Carlys Canine Care

22/08/2024

Dog sitting highlights with Daphne and Alf

13/08/2024

Scentwork has so many benefits for our dogs. It’s suitable for all ages and breeds, being able to adapt to a dog’s individual ability, their preferences, speed and pace.

A new study has suggested that scent work could improve a dog’s ability to complete cognitive tasks with positive effects on behaviour.

Why SCENTWORK is a great activity

S niffing can decrease the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and raise dopamine levels.

C onnection between you and your dog, strengthening the bond, taking part in activity together.

E xercising the use of their muscles, nose and brain, offering physical, mental, emotional and social support.

N atural ability to use their amazing nose and sense of smell, tapping into their natural instinct.

T ake it anywhere, once you and your dog know what to do you can take it anywhere.

W hole dog, scent work supports a dog to become more focused, decreases stress, frustration, anxiety allowing a dog to concentrate with something they find incredibly rewarding.

O n and off lead, supporting lead handling skills, loose lead walking and recall with your dog.

R ewarding to engage in a fun activity that offers a sense of calm, channelling their energy into something positive.

K eeping up regular practice can help to improve a dog’s scent detection skills. However, sessions should be kept short with lots of breaks and water available between searches, as it can be very tiring and thirsty work.

I offer 121 Scentwork sessions, as well as small group classes along with some amazing other professionals in the area.
If you and your dog are interested in learning more, you’re welcome to get in touch.🙂

07/08/2024

Dog sitting highlights with Cosmo and Midnight

03/06/2024

Esty had a lovely time today

03/06/2024

Hey everyone, hope you are all well! I have limited space left for dog sitting over the summer of 2024 however I have plenty of spaces in the summer of 2025. Please pop me a message and I’ll be happy to help however I can

29/05/2024

Dog sitting highlights with Ted (also featuring his friend Timmy)

20/05/2024

Dog sitting highlights

09/05/2024

Stay cool and have fun has been ticked off Kobi’s checklist for the day 🐶💦

07/05/2024

Lovely day for a walk with these two ☀️🐾🌭

07/05/2024

If you’re working on recalls with your dog, make sure you aren't self sabotaging. Here’s some things to avoid for better recalls:

1. Calling them again if they don’t come the first time

Your recall word should be significant to your dog. If you keep calling it and nothing happens, that word is going to start losing its meaning and importance. If they don’t come, first figure out why, and address that before trying again.

2. Using their name for recalls

This can get confusing for your dog. We use their name all the time for so many different things. You probably use it when talking to them throughout the day, when you want them to stop doing something, when you’re playing together. It might get your dog's attention, but they likely won’t understand that you want them to come back unless you also use another word or do something else after you say it.

3. Getting angry when they ignore you

Being ignored can be frustrating. But remember to ask why they ignored you. They might not be ready for the difficulty of recalling in that environment, or they might not have a strong enough understanding of the recall word yet. Try not to take it personally. If we lose our patience, when the dog eventually comes back we might end up punishing them. While you might think ignoring or scolding the dog for not recalling when asked will tell them to be better next time, what you are actually communicating is that it’s bad to come back because you are a source of unpleasant things, causing them to avoid you more.

4. Skipping on rewards

You might think that once your dog knows how to recall, you don’t need to reward them as often any more. But recalls should always be rewarding if we want to keep them strong. It doesn’t have to always be food. It could be a game with you or anything that makes them feel good. But make sure it always feels good to come back.

5. Not having a plan

Recall training takes a bit of planning. If you go straight to a busy park and just start calling them in hope they come so you can reward them, you’re likely to fail. Build up an understanding of recalls and practice at home first. Then gradually increase difficulty, and know what step you are at. Knowing how to set your training up for success is key.

