Eddie's Friends

01/10/2023

Autumn is a lovely season, but conkers, acorns and other natural seeds and stones can be harmful to your dog(s).

Hello Autumn, what a beautiful season you are.

As the trees drop their fruits and then their leaves, we need to be very aware of what our dogs are investigating, some seeds, pips, fruits, and stones can contain toxins that make our dogs unwell, some fruits will ferment as they decompose and many will become mouldy, an added risk to a curious nose, and stomach.

Acorns contain tannic acid and conkers contain aesculin which can cause stomach upset and can cause a blockage for our dogs if swallowed. Large quantities can cause serious health problems.

Mushrooms, toadstools, and other fungi can cause a stomach upset, some are deadly. If you believe your dog has eaten any type of mushroom, toadstool or fungi, try and get a sample, note where it was growing and contact your vet immediately for advice.

The clocks go back on 29th October and as the nights get darker earlier and earlier, and we are out walking with our dogs, keeping ourselves and our dogs safe can be as easy as making sure we are more visible, reflective clothing for us with reflective leads/harnesses and collars for our dogs, maybe even a light up collar attachment. Make sure your dog is wearing an ID disc and their microchip is up to date. Be safe and be seen.

Halloween can be stressful for our dogs, the regular knocking or doorbell, the excited strangely dressed little people at the door and in the street and the availability of sweets and treats that are not suitable for our canine companion. Careful door management can help keep everyone safe, using child safety gates or closed interior doors after settling your dog with a tasty dog friendly treat of their own, such as a long-lasting chew, lickimat, kong or snufflemat helping to keep them entertained and lower stress levels by encouraging sniffing, licking and chewing. Luminous jewellery and glow sticks contain a chemical which causes dribbling, frothing and foaming at the mouth and stomach upset, make sure they are out of reach when not being worn.

Fireworks can cause real distress for some dogs, Firework Night is on Sunday 5th November and this year Diwali will be Sunday November 12th, preparing your dog, whether you are aware if they are anxious or not, should begin as soon as possible. From a safe space to offering ways to cope, whether with games, freework, canine enrichment or opportunities provided with appropriate treats to sniff, lick and chew. Spent and discarded fireworks and sparklers can also be a risk for your dog as they contain dangerous chemicals.

Be safe. Be Seen. Enjoy your walks!

© Decorum Dogs Walking & Training 01.10.2023

29/09/2023

Lunar needs an only dog foster to adopt or adoption home. Please apply to All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044 and send application to [email protected]

23/09/2023

Upcoming legal seminar tomorrow Sunday 24th September at 3pm for those who think they will be effected by the planned upcoming XL American Bully breed.

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

22/09/2023

Happy National Dog Walker Day to Me!!!!!!

Today is PDWA National Dog Walker Appreciation Day so here's a Shout Out for all the wonderful professional dog walkers out there! 👏👏👏💙🐾

“You are just a dog walker!” – we get told this all the time!!!

In actual fact, we are so much more!

We are trusted guardians who bond, exercise and enrich a dog’s life in all weather!

We enable owners to work or socialise with the knowledge their dog is exercised safely if they themselves have no time, energy or are too poorly to do so themselves.

Not just walks ! We provide enrichment and quality time.

We give owners peace of mind their dog’s welfare is paramount and adapt our days to ensure this during inclement weather for example.

We risk assess constantly but if an accident does happen we are first aid trained to look after dogs in our care.

We keep up to date with PSPO’s, Dog Law etc.

We build relationships with our dogs and know their “normal” so we can recognise changes such as tummy troubles, new lumps, different gait or mood etc., and report them swiftly.

We learn as much as we can about canine communication, seasonal hazards, breed traits and find suitable outlets for each one where we can.

Many of us go on to become groomers, pet nutritionists, trainers, behaviourists, pet photographers etc.

We love the dogs in our care. We laugh at their antics, we worry when they are poorly and we cry when we lose them.

We are so much more than “just a walker” and never doubt that.

