Polite Pooches Essex

07/04/2025

You can tell when an oldie is staying, by the amount of potions and lotions 😅
Lola is a treasured guest of 14 years old, who has been having her holidays with me for over 10 years 🤗.
Days are more sedate now and we make household adjustments for her, but she is comfortable and happy.
For any advice supporting an older dog please see blog or get in touch for a no obligation chat.
https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/supporting-an-older-dog

04/04/2025

My webpage has a list of events I will be attending, under the 'more' tab.

Pop along for free advice. Snuffle mats available to try and buy too. 🐶

Dog behaviour support from Polite Pooches Essex. Based in Chelmsford and covering surrounding areas. I will visit you and spend some time with your family and dog discussing your concerns whilst observing your dog, provide a full report with support and solutions to work towards improving your dogs....

03/04/2025

I have noticed an increase in people using the term ‘vibration collar’ to be used in the training of dogs.

These devices add a stimulus to ‘correct’ unwanted behaviour or get the attention of a dog.

Before allowing anyone to use this device on your dog I would suggest you test it on yourself first and ask how they teach, and reward wanted behaviour.

This is a device I have not and will not ever use, I only use positive, reward-based methods as endorsed by the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, Blue cross and Dogs trust.

“Evidence demonstrates that positive training methods are the most effective training intervention for companion animals in terms of health, welfare and behavioural outcomes. Research has shown that the application of electric stimulus, even at a low level, can cause physiological and behavioural responses associated with stress, pain and fear.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/media/1156/full-bva-policy-position-on-the-use-of-aversive-training-devices-in-dogs-and-cats.pdf

01/04/2025

Lovely 'Thank you's' from rescue dogs in Spain for harness's from Wendy & Perry 🤗 and food supplies from me.

30/03/2025

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL DOG MUM's.
Using the term dog mum, dad or parent does not always mean someone ‘babies’ their dog, it generally means that a dog is in a caring & nurturing environment with love and support.

Picture of my granddog... 'spoilt' by me 😁

28/03/2025

New blog post:

Most dogs lead lives mainly controlled by people… when and what they eat, when and where they walk, when they can go outside, where they sleep and when they are left alone. Many of these constraints are obviously needed for safety and well-being, and although dogs are very adaptive to living with ...

27/03/2025

When you have 5 minutes to watch...this video gives a great insight into the power of dogs sense of smell.

My blog - https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/how-dogs-see-the-world-the-power-of-the-noseand can also give some insight and understanding how this sense can affect or influence behaviour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fXa2Occ_U

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-do-dogs-see-with-their-noses-alexandra-horowitzYou may have heard the expression that dogs ‘see with their no...

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 🎺🎺