☀️ Summer days are here, and it's important to keep our furry friends hydrated!
Whether it's a trip to the park or a garden play session, make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water to beat the heat.
Remember, a hydrated dog is a happy dog! 🐶
Round and round and round Todd goes (purring the whole time!) 🥰
We're springing forward here at Elands with a lovely logo refresh 🥰
🐾 True or False? 🐾
🐶 "My dog is stubborn; they just won't listen!" 🚫
🌟 Fact Check: Dogs aren't stubborn; they're just trying to figure out what works for them! Training challenges? Let's break it down:
1️⃣ Your dog might be enticed by something in the environment more than your offered reward. It's all about finding the right motivation!
2️⃣ If the surroundings are overwhelming or scary, your pup might struggle to focus. Creating a comfortable, safe space is essential.
3️⃣ Clear communication is key. Your dog might not understand what you're asking and doesn’t know how to respond. Give them clearer instructions for success.
4️⃣ Is something punishing the behaviour? Identifying and removing negative associations is crucial.
5️⃣ Previous cues might be linked to alternative behaviours. Reinforce the desired actions consistently.
🤝 If you're still facing challenges, reach out to an accredited and qualified dog trainer. They're the experts in tailoring solutions for a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend!
🐾 True or False?🐾
🐶 "That guilty dog look means my pup knows they did something wrong!" 🚫
🌟 Fact Check: The 'guilty dog look' is often misunderstood! It's not guilt; it's stress signals. Here's the scoop:
1️⃣ Dogs are master readers of body language. They pick up on cues that signal our reactions. That 'guilty look' may just be their way of anticipating our response and trying to avoid a strong reaction.
2️⃣ Dogs don't experience guilt; it's a higher-order emotion. They can't discern right from wrong. Instead, they've learned that certain behaviours lead to a less severe response when they display stress signals.
3️⃣ When your dog counter surfs, it's not thievery but a natural scavenging instinct. Understanding their behaviour helps foster a positive relationship.
📚 Interested in delving deeper? Check out this paper on how dogs perceive humans and the ethical aspects of their treatment:
Frontiers | How Dogs Perceive Humans and How Humans Should Treat Their Pet Dogs: Linking Cognition With Ethics (frontiersin.org)
🐾 Let's replace guilt with understanding and build a positive connection with our furry friends!
🐾 True or False?🐾
🐶 "Wait until they're 6 months old before leaving a puppy alone." 🚫
🌟 Fact Check: Early independence training is key! Here's the scoop:
1️⃣ Start Young, Start Gradual: Waiting until 6 months can make this training more difficult. Begin teaching your puppy to stay alone early to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Gradually build up the time.
2️⃣ Short and Sweet Sessions: Leave them alone for short periods initially. It can be as simple as stepping into another room for a few minutes. Gradual exposure is the key.
3️⃣ Chews and Comfort: Provide distractions like chews or toys to keep your pup occupied. Make the experience positive, associating alone time with enjoyable activities.
4️⃣ Listen to Cues: If your puppy is distressed, start with very short intervals, even as brief as 10 seconds. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable.
5️⃣ Seek Professional Help: If leaving your puppy is a challenge, don't hesitate to reach out to an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist for personalised guidance.
🐾 Building independence early fosters a confident, well-adjusted pup!
🐾 True or False?🐾
🐶 "Old dogs can't learn new tricks; it's too late to teach them!" 🚫
🌟 Fact Check: Age is just a number when it comes to dog learning! That said, learned behaviours like reactivity can be challenging to extinguish nut they can always be improved.
Here's the truth:
1️⃣ Brain Plasticity Persists: While brain plasticity (ability of the brain to change) decreases with age, it doesn't mean dogs can't learn. They may just need a bit more patience and positive reinforcement.
2️⃣ Teaching is Possible: If your adult dog is pulling on the lead, teaching them to walk nicely is absolutely possible! Engage in various exercises and games to make the learning process enjoyable for both of you.
