Overberg Pet Sitters

28/01/2025

WALK YOUR DOG MONTH: ‘Going for a stroll with your dog is enriching for both you and your pet’ – UP veterinary specialist physician

By Professor Johan Schoeman, Head of the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies at the University of Pretoria.

Walk Your Dog Month is observed every year in January to highlight the importance of regular exercise and outdoor activity for dogs. However, walking your dog isn’t simply about getting them outside for a quick break – it’s a powerful daily routine that offers a wide range of physical, mental and emotional benefits for both you and your pet. Whether you’re strolling through your neighbourhood or hiking a scenic trail, regular walks are one of the best ways to enhance your dog’s health and strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Physical health benefits

Walking is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise for dogs because it helps them to maintain a healthy weight (especially labradors), promotes joint mobility and reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions such as rupture of the cruciate ligaments in their knees or rupture of intervertebral discs in small breeds, like dachshunds. For energetic breeds like border collies, a good walk can burn off excess energy, preventing boredom and the destructive behaviours that often result from it.

For you, walking your dog is an easy, low-impact form of exercise. It helps improve your cardiovascular health, supports weight management and can lower stress levels. Walking outdoors exposes you to fresh air and sunlight, both of which can boost your mood and improve your overall well-being and vitamin D levels. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active without needing a gym membership or intense workouts.

Mental stimulation and emotional benefits

Walking provides mental stimulation for your canine companion by introducing them to new smells, sights and sounds. This sensory experience keeps their brain engaged and helps prevent anxiety. Exploring different environments also builds confidence in dogs, especially if they are naturally timid or shy.

For you, spending time outdoors with your dog is an opportunity to clear your mind, unwind and reduce stress. The rhythmic nature of walking, coupled with the presence of your pet, has been shown to release endorphins – natural mood boosters. Engaging with your dog during these walks can also foster a deeper emotional connection, as they’ll come to see you as a source of companionship and security.

Socialisation and routine

Going for a stroll with your four-legged friend regularly exposes them to other dogs and people, which helps with socialisation. This is especially important for puppies and young dogs, but it’s beneficial for dogs of all ages. A well-socialised dog is often more relaxed in different settings, reducing the likelihood of fearful or aggressive behaviour. Establishing a daily walking routine also provides structure and rigour to your exercise programme. Dogs thrive on routine, and regular walks can help regulate their behaviour and energy levels, leading to a calmer, happier pet.

Going for a stroll with your dog is more than just a daily chore – it’s an enriching experience for both you and your pet. It provides physical exercise, mental stimulation and emotional benefits, and strengthens your bond. So lace up your trainers, grab the leash and enjoy the many rewards of a daily walk with your furry friend! 🆚

27/01/2025

WHOSE WALK IS IT ANYWAY?

Full Credit to Dogs Disclosed

Imagine going on a long-anticipated walk, through new scenery and exciting smells after being cooped up in the same place all day, but you have been fitted with a blind fold and are being dragged or yanked along at a fast pace.

I imagine that this is how dogs feel when we don’t allow them time to stop, sniff and explore the environment.

Dogs largely perceive their world through scent and it’s how they collect and process information to help the world make sense.

Taking away an opportunity for sniffing on a walk really isn’t being fair.. As much as physical exercise is important, the mental stimulation that sniffing provides is equally, if not more important.

Allowing dogs to choose when to stop and sniff provides so many benefits – increases self-confidence, promotes calmness, lowers stress and anxiety levels, lowers pulse rates, reduces cognitive decline in older dogs and provides important mental and environmental enrichment.

Make time for a slow sniffing walk when you can, where your dog is allowed to choose which direction to go and allowed time to just investigate, interpret, process the environment and follow wherever their nose leads them.

It may take far more time and patience as we wait for them to finish smelling that particular blade of grass, but the benefits are well worth it – after all, whose walk is it anyway?

