Totem Dogs

08/08/2024

Forage Wall

The Forage Wall is designed to encourage foraging behaviour by hiding different treats in the various compartments.

Items on the wall include a silicone baby plate, silicone chocolate mould, plastic stacking cups, silicone cake moulds, lickimats, and silicone folding travel bowls.

The back board is painted in a water based exterior paint meaning the whole thing can be hosed off and scrubbed to keep it hygenic.

07/08/2024

Tora came to try a newly opened dog field today, The Freedom Field At Moorwood Moor.

It is a lovely field in a beautiful, quiet location. Nice secure parking that was big enough for me to turn my giant MPV around 😂

There is running water on tap and poo bags and poo bins provided (I always take my own bags but super handy if you forget!)

The field was next to two gorgeous horses which is always a bonus 😍 It is a perfect size for running about and having fun as well as not being too big making it great for training and recall practice.

Tora spent ages investigating all the different smells and had a little chill out taking in the sounds of the working farm.

She also fell in love with one of the balls that was in the provided toy box, and I felt very mean taking it off her when it was time to go 😂

As a bonus, I had a good look around the fence and it appears to be Reggie proof! It can be difficult with tiny dogs as they can squeeze under gates but every gap had been blocked off so I will definitely be going back with my guys!

06/08/2024

The sniffy wall is in progress, with thanks to Beau and Enzo's Mum for the awesome wooden heart which made a perfect back board ♥️

06/08/2024

Beautiful Beau and Enzo ❤️

06/08/2024

Pip had a nice sniffy walk this afternoon. She especially likes horses so when I found some horse hair on a fence I pulled it off for her to sniff, then she decided it was hers 😂

05/08/2024

I went to a large chain pet store today and heard something that made me quite angry.

There was a customer with her adorable, teeny tiny Chihuahua Puppy (she was so cute I had genuine tears in my eyes).

As we went to pay, I heard the cashier say 'oh no, one of the rats has got out', loudly to their coworker.

They were met with silence and they said to their coworker 'did you hear what I said? I said one of the rats has got out', clearly very proud of their terrible joke.

A customer overheard and thought a rat had actually got out, so the cashier explained they were talking about the Chihuahua in the next aisle.

I paid and left, but it angered me.

Yes I have heard all the jokes about little dogs being 'rats', no I don't find them funny.

Because it's attitudes like that which lead to small dogs being treated poorly, and then leads to behaviour and anxiety problems.

Size doesn't matter, a dog is a dog and all dogs need to be treated with respect, love, proper care and training.

05/08/2024

I want to make the garden a safe space for Reggie, who likes to run around barking at every noise he hears.

So today I knocked up a prototype sniffy wall to hide treats in and it's proven to be a hit! Need to go supply shopping to make a proper one now 😁

04/08/2024

My dogs aren't perfect, but neither am I.

When you see a Dog Trainer advertising their services online, you will usually see a photograph of themselves posed with some dogs, all lined up and sitting perfectly. They may be wearing a branded polo shirt, themselves and their dogs will be smartly presented. Of course, when you are trying to sel...

04/08/2024

Sometimes I think I'm brilliant, like today, making a Scent hide out of a plastic golf ball... Then I ruin it by gluing my fingers to it 😂

03/08/2024

🏅Totem Dogs Olympics🏅

I'm proud to announce our Gold Medalists for 2024 in their respective categories!

Beau-Handball
Beau takes the sport of Handball very seriously, and literally.. Once she has that ball there's no chance of getting your hands on it!

Charlotte-Fencing
I speak from experience after being on the receiving end on many jabs to the leg by sticks, Charlotte is truly a pro fencer.

Enzo-Discus
Whilst Discus generally involves throwing a disc, Enzo adds his own twist to the sport by catching it instead.

Fergie-Weightlifting
Fergie doesn't let the weight of an object stop him, if he wants it, you can be sure he will grab it and run off with it.

Kevin-Swimming
Kevin's unorthodox approach to both Swimming and Diving highlights his immense talent in the water.

Pip-Gymnastics
No one can compare to the sheer energy and grace of Pip's acrobatic routines. From sofa backs to 6ft fences, no object can stand between her and what she desires.

Polly-Boxing
Having been on the receiving end of her signature takedown to the knees, Polly may be a Staffy but she's got Boxer in her blood!

Tora-Javelin
Tora always gives 100% in this sport, she challenges herself by using the largest possible sticks she can find and running with it.. Literally... Causing much panic in me!

A formidable group of top level athletes, and a real credit to their respective guardians ✨

03/08/2024

I have decided to start a Blog to put my various ramblings and stories about my own dogs!

The first post is about one of my favourite Hot Weather (and any weather) Activities, based on the concept of ACE Free Work by Sarah Fisher.

While the weather in the UK may not always be the best, we do get a few days of 'Summer' occasionally, and it's important to consider how the increasing temperatures can impact our dogs.Too Hot to Walk?Regardless of the weather, your dog will benefit from some form of mental and physical enrichment,...

