Happy Dogs and Cats

24/06/2024

JUST A REMINDER, TO ALL DOG OWNERS.

⚠️🚙⚠️ Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the UK die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️

SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.

• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.

• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.

• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.

• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.

• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.

• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.

• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.

Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.
Please don’t risk their safety.

If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

17/06/2024

Thanks Shay Kelly for this.

At first glance a dog’s neck may seem muscular and strong; easily capable of having a leash and collar attached for walking. After all, it’s what we’ve used for the past umpteen years and it’s able…

24/05/2024

24/03/2024

Many calls I get are from concerned parents after their dog has snapped or bitten their child. This usually happens when the child approaches the dog while resting or just being comfortable.

👦Toddlers especially are prone to a bite for giving a kiss goodnight. The awkward and unsteady tiny human is concerning to dogs. Dogs will offer signals prior to a bite but often we miss them as they happen fast.

❗This is why we suggest blowing a kiss, waving night night or as The Family Dog suggests kissing your hand and then touching your dog. Children leaning down on to a dog to give a kiss is often seen as threatening to the dog and we don’t want any unfortunate bites to happen. Keep this in mind and express love from a dog’s mindset.

❗Give space, stay out of their face. Dog and baby on the scene a parent in between. Most of all INVITES DECREASE BITES.

02/03/2024

We have a very, very special camp to announce - an Exempted dog camp - a camp specifically for exempted dogs on the list of UK banned breeds. We will only have 10, fenced camping pitches at this camp because that way we can ensure that every dog gets 1-2-1 time to do every activity and they won't need to wear their muzzles as much when they are working alone.

10/02/2024

Did you know that Scottish Folds’ folded ears are a result of a genetic condition which causes early onset, severe arthritis and other health issues?
Find out more about Scottish Fold cats here: http://spr.ly/ScottishFolds

Image description: A photo of a Scottish Fold cat and a moggy tabby cat side by side. An arrow pointing to the Scottish Fold's ear says 'Genetic mutation', and an arrow pointing to the moggy's ear says ' Genetic norm'. Text: Look beyond the 'cute' folded ear to see the potential suffering.

13/01/2024

A safe, fun environment for your dogs to run free - based in WV7 ALBRIGHTON

Zoomies…

A Sole use, o

31/12/2023

23/12/2023

Trevor Cooper and the panel's latest information on the XL bully ban:

A recording of our webinar regarding the XL Bully Ban that took place live on 19.11.23.

28/11/2023

With everything going on at the moment we want to help keep dogs in homes.
Our latest scheme that we are about to launch, thanks to a specific grant we have received, is to try to help genuine people who want to keep their XLs but are struggling financially.
We want to help people that would otherwise be forced to make hard decisions about their dogs or feel forced to abandon.
Due to the grant agreements at this time we can only offer this to residents within DARTFORD BOROUGH and they must be on the benefits listed on the poster, and will be asked to provide evidence. Your dog must meet the XL Billy standards as outlined on the DEFRA Website.
Neuters will take place at the vet of our choice within Dartford and you will need to be able to get the dog there yourself, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
We do have a limited budget but should have enough to do forty or so genuine cases.
Anyone in need within the catchment area that meets requirements please contact us via email only.
Please note along with the help of a behaviourist we are also organising muzzle training sessions within the same area.
We wish we could roll it out further and do more but it’s all we can do at the moment.

28/11/2023

The holidays are usually a joyous time of year, but any type of celebration or large gathering of people can also be a stressful time for both the humans and...

27/11/2023

Friendly reminder: We're still looking for rescue stories about real-life "Guard Dogs." 💕 Has reading MUTTS inspired you to help a chained dog? Have you changed your perspective about tethering, or helped to raise awareness about why it's not okay to chain a dog?

We want to hear from you! If you haven't already, leave a comment below or send us a message at [email protected].

11/10/2023

🐾 Why does chronic pain have an affect on behaviour? 🐾

The emotion of pain is a form of fear-anxiety and it can directly affect behaviour by increasing vigilance and leading to behavioural responses that are designed to keep the individual safe. For this reason an animal in chronic pain may show avoidance behaviour and try to keep distance from anything that it perceives to be a risk in terms of exacerbating its pain. This may lead to the pet being less engaged in social interactions and showing less interest in play or making very obvious attempts to get away. Painful animals may also show less obvious behaviours of inhibition or appeasement.

Inhibition involves the animal taking in information by watching and listening but not giving anything away. The result can be a pet who is very quiet and can easily be misinterpreted as being relaxed. It is important to watch for signs that the pet is monitoring the environment, for example by watching for ear movement and staring, and not to simply accept that they are "being very good". Appeasement involves exchanging information with others and because dogs are socially obligate animals they will often use this behavioural response when they are in pain. These dogs will seek information from those around them as well as give information back. This is often done through touch and these dogs may lean into people or nudge at them in ways that are misinterpreted as "attention seeking" and seen as unwanted or naughty behaviours.

Dogs may also sniff and lick at people in ways that are misinterpreted as affection. It is therefore important to be aware of changes in social interactions and not to dismiss increased interaction which might signify an emotional change. The other potential response to pain is repulsion and this involves behaviours which are designed to make the perceived threat stay away. Anything that the animal perceives to be a risk in terms of inducing pain can lead to a repulsion response and these responses can vary from a low grumble, to a significant growl, to an air snap and even a bite. While these repulsion behaviours are often considered to be the most serious, because of the potential consequences, it is important to remember that the pain can be equally significant for the pet regardless of which of the four behavioural responses it gives. It is very important to take repulsion seriously and to take steps to avoid the potential consequences of these behaviours but we must not disregard avoidance, inhibition and appeasement which are also important signs that an animal may be in pain.

