Puppy Tales Pets

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Puppy Tales Pets

A place for all things dog 🐶 From dog training to learning about dog breeds, the latest products & exciting news in the dog world.

Puppy Tales offers dog walking (both solo and group walks) which include treats, water, lots of exercise, photo updates and a towel down afterwards. I ensure that your dog gets the appropriate exercise alongside enjoying themselves along the way. We aim to walk any dog and will cater their walks to each dogs individual needs and owners requests. We also offer pet sitting (daily and overnight). Dai

ly visits vary and last from 30 minutes to an hour. We will play with your pet, feed them, let them out to the toilet and clean up any mess that may have occurred. If you need to go away for the night, We are available to pet sit in your home to relieve the stress and make sure your pet has lots of company while you are away. If this is a dog, one or two walks are included dependent on the length of time. We offer training services too. Puppy classes, older dog classes and 1-2-1 sessions are all available. Please get in touch if you have any questions or want to know more about a specific service!

18/12/2024

Does your dog pull on the lead?!

If yes, check out these tips to help you! 🦮

🐾 Start in a Controlled Environment
Begin training in a quiet space, like your home or garden, where your dog won’t be distracted. If your dog can’t loose lead walk here then they won’t be able to in busy environments so it’s important to perfect it in the house first.

🐾 Leads
Use a fixed-length lead instead of a flexi lead. Flexi leads encourage pulling as dogs learn they can gain more lead by tugging. A standard lead provides clear boundaries, helping your dog understand how much freedom they have.
Harnesses are perfectly fine for lead training. They don’t encourage pulling when used with the right techniques. The key is teaching your dog the behaviour you want, not relying solely on the gear.

🐾 Make Rewards Count
Use high-value treats that are only given during lead training—something extra special that grabs your dog’s attention e.g steak or chicken, cheese etc Generally the smellier the better!
Begin by rewarding your dog for being at the side of you and focusing. You can use a marker word such as ‘yes’ to communicate to your dog you like their behaviour and that a reward is coming.
Practise, practise, practise getting them into this position then slowly begin to step forward. With each step, mark & reward as your dog walks with you.
If they pull, stop immediately. Stand still and wait for the lead to slacken. This teaches your dog that pulling doesn’t work, but calm walking does. Then repeat the sequence of into position, mark, reward & then slowly add steps again. You can also change direction to help refocus their attention on to you again.

🐾 Stay Consistent and Patient
It’s okay if your dog walks slightly ahead, as long as they aren’t pulling. This is their chance to explore, but in a controlled way. If you want your dog to only walk by your side then only reward them for doing so.

🐾 The Key Is Consistency
Consistency is eve ning. If you lapse even once and allow your dog to pull, they’ll quickly revert to old habits. This can set you back and force you to retrain from a previous step.

Every dog learns at their own pace. Stick with it, stay consistent, and you’ll soon have a dog who walks happily and politely by your side.

🐾Seek Professional Help if Needed
Of course, there’s no substitute for professional training. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored advice and support to help you and your dog succeed.

16/12/2024

Dogs are more than just pets; they're family! 🐾

Whether they're wagging their tails in excitement, cuddling up for a nap, or simply giving you that loving look, they never fail to bring joy into our lives.

What’s the best thing your dog does to make you smile?

Share in the comments! 🐶

15/12/2024

Tiny Reya when she was a puppy 🥰

Let’s see those puppy pics!!

09/12/2024

Preparing your dog for visitors at Christmas 🎄

As the holiday season approaches, routines can be disturbed but also a time for unfamiliar guests or increased activity in your home too.

Preparing your dog for visitors during Christmas can help ensure a calm and enjoyable experience for both your pet and your guests. Here are some practical tips to help your dog feel comfortable and reduce holiday stress.

🐾 Prepare a safe space
During the holiday hustle, your dog may feel overwhelmed by the noise and excitement. Set up a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat if they need some alone time (they may already have one). This could be a crate, a specific room, or a cozy corner with their bed, toys, and water. Having a place to go will help your dog feel secure when the festivities become too much.
If your dog usually chills in the place visitors may be, get them used to being in a different area before the guests arrive.

🐾 Practice socialising in advance
If your dog is nervous or unfamiliar with visitors, it’s a good idea to start socialising them before Christmas. Invite a few friends or family members over ahead of time to allow your dog to adjust to new people. Gradually expose your dog to different situations and environments so they can become more comfortable around unfamiliar faces.
If your dog is very uncomfortable around new people then please consult a trainer or behaviourist to advise you on the best approach.