So……..
Dog Walkers: tell us who you are and where you are based! (members and non-members welcome)
Owners: if you have dog walker help, flag them here and tell us what you appreciate the most about them!
Comment ⬇️

15/09/2023

To all the XL Bullie owners

10/09/2023

Don’t think I have ever had such a lovely compliment. My friend’s daughter is naming her dog after my Eddie boy 😍🥰😘

08/09/2023

Remember tomorrow starts the new Facebook rule (aka... new name META) where they can use your pics. Dont forget the deadline is today!!! I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, messages or publications, past and future.

With this statement, I notify Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The violation of privacy can be punished by law

You can copy and paste this version if you prefer. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile and status updates.

DO NOT SHARE. Copy And Paste.

Here's how to proceed:

Hold your finger anywhere in this message and "copy" will appear. Click on "Copy". Then go to your page, create a new post and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. 'Paste' will pop up and click Paste.
9
This will bypass the system....

He who does nothing agrees apparently.

01/09/2023

In a blink of an eye, it’s Eddie’s Friends 5th Birthday Anniversary today. To thank my loyal clients a token key ring and car sticker to also increase the awareness of All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044 and their fundraising sister group All Bullie Rescue, https://m.facebook.com/groups/971869842834678/?ref=share. I will also be making a £5 donation for each individual dog I walk in September 2023.

30/08/2023

Eddie’s Friends is a proud supporter of All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044 and it’s sister fundraising group. Why not join the fundraising group to see the raffle prizes, auction prizes, and personal challenges.

19/08/2023

Calling all dog walkers, stressed parents (who have had to deal with projectile 🤮or 💩) those with disabilities hidden or not, high end motors, or trying to prepare their non-compliant ULEZ vehicle for sale. I just wanted to give a shout out to Mark Pinnacle Vehicle Spa who is a mobile valeter based out of Chertsey, and really made my dog mobile sparkle after 9 months of Winter. This is a high end detailing inside and outside service, not a supermarket car park service. I have to say it was worth every penny. As dog walkers, we often get attitude for wanting our vehicles cleaned, as we have crating and other kit to remove. Mark actually wanted to do the job, and it took 5 hours.
I will be using him at least twice a year from now on. What a hidden gem in our community.
Please click on the link for Mark’s availability and prices.

11/08/2023

I am not a prolific facebook poster, but I just wanted to do a little appreciation post to my clients:
Anita Kumar Viner for giving Eddie a bag of rabbit ear treats, and her lovely daughter for giving Eddie a heart shaped biscuit with LOVE written on it. Plus making arrangements for promotional material. Anita is a talented photographer.
Fiona Bricknell For trusting me to walk her dog for the last five years and is my longest standing client.
Steve McPherson for helping me find an affordable replacement van, that is ULEZ compliant. After the high court judgment gave those effected just a month to review their options.
Lesley Parsons Simone Mercer for being regular clients and taking the time to recommend me to other people.
who travelled 3 hours each way, when I brought my last van (Oct 22) and shared the mutual grief when one of her three dogs past from an age related reason. Looking forward to her new puppy joining Eddie’s gang when ready.
Loraine Green who I am currently pet sitting for, to give me a beautiful, calm and restful environment, to recapture my mental equilibrium. It has been two weeks of incredible pressure, for sole traders on low/fixed incomes, due to British Politics and the legal systems way of introducing the ULEZ expansion to cover all London Boroughs from 29/8/23.
To all my regular and ad hoc clients that have been understanding when I have needed to change arrangements to attend funerals, hospital appointments, take my own dog to the vet and support his recovery from his third operation, and when I was laid low with Covid and flu last year.
There is a saying it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes mutual understanding and respect to be a successful sole trader who has a passion for dogs. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
When life gives you lemons 🍋 make lemonade. I am always thankful that maintaining a consistent and resilient income stream allows me to pay my vet bills. 😂 This also enables me to support All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044, in the work that they do, picking up the pieces from human’s mistakes, for very misunderstood bull breeds that are constantly maligned by the British media.
Much love ♥️ to all

09/08/2023

If you aren’t in the position to donate, foster or rescue a dog then this is an easy and free way to help All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044 Please fill in the link to enter the charity into the draw to receive a £1,000 gift.

