Padding Paws Pet Services

17/11/2024

Great post by Speak Dog .

Look at the dog in front of you, not the dog you think it should be based on past experience of the breed or what you have seen/read that a breed should be.
We are all individuals, just as our animals are.

"My other dogs didn't behave like this"

" I've had this breed for years and all the others were fine"

I can completely understand how one dog can throw you a massive curveball, why is this one behaving like this when all my others didn't, the issue is with the dog right?

Sometimes, possibly yes.

This dog might have a medical condition your others did not.

This dog might have experienced something the other dogs didn't etc.

This dog just might be the one who speaks out more.

BUT..........

This dog, might be the one to help YOU change.

This dog might be the one that helps you question your current methods, mindset and approach.

This dog might be the one to show you how to advocate and be their voice.

This dog might help you think outside the box when it comes to supporting them.

This dog shouldn't be seen as the problem child, instead they are showing you they don't cope or process some situations well.

This dog needs support, not judgement and comparisons.

This dog can create change, you just need to be ready to receive the lessons these dogs can teach us!

04/11/2024

We love this post from Speak Dog.

We need to be more considerate when it comes to our dogs. Not just doing things because that's how we have always done it. Think about the dog in front of you. Do you need to adapt walks etc to help your dog manage better and be more comfortable. Do meds etc need to be added into their routine?

I went to visit my grandad, he is in his 80's.

He is suffering with various physical ailments bless his heart.

He was always an active man in his youth, the ability to do things for himself has reduced and mentally it impacts him.

He is on various tablets for the pain, but today, I decided to stop his tablets because he is just old.

We went to go out for a walk but he is slow, it's a pace that I find a bit frustrating being honest, so I take his hand and apply a bit of gentle pressure to pull him along a bit faster.

He struggled badly to get out of bed, a handrail would help him but I dont like the look of it on the wall, they don't exactly make the room look as nice.

I know he struggles but he is just old......

So many dogs go through this EVERY DAY.

Dragged along for walks they have " always" done instead of being walked at a slower pace or shorter distance.

Dogs not receiving the pain medication and professional support such as physio, myotherapy, chiropractic support because hey they are just old.

Dogs trying to get up and walk on slippy floors because rugs don't suit the room, or it's hassle washing them.

It's not OK to do nothing and write things off as " just old age".

Old age is not an excuse for allowing a dog to struggle and be in pain. Old age is not an excuse to not bother making adaptions and changes to our own expectations.

Having a dog of old age is a privilege, an absolute privilege, and we should cherish, adapt, support, and want to do AS MUCH AS WE CAN to make their golden years the best we possibly can.

Just like I hope most humans would do all they could to help their parents and grandparents feel comfortable in thier latter years and have as much support as possible , our dogs deserve the same thoughts and considerations.

03/11/2024

If you take one thing away today, read this article from Dr. Amber Batson of Understand Animals (written 2018) about debunking the myth that reassuring a fearful animal will make it more likely for them to be fearful in the future.

Change the story for your dog and build a better trusting and secure relationship with your dog.

It is a myth that reassuring a fearful animal will make it more likely for them to be fearful in the future. Emotions are only ‘reinforced’ if they are experienced more eg. Increasing fear levels reinforces to an animal that the event or stimulus was, and should continue to be, scary.
Reducing the fear in an animal by slow stroking (if the animal enjoys it normally) accompanied by slow, deliberate breathing and perhaps a quiet reassuring voice - will help calm them in the moment and may even may it less likely for them to fearful of the same thing in the future.
So slowly stroke your fearful dog, cat, rabbit etc. provide them elevation or a hiding place (or both so they can choose) in your proximity. Avoid restraint as this is likely to increase fear. But do reassure this fireworks period, do provide social support. Your pet will thank you for it.

26/10/2024

Please share. Classic FM is playing calming music for your four legged friends during Fireworks season.