🐾 Put a plan in place for visitors
Dogs can get excited when meeting new people, especially in a lively holiday environment. To prevent jumping, barking, or overwhelming your guests, consider training your dog to greet visitors calmly. You can practice basic commands like "sit," "stay," or "quiet" ahead of time to help your dog stay composed when new faces arrive.

When your guests do arrive, allow your dog to approach them at their own pace. Don’t force your dog to interact if they’re not ready, and make sure guests know how to approach your dog gently and respectfully.

🐾 Prepare the Christmas decorations:
Christmas decorations, such as trees, lights, or ornaments, can be tempting for dogs to explore. Make sure your holiday decor is safe for your pet. Avoid fragile ornaments at dog level and keep electrical cords out of reach. If you have a Christmas tree, consider securing it well to prevent it from tipping over, putting it up high or placing a barrier around it.

🐾 Allow your dog time to decompress:
The excitement of the holidays can lead to changes in the home that may cause stress for your dog. Loud music, unfamiliar smells, or changes in routine can all contribute to anxiety. Be mindful of your dog’s stress signals (panting, pacing, drooling, or hiding) and provide reassurance through calm interactions, gentle petting, or a comforting presence. Allow them time away to chill whether it be a long, sniffy walk, cuddles in a quiet room or a chew in their safe space.

🐾 Ensure your guests know what to do:
Sometimes, guests may not understand the cues your dog is giving or may unintentionally overwhelm them. Educate your visitors on your dog’s needs and behavior. Remind them not to force interactions, and to respect your dog’s space if they seem anxious. Encourage your guests to offer treats or praise only when your dog is calm and comfortable. Also, ensure guests know which foods your dog cannot eat. Christmas is a time for tasty snacks but dogs cannot eat things like raisins, chocolate & macadamia nuts.

🐾 Calming aids can help:
If your dog is prone to anxiety, especially during high-stress situations like holiday gatherings, you can consider calming aids. There are various options available, including pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or even prescription medications for severe anxiety. However, always check with your vet beforehand and seek behavioural help too.

Christmas is an exciting time for all of us and we want it to be enjoyable too, including for our dogs. Preparing yourself & your dog helps to minimise stress & maximise happiness. With a little preparation, both you and your dog can enjoy a peaceful and festive season!

08/12/2024

How to choose the best dog walker for your dog 🦮

Hiring a dog walker is such an important decision to make. You are trusting them with a member of the family, to not undo all the training you’ve put into your dog & also with a key to your house!

Here’s what to look for when making your decision:

➡️ Experience & Knowledge:
Choose a dog walker with experience handling dogs of different breeds and temperaments. They should be knowledgeable about dog behavior, understand how to handle various situations, and know the appropriate ways to manage your dog’s specific needs. Ask if they undertake any CPD and what in.
If you own a specific breed or a dog who requires specific handling then discuss this with the walker and ask for their experience in the area.

➡️ References & Reviews:
A reliable dog walker will have a strong reputation, so ask for references from previous clients or check online reviews. Testimonials can give you valuable insight into their reliability, punctuality, and care for pets. If they are just starting out, speak to them about their experience and at the meet & greet, observe how they interact with your dog.

➡️ Insurance:
One of the most critical aspects to check is whether the dog walker has proper insurance, including public liability insurance. This protects both your pet and property in the event of an accident or injury.
Dog walkers should also have up to date first aid training too.

➡️ DBS Check:
A trustworthy dog walker should have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, especially if they’ll be walking your dog on their own. Although not a requirement by law, it gives you an extra bit of security.

➡️ Puppy Visits:
If you have a puppy, their needs are different from those of an adult dog. Puppies require more frequent and shorter walks, and early socialization is important. A good walker will offer introductory visits for puppies to help them adjust to new environments and build positive associations with their walker. They will understand that puppies can’t join full hour group walks until older but may offer shorter walks with appropriate adult dogs where possible.

➡️ Group Walks:
If the dog walker offers group walks, ensure they maintain a safe dog-to-walker ratio. Smaller groups mean more attention for your dog and a safer environment. Ask about the walker’s policy on the number of dogs they take on walks and if your dog’s needs will be properly managed in a group setting.

➡️ Where they take your dog:
Check where the dog Walker will walk your dog. If it’s a solo walk, they may walk from your home to a local field but groups tend to be transported to different areas.

➡️ Appropriate Vehicle Setup:
If your dog walker transports pets to different locations, check that they have a safe and secure vehicle setup. This could include crates or harnesses to prevent any accidents during transit. Proper vehicle safety is especially important if they’re transporting multiple dogs.

