Polite Pooches Essex

24/03/2025

A couple of weeks of support can make a big difference.

The dog in the video was anxious and on high alert with a man filming from a distance (why footage is blurry).
With the owner now using support tactics, the dog is able to remain calm and relaxed with a man a lot closer.

20/03/2025

In recognition Dogs in Yellow day -20th March.

Dogs wearing yellow have responsible and considerate owners. So If you see a dog wearing any form of yellow, please be respectful, supportive, and understanding…at a distance. 😊

If your dog is struggling with reactivity, please feel free to get in contact for a no obligation chat.

18/03/2025

I really appreciate feedback 🤗
It makes sure I am on track for providing the right support for each individual owner and dog.

13/03/2025

Well done Rocky & Ken 👏
Coping well being close to each other, with support from their owners at the Social club for the Unsociable.

28/02/2025

**** Warning *** Some swearing in the clip below ***

Watching this recently, I found it very funny, but it made me think of dogs that are ‘trained’ using an electronic collar, often now known as a vibration collar.

Although this is very funny on consenting adults and there is some dramatic behaviour for comedic effect, it is very clear the stress and anxiety it causes.

Adult dogs can have the understanding and learning capacity of a 2 year old child, would you use a device like this on a child… No ? That’s insane and abuse.

There are many different devices and levels of shock or ‘vibration’ on collars for dogs, but they are all generally designed to associate a negative feeling with a certain behaviour, in the belief they will learn not to do it.

This may initially stop them out of shock, but they will not learn alternative wanted behaviour and the constant stress can cause other unwanted behaviours and even long term physical health problems.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown presents the first-ever Spelling Bee bonus round! Joe Wilkinson and Jon Richardson go head-to-head to find out who can spell ...

25/02/2025

We can all learn a lot from others surrounding dog behaviour.

There are many free resources for the dog guardian to help with understanding or working with their dog.

Feel free to get in contact of where you can access up to date, educated ideas or methods. Rather than using tiktok. instangram or facebook reels.

Personally I have taken/attended 25 courses or webinars, from April 2024 to date, a sample below:
The joint roles of emotion & arousal - PPG
Settling through scent work for highly aroused dogs - Canine Principles
Using scent to benefit reactivity – PPN
Understanding & working with predation - TCBTS
Least Inhibitive Functional Effective model - ABTC
Canine Nutrition - Canine Principles
Canine trauma & rescue - Canine Principles
Meaningful assessment of the risk of human directed bites - TCBTS
Canine fear based aggression - IAABC
Reactivity in Dogs - IAABC

23/02/2025

New Blog post.

Basically …Trainers teach you and your dog how TO DO something.Behaviourists support you and your dog to NOT do something.There can be different ‘titles’ for a behaviourist:Some may use consultant or advisor – which generally means they have had many years of experience and qualifications wi...

14/02/2025

Communication – helps to understand their ‘language’ - gains better understanding to behaviour.

Enrichment – allowing and encouraging natural behaviour – leads to a calmer, happier dog.

Play – builds a stronger bond.

Exercise – sufficient for their breed and personality – makes a relaxed dog.

Food – quality food and variety – gives a healthy dog.

Grooming – maintaining fur, nails, eyes, ears– keeps them comfortable.

Security – routine; their own space; training; choice with attention from others, dogs and humans - builds confidence and helps keep everyone safe.

10/02/2025

Its always lovely to get a review and it helps me with continued professional development too.

10/02/2025

Teeth... 🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷
An important consideration in the care of your dog.
Dental problems can often be at the root of a behavioural problem, so always get a full vet check if you have any concerns with your dogs behaviour.

Pet experts Animalcare explain how to clean dogs' teeth to mark Pet Dental Health Awareness Month

09/02/2025

🎺🎺Last call for March Session 🎺🎺

02/02/2025

Support & training for reactive or 'aggressive' dogs.

A controlled, safe and non-judgemental environment, to work with you and your dog using force free, positive training and support strategies with an experienced and qualified professional.

4-week duration, on Saturday mornings in East Hanningfield with developmental feedback, ‘after club manual’ and extended email support.

1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd March inclusive.

£100.00

For any more information, please email – [email protected] or phone/message/whatsapp - 07979 44 88 49

30/01/2025

❤️❤️ Wondering what to get a loved one for Valentines? 🐶 🥰

A Snuffle Mat!
See QR code for video and further information

Designed to encourage natural behaviour & mental enrichment.
Recommended by Vets and Dog Welfare Charities:

Suitable for all ages and abilities
Can help to slow down fast eaters,
Reduces stress or anxiety,
Supports calmer behaviour.

Hand made using up-cycled, durable material on a quality robust rubber base.

* * * in stock at The Art Place, The Meadows shopping centre, Chelmsford * * *

16/01/2025

New blog post:
Understanding and supporting a rescue dog.

Adopting a rescue dog can be a hugely rewarding experience, and the companionship, friendship, trust, and devotion of a dog is a tremendous joy. The rescue facility should have given you as much information as possible about the background, health, and any known issues with your dog. Your dog should...

13/01/2025

Each dog is an individual and their experiences, needs, owners lifestyle and support requirements can vary greatly.

To continue supporting rescue dogs and their guardians, I have been refreshing my knowledge.

Happy to have a no obligation chat if you have any concerns surrounding your dogs behaviour.

04/01/2025

❄️ ❄️As we are having this prolonged frost❄️❄️
please be aware of possible problems with dog’s feet:

🐾 Paws can become dry or cracked and sore
🐾 Wet feet can increase the risk of frost bite
🐾 Ice balls can build up between toes
🐾 Road salt/grit can irritate paws
Slipping or sliding can also cause muscle pulls or sprains

Whenever you return from a winter walk, washing your dogs feet in tepid water and drying thoroughly, especially between toes will help prevent any possible problems.

You can always miss a walk or two and offer scent based activities at home to entertain your dog and wear them out. Details and ideas on blogs:
https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/how-dogs-see-the-world-the-power-of-the-nose

https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/enrichment-what-is-it-what-is-the-point

Picture from freepik

29/12/2024

For new years eve.

Your dog’s behaviour when fireworks go off may appear irrational, and maybe even at times extreme. The noise, flashes and smell of fireworks can be extremely confusing and fear inducing for dogs. A dog’s brain, as ours, is programmed to react to the environment to protect from harm, perceived or...

18/12/2024

Looking for a toy for your dog that will last longer than Christmas?

S N U F F L E M A T
Recommended by Vets, Behaviourists and Dog Welfare charities.

On sale at: The Art Place, Meadows shopping centre, Chelmsford.

Suitable for ANY dog - ANY breed, ANY age, ANY ability.

Engaging dogs natural scenting abilities, can give many benefits:

🐶 MENTAL STIMULATION - promotes a more relaxed state
🐶 POSITIVELY OCCUPIES - can prevent unwanted behaviours
🐶 SLOWS DOWN EATING - aiding safe digestion
🐶 BUILDS CONFIDENCE - reduces anxiety with nervous

Easy to use - just add treats and/or usual kibble
Handmade using robust, upcycled fleece material on a sturdy rubber mat.