Please let all of your pet-owning friends in Britain know that Classic FM’s special fireworks shows playing calming music for our four-legged friends are back on Saturday 2nd November and Tuesday 5th November 2024.

Between 5pm and 9pm, listeners will be treated to a specially curated playlist of tracks designed to calm and soothe dogs, including Saint-Saëns’ ‘The Swan’, Elgar’s ‘Mina’, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.17.’

The shows are broadcast with the help of the RSPCA, and they will also feature specialist advice for dog owners and even ‘doggy dedications’ from listeners.

30/09/2024

This afternoon I had a spare hour and caught up on a webinar that I have been meaning to watch for ages.

Speak Dog Learning to Listen - The Foundations.
I cannot recommend this enough. not just for dog professionals but also for dog owners or people who are interested in learning more about a dog's body language.
It is such an important skill to practise.

Emma takes all the jargon and labels out of the equation (and as explained by Emma, labels can often be misinterpreted, for example the wagging tail) and focuses you on what you can observe from a dog's body language.

This is a MUST to view. The tools it will give you are invaluable. It will help you build a much stronger bond/respect with your dog.

Once you have purchased this, you can play it again and again. The great thing is that it is also subtitled, making it easier for those hard of hearing, or like to learn through reading and listening at the same time.

Brilliant. 10/10. Your dog will thank you for it!

Speak Dog offer Veterinary recommended Behaviour Consultations and Puppy Life Skills Sessions. Based in Lincoln and Swindon but we have a client base of people and dogs from all over the world.

25/09/2024

We love this post from Speak Dog about increasing your dog's chance of coping in our world.

THE RECIPE

I often hear people being given advice about starting as you mean to go on.

Expose puppies and dogs to as much as possible, get them used to things, make sure they are socialised, however, what if that isn't always right.

There is no recipe to getting it right, no do this and you will get this, instead, it's about making decisons to try and increase your puppies or dogs chances of coping in a human world.

Every puppy or dog will cope with the world and everything in it in different ways, just like we do!

I personally don't enjoy busy environments, but my best friend thrives in them, we are different but both human ( just about lol) and both navigate life together well ( most of the time)

A puppy or dog that is afraid of traffic will need a different approach to a puppy who is genuinly confident around traffic.

A pushy dog might need different interactions than a timid dog.

One dog might need a different diet than another dog.

A different brush, a different bed, a different harness, the list goes on.

There is not recipe, you are just looking for the ingredients to increase your chances.

One exception is that my ethos and beliefs are that increasing those chances should be done through compassion, kindness and safety.

If you have to teach through pain, fear or intimidation that is not an ingredient I'm prepared to use.

15/09/2024

The walk. Love is. ❤️

Walk with me; don’t just walk me. Slow down and see the world as I do. I know you’ve got things to do, places to be. But out here, with the ground beneath our feet and the sky above us, there’s a whole world worth noticing.

The autumn chill is in the air today, crisp and full of new smells. It’s different from yesterday, and different from the day before. Every day is new. The leaves crunch under my paws, and I stop to breathe in the rich, earthy scent of them. To you, it might just be a pile of leaves, but to me, it’s a story—one I can’t help but dive into, nose first.

There’s a squirrel somewhere nearby, I can sense it, darting up a tree, its tiny heart beating fast. And the wind carries whispers of things far away: a family cooking dinner, the trace of a cat that passed by early this morning, and the faint perfume of flowers holding on to their last bit of summer. It’s all here, swirling around us if you just take the time to notice.

You tug on the leash, eager to move on, and I can tell you’re thinking about something far away from here. But when we walk, truly walk, you and I can be in this moment together. Feel the cool air brush against your skin, let it wake you up. Notice how the sun filters through the branches, casting shadows that dance on the pavement. Hear the crunch of the leaves beneath our steps, like a secret rhythm just for us.