➡️ Communication:
Clear and frequent communication is key. Your dog walker should be responsive and open to providing updates about your dog’s walks. Whether it’s through text, photos, or phone calls, you should feel comfortable knowing how your dog is doing. They should also be flexible and accommodating when it comes to scheduling, however if you cancel last minute you may still be charged. Likewise if you try to book in a last minute walk, they may not always be able to accommodate.

➡️ Meet & Greets:
All dog walkers should offer a meet & greet before you sign up for a service. This is where they come to your home, meet you and your dog and discuss all their needs.
You can find out more about the walker too and see how your dog reacts to them.
You can also schedule a trial walk to see how your dog gets on outside with the walker too. If your dog has any quirks or specific training then it’s a good way to show the walker how to deal with these.

➡️ Cost:
Dog walking prices can vary widely depending on location, the walker’s experience, and the services offered. A group walk may range from £12 to £20, with prices increasing for additional services like longer walks or puppy visits. Make sure you understand the pricing structure and any additional charges for things like transportation, group walks, or special care needs. While cost is important, it’s essential to balance it with the quality of service. Don’t always opt for the cheapest option—consider the walker’s experience, insurance, and reputation when making your decision.

➡️ Terms & Conditions:
Your dog walker should ask you to sign their terms & conditions. This will out line payment methods, any additional fees for late payment/cancellation etc, emergency procedures & more.
They should also ask you to fill in an information sheet outlining your dogs needs, vet details, emergency contact and any other information you wish to add.

Choosing the right dog walker ensures your pet’s safety, happiness, and well-being while you’re away. Make sure they have the appropriate insurance, background checks, and experience to provide reliable, high-quality care for your dog.
Most importantly, make sure you are happy & comfortable with the Walker. If you don’t feel comfortable then meet another one to find the perfect match.

07/12/2024

‼️ It’s a red weather warning ‼️

When a red weather warning is issued for heavy rain and high winds, it's vital to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Here’s how you can look after your furry friends during a storm:

1. Keep pets inside:
Keep your animals indoors. Or if you have a hutch set up outside, consider moving it into a shed/garage or into your home too. Strong winds and heavy rain can be frightening and dangerous, causing injuries from debris or flooding.

2. Limit Outdoor Time:
Keep your pets outdoor time to a minimum. For dogs, that means quick toilet breaks.
For cats & small animals, try to get them to use litter trays where possible.

3. Comfort your pet:
- Provide comfort to your pet during the storm. Both cats and dogs can become anxious or frightened by loud noises and sudden changes in the weather.
- For dogs - Offer a calming environment with their favorite toys, a cozy bed, or even calming music. Anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress.
- For cats- Keep their environment quiet and familiar. If your cat is hiding, don’t force them out. They may feel safer in a small, enclosed space like under a bed or inside a closet.
- Creating a safe space in a quiet area of your home where your pets can feel secure, away from windows and doors that may rattle or let in drafts is a great idea for anxious animals.

4. Be Prepared for Emergencies:
Ensure your pet has an appropriate ID tag on their collar if they wear one.
- Keep a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and a first aid kit.

5. Keep Their Routine (When Possible):
- Some pets have a solid routine so try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding and toileting schedule to provide some stability and normalcy during the storm. Sudden changes in routine can add stress, especially for anxious pets.
- For dogs: If your dog is used to going for a morning or evening walk, consider doing a quick toilet break in a sheltered spot to minimise exposure to the elements.
- For cats: If your cat is particularly sensitive to change, keep their routine as normal as possible. Provide fresh water, food, and their litter box in a quiet, stress-free environment.
However, depending on the weather conditions, staying inside is always advised first and a disruption to routine is better than risking your health.

6. Play games/train to burn off some energy.
- Some pets will struggle to stay indoors all day. Consider getting their favourite toys out for a good play in the house or training some fun tricks to keep their mind & body occupied.

7. After the storm:
- Clear your gardens & outside spaces for any broken branches, glass, or other sharp objects that could harm your pets. If there are any fallen power lines or flooding in your area, keep pets away from those hazards.
- For pets who may have been hiding, allow them to come out on their own terms and provide extra comfort if they seem stressed or disoriented.

The weather is unpredictable but remember no dog ever died from not being walked so please consider staying inside as much as possible!

07/12/2024

‼️ It’s a red weather warning ‼️

When a red weather warning is issued for heavy rain and high winds, it’s vital to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Here’s how you can look after your furry friends during a storm:

1. Keep pets inside:
Keep your animals indoors. Or if you have a hutch set up outside, consider moving it into a shed/garage or into your home too. Strong winds and heavy rain can be frightening and dangerous, causing injuries from debris or flooding.

