Canine and Equine Services - Sittingbourne

Canine and Equine Services - Sittingbourne Insured, DBS and first aid trained Dog Walker. Also caring for farm and exotics.

Providing high quality 1 to 1 dog walking and pet sitting, meeting the mental, physical and social needs of pets as individuals, resulting in a contented companion.

Fab post from Swale Stray Dog Service
07/08/2022

Fab post from Swale Stray Dog Service

🌟 A muzzle doesn’t mean trouble 🌟

Why are muzzles so stigmatised? Time and time again we hear “that dog should be muzzled” or “that dog must be aggressive!” but in reality, muzzles are excellent training tools and are worn for a plethora of reasons. What we’re trying to say, is that reactivity isn’t the sole purpose for their use. The dogs who wear them and the owners that utilise them shouldn’t be demonised for doing something that keeps everyone safe.

Fun fact, but did you know that within the UK, only a Secretary of State can issue an order requiring a dog to be muzzled?

* * * * * * * * * *

❓ Why would you make your dog wear one if they’re friendly? ❓

This is an easy one. A dog could be in training; maybe the owner is working towards desensitising them to a muzzle. The dog could be a scavenger; prone to making themselves sick or needing surgery to remove foreign objects or maybe, the dog is reactive or nervous around strange people/dogs/environments/noises. Whatever the reason, never approach or allow your dog to approach a muzzled dog without consent from the owner.

* * * * * * * * * *

❗️ I think they’re cruel, you obviously haven’t trained your dog very well ❗️

They’re only cruel if they’re not used properly. They shouldn’t be worn 24/7 and should be fitted correctly to ensure your dog has appropriate pant room. Otherwise, they’re perfectly safe and many dogs wear them regularly without issue. As above, not only “un-trained” dogs wear a muzzle. They could be rescues or have suffered a traumatic experience making them unpredictable. Either way, muzzle doesn’t equal “bad dog”.

* * * * * * * * * *

❗️ If your dog wears a muzzle, you shouldn’t be allowed to walk in green spaces ❗️

Why? If your off lead dog approaches an on lead dog, regardless of them wearing a muzzle or not, you’re at fault. If more people took responsibility for their dogs behaviour, there wouldn’t be so many reports of dogs being dangerously out of control.

* * * * * * * * * *

❗️ Not all muzzles are made the same ❗️

When considering a muzzle, make sure they're appropriate for the task at hand. The softer type as pictured maybe great for scavengers, but please bear in mind that they're not bite proof. If you have a reactive dog or one which could be a bite risk, do look for something a bit more robust.

* * * * * * * * *

Sadly, because of statements like the ones above, many people are too frightened to use muzzles, worried that they might be judged or look down upon. Remember, they’re just another piece of equipment like leads, harnesses, doggles etc and you should never feel lesser than for using one.

* * * * * * * * * *

Our model today, the lovely Crumpet, wore a muzzle as she was reactive to dogs invading her personal space. We're aware that this specific model isn't bite proof, but rest assured Crumpet did eventually graduate to a Dean and Tyler wire muzzle. Despite this, she still loved exploring the countryside and giving squirrels a piece of her mind.

Edit: safely returned This dog is missing in the Rainham area. She's a beagle cross. She escaped an enclosed field whils...
06/06/2022

Edit: safely returned

This dog is missing in the Rainham area. She's a beagle cross. She escaped an enclosed field whilst with her dog walker. She's been missing since 11:30am. She's wearing a blue collar (tagged and chipped) as in this photo.
She's very food motivated but scared so please don't chase her!

Please report sightings to her owner:
+44 7982 767984

If you haven't seen her please share!

It doesn't get much better than snuggling up with a cute dog and a good book.
04/06/2022

It doesn't get much better than snuggling up with a cute dog and a good book.

23/04/2022

If I'm booked in for a visit on a birthday I like to make it extra special. These two even impressed me with how well they managed to share!

If I'm booked in for a visit on a birthday I like to make it extra special. These two even impressed me with how well th...
23/04/2022

If I'm booked in for a visit on a birthday I like to make it extra special. These two even impressed me with how well they managed to share!