To you, it might be just another walk, a daily routine to tick off the list. But for me, every step is an adventure. Each scent is a clue, each sound a piece of a puzzle. When you walk with me, really walk with me, you’ll see it too. The world is bigger than what we’re rushing toward. It’s right here, in the small moments, in the quiet spaces between your thoughts.

So, slow down. Breathe. Let the chill fill your lungs and the colours fill your eyes. Walk with me, don’t just walk me. See the world as I do, if only for a little while. It’s all waiting for you, just beneath the surface.
Natalie P
2024
Picture created with AI

11/09/2024

Love this post from Speak Dog regarding ethics.
It is so important we advocate for our pets.

YOUR ETHICS!

How do YOU want your dog treated when working with a Trainer or Behaviourists ( or any business working with your dog)

What is acceptable to YOU!

This matters, because I see far to many people, good people allow their dogs to be treated in a way that they felt uncomfortable about, but didn't know what to do.

I've been there many years ago, I went to an agility class with my little Beagle. I was made to feel like my treatment of my dogs was too soft.

The Trainer went to take my dog from me and well, hell hath no fury like someone going to do anything to one of my dogs.

We lasted less than 10 minutes before I left with a few choice words.

However, we all respond differently to intimidation or feelings of uncertainty, I totally appreciate that!

So let me start by saying, any service should fit within your expectations of kidness and what YOU find acceptable.

Yes, our dogs are going to go through experiences they might struggle with, like a vet visit, but that does not negate from the fact the fact I would still expect there to be compassion and an attempt to cause the least amount of unnecessary stress as possible ( emergencies I appreciate time is of the essence)

For those people who are already comfortable with the idea of harsher methods and the humans goals being the priority, sadly the dog will have no one to advocate for them and there's not a lot we can do.

But if you don't feel comfortable then you need to ACT!

THE BEFORE

1)RESEARCH, PROPERLY RESEARCH!

I've seen websites where it's been pretty darn tough to tell what thier TRUE ethics but READ the website, look at videos they post on there or their page, do the dogs look comfortable, is the language being used compassionate towards the dog or is it all about results and aimed at giving the human the desired outcome.

Have a list of questions ready when you speak to them and have a pen ready to write down their answers.

Don't pick based on convenience.

When a potential client contacts me, I listen to them and their worries about there dog, and I explain about me, my ethics and how my services work but not everyone is as transparent and some people are REALLY GOOD AT MARKETING!!

YOUVE BOOKED THE SERVICE

So what happens if you paid for someone who is now in front of you or your dog and doing or saying things that make you feel uncomfortable?

2) This happens A LOT sadly, so you are not alone, and this is something really important to remember.

I don't think there are many people who haven't bought an item or service that wasn't what was advertised, we were duped.

If you bought a toaster and it didn't do as advertised I'm sure most people would return it and ask for a refund.

However, this option isn't always available or easy when the person is infront of you in your suggesting things or interacting in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.

So, the first one you are not going to like but is vital..

FORGET THE MONEY ( certainly initially) that isn't the priorty.

It might be quite a lot of money, I get that, but are you happy to allow behaviour towards you or your dog that concerns you, because you paid for it?

This can be conflicted with feelings of " their the expert they know what they are doing".

Sorry still not OK, I know how I expect my dogs to be treated and if there is a kinder better way I expect that 100% of the time.

I don't care who it is, I've walked out of vets surgeries when the handling or expectations were inappropriate, I complained and if no changes were acknowledged or made, I took my business elsewhere.

Caveat: It is not OK to complain about an ethical service that has worked in your dogs best interests but not given you what you wanted.

I'm seeing ethical, compassionate professionals having a hard time where people are prepared to be nothing short of horrid because the professional was the one doing the advocating.....NOT ACCEPTABLE!!

Trainers, groomers, Behaviourists, dog walkers, sitters, physiotherapist etc.....we should all have the knowledge and skills to be kind and compassionate and not just " get the job done at all costs".

Please don't continue on with something because you've already spent the money.

Be polite but speak out.