2. Limit Outdoor Time:
Keep your pets outdoor time to a minimum. For dogs, that means quick toilet breaks.
For cats & small animals, try to get them to use litter trays where possible.

3. Comfort your pet:
- Provide comfort to your pet during the storm. Both cats and dogs can become anxious or frightened by loud noises and sudden changes in the weather.
- For dogs - Offer a calming environment with their favorite toys, a cozy bed, or even calming music. Anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress.
- For cats- Keep their environment quiet and familiar. If your cat is hiding, don’t force them out. They may feel safer in a small, enclosed space like under a bed or inside a closet.
- Creating a safe space in a quiet area of your home where your pets can feel secure, away from windows and doors that may rattle or let in drafts is a great idea for anxious animals.

Contained in comments ⬇️

01/12/2024

The importance of not over exercising a puppy 🐶🐾

Puppies need little physical exercise due to their growing bodies. Too much exercise can result in physical issues plus mental ones too.

Let’s dive into it:

➡️ Growth Plates
Growth plates are the areas of cartilage at the end of the leg bones. If a puppy damages these before they have matured it can result in deformities & problems with healing leading to life long issues.

➡️ Temporary Issues
Puppies can be clumsy when growing (we’ve all seen videos of them falling over themselves) so the risk of damage during exercise can happen easily. They may develop strains or sprains which can lead to crate rest & general pain or discomfort.
With this, socialisation may be disrupted as your pup will have to be carried/not able to exercise like normal.

➡️ Puppies Paws
At first, our pups paws are soft so there is a greater risk of hurting them if allowing them to run too much on hard ground or on hot surfaces.

➡️ Stimulus
Puppies can easily become overexcited. This can lead to them being unable to learn or becoming overwhelmed.

And this also leads to:
➡️ Tiredness
Puppies get tired a lot quicker than adult dogs.
Remember new puppies are keen to explore the world generally through sniffing & looking at things but this can be exhausting so add into that a long walk or a play with another dog & your puppy will be super tired.
It’s okay to carry a puppy if you think they need a rest. Most puppies don’t know when to stop so sometimes we need to step in and help them to relax.

✅ What to do instead?

➡️ Take regular breaks
Ensure your pup has adequate rest time between play & walks.
This will help them to settle and give them time to process everything too.

➡️ If you feel your puppy needs more exercise then increase the mental stimulation instead
Get the treats and toys out and start training. Teach them some fun tricks or some basic obedience. This is super tiring for pups without the need for a lot of exercise.

➡️ Use food
Use things like kongs or toppls to provide your puppy with another way of eating. You can also provide a range of chews to help occupy them & help them to settle down.

🐾 In terms of how much exercise to give your puppy. The best way is to go with the rule of 5 minutes of exercise per month of age (twice a day). So for example if your puppy is 4 months old then a 20 minute walk is enough. If your puppy is taking it slow, stopping & sniffing you can do a little longer.

Once fully grown then you can go out for longer walks but your dogs temperament, breed & health will factor into this. If you are ever unsure then consult a vet for advice too who can do a full health check.

Enjoy your puppy & your walks but always remember to look out for them! It’s much better to be safe when they are young than to have life lasting impact on joints.

27/11/2024

I have a list of breeds as long as my arm that I’d love to own 😅

But now with two kids, some breeds would just not be practical and I just do not have the time!

So if I could pick any breed currently it would be a golden retriever… being a gundog they are pretty sturdy, less likely to be super nervous pups & known for their temperaments around people & dogs.

Although finding a good breeder is always a must with any breed!!!

26/11/2024

Let sleeping dogs lie 😴😴😴

⬆️⬆️this statement is so true. Sleep is fundamental to the health & wellbeing of our dogs (just like us humans).
It contributes to their development, emotional & physical health and if they don’t have enough can impact them leading to behavioural & health issues.

How much sleep do dogs need? 😴

Adult dogs need between 14 to 16 hours of sleep a day. Puppies & elderly dogs should be getting around 18 to 20 hours. So it’s a lot of sleep!!

For puppies & adolescent dogs, sleep is crucial to brain development, memory consolidation & learning. Thing about all the new experiences our puppies have. Sleep helps the brain to process this.
Without this sleep, puppies struggle to train behaviours & it can lead to behavioural issues (think about a teething puppy).

➡️ Sleep helps to regulate emotions (just like us humans!)
Well rested dogs are less prone to impulsive behaviours. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, aggression & over reactivity - again think of us humans!
If a dog is already anxious or nervous, then lack of sleep can aspirate this and lead to bigger reactions, becoming over sensitive to change in environments, increased aggression & a lack of ability to self soothe.