Monty is very fearful of strangers, with frequent no pressure familiarisation visits we're finally at the stage where he...
16/04/2022

Monty is very fearful of strangers, with frequent no pressure familiarisation visits we're finally at the stage where he's happy and relaxed being left alone with me and happy to solicite petting from me. This is a massive win and I always feel so honoured when an anxious or fearful dog allows me into their circle of trust.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cca70QCIIMh/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Edited to add a numbered photo to the commens! This way you can tell me the number rather than trying to describe all th...
27/01/2022

Edited to add a numbered photo to the commens! This way you can tell me the number rather than trying to describe all these odd animal parts!
Just a bit of fun. Can anyone guess which chew Amigo chose this morning? One guess only. Prize for the winner - well the winners dog! 🤣

I've worked hard to make room in my schedule and at the moment I have room for some lucky new dogs. Reactive dogs welcom...
12/01/2022

I've worked hard to make room in my schedule and at the moment I have room for some lucky new dogs. Reactive dogs welcome. Free consultation, additional familiarisation visits available as needed.

Availability includes:
AM - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
PM - Monday, Wednesday
Lunchtime - Tuesday

If you'd like more infomation you can contact me on 07805607363

12/01/2022

In November I set myself a goal of improving Amigos stand stays. Well here's the result of our hard work. He now can stay without needing to sit or lay on the cold ground whilst I get this ramp ready!

A very well written note on why quick fixes in dog training are often so detrimental.
17/12/2021

A very well written note on why quick fixes in dog training are often so detrimental.

Punishment reduces behaviour. By definition. No-one who knows anything about behaviour would argue that fact. So why don't I use it when I'm teaching dogs? This is why...

PUNISHMENT LEAVES A VACUUM

Punishment reduces behaviour, it doesn’t build it. And when one behaviour ceases that leaves a vacuum which has to be filled by something else.

All behaviour happens for a reason. However a punishment based approach often doesn’t address that underlying reason which means your dog may seek to meet that need in another, potentially equally unwanted, way. So the dog who is punished for jumping up to get attention may now bark for attention. Or the puppy who is punished for toileting in the house just learns to wait until you are not in sight to toilet.

So while punishment may quickly eradicate one behaviour it doesn’t teach the dog what we’d prefer him TO do instead and we may find ourselves facing another, different, behavioural issue. When one behaviour ceases another aberrant behaviour may pop up, like a game of behavioural Whac-A-Mole.

WHEN PUNISHMENT STOPS, BEHAVIOUR RESURGES

When the threat of punishment recedes the unwanted behaviour may reappear*, especially if the underlying reason for the behaviour hasn’t been addressed. Initial behaviour change may be quick but in order to sustain that change the punishment, or at least the threat of it, must continue.

Think about the times you’ve sworn never to overindulge again when you’re suffering from a raging hangover. How quickly does your resolution fade once you feel better? Or consider why the appearance of a police car in your rear view mirror causes you to slow down but, as soon as it’s gone, you speed up again.

Not only does the punishment need to continue to remain effective, it often also has to escalate too. Your dog can become habituated to the punishment and so, over time, it becomes less effective. What worked last week no longer has the same effect. Which means in order to remain effective the punishment has to increase in intensity and so it goes on…

(* it is possible that a single instance of punishment is enough to suppress a behaviour long term. However, for that one time learning to happen the punishment generally has to be severe )

PUNISHMENT HAS FALLOUT

Punishment doesn’t happen in isolation and if it’s being used to change behaviour it’s important to consider what else might be coming along for the ride.

Punishment runs the risk of damaging your relationship with your dog. Would you trust someone who habitually punishes you? Is that the relationship you want with your dog?
Punishment creates fear and uncertainty. Learners can become hesitant and reluctant to engage with the punisher.
Punishment can become very reinforcing for the punisher. When we punish a dog and it works it becomes very tempting to jump straight to using punishment the next time.
Punishment can generalise to other things. A punished dog may come to associate the pain or discomfort of punishment with other things in the environment. A dog who is corrected each time he barks at the doorbell may come to associate visitors with pain or fear and begin to react accordingly.
Are you prepared to take these risks?

A QUESTION OF ETHICS

Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. And just because something aversive works doesn’t make it ok if there are other, less invasive, options. And when it comes to behaviour change there are almost always other options. In my experience the use of punishment is almost always for the human’s convenience. And, it's my belief, that our convenience should never come at the expense of our dog’s experience.

We all have to decide for ourselves what our ethical position is in relation to punishment but, whatever decision you reach, it should come after conscious thought and consideration of scientific fact, not just acceptance of cultural norms or dogma. Because there are other ways.

