Mile Of Hope - Animal Behaviour & Rehab Centre

20/10/2023

The Power of Early Training: Habituation, Socialisation, and Setting Puppies for Success.

Hello again, dear dog lovers!

At Doggy Mile Daycare, our love for our four-legged friends goes beyond just their physical well-being.

Today, we're diving into the mental and behavioural aspects of our dogs, emphasising the significance of early training, habituation, and socialisation.

Starting Young: Why Early Training Matters.

Training isn't just about teaching dogs tricks or commands. It's a comprehensive approach to instilling good behaviors, habits, and ensuring they're mentally stimulated and socially adept.

Starting young ensures:

1. Easier Adaptability: Puppies are like sponges, eager and ready to soak up new information.

2. Prevention Over Correction: It's easier to mould positive behaviours from the start than to correct negative ones later on.

3. Stronger Bonds: Early training fosters trust and understanding between the dog and the owner, leading to a more harmonious relationship.

Habituation and Its Importance.

Habituation is the process through which a dog becomes accustomed to everyday stimuli, ensuring they aren’t startled or stressed by the regular happenings of their environment.

It involves:

1. Regular Exposure: Gradually introducing your puppy to different sounds, sights, and experiences.

2. Positive Associations: Making sure these exposures are positive, ensuring the dog doesn’t develop phobias or anxiety.

The Socialisation Window: A Crucial Period.

The socialisation period is a critical window in a puppy’s life where they learn about their world and how to interact with it.

This period, typically between 3 to 14 weeks, is when they are most receptive to new experiences, including:

1. Interaction with Different Animals: This includes other dogs, cats, and even humans of all ages.

2. Exposure to Varied Environments: From bustling city centres to quiet parks, it's beneficial for them to experience different settings.

Jean Donaldson and "The Culture Clash".

Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash" is a seminal work that delves into canine behaviour.

While we can't quote the book directly, its essence lies in understanding dogs from their viewpoint. Donaldson emphasises that dogs have their own set of natural behaviours and instincts, often clashing with human expectations and societal norms.

Recognising and respecting these differences is key to effective and empathetic training.

Early training, combined with understanding the importance of habituation and socialization, is crucial for raising well-adjusted, confident, and happy dogs.

At Doggy Mile Daycare, we champion these principles, always advocating for the best for our canine companions.

Let's give them the best start in life, shaping their young minds for a brighter, joyful future together!

Remember, it's not just about training; it's about understanding and mutual respect.

Happy training!
🐾📚❤️

20/10/2023

Leishmaniasis in Dogs: A Closer Look at Portugal's Struggle.

Greetings to our cherished dog parents and enthusiasts from the heart of Portugal!

At Doggy Mile Daycare, we are committed to ensuring the well-being of your beloved pets and keeping you updated on pressing health matters.

Today, we delve into leishmaniasis, a rising concern right here in our homeland.

Understanding Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a disease instigated by parasites of the *Leishmania* genus, transmitted to both dogs and humans via the bite of infected sandflies.

In dogs, it predominantly presents in two forms:

1. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: This results in visible skin sores.
2. Visceral Leishmaniasis: A graver form, it affects internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

The Situation in Portugal.

In recent years, Portugal has seen a concerning surge in cases of canine leishmaniasis, particularly in the southern regions such as the Algarve.

Here's a snapshot of the problem:

1. Geographical Vulnerability: With its Mediterranean climate, Portugal offers a conducive environment for sandflies, the primary vectors of the disease.

2. Urban Spread: Previously considered a rural issue, there's been a noticeable rise in urban cases, potentially due to increased movement of infected animals and changing sandfly habitats.

3. Strain on Veterinary Services: The spike in leishmaniasis cases has put added pressure on veterinary clinics and hospitals, emphasising the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.

Protection and Prevention in Portugal.

For our Portuguese dog parents:

1. Preventive Measures: Regularly inspecting your dog for signs of sandfly bites and ensuring they sleep indoors during peak sandfly activity hours can help reduce the risk of infection.

2. Vaccination: Portugal offers vaccines against canine leishmaniasis. It's advisable to discuss this with your local veterinarian.

3. Regular Health Checks: With the rising cases, consistent vet visits for early detection and treatment are more crucial than ever.

While Portugal grapples with the challenge of leishmaniasis, knowledge and proactive measures can play a pivotal role in safeguarding our furry friends.

