Positively K9

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Positively K9

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

02/03/2025

Oh brighter days you are wonderful!☀️🌸

I think we might all be ready for Spring coming! Did you know this time of year is known as natures new year? I love that idea as we all start to come out of hibernation.

Have you noticed a change in your dog’s mood and behaviour? As we start to feel more energised and motivated our dogs will pick up on our happier emotions too. Dogs can read our facial expressions and body language - they can also understand the emotional tones in our voices!

This is why we share such a close bond with our dogs - they look to us for cues on how to manage their external world and when we are calm, happy and comfortable they will feel more safe, happy and secure too💕

Bring on the joys of spring!

15/02/2025

Happy Saturday everyone! This made me laugh yesterday - Skye likes to play hide and seek but her hot breath gave her away this time🤣 hasn’t it been chilly!

Hoping the grey skies turn brighter tomorrow so we can end our weekend with a walk in some light🙏 hope your all having a lovely weekend whatever your getting up to!

05/02/2025

Meet Gigi! Gigi has always allowed me to be present with her whilst she has played but it’s only today that she has played WITH me! Good things come to those who wait🥰

As an experienced dog walker and also working with behavioural issues, I always allow the dog to show me when they are ready and it’s an amazing feeling when that pays off. Trust is gradually built and I treasure every bond I have!

The small wins really are the biggest!🤩

24/01/2025

If the answer is yes it’s helpful to know why! Today’s storms brought up to 80mph winds and whilst I hope you didn’t need to brave the weather, I appreciate that many of dogs will have still had a walk.

Winds can bring lots of unfamiliar sounds which can make your dog anxious or worried. Snapping tree branches, rustling leaves, howling winds, different scents and flying debris can make even the most brave dogs feel unsettled. They can also be in physical discomfort with their eyes or ears because of strong winds.

You might notice your dog barking more, whining, pacing or trying to hide.

It’s super important to give your dog reassurance when this happens and for you to stay calm so you can be a steady comfort. Ideally keep your walks shorter or head to more sheltered areas and consider keeping your dog indoors with lots of mental stimulation to keep them distracted from any noises they don’t like. Creating a cosy, quiet space indoors will also reduce worry and anxiety.

Let me know if you have headed out today and if your dog was ok!

21/01/2025

Do you worry about letting your dog off lead?

Does your dog get easily distracted by noises, other animals and people?

Teaching recall is essential if you want to enjoy letting your dog off their leash safely. The first step in achieving this is teaching your dog that coming back is a GOOD thing!

Try following these few steps to teach your dog to come back to you regardless of distractions:
🐕‍🦺start with their name! Teaching your dog their name means you can always get their attention before you add a recall cue.
🐾 the recall clue can be a simple word such as ‘come’ or ‘here’ or a whistle if you prefer. Also add a visual clue such as having your arms open in case they can’t hear you.
🦴reward, reward, reward! When your dog returns to you always praise them and give them a high reward treat. If rewards are exciting and tempting it increases the likelihood of them returning to you no matter what else is going on. You can start your training indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space.

As you gain confidence you can increase the amount of distance between you and your dog when you head outdoors - if you have a blip stay calm and focused and keep working on the positive association with returning.

Let me know how you find your recall with your dog? Easy or a struggle?

19/01/2025

Sunday Funday! These two with their waggy tails remind you everyday can be funday🤩

It might be grey and cold today but these two never fail to make me smile - have you seen how they share their ball with each other too🥰

I would love to know what your favourite part of today has been with your 🐶? A winter walk, asleep in the pub or games in the house?

15/01/2025

Winter can be a slog can’t it but putting these clips together has reminded me that there are lots of beautiful moments that can make winter feel pretty special.

The way our dogs enjoy all the seasons is another reminder to enjoy the small and simple things whenever we can💙

12/01/2025

How cold is too cold?🥶

With the recent freezing cold temperatures it’s worth reminding ourselves of the dangers of the cold for our dogs🐶

You might have been in two minds about whether to walk your dog in the snow & ice this week and you have been right to be cautious. There are lots of factors to consider including your dogs age, breed and thickness of their coat.

Small dogs such as Jack Russell terriers, miniature daschunds will get colder much quicker and those breeds who are thinner will also struggle due to low body fat & therefore less insulation.

Puppies and senior dogs can struggle to regulate their body temperature so they need special consideration and naturally dogs with a double coat such as collies and huskies will be able to tolerate low temperatures better than those who are single coated (eg poodles & chihuahuas)

What temperatures could be dangerous?⛔️‼️⚠️

-2 to -4 can be dangerous depending on breed or factors above and even more so if its wet and windy so choose indoor stimulation instead ( see previous post for some ideas!)
-6 to -15 is potentially life threatening. Again this is dependent on breed, coat thickness and how acclimatised your dog is to the cold but anything colder than -12 is potentially life threatening to ALL breeds.

