Lynda's Puzzled Puppers

07/09/2024

I teach a "settle " in my classes. It means you can go to the pub, cafe, restaurant or a friend's house with the confidence that your dog will just settle down and relax.
My girls on holiday, calm and chilled in the knowledge the plate of chips had been ordered for them!

11/07/2024

Coming soon. Hoopers. Great fun, low impact sport for all dogs.

29/06/2024

Ellen practising the barrels

29/06/2024

Asha

29/06/2024

Many thanks to Asha from West Lothian Dog Training for coming to Vogrie to let us see what Hoopers is all about.

22/06/2024

22/06/2024

Nice socialising with the young pups and a well rounded, calm older dog. It's important that, for the young puppies, every experience is a positive one.

15/05/2024

Does anyone else's dog sleep in such a peculiar fashion?

12/05/2024

It's that time of the year again. Walk your dogs earlier or later in the day when it's cooler 😎

09/05/2024

Fun times with the pupsters.

28/03/2024

GROUND NESTING BIRDS

If out with your dog during the bird breeding season, you can reduce the likelihood of disturbing ground nesting birds by keeping your dog on a short lead or under close control in areas where nesting birds may be found. These areas include moorland, forests, grasslands, loch shores and the seashore.

The timescales for bird nesting are usually within the period of early February to end of July.

For most birds the most sensitive period is when they have just laid eggs (generally from late February to early May). If repeatedly or continually kept off the nest then the eggs will cool and perish. The risk of cooling is affected by ambient temperature, crag aspect, time of day, but even in the best conditions protracted absence from the nest can be fatal.

Another important period is when the young are newly hatched (rough guide, April or May). It is unlikely that parents will desert them after being briefly disturbed, but the chicks do not have protective feathers yet and are prone to rapid cooling.

28/03/2024

Dog owners are being urged to keep their dogs on a lead when walking through farmland with lambing season beginning. Lambing is a crucial time for farmers across the county.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 states that the owner of a dog worrying livestock on agricultural land is guilty of an offence. Sheep worrying includes attacking sheep, chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce or being under close control, on or off a lead, in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep. Farmers do have the right to shoot a dog that is worrying their livestock however this tactic should be reserved as a last resort.

“Lambing season is an incredibly important time for farmers and can be a stressful time for sheep so it’s vital that we, as a community, work together to reduce any unnecessary risks and potential fall-out when walking our dogs.

“Animal worrying is illegal and farmers have the right to protect their livestock.

“To avoid any danger, keep your dog on a lead when around any farm animals in a field – especially if you can’t be certain that your dog will return to you on first call.

14/03/2024

Tips to determine dog theft:

Tagging

This is when criminals "tag" the pavement outside a house where a dog lives.

(Often with chalk, or spray paint...)

To show fellow gang members the location of the pet they want to steal!

Some common "dognapping" symbols to watch out for in attached photo.
Source: Devon Police

Scouting

Typically, dognappers can be found roaming parks and green spaces...

On the lookout for the most valuable dogs!

They ask questions such as:

"How old is your dog?" Not worth stealing an older dog!

"Do they have any health problems?" Not worth stealing!

"Have they been spayed?" Can we use her as a brood bitch!

Sometimes, they may even follow a dog owner home...

And "tag" their house for future reference.

Social Media Stalking

One of life's great joys is seeing photos of dogs on the internet...

Or even posting your own!

But sadly, there can be a dark side to this.

Dog thieves have been known to "stalk" websites like Facebook and Instagram...

Trawling through thousands of 'public' social media accounts...

In search of their next target.

Sometimes, they may even get in contact with an unsuspecting dog owner...

Posing as fellow dog lovers...

While asking suspicious questions about things like age, breed - even local walking routes.

Luckily, there's a few simple things you can do to keep your dog safe:

Make sure your dog is microchipped and your details are up to date.

That way, if they do get taken... You stand the best chance of tracking them down.

It may also be worth getting a GPS tracking collar, which go for around £50...

Consider changing your social media profiles - and location - to private.

And ignore any nosy messages from strangers.

Lastly, if you DO spot any of these things...

Alert other dog owners in the area - as you're likely not the only one they're targeting.
Alert the local dog warden and police.
Put it on social media.

To your Dog's Health and safety.

19/09/2023