Blooms Canine Behaviour

18/01/2024

-4°c here today, so it was a double-up on coats for Bloomer (13) and Major (11) had his coat for the first time.
Keep those pooches warm out there 😎🐶💗

06/12/2023

A chilly training walk this morning! 🥶🐶🥰

24/11/2023

Does anyone else ever think; If they look after themselves half as well as they look after their dog, they'll live to be 100?

Veg meal prep today for Blooms, she gets a couple of these a week to help keep her vitamin levels up.

Dogs cannot digest the cellulose of vegetable matter, hence it needing some form of processing to make the nutrients most bioavaliable.
Juicing (as I have done here), or lightly cooking also works.

Probably worth noting i mix the juice back into the pulp.

20/11/2023

I only ever let a dog off lead in my care with the express permission of the owner and only when I am 100% confident of the situation.
Lyall is under a year old, so basically a giant puppy who is going into adolescence.
I have been working on his engagement with me, on and off the lead, slowly building a foundation of coming away from and ignoring distractions...
As you can see he enjoys a game of chase 😍

14/11/2023

I agree with this - after seeing my own dog losing control of her limbs, stumbling, falling and struggling to get herself back up...
She also declined cognitively very quickly...
All symptoms that could be attested to general old age and deterioration.

Thankfully she was on a 6 weekly cycle and I was able to see the improvements as the drug wore off. I am in no doubt I would no longer have her had she continued with the Librela.

If you are offered this drug, please first join the librela experiences page on facebook to familiarise yourself with the common side effects, so you know what to look out for. 🙏

11/11/2023

Its been a few weeks since I have seen Nala.
Her owner asked me to take her for a training walk today....
Nala can be reactive, sometimes due to nervousness, sometimes excitement...

I generally always start her walks in the lower footfall areas to set the tone for our walk (calm and relaxed), this gives her the chance to see and deal with a few triggers initially, then as the walk progresses we enter into higher footfall areas.

This morning walking in the residential area we saw the postman, a woman putting rubbish in her bin and a man getting his son out of a car... by the time we entered the park she was switched back on to how I am expecting her to respond, enquisitive yet calm and focused on me; when I ask for it.
In the park we passed several runners, walkers and dogs, she was excellent with all and not a peep was uttered from her. 😍

One of the most important things about working with a reactive dog is to pick your battles and to set yourself up for wins...
If you're having a bad day, its ok just to avoid people or give enough space to avoid over arousal...
Positive consistency over the long term is what will get solid and reliable results. 😇🐶

02/11/2023

Caring for our older dogs 💖🐶💖

As our canine companions age it can feel like a juggling act trying to keep them firing on all cylinders and helping them to transition into their dotage.
Here are some handy tips to help them on their way:

🔸️Arthritis/ joint pain/ muscle weakness:

* look at covering slippery surfaces with rugs and mats to help with traction.
* Supplements - joint aid (I personally recommend Riaflex joint plus pro), CBD oil, Turmeric, homeopathy such as Zeel tablets (always attain correct dosage and introduce one at a time).
* Medication - always discuss with your vet and always be aware of any possible side effects (if offered Librela please see the Librela experiences page on facebook).
* Physiotherapy/ Hydrotherapy
* Tailored walks - short, more frequent walks are better than one long one.
*Car rides instead of walks (if your dog enjoys them and can get in and out of the car easily)
*Buggy’s/ Push Chairs - a great way for your dog to get out and still enjoy the mental enrichment of a walk.
* Heated pads/ Mats - Offering an extra place to sleep with the addition of a heat pad can give your elderly dog the choice of warmed joints.
* orthopaedic beds can offer more support.
*Bed height is also a consideration, especially with the larger breeds, it can be hard to get up from very low to the floor.
* Mobility aids - Ramps and steps for Cars/ Beds/Sofas.
* keeping their claws well maintained

🔸️Hearing/ Sight loss & cognitive decline:

* keeping your dog on a lead and staying close to them - this offers security and safety.
*whistle training - for attention
*torches/ lights - to light the garden at night.
* basic sign language - you can make up your own hand gestures for things like, come, sit, dinner etc.
*Supplements to help support your dog during cognitive decline or stressful transitions, such as: Valerian root, homeopathy and Bach flower remedies (rescue remedy being well known).
* medication to help with CCD (canine cognitive dysfunction)

🔸️General care

* Raised feeders for medium/ larger breeds dogs helps avoid undue pressure on the back, legs and neck.
*Coats in winter - for short/ fine coated dogs especially.
* Grooming - regular grooming helps keep their coat and skin in tip top condition.

