Wags and Purrs Pet Sitter, Dog trainer and Animal Behaviourist

22/02/2024

PUPPY BITING - Dear Wags and Purrs readers again sorry for not posting for a while. I have had a few clients asking me this year about how to stop their puppy from mouthing them constantly. When they shout at the puppy or push the puppy away the puppy just becomes more frenzied and bites even more. I have just recently done a puppy course and heard some interesting tips on biting.

So the reason why puppies mouth /bite us is for the following reasons.
1. Teething - puppy teeth come through at around 8/9 weeks and then the baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. This can go onto until around 9 months so it's quite a sore time for puppies. chewing things can help puppies with the pain. Try and give your puppies frozen kongs, tea towels dipped in water or chicken broth and then frozen etc the coolness of these things is very soothing for your puppy.

2. Diet- is your dog eating properly. If they are not eating properly and feel hungry this can make them feel a bit irritable and want to bite . make sure your puppy is eating their 3 meals a day and that they are having a good balanced diet.

3. Tiredness - this is something most of us don't think of. Puppies need to have a lot of rest time. They need around 14 hours a day of rest/ sleep. When puppies get over tired they can become very cranky and this can be shown in biting owners and not listening to the owners when they try and stop them biting. Think of an over tired toddler throwing a tantrum. Make sure your dogs is getting enough down time during the day. Put them in a puppy pen ,crate or a quite room where they are not being disturbed by people or other animals and let them sleep.

4. Play - \some puppies mouth just to play. They think we are siblings that they can play with and so bite and jump on us. You can try and replace your hands with other more suitable toys or stand up and leave the room when they get too much.

Hopefully this helps you with your mouthing pup!

All the best
Clare

21/12/2023

WHAT TOPICS DO YOU WANT ME TO POST ON THIS PAGE- Dear Fellow Wags and Purrs Followers I need to work on this page a bit more next year to make it more interesting. What dog /cat behaviour /training topics would you find useful for me to post on my page. I have notes for tons of things dog and cat related. So maybe you would like some tips shared on toilet training, spraying, jumping (dogs), exessive barking, choosing the right breed of dog, things to expect when getting a puppy etc .you can let me know .

28/11/2023

Hi Everyone
Sorry i have been quiet on this page this year. It's been a bit slower than the other years with business. I have been doing lots of cat behaviour consults and a few dog consults and dog training. i have also done 4 wonderful pet summits on Zoom this year all about dog/ cat anxiety and aggression.

Something that was raised quite a bit in these talks was giving your dog consent and listening to their needs. So for example if you have leash reactive or nervous dog and you take them a to a dog park and force them to engage with lots of different dogs you are not listening to their needs or allowing them consent. Rather take your dog out for a walk and let them decide if they want to go up to dogs or walk another direction and avoid those dogs. I have tried this with two nervous dogs I work with and it works well.

The one dog wanted to walk down all the streets in the neighbourhood where there were not as many dogs behind fences. When I tried to force him to walk down a street with lots of dogs he showed very nervous body language and would not walk. the course also discusses how to talk to your pets more. Explain things to them when you are out especially with nervous dogs.

So you'd say there is a dog approachng us on lead what should we do? He looks friendly but if you don't want to meet him its ok.

I know this sounds a bit odd and I was a bit skeptical of speaking to my nervous dog client like this but I did and he seemed much calmer.

So basically listen to your dog , observe their body language (what is your dog telling you with their body language) and consent to letting your dog walk away from the scary ting if needed .

07/06/2023

I am doing a course this week on Reactive dogs and how to treat them. Very fascinating course and certainly gives me a new perspective on how to help these dogs and cats.

29/05/2023

Sorry i have been so quiet in posting on this page. I have a Instagram page now called clarewagsandpurrs where you can see photos of animals I have house sit for. It has been a quiet year so far with some cat behaviour consults, dog training and also net working with other behaivourists to learn more skills. Watch this page for new photos soon

07/08/2022

07/08/2022

This weekend (6 and 7 and August) I started my group classes for wags and Purrs. There are still not many people in the classes but I am hoping in time this will change. the dogs still had fun meeting each other and learning some good lessons. Feel free to contact me for details on group classes xx clare

04/07/2022

GROUP CLASSES NOW AT BERGVLIET AND CAPRI- Dear Wags and Purrs followers. I am going to be doing group classes from 1 August 2022 at Bergvliet Girl Guide grounds and a school in Tokai and also at two properties in Capri/ Sunnydale on weekends. To book your lessons contact me on what app or e-mail xx

05/01/2022

Wags and Purrs is on instagram. My handle is clarewagsandpurrs you can see photos of dogs and cats I have house sat for and dogs I have trained.

02/01/2022

Happy New Year Wags and Purrs members. I have a few exciting ideas planned for 2022. I am also on Instagram now. My handle is clarewagsandpurrs. My prices have gone up so just message me for info on new prices. I have references now of training and house sitting clients if you need them.
Look forward to working with lots of new dogs and cats this year.

