R.B. Tootle

23/09/2024

Hands up if you're a bit of a silly sausage and put the wrong phone number on your promotional flyer and actually advertised with it ...

Yes, that's me. I did that. 👏

So, the phone number has now been updated and to anyone who has been trying to get in touch with me; I'm sorry!

My number is 089 4550857.

23/09/2024

❔🕵️ WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKER?🕵️❔

Making the decision to hire a Professional Dog Walker (PDW) is a huge one and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly, after all, they’re legally responsible for your dog while caring for them! Here are a few of my green flags I would personally be looking for if I was looking to entrust a stranger with my dog’s care…

🐶 Experience: What experience do they have with dogs? Do they have experience out-with looking after their own pets? A PDW should have relevant experience with different types of dogs and managing them safely while in public.

✨ What training do they have? Ideally this should include up-to-date evidence-based knowledge of dog behaviour and dog handling. PDWs should also have canine first aid certificates and carry a canine first aid kit with them. PDWs should be able to identify signs of stress in dogs and will not put dogs in situations they are uncomfortable with.

☑️ Insurance: All PDWs should have third-party liability insurance. Their insurance policy will outline the number of dogs they can walk at any one time. Depending on the agreement you have with them, the insurance may also cover emergency veterinary fees.
📄 Contracts: Your PDW should provide you with detailed Terms and Conditions or a contract which outlines your agreement.

🏔 GPS Trackers: Does your PDW provide these while your dog is in their care?

🐾 Other dogs: PDWs should walk dogs in groups of suitably matched dogs, they should know how to introduce dogs safely and should be proactive in dealing with any mismatches. It shouldn’t be “up to the dogs to resolve things”, the PDW should know how to step in to ensure everyone is safe and happy.

⭐️ Off lead freedom: The decision to let a dog off lead should rest with the PDW despite how good your dog’s recall is with you. PDWs should take time to develop a bond with a dog before letting them off lead, they may also spend time testing a dog’s recall using a longline. PDWs should not let their dogs approach random dogs or members of the public when outdoors.

🚍Transport: Dogs should be transported in vehicles that are regularly cleaned and disinfected and with good ventilation. Your dog should be comfortably secured either with a correctly-sized seatbelt harness or by travelling in a crate or container designed for the purpose. Unfamiliar dogs should not share crates or spaces. Dogs should never be left unattended in a vehicle other than for short periods while the PDW is collecting dogs or dropping them off.

⭐️ Reviews/references: Check the reviews of your PDW so you can understand from their other clients the level of service they provide.

⌚️ Timing: The hike time of one hour should be as described. One hour of hiking = one hour of hiking, not 45 minutes, not 50 minutes, ONE HOUR.

🚑 Emergencies: Emergency plans should be discussed at your meet and greet. In the case of an emergency or in the event that your dog becomes sick or injured while in the care of a PDW you need to outline what level of decision making your PDW can have (ie: seeking veterinary attention).

👑 Equipment: You should agree what type of equipment you would like to be used when your dog is on a walk, for example specific harnesses or a collar.

🗣 Communication: Your PDW should provide you with updates on your dog and should notify you if there are any causes for concern, it’s their duty to notify you of any behavioral changes or concerns that are cropping up for your dog. Your PDW should let you know if there are any changes to your agreed schedule.

It’s a big decision and ultimately, you’ll know in your gut if it’s a good fit or not. Everyone involved should feel comfortable and at ease with one another, you, the PDW and of course, your pup!

www.rbtootle.com

19/09/2024

⭐🩷 BILKO 🩷⭐

Ahem... Have you EVER seen a more glorious looking dog?? I mean look at him!

I am so delighted to welcome this absolute dreamboat to the crew! Bilko here has it all; he's sure of himself, perfectly neutral around other dogs, trusting and oh, SO gorgeous!