02/08/2023

Bushy Park is back to off lead walking

The deer in Richmond and Bushy Park are wild and can be unpredictable. Read our safety advice for park visitors including photographers and dog walkers.

24/07/2023

Hi Everyone

This is the bull breed All Bullie Charity Rescue 1170044 that I support. As a minimum from my dog walking business I give a charitable donation per dog at Christmas and Easter.
They really need donations and support from the public right now. Their operating costs are very high currently due to the sheer number of dog to feed, kennel bills, amount of assessments, legal fees and vet bills predominately down to humans, not health testing before breeding, buying dogs they can’t commit to, train correctly or neglect. Or their owners have sadly passed away or have hit hard times financially. I have been donating myself for the last two years.

Please can my network consider donating, adopting, fostering or even a simple share of this post or becoming a member of the group and sharing a few of the dogs.

Thanks for reading. Nx

15/06/2023

You may not realise what a dog wearing yellow means

Respect the Yellow: There are many reasons why a dog may need space. Whether they're recovering, training, shy, or have health concerns, a yellow marker signals their need for distance 💛

Join the movement and spread awareness. Learn more at www.yellowdoguk.co.uk 📲

30/11/2022

A rescue I try is selling this personalised number plate to raise funds for their vet bill. If interested please go to original post by clicking on it if you are interested.

21/06/2022

This is what an adder snake bite looks like and an adder. Straight to the vets as they are nasty and can kill pooches without prompt anti venom injection…….

12/06/2022

Please be responsible dog owners……

In the last 9 months there have been 8 deaths related to dangerous dog incidents in the UK.

Although we know lots of dogs are friendly and mean no harm to humans, we can’t guarantee that they won’t be provoked or unexpectedly triggered into biting.

This , please remember to:

⚠️ Be alert – Always keep an eye on your dog around children, never leave them alone together

⚠️ Be aware – Get to know your dog, dogs use signals to tell us how they feel

⚠️ Be safe – Any dog can bite, accidents happen fast

29/05/2022

Keep your dogs safe over the Jubilee long weekend. Great advice from a fellow dog care provider below.

Countdown has started to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, along with the beacons being lit in celebration, the street parties being planned and barbecues in the back garden there will, undoubtedly, be fireworks.

Here are some top tips for keeping your dog safe and helping them cope with the festivities:

Supervise your dog around food these are some barbecue risks that can cause serious problems for your dog

🐾 Onions
🐾 Corn on the cob
🐾 Chicken/Rib bones
🐾 Kebab sticks
🐾 Guacamole
🐾 Alcohol
🐾 Hot coals
🐾 Chocolate desserts
🐾 Discarded rubbish

Check your dog's microchip details are up to date and that your dog is wearing their collar and ID

Make sure doors and gates are firmly closed and that your dog is supervised to make sure they do not escape accidentally when visitors arrive or leave.

Dogs who are nervous around strangers will benefit from a safe space away from the main household footfall, settled somewhere quiet, in their bed with dog safe treats, licking and chewing activities.

A safe space can also help them when the fireworks start, make sure this is away from windows and doors. You can use their usual crate or bed or a pile of soft blankets.

Walk your dog early before fireworks start, always use a lead, even in a secure garden for toilet breaks, a random bang and an unsecured dog may panic and run.

Close windows and curtains.

You can play classical music, reggae or white noise to mask the sound of fireworks, or keep the TV louder than normal.

There are a variety of products available that can help relieve stress and promote calm:

A Thundershirt wraps around your dog’s torso and applies a constant, gentle pressure to help calm anxiety and fear.

Pet Remedy plug in diffuser and spray are great to use as a natural support to help destress and calm an anxious dog, the plug in should be placed wherever the dog spends the most time, usually close to their bed. The spray can be used to on blankets, bed, or a bandana in situations where the dog feels anxious.

Adaptil is a similar product available in plug in diffuser and spray that is particularly suitable for puppies and young dogs.

Bach Rescue Remedy for dogs or Dorwest herbs can be added to food or water.

Nutricalm or YuCalm are natural herbal calming tablets and chews, Nutricalm is available from vets and stockists can be found on their website, Yucalm is available from Yumove website and some pet stores.