07/09/2021

ON LEASH DOGS AND OFF LEASH DOGS ETIQUETTE
I have been seeing lots of comments on social media about dog fights happening in dog parks lately and debates about whether fearful dogs should be allowed to off leash parks and also people with dogs on lead making comments about dogs off lead being an issue. Here is my opinion :-)

WHEN SHOULD YOUR DOG BE ON A LEAD IN A DOG PARK/ DOG WALKING AREA?
I feel if you have a highly aggressive dog that has bitten other dogs or people or has been in fights then it should be on a lead and muzzled. Muzzles are not cruel and it just means the dog can still be walked at parks but if a dog were to come up to him/her your dog cannot cause serious damage. If your dog is fearful of other dogs and people or has a terrible recall they should also be on a lead. if your dog is very boisterous around other dogs and runs up to them at full speed they should be on a lead. If your dog has terrible recall and runs miles away when you let him/her off lead keep the dog on a long lead and practice recall with a dog trainer until your dog is perfect with recall.

In a perfect world there would be coloured ribbons or bibs that we could tie to our dogs leads that warn other people if the dog is highly aggressive, fearful, socialising etc. Why it is is on a lead.

WHEN CAN A DOG BE OFF LEAD
Then for dogs off lead I think if you have a dog with an excellent recall then it's fine for it to be off lead. If your dog is polite to other dogs and understands dog etiquette and body language very well then they can be off lead. If there are no dogs around on lead then the dog can be off lead.

DOG GREETING ETIQUETTE AND RESPECTING OTHER OWNERs
When two dogs meet each other the polite way of greeting is for for the two dogs to sniff each others faces, then the bottoms and then the face again. If they want to play both dogs should do play bows and then play. Most of the time the dogs just walk away from each other and dogs need to respect this. The issue occurs when a bounding puppy off leash runs up to your dog on lead and does not greet your dog politely. Your dog may then snap at the other dog to tell them off for being rude and that dogs owner may then get upset. Owners need to understand that if there dogs rush up to other dogs in this manner there are going be consequences and it is not the dog on the leads fault.

When I am walking dog off leash and I see a dog approaching on a lead i either call my dog I am walking back to me and put him/her on their leash or I walk the other way and call the dog back to me. I have also used the word Leave him alone lets go if a dog on a lead approaches. You can also sometimes tell by the person facial expression if there dog is friendly or not. They will look worried if your dog starts to run to their dog or will walk the other way. Respect these people.

SOME DON'TS
As a dog trainer here are some things that really annoy me when I am walking a dog on lead.
A dog on lead is on a lead for a reason. I get very annoyed when people say to me why is your dog on a lead let your dog play and be free. Respect other peoples choice to keep their dog on lead .

Watch how your dog interacts with other dogs. I have had many incidents at De Waal park where I am training someone's dog and other dogs come up to the dog I am training and become reactive or a nuisance. The owners are no where to be seen to control their dog. When I have a dog off leash I am always there to watch how the dog interacts with other dogs and people and to ensure the dog does not become a nuisance. Owners need to learn to take responsibility for their dogs behaviour.

Dog's on lead should not be walked at dog parks. there are some people that say dog's on lead should not be walked at dog parks. I find this very annoying. how is a nervous dog meant or undersocialised dog meant to get used to other dogs if they never see them? If they meet dogs that are polite and under control then they won't have any issues with them. I do aggree that a super aggressive dog should probably not be at a super busy dog park as this will just make the anxious dog more anxious and more aggressive but for dogs that just are shy or need to be socialised dogs parks are great.

i hope this article helps and please send your views on this.

S

08/04/2021

WAGS AND PURRS NOW HAS GROUP CLASSES
I have had some exciting news. Gardens Pet Clinic and Spa have given me the heads up to hold group classes at their premises on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm. If you know anyone that wants to do group puppy classes please pass my info to them. I will be starting classes at the end of the month. Very exciting.

29/03/2021

https://www.facebook.com/trevandchels/videos/216844083463046

23/03/2021

MARCH NEWS
Hi everyone March has been a busy month so far with 10 clients now doing my dog courses. I have also had some behaviour consults and been assisting a trainer in Hout Bay when I have spare time on weekends. I also now help out at TEARS animal shelter on Monday when I get time. Just a reminder on the services I offer.

DOG TRAINING
I do a basic obedience and intermediate obedience course. They cover various commands, tricks and behaviour/training issues such as jumping, chewing, digging, attention seeking, aggression and so on.

BEHAVIOUR CONSULTS
I help your cats and dogs with various behaviour issues. Some of the cases I have recently worked on with people include aggression (cats and dogs), spraying (cats), excessive meowing/ barking, attention seeking (cats and dogs), separation anxiety, resource guarding, capyphagia (eating poo) and so on .

HOUSE SITTING I have been very busy with house sitting. I come and stay at your home while you are away and see to all your pets needs. References are available on request.

09/02/2021

UPDATED RATES AND NEW COURSES
Hi Everyone, I have had to put my rates up as this is now my main way of making an income and I also need to cover costs.

I also have two new courses I am offering.