Don’t risk your dog getting hypothermia or frostbite. Keep walks short and provide lots of enrichment and stimulation indoors instead🐾

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!

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✨🥰

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?!

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!

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 🐶!

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.

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!🚶‍♀️🐶

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Matlock

Telephone

+447379025241

Website

https://mailchi.mp/d4fe60a370fb/welcome-to-positively-k9

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February can feel like a hard month and our mental health can be impacted by the cold, relentless grey, mud, everything looking bare & fighting lurgies!Just a gentle reminder that brighter days will be coming and soon we will see the seasons change, the days getting longer and the trees and flowers will bloom once more🌸 and don’t forget until then try and do something each day that brings you some warmth and light. Our beloved pets bring much needed comfort and allowing them to bring us some strength and motivation at this time of year can be the very thing that gets us from one day to the next.Sending everyone love for the weekend🥰

Happy Saturday everyone! This made me laugh yesterday - Skye likes to play hide and seek but her hot breath gave her away this time🤣 hasn’t it been chilly! Hoping the grey skies turn brighter tomorrow so we can end our weekend with a walk in some light🙏 hope your all having a lovely weekend whatever your getting up to

Weekend!

Happy Saturday everyone! This made me laugh yesterday - Skye likes to play hide and seek but her hot breath gave her away this time🤣 hasn’t it been chilly! Hoping the grey skies turn brighter tomorrow so we can end our weekend with a walk in some light🙏 hope your all having a lovely weekend whatever your getting up to!

The small wins are the biggest!

Meet Gigi! Gigi has always allowed me to be present with her whilst she has played but it’s only today that she has played WITH me! Good things come to those who wait🥰 As an experienced dog walker and also working with behavioural issues, I always allow the dog to show me when they are ready and it’s an amazing feeling when that pays off. Trust is gradually built and I treasure every bond I have! The small wins really are the biggest!🤩

Why is sniffing so important? Dogs gather information and make sense of their world through their noses! Dogs noses have more than 200 million scent receptors and sniff five to ten times a second! There is a lot going on!You might find it frustrating when it feels like your dog is stopping you every few paces to smell but it is their way of working out their territory and processing a rush of information. Allowing your dog this time is enriching and hugely important to their well being.A scent walk can be a lovely way of allowing your dog to take the lead on what they what to smell, allowing them to take their time and take the pressure off. This can be particularly helpful to dogs who tend to be more anxious or fearful. Sniffing can reduce pulse rate and release the mood boosting hormone dopamine so it’s helpful for all our furry friends🐾

Does your dog act differently on a windy day?

If the answer is yes it’s helpful to know why! Today’s storms brought up to 80mph winds and whilst I hope you didn’t need to brave the weather, I appreciate that many of dogs will have still had a walk. Winds can bring lots of unfamiliar sounds which can make your dog anxious or worried. Snapping tree branches, rustling leaves, howling winds, different scents and flying debris can make even the most brave dogs feel unsettled. They can also be in physical discomfort with their eyes or ears because of strong winds. You might notice your dog barking more, whining, pacing or trying to hide. It’s super important to give your dog reassurance when this happens and for you to stay calm so you can be a steady comfort. Ideally keep your walks shorter or head to more sheltered areas and consider keeping your dog indoors with lots of mental stimulation to keep them distracted from any noises they don’t like. Creating a cosy, quiet space indoors will also reduce worry and anxiety. Let me know if you have headed out today and if your dog was ok!

Does your dog have recall?

Do you worry about letting your dog off lead? Does your dog get easily distracted by noises, other animals and people? Teaching recall is essential if you want to enjoy letting your dog off their leash safely. The first step in achieving this is teaching your dog that coming back is a GOOD thing! Try following these few steps to teach your dog to come back to you regardless of distractions: 🐕‍🦺start with their name! Teaching your dog their name means you can always get their attention before you add a recall cue. 🐾 the recall clue can be a simple word such as ‘come’ or ‘here’ or a whistle if you prefer. Also add a visual clue such as having your arms open in case they can’t hear you. 🦴reward, reward, reward! When your dog returns to you always praise them and give them a high reward treat. If rewards are exciting and tempting it increases the likelihood of them returning to you no matter what else is going on. You can start your training indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space. As you gain confidence you can increase the amount of distance between you and your dog when you head outdoors - if you have a blip stay calm and focused and keep working on the positive association with returning. Let me know how you find your recall with your dog? Easy or a struggle?

Sunday Funday! These two with their waggy tails remind you everyday can be funday🤩 It might be grey and cold today but these two never fail to make me smile - have you seen how they share their ball with each other too🥰 I would love to know what your favourite part of today has been with your 🐶? A winter walk, asleep in the pub or games in the house?

Winter doesn’t have to be blue

Winter can be a slog can’t it but putting these clips together has reminded me that there are lots of beautiful moments that can make winter feel pretty special. The way our dogs enjoy all the seasons is another reminder to enjoy the small and simple things whenever we can💙

Dear 2025: More of the same please

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!