6. Not making sure their needs have been met before expecting them to be able to listen to you

A dog that is overwhelmed, needs to toilet, is fearful or experiencing any other need is going to have a hard time listening to you. Sometimes we need to put recall training to one side while more pressing concerns are addressed first. Dogs also just need time to be dogs. I spend at least the first 10-15 of any walk allowing the dog to do their thing. No training or expectations. You might need a long line or a secure, quiet area to be able to do this safely. A bit of freedom and relief from the constraints of pet dog life can make a world of difference to your dog and your training.

We are all human and will inevitably make mistakes, in training and life. The more aware we are of our own behaviours and what they mean for our dogs the better our training becomes.

Have you noticed yourself falling into any of these traps?

02/05/2024

A big issue for many walking their dogs on leads (for any one of a number of reasons) can be uncontrolled loose dogs running up to their dogs. Three of the most common reasons are shown in the image - an older dog who may be hurt in an over-enthusiastic and excitable greeting, a dog recovering from illness/injury/surgery, and a dog who is scared - perhaps the victim of a previous dog attack.

There is a misconception that 'good' dogs will love all other dogs and, if in a public area, should be prepared to play and interact with any other dog in the area. The truth is that, just as we are, most dogs are at least a little selective in who they want to interact with. They will show this in their body language which - subtle as it may be to humans - a socially competent dog will be able to read and respect.

The problem is that these 'good' and 'friendly' dogs as their humans perceive them are generally not actually all that socially competent, and don't respect those subtle signals asking for space and to be left alone. They can keep pushing and pushing until the on lead dog (who is not able to avoid them because they are on lead and can't get away) feels they have no choice but to defend themselves. And then it's often the poor on-lead dog who is labelled as 'bad' when they were just trying to get out of the scary situation.

An off lead dog should not be allowed to approach unknown on-lead dogs. If you see your dog approaching an on-lead dog, call your dog back and keep them close by, either by calling them to heel or putting them on the lead. For the sake of everyone's enjoyment of the space you are in, keep your dog under control for the few minutes it takes to give the on-lead dog space, and then carry on.

If your dog cannot be called back from approaching an on-lead dog, they are not ready to be off-lead in a public place. Use a longline while working on strengthening their recall around distractions - for their own safety, as well as that of the other dogs around.

30/04/2024

Dog sitting highlights with Timmy

09/04/2024

Lovely day for a lovely walk with Molly

28/03/2024

Does your dog ignore you on a walk?

Is your recall strong enough to save you dogs life?

If you’d like some help and support I have a recall workshop available on Saturday 6th April. More details can be found here…

https://www.speakdogwithruthhaynes.co.uk/book-online?category=4177535d-111d-4415-aa30-5fbc8d3a1476

23/03/2024

Dog sitting highlights ♥️🐾

20/03/2024

💛Today is Day 💛
There are so many reasons a dog is on lead or wearing yellow.

💛A dog recovering from an injury or operation

💛A puppy or dog in training

💛An elderly dog or a dog wanting to have a walk in peace

💛A rescue dog learning about their world

💛A dog that is struggling, anxious or scared

There is one thing we can all do that will help, when you see a dog on lead or in yellow.
💛Give them some space💛

09/03/2024

Cosmo had a fabulous time at the beach today

06/03/2024

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you all know that I am fully booked for dog sitting in April. Sorry for any inconvenience caused! If you have interest in my dog sitting services for other dates please contact me

07/02/2024

Muddy paws are happy paws 🐾

21/12/2023

Maisie had a fab time today ❤️

05/12/2023

Herbie jumping for joy and for his ball

30/11/2023

*** Mr Heckles has now found his loving furrever home, thank you everyone for your help! ❤️

Hey everyone

My name’s Mr Heckles and I’m around 2 years old.

I’m a gentle giant, who loves fuss and food.

You might have seen the news but some humans have banned breeds like me! How is that right? when you think of all the bad things humans do? But they don’t get banned?

This means I will have to wear a muzzle on all of my adventures! The really sad news is that I’ve only got until the end of December to find my forever home and then it will be illegal for me to be adopted!!

The kennels tell me they will save me. But we need your help! (If you can’t adopt please share)

Please let me show you that XL bullies like me are the softest dogs ever! All I want is a chance.