Basic Obedience course is now R990 for 6 lessons (R165 per lesson) and includes notes, a free behaviour consult , an extra free lesson, a certificate and present for your dog.

Advanced course is being redesigned. I wanted to do Canine Good Citizen but the actual event where you go and get your certificate is not happening at this stage due to Covid. So my new course will deal with some things that you would learn in Canine Good Citizen but also extra tricks, commands and so on. Cost is R1155 (R165 per lesson) and includes 7 lessons, a free behaviour consult, an extra free lesson, a certificate and a present. Your dogs needs to have done a puppy course.

Socialisation walks NEW CLASS! - I am having issues with quite a few puppies I am working with not being socialised due to Covid / lockdowns. I am also working with some clients that are not sure if their dog is agggressive or not when they take them on walks. This new lesson will teach you how to read your dogs body language when you go on walks and how to tell if your dog is aggressive toward other dogs or maybe just being excited etc. Class also discusses pulling on the lead and recall. I am working with an owner now that asks me to join her for every walk just so I can help her with socialising her dog. Cost of this lesson is R150

16/01/2021

16/01/2021

Wags and Purrs is now on Instagram at clarewagsandpurrs

06/01/2021

06/01/2021

Happy New Year Wags and Purrs supporters. I am open again for business. I am finding it quite hard trying to market my business seems like Facebook and Gumtree are the way to go. Please do pass my details onto people you know that may need a dog trainer, pet sitter or dog/ cat behaviourist. I have two new clients so far this year. You are also more than welcome to let me know if there are specific posts you'd like me to put on this page on dog training or behaviour issues. The best way to contact me is via e-mail on [email protected] or by whats app on 078 466 0405. I work Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

23/12/2020

Dear clients and supporters of Wags and Purrs
Just want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas / Festive Season and hope 2021 brings you much joy. Thanks to all of you for your support during 2020. Thanks to my clients for giving me the opportunity of working with your dogs / cats. I am so blessed to have this business and to do something I love. I don't know what I would of done if I did not have this business this year as it kept me going through the hard times.

Much love to you all and your fur babies

16/12/2020

Reviews:
Hi everyone if any of you have had good experiences with my dog training/ animal behaviour consults or house sitting would you mind possibly taking a few minutes to write a review under the review tab. Would love to get some reviews for new people that visit this site can see. Thanks so much xx

15/12/2020

GIVE PIT BULLS A CHANCE
: I wanted to write something about pit bulls on this page. I am quite an advocate when it comes to pit bulls and other bully breeds. There is a lot of misconception about them. In some countries such as the USA, UK etc they are now even been banned. So when these lovely dogs come into shelters in these places they are often put down. I have had the privilege of working with quite a few pit bulls over the last six years and I honestly have only met one that was aggressive. The others have all been very friendly to people and even to other dogs.

I know some dog owners I have worked with have said how upsetting it is when they take their pit bulls, bull terriers, American Bulldogs for a walk and how mean some people are to them. My one client even cried when someone said how can you own a dog like that it should be put down. People need to educate themselves about these dogs and realise that they are not all aggressive.

They have such a bad wrap because they are often used for dog fighting and in this case when they are trained to be aggressive they will be aggressive. The fact is though that any dog even your little cute yorkie or chihuahua can be aggressive and bite a person if they are trained to be aggressive or come from abusive homes. If you socialise your pit bull or any dog from a young age to be around people and dogs they will most likely be find around them. If they come from good loving homes where they are treated with respect they will become loving dogs.

15/12/2020

Well done to owners, Isabelle and daughter Isabella for their hard work with training Stormy. She passed the course and did very well. She is a five month old pitbull who loves walks, treats and her toys. She was a lovely dog to train and did so well.

15/12/2020

Well done to Kai, Milo and Coco who did my obedience course and finished first week of December. Coco is a lovely 6 year old Rotweiller cross who did well in training when she was not focusing on her ball and stones :-) Kai is Milo's son and is 2. He really enjoyed training and did very well. He loved to show off. Milo is the old man in the house. At 13 years old he learnt to sit, stay, leave it etc. Just shows you can still teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks to Nadia, Matthew and the family for the hard work.

01/12/2020

Well done to Lexi and owner, Cara for passing the puppy course. Lexi was a fast learner and adorable.

16/11/2020

Well done to Stella who past her puppy course with 100%. She is a little four month Cairn terrier and is a little darling. she has been enjoying her owl present and takes it wherever she goes. Such a sweetie pie. Well done to owners, Talana and Thom for practicing all her commands with her.

12/11/2020

Well Done Nitro for passing your puppy course and to 9 year old owner, Luke for doing such an amazing job of training your puppy. Am so impressed when kids show as much interest as Luke in training their puppy.

12/11/2020

People often wonder why their dogs lunge and bark at people or other dogs on walks or why their dogs bark at the postman or people walking past their property. I found this image below and really liked it as it sums up how dogs think.

01/11/2020

Taruk passed my obedience course and received his certificate today. Well done Turuk and owner Nicky!