Intuitive Animal Communicator & Channel, Rebecca Poulter

08/21/2024

It’s much easier to get through difficult procedures if we feel we have some kind of control.

Sometimes we need to go ahead with things our dogs find uncomfortable because it’s a case of welfare. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about that. Dogs are amazingly forgiving and if we put enough good stuff in, the bad stuff has less of an impact.

But providing more choice and control for our dogs in as many areas we can. Can make getting things done much less traumatic for both of us.

A few of you asked to know more about consent handling and start/stop buttons after I shared it in my story. If you would like to watch my free video explanation, comment CONSENT and I’ll DM you the link.

08/04/2024

*Image used is to emphasise the point of the post, and is in no way an endorsement of such tools.

06/20/2024

06/06/2024

FREE THE SHOULDERS!

If you’re going to use a front attachment no pull harness then Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness is where it’s at, to keep your dog’s shoulders free and happy.

Lilo the Chocolate lab was a great model today. You can see in the top pictures that she was wearing an old, outdated Easy Walk Harness. We know better now that the EW Harness, even when fitted correctly, impedes normal shoulder movement with the straight strap across the chest. It inhibits full range of motion in the shoulder to move forward. This is not good for the long term health of our dogs.

Lilo’s mom upgraded to the Balance Harness today and you can see her modeling the new fit in the bottom pics. The harness fits up higher on the chest, doesn’t sag or droop, and most importantly, her shoulders have full, free range of motion now for their long walks downtown and on the beach thanks to the “Y” shape front.

If you have an Easy Walk Harness, it’s time to switch over! I sell the Balance Harnesses and would love to give your dog’s shoulders some freedom!

03/03/2024

03/01/2024

Thinking about getting a Doodle, Cockapoo or any Poodle mix? Have you been told they "don't need grooming until 1yrs old" or "coat maintenance is easy"?

*PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING piece written by a groomer..in the pic that's known as a pelted coat /Pelting. A dog’s fur gets so matted & tangled it will come off in one piece. It's outs tension on the skin, can damage the skin causing horrible infections and sometimes renders the dog helpless,unable to move and it can then cause fatality
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Poodle crosses (cockapoos, doodles, maltipoos etc.) are not "easy breeds" to maintain. The photo attached (shared from another groomer) shows how matting forms at the skin. By looking at this dog's top coat, you may not see the knots and you may not feel them as you would a knot on the ends of the fur but under that fluffy top layer this is going on. Once it starts its very difficult/ impossible to brush out... and even if you could it would be cruel to put the dog through it. Maintenance at home has to be more than a quick once over for these dogs if you want to keep them in that fluffy coat which was probably one of the reasons you chose a poodle cross in the first place. You really need to sit down with a brush and then a metal comb and make sure you can get it through the entire body at least 2 to 3 times a week.

I often feel like owners don't believe groomers when they say their dog has to be clipped very short. I always hear "I know he/she is matted, but leave as much as you can". You cannot clip through matting, you can only clip under it. As this photo shows, clipping under the matting means taking the coat back to the skin.
I promise you, your groomer really doesn't want to do this but they won't hurt your dog by putting it through dematting, they also don't want to hurt their reputation when the clients go around complaining about how the last groomer "scalped" their dog but there really is not any alternative. Instead of being angry with your groomer if they clip your dog very short please respect their commitment to do what is in your dog's best interest, accept responsibility for not having brushed your dog properly at home, and work with your groomer because, together, you can prevent this happening again. All groomers will be very happy to demonstrate a technique called line brushing which will help make your grooming at home more effective. Just ask! We all want owners to know how to do this

Poodle crosses are easily one of the highest maintenance dogs in reference to their coats. The combination of the soft coat they are mixing poodles with these days is a coat that is extremely prone to matting.

If you like a fluffy pup, you probably need to consider no more than 3-5 week intervals between grooming and set aside time for regular brushing AND combing at home.

Please know, if you bathe your poodle cross you really need to blow dry and brush out right after. Moisture, be it a bath, rain, swimming, snow etc are all going to make matting worse. If you know your dog is already matted-- bathing is only going to make it worse! Brush out before the bath.

Lastly "breeders" who say these dogs can't or shouldnt be clipped and not to give them a hair cut until they are one year old are misleading potential owners in order to sell$$$$ puppies and setting them up for a sad day when they finally take their pup to the groomer!!!

