friends feels!🥰🐾

Let me know what you love most about either owning or working with dogs?

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Videos

Flying into midweek!

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. #wednesdaymotivation

Autumn is the best

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!🧡 #itsadogslife #derbyshiredogs #dogtraineruk #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogoftheday #doglover #dog

The best playground is anywhere outdoors

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😍🐶

It’s a dogs life🐶

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🐾 #itsadogslife #derbyshiredogs #dogtraineruk #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogoftheday #doglover #dogs

Dogs are the answer!

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!😍

Come rain or shine

Our dogs don’t care whether it rains or shines - they just want time with you! I know it can feel hard to get out on walks when the weather is grey and wet but our dogs love that time with us and their daily walks bring them enrichment which is super important for their body and minds! So let’s get on those wellies and waterproofs & head out!🥾💦☔️💙

Are you a dogtrovert?

Hands up if this is you too?👋🏻 I saw this on social media recently and thought how true! I think I’m not the only one who finds peace and joy in my relationships with the dogs I work with every day and it’s no surprise that studies show that dog owners (or those who work with animals) will have higher levels of happiness and better mental health. Regular dog owners walking also improves our physical well being and being out in nature is proven to lower stress and high levels of cortisol. Not to mention how lovely cuddles with our furry best friends feels!🥰🐾 Let me know what you love most about either owning or working with dogs?

Never!

And I say NEVER!🤩 I adore all the amazing dogs I get to walk and support & it’s always such a pleasure to get to know each & everyone! There will never be a time when I feel I’ve spent too much time with dogs - it’s a complete joy & privilege🐾.

Our dogs deserve to see the beauty we do

They deserve every bit of adventure and happiness don’t they! Hope this weekend has brought lots of this for you - even if it’s just been on your doorstep. Happy Sunday all!🤩

Is your dog extra clingy after the summer holidays?

Many of us will have enjoyed a break over the summer and probably spent more time with our dogs either at home or whilst on holiday elsewhere. If your now finding your dog appears to be more ‘clingy’ than normal or seems more anxious now you’ve returned to work/school routines I’m here to remind you this is completely normal. Our dogs are social animals and generally feel better and more confident when they are around their owners. Returning to longer periods of absence can be unsettling for a period until they adjust again - remember to give them reassurance & comfort by creating safe places in the home (this may be a crate or a cosy corner with their favourite toys, blanket etc) & consider downplaying when you leave and also return home to keep anxiety & excitement lower. Lick mats or food stuffed toys can also provide self soothing. I’ll be covering separation anxiety in more detail later in the week so come back then!