Bilko jumped right in the Tootle Truck and travelled like a dream. He was absolutely fantastic on our hike, perfectly engaged with me and so chilled! Bilko's recall was absolutely smashing, the longline definitely won't be needed for long with this boy! Bilko and Clyde had the most gorgeous time exploring the Burren, I was pinching myself at how lucky I felt to be in such great company in such a lovely spot! 🌸⛰️

Thank you so much for joining us Bilko, I'm obsessed with you already and so happy to have you on board! 🖤
clare_

18/09/2024

✨🧡 BIG-T 🧡✨

A MASSIVE welcome to the first Irish dog to join the Tootle gang, say hello to gorgeous Big T! 👋 Nobody knows what the "T" is short for but we're rolling with it...

This big man is a typical terrier, full of fun, knows what he wants and a little bit feisty. Despite this, Big T is VERY wary of new people so it took some time for him to decide he was leaving the house with me. I didn't push it, listened to him when he was showing stressy signs, rewarded the good stuff and voila, we made it out the door! The next obstacle was the van, naturally Big T's first thought was "Yeah that's not happening even if you're throwing treats at me". We used a combination of play and treats to get him comfortable with getting close to the van and popping in, we repeated this process a handful of times and when I felt that he was good to go we zoomed off for a mini hike!

I'm delighted to have Big T on board and looking forward to building our relationship over the next few weeks. Thank you Big T! 🖤

Woohoo for terriers! 😍

www.rbtootle.com

17/09/2024

It's all fun, fun fun in this department BUT that doesn't mean we don't have some rules in place to keep everyone safe and happy. 🤗

Below are a couple of the main rules that Mila here has insisted on sharing, if you have any questions please do shout!

1. Dogs are matched in groups based on their personalities and level of training. The group dynamic is so important to me and your dog's safety is my number one priority. I work with all breeds of dogs and take each dog as they come; considering their history, genetics, temperament and training. Not all dogs are suitable for groups and that's perfectly okay too. 🐾

2. Dogs should be reasonably happy travelling from 'A' to 'B'. I have a secure, ventilated, crate fitted van and all dogs will be secured in their own individual crate or space while travelling to and from our hike locations. 🚍

3. Dogs must have an excellent recall and be capable of walking on a loose lead to take part in our group hikes. Dogs will be kept on a lead/longline until an excellent bond has been established between us. 🤝

4. Vaccinations, worming and flea treatments should be up to date. Kennel cough is not mandatory however I do recommend it. 💉

5. Dogs should have an up to date ID tag with the owner's contact details. I provide my own ID tags and Tractive GPS trackers for added security.

5. If your dog is showing any signs of illness (ie: vommitting, diarrhoea) before their walks please do notify me. 😷

6. Neutering/spaying: I have no hard and fast rules about this and will assess dogs on a case by case basis. 🔪 🥜

I'm more than happy to work alongside the owner on basic training where we agree that it would benefit your pup, my focus is on making sure your dog is set up for success and that they can thrive in our group settings! I will always look at the dog holistically and may, on occasion, refer you to your Vet or a Reward Based Trainer for further support. ✅

Thank you for reading guys and hope you're all enjoying the last of the summer warmth. ☀️

www.rbtootle.com

16/09/2024

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜....

We often spend a lot of time & effort teaching puppies to 'do' - to sit, lie down, go to bed, drop - and to do those things when we tell them. Which is fine...there's nothing wrong with that. But it does miss a hugely important skill....the art of not doing, just being. And being able to do that independently and without explicit instruction from us.

A puppy who is always 'doing' or seeking instruction can be hard work! Into everything, overtired, barking at the wind, constantly on the go, always actively seeking information from us....it's tiring for them and can be wearing for us.

Instead wouldn't it be more beneficial for you & your puppy if they could settle quietly when you are eating or watching TV or on the phone? If they understood the cues which mean they are on their own time and that there's no direct reinforcement or feedback coming from you? If they knew how to find their 'off switch'?

Being able to 'do' is great. Being able to just 'be' is awesome.

