Palmy Dogs

10/11/2024

Some PAWsome event coming up!

Calendar alert! Christmas is coming, and we've got the inside scoop on the best events. S&J's Tail Wagging Treats is barking up a storm, and next week, we're spilling the Toe beans on those awesome Xmas packs! So keep those ears pricked up, those noses sniffing they are coming.


S&J's Tail Wagging Treats

10/11/2024

When I first learned to drive my dad took me to drive the country back roads and later quiet urban streets.

Then once I had the basic mechanics and understood the road rules well, we then ventured out into busier areas and eventually town.

A couple of times...

I misjudged the sharpness of turns.

Slowed down prematurely or too late.

I mentally blanked out on road rules or got overwhelmed when the traffic got busy...

Eventually though (with enough practise and a failure ) I was deemed a decent enough driver to get my license and enjoyed my new found freedom.

That is my story about learning to drive BUT this can be a great analogy for teaching our dogs how to walk on lead and transfer skills into new environments.

We often get so excited when our dogs start to pick up on skills in class that we forget the nuances of the learning process.

New environments means new distractions but this does not mean the skills learned go totally out the window, they need to be reiterated and practised.

From the classroom to outside:

Start out by setting up distractions in the class room.

Start exploring busier environments but expect failure and some not quite perfect walks!

You never start to drive in rush hour traffic so don't expect your dog to be perfect movingfrom learning in the lounge to a busy park!

Picture: Ginny the Schnaizer conked out after a challenging session of learning.

06/11/2024

Super proud to hear an update from Chico the chihuahua who finished the PupStart Teens course.

Initially Chico was a trembling little ball who would hid behind mum and bark at dogs and people when unsure.

🐾While PupStart Teens does work on basic training skill I deem the training of owners to understand basic dog body language, behaviour and specifically understanding THEIR dog to be if not more important.

🐕Once you tailor training and training in real life situations to support your pup then pieces of a puzzle which can make learning challenging make life much easier🐕

This little guy has the privilege of coming to work with his owners and was a bit worried about new people coming into the office.

With a bit of space, management and creating the opportunity for Chico to make choices, he is so much happier and even greets people.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

"Outside the home he has learned to trust his owner and explore busier environments (more people, dogs ect.) and had grown more confident to overcome and enjoy exploring.

I think for him just knowing that he has an option and a safe place has given him a lot more confidence.

For me learning his responses to certain situations and why, has meant that I can prepare and give him extra support when he needs it and keep him out of situations that I know will be too challenging."

-Chicos mum

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Next class starts this weekend with some spaces avaliable for November!

05/11/2024

01/11/2024

Awesome post on how environments impact our dogs behaviour, ability to regulate and learn!

This is often accidentally overlooked by owners and sometimes trainers!

Environment affects behaviour & emotions.

Last week I was in New York. I was looking through the photos from the trip and these two jumped out at me because they evoked such contrasting feelings.

Time Square was A LOT! So many people, so much noise, so much visual stimulation, so many people who I didn't really want to interact with trying to interact with me. Honestly, not my cup of tea. It made me feel on edge and a bit defensive. It was overwhelming and (while I'm glad I've seen it) not somewhere I'd choose to go back to.

Central Park, on the other hand, was calm, quiet (or as quiet as it gets in NY!), there was space, there were still lots of people but no one was in my face, there was space enough to allow me to engage with things, or not, as I chose. I felt safe, relaxed and would go back in a heartbeat.

Some people would be different and would feel energised by the Times Square vibe and bored to death by the peace of Central Park.

The environment we are in affects how we feel and how we feel affects our behaviour and, ultimately, our wellbeing. And our dogs are no different. If we put them in environments to which they aren't suited then we shouldn't be surprised if they display problematic behaviours as a result.

If you continually take your anxious dog to a busy dog park or walk your traffic herding Collie by a busy road is it any wonder when their behaviour is challenging? If we keep putting our dogs into environments they don't feel safe in or haven't yet got the skills to handle then their resulting behaviour is on us. And, by contrast, if we choose environments for our dogs which suit their temperament and skills then challenging behaviours can melt away.

Understanding (& accepting) whether you have a Times Sq dog 🌇 or a Central Park 🍁 dog is a crucial first step in changing challenging behaviours.

01/11/2024

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴...

