Nosing Around UK aims to provide dog owners with help and advice, focusing on enrichment. Nosing Around UK is suitable for all dog breeds and all ages.
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It's particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from injuries/operations, dogs with arthritis and older dogs no longer enjoying their walks. Plus, for owners, is indoors, so great for those cold, wet and windy days. You can sit and watch your dog and avoid getting soaked!! Car park is right outside the door.
Unfortunately Nosing Around UK is closed permanently as I had a stroke at the beginning of February and I can't drive and have to take things very slowly. If you have any dog issues then please get in touch with Enhancing The Life of Your Hound as they may be able to help you. Thank you
Help your dog prepare for life after lockdown!
Lili Chin produces some very informative illustrations on dog/owner information. This covers a very important part of your dog's development and definitely worth a read!
Thanks to Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings for her latest graphic on socialisation. Helping your dog learn from a young age to have positive and safe experiences with the world can help them cope as adults. At times this is best done under the guidance of a qualified behavioural trainer using science based training, if your dog has already become fearful or reactive of a stimulus. http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/socializing-your-dog-an-illustrated-guide/
So true!
Please read this post as, when our dogs behaviour becomes reactive, please take the time to understand why.
I'll be heading to Kent for Pawfest on 4th September.
Why not come and visit me on the Pawfest Trail, a sniffing experience for your dog.
🐾 Good morning goers!
It’s just over a week to go until the family fun event, which you can expect a range of doggy and family activities. Don't forget there will also be a selection of street food vendors and bars on site.
Tickets are still available for you to purchase here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/pawfest/betteshanger-park/1806870
Today's PSA is brought to you on behalf of trainers everywhere who want you to know our choice to avoid the use of punishment isn't based on some rainbow & sunshine outlook on the world. It's based on our commitment to studying what science has learned - and continues to learn - about this incredible species we bring into our world rather than sticking to folklore & the "way it's always been done". When you know better, you do better.
My professional work with dogs started when I qualified as a Canine Bowen Therapist. Bowen therapy is a very gentle treatment and uses a gentle pressure on specific areas of the body.
My eldest greyhound, Anya, was diagnosed with lumbosacral stenosis about 5 years ago and I treat her whenever she is showing signs of discomfort.
On Saturday she ran up a steep slope while we were on a sniffing walk, and on Sunday she was struggling to walk. Her right hind leg was kicking out and she wasn't able to put any weight on that leg, plus her tail was resting in an odd position. I decided to treat her once she settled on her bed. If there was no improvement today, we would be heading to the vets.
She was slow to move out of her bed this morning, but was walking normally, plus her tail was back to wagging. No walks for a while, and, as a greyhound, she'll rest for a large part of the day.
I'm very relieved, as at 13 years old, I'm aware she won't live forever as recovery from injuries and illness may be limited, but I'm so glad I found out about Bowen therapy.
If you would like to know more about this therapy, please get in touch.
Kirsty Grant has kindly agree to let me share her video on teaching loose lead walking. It's great, watching them search for, and follow different scents in the long grass 😃
Are you interested in learning more about Medical Detection Dogs, then why not sign up for this webinar on Wednesday 25th August at 7 pm
I have just registered for the Super Sniffers: An Introduction to Medical Detection Dogs Why not join me...
It's great to see so many studies looking at canine behaviour. Our understanding of dogs is steadily improving, but, unfortunately, not all of those working with dogs are increasing their understanding. We can never know everything but we should keep our knowledge up to date.
Research into dog behaviour has exploded in recent decades. Why?
Since about 2005 there has been a sharp increase in the number of studies being published in dog behaviour and cognition. The figure on this infographic comes from a paper which counted the number of behaviour and cognition studies being published about dogs compared to all species.
Why are scientists suddenly so interested in dogs? A few reasons. One is they make a great model species for humans and other animal species. Understanding how dogs behave and think helps us understand how other species behave and think.
Another reason is that they're relatively easy to study. Pet dogs make great study participants - they're easy to recruit, relatively easy to communicate with, and often enjoy being involved.
Scientists have also recognised how important dogs are in people's lives. Dogs have prominent roles in our societies and can strongly influence people's well-being.
And of course, dogs are fascinating in their own right! Funders of science probably aren't so keen on this reason though.
What do you think scientists should try and find out about dogs?
Paper: The scholar’s best friend: research trends in dog cognitive and behavioral studies - Animal Cognition, November 2020.
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-020-01448-2
Heading to PawFest, Kent on Sept 4th where I'll be running a sniffing trail and giving a talk about the benefits of sniffing walks. If you live near Betteshanger, just outside Deal, why not come and visit. 🐾🐾
Dog-lovers, this one's for you! 🐕
In September 2021, Pawfest will embark on its first event at Betteshanger Park in Deal, with a wide range of stalls featuring doggy treats and goods to get your paws on.
