VillagePets

05/11/2024

🎆🐾 Calming Tips for Anxious Pets 🐾🎆

✨ Calming Acupressure Points ✨

Try gently holding these three acupressure points while providing a comforting presence for your pet:
1. Between the Eyes: This point can help alleviate anxiety.
2. Base of the Skull: Gently press just behind the ears to promote relaxation.
3. Chest Area: A light touch here can calm racing hearts.

I also recommend using a drop of diluted lavender oil (for DOGS ONLY) or a pet friendly wipe/spray like Pet Remedy to create a soothing environment.

🌈 Gentle Touch
You can also try moving your hand slowly down either side of your dog's spine, starting near the ears. This area is where the vagus nerve travels, and gentle pressure can be incredibly calming. Remember, the slower you go, the better!

💖 Positive Affirmations
This may sound a bit crazy but just talking in a soft reassuring voice can help.
If you're feeling anxious because of your pet's anxiety, focus on reassuring thoughts:
"You are safe. I am safe. I know you are anxious. So am I. Together we will breathe. We will be calm. We will get through this. This will pass."

👉 Important Reminder:
While these techniques can be helpful, I recognize that some pets may require medication for severe anxiety. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about your animal’s well-being.

Let’s work together to help our furry companions through the fireworks! 🎇❤️

04/11/2024

🎆🐾 Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks This Bonfire Night! 🐾🎆

I know we’ve had fireworks for a few days, but as we gear up for the big day tomorrow, I want to share some emergency tips to help keep our furry friends calm while fireworks light up the sky.

As a former Puppy Development Officer with West Mids Police, I know how important it is to prepare our pups for different sights and sounds, to train them to be confident and resilient dogs.

🔥 Fireworks!

A few months ago, I discussed implementing a desensitisation program for dogs who are scared of fireworks. However, with Bonfire Night just around the corner, it’s too late for that approach. Instead, here are my top tips to manage your dog during this stressful time:

1. Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet area in your home where your dog can retreat to when the noise starts. This could be behind a sofa or in a cozy corner. Remember, don’t coax them out—let them come to you when they’re ready.

2. Daylight Walks: Make sure to have a long walk or training with mental stimulation such as scent work your dog during daylight hours before the fireworks start. This will help them burn off some energy and reduce anxiety later.

3. Pre-Fireworks Feeding: Feed your dog before the festivities begin. Once they’re agitated, they may refuse to eat.

4. Close the Curtains: Block out the sight and sound of fireworks by closing all curtains and blinds.

5. Muffle the Noise: Turn up the TV or play some music to drown out the sounds of fireworks. Reggae music can be particularly soothing for dogs! (I’ve also used Through a dogs ear playlists on Spotify)

6. Stay Calm: Your demeanor matters! Act as if everything is normal. Overly comforting your dog can inadvertently reinforce their anxiety.

7. Garden Safety: If your dog needs to go outside, keep them on a leash to prevent any escape attempts. Never assume your garden is escape-proof.

8. Avoid Chastisement: Never scold your dPet Remedyng frightened. They can’t help how they feel!

9. Homeopathic Aids: Consider natural remedies like valerian or a Pet Remedy diffuser or spray to help soothe your pet.

10. Update ID Information: Ensure your dog’s ID tag and microchip details are current. This is crucial if they happen to escape in a panic.

Many dogs struggle with the noises and sights of fireworks, but we can do our best to help them through this ordeal. For future preparations, remember that a desensitisation program can be beneficial in time for next year!

Lastly, if you’re looking for a way to help your dog get used to low-frequency sounds, consider introducing them to Teiko Japanese drumming gradually. It’s a fantastic way to acclimate them to different sound vibrations.

Let’s make this Bonfire Night a little less daunting for our canine companions! ❤️🐶

03/11/2024

A bit last minute but some advice for owners worried about dogs and fireworks

🎆🐾 Help Your Dogs Stay Calm During Fireworks! 🐾🎆

Are your pets ready for Bonfire Night? The loud bangs and pops can be pretty scary for them! 💥

Animals have extremely sensitive hearing 🦻and these noises can be very distressing. Luckily, there are a few easy ways we can help keep them calm and relaxed. 🧡 Getting spooked from fireworks is one of the most common reasons dogs are reported missing.

🧨 Make sure their microchip details are up-to-date, just in case they run off.
🐶 Start preparing them before the event with calming activities like long lasting chews or lickable calm mats.
🪀 Create a quiet space with their favourite toys
🎵 Play some calming music to help drown out the loud bangs.