Is there anything you do in particular to help your older canine companions?

23/09/2023

Have an Aging Dog? Now Is the Time to Support Their Cognition 🐶🧠

Data from more than 15,000 dogs revealed that the risk of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a form of cognitive decline in dogs, increases 52% with each year of age. 💔 If your dog is turning 7 years old soon (the official age of senior dogs), now is the time to start thinking about supporting their brain health.

Today’s free article is all about cognitive decline in dogs. Read it now on our website to learn how to reduce your pup’s dementia risks: https://bit.ly/3ZqvZwM

16/07/2023

*Disclaimer- Always seek professional medical advice.*

Bloomer has recently had a minor op to remove a growth from her mouth, the results returned as a malignant melanoma and I've been advised to monitor her lymph nodes.

Bloomer is 12.5 years old now and in the Boerboel world that is amazing years, so I am very lucky she is still here.

I am setting a personal aim to get her to her 13th Birthday and so despite allopathic medicine not being an option for her, I am going to add in a few extra natural things that have cancer fighting properties.

Below is my personal approach and personal opinions - always seek medical advice, do your own research and remember every single dog/ owner and case is different, no one size fits all... just like Behaviours!

Firstly diet plays a huge role in the control of cancer, sugar/ carbohydrate accelerate cancer growth, cancer cells are far more glucose hungry.

Bloomer is already on a raw diet which contains approx 2% carbohydrate (kibble has anywhere approx 40% upward).
If Bloomer were a younger dog I would strongly consider full Keto diet.
However aside from removing any carbohydrate based treats she will remain on her current diet.

https://drianbillinghurst.com/product/pointing-the-bone-at-cancer/

Chemicals and chemical reduction are also hugely important - again Bloomer has remained unvaccinated since a year old and has no chemical flea or worm treatments (If you are interested in the ins and outs of this, how long core disease immunity actually lasts, or natural flea worm treatments, please let me know).
*also a reminder that only healthy dogs should receive a vaccine (as per manufacturer guidelines- again speak to your Vet).

Bloomer already receives the following:

*Green lipped mussel - Natural anti inflammatory
*Full spectrum CBD oil - used for pain reduction due to her joint issues (however has cancer fighting properties)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7693730/
https://www.simply-cbd.co.uk/

What will be being added (that she has had in the past so I know causes no upsets)

* Turmeric/ gold paste - anti inflammatory with cancer fighting properties

https://sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/turmeric-for-dogs-with-cancer

*vitamin C - immune system booster, helps mop up free radicals & helps with stress.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/

*Broccoli/ Kale/ Cauliflower - contains sulforaphane.
(I will be juicing this - dogs can't digest cellulose and therefore it needs to be broken down in some way; lightly cooking also works)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7802872/

New addition:

Turkey tail mushroom - this has been used for many decades in Japan as a supportive treatment and studies in dogs have shown increased life span of some possible 100 plus days compared with no treatment.

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/mushrooms-and-hemangiosarcoma-2/

My aim for Bloomer has always been to support her in the best way possible for her optimum health, comfort and happiness.
She still holds a strong life spark and whilst that burns brightly I will continue to find ways to help her as best I can, with the knowledge and help available to me...

If anyone has any other natural remedies they consider of note, I would be grateful for any knowledge, information, or personal experience. 🙏

13/07/2023

I felt honoured to be asked to walk these two beauties this week, I've known Mabel (Kitoko Mabel) since she was a wee pup some 12 plus years but not overly had the pleasure of the latest addition Maalo (Asharaa's Perfect Match with Faahac)..
They really were a pleasure to walk and spend time with.. Mabel was more content with getting treats wheras Maalo more focused on the squirrels but we had a great time! 😍🥰🐶🐶

01/07/2023

Last but never least - managed to get the old girl out in her buggy today, the first time since my week away - she was chuffed with a change of scene! 🥰

01/07/2023

Walks and drop ins today with these gorgeous girls, they really bring me so much joy!...They have such sweet and cheeky natures 🥰❤🐶

30/06/2023

Had a lovely week of walks with this gorgeous young chap, Hedger 😍.
His owners have done a wonderful job raising him, he is an absoloute sweetheart...
I carried on working with him whilst they were away, keeping his focus past on lead dogs, coming away from distractions and leaving the snails after it had rained! 🐌😳...🐶❤

02/06/2023

🐶🧄😋

❌ MYTH: Dogs can't eat garlic
✅ BUSTED: Yes they can!

