Woofs of Bournemouth

28/08/2024

🐾🐶🏋️‍♀️ NEW CANINE FITNESS CLASSES 🏋️‍♀️🐶🐾

Is your Fury friend ready to get fit and have some fun? I am so excited to announce our brand new 6-week canine Fitness Classes led by certified Veterinary Physiotherapist Olivia Lancaster. 🎉

👩‍⚕️ What's included?
• Tailored exercises to suit all breeds and fitness levels
• Guided 6-week fitness program for your dog
• Focus on strength, mobility and overall well-being
• Expert guidance to help prevent injuries and improve health
• Support group to guide you through your at home training

Whether your dog is a couch potato or a fitness fanatic, this class is perfect for enhancing their physical health in a fun, safe environment! 🐶💪

📅 When: starting Friday 6th September - Friday 11th October
📍Where: Burton Community hall, Christchurch
💲Price: £85 for 6-week course
💬 Limited places available! Message us to reserve your place today.

13/08/2024

Great infographic

DON’T TOUCH MY STUFF!
Resource guarding – also called possessive aggression

We all guard our resources, it’s a natural reaction to a threat of something we value being taken away.

It’s essential for survival and dogs or other animals would not survive in the wild if they didn’t guard their resources.

We also don’t get to decide what’s valuable and what’s not – different things have different value to different dogs and at different times.

Food is usually the most common, but toys, furniture, different items, places, or even a certain person are all things that may be seen as a valuable resource.

A dog turning their head away, freezing, a hard stare, whale eye, moving away, growling or snapping may quickly escalate into a serious bite in an attempt to protect that valuable possession.

Punishing or forcing a dog to give something up is probably one of the worst things to do.

Resource guarding is rooted in the emotion of fear – the fear of that resource being taken away.

Punishment and force further increase that fear, which only increases and reinforces the need to protect that resource.

When a dog is guarding food or an object, we can change the negative emotion of that fear into a positive one by swopping or trading something that has a similar or higher value than what the dog has.

This is one of the most effective ways to address resource guarding of objects as it works at the root cause of the behaviour by changing the emotional response.

A dog resource guarding a person is more complicated to address. A full history of the individual dog, family dynamics, attachment styles, situation and environment all have to be assessed before planning and working on a solution.

Resource guarding can usually be prevented, managed and addressed and by starting early, understanding why dogs feel the need to resort to this behaviour and doing what we can to prevent it from happening in the first place.

11/08/2024

Looking for a friend?

02/08/2024

It's HOT out there! ☀️ 🔥 Please be cautious about having your dog accompany you to outdoor events (especially if they are on pavement!) and be sure they have lots of shade and fresh water when they do need to be outside. Do you know how to recognize signs of heat stroke in dogs?

If you observe these signs, get your dog out of the heat and to a veterinarian immediately - heat stroke can escalate fast!

Read more about it here: https://otto.vet/pawsitive-heatwave-solutions/

29/07/2024

13/07/2024

For several if my clients I’m currently working with who’s dogs need an off switch

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

26/06/2024

Me….who else?

That’s me - who is with me?
❤️

24/06/2024

Our local rescue

Introducing Nugget, who is a real bundle of fun 🤩

Nugget here is a 1-year-old Labrador cross who is looking for an active family that will be able to keep up with him, as this boy loves to run!

We feel he would benefit from being a canicross partner, as he loves being mentally & physically stimulated.

When Nugget arrived, we could see he'd had very little socialisation and training, so he has been having fun with his training classes here, as he is always up for some tasty rewards!

We feel it would be important for his new owners to continue Nugget's training, especially his lead walking, as he can be strong on lead.

Nugget gets overexcited easily and he will often greet us paws first, so we have been working on this with him.

We feel with the right guidance, Nugget will really flourish in his new home and become a well-adjusted adult dog.

Nugget would love to find social owners who are keen to get outdoors, as he is always up for his next adventure!

We believe that Nugget would be best suited to living with adults and teenagers, that are used to exuberant dogs.

