Better Cavs

01/09/2024

Happy Fathers Day Keith.
Enjoying his pupcake that I made

31/08/2024

Got one myself, it is full of really good information to help your understand your pooch a bit more.

28/08/2024

If you haven’t checked out Miss Behaviour yet, go and have a look. This is straight from there.
Just out of knee surgery I really needed to hear this.

If you didn't take your dog for a walk, let me tell you something.
Me either and that's okay!

You don't have to feel the guilt.
There's more to your dog's life than going for a daily leash walk. Your dog will be okay. There are other ways to engage.
Just by being here, you're already showing up for your dog. You love your dog. You treat your dog like family. It's okay if you don't like to walk your dog.
Maybe you don't have a safe place to walk.
Maybe you're stressed out about loose dogs.
Maybe your dog is afraid of the outside world.
Maybe life is in a crazy season for you.
Maybe your dog is reactive.
Maybe it's hard to walk your dog and be with your kids.
Maybe walks are physically difficult for you
It's okay!
Walks are not a requirement for good dog parenting.

Let me know what keeps you from going for a walk. I'm truly curious to hear. No shame.

25/08/2024

Try a few of these to start.

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

25/08/2024

I have chosen to put this one to up tonight because I am so sad about reading over a site where others can help each other with advice and there is so many times I read and feel so sad they think abuse and dominance is the way to fix their dog problems.

24/08/2024

24/08/2024

Easy enrichment for the dogs

22/08/2024

With Dogs Disclosed – I just got recognised as one of their rising fans! 🎉
It is a wonderful site I will be sharing a lot of the initial knowledge from.

22/08/2024

As part of my ongoing research and training in dog care, I've been discovering some truly fascinating and valuable information that could be incredibly beneficial for new dog owners.
I believe that sharing knowledge is the key to helping our furry friends to thrive and ensuring that their humans are well-prepared for the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Starting today, I'll be sharing insightful tips, helpful resources and important considerations that can make a positive difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners.
Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to share your own experiences.
We can start with general information about toy dogs.

In this video, you'll learn all about the Toy Breed Dog Group. You'll learn about their history, their original purpose, common traits, how to care for them ...

12/08/2024

With Ella Mae Dog Grooming Studio – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

20/07/2024

18/07/2024

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

17/07/2024

My buddies hanging out with me outside on one of the mild winter days we have had.

17/07/2024

Working on the playground for the dogs and puppies. With a sensory area to slide. Next mission is to paint them, put the plants in the sensory area then work on the new tunnel area.
Love creating enrichment areas for them to explore when they are outside. A good use for the bark gardens that need work all the time to keep fresh.

02/07/2024

A spa day for the girls, super tiring

02/07/2024

A spa day at Ella Mae Grooming for the girls, so tiring being pampered.

02/07/2024

And here is Dobbie who is 14 this year and Keith who is my darling boy.

02/07/2024

The girls after their spa day

Bonnie, Milly and Reba 🥰🩷🥰🩷

01/06/2024

06/05/2024

If you are considering getting one of our precious pups this year, it is time to put your name on our waiting list.

23/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HpseWBMN2dmstVbH/?mibextid=KsPBc6&startTimeMs=2000

17/04/2024

I finally got enough time to do some experimenting.
I did some research into what is good for my dogs and helps with health and fibre for their a**l glands.
I made some cookies, frozen treats and pupcakes.
Loved it so much I will be making more. I will also do some research on ones for my cat.
Share yours if you have any easy ones.

12/01/2024

I am looking for a Cav for a lady that would be a great owner. If anyone knows of any pups that need a new home please let me know. She cannot pay too much because sure she is retired.