Positively K9

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

Just a little reminder as we officially enter Spring this week (hooray!) that whilst it is a lovely time of year it can ...
16/03/2025

Just a little reminder as we officially enter Spring this week (hooray!) that whilst it is a lovely time of year it can bring some hazards for our dogs which we need to remember:
šŸ«chocolate at this time of year is EVERYWHERE! Chocolate is toxic for dogs so remember to keep your eater eggs well out of the way. Or buy your dog a chocolate friendly one so they donā€™t miss out!
šŸŒøwe start to think about planting out our flowers and vegetables and will often put down slug pellets without considering how dangerous these are if they are ingested by our pets. Think about netting or another way to protect your plants!
šŸ‘the lambs will be coming soon! It is claimed up to 15000 lambs are killed each year by dogs off lead near lambs. Itā€™s a shocking number and this hazard is easily prevented by keeping your dog on the lead whenever you are near grazing sheep and lambs. You might think your dog would never hurt another animal but itā€™s better to be safe rather than sorry!

My next post will cover some other safety elements we need to be thinking about at this time of year - any you can think of?

09/03/2025

Does a moment like this make your heart burst?šŸ’„šŸ’•ā˜€ļøOur dogs taking in a view, a minute of contemplation or even just a quiet moment when you know they are as content & happy as you are can be SO beautiful!Next time youā€™re on a walk maybe just take one of these moments to soak it all in and youā€™ll notice your dog do the same! It is after all these small things that bring us the most joyāœØHappy Sunday everyone - hope itā€™s been a glorious few days for you too!

Oh brighter days you are wonderful!ā˜€ļøšŸŒøI think we might all be ready for Spring coming! Did you know this time of year is...
02/03/2025

Oh brighter days you are wonderful!ā˜€ļøšŸŒø

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 dogā€™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 toošŸ’•

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 timešŸ¤£ hasnā€™t it been chilly!

Hoping the grey skies turn brighter tomorrow so we can end our weekend with a walk in some lightšŸ™ 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 itā€™s only today that she has played WITH me! Good things come to those who waitšŸ„°

As an experienced dog walker and also working with behavioural issues, I always allow the dog to show me when they are ready and itā€™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!šŸ¤©

24/01/2025

If the answer is yes itā€™s helpful to know why! Todayā€™s storms brought up to 80mph winds and whilst I hope you didnā€™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.

Itā€™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 donā€™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:
šŸ•ā€šŸ¦ŗstart with their name! Teaching your dog their name means you can always get their attention before you add a recall cue.
šŸ¾ the recall clue can be a simple word such as ā€˜comeā€™ or ā€˜hereā€™ or a whistle if you prefer. Also add a visual clue such as having your arms open in case they canā€™t hear you.
šŸ¦“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 fundayšŸ¤©

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 toošŸ„°

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

15/01/2025

Winter can be a slog canā€™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 canšŸ’™

How cold is too cold?šŸ„¶With the recent freezing cold temperatures itā€™s worth reminding ourselves of the dangers of the co...
12/01/2025

How cold is too cold?šŸ„¶

With the recent freezing cold temperatures itā€™s worth reminding ourselves of the dangers of the cold for our dogsšŸ¶

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?ā›”ļøā€¼ļøāš ļø

-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.

Donā€™t risk your dog getting hypothermia or frostbite. Keep walks short and provide lots of enrichment and stimulation indoors insteadšŸ¾

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

Whilst itā€™s super cold out there and we are dealing with winter weather itā€™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:
šŸ«£ hide and seek! Dogs love it when they have to find their favourite toy, treat or even their favourite person. Itā€™s fun and stimulating and you can use the simple command ā€˜find itā€™ which all dogs can easily understand
šŸ¦“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.
šŸ¾ 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 havenā€™t suggested so we can all learn from each other!šŸ¤© follow along for more support and advice for you and your doggo!

31/12/2024

Dear 2025: More of the same pleasešŸ¾šŸ¶

As we enter into a new year, itā€™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 donā€™t stick. Be kind, slow down for a moment and listen to the world around us, and keep trying , keep learning šŸ™‚

Iā€™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 šŸ¶ in 2025!

Who else doesnā€™t know what day it is?! Iā€™ve heard these ā€˜inbetweenā€™ days after Christmas and before New Year described a...
28/12/2024

Who else doesnā€™t know what day it is?! Iā€™ve heard these ā€˜inbetweenā€™ days after Christmas and before New Year described as ā€˜the hushā€™ by Beth Kempton - Do What You Love and itā€™s a perfect way to reframe this time. Itā€™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 2025āœØšŸ„°

Who else is ready to down tools and spend the holidays snuggling up with their fur ballsšŸ™ŒšŸ»šŸ¶šŸ¾šŸŽ„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 ballsšŸ™ŒšŸ»šŸ¶šŸ¾šŸŽ„

It can be an overwhelming time of the year but Santa paws will be here soon and we will know itā€™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 thatā€™s just hibernating under a blanket with your favourite pooch to cuddlešŸ„°

21/11/2024

Snow zoomies!!ā„ļøšŸ’™šŸŒØļø

Isnā€™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 canā€™t compare! Anyone else have a dog who loves the snow this much?!

Itā€™s getting cold out there!ā„ļøšŸ„¶Just a reminder that our pets care will need some extra thought as we come into these win...
18/11/2024

Itā€™s getting cold out there!ā„ļøšŸ„¶

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 theyā€™re not irritated or licked off and ingested! If it snows, itā€™s worth checking your dogs paws incase they are compacted with snow which can be uncomfortable for themšŸ¾

A little shout out to cats toošŸˆā€ā¬› 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 canā€™t enjoy your winter walks - just remember to pack some extra layers for yourself too!

Happy Friday all!šŸŽ‰Iā€™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!šŸŽ‰

Iā€™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 Iā€™m thrilled to offer a range of services from dog waking, nail clips, behaviour consultations and training to name a few!šŸ¾

If youā€™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. Donā€™t hesitate to contact me if your would like any more information and Iā€™ll be happy to talk through what I do and my availability. I look forward to meeting you and your lovely šŸ¶!

How amazing is it to have some sunlight again!ā˜€ļøThose grey days can get a little relentless canā€™t they?Did you know that...
12/11/2024

How amazing is it to have some sunlight again!ā˜€ļø

Those grey days can get a little relentless canā€™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!āœØā˜€ļø

Address

Matlock

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Positively K9 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Positively K9:

Videos

Share

Category