He has been enjoying making some canine pals here at the centre, but we feel he would prefer to be the only pet in his new home, so that he can continue working on his doggy etiquette and be the sole focus for his new owners.

If you are looking for a lively new companion to join your household, please click here: www.mgar.org.uk/54339 and get in contact with the team at Wingletang, who would love to discuss Nugget further with you.

23/06/2024

Nice Infographic!

21/06/2024

Was just talking about Anxiety!

🤔Understanding Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety in dogs often follows a predictable cycle that starts with a triggering situation or event. This cycle involves several stages, each contributing to the dog's overall stress and behaviour.

💥Triggering Situation/Event

The cycle begins when a dog encounters a specific situation or event that triggers its anxiety. This could be anything from loud noises, like thunderstorms or fireworks, to unfamiliar environments or new people/dogs.

😱Interpreting The Trigger as Dangerous

The dog perceives the triggering situation as dangerous, even if it poses no real threat from your point of view. This interpretation sets off an alarm in the dog's mind, leading to a series of anxiety symptoms.

😖Symptoms of Anxiety

Once the dog interprets the situation as dangerous and "feels something is wrong," they may exhibit signs of discomfort, unease, fear, dread, and panic. This might manifest as restlessness, whining, or pacing. The dog's ears may be pinned back, its tail tucked between their legs, and their body is tense. They might also show signs of hypervigilance, such as constant scanning of their surroundings and difficulty focusing. These behaviours indicate that the dog feels threatened and senses danger, triggering an anxious response.

🧬Body's Automatic Stress Response

In response to these symptoms, the dog's body releases stress hormones. This flood of stress hormones pushes the dog into fight or flight mode, where panic may occur. During this phase, several physical changes happen:
Increased heart rate
Muscle tension
Increased scanning for danger

👀Physical Symptoms Intensify

As the dog's body remains on high alert, the physical symptoms of anxiety intensify. The dog's attention narrows, focusing solely on the perceived threat, and its body remains geared for fight or flight responses. This heightened state leads to:
Increased worry
Loss of confidence in coping with the situation
Loss of appetite
Intensification of physical symptoms like trembling or excessive panting

😬Safety-Seeking Behaviours

To cope with the overwhelming anxiety, the dog may engage in safety-seeking behaviours, such as:
Avoidance of the triggering situation or event
Escaping from the perceived threat
Reactive to the perceived threat (defensive behaviour)

While these behaviours provide short-term relief, they often unintentionally reinforce the anxiety cycle. The dog learns that avoidance, escape, or reactivity temporarily reduces their anxiety and "makes the scary thing go away". This makes the dog more likely to use these strategies in the future, preventing the dog from learning how to emotionally cope with the trigger in a healthy way.

🦋Changing the Anxiety Cycle

Understanding this cycle is vitally important for helping a dog manage and overcome their stress and anxiety. Strategies to change the cycle can include:
Systematic desensitisation (gradual exposure therapy) to the triggering event
Providing a safe and calm environment
Using games and positive reinforcement to build confidence
Using techniques like counter-conditioning (changing emotional responses)

If you are struggling with an anxious dog, please contact a force-free qualified behaviourist. Avoid methods involving intimidation, correction, or punishment, as these can worsen the behaviour by adding more stress to an already distressed dog.

17/06/2024

😁

13/06/2024

This…

🐾Although dogs descend from a common ancestor with wolves, they have undergone millennia of domestication and genetic engineering, resulting in distinct differences from their wild counterparts. Despite this misconceptions about canine behaviour persist, perpetuating unrealistic expectations and outdated training methods.

Such myths revolve around the idea of dogs as inherently naughty, stubborn, and trying to be the leader of the pack, requiring punishment for correction [1]. The original study of wolves and behaviour was conducted in 1947 by Rudolph Schenkel, who claimed that wolves hold a social position, the pack is controlled by a dominant male and female; and wolves fought within each other to establish top rank. This was disproved by Dr. Mech in 2000 [2].

The world evolves constantly yet the human race is still stuck on this notion. Qualified dog trainers and behaviourists are not trying to convince you that the world is flat, we are simply trying to improve your relationship with your dog without the use of outdated training mythology.

