Talk to the Paw

06/12/2024

Our next award winning Puppy Power starts on 7th January 2025 at 6.15pm in Patchway.

Come and join us.

Tell your friends.

Get 2025 off to the best start.

Details on website

05/12/2024

A great post from Amy at Bluebell Walking and Training

Many years ago I broke my collar bone and several ribs falling off a horse. (Note, you are supposed to take the horse with you over a jump, somersaulting over it alone and crashing into the floor is a terrible idea!)

Thanks to the marvel of adrenaline I had no idea how badly I'd injured myself at the time. In fact I kept getting back on that horse until the lesson had ended and even drove myself home. It wasn't until the adrenaline wore off that I really started to feel the full pain.

Adrenaline is an important chemical that helps us cope with stress to help us stay safe.

So many dogs that are sore don't have any obvious physical afflictions. I've met many that will still try to run and play as they would normally.

As I've got older when the weather gets colder and wetter I often get some soreness where I was injured. Presumably because of arthritic changes. Sometimes it's a mild ni**le but sometimes it's pretty painful.

I hear so many people say their dogs 'only have a bit of arthritis' or 'they are just getting old'. These are loving, caring owners who don't know differently.

I can't imagine having those painful days and not being able to communicate with someone or have access to pain relief.

There are so many things we can do to support our older dogs. Talk to your vet and check out the info over at https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/what-can-be-done/

Your dog will thank you for it.

04/12/2024

✨NEW BLOG POST✨

Everything you need to know about resource guarding in dogs.

Please share far and wide so I can help as many people and dogs as possible with this distressing issue
Love
Clair x
https://talktothepaw.io/everything-you-need-to-know-about-resource-guarding-in-dogs/

25/11/2024

January classes are live for booking - literally 2 spaces left for each one so get in quick
For info
https://talktothepaw.io/jan-25-course-checkout/jan-25-checkout/

19/11/2024

VERY EXCITING NEWS!

Coming in January 2025

New classes - from tricks to life skills, we have a week for everything you need.

So, if you just want to have fun or really dig down on your obedience, take a look to see.

7.30pm each week, in Patchway.

Classes are bookable on a weekly basis - only 5 spaces for each class so get in quick!

To see the timetable for January and book click here
https://talktothepaw.io/jan-25-course-checkout/jan-25-checkout

14/11/2024

There's something new coming to Talk to the Paw in January....

Keep an eye on your emails over the next few weeks.

If you are not on our email list, comment LIST below and we will add you

29/10/2024

I loved chatting to Caroline of Barket Place about all things resource guarding last night.

If you haven't singed up for the Walking Into Winter series, do it now!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourdog/

25/10/2024

Weekend ponder for you.......

I'd be interested to hear your answers

Every evening when we are all relaxed, my Podenco will jump off the sofa and run to ask to go upstairs.
When he does, my German Shepherd chases him, growls at him and stands over him.

They don't have this interaction at any other time.

Why does my GSD do this......thoughts?

PS. Dog models from Folk Laura Ceramics - look her up!

15/10/2024

I'll be chatting to the lovely Caroline on 28th October, come and listen

That's right, it's nearly time for our wellbeing week - 'Walking into Winter'.

A special series of talks from an amazing community of professionals to help both YOU and YOUR DOG have the happiest & healthiest Winter that you can.

We've got some great speakers already lined up - but would love to hear if there's any specific topics you'd like us to discuss.
❓ Does gut health interest you (humans and dogs of course!)?
❓ Do you need some support in the run-up to Firework Season?
❓ Do you or your dog suffer from SAD, so you're looking for ways to boost your mood?

Let us know if there's a topic you'd love us to dive into during this very special week.
And don't forget to head over and join our 'Connect with Your Dog' Facebook group to be ready to catch all these amazing {free} talks next month!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithyourdog

14/10/2024

Cockapoo Magic - the first course of it's kind for grumpy, growly, guardy Cockapoos is now open for booking.
We close on the 17th ready to start on the 21st so jump in quick.
8 weeks to turn your Cockapoo from unpredictable to trustworthy, from snappy to happy.
Sign up here
https://talktothepaw.io/cockapoo.../cockapoo-magic-sign-up/

14/10/2024

Why choose Talk to the Paw for puppy classes?

Our puppy classes are structured to enable layered and relevant learning for both puppies and owners.

Our online video component plus our daily emails gives you the chance to incorporate easy training into everyday life with your puppy.

Run by an experienced behaviourist, we can spot signs of problem behaviours early and help you prevent worsening situations.

Each puppy is an individual so you need individual help, which is what you will get at Talk to the Paw.

Why chance your baby with anyone else?

Our next course starts 5th November 6.15pm in Patchway, tell your friends.

Puppies are little sponges, trust us to help you get it right for them

https://talktothepaw.io/puppy-power-5-november/puppy-power-5-11-24

10/10/2024

It's world mental health day.
Get in touch if you are struggling with your dog
Clair x

29/09/2024

Whoop, whoop, the waiting list for Cockapoo Magic is now OPEN 😍
Has Cockapoo Magic got your attention but you are clueless as to what it is? 🤔
Cockapoo Magic is the first course of its kind, focused on helping Cockapoo’s with guarding issues.