At Doggy Mile Daycare, our mission extends beyond care within our walls; we strive to be a beacon of information and support for our community.

Together, let's combat leishmaniasis and ensure a healthier future for our pets!

Stay informed, take action, and let's keep those Portuguese tails wagging with joy!
🐾🇵🇹❤️

20/10/2023

Understanding Parvovirus in Dogs and the Lifesaving Role of Vaccines.

Hello, dear dog parents! At Mile Of Hope Algarve, we prioritise the well-being of your furry family members above all else.

Today, we're delving deep into the world of canine health to shed light on a serious viral illness: Parvovirus.

By understanding its dangers and the pivotal role of vaccinations, we can ensure our four-legged friends lead long, healthy lives.

What is Canine Parvovirus?

Canine Parvovirus, commonly referred to as "parvo," is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects puppies and younger dogs.

The virus manifests in two forms:

1. Intestinal Form:This is the most common variant and is characterised by vomiting, diarrhoea (often bloody), weight loss, and loss of appetite.

2. Cardiac Form: This affects puppies in the womb or shortly after birth, leading to a life-threatening heart condition.

The virus is particularly resilient, capable of surviving on surfaces for months, and is easily transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated surfaces.

Why Vaccination is Essential.

1. High Mortality Rate: Parvovirus is not just a minor ailment; it has a high mortality rate, especially if left untreated. Puppies, with their developing immune systems, are particularly at risk.

2. Rapid Progression: Once a dog contracts the virus, it can progress rapidly. Early detection and intervention are crucial, but prevention through vaccination is the best defence.

3. Protection of the Community: Vaccinating your dog not only protects them but also contributes to the overall immunity of the canine community, reducing the spread and risk of outbreaks.

When and How Often to Vaccinate.

The initial parvo vaccination is usually given to puppies as young as six weeks, followed by booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they reach around 16 weeks of age.

After this initial series, booster vaccines are typically administered either annually or triennially.

However, it's essential to note that vaccination schedules and recommendations can vary depending on the country and local guidelines.

Therefore, it's always best to consult with your local veterinarian to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog in your specific region.

At Mile Of Hope Algarve, we emphasise the importance of regular check-ups and vaccinations for all our furry guests. By staying informed and proactive about health threats like parvovirus, we can collectively create a safe and joyful environment for our beloved pets.

Always consult with your veterinarian about the best vaccination schedule for your dog and ensure they are protected against this devastating virus.

Stay safe, stay informed, and give your dogs the love and care they deserve!
🐾❤️

19/04/2023

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training dogs and building a strong bond with them. By rewarding good behavior with treats and praise, we can encourage our furry friends to learn and grow. But it's important to remember that treats should not become a crutch or a dependency for our dogs. Instead, we should gradually reduce the frequency of treats as our dogs become more consistent in their behavior, while continuing to offer plenty of praise and affection. This way, we can maintain the positive reinforcement while helping our dogs develop a healthy balance.

05/04/2023

Come and help Tiny Shelter Albufeira, In need of much help. Any help is always appreciated.

COME AND JOIN US at Victoria's in Poço Barreto on 14 April for a fun day and help to raise funds for Tiny Shelter.

30/03/2023

Today while reading we came across a quote;

"When it comes to training a dog, 5 minutes a day Monday through Friday is better than 30 minutes on Saturday".

Credit - Martin Deeley

Words to follow, consistency prevails when training a dog, small amounts of work of several days makes a huge difference compared to only 1 session a week.

23/03/2023

Queenie is loving her first beach walk…

This beauty has proved to be such a clever and loyal little girl… On her first beach walk, she did amazing, stayed by foster daddy’s side even without a leash (her basic training is working well!), and loved the sand & the sun.

We are super happy she is having a great time while learning how to behave & becoming the greatest pet.

21/03/2023

Having a bad moment with your pet? We are here to help you! Fell free to contact us via WhatsApp and we will do our best to help.

19/01/2023

Here at Mile Of Hope we are ready to help the ones that needs us the most around the Algarve.

Those beautiful souls that have been mistreated and/or neglected without reason.

They do not have a voice but we are here to make a difference on their lives.

For those loving owners needing help, guidance, support, etc we are also here for you.

Our team specialises in animal behavioural issues, animal care, etc.