Because of my size we recommend all children need to be at least 12+ I can live with other dogs if the right introductions are done.

Will you be the one to save me? 😪 (please, I need you)

Lots of love and slobbery kisses
Heckles 🐾🩵🐾

24/11/2023

🐶 A LETTER FROM A REACTIVE DOG 🐶

I’m confused. When I’m with my owners, and we’re alone, the world melts away. It’s just us. They tell me, while framing my face in their hands and stroking my ears, that I am “the best dog.” 🌈

I believe them. My tail wags furiously, and I smile up at them. 😊

I AM the best dog. 🏆

But sometimes, I am not, and I scare them or frustrate them because I am scared, frustrated, anxious, and uncertain. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with fear or excitement. They are upset when I bark, growl, lunge, and sometimes snap. They are frustrated when I am anxious and sensitive to any sound or movement in the world around me. 😥

I hear people, with their labels, tell them I am “reactive,” and they should do something about it, that I am ruling their home and their lives. Am I doing that? I’m just scared. I’m just not sure what to do. I just want to feel safe. 🏡

When I was younger, we went everywhere together, my owners and I. The world felt big and looming, invasive and frightening. People would pet me, other dogs would rush up to me with their owners frantically yelling, “He’s friendly!!!”. At first, I was calm and quiet… but then I had to speak up! I had to tell the world to stop invading my space. Please, please leave me alone! 🚫

I want to experience the world. I want to taste all the things that my owners tell me I should “LEAVE IT”. I want to smell all the things, all the wonderful, amazing, and unique smells of grass, trees, and fox poo! I can’t help that; instead, I am hypervigilant, scanning the environment for the lurking people or dogs or other scary things that seem to constantly throw themselves at me. 👃

I would give anything in the world to be THE BEST DOG all the time. 🌍

I don’t understand why, when I tell my owners that I don’t feel safe, they don’t understand. Sometimes, they comfort me. Sometimes, they get upset. 😢

They’ve tried everything, so many training approaches, it makes my mind whirl. They toss my favourite treats and shove them in my face. I can’t eat right now, I’m surviving! The prickly collar that I couldn’t escape from… The clinking chain collar that made it hard to breathe sometimes… The stinging spray that made it difficult to smell, that would linger in my nose, after I would bark, “I need space! I am scared!” 🐕💔

I know they love me with everything in them, and they are trying so, so hard. I want to do this for them, I want to be the dog they want me to be. I want to will away the fear and the anxiety, the overwhelm, and I want to be perfect. I try so hard, just like them. 🌟

If you see a dog like me, can you give us space? Can you give us time? Can you give us compassion? Please don’t let your dog run up to me. Please don’t try to pet me. I am trying my hardest, I promise. I really, really want to be THE BEST DOG. 🙏🐶

Is your BEST dog struggling?

Help them be the best dog they deserve to be through the power of games-based training - training that not only has helped thousands of students overcome so many training obstacles and challenges with their dogs, but can help you too. That’s our mission here at Absolute Dogs.

https://absolutedogs.me/supernbn

23/11/2023

Getting a puppy is very exciting. , there are lots of things we need to do to prepare for their arrival. Things like purchasing water bowls, food bowls, crates, beds, harnesses, leads, food, puppy pads, toys, chews, etc.

Booking your pup's first health check with your vet is high up there on your prep list also.

But a very important factor can be missed. Preparing the house and making it puppy-proof.

Your puppy will be very inquisitive and will explore using his mouth. Anything and everything could potentially turn into a chew item.

Our houses may seem harmless enough to us, but for our puppy we can often overlook some potentially life-threatening dangers. Here are some of the things you should consider when proofing your home.

1) Electric cables - self-explanatory really, but ensure electrics are kept out of reach or safely protected by cases or coverings.