Written and delivered by Cockapoo fanatic and canine behaviour expert, Clair Hickson, Cockapoo Magic will take you through 8 supported weeks of

-Weekly live , interactive calls where you will learn the whys behind your dogs’ scary behaviour, be able to share your challenges and go away with concrete changes you can make immediately to work on changing your dogs' behaviour

-A fully supportive community group where you can ask anything, post up videos, ask for feedback and know you are not alone

-Downloads for you to monitor your progress, what is working and give you accountability for actually doing the work

-A super easy video library for you to watch and share with anyone who is coming into contact with your Cockapoo.

Cockapoo Magic is for you if
-You are concerned about your Cockapoos’ behaviour around food, space, toys or stolen items
-You are worried that the growling and snapping may turn into a bite if you don’t get help soon
-You are scared to be around your Cockapoo or to have people over that don’t know your dog
-You have been scrolling the internet and social media for tips to help but nothing is working and you are confused at which approach to take
-Neighbours, family and friends are telling you that you must not let your Cockapoo get away with it
-You are wondering whether there is something going on with your dog that your don’t understand

Cockapoo Magic is not for you if
-Your Cockapoo is actively biting you *
-You have children living with you under 8 years old *
-You want a quick, overnight fix
-You have a fixed opinion on what will work and what won’t work
-You don’t have the time to do the work to help your dog
-You are not prepared to make changes

*Please seek help from a qualified behaviourist on a one to one basis

Cockapoo Magic is launching in October

This run will take 10 open minded owners only.

As we go through, Clair will be asking for your detailed feedback so she can make positive changes to improve the course for future owners.

So, if you tick the boxes and are ready to make a positive change with your dog, get on the waiting list to be the first to know when we are live for booking.

Join the waiting list here

Take the first step to helping your Resource Guarding Cockapoo... Cockapoo Magic © coming in October Are you finally ready to do something about your Cockapoo's guarding behaviour? We Will Use And Protect Your Data In Our Privacy Policy

20/09/2024

Did you know..... we have a YouTube channel full of lots of useful training videos.

Come and find us and don't forget to hit the subscribe button when you're there.

http://www.youtube.com/

18/09/2024

Just sayin'

This is becoming a welfare issue!

Im tired of hearing “the vet says there is no pain” by a guardian after they have taken their dog to the vet. It leaves me deflated and frustrated and feeling so sorry for the dog.

Myth Bust:

PAIN CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN ANY ANIMAL (dog, cat, horse or hamster), by anyone!

* A quick palpation - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

WHY?

The dog may shut down due to environmental factors or dislike of a strange human touching them, they keep still to get it over with ASAP!

The dog may be over aroused or overwhelmed by the clinical environment (excited/scared etc) to the point that adrenaline is so high it blocks pain!

* Blood Tests - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

There is currently NO blood test that can detect pain.

* Diagnostic imaging - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

Yes they can pick up a variety of conditions, but even the GOLD standard MRI doesn’t pick up everything, but NONE of them can detect PAIN.

Just because a source cannot be found doesn’t mean there is no pain.

PAIN is subjective, it is whatever that being (human or animal) perceives it to be!

Pain can come in many different forms, it is extremely complex, and can effect the individual in many different ways. A dog may get injured, the injury may have healed, but the pain remains … this is known as maladaptive pain.

Behaviour can be a HUGE indicator for PAIN:

* There could be a change of behaviour that has been directly caused by PAIN.

* There could be a worsening of behaviour due to an increase or new presence of PAIN.

* There could be a lack of “normal” behaviour due to PAIN.

* There could be behaviours that are present but that the guardian/owner don’t deem to be problematic that are indicators of PAIN.

* The dog may have ALWAYS displayed behaviours that are indicators of PAIN, but they have been ignored and put down to “just the way they are”.

* There may be NO problematic behaviours at all …. And the dog might still be in PAIN!

* The dog might be energetic, always on the go … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog might be lazy … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog may zoom up and down stairs … and still be in PAIN.

Diagnosing PAIN is not simple and can be difficult to get on top of.

A PAIN relief trail can be great! But often only one type of analgesic is tried and sometimes this doesn’t get results leading to the ASSUMPTION that there is no PAIN!

Here’s why:

* The drug was only trialed for 2 weeks - when living with chronic pain it can take longer to relieve. 2 weeks is not enough.

* The drug used wasn’t targeted to the type of pain the animal is feeling; soft tissue, bone, nerve or a combination of all.

It might take a number of different medications or a combination OVER TIME to see a difference.

ALWAYS keep in mind, NO ONE can rule out another being’s PAIN.

NO ONE. Not me. Not you. Not a Doctor. Not a Vet.

17/09/2024

For you Collie peeps!

Do you wish your collie would always come back when you call, no matter what? In 5 days, my Fixated to Focused challenge will give you practical steps to regain control and finally get the recall you've always wanted. You’ll see real progress - fast!

16/09/2024

Coming soon..... something very exciting.

If you have a Jekyll and Hyde Cockapoo, then save this post.

Help is coming very soon

Cockapoo Magic is on the way...

Keep an eye out for details