As a behavior veterinarian, I understand how distressing fireworks can be for our canine companions. Here are some expert tips to help you and your dog get through this challenging time:

1. Stick to their normal routine. Make sure dogs have been walked before dark though.

2. Bring them inside. If taking your dog out to toilet, do so early, and on lead. DO NOT take them out to watch...

3. Set up a hidey-hole/den and sound proof it if possible.

4. Close the curtains and turn on some background noise. It will reduce the suddenness and drown it out.

5. Some dogs like thundershirts, so if yours is used to one, pop it on early. Don't try it for the first time tonight though! Calming caps or ear covers may also help.

6. Give them something delicious to eat or keep them occupied with food puzzles (e.g. a kong with meat in it)

7. Stay with them, and yes you can reassure them! If they want to be stroked, do so. If not, just stay nearby. Stay calm.

8. Feed high value food (if they can eat...) while it's happening. e.g. a peice of schmacko or a temptation for each bang.

9. Use Adaptil diffuser, collar or spray.

If your dog really struggles, there ARE things we can do to help. Medications can help this year, and we can look at behaviour modification (desensitising) techniques for next season.

Noise sensitivity is something I can help you all with, so please- reach out and we can prepare for New Years or next fireworks season!

30/10/2024

Fireworks can be fun for humans but aren’t much fun for our furry friends. 🐾

🎆 On Saturday, 2 November, there will be a fireworks display at Robertson Prestige International Speedway. If you live nearby, please take extra care of your pets.

If you plan to use fireworks, please remember that loud noises can easily overwhelm animals.

If your neighbours have pets, please let them know before you plan to use fireworks. Most people are ready for Guy Fawkes Day but may not be prepared on other days. ❤️

If you are a pet owner, here are some tips to keep your pets comfortable over Diwali and Guy Fawkes:
👉 Stay home and keep your pet company.
👉 Create a safe and quiet area for your pets, away from windows.
👉 Mask noise or play soothing music.
👉 Keep your pets indoors, away from flashes and bangs.
👉 Take your pet for a walk early to avoid being out when fireworks could be set off.

29/10/2024

🎃Its the spooky time of the year!🕷️

🍬Which means regular visitors for those who do Halloween trick and treat!

But this can affect some pups negatively if they tend to react to visitors/ more foot traffic!

🎃Here are some tips to keep your pups more comfortable during Halloween night!

Don't❌:

🐾Allow your dog to come to the door to greet/bark/ vet visitors.

🐾Avoid your pup being able to window watch or watch in the yard.

Do✅:

🐾Provide an area for your dog to relax in/feel/ not roam.

🐾Keep them busy with a special treat/toy that is long lasting.

🐾If you dog is noise reactive try play some calming music for them/block out outside noise.

🐾Don't scold your dog if they react- this can make them more stressed/ confirm something IS wrong and be on alert.

🐾Have someone at home if you are going out to make sure they are ok!

🎃Happy Halloween!🎃

Palmy Dogs proudly services the Manawatu with life skills training for building a well mannered, confident and calm dog.

The range of courses offered provides practical and effective training for dogs at all life stages and skill level.

29/10/2024

Guy Fawkes is just a week away and while fireworks may be fun for some, they can cause severe distress for our companion animals. 😿 To help protect them, now is the time to check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date on the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). This can make reuniting much easier if they become frightened and run off!

Here are some other steps to keep pets safe:

👉 Keep pets indoors, closing curtains to reduce exposure to bright flashes.
👉 Create a safe, quiet area for them to retreat to if frightened.
👉 Take dogs for a walk before dusk to avoid being outside during fireworks.
👉 Provide distractions, like toys or treats, to keep them occupied.
👉 Consider speaking to your vet about calming options if your pet has a severe fear of fireworks.

Check your NZCAR contact details today: https://ow.ly/3XCS50TRgYj

Read more of our tips for pet owners here: https://ow.ly/AAIg50TRgYk

24/10/2024

Posting for awareness for our other four legged feline friends.

Please report any incidents.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mysterious-cat-shavings-alarm-palmerston-north-pet-owners-spca-investigates/PLMRVABB75H53IVG6S6ONXYWHM/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=nzh_fb&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGGijRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcQ0TcI-BZNoSlf5V42q-njG4nDVDMfCqovrBTa4dFYHXPEqWOc_PAvi6w_aem_LHfCwoQV6ywRIBFwiQ-DMg =1729731148

A phantom cat barber is on the loose in Palmerston North.

24/10/2024

Congratulations to Alfie!

Absolutely love the hard work from Natalie paying off to have Alfie going to his new owner soon!

Keep an eye out for the next sausage sizzle fundraiser for a good Paw Cause!