Garlic is good for dogs! But many veterinarians and websites say that even a small amount of garlic can kill your dog.

Here's how the myth started ... There was a study in 2000 when the equivalent of 20 heads of garlic were given to 4 dogs over 7 days. Now that’s excessive by any standard.

You see, the researchers wanted to see if garlic affected the hemoglobin in red blood cells. These four dogs were INJECTED with concentrated garlic extract DIRECTLY INTO THEIR STOMACHS for 7 days. And nothing happened.

The study states: "However, no dog developed hemolytic anemia." But the recommendation to avoid garlic in dogs is what everyone remembers.

So here's why you should feed garlic to dogs:
✅ It's antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic
✅It been shown to repel fleas and ticks
✅It has anti-cancer effects

👉 Click here to read about more of the benefits of garlic for your dog. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/garlic-for-dogs-poison-or-medicine/

07/04/2023

Meet gorgeous baby Lyall 😍, Lyall's owner has recently moved in down the road from me and its been a pleasure watching their journey, his Mum is so dedicated to him, his welfare and training 🥰.
I popped in today to help with some seperation anxiety he is currently experiencing...and to get puppy cuddles of course 😉🐕❤.

02/04/2023

Had the pleasure of walking this girl this evening (I do also do ad hoc walks and drop ins), love is the only word I have for her 🥰, she is such a sweetheart (as long as you are not a burglar 😉)...
Nala has taught me so much over or continued journey - just like us, no day is the same for our dogs; somedays they are carefree and chipper, other days they are a little off colour or more temperamental 😉, some days they are full of energy and others a little flat...
And just as no day is the same for them internally, equally no day is the same externally...
Working with any kind of behaviour, I have come to know that fundamentally the most important thing we as their caregivers can bring to the table, is to be the calm in their storm...

No day is the same, somedays are gold when it comes to training and some, well are cr*p!
If we can be kind to ourselves and our dogs, even on the crappy days, we are already onto a winner 🏅 🐕💞

21/03/2023

Excellent post by Riaflex
'Chronic inflamation is associated with most health issues we see' - so not just joint issues.
I strongly advocate for feeding a type of natural anti- inflammatory even in healthy dogs at a maintenance level.

Yes. Feeding a joint supplement before there are any apparent issues is beneficial!
Inflammation is not inherently bad. It's a product of the immune system. The immune system makes different proteins and amino acids (chemical messengers) that fights viruses, fights bacteria and heals wounds.
Inflammation in it's 'acute' phase is what our bodies are designed to do. So for example if you had a sport injury and your knee was inflamed, that's an example of acute inflammation rushing nutrients, healing, oxygen, and white blood cells to the area to repair it. This is normal, measured inflammation.
The body of any animal would struggle as a species without a normal inflammatory response.
It's when it turns chronic that it's a problem.
Chronic inflammation is associated with most health issues that we see.
When inflammation becomes chronic it sets off a cascade of issues.
Arthritis doesn't just appear over night. Although symptoms can seem like they appear very quickly, it is the accumulation of years worth of wear and tear before it gets to that point of chronic inflammation and the symptoms you see.
Ideally, we need to modulate and support the normal inflammatory process and this is why feeding a high strength joint supplement for maintenance, before the issue is symptomatic, is well supported and has sound reasoning behind it.
And the very reason we formulate products like Joint Plus Pro & Joint Plus HA, that offer high strength, targeted joint support, to keep your 4 legged friends happy & mobile.

https://www.riaflex.co.uk/canine/

31/01/2023

Max has been found ❤🥳

05/01/2023

Celebrating Bloomers 12th birthday today, a milestone I truly never thought we would see!
She has brought so much love and knowledge to my life, inspiring me to learn more, grow more and help others wherever I can...Thank you Blooms ❤... steak for dinner it is! 🥩❤🙏🤗

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas to all my lovely clients, hope you and your pooches have a wonderful day! 🎄 🎁 🦃🐕

12/12/2022

Super chilly out there at the moment!
Not all dogs need a coat but some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others:

The Young
The Old
The very small
The short and fine coated

Some dogs will be fine if out running around, but if you are window shopping in a town centre for example they are more likely to get cold...