Š Aileen Stevenson, 2021

References:

1. SG Friedman, What's Wrong With This Picture? Effectiveness is Not Enough, APDT Journal March/April 2010
2. M Sidman, Coercion and Its Fallout (rev ed), 2000
3. G Ziv, The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs - a review, Journal of Veterinary Behavior 19 (2017) 50-60
4. A Catarina Vieira de Castro, D Fuchs, G Munhoz Morello, Stefania Pastur, L de Sousa, AS Olsson, Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE, 2020; 15 (12)

Children and dog bites...
13/12/2021

Children and dog bites...

02/12/2021
29/11/2021

So true! I'm not a social butterfly so I don't expect my dog to be!

Do you know what good dog play looks like?
20/11/2021

Do you know what good dog play looks like?

Important considerations when choosing a dog trainer. Training should be fun, understandable and successful for both you...
19/11/2021

Important considerations when choosing a dog trainer. Training should be fun, understandable and successful for both you and your dog!

Does anyone recognise this sweet boy?
18/11/2021

Does anyone recognise this sweet boy?

** REUNITED WITH OWNER**

Does anyone recognise this lovely boy, he was found in Rainham area yesterday 17/11/21. Please contact us if you have any information either by private message or 01634333333. reference 3280532

18/11/2021
Are your pets happier at home than round the hustle and bustle of a family Christmas? We are offering dog walks and pet ...
18/11/2021

Are your pets happier at home than round the hustle and bustle of a family Christmas? We are offering dog walks and pet visits over the festive period.
We are covering a small radius this includes:
-Rainham,
-The villages (Lower Halstow, Newington, Upchurch etc.)
-Most of Sittingbourne
-Some areas of Gillingham

Availability is strictly limited.
Christmas/boxing day prices start at ÂŁ37.50

Contact us now to secure your booking.

18/11/2021

It's easy to say why we want a dog that loose lead walks or recalls. We want a dog that doesn't yank our arm out of it's socket so our walk is a pleasure. We want a dog that comes when called to keep them and others safe.

But what about a stay? What is the use you find most for leaving your dog in a sit or a down until you release them?

Since Amigo has recently been diagnosed with arthritis he now requires a ramp to get in and out of my van. For me having the peace of mind that he will stay in a sit or a down whilst I fold and stow away the ramp makes my life so much easier!

Amigos sit and down stays are rock solid but something I've not previously worked on is his stand stays so that's what I'm going to work on so he doesn't always have to sit on the cold or wet ground. Why would you like to improve your stays?

Another great enrichment idea. Perfect for horses on box rest.
02/11/2021

Another great enrichment idea. Perfect for horses on box rest.

Perhaps being in the unfamiliar environment of the cattery or boarding facility causes your pet to stress. Don’t look an...
31/10/2021

Perhaps being in the unfamiliar environment of the cattery or boarding facility causes your pet to stress. Don’t look any further.

Indoor or Outdoor. Kitten or Senior. Brave or Timid. We can help.

With our visits they can stay in their familiar home environment and we can provide as hands on or hands off engagement as your pets need! I’ve done everything from clicker training and cuddling a friendly cat to verifying a very timid cat is still safe and then leaving to avoid any extra stress to them. We can discuss all your pets needs at our consultation.

Contact us now on 07805607363

Couldn't have said it better!
31/10/2021

Couldn't have said it better!

31/10/2021

Just some Halloween fun!
How many tricks can you think of to do with a pumpkin?
We did:
-two paws up
-four paws up
-send around
If you choose to do this make sure you get a nice sturdy pumpkin and cut the stalk off as close to the pumpkin as possible, I didn't realise until afterwards what a tall stem my pumpkin had.
Don't worry this pumpkin won't go to waste we will cook and and freeze for adding to enrichment!

19/10/2021

Is walking your dog no longer a pleasure? Do you end up fighting not to be pulled over as your dog hops down the road like a kangaroo? Are you envious of dogs trotting along next to their owners and fear that YOUR Dog could never do that!

You're not alone, this is one of the most common struggles I see and almost every owner is sure their dog is soooooo pully they could never be trained to walk nicely.

I have some good news for you! They can. I can help you turn your pully dog to once that engages with and focuses on you. From tiny puppies to distinguished older dogs.
From toy breeds to giant breeds I can help. My loose lead training packages are tailored to your dog, but always utilise kind and proven techniques.