27/01/2025

Dewald sê koebaai vir en
🤗 (Hoor die rustigheid en liefde in sy stem)
Dis hoe ons OPS Petsitters ons petsit diere hanteer, met liefde, en respek, soos julle kan hoor uit video (ek het juis nie enige edit of musiek by gesit nie)
Dankie Dewald vir jou ongelooflike toewyding en liefde vir Balla en Toffie 💞🐾

26/01/2025

Happy dogs

26/01/2025

📌‼️Please pick up p**p if you take your dog on walks and don't let them sniff or get in contact with p**p from others that didn't clean up after their dog

26/01/2025

Lord giving me the side eye this morning 🤣

24/01/2025

🐾 📚

SHETLAND JACK COLLIE ( of Bredasdorp)

What an interesting mix!

A dog crossed between a Jack Russell, Sheltie, and Border Collie is a unique and high-energy breed. Here's a summary of 's unique breed mix

NAME:This mix doesn't have a specific name, but it's sometimes referred to as a "Jacksheltie Collie" or a "Sheltie Jack Collie."

SIZE: The size of this mix would likely be medium to small, with an expected weight range of 15-30 kg and a height range of 30-45 cm

TEMPERAMENT: This breed combination results in a highly intelligent, active, and loyal dog. Jack Russells are known for their bold and energetic personalities, Shelties are friendly and outgoing, and Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable.

You can expect a dog that's:
- Highly trainable, but may require patient and consistent training
- Loyal and loving to its family, but may be wary of strangers (Typically Bella hides under the bed when strangers arrive)
- Energetic and requires regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior
- Possibly strong-willed and independent, requiring early socialization and training

GROOMING: The coat type depends on the dominant breed traits, but you can expect a medium-length coat that sheds moderately. Shelties and Border Collies have thick double coats, while Jack Russells have a shorter, smoother coat. Regular brushing and occasional trimming would be necessary to prevent matting and tangling.

HEALTH: As with any mixed-breed dog, it's essential to be aware of potential health issues that can affect the parent breeds, such as:
- Hip dysplasia (common in Border Collies)
- Eye problems (common in Shelties and Jack Russells)
- Patellar luxation (common in small breeds like Jack Russells)

Every dog is an individual, and the actual characteristics of any dog breed mix vary depending on the specific breed proportions and genetic traits.

23/01/2025

.... and cats 🐾🐈‍⬛

23/01/2025

is actually really Maximus (it's his real name)
However....for the purpose of this video is "Jeff" 🤣🤣

23/01/2025

🐾 📚

THE BASSET HOUND
( na wie ons tans kyk in Bredasdorp)

Some interesting facts about Hounds:
🐾 They have an incredibly strong sense of smell, with up to 220 million olfactory receptors (compared to only 6 million in humans!).
🐾 Basset Hounds are prone to drooling due to their loose, droopy lips.
🐾 They are relatively small, with adults typically weighing between 40-65 pounds (18-29 kg).

ORIGIN: France
GROUP: Hound
SIZE: Medium
WEIGHT: 20-29 kg
HEIGHT: 25-38 cm
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Tri-color (black, brown, and white),
Black and Tan,
Red and White
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 years
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, calm, gentle, and patient
GROOMING NEEDS: Low
EXCERCISE NEEDS: Moderate (daily walks and playtime)
TRAINING: Challenging (independent and stubborn at times)
HEALTH: Prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Yes
GOOD WITH OTHER PETS: Generally good with other pets, especially if socialized from an early age

📌HISTORY
The Basset Hound is a breed of dog that originated in in the 16th century.

The name "Basset" is derived from the French word "bas," meaning "low," which refers to the breed's short stature.

Here's a brief history of the Basset Hound:
🐾 ORIGINS:
The Basset Hound was bred from the St. Hubert Hound, a larger scent hound that was used for hunting. The goal was to create a smaller, more compact dog that could follow a scent trail close to the ground.

🐾 16th-18th CENTURIES:
Basset Hounds became popular in France as hunting companions, particularly for hunting small game like rabbits and hares. Their short legs and long bodies made them well-suited for following a scent trail through dense underbrush.
🐾 19th CENTURY:
The breed was refined and standardized in France, with the first breed standard being written in 1880.

🐾 20th CENTURY:
Basset Hounds were introduced to the United States and quickly gained popularity as both hunting dogs and family pets.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1885.
🐾 MODERN ERA
Today, Basset Hounds are beloved for their calm, gentle nature and their distinctive physical appearance. They are often used for hunting, tracking, and as therapy dogs.

📌 