Grab your tickets here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/pawfest/betteshanger-park/1806870
Morning everyone. I've had some time off after moving out of Unit 3, but aiming to be posting useful information on this page at least once a week.
Today's post is about 'The importance of allowing your dog to sniff' from Dog Communication. This is definitely a 'must read' article as is very informative, plus includes a couple of short videos about the value of sniffing.
Anya and Gem, my greyhounds, have spent some time exploring the woods near my home this morning. This area is rich in scents as we have a family of foxes living there, plus, every day it is visited by a large number of dogs, a variety of cats, plus the squirrels, mice, and probably rats.
Where does your dog do their sniffing, and do they have a spot where they always sniff? Looking forward to hearing your sniffing stories.
Sniffing is vital to the way dogs gather information and interact with their environment. Scent is the predominant way in which dogs make sense of their world.At times, depending on the context, a dog is not just sniffing a scent; he is communicating. What he is communicating can vary according to t...
Morning everyone, I hope you've all had a good weekend.
I, unfortunately have to announce the closure of Nosing Around UK at Unit 3, Bumpstead Farm, from Saturday 26th June.
My husband has been showing signs of Parkinson's for some time, and the past year has seen an increase in these signs so I have decided that I need to spend more time supporting him.
I want to say thank you to everyone who has visited over the past eighteen months. I will miss watching your dogs explore, using their noses to discover new smells and find hidden treats.
I'm hoping to be running some 'Sniffy' walks later in the year so will post any news on this page.
And don't forget ' Dogs were born to sniff'
Another new visitor today, a beautiful, young Labrador. He loves sniffing and this was very obvious as he thoroughly searched the unit.
I will have to find some new scents for him when he visits again next week.
Just a few photos of the explorer.
Had a new visitor to the unit on Saturday. Some dogs run around, exploring the space with their noses, others are more nervous so will stay close to their owners for reassurance, slowly discovering the hidden treats. This greyhound found a few things then decided to have a rest. Greyhounds are called 'the couch potato of the dog world' as I have two of them, i know how much they like their beds, sofas, etc but this one just loved every soft surface.
So here are a few photos of this beautiful hound
Having a 'Day Off' today to recover from All About Dogs. Was lovely seeing some familiar faces and meeting lots of new people with their dogs enjoying a session of sniffing. I only managed to take a couple of photos.
The unit will be open again on Friday at 11am as everything needs to be put back in place.
And to finish, take care in the heat, Anya and Gem were walked through the woods this morning, and was lovely and cool. Our pavements will be heating up already and our dogs paws are very sensitive and can burn easily so please walk your dogs when it's cool.
And absolutely final bit - the unit is lovely and cool for your dogs 😃
Heading to Hylands in just over an hour for day no 2. If you are planning to visit and planning to stay all day, can you head over to the Nosework stand as I need a few volunteers for the 'sniffing' talk I'm doing at 3.15 pm? Just need your dogs to sniff 😃
Just back home after a day in the sun. Note to self - wear a shirt with a collar to protect your neck and wear big hat!!
I've enjoyed today and was great seeing some previous visitors to Nosing Around UK and meeting some new dogs and their owners.
Didn't take any photos of visitors just one of the prepared smelly space.
I've spent a large part of today at Hylands preparing for All About Dogs. Looking forward to the next couple of days, spending time watching dogs using their noses in the Nosework activity,
Getting there at about 7.30 am to fill the empty space with lots of things to sniff.
If you're heading to this event, you won't miss us as we're near the entrance by the Main Arena.
Arrived at Nosing Around UK this morning to discover the drain outside the unit was blocked so a lake had developed by the door. Spent about 45 mins sweeping it away so my first client didn't get wet feet. Got a break now so drying very wet socks and trainers
Great news. At last, animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
We're delighted to announce that the bill to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years has finally passed through parliament! 🎉 Blue Cross has campaigned for this law, with other animal welfare charities, for many years and we are delighted that progress has happened. This law will now send a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
If your dog suffers from Separation Anxiety, this is the webinar for you. Only a couple of spaces left
Is your dog ready for lockdown to end?
Lots of our dogs have gotten used to having us at home and our return to working outside the home could come as a horrible surprise and be the catalyst for dogs developing separation anxiety.
During this webinar we’ll look at the practical steps you can take to help your dog cope with the return to a busier way of life.
Book your spot at:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/understanding-separation-anxiety-in-dogs-tickets-151364841315
I've had a couple of new visitors to the unit this week and yesterday an owner and her hound, who last visited before COVID, returned.
This gorgeous hound started life as a street dog, was rescued and brought over to England. When she searches for treats she's very methodical, finding her favourite flavours first. On her previous visits she completely ignored the fish treats so, no fish this time.
Last year, after her visit, she slept soundly for a couple of hours, and this was repeated after this visit.