'I'm sorry, I'm not comfortable right now. I need sometime to think about what I need for my dog, can we end this for today and I will be in touch.

Speaking out doesn't need to be confrontational, but it does need to happen

I see far too many people riddled with guilt and dogs and relationships that have been "ruined" for a better word because people were shocked, intimidated, or unsure if they should step in.

If it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't!

So let me say this load and clear...

ITS OK TO STOP!

28/08/2024

How well do you know a dog's body language? Why not try this fun quiz.

How well do you know your dog? Sometimes living with you humans can be hard!

26/08/2024

Sorry peeps, I'm off sick at the moment. I've lost my voice. Planning to be back at work on Thursday.

30/07/2024

Do we really understand our dog's behaviour??
This is why we follow and share our good friends posts. Emma at Speak Dog helps you ask the right questions and understand your dog's behaviours; building a trusting and respectful bond.

They only bark initially

This is a statement I hear a lot of the time when in the context of a dog responding to a perceived threat or worry.

Dogs bark in various contexts and for various reasons, but on this post I'm talking about when a dog is feeling concerned.

Example: My dog feels nervous around people they bark and lunge at them but when they approach and come close they stop barking.

This is often viewed as an achievement, success even!!

But in this context, knowing the dog worries, should we believe the dog becoming quite is a sign of coping?

Let's look at this a little more.

Your dog is worried by people when there is some distance between them, why is the scary thing being closer going to make them feel better, would it make you feel better if something you were scared of got closer?

Could the reason be the dog is feeling under so much pressure they go quiet ?

Have you ever been shellshocked where you just didn't know what to say or do, you were gobsmacked as we say!!

Could the pressure of being so close build and end in a bite?

Are we putting the stranger or unfamiliar person in danger and what are the possible reprocussions if the dog does bite for all parties?

It's also common in these situations for dogs to repeat the barking process everytime.
The dog continues to always bark initially when spotting the person or being put in that situation, so what is this achieving in the long term what benefits are being gained?

It's really important to recognise that a quiet dog does not suddenly give us the illusion the dog is coping.

There can be many reasons a dog goes quite in those situations and I would say there are far more LESS desirable reasons than desirable.

Quiet doesn't mean coping, and repeated exposure with such intensity is likely to ingrain the behaviour further and deeper making it much harder to improve in the long run.

Another aspect we need to consider is how our dogs feel about us when we are the ones who keep allowing our dogs to be put in that situation?

Are we showing our dogs we offer safety and they can trust us, or are we the person holding the lead that keeps allowing it to happen?

Your dog will be communicating but that communication maybe silent, through visual communication such as body language and scent ( which we can't see or smell)

It's important that we don't just focus on the shouting and we really understand what quieter whispers could be telling us!

(Note Picture of Rodney and Derek playing bite face)

21/07/2024

The power of not walking your dog...

Sorry... did you read that right? YES

Let's start by painting the picture.
A client had recently been walking their gorgeous dog when another dog ran out of it's house and grabbed their dog around the neck and shook it.
The client managed to get their dog out of the situation (not an easy task) as the owner of the dog that attacked grabbed their dog.
The client took her dog back home and understandably for both her and the dog, they were greatly shaken by the whole ordeal.

A few days later I go to walk the dog, I know something isn't right. The poor little fella is hyper vigilant, responding to everything he could hear, see and smell. His fur was rough and rigid in places and his general demeanour was stiff. This little one is normally a cool dude.

I speak with the owners and advise to take their dog to the vets and have him checked over as despite their being no puncture wounds etc, the dog is clearly in some pain and a full check up is needed. Pain meds and some anxiety relief help and luckily no physical damage done, but there is the emotional and psychological issue. The days following, he is still being taken out for walks and reacting to the environment around him. I advise them not to walk him for a couple of days.. The reaction is one of 'the dog needs to be walked' daily.
This is my point.. we are told that dogs MUST be walked everyday and at least once, however, this is not what is best for the dog in this situation. By walking the dog after having such an encounter, it is not helpful. The dog needs to be able to process everything that happened and be given time for his levels, like ours, to calm down. By continuing to walk the dog in the same area, with all those triggers, we are subjecting the dog to 'overflowing his cup', he is unable to manage the environment and needs time to de-stress, process and relax.