In reality; natural wolf groups function as family units, with parents as caregivers. Communication within the wolf group relies heavily on subtle cues, such as body language and facial expressions, rather than overt displays of aggression and dominance.

Despite scientific advancements debunking the alpha dog theory, some trainers continue to perpetuate these myths, advocating for dominance-based techniques. However, the lack of regulation in the industry allows such outdated practices to persist.

Understanding dogs requires acknowledging their individuality and respecting their preferences. Effective training involves environmental management, systematic desensitisation, and counter-conditioning, with the use of positive reinforcement; which helps dogs understand desired behaviours without resorting to punitive measures [3]. Embracing modern, evidence-based methods can build healthier, more respectful relationships with our canine companions.

Television also plays a significant role.

TV networks air shows for ratings, promoting trainers whose methods align with the dominance theory. Unfortunately, these methods often rely on coercion and correction, leading dogs to comply out of fear, NOT out of genuine willingness and understanding.

Dominance, often mistaken for a personality trait, is instead a survival response rooted in anxiety and fear. Moreover, punishing a dog for undesirable behaviour doesn't effectively communicate what you want them to do instead. Behaviours stem from emotions, and punishment fails to address these emotional struggles.

Supporting your dog through their emotional struggles can effectively improve their behaviour over time[ 4]. It’s understandable that people use inappropriate methods and techniques as they are desperate and don’t know how else to manage the problems they are facing with their dog.

Today, qualified professionals understand that the relationship between dogs and humans isn't about asserting social rank. Instead, it's about creating an environment where the dog feels safe and supported. This involves managing their surroundings to prevent situations where they might struggle or fail, and consistently rewarding behaviours we want to encourage.

[1] 2008, Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals, AVSAB, https://avsab.org/.../Dominance_Position_Statement...

[2]Mech, L. David. 1999. Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:1196-1203.
Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/2000/alstat/alstat.htm
(Version 16MAY2000).

[3] Herron M, Shofer S, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, Pages 47-54

[4] Herron M, Shofer F, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 117, Issue-12, https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0168159108003717...

23/05/2024

Love this!

🐾Each dog is unique, and the specific problems and solutions may vary depending on the dog's coping abilities and emotional state.
💜Consult with a veterinarian or qualified dog behaviourist to develop a personalised plan for your dog's behavioural issues.

21/05/2024

Let's introduce you to Rosie 🐶

Beautiful Rosie here is a lovely, 1-year-old Kelpie x Collie who is full of beans!

True to her breed mixes, this girl likes to be kept mentally & physically stimulated, so we believe she would be the perfect companion for someone who's looking for a canicross partner, a new agility buddy or who likes to be active.

Since coming to the centre, we have been working on Rosie's training. In particular, her over excitement when walking on lead, as she sometimes forgets to keep all four paws firmly on the ground.

She can also be quite strong, so it would be important for her new owners to be happy to continue the training that we have started here with her.

Rosie has a big personality and we have found her to be very cheeky! However, we have also noticed that she can get worried with handling at times.

Therefore, she would love to find a new family that will have the time & patience to help her feel more comfortable and gain confidence in this area.

Rosie quickly makes friends with all the people she meets and she absolutely loves life! We think her new owners will be very lucky to have her join their home, as she is sure to bring a smile to their face.

This lovely girl gets very excited when meeting her canine pals, so we feel she would be happy to live with a like-minded, male dog.

We also believe that Rosie would be best suited to joining a family with adults and children over 10 years of age, due to her bouncy nature.

Rosie has been used to having someone around and she can struggle with being left on her own, so she would love to find new owners who will be around for most of the day, to help her overcome her anxieties.

If you would like to find out more about this enthusiastic & active girl, please visit our website at: www.mgar.org.uk/52473 and contact the team at Wingletang, who would love to hear from you.

15/05/2024

Oh no!

New research by Kyoto University shows dogs actually judge us on how we perform tasks!

25/04/2024

When is a play bow not a play bow!