If this hasn't put you off buying one please schedule your puppy's first groom immediately after they've had their vaccinations and then be prepared to do the maintenance at home between regular professional grooms.

02/28/2024

You’ve almost certainly heard the sad news about Flaco, the Eurasian eagle owl who died in New York City after striking a window, one year after escaping Central Park Zoo.

Although Flaco may be one of the more famous cases of a bird dying from striking a window, he is far from the only one. Every single day in the United States, estimated 2.7 million birds die this way, making it one of the leading manmade causes of death for birds.

Birds often fly into windows because they mistake the reflection of the sky for real sky, or because they’re attacking their own reflections, or because they see something desirable inside a house and don’t realize they will get hurt if they try to fly toward it. Birds that strike windows can get concussions, broken necks, and broken wings. It doesn’t have to be like this!

One way to prevent birds from striking windows is by using stickers that disrupt the way light reflects to the outside. Many are made to be completely invisible from the outside. Window tinting and paint are also very helpful.

For Fox Sake doesn’t endorse or recommend any specific brand or product to keep your windows bird-safe, but you can see this guide from American Bird Conservancy for further information! abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Save-birds-2017.pdf

02/11/2024

Lets talk floors.

Often the first thing I notice when I go into people's homes is their flooring. I see many homes now with beautiful, shiny, wooden, laminate or tiled floors. I understand how easy these are to keep clean when you have children and/or pets but have you ever thought of the impact this has on your dog and they way that they move around the house?

Whether you have a young, excitable pup, a gangly adolescent or a middle aged/elderly dog, walking on these floors can cause long term difficulties. Often once a dog has skidded or slipped a few times they can become fearful and start to tense as they move around which in turn becomes habit and can lead to a point of long term, chronic pain. There are often, so called 'funny' videos online ,of dogs skidding and sliding into walls and doors, but this can really do some damage to joints, muscle and soft tissues.

Some clients have made great observations of their dogs:

'We've noticed that Daisy always hesitates when going from the hall into the kitchen' (hall carpeted & kitchen is laminate).

'Frank never walks straight to the back door he always moves to the left to walk along the edge of the dining room rug' (rest of room wooden floors)

'I always have to pick Teddy off the sofa as he won't jump down' (laminate flooring throughout).

Carpet runners and rubber backed mats are great for creating safe pathways around the home. Have mats around any furniture that your dog jumps up and down from, allowing them to gain traction as they take off and land and be especially mindful if the bottom of your stairs leads straight onto an uncarpeted floor.

02/11/2024

Some common signs of stress/appeasement in dogs include:

• whale eye
• yawning
• front paw lifting
• nose licks
• head turns
• trembling
• tail tuck
• ears back
• lip lifting
• showing teeth
• freezing
• hard stare
• closed mouth

Before you click ‘like’or share any of the increasing amount of dogs being used in ‘funny’ reels or TikTok videos, check again to see the body language and reactions of the dog in the videos. Your ‘likes’ are helping to drive up the amount of videos being made with dogs being dressed up and doing things that they are clearly not enjoying. This is animal abuse in plain sight, do not be a part of it. 😒

02/08/2024

New info handout for clients (I like to share such handouts to supplement concepts or remind what we discussed in our session). Note: the involved nature of this is intended for shy cats who don't love pats. It's overkill for more "social" cats, though some consent is always best!

01/30/2024

01/28/2024

Dogs definitely don't need to sniff a person's hand...
Give space.
Don't just assume you can approach /touch a dog who's out in public.
Respect vs entitled. Dogs are not public property.

01/25/2024

⁉️ DID YOU KNOW: a dog's forelimb is actually a free floating limb supported by muscle? 😮

🦴 The red arrow in the picture below highlights the point where the scapula meets the humerus bone, forming the shoulder joint on the dog. When the strap of a harness crosses this point, it restricts extension of the limb and can lead to potential injury.

📽 The video in the link below helps explain the importance of proper harness fit on a dog's body to allow full movement of the thoracic limb.

https://www.facebook.com/camille.nguyen.fitness.sports.canins/videos/212493569489198/

01/09/2024

Can we prevent arthritis...?
Sadly, probably not!

But we can certainly do our best to reduce the risk in dogs from a very early age.