2) House and garden plants - did you know that there are hundreds of house and garden plants that are deadly for our dogs. The Kennel Club has a great dictionary you can check to ensure these are not in your home, or have barriers around them to stop pup gaining access. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/poisons-in-your-garden/

3) Ponds - do you have a pond, even if it is very shallow this could pose a drowning risk if your pup fell in. Ensure it is covered or access is blocked until your pup learns differently.

4) Chemical & cleaning equipment. I don't know about you but all my cleaning equipment is kept in the cupboard under the sink. This is perfectly fine for me and my family who understand not to mess or play with them. For your new pup though this could be dangerous should they be able to open the cupboard and start exploring what's in there. Ensure items are either placed in another cupboard off the ground or the cupboard is locked.

5) Small objects: if you have children those Lego pieces or Barbie house accessories are not only painful to stand on but are a potential choking hazard for your pup. Again ensure access is removed with barriers, this is where playpens for your pup come in useful.

6) Bins - the food and or packing placed in our bins could be hazardous to our pup, ensure the lid is secure and your pup cannot access what's inside.

7) Slippery floors - Did you know that there are many growth plates in our dogs that don't fully develop until they are around 18 months old (breed dependent). Did you also know that allowing our dogs to negotiate slippery floors could cause early-onset arthritis? This is very serious and could cause all sorts of physical discomforts and problems for your dog later on. Ensure all slippery floors have non-slip mats for your pup/dog to walk on.

8) Valuable items - You will want to make sure that all your valuable items are kept up high and out of rich. Remotes for the TV and phones seem to be very popular with pupies.

9) Curtain tassels or tie-backs - Great to chew and swing off of. you may want to make sure these are out of the way during the puppy years.

10) Food - there are many food items that are dangerous for our dogs, especially young pups. Make sure everyone in the house is mindful about not leaving food lying around at pups height.

Basically, empty your house until your pup is 18 months old! Only joking. Use your common sense, be mindful, and do not underestimate the lengths a pup will go to to access something interesting, which in their eyes is EVERYTHING. :)

02/11/2023

30/10/2023

🎆Fireworks can be scary for dogs, but here at Absolute Dogs we know there is a lot you can do to make the experience as calm and stress free as possible. 🐕

Be Prepared:

🏠 Stay Indoors: Walk before dusk and stay inside once the fireworks start. If you do need to head out again after dark, keep your dog on a lead.
🆔 Update ID: Ensure your dog's ID is up to date just in case.
🎧 Noise Pairing: Create a calm, positive association with all noises, big and small, to ease anxiety.
💡 Talk to Your Vet: Discuss options for helping your dog feel a little more relaxed. Adding some Calm-K9 (from AbsoluteDogs’ sister company A-OK9) to your dog’s daily food is a brilliant natural way to provide some extra calming support.
🎮 Play Games: Boost your dog's optimism around novelty and invest in calmness.
🪣 Empty the Stress Bucket: Give your dog time to relax and empty their stress bucket before the event.

On the Night:
📺 Mask Noises: Play the TV or radio to mask fireworks noise.
🍽️ Reward Positively: If your dog is receptive to food, support them with a positive outcome as noises happen.
🌆 Limit Sight and Sound: Close curtains, keep lights on, and limit what your dog can see and hear.
🏡 Create a Safe Space: Offer a calm, safe space for your dog to retreat or seek comfort.
🏃 Keep Moving: In stressful situations, movement makes you feel better, so if your dog is up for a game, getting them moving can help them cope.
🐾 Soothing Activities: Prepare filled bones, K9 Calm mats, Kongs, and long-lasting chews in advance for soothing distractions.
Remember, with a little preparation you can help your dog have a calmer and happier experience during fireworks. 🎆🐕

Want to learn more? Download our Free eBook:
http://game.absolute-dogs.com/fireworks

For more top training tips and super games to boost your dog’s skills and grow your relationship - for fireworks season and beyond - jump into Games Club! Absolute Dogs training is the very best way to set your dog up for success, whatever they encounter in life - and you’ll have so much fun too!

https://absolute-dogs.com/product/training-academy/

27/10/2023

Due to Firework events happening over the next week or so, it can be incredibly stressful time for our dogs. Here are some helpful tips to start preparing for those up coming events

❤️‍🩹Gradually expose your dog to recorded firework sounds at a very low volume, increasing the volume over time, observing them to ensure your dog is comfortable showing no signs of distress. Associate the sounds with feeding, play times, your dogs favourite chews, toys and games.