3️⃣ Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Older dogs can benefit from patient and positive training methods. Use treats, praise, and consistency to encourage the desired behaviour.
4️⃣ Tailored Exercises: Tailor your training to suit your dog's needs. Mix up exercises and games to keep it interesting and engaging.
👉 Remember, it's never too late to enrich your dog's life with new skills and behaviours. Age is just a number; the joy of learning is timeless!
🐾 Dog Socialisation True or False? 🐾
🐶 "Your dog needs to play with dogs when they are young to prevent them from being reactive." 🚫
🌟 Fact Check: While letting your puppy interact with other dogs is crucial, it's not just about quantity, but QUALITY! Socialisation goes beyond playdates – it's about introducing them to a wide variety of safe dogs and to new experiences like novel objects, sounds, smells, and surfaces.
👉 So why not just endless play with furry friends? Socialisation is a well-rounded approach and many older dogs will not want to play with them. Controlled and positive interactions with dogs, humans, and diverse environments are key.
Remember, it's about setting the stage and putting in the time for a well-adjusted, friendly companion. 🐕💙
📍 Pro Tip: When seeking socialisation opportunities, look for trainers and vets promoting controlled and positive based learning in their classes. Your pup will learn how to focus and thrive in various situations.
Today is World Arthritis Awareness Day.
Arthritis is progressive, and it is not curable, but there are several ways to improve comfort and help your cat or dog to lead a full and active life.
Symptoms including lameness or a reluctance to exercise can indicate underlying osteoarthritis – a painful condition caused by degeneration and inflammation of the joints.
We are on hand to help, please reach out and book today - 01732 452333
This is a guaranteed smile for us, how about you? #worldsmileday
🎾 Playtime isn't just about chasing toys or scratching posts—it's an essential part of a cat's well-being! If they don’t seem interested, you probably have the wrong toys and often simple is better.
1️⃣ Mental Stimulation: Play engages your cat's mind, keeping them sharp, alert, and on their paws! Puzzle toys, interactive games, and feather wands are fantastic ways to get those little cogs turning. 🧠🔛
2️⃣ Physical Fitness: Just like us, cats need exercise to stay fit and healthy. A rousing game of "catch the laser dot" or a playful romp with a catnip-filled toy can keep those muscles toned and that waistline in check. 💪🐈
3️⃣ Stress Buster: Got a grumpy cat? Play is the ultimate stress reliever! It helps them release pent-up energy, frustration, and anxiety, leaving them feeling calm, content, and ready for a cuddle session. 😽🧘♀️
4️⃣ Bonding Bonanza: Playtime strengthens your bond with your furry companion. Sharing laughter, interactive play, and gentle affection builds trust, love, and a lifetime of cherished memories. 🤗💕
5️⃣ Natural Instincts: Cats are born hunters, and play allows them to unleash their innate instincts in a safe and stimulating environment. So bring out the feathers, crinkle balls, and treat-dispensing toys—let their inner predator shine! 🐾🎯
Remember, playtime should always be supervised, Never use your hands if using a fishing line; it must be long enough, so the cat plays with the toy on the end and not you and choose toys that are safe and suitable for your cat's size and age. 🎉😻
#PowerOfPlay #HappyCats #CatLovers #PurrfectBond #InternationalCatDay #PurrfectPlay
Flood the comments with all the kittens!
#NationalKittenDay
Even when they're being ridiculous, we ❤️❤️❤️ our furry family members!
#FeelGoodFriday
Imagine! 😂🎾
Share a video of their masterful fetch and retrieve below 🐶
#Wimbledon
How do you spot dental problems in your pet @ home?
Elaine has dropped some knowledge 👇
#NationalPetDentalHealthMonth
Here is this weeks Elands Covid-19 update video with Practice Principle Dr Philip Lhermette.
He is answering some of your questions and has picked our new competition winner.
Congratulations to Rose Larkin!! 🥳
Please do contact us if you have any concerns about your pets, the team at Elands are here to help.
From all the team at Elands we hope you are safe and well.
