Kirstie's Cats and K9s

21/11/2024

15/11/2024

I can't believe we're in the last few weeks of Autumn. My favourite time of year and so many nice Dog Walks and Cat Cuddles 🥰❤️

23/09/2024

Happy first day of Autumn. Here's some of the cuties I've been looking after this summer 🌞

24/08/2024

05/08/2024

I've seen some posts doing the rounds spreading misinformation about treating heat stroke. Remember - get them wet get them to the vet!

🔥 It’s too hot! 🔥

Please don’t walk your dogs it’s a risk that just isn’t worth taking.

There is a lot of misinformation out there about what you should do if your dog is over heating.

🔥 Get them wet, dripping wet

🔥 Get them to the vet, now!

28/05/2024

To change your dog’s behaviour you need to understand your dog and why they are doing the behaviour. Their behaviour is a form of communication.

This goes for everything from lead walking to separation anxiety to reactivity.

If you follow dog trainers on social media you may see some amazing ‘transformations’. This dogs aren’t ‘fixed’ or ‘recovered’. They are shut down.

Shut down means basically giving up, learnt helplessness.

Using tools like e collars, prong collars, French slip leads don’t actually resolve issues for dogs. They just cause your dog fear/discomfort which causes them to stop the behaviour. Dogs often shut down and walk nicely because they don’t really have any choice. Comply or feel pain.

I often see posts saying “what lead can I use to stop my dog pulling?” It really isn’t about the lead, it’s about understanding your dog and why they are struggling then teaching them in a way that are able to learn what we would like them to do.

If you have a dog that barks and lunges at other dogs instead of repeatedly saying ‘No’ let’s try to work out what is going on for that individual dog, why are they behaving that way, are they worried, over aroused, frustrated etc. To change behaviour you need to look at the bigger picture you can’t expect your dog to be able to change the way they feel without your patience, support and guidance.

If you are following people that are saying they can sort your dog’s issues out in an hour then they aren’t truly dealing with the underlying issue just the unwanted behaviour. It’s a bit like sticking a plaster on a massive wound. It might help short term but sooner or later it’ll stop working.

There are no quick fixes, changing a behaviour takes time, energy, patience, support, knowledge, practice, consistency and so much more.

The great thing is that there are so many amazing behaviourists/trainers out there to support you. Just make sure you work with someone who is helping you get to the route of the problem.

08/04/2024

I'm proud to say I recently updated my Canine First Aid training. The training applies to Canine and Felines! 🐈🐕

22/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/cTRiHbUhDNbjAPpa/

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is essential for interpreting their behaviour.

21/03/2024

Hello everyone.
Just to let you know that my Facebook messager hasn't received any messages since February so best to text/WhatsApp on 07790914445 or email on [email protected]
Thanks 😊

08/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/HokVdjQWm4pegMb4/

Date for your diary: Tuesday 26th March
Our friends at Blue Cross are holding a FREE cat microchipping event at their Marsh Barton site. Come along with your cat from 2-4pm. Please contact them for further details.

24/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/100063698673883/posts/884989606967654/

One of Bernie Rollin’s ideas was to apply the idea of telos to animals. In Greek philosophy telos relates to having a sense of purpose. With animals he said it meant the things that gave an animal its identity - or “the dog-ness of a dog”.

21/02/2024

Brotherly love ❤️

21/02/2024

An exclusive from exclusive catalogue shoot 📸

15/02/2024

and ready to take on the world!

15/02/2024

and Dancer doing what Sighthounds do best (apart from sleeping!)