❤️‍🩹Speak to your vet if your concerned about your dog's anxiety and stress around fireworks, noise sensitivity for medication support preparing in advance

❤️‍🩹Walk your dog earlier in the evenings a few days before and after. Unfortunately firework night is not just for one evening

❤️‍🩹Provide safe and comfy areas around your home, away from door ways, windows. Your dog may choose a particular room or certain area

❤️‍🩹Thundershirts / Calming wraps can help reduce stress. They may not be for every dog so introduce them slowly to your dog to avoid them feeling concerned

❤️‍🩹Pet remedy is known to reduce stress supporting rest and wellbeing. You can use an adapter, spray and wipes.Helping your dog to feel safe in unpredictable situations

❤️‍🩹Ensure your dogs microchip is up to date, their collar has an ID Tag, garden is secure, use stair gates around main entrances / exits in case they bolt

‼️During Firework nights‼️

🎇Always walk your dog before it gets dark
🎇Distract with engaging in play, favourite games and enrichment activities with you
🎇Provide a choice of calming activities, licki mat, chew toy, kong, scatter feed inside, nose work to search for their favourite treats or toys
🎇Let your dog choose if they want to hide, play or be reassured by you
🎇Close windows, shut curtains and blinds and keep lights on
🎇Play background music to mask out the sound.
Classical, reggae music and Taiko drums have been found to be helpful

24/10/2023

Kobi had a brilliant time today and managed to miss the rain

24/10/2023

💬🐶 LET’S TALK SOCIALISATION! 🐶💬

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your life, you’re probably keen to start introducing them to other people and other dogs as soon as possible, during that all-important ‘socialisation window’. ⏲️🪟🐕

But what should socialisation actually look like?

🤔 Does your puppy really need to meet dogs of all different ages, breeds, and temperaments in order to learn the right etiquette?
🤔 Do you actually need to work through a checklist of different people, animals, events, and environments for your puppy to experience in the first few weeks?
😬 Or could that actually overwhelm them and knock their confidence and optimism?

The traditional view of ‘socialisation’ would have you believe that you have a critical window in which to expose your puppy to as many experiences as possible, to prepare them for everything they are going to encounter in life. The truth is, this approach relies on exposure and it can really go quite wrong for a lot of dogs, no matter their age. It is what we would call training IN the situation, before your pup has the skills and knowledge FOR that situation.

At absoluteDOGS, we know socialisation is actually an opportunity to cleverly show your puppy that the world is a safe place that they can navigate with you by their side. It’s not about a checklist of things to expose your puppy to… It’s really an opportunity to provide your puppy with a foundation of optimism, confidence, and value in YOU (not the environment and everything it has on offer)! 🐾😍

Socialisation is a life-long event in many ways. We should be regularly training for novelty and non-events, preparing our dogs for real-life scenarios, and doing that over a more extended time period – all while growing optimism, confidence and disengagement skills. We’ve got to be our dog’s guardians, their protectors, and learn when to say “no” to socialisation to guard their carefully grown optimism! ✨✅💪🐶

Keen to learn HOW to get socialisation right from the start and grow confidence and optimism for your puppy (or rehome, rescue, foster or existing family dog)? ✨💖

🔗 Check out our FREE eBook on ‘Socialisation’ in our Secrets to Raising A Puppy: The absoluteDOGS Way resource bundle!
https://absolutedogs.me/resources

🔗 And head over to our absoluteDOGS TV YouTube channel to find our video on How to Smash Through Your Puppy's Socialisation Checklist!
https://youtu.be/tYf1bEaGPhY