Your vet can recommend suitable anti-anxiety medications for dogs that need extra support and should always be consulted for advice.

I wish everybody a safe and happy weekend.

Photo credit to Doglost

© Decorum Dogs Walking & Training 29.05.2022

20/05/2022

My boy 😍 & I pretending we are models. 😂 Session ran by Anita of Anita Viner Photography at the end of April 2020 out of her Sunbury studio.
Anita’s not only a talented photographer, she is also a dog lover who worked hard to acclimatise my dog to her studio.
This picture shows how relaxed we both were. If you have a hard to buy for dog lover in your life this experience may make a nice present for them.

ME @ MY HOUND Sessions🐾

One of the images from my NEW sessions, this one was for a much loved Doggy who also represents a local Dog Walking business!

https://m.facebook.com/eddiespals/

06/05/2022

Tips to keep your dog tip top in warmer weather.

Heatstroke! It’s heating up and for the elderly, obese, brachycephalic breeds, those with heart and lung disease, and the large and giant breeds are especially at risk.

Here are SOME tips to help. With my online canine health and first-aid course currently having a change, there will be a whole chapter on hyper and hypothermia.

Then research updates and changes, currently water is the fluid of choice, no more surgical spirit on the paw pads! It is still a haevily debated topic...

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
Unique courses taught by a vet ❤️

24/04/2022

Attended my Canine First Aid course today. It’s something I like to try and refresh every three years. Luckily minor issues like bee/wasp stings (non-anaphylactic/severe reaction) broken claws and minor cuts to ears are how I have deployed my canine first aid skills since I last attended 🤞🏽The dogs keep well. I will be adding blood stop to my first aid kit.

06/04/2022

If you are disgusted with sentences on animal abuse this is how you can get the sentences review and hopefully increased. Get cracking animal lovers ♥️

Time and time again we read comments complaining that sentences are a disgrace - and we agree. Yesterday was a case in point from Essex.

So, here's what you can do!

ANYONE can appeal to have a sentence reviewed.

Isn't it time we all started putting our money where our mouth is - and send emails expressing our outrage to the people who can and should do something about it?

In future, we'll highlight cases and provide these details for you to contact. It's asking you to take a few minutes out if your day to try and turn the tide of injustices that keep coming out of the justice system in this country.

Anyone interested? 👀

20/03/2022

My new favourite resource for pooches with a nervous personality…..

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you 💛
Today is for you, our dogs in yellow.

The day is here and Spring has sprung
This day is for you our wonderful friends.
A day where you can celebrated from a distance, just the way you like it.
A day where we tell the world about how special you are and help others to understand your wonder.
A day where the stars shine bright yet silent, for we know how much you hate sudden noises.
A day where we can appreciate beauty in the still, for movement can make you wary.
A day where we just be and enjoy your presence.
A day where nobody will come anywhere near you, unless you want them to.
Happy day

WE LOVE YOU 💛

22/02/2022

Eddie’s Friends is positive experience for your dogs. This post sums up why I am against balance measures and all about positive experiences redirecting against undesirable behaviour.

👇 THIS needs to change. 👇

We are hugely passionate about what we do, but unfortunately there's a darker side to the dog behaviour industry.

It's rife with ideas about dominance and punishers.

It grieves us just thinking about it. 💔

Despite evidence of how damaging it is, to this day, people are advocating jerking on the lead, the use of pet corrector sprays, choke chains and prong collars to name a few.

All of which are detrimental to the dog's well being, the human/dog relationship, and ultimately, the effectiveness of the results you're trying to achieve.

The use of these archaic methods needs to stop.

They are directly in conflict with the law on UK animal welfare (The Animal Welfare Act 2006)

They break trust and wreck a dog's self esteem.

They are cruel and unskilled, punitive methods.

Kindness, always!

18/02/2022

16/02/2022

It’s going to be really windy over the next coming days so take extra care of your dogs! Check your fencing before letting your dogs out in the garden, in case they have been blown down. Some dogs spook in windy conditions, or if you have a newly rescued dog or a nervous dog keep them safe on lead.