Studies have shown that dogs kept on a floor covered with a slippery material while juvenile are 1.6 times more likely to develop hip dysplasia, compared with dogs kept on a non-slippery floor. (Van Hagen et al, 2005, for those who want to read more!). Over time, hip dysplasia can be a big factor in developing arthritis. 😬

That's right - simply stopping your dog from slipping and sliding on a low traction floors like tiles, laminate or wood can REDUCE THE RISK OF POOR JOINT DEVELOPMENT and therefore reduce the risk of painful arthritis in those joints when the dog is older.

More rugs = less drugs!

It's that simple!

12/28/2023

Nutrition can have a massive influence on behaviour.

Just like with humans, if we are eating poor quality food or food that simply does not suit us (like a coeliac eating bread) it can affect the way we feel and behave. An example of these behaviours that dogs demonstrate range from hyperactive behaviour, a lack of focus on anything for long, and higher levels of reactivity towards people, dog or their environment.

Recent research links the compositional diversity of the gut microbiome to behavioural and psychological issues in dogs. More dogs than we realise suffer from gut problems which are also associated with aggressive anxious and fearful behaviours.

Do we need to start looking at our dog's diet in the same way as we do our own? Would we eat the same food for the rest of our lives and believe that it is healthy? Would we only have a diet of processed food?
Diet is such an important part of how our dogs feel.

12/22/2023

The procedure of modifying a dog's ears surgically, primarily for cosmetic purposes, has raised significant animal welfare concerns.

Suffering and Discomfort: The process of ear modification in dogs is not only painful but often lacks medical necessity. It causes discomfort and pain during and after the operation, with a potentially long and unpleasant recovery period.

Impact on Communication: Dogs rely on their ears for non-verbal communication. Altering their ears can impair their communicative abilities, potentially leading to misunderstandings and behavioural problems with other dogs.

Health Risks: Ear modification, like any surgical intervention, comes with its own set of risks including infections, bleeding, and possible negative reactions to anesthesia, which in extreme cases can be life-threatening.

Emotional Trauma: Undergoing such a procedure, particularly at a young age, can be a traumatic experience for dogs. This trauma can have long-term effects on their psychological well-being and behaviour.

Moral Concerns: There is a growing argument that ear cropping constitutes animal mutilation and is a violation of ethical and welfare principles. It is viewed as an unnecessary alteration of a dog's natural appearance for aesthetic purposes.

In essence, the welfare issues associated with dog ear cropping are comprehensive, impacting their physical, behavioural, psychological, and ethical welfare. These issues are in line with a wider shift towards more compassionate and ethical treatment of animals.

12/13/2023

Just because a dog behaves differently for a dog trainer, doesn't mean the behaviour change is healthy or new learning.

It can mean that the dog is hiding how they feel because they are intimidated through force.

Force-based training can have profound negative effects on dogs who are reacting with anxiety and fear. Just like humans, dogs experience a physiological and emotional response when faced with fear-inducing situations. When subjected to forceful training methods that suppress their natural fear responses, dogs can suffer significant harm to their well-being.

Forcing a reactive and fearful dog to confront their fears without the ability to escape or protect themselves creates a distressing internal environment. The dog's physiological systems may be thrown into disarray. Their digestive system may slow down, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Their immune system may become compromised, making them more susceptible to illnesses. The dog's entire physiology can be disrupted as their body tries to cope with the overwhelming stress.

Moreover, force-based training can have detrimental effects on the dog's mental and emotional state. By inhibiting their natural fear responses, these methods prevent the dog from expressing their anxiety and seeking safety. This can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, increased fear, and a sense of helplessness. The dog's brain may even shut down as a protective mechanism, as they are unable to defend themselves or find an escape route.

In essence, force-based training exacerbates the turmoil experienced by dogs who are already reacting with anxiety and fear. It perpetuates a cycle of distress, hindering their ability to cope, learn, and overcome their fears in a healthy manner. This approach disregards the dog's emotional well-being and can have long-lasting negative consequences on their behaviour, trust, and overall quality of life.

It is essential to prioritise compassionate and ethical training methods for dogs with anxiety and fear-based reactions. By providing a safe and supportive environment, employing positive reinforcement, and allowing dogs to express their emotions and seek comfort, we can help them build confidence, develop coping mechanisms, and ultimately work towards overcoming their fears in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Learn how to do this with Canine Principles here: https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/online-dog-course-reactive-scared-dog

10/04/2023

"Just a generation ago if you went near a dog when he was eating and the dog growled, somebody would say, 'Don't go near the dog when he's eating!, what are you crazy?'
Now the dog gets punished or put to sleep !

Back then, dogs were allowed to say, NO.
Dogs are not allowed to say no anymore!!!