They were play bowing and then 💥❗
Maybe....just maybe it wasn't a play bow at all ❓
The tricky thing with bows is they can mean many things and even in play they can have different meanings.
Dogs have to be able to read another dog and have their signals interpreted in return, but some dogs are unsure of when and how to give appropriate signals and some cannot read them when given them in return.
If a dog is playing with another whose shape and facial features are vastly different to their own, they can struggle.
If they were limited in exposure to other dogs/puppies, they can struggle to read this dogs play style.
A common misreading of a bow is when a dog want's nothing to do with another dog and is positioning themselves for a quick exit....or they are positioning themselves to defend.💥
Some dogs which stalk can look similar to a play bow as the head can lower, but there is a hard intensity to the eyes.

Dogs may bow to us or others when they greet as it has become a habit.

Context is everything with this, as is an individual dogs play style.
Looseness of the body can be a good indicator of a play bow, as can a more splayed position to the front legs.
An intensity with bowing can be easily misread by us and other dogs, that needs careful consideration.
Trickier still is some dogs gait and movement is just far more rigid and stiffer than others and they can be giving great signals of wanting to play....but can be misread.

If they have a trusted play mate, study how they play together, look at the bows...notice the leg positioning and all the other features of your dog.
Ears.
Mouth.
Eyes.
These can be really valuable to help you assess what is play with another dog and what is anything but play.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

23/04/2024

Great insight into healthy food for pets!

“Fresh food is too expensive for my pets” say 50% of pet parents 💔

Budgets are a reality for most people. And when so many are struggling to feed their families enough food it’s extra stressful to factor in healthier options because they’re significantly more expensive 🤯.

The entire world is waking up to the fact that kids aren’t thriving on dollar menu meals and Total cereal (it’s “100% nutritionally complete” 🙄) and pets aren’t thriving on fast food pellets (aka kibble, and even the most expensive kibble is still, well, kibble).

Because of folks like you, who know food matters, millions of pet parents now recognize their furry beloveds need more than one highly refined boxed dinner their whole lives. But because commercial pet food made with fresh, human-grade ingredients are 3-4 times more expensive than average pet foods, many people feel stuck feeding highly refined foods and treats they know aren’t the best for health.

So what do you do if you know better, but you can’t afford to do better? That is the most heartbreaking dilemma of all💔. And one we’re on a mission to fix. ❤️

Most wellness-oriented animal lovers are aware that foods coming from our own kitchens are the freshest, most nutritious food for our animals consume. But what most people don’t know is it’s also potentially the cheapest way to feed real food. Making some, most or all of your animal’s food, toppers and treats is incredibly satisfying, not only because you know exactly what your animal is consuming, but because you’re nourishing your pets so much better with far LESS money, compared to buying a similar commercial product.

The most economical way to make DIY nutritionally complete raw, gently cooked or crockpot diets for dogs or cats is using human grade vitamin and mineral supplements to fill the nutritional gaps (deficiencies). So many people are pleasantly surprised to find out they can make healthier food for less than they were spending on dry food 🥳

It’s important to everyone, including us vets, that homemade diets provide everything pets need, which is why following a properly balanced recipe is important. To address this economical quandary for those on a budget, we have provided 120+ recipes in our upcoming book, a 291 page work-around for those wanting more for less. This full color “how-to” guide offers step-by-step solutions for recycling your healthy human leftovers into incredibly nutritious pet food, treats, toppers, stews and broths. And for those of you not wanting to use supplements, of course there are also whole food recipes for puppies, kittens, adult and less active pets. Here’s to EVERYBODY being able to feed their families better❣️😘

🙋🏻‍♀️Comment and we’ll message you the link to the The Forever Dog LIFE book with over 120+ recipes and tips to help your pet live a longer and healthier L.I.F.E, along with the Learning Lab portal where you can get FREE access to ebooks, recipes, videos and more when you preorder today.

17/04/2024

Info

Anyone Bournemouth way needing cat or dog neutered, look at this!

14/04/2024

Great video!

25/03/2024

Love it!

01/03/2024

I found this to be a clear description of how we can help dogs learn