So how can we support sleep in our dogs? 🐶

⁃ Establish a routine. Ensure they have regular periods of sleep in the day. Create a quiet & comfortable place for your dog to rest in (especially if you have a busy household).
⁃ Limit exciting activities before sleep. Playing fetch for hours before bed may just create a hyper dog whereas encouraging calmness with a chew (if needed to settle) will help to encourage your dog to wind down.
⁃ Track your dogs sleep. If you feel there are changes then seek out professional help where necessary or implement more structured rest periods.
⁃ Are there things keeping your dog awake? Some dogs get cold so may need a blanket or coat. Some find it difficult if they hear foxes or other animals outside so may need or sleep in a different room.
⁃ Offer your dog appropriate mental stimulation throughout the day. By exercising the mind & body, it’ll help dogs to settle down and offer better quality sleep overall.

If you are struggling with your dogs behaviour or feel that you need help to calm them, seek out a qualified professional who can advise & implement changes to your dogs routine for better sleep management.

24/11/2024

Always 😂😂

24/11/2024

Hi everyone!

As I have now stopped our pet services, I’m going to use this page to share everything dog & pet related from funny memes, informative posts & breed profiles!

If you are in a pet related field or a volunteer and would like to share articles/write a post them please do get in touch :)

I’d love for you to share any posts, comment & help things get seen!

🐾🐾🐾🐾

23/11/2024

Gosh it’s a wet day out there so here’s a picture from a sunny walk a few weeks ago ☀️

Let’s see those happy pups 🐾

20/11/2024

We are a busy household with 3 dogs & 2 young children and I feel so lucky how well my 3 furry ones get along. 🐶🐶🐶👶👶

Dogs are amazing but owning more than one is a massive commitment & I’ve definitely felt the strain with having kids in the mix too.

So before adding another dog to your family, think about these things;

🐾 Time Commitment - if adding a puppy, you’ll need to have the time to do training with them starting with the basics & especially things like toilet training. An older dog may have some training but it will need to be practised too.
Also, things like lead walking & recall training may mean you’ll need to do two seperate walks. Plus everything takes twice as long like feeding/grooming etc

🐾 Cost - you’ll need to buy more food, treats, harnesses, leads, coats etc. depending on the size of dog you go for, food can be very costly. Also insurance is so important & depending on the breed this can be quite substantial.

🐾 Breed - think about what type of dog you’d like to add. Are you going for a rescue or puppy? Breed plays a massive role in behaviour too. If you have an older dog who likes to sleep all day, adding a crazy spaniel puppy may not be the best choice.

🐾 Space - it’s not necessary to have a massive house & garden for your dogs but think about if your new dog needs time away from your current one. Thinking about how you’d set up your space to ensure they can both have chill time if necessary is important. Also things like spaces for crates & beds too.

🐾 Every dog is different - even if you go for the same breed, all dogs are different in personality so expect some things to be harder/easier.

A big thing to consider is your current dog! Would they like to have another dog in the household?

It’s a massive decision but I love having multiple dogs. They play beautifully, snuggle together & they love each others company. ❤️

Do you have more than one dog or not?

19/11/2024

Love doing this and hearing all the names 😂

I’ve got a nova also known as Nova Bean, noo noo, noonie girl & beanie

Kimble also known as Kimble Cho, little man, di****ad 🙈

Reya also known as Reya bug, Rey rey, buggy or bug bug

What about your dogs? 🐾

18/11/2024

We no longer offer dog walking or sitting but if you are looking for someone passionate, loving & trustworthy then Natasha at Evergreen Pet Care Services is your go to 💚🐾

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 10:00
	14:00 - 20:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 10:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 10:00
	14:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 10:00
Friday	08:00 - 10:00
	13:00 - 20:00
Saturday	10:00 - 19:00
Sunday	08:00 - 19:00

Telephone

+447557276744

Website

https://www.puppytalespetservices.co.uk/

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We love all animals!

Welcome to Puppy Tales Pet Services!

Puppy Tales Pet Services provides dog walking, pet visits, puppy training classes and 1-2-1 dog training consultations. With a growing team of 5, Puppy Tales puts your pets first! We love what we do and ensure that your pets safety is paramount whether they are on a walk or a visit at home.

We provide both solo and group walks. Our group walks are kept to a maximum of 4 dogs to ensure that dogs get enough attention and we can work on recall and lead walking when needed.

Our pet visits including feeding, letting pets out to the toilet and lots of play and cuddles.