Using strategies to promote calmness and optimism will help give your dog the best chance to cope with the challenges of firework season. 💥🐶✨

For more top tips, dive into our blog 👀📖 7 Strategies for Surviving Fireworks Season With Your Dog

👉🏻https://absolute-dogs.com/blogs/gamechangers/7-strategies-for-surviving-fireworks-season-with-your-dog

30/10/2024

Sharing Obsidian K9 Academy Post

Dogs And Fireworks

Now this post is going to ruffle a few feathers but it needs saying because as always the interest of the dogs has to come first no matter how hard things are to swallow.

If you’ve got a dog that is nervous or scared of fireworks, YOU have to sort that problem out. They’re not gonna get banned, crying on Social Media about them isn’t going to make them stop, they come every year at around the same time and you’ve had a year to sort it.

There are plenty of dogs that come here because they’re scared of people but their owners don’t think people need banning, they train through the problem and this is no different.

The good news is, it absolutely can be fixed.

The bad news is you’re FAR too late this year but I’m releasing this so people can start in preparation for next year when it’ll happen all over again.

So the concept you need to understand is counter conditioning. When a dog in this case hears a firework he has a pre conditioned response to fear... we need to change that response.

So you’ve got a few options.

1- Get an amazing sound system that replicates real life sound properly and play fireworks through it very quietly and for a short period of time. Only feed the dog during this time. As time goes on, increase the duration and the volume until you’ve got super loud booms.

I would then follow this by step 2 only IF you have successfully performed everything else and want to check your training as a controlled real world situation.

2- Buy some real fireworks and have someone let them off nearby but far enough away that your dog doesn’t scream over threshold instantly. As time goes on move them closer and make the bang bigger.... or go a fair distance away from an organised display.

Make sure you are NOT stressing your dog though. The process should be a positive one not one filled with stress. If you’re seeing stress you’re over threshold and you’re going too fast.

Also bear in mind that unrelated confidence building exercises can help massively too.

Then all you’ve got to do is proof that behaviour over time using the three D’s of dog training and you’re good to go.

It’s no different to counter conditioning any behaviour.

So in short

Stop crying on Social Media

Train your dog

Enjoy your Bonfire Night 🖤

30/10/2024

22/10/2024

I have an amazing platinum code. DM me if you would like to join this amazing event!

07/09/2024

Are you prepared for the unexpected when it comes to your dog's safety? 🐶💔

Poisons and toxins are lurking everywhere, and knowing how to act fast could be a lifesaver for your beloved canine companion! 🚨

🎙️ In our latest episode, Lauren is joined by Pro Dog Trainer and environmental toxicology expert Amanda to tackle this crucial topic head-on. We dive deep into what every dog owner needs to know about preventing toxic emergencies and what to do if your dog encounters a dangerous substance. 💡🛟🆘

Here’s what you’ll learn from this essential episode:

🔍 How to recognise and safeguard your dog from common poisons and toxins.

🛡️ Effective preventive measures to keep your dog safe from toxic threats.

⚠️ Key signs of poisoning and the immediate steps you should take in emergencies.

But that's not all! Lauren and Amanda also delve into real-life experiences and expert advice on:

💪 The importance of building a solid emergency plan for any eventuality.

💬 How to communicate your dog’s needs effectively with your vet in emergencies.

💗 Using familiar scents to comfort your dog during stressful veterinary visits.

💡 The critical role of neurobiological connections in aiding your dog’s recovery.

This episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights to help you protect and support your beloved canine companion. Tune into “Poisons, Toxins and Dogs: Lifesaving Safety Tips & Expert Advice” now for the essential guide to keeping your dog safe and healthy, no matter what challenges arise! 🎧🐾❤️

🔗 https://www.buzzsprout.com/761645/15661624-poisons-toxins-and-dogs-lifesaving-safety-tips-expert-advice

07/09/2024

06/09/2024

yes and yes! 💚💙🩵🩷

02/09/2024

URGENT APPEAL - RPD Captain needs your help!

RPD Captain served with West Midlands Police for three years but retired early, in 2022, after rupturing his cruciate ligament in 2021.

During his three years of service, the wear and tear on Captain’s body from his strenuous days patrolling the streets, and chasing and detaining suspects, has now left him with significant spinal damage which requires major surgery.

As a foundation, we have covered £4,500 worth of diagnostic tests including an MRI so far, with Captain's upcoming surgery due to cost around £7,500.

Captain gave years of his life to working as a police dog and now he deserves to have a long and happy, comfortable retirement, so we want to give him the very best chance at that by covering this much needed surgery.

You can donate and read more about RPD Captain here ➡️ bit.ly/4dJR6k1 💙🐶🇬🇧