Searching, sniffing and working out how to retrieve the treats can be very tiring and some owners report that their dogs rest and sleep for some time after a session. Good quality sleep is extremely important and the amount of sleep/ rest your dog needs ranges between 12 - 20 hours, depending on age, breed and health.
So the phrase 'Let sleeping dogs lie' is a useful one to remember.
Has your dog become grumpy, reluctant to move, constantly licking one area? Then your dog could be suffering from the effects of arthritis, 80% of dogs aged 8 years and over have been diagnoses as having arthritis. CAM (Canine Arthritis Management ) have created this online course to help you understand this painful condition. Why not have a look and see if it could help you and your dog.
I've had an interesting morning walk with three dogs this morning, watching one dog in particular as he has a range of muscular skeletal issues.
As well as running Nosing Around UK and advising owners on ideas to encourage dogs to sniff more, I also watch how dogs are moving as they amble around the unit. I trained as a Canine Bowen Therapist a few years ago and have recently become aware of the increase in dogs being diagnosed with arthritis. I have just started a course with Canine Arthritis Management and one of the shocking statistics is that 35% of dogs, from 1 year of age are experiencing arthritic pain. This means that an incredible number of dogs spend most of their living with pain.
If you think that your dog has, slowed down, become more grumpy/slower, etc, please head over to pages Canine Arthritis Management and Holly's Army. Both pages are supportive and give helpful advice, I've attached their exercise suggestions.
Plus, make an appointment to visit me at Nosing Around UK, just give me a ring 07881 527319.
Just one visitor to the unit today. As he is a young dog, part of his time at the unit was spent indoors and then moved to the grass outside. The grass is full of the scents of previous visiting dogs, rabbits, and a range of other wildlife that have made their homes in the countryside around the farm.
Allowing your dog to explore with their nose is very important. In our rushed lives, it can be difficult for us to stand still while our dogs sniff but it is their way of learning about their environment.
When today's visitor returns to the unit, the grass and unit will be familiar, but there will be new smells both inside and out so his search of the unit will probably be longer, plus exploring a little more of the outside area.
I had two visitors to the unit today, first a greyhound on her first session. She was very calm as she explored, showing an interest in the scents as well as finding and eating all the hidden treats.
My second visitor was a young lurcher, a mix of hound and terrier. Another calm searcher, it was great watching her search the unit and then finishing the session with a crunchy piece of dried tripe. Her owners have sent me a message saying that she is fast asleep.
This type of exercise can be very tiring when experiencing for the first time. Why not get in touch and book a session and see how your dog responds to a session of off-lead searching and sniffing
It's been great having dogs mooching in the unit again.
I had two visitors today, one a returning dog - not sure he liked the new layout as he preferred searching the front section. My second visitor was a terrier mix, very inquisitive and adventurous - great sniffer.
Looking forward to seeing them again soon. Why not book a session today and let your dog follow it's nose
The unit is now ready for the post lock-down clients tomorrow so will be posting some photos.
Over the past weeks I've seen a number of posts regarding young dogs suffering from arthritis.
The attached photo is an x-ray of a pup and shows that the bones still have large gaps between them as the legs and paws aren't fully developed..
If you are playing games that involve jumping it may cause damage to these new bones.
If you would like to discover some gentle ideas to exercise your pup or, if your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis then Nosing Around is an ideal environment to gentle exercise for body and brain.
I have appointments available next week so looking forward to seeing you
Writtle
| Monday | 11am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 6pm |
| Friday | 11am - 6pm |
| Saturday | 11am - 6pm |
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Today's Canine Chatter is with Kirsty Grant. Kirsty runs The Dog's Nose, based in Swindon and is giving us a quick tour with two of her dogs.
Today's Canine Chatter is with Kirsty Grant. Kirsty runs The Dog's Nose, based in Swindon and is giving us a quick tour with two of her dogs.
Today is the first of my interviews with dog trainers/behaviourist and others who spend their lives working with dogs
‘Let them sniff......Their word is made of scents more than sights’ Alexandra Horowitz, PhD.
Dogs have incredible noses, in fact their noses tell them more about the environment than their eyes. Every leaf, twig, tree, lamp post they sniff tells them something about the animal that has passed the same spot. I vary the areas where I walk my greyhounds so that they discover new scents, or catch up with familiar scents. Gem, the youngest greyhound, loves to follow scents, so I sometimes find myself being dragged into bushes, or having to jump across ditches.
Nosing Around UK provides a safe space for dogs no longer enjoying their walks either because of pain or fear, as using their noses can reduce stress levels and provide the brain with some exercise. Research has shown that dogs, allowed to follow their noses, are happier, with improved mental health.
Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2018). Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.009
So, if you have a dog suffering, due to pain or fear, then why not come and visit the unit. In fact anybody, with a dog can visit, it’s an ideal form of exercise for your dog, no matter the size or age. I look forward to meeting you and your dog.