After explaining this, the client doesn't walk the dog for a few days. The dog is in his safe home environment, able to process everything, relax, sleep as much as his body and mind need to recharge and reset.
We go for a walk, the dog is happy and relaxed, a completely different dog. He was given the space he needed and the owner felt relaxed taking him out too. A win for all.

Advocate for the dog in front of you, not on the rules placed by others.

12/07/2024

Love this by the brilliant Speak Dog.. Be your dog's voice! ❤️

How can you feel empowered to care less about what other people think about your dog and instead focus on what your dogs needs.

We vary with what we find comfortable because we are just as unique as our dogs when to comes to our emotions and comfort zones

Here are just a few quick thoughts that I often share with clients.

1) Your commitment is to your dog, not a stranger you might never see again, don't feel embarrassed saying no thanks!

2) I find using less labels and more human emotions helps in some situations.
" My dog prefers being a loner thanks". My dog isn't a people person, but thanks" we often get our points across better when we don't just shout " reactive" ( of course this is situation dependent and sometimes you need a quick sharp response).

3) Avoidance is not pointless, turning around and walking away can have a hugely positive impact. If you feel a bit uncomfortable look up, raise your hand to say Hi and then turn around and focus on your dog, rewarding them for turning around.
Space is one of the biggest tools you have in your belt use it when needed and possible 😊

4) If you see a professional doing something to your dog you feel unsure or uncomfortable about ask what they are doing and why.
If you don't like the answer, take your dog and leave....even if you've paid!! It's better to lose money then it is to have your dog put in unacceptable situations.

5) Peer pressure can be tough, even as adults. But your dog is your responsibility. So what if all your mates are taking their dogs to the pub, if your dog doesn't really enjoy that setting, go alone and leave your dog at home.

Advocate for your dog even when family and friends inadvertently put the pressure on.

Never feel bad for being your dogs voice, your dogs safety net, you make so many choices for your dog, feel empowered to make the right ones!

11/06/2024

A great post from Speak Dog about flipping the story from what we want to thinking about it from the dog's viewpoint. ❤️

The Narrative!!

Do all humans like curry?

Do all humans love to read?

Do all humans drink tea?

We know that humans differ from each other.

We know we might like some of the same things and we can share similar interests.

We might like some peoples company and not others.

Yet we still seem to put what " being a dog is," into a restrictive box like narrative.

" Theres something wrong if my dog doesn't like ALL dogs.

" They only ever get kibble, we never give our dog human food " ( dietary issues excluded).

" My 2 other dogs eat kibble so my third dog NEEDS to as I'm not feeding one differently "

" They should love going to the pub or beach with me"

Very often these narratives are more about our expectations of dogs meeting our needs.

When we change the narrative and start asking ourselves how we can meet thier individual needs, we can start to hear a very different story.

" I like the idea of taking my dog on the beach, but my dog actually prefers a quiet location "

" My one dog eats better when on a different food, yes my life would be easier if all 3 ate the same food but is that such a big sacrifice to make?

Heck the struggles people face trying to make the dog eat the same food is often way harder than just offering a food they enjoy.

" My dog barks, I need it to stop".
Instead why dont i hear more " my dog barks, yes it's annoying, I worry what people think, but most importantly I want to understand why and how I can help them.

The narrative always seems to fall on the dog to meet human expectations, but are we meeting our dogs?

Healthy relationships are about give and take and that defiantly applies to the human/canine relationship.

Let's flip the story and try to hear what our dogs are telling us about themselves sometimes and not just what we want to hear🥰