Alfie only has a few months left to go before he will begin the final stage of training alongside his new partner. We couldn't be more proud of him with his calm nature, loyalty and smarts too🐾❤️

23/10/2024

Good tips from S&J's for the Fireworks season

Woof woof humans!!!🐾😎
It's rearing up for fireworks season🎆
We all want everyone to have a great time. 🎇
Buuuuut we don't want to see so many lost scared pets.

Below is some information regarding looking out for not only your fluffy woofers🐶 but all animals 🐈🐇🐀🐂🐏🐎🐄🐕🐦🐢🦌
This is including livestock.
So when your deciding to let fireworks off please don't do it near others paddocks, and Collect your rubbish.

Also feel free to ad any suggestions for others to maybe use.

1. Loud Noises Cause Anxiety: Fireworks are much louder to animals than to humans, causing severe anxiety and stress. Many pets react to these noises by trembling, hiding, or becoming aggressive.

2. Panic and Escape: Fear of fireworks can cause pets to run away in panic. Even well-trained animals might attempt to jump fences, break through windows, or slip out of collars, risking injury or getting lost.

3. Risk of Injury: Startled pets might hurt themselves by running into dangerous areas, such as roads or sharp objects, or even by swallowing harmful items while stressed.

4. Heart Issues in Older Pets: Older or medically vulnerable pets may experience heart issues or seizures due to the intense stress brought on by fireworks.

5. Hearing Damage: Animals, especially dogs, have more sensitive hearing than humans. Fireworks can cause temporary or even permanent damage to their hearing.

6. Fireworks Debris and Toxicity: Residual chemicals and debris from fireworks, like spent fireworks, can be toxic if ingested by animals. Pets may chew on or eat dangerous remnants left on the ground.

7. Harmful Chemicals in the Air: The smoke and chemicals released during fireworks can irritate pets' lungs, especially in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

8. Behavioral Changes: Prolonged exposure to the fear and anxiety caused by fireworks can lead to long-term behavioral changes, including heightened anxiety, aggression, or even depression.

9. Impact on Other Animals: It's not just dogs and cats—livestock, birds, and wildlife also experience distress. Birds may fly into objects or abandon their nests, and livestock can stampede or injure themselves.

10. Interference with Pet Routine: The loud, unexpected noises can disrupt pets' feeding, sleeping, and bathroom routines, leading to additional stress and potential health issues.

Here are some effective ways to help calm your dog during fireworks:

1. Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, enclosed area where your dog feels secure. This could be a crate, a familiar room, or a corner with their bed and favorite toys.

2. Use Calming Music or White Noise: Play soothing music or turn on white noise to drown out the sounds of fireworks. This helps create a calming environment and reduces the impact of sudden, loud noises.

3. Stay Calm and Provide Comfort: Dogs pick up on their owners' emotions, so try to remain calm and composed. Offer gentle petting, comforting words, and stay close to reassure them that they are safe.

4. Distract with Toys and Treats: Engage your dog with their favorite toys, puzzles, or long-lasting treats. A good distraction can help keep their focus away from the noises outside.

5. Use Thunder Shirts or Anxiety Wraps: These snug-fitting garments apply gentle pressure to your dog’s body, which can have a calming effect, similar to swaddling a baby.

6. Consider Calming Supplements or Pheromones: Calming aids such as natural supplements (like CBD or calming chews) and pheromone diffusers or sprays (e.g., Adaptil) can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

7. Desensitization and Training: In the long term, you can help your dog become less sensitive to loud noises through gradual exposure to recorded firework sounds combined with positive reinforcement. Over time, this can reduce their fear response.

8. Stay Indoors with Curtains Drawn: Keeping your dog indoors with windows closed and curtains drawn can minimize exposure to both the noise and the flashing lights of fireworks, helping to create a quieter, more comfortable environment.

9. Use a Calming Massage: Gentle petting or massage can soothe your dog and reduce tension. Focus on areas like the ears and the back to help relax them.

10. Consult Your Vet for Medication: In severe cases, where anxiety is extreme, consult your vet. They may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or sedatives to help keep your dog calm during fireworks.

Combining these methods can help ease your dog's fear and make fireworks less overwhelming for them.

23/10/2024

Help them share in $1,500,000 worth of grants this year

22/10/2024

November Puppy Classes are here!

22/10/2024

Upcoming Educational Zoom - Open Discussion
November 10th - 4pm

Bring all your questions or just come for a chat! In this zoom we will have canine professionals ready to answer your industry questions or If you’re needing advice / guidance on a case, business question or other industry related issue.

Members only, RSVP to [email protected] to receive the zoom link.
Not a member yet? Check us out at CISA.NZ - an industry organisation by canine professionals, in service to dogs 🐕