16/09/2024

If Monday had a face... 😐

15/09/2024

Clyde: Mam, these are good frens, they pass the good boy test. ✅
clare_

14/09/2024

13/09/2024

🌟 Happy weekend from these star-bars! 🌟

Aska is slowly learning to tolerate the Irish weather, can't say she's happy about it though... ☘️

12/09/2024

❤️❤️ SPAY AND NEUTER SEPTEMBER ❤️❤️
****Subsidised neutering for dogs and cats****

CAW is pleased to announce a subsidized neutering scheme for the month of September. This scheme is only offered by a few welfare organisations and we encourage the public to partake. The scheme is available to those who are living in Co. Clare and are struggling with the cost of neutering their pets:

You pay the following fixed fee (without extras):
DOG Male: €50 - Female: €100
CAT Male: €20 - Female: €40

Thank you to the following vets who are participating:

Ballyhugh Vet, Gort (for Clare patients only)
Tel: 091-632722
Ceithre Cos Vet, Tulla (no bi***es)
Tel: 065 6835234
Ennis Veterinary Clinic, Clon Road, Ennis
Tel: 065-6797444 (extra charge for female dogs >25kg)
Harvey’s Veterinary, Kilrush and Kildysert
Tel: 065-9051193
Kilkee Veterinary Clinic,1 Circular Road, Kilkee
Tel: 065-9056504
Killaloe Veterinary Clinic, Unit 3, Hill Road, Killaloe
Tel: 061-374104
Rockhall Veterinary, Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon
Tel: 061-472161 and
Westbury Shopping Centre, Tel: 061-354804
Shannonside Veterinary, Kilrush
Tel.: 065-9051041
Scarriff Veterinary Clinic, Feakle Road, Scariff
Tel: 061-921226 (female dogs under 30kg only)
The Pet Vet, Ballinderreen (for Clare patients only)
Tel: 091-485358
Treaty Vets, Ballycasey Bus. Park, Shannon (and Limerick for Clare patients only) Tel: 061-703466

The Scheme is offered subject to appointments and allocated funds available.
All dogs must be microchipped to avail of this support offer.

12/09/2024

Hello! 👋

Here's a little bit about me and what I'm about...

Name: Sinéad.

Role: Business Owner. Servant to three dogs (Mila, Aska & Clyde).

Happiest when: Covered in mud, surrounded by dogs! 🐾

What I offer: I pride myself on delivering a kind and ethical service which allows the dogs to have fun while also providing the structure they need to be their best selves. I love using different types of enrichement activities with dogs to allow them to tap their natural instincts and increase their confidence! Our hikes take place in remote locations, away from the hustle and bustle of town. 🌳🌱🍁

What IS enrichment?
Enrichment enables dogs to explore and use their natural instincts in safe ways, resulting in calmer, happier dogs. It’s not just about physically tiring your dog out but instead, finding ways to work their brains to ensure they're truly fulfilled! 👌

Favourite activity with dogs: Currently obsessed with all things "Prey Drive" and finding safe and ethical ways for my dogs to "get their fix". Special shout out to the incredible Simone Mueller who's books have helped to completely transform my relationship with my dogs, highly recommended for all you "hunty" pups! 🐺

Favourite thing about being a Professional Dog Walker: Everything. 🩷

Least favourite thing about being a Professional Dog Walker: Discovering that most clothes marked as "waterproof" are in fact, not waterproof! 😂

I'll be posting more over the coming days so that you can get to know us a little better but please do drop me a message if you have any questions in the mean time! 🤗

12/09/2024

Hello! 👋

Here's a little bit about me and what I'm about...

Name: Sinéad.

Role: Business Owner. Servant to three dogs (Mila, Aska & Clyde).

Happiest when: Covered in mud, surrounded by dogs! 🐾

What I offer: I pride myself on delivering a kind and ethical service which allows the dogs to have fun while also providing the structure they need to be their best selves. I love using different types of enrichement activities with dogs to allow them to tap into their natural instincts and increase their confidence! Our hikes take place in remote locations, away from the hustle and bustle of town. 🌳🌱🍁

What IS enrichment?
Enrichment enables dogs to explore and use their natural instincts in safe ways, resulting in calmer, happier dogs. It’s not just about physically tiring your dog out but instead, finding ways to work their brains to ensure they're truly fulfilled! 👌

Favourite activity with dogs: Currently obsessed with all things "Prey Drive" and finding safe and ethical ways for my dogs to "get their fix". Special shout out to the incredible Simone Mueller who's books have helped to completely transform my relationship with my dogs, highly recommended for all you "hunty" pups! 🐺

Favourite thing about being a Professional Dog Walker: Everything. 🩷

Least favourite thing about being a Professional Dog Walker: Discovering that most clothes marked as "waterproof" are in fact, not waterproof! 😂

I'll be posting more over the coming days so that you can get to know us a little better but please do drop me a message if you have any questions in the mean time! 🤗

www.rbtootle.com

10/09/2024

💙💛 NEW BEGINNINGS 💙💛

My assistant manager (Clyde) and I have been busy scouting out our new hiking spots, we're VERY excited to get stomping! 🥾🥾🥾

For our new Irish followers, you are so very welcome to our page and all things "Tootle"!

We'll be posting more over the coming days to make sure you're properly acquainted with us, if you have any burning questions in the mean time be sure to drop us a message.

PS: And yes, Clyde was paid for his time on set... 🎥

08/09/2024

✨🥁 CALLING ALL DOGGOS 🥁✨

R.B. Tootle - Bespoke Dog Services are open for bookings! 🎉

✨ Established in 2022 in Scotland, R.B. Tootle is an insured, experienced and reliable Professional Dog Service! We specialise in providing fun and engaging Group Hikes for dogs. I'm DELIGHTED to announce that we've now relocated to my native Corofin and our diary is open for bookings! We cover Ennis, Corofin and surrounding areas and are available for regular weekly bookings.

✨ Our Hikes are enrichment focused, allowing your dog safe opportunities to exercise their minds, resulting in calmer, happier dogs. These hikes are the ideal environment for your dog to make some new friends and improve their social skills. My groups are small to ensure that your dog gets the focus they deserve and that their wellbeing and safety is prioritised.

✨ Be sure to check out my website, socials and excellent reviews from my many happy customers. Any likes, shares or follows would be greatly appreciated guys!

Do get in touch if you'd like to have a chat about your furry friend joining the crew!

Looking forward to meeting your wonderful dogs,

Sinéad ☺️

www.rbtootle.com

29/08/2024

🫶

29/08/2024

A bittersweet goodbye to Darcie, Ollie, Rolo and Copper. Thank you guys for always being little/medium sized heroes. 🦸🩷

29/08/2024

A gorgeous final walk for Ellie & Frankie, big love to you both. 🫶

28/08/2024

Rolo, Copper, Darcie, Poppy, Ollie & Clyde: We're ready for you to compliment us Sinéad, well go on, do it!!

28/08/2024

Merlot, Frankie & Honey: Thank you summer for coming out and making us look EXTRA shiny. 🌟

27/08/2024

🍌🧁 Tuesday's bun-anas 🧁🍌

26/08/2024

⭐🖤 HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY 🖤⭐

My besties, I hope they know how loved they are. 🩷

26/08/2024

Ralphie, Ellie, Honey & Clyde: Sinéad you really haven't lived until you've tried mud bathing like us. Here let's give you a small sample, stand there while Ralphie shakes himself beside you, the more splatters you get on yourself the better! It's ORGANIC okay...

All joking aside, my heart is breaking for Clyde who'll be losing his best frens after this week, I don't know how to break the news to him... 💔🦊🦁🦨🐦‍⬛

23/08/2024

And then there was ONE WEEK LEFT...

Thank you all for your support this week, I'm sooo not ready for our final week of business here but let's f****in do it!! 😭💪

Have a great weekend lovely people and THANK YOU. 🖤

23/08/2024

The original Tootle crew 💪