The A.B.C

30/06/2024

Dr Aubrey Fine lecture at Hartpury University.

25/06/2024

We headed out early today for our walk. Use this chart to help you plan your dog walks. Remember older dogs, puppies and all brachycephalic dog breeds are at a greater risk of heat related illnesses. Take walks slow, allow for lots of sniffing, try to avoid high energy activities and ideally keep to the shade of the woods if possible.

23/06/2024

We have spent five out of seven days with Chirag discussing reactivity and practical assessments. The focus has predominantly been on dog behaviour, but we must also remember our clients. Our clients have limited time to dedicate to a behaviour programme. We need to use the ABCs (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) with our clients as well, so if we want them to succeed, we must provide alternatives that are effective in both the short term and the long term. How many of us recall our learning or work environments that failed to use the ABCs and wonder why staff or students were not motivated?

07/06/2024

Do you know what Good Park Etiquette is for dogs? We know as humans what we consider polite behaviour when we meet and greet another human, but do you know what polite dog to dog behaviour looks like? Useful information for first time dog parents or anyone with a very dog friendly/playful dog. Book in for Good Park Etiquette training series including recall, loose lead, scent games, and tips for understanding dog body language.

29/05/2024

Just another reason to gaze into our puppy dogs eyes (*note I say gaze not stare).

24/05/2024

🤭

30/04/2024

28/04/2024

23/04/2024

22/04/2024

For those of us that volunteer in the cat community we cannot emphasise the importance of microchipping (and keeping records up to date). Myth busting time.

22/04/2024

Many clients are confused about the information regarding when and when not to neuter / spay their dogs. There is no 'one size fits all' approach. I always recommend pet parents have a discussion with a VB (Veterinary Behaviourist) to get specific advice relating to their dog.

Hart et al conducted a series of research studies revealing heightened risks of joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence linked to the age of neutering across different dog breeds. In their most recent publication, Hart et al. (2024) compiled a table outlining recommended ages for neutering across 40 dog breeds.

Their research emphasises the importance of tailoring neutering decisions for dogs, highlighting the need to consider factors like breed, health condition, living environment, and associated risks for informed decision-making.

To access the full paper follow this link:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full

04/04/2024

Looking forward to spending 4 days with the animal training legend Ken Ramirez later this year!

09/10/2023

02/10/2023

Pack walk at Kings.

17/08/2023

❤️

09/08/2023

The clock is ticking.... ⏰️

By June 10th 2024 ALL cats must be microchipped and correct owner details held by the microchip database.

This is not optional.

It's the Law.

Vets are NOT responsible for updating microchips - you are.

Is your cat old or ill?
It still needs microchipping.
Is your cat indoor-only?
It still needs microchipping.
Is your cat rarely home to get it to the vets?
It still needs microchipping.

The only exceptions are feral cats (obviously) and cats under 20 weeks old.

No excuses will be accepted.

What do volunteers at Hector's House Residents feel about this?
We're absolutely delighted.
We're hoping it will cut our workload significantly.

Not only will it be easier to identify a cat's owner, but if a cat ISN'T chipped, we won't have to deal with the backlash from the keyboard warriors.

It also means that if an unchipped cat is brought to us as a suspected stray, any treatment that cat then receives will be charged to any owner that comes forward.

It also means that injured cats won't have to lose limbs due to having to wait 7 days before surgery can go ahead.

So, if your cat isn't microchipped, please get it done as soon as possible.
It's relatively painless, takes seconds, and costs about £15.

And make sure you register the microchip- again, this is YOUR responsibility, not the vets.

Here's to looking forward to a better life for the cats 🐈

11/07/2023

Great day at Cambridge University yesterday attending Dr Rosie Jones McVey’s (and many others) research findings in AAI (Animal Assisted Interventions).

06/07/2023

Don’t forget to check your dogs after a wild run through the grass.

31/05/2023

Had a wonderful day making lots of important contacts at IMDT and listening to great speakers.

31/05/2023

Can’t recommend these enough for the warmer summer days and those with brachycephalic dogs!

19/05/2023

Fun in the sun.

15/02/2023

Fortunate enough to have been able to travel in full time paid employment as a professional trainer learning from some of the best trainers in the world and end up training trainers. Husbandry behaviours are my favourite, training voluntary blood draws, gastric samples and cancer treatments are always so rewarding. It’s not as glamorous back in the UK but it’s nice to be home working towards a couple of big projects! Watch this space!

15/02/2023

There are so many uninsured, inexperienced dog walkers walking too many uncontrolled dogs. Let’s be honest it only takes one poorly trained dog to cause problems so imagine a whole pack! Dog’s temperament need to be assessed and matched with a suitable group of dogs before being walked. Dogs should be walked on lead for their first walk to assess and owners should sign off on their dog being allowed off-lead. Off lead dogs need a solid recall. Here are some useful tips for finding a suitable dog professional to care for your pup.

07/02/2023

Sunny morning walk

25/12/2022

Thank you to all my lovely clients for such thoughtful Christmas gifts! I really appreciate it. People forget that when you’re self employed there is no Christmas party, holiday or sick pay and no annual bonus. It’s really nice to feel appreciated. See you all in the new year!

15/12/2022

Love sending personalised Christmas cards out to clients… here are a variety from over the years.

15/12/2022

Frosty morning walk with some of the pack

29/11/2022

Misty morning walks. My favourite!

01/11/2022

Pack walk

28/09/2022