Woofing About

13/01/2024

25/12/2023

01/09/2023

I'm going to make a bold statement.

There is something missing from prenatal care and support groups:

The discussion of what it's like to be a dog parent and WORRY about how you and your dog will adapt to living with a baby. Will it be safe? Overwhelming?

Or maybe even worse, the discussion of what could happen if you DON'T WORRY....or at least, if you don't get real about this being a huge transition for both you AND your dog.

I wish Due Date Groups and Prenatal care would include...

1. Empathy and support for expecting (adopting, pregnant or those using a surrogate) parents whose dogs are their first babies.

2. Guest experts (like me!) to talk about dealing with unexpected situations between dogs and newborns.

3. Discussions of SAFE interactions between dogs, infants, babies and toddlers.

4. Normalizing management strategies that prevent dogs from making mistakes around babies.

The first step is acknowledging that you don't know what you don't know.
The next step is to start learning.

Join my free pre-baby bootcamp, starting September 12.
Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

https://poochparenting.net/jealousy/

PLEASE share in your due date groups and with your doulas, midwives, OB/GYN's and pediatricians. It takes a village.

28/08/2023

There are loads of books available to prepare expecting or adopting families.

But very few include details for how to prepare your fur baby for the new addition.

As a dog and child specialist, I've got you. I've seen it all and can tell you with complete confidence that most dogs need time and support to adapt to their new circumstances.

Baby books don't tell parents with dogs...
- tired dogs are cranky - and with baby waking at all hours, your dog may too
- dogs struggle when their schedules change - and babies are NOT predictable
- not all dog licking is "kissing" - it can represent stress
- even the best dogs can bite - including yours
- your dog may need a new spot to sleep - a loose dog can not be in the same room as your baby if you are resting, exhausted or asleep
- you will have lots of visitors which can add lots of stress to many dogs
- some dogs are predatory around babies - and this can be managed safely if you have support
- there is more to preparing your dog than simply having a reliable sit

You don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Sign up for my FREE Pre-baby bootcamp for dog parents.
https://poochparenting.net/jealousy/

15/05/2023

A WORD ABOUT WAGS
Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. You may have heard - “I don’t understand why that dog reacted badly to me; his tail was wagging!”

Dogs communicate through so many different types of body language, but the wag and the tail position are probably one of the easier to notice.

As with most things dog behaviour related it depends on the individual dog. Some breeds naturally carry their tails in a different position and some breeds wag their tails differently to others.

Wags and tail positions should always be looked at in context and in conjunction with the rest of a dogs’ body language.

By taking note of how your dog’s tail usually looks or how that tail behaves when they’re really excited or happy to see you, provides a good base line to interpret other types of tail language.

I’m probably odd, but I often watch my dogs’ tails with fascination as they stalk or hunt for something, bark at something outside the gate or see another dog approaching while out walking.

The type of wag and position of their tails gives me so much information about their emotional state.

Although some people won’t agree, I definitely see wags to the right when my dogs are happy and wags to the left when there is arousal, uncertainty, predatory behaviour or other emotions going on.

Not only is the tail an important method of communication but it also plays a role in balance, stability, movement and counterbalancing when a dog quickly changes direction.

I believe that tail docking destroys an essential part of a dog's ability to communicate with other dogs by creating a distinct social disadvantage or misunderstanding as tail signals can’t be read.

People with working dogs believe that tail docking is necessary to prevent tail injuries or improve permormance, but many countries have banned this practice either completely or only under specific medical circumstances.

Start taking notice of what your dog is doing with their tail - you may find it interesting and it may open up a new way of understanding how your dog is feeling.

11/05/2023

😂😂😂🐾🐾

Traveling to dog shows IS my vacation 😮‍💨

02/03/2023

For the love of puppies ❤️

Little Paws - R750

10 Digitals
Online Gallery
Outdoor Sessions Only

Only selling 6

[email protected]
0716766939

18/02/2023

‼️ APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Thank you all for your applications. We have been inundated with emails today and it will certainly take a while for us to go through them all thoroughly.

KINDLY NOTE that we are a Gauteng based business so any applications from out of province are not going to be considered.

If you do NOT hear from us by Friday, 24 February 2023, we regret that your application to join our team was unsucessful but we do wish everyone success in finding a position that is suited to you 🙏

13/02/2023

*raw fed dogs*

Stuff those tracheas with food!
I used half an ostrich trachea, stuffed with Doggobone Premix Complete Meal. A little bit of cottage cheese at the end for stoppers and in the freezer for an hour!

So many options for fillers!

Great fun and delicious breakfast 😋🐾

01/02/2023

Want to learn more about training dogs? When you sign up to become a puppy raiser for SA Guide Dogs, you will learn valuable tips and techniques whilst helping to raise a future assistance dog.
We cover all food and vet bills!

To sign up for this life changing journey, contact [email protected]

16/12/2022

Delicious liver pupcakes for a very special boy's 1st birthday today 😋🐶🐾

05/12/2022

Please take note of our closing dates for the festive season 🐾

01/12/2022

Happy 1st birthday Zero!
Hope you and your sister enjoyed your delicious ostrich liver pupcakes 😋🐾

28/11/2022

I know a few pitties personally and they are the most lovable pups I've ever had the privilege to work with ❤️

Please support this educational evening hosted by Mutt Club 🐾 and let's keep our babies safe

27/10/2022

Horrible scammers doing the rounds 🙈😭
Please protect your furbabies and do not hand them over to ANYONE!

This has been confirmed by the NSPCA.
Please share and save a dog 🐾

03/10/2022

Fun enrichment activity in this heat 🐾
Bucket of water, chopped apple pieces, strawberries and blueberries 😋

Let the bobbing begin!

*I used my dogs' splash pool as they love standing in water, but a small bucket or water bowl can be used too 🐶

01/09/2022

Happy Spring Day from the Woofing About family 🌼🌸💮🌺