For more information or to arrange your free consultation please message through the page or send me a WhatsApp message on +44 7805 607363

Do you miss quiet relaxing evenings? Are yours full of puppy mischief? Do you want to know how to help stop the accident...
12/10/2021

Do you miss quiet relaxing evenings? Are yours full of puppy mischief?
Do you want to know how to help stop the accidents in the house, manage the painful biting and end the relentless lead pulling?

Whether you've got a confident pup who's into everything or a cautious pup who's not quite convinced on the world just yet we can help.

Our unique customisable packages focus on the areas you need help in most, and at a budget to suit you.

Contact us now on 07805607363 to book your free consultation.

We now know more about canine behaviour than ever before. The hands-off  'they'll sort it out' and 'they just need telli...
16/09/2021

We now know more about canine behaviour than ever before. The hands-off 'they'll sort it out' and 'they just need telling off' method can lead to problems down the line for both sides of the equation!

Think about the last time that you had to defend yourself. Not to the extent where you needed to get physical maybe but just to the point where you had to tell someone that you were uncomfortable. Think about your own individual threshold in that scenario. Some people wouldn't tolerate much and others could have someone pressing them and pressing them before they decided to speak up.

Maybe the next time you see that person you're not going to have the best feeling about their presence.

Every negative encounter your dog has with another dog creates an association that dogs can bring unpredictability and discomfort. The individual dog and the degree of severity within that negative encounter predicts your dog's future feelings and behaviour.

Some more resilient dogs would shake off a negative encounter and it might then take many for that dog to start to feel uncomfortable. For other dogs it may take a single negative encounter to cause weariness or reactivity.

When your dog reacts to another dog step in and remove your dog calmly and positively from that situation. Equally if your dog is one causing distress to another dog step in and remove your dog calmly and positively from that situation. Understand that there is discomfort on either side of the equation. When dogs are left to handle situations how they best feel appropriate this may not be in line with your dog going on to feel comfortable around other dogs.

When dogs "correct" one another this is something to address rather than brush off. Even the most tolerant of dogs will lose their cool, don't let it get to that point. For puppies, this is even more important as they are always making associations to the world around them.

Remember that it is your job to help your dog feel safe in this world.

Another hazard to look out for!
16/09/2021

Another hazard to look out for!

Xylitol/Birch Sugar
Xylitol is one of the most common agents we receive calls about, but did you know Xylitol is sometimes referred to as Birch Sugar? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and plants — noticeably birch trees. This is why xylitol is sometimes disguised under the name “Birch Sugar”
It is used as an artificial sweetener and is frequently found in sugar-free chewing gums and sweets. It is also sold in bags for home baking. Hypoglycaemia and liver damage are the main concerns, and close monitoring is required in these cases. The onset of clinical effect may be less than an hour post ingestion, although in some cases, particularly those with subsequent liver damage hypoglycaemia can be delayed 24-48 hours.
Owners can call Animal Poisonline on 01202 509000 for advice if they are concerned their pet has ingested something toxic. We will be able to advise whether the animal needs to see a vet. Veterinary professionals can call VPIS for treatment advice for any poisons case - 02073055055

Some enrichment prep for the lovely girls I'm sitting at the mo!Featuring:Kongs of various sizesWest paw topplLickimat p...
14/09/2021

Some enrichment prep for the lovely girls I'm sitting at the mo!
Featuring:
Kongs of various sizes
West paw toppl
Lickimat playdate
Some home stuffed buffolo wrapped trachea
Some stuffed lamb trachea
Some fish skins
Some hairy rabbit ears

14/09/2021

Up to date Sitting availability:
Correct on 14/09

September: Fully booked.
October: Last week available
November: First half available
December: Week 1, 3 and 4 available
Plenty of availability in spring 22
June 22: Fully booked
July 22: One week available
August 22: 3 weeks available
September: Available

When you're off dog sitting and you have to keep your own dogs mental stimulation needs met and not a Kong in sight! Mor...
10/09/2021

When you're off dog sitting and you have to keep your own dogs mental stimulation needs met and not a Kong in sight! More than happy to do this for my sitting doggies too. Whatever food they're fed I've got ways to make it more exciting!

Featuring:
For amigo-
2x mini muffin tins (thanks for the idea Kelly!)
2x aldi x large slow feeder bowls
1x large topple
1x northmate slow feeder
For Feynman-
3x improvised lickimats
1x stuffed throttle
2x snakes

Also yes my dogs are spoilt enough to have their own freezer 🤦‍♂️

Address

Beauvoir Drive
Sittingbourne
ME102TW

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

+447805607363

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