They can't get freaked out, they can't be afraid, they can never signal 'I'd rather not.' We don't have any kind of nuance with regard to dogs expressing that they are uncomfortable, afraid, angry, or in pain, worried, or upset.
If the dog is anything other than completely sunny and goofy every second, he goes from a nice dog to an 'AGGRESSIVE' dog."
- Jean Donaldson

Listen to your dogs people, they are trying to communicate with you in the only way they can !

10/04/2023

Hello friends! Just sharing that I have created a Rover account to offer “drop-by” visits (not overnights at this time) for animal care. Still learning how it all works with their system 😅The app is somewhat limiting, I consider the length of time and the rate could be flexible, but figured Rover was a good way to start putting it out there. Feel free to pass this on if you know of anyone who may be interested, they would also be welcome to reach out to me directly rather than through Rover. Thank you!

Animals have always been a big part of my life. While I have always cared for my own companions, and friends’ & families’ over the years, this is the beginning of my offering it to the public as a form of work. In the past I have worked in a holistic veterinarian’s office, and have learned a l...

09/28/2023

What are you scared of - and I mean really, really scared of?

We all have our own phobias, and things that make us anxious or afraid. Some of us are more prone to feeling worried than others. Snakes, sharks, spiders, and heights are common ones that spring to mind. Other people are scared of wasps, certain animals (like birds or dogs), or even the sight of certain foods will send them running. I remember seeing a man on television who had a huge aversion to peaches, which made him fearful, and he once ran out of the house when he saw peaches on a shampoo bottle. It doesn't matter if that fear seemed strange to some people, because that was his own very real fear based response.

When you are faced with something that truly terrifies you, or think it might be around, a few things will happen to you.
Your heart will start pounding in your chest, sending blood to your muscles and tissues that enable you to move quickly.
You will start breathing at a faster rate, to get more oxygen in to your blood.
Your pupils will start to dilate (although you might not be aware of that).
And you may respond to what you are scared of by doing one if these things...

You might freeze. Go still and hope that it goes away, making little noise.
You might run for safety, maybe even screaming as you do.
You might run towards what you are scared of, ready to scare it off and get it away from you. You might even go on the offense, shouting and swinging, in an effort to keep yourself safe.
You might start nervous laughing and acting silly even if you aren't genuinely happy.

Have you ever been so scared of something that one of these things has happened to you? I have, I can recall the feeling well. It isn't nice and can leave us feeling bad for a while after. We might take some time to recover. The incident might even leave us traumatised and more on edge in case it happens again.

So why, in a day and age where we know so much about dog behaviour and the emotions that dogs can experience when they are behaving a certain way, do some still recommend marching them TOWARDS the thing that they are scared of - too close for feelings of safety - only to punish them if they freeze (and stop walking), or react (bark and lunge), or pull you to try and run away, or start acting 'silly' by ragging their lead, jumping up, mouthing, or trying to zoom about (our nervous laughing)?

A fearful and anxious dog will not be "made better" by forcing them to get closer than they are comfortable to their triggers for fear or anxiety, and punishing them when they inevitably respond in some way. Long term, it will only make them worse, and in the meantime, they'll become more avoidant, less trusting, and less optimistic.

We CAN help dogs to feel more confident around their triggers. It is part of my day in, day out job. We can do it while keeping them feeling confident, relaxed, and happy - we can build on that, and grow it!

If you have something you are terrified of and want to steer clear of, please consider how you would feel if you couldn't escape whatever that trigger was and were punished whenever you responded to it. Would it be reasonable of somebody to punish you for trying to run screaming from a spider, if that is what frightens you? Would it make sense? Of course not.

We don't need to use force, fear, or punishment. We don't need to force unnecessary proximity. None of these are confidence builders in dogs, and if we can help a dog to feel happier and more confident, we will see behavioural changes (and have a truly happier dog for it).

(Scheduled post for 28th September 2023 during a break from work, waiting list for appointments including new clients, please email [email protected] to join the waiting list and I will be in touch in the new year. There will be a delay in responding to comments during this time)

09/06/2023

“Wildlife are not our playthings. Just because a creature is slow enough to be caught by human hands, that doesn’t give us the right to do so, and the social media attention gained certainly does not justify the harm caused to the critter.”

09/01/2023

Do you find it hard to see a dog pulled away from a sniff?

That's because sniffing is a welfare right.

And dog welfare is in your heart.