Signs to look out for:

Shaking and shivering
Tail tucked under
Hunched
stiff or slow gait
Whining

Keep warm everyone ☃️❄🧣🧤

07/12/2022

This is American (we don't have a Lyme vaccine here) but does include some great information to consider.

03/12/2022

'Dogs have guarded the camps of humans, carried their burdens, helped them hunt, found those who were lost, protected children, warned of danger, and guided the blind. They provide comfort in times of loneliness and distress.
Teaching by example, dog shows us that we can open the heart and practice love and compassion for the sake of good, not expecting anything in return. Dogs embody very high soul qualities, including loyalty'. - Spirit animal guides by Chris Luttichau. ❤🐕

27/11/2022

Meet the gorgeous Logan!
This lovely boy reminds me of why they are called 'bull' dogs... his stamina and staying power are relentless 🤣... his forefathers would be proud!
Logan gets easily over stimulated and has poor impulse control, so I am working with his owners to remedy that in a way that fits in well with their lifestyle, along with reintroducing some basic commands to help build a stronger bond and get his brain to function more in 'dog' and less in 'bulldog'.
His owners are super dedicated so I am really excited to see this lads progress 🤩🐕

19/11/2022

This girly brings me so much joy!
On occasion I do drop ins or training walks for her owner and today we had a great walk around Willen.
Nala has come so far on her training journey and i just love the time we spend together, she is so switched on, so sweet and so full of humour! ❤🥰🐕

15/11/2022

Took my old girl out in her buggy today, her back legs and spine are slowly deteriorating and as a result she can only walk short distances now.
Bloomer has spent her life with me on the go, always going on different walks, visiting different people and partaking in many different holidays.
Despite the workout it gives me pushing her 40kg, she loves it! She sits proud watching the world go by and once again has become a conversation starter with the locals; some who outright laugh... and I join in, I am sure it looks ludicrous but when people speak to me and she gets some fuss everyone wins. 😊🥰🐕 🐶

09/09/2022

A woman of great duty, great honour and great humility. Rest well your Majesty. 😢🙏🏼

16/08/2022

Great post about the reasons behind some dogs needing space:
https://www.facebook.com/100064291645106/posts/427616519391399/

I need space... Just because some dogs like other dogs doesn't mean every dog is the same.

Some dogs really struggle when approached by an unfamiliar dog yet sadly, some allow their dogs to do this without any consideration for the other dog or their human companion. It can become something that some dog owners literally dread every time they take their dog for a walk yet these are meant to be enjoyable times 😔

Please remember there are multiple reasons why you shouldn't allow your dog to run over to another dog:

🐶 They may be ill
🐶 They may be old
🐶 They may be in training
🐶 The dog may be nervous
🐶 They may have had bad life experiences
🐶 It reinforces bad habits
🐶 Not all dogs are friendly and do not want to be approached.
🐶 It teaches your dog to pull towards every dog they see.
🐶 If dogs are not introduced carefully both dogs are put in danger.
🐶 Dogs on the lead may develop frustration/fear/excitement when approached by an off lead dog, this can lead to the dog pulling or lunging which can be dangerous for both the dog and the owner.

Remember, socialising your dog is not about quantity it’s about quality, great interactions with other dogs are far more valuable than meeting lots of dogs.

If you are out walking your dog, please remember not all dogs want to be approached. Some may even be wearing the “I need space” jacket or lead, please respect their needs and wishes 💖

https://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/

11/07/2022

We all know ways of keeping our dogs cool on these glorious hot days, but don't forget; keeping your pet well groomed even if they are not a shedding breed will help to keep the coat clear and clean, in turn helping to keep them cooler. 😎

25/06/2022

Judgment

Today I found myself passing judgement on the tools someone was using with their dog (not a client), which made me stop and think later: what had caused that judgment?
One of my core values is non judgement and understanding, so what had caused me to judge...I thought back and realised that it came from a place of vulnerability and insecurity within myself and wasn't even related to dogs!

Other peoples judgement is probably the most common thing I hear my clients talk about, and that in itself is and often can be the biggest challenge they face; not their ability as a handler, not their dogs behaviour but what other people think.

As the saying goes 'what other people think of you, is none of your business' and its true. It is easier said than done learning to let other people think or judge as they wish but it's a place to start; Understanding that judgement is born from fear/ vulnerability / insecurity within us can help to make peace with it.

And if you find yourself looking on someone and judging, remember that the majority of people are truly doing the best they can with the knowledge & resources avaliable to them.

Take a breath, don't judge; try to understand. 🙏🏼💜