02/08/2024

Not quite ready for Crufts yet 😉

02/08/2024

I am a Professional Partner for Pet Remedy and I have been so impressed with their products compared to other calming products on the market.

Pet Remedy are holding a Summer of Love Awards where you can nominate someone who has helped you with your beloved pets.

Whether that's dogs, cats, horses and all animals inbetween!

So if you have a Vet, Trainer, Boarder, Groomer, Walker, Pet Sitter who you think deserves a nomination, you can do so by clicking the link below ♥️

https://petremedy.co.uk/summer-of-love-awards/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEZ-OJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSy7cwQhP1n9d7i42AwbrAY3SoZv7qMkt08Nis9wlHxvnZX5-haqoaS1Dw_aem_dorsoST-jKYPoopl0acgrg

The Pet Remedy Summer of Love Awards are a chance to recognise all those amazing pet related businesses and people throughout the UK who look after our furry,

02/08/2024

I think Fergie likes the Boomer Ball 😁

01/08/2024

Tora wouldn't believe I didn't have any treats left, so she showed me where some were that I'd forgetten about 😂

01/08/2024

Tora, Kevin and Fergie all enjoyed being back out again, even if it is still rather warm out 🥵

They had shorter walks to make up for the fact it's still hot, but they definitely seemed happy to go out ♥️

31/07/2024

In preparation for getting the boys doing more, I bought them a new head collar each. Apparently I was too optimistic buying them 'Pony' size and should have stuck with Shetland size 😅

Angus took some time and carrots to let me put his on, but he was a star afterwards and let me treat his sorea from the flies...

As you can see, neither of them were impressed with being caught, they're clearly enjoying the wild pony lifestyle too much!

31/07/2024

Fergie says it's too hot to Dog today, but he is willing to search for some roast chicken in the shade

30/07/2024

Jollyes - The Pet People have tapped into my two weaknesses... Rainbow colours and dog enrichment 😂♥️

30/07/2024

One year ago today Reggie came to live with us.
Time has absolutely flown by, and he has brought us so much love, laughter and earache 😅

He's noisy and a bit mad but he's so loving and just wants to cuddle and play.

He's done so much in a year and I'm proud of the little dog he is becoming.

We have still got a lot to work on, but I wouldn't have him any other way. I know Chris loves him really, although he will only admit that he's 'tolerable' 😂

I will be forever grateful that I was trusted to take this little guy on, and I'm sure his Mum is watching over him and having a good laugh at my expense when he's up to his antics 😁

29/07/2024

Whilst I try to keep this page full of positivity and gorgeous dogs, I simply can't ignore the events that unfolded earlier today.

Such a horrific attack on young children enjoying their holidays is absolutely heartbreaking.

My heart goes out to all those affected, and I'm praying the rest of the children and adults make a full recovery.

29/07/2024

Your dogs' wellbeing is always my number 1 priority, this is why I am implementing my new 'Hot Weather Protocol' to keep your dogs safe during warmer weather.

I understand it can be an inconvenience or frustrating for your dog to miss a walk, which is why I am always happy to walk earlier or later to beat the heat however I appreciate that's not always useful when you're out at work all day!

Temperatures up to 19° walks are as normal.

From 19° walks may be shorter, may include visits to swimming spots or in higher temperatures walks may be substituted for Enrichment Visits (home visits with fun activities).

From 25° and above, no walks will be taking place and Enrichment Visits will be offered instead.

Whilst all dogs are different and their ability to tolerate temperature can depend on their age, breed and general health these guidelines are designed to keep everyone safe and healthy.

I appreciate some of you work from home in which case a home visit isn't required and I am more than happy for you to cancel or swap for another day!

If you have any concerns please feel free to drop me a message.

29/07/2024

It's absolutely boiling out there.. Fergie had some time in the garden playing in water, shredding up cardboard and enjoying a Licky mat, before being cooled off with some water at the end. Hopefully it will start to cool down soon!

28/07/2024

I think even Reggie is sick of me buying him 'Mexican' themed things 😂

28/07/2024

The weather isn't looking promising for walks over the next few days, it may be home visits instead!

26/07/2024

Polly enjoyed her walk at Felley this afternoon!

26/07/2024

I want to share this video of Kevin from earlier today purely because I am so proud of how well he did in this situation.

I was videoing us messing around in the river when these two appeared. Kevin was amazing at being so calm, and his body language was just perfect to try to not escalate anything.

He was a super star in a situation that could have ended very differently!

This is why I always check who's in this part of the river before I let Kevin go down, I'm fairly certain he would just make a b-line for the water, but you never know who could be down there and whether there's a dog who needs space!

The owner apologised and did get the dogs back after a few minutes!

26/07/2024

Fergie did brilliantly today when we came across some loose sheep. He had a good look at them and then carried on like nothing was there 🥰

26/07/2024

Enzo smiling because he just w**d on his Frisbee and is now waiting for me to pick it up and throw it for him 😂

26/07/2024

Kevin enjoyed his morning swim 😁