In addition to the direct effect on behaviour chronic pain can have an indirect effect by reducing an animal's emotional capacity. The chronic pain uses up some of the animal's emotional "space" and means that they are more likely to react to other stimuli, such as noises or social interactions. When this happens the main thing that a caregiver may notice is a change in behaviour but the underlying pain also needs to be treated.

28/09/2023

23/09/2023

XL BULLY BAN: FREE WEBINAR ON SUNDAY AT 3PM

We have more than 250 people booked onto this Zoom chat already but we do still have more spaces available. Please sign up using the link below and we will send you a link. Our panel will aim to answer as many of your questions as possible and we can confirm it will consist of:-

Trevor Cooper : Solicitor
Mel Rushmore & Andrea Phillips : Deed Not Breed
Michelle Ikin : Dog Warden
Mike Webb : Battersea Dogs' & Cats Home

Thanks to everyone who is giving up their time for free to help with this important event. The panel won't necessarily have all the answers but will give you their best guess of what is likely to happen based on their experience.

If you are unable to attend, we will aim to upload a recording onto YouTube next week.

https://forms.gle/59EfhUbiyZPNstxJ6

19/09/2023

Thank you Good Guardianship

18/09/2023

FREE MUZZLE TRAINING FOR XL BULLIES from

TLC Dog Academy & Walking (Milton Keynes/Northampton)

and:

*ABERDEEN*
https://www.facebook.com/alldogserinn/posts/820667963393805

*BUCKINGHAMSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/beemoredog/posts/826580276141125

*CORNWALL*
https://www.facebook.com/pawandordercornwall/posts/797227609077736

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=751508656987077&id=100063838490782

https://www.facebook.com/blacktoothdogs/posts/323710863520686

*COUNTY DURHAM *
https://www.facebook.com/greendogtraining2021/posts/707885134689588

*COVENTRY*
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=215439941532260&id=100091987672270

*DEVON*
https://www.facebook.com/canisconceptdevon/posts/635693625318093

*ESSEX*
https://www.facebook.com/rayleighpetservice/posts/793875652744041

*GLASGOW*
https://www.facebook.com/sublimek9ltd/posts/614134954202064

*HAMPSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/VIPDogTraining/posts/802301318567037

*HERTFORDSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/doodledashdogtraining/posts/842631157869254

https://www.facebook.com/IvoryDogWalking/posts/851689406960351

*KENT*
https://www.facebook.com/sitsandwigglestraining/posts/298796699428080

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=296784936435258&id=100083112603542

https://www.facebook.com/teamtillycaninecoaching/posts/627913822834570

*LONDON*
https://www.facebook.com/peggysmission/posts/738363681634658 (SOUTH EAST)

*MANCHESTER*
https://www.facebook.com/QuaytoSucccessDogTraining/posts/816945787100254

*NORFOLK*
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187102341067615&id=100093035501488

*NORTHAMPTONSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/inspiringtailsdogtraining/posts/691936052955835

https://www.facebook.com/jackadors/posts/893693375559926

*NORTHUMBERLAND*
https://www.facebook.com/SusanGilbertCanineConnections/posts/1247726502798370

*NOTTINGHAMSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/thehomewardhounds/posts/731662108978054

*SHROPSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/nadinespetservice/posts/282388931249804

*SUSSEX*
https://www.facebook.com/allthingsdogtraining/posts/789305586532506 (EAST)

WALES
https://www.facebook.com/Smartdogwales/posts/694049929410192 (NORTH)

*WEST LOTHIAN*
https://www.facebook.com/Weemollyspalspetservices/posts/762959999174722

*WEST YORKSHIRE*
https://www.facebook.com/thecaringcaninecoach/videos/2534995649991593

The Muzzle Shop (bully muzzles)
The Muzzle Movement (bully breed muzzles in production. Called "Harry")
Muzzle Up, Pup! - The Pro-Muzzle Community (free resources)
Pawfect fit dog muzzles (bully muzzles)

XL Bully Training - Group Support

Winnie's World Dog Behaviourist (Online)
Highland Canine Companions - Behaviourist & Dog Club (Online)
Strut Those Mutts Dog Walking & Training (Free online guide)
Chase Canines (Online)

Crazelpup Dog Training- by Jodie Forbes
https://fb.watch/n4unx32ZXM/

JC Dog Behaviour & Training
https://fb.watch/n5NEI1BNc3/

Trustydog Training
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxRCYxJLfD0/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Canine Behaviour and Physio Clinic: Muzzle hand out: [email protected]

Orion Dog Services, Mike Barnett (suggestions to help keep your dog safe)
My Dog Has Bitten - DDA UK (Debbie Connolly, behaviour expert witness)
DDA Watch (gathering resources for low cost neutering)
Dogs Trust (liability insurance for your dog)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-ban-american-xl-bully

Trevor Cooper talks on the van: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=713179780828816&id=100064104007519
Debbie Connolly talks on the ban: https://fb.watch/nttnSIPEbO/

Petition:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=702773605226339&id=100064811165383

DDA Watch link for low cost neutering https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=703104761859890&id=1000648111

DUE TO THE CHANGE OF PEOPLE NO LONGER OFFERING FREE SERVICES, I WILL NOT BE LINKING ANYTHING THAT COSTS.