Humdinger Dogs

24/10/2024

This made me chuckle 🤣🤣

22/08/2024

I can so relate to this post … miss you Mocha!

https://www.facebook.com/share/17sjBpnnTcKzXJpR/?mibextid=WC7FNe

07/07/2024

Does anyone else’s dog live in a football mad household? Onyx does! Only she isn’t the chilled, cuddly kind of dog 😉

26/06/2024

That would be my Onyx!

17/06/2024

Interesting article in the use of ball launcher toys…

Ball launchers have become a popular accessory for dog owners who want to keep their dogs active and entertained. However, these devices can have negative effects on your dog's health and wellbeing.

Ball Launchers Can Cause Obsession:

Some dogs become obsessed with fetching a ball, which can lead to behavioural problems. They may become aggressive or anxious when they are not playing with the ball launcher, making it difficult to enjoy time with your pet. It's important to recognise the signs of obsession and to limit your dog's use of the ball launcher.

Ball Launchers Interrupt Natural Behaviour:

Dogs are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings through sniffing and relaxing. However, when they become obsessed with fetching a ball, they may lose interest in these natural behaviours. This can lead to boredom and frustration, causing your dog to become less active and less healthy.

Ball Launchers Can Cause Joint Problems:

Repeatedly launching a ball puts a lot of stress on your dog's joints, especially if they are a high energy breed. This can lead to joint problems such as arthritis, which can be very painful and expensive to treat. It's important to limit the amount of time your dog spends playing with a ball launcher and to give them plenty of rest breaks.

While ball launchers may seem like a fun and easy way to keep your dog entertained, they can have negative effects on their health and wellbeing. They interrupt natural behaviour, can cause joint problems, and lead to obsession. If you want to keep your dog healthy and happy, it's best to limit their use of ball launchers and encourage them to engage in natural behaviours such as sniffing, scent work, exploring and simply relaxing.

25/12/2023

Onyx’s first Christmas … hasn’t got the hang of unwrapping presents, but her new dinosaur was a great hit … better than the deer ears even 🤣

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas everyone & happy holidays!! 🎄🐾🎄. Love Tania & Onyx 🐾

15/12/2023

Check out this new podcast series - Help My Dog from Dr Tom Mitchell (UK Veterinary Behaviourist)

Listen to Help! My Dog: The Podcast. Dog Behaviour & Training Strategies that Work! on Spotify. The Brand New podcast from vet, behaviourist and trainer, Dr Tom Mitchell! We'll be covering all things dog behaviour to unlock the life you dream of with your dog, transforming behaviour struggles and le...

30/10/2023

I see loads of dog enrichment ideas that include peanut butter... please ensure that your peanut butter is safe for dogs....

27/10/2023

Guy Fawkes Day is only 10 days away and the fireworks season is fast approaching, so here are our top tips for a less stressful time....

26/10/2023

5 months old today! 🥳🐾

25/10/2023

23/10/2023

Puppy Exercise Safety - Most of us have heard the saying “A tired puppy is a good puppy”. When your puppy is tired, they will rest more and of course are less likely to get into mischief…but did you know that too much exercise can be detrimental to your youngster’s health in years to come?

21/10/2023

Working out in the garden today, so Onyx came out to supervise. She has done super well! She is not tied up, is in the driveway so no fencing and is just hanging out with us. I have a long line on her just for my peace of mind. We have quite a few people & people with dogs go passed, Onyx still stayed in the driveway so I gave some treaties each time to reinforce her for minding her own business! Super proud dog mummy!! 😍👍

20/10/2023

Now that we are into the lighter evenings (thanks to daylight savings) we have more time for parkour training and its benefits! 🥳

18/10/2023

Today is NZ Shake Out Day....Having a dog “Ready to Go” bag ready for emergencies is important. We all know that when an emergency strikes, we may not have time to collect all the items we need for our dog if we have to evacuate in a hurry. Put a “Ready to Go” bag for your dog next to your personal one. Here is a list of items to include in your dog’s bag:
#1 Dog carrier or crate (if practical) – also have a familiar blanket inside. Having a familiar home away from home can provide your dog with a sense of security as well as keeping him/her safe.
#2. Lead and muzzle – even friendly dogs need a muzzle. The emergency can be a stressful environment for you and your dog may pick up on this. Your dog may dislike being handled by emergency workers. Even the most placid dog can bite when hurt or injured during an emergency.
#3. Dog food & water– try to keep the same dry food that your dog normally eats. Sudden changes of food can lead to diarrhoea. Keep at least 3 days-worth of food in a water-tight container and 3 days of water in your “Ready to Go” bag. A dog drinks roughly 50ml of water per kg of body weight each day. A 10 kg dog will need about half a litre of water, a 20 kg dog will need about 1 litre per day. Also keep non-breakable food and water bowls in the bag, collapsible bowls save space. Periodically check the expiry date on the dog food and refresh the water.
#4. Basic grooming equipment – your dog may become dirty during the emergency, so have a brush and small bottle of dog shampoo available in case you need it.
#5. Hygiene products – plastic poo bags, pet wipes that are safe for your dog’s face and around eyes, zip lock bags for dog related items.
#6. Veterinary records & medications – vaccination card and at least 3 days of your dog’s medication
#7. Dog First Aid kit – swabs, prep wipes, dressings (non-adhesive), padded bandage, elastic gauze bandage, adhesive bandage, cohesive bandage, sterile saline vials, non-latex gloves
#8. Toys – having a familiar toy that your dog enjoys can be comforting for your dog. Playing a game with your dog (if it is safe to do so) can be a great way to relieve stress for both you and your dog.

18/10/2023

Wow, such a long time ago - Mocha and I working a rubble pile in our first USAR (Urban Search & Rescue) Disaster Dog assessment back in 2006

17/10/2023

One of Onyx’s baby teeth fell out into the carpet 🦷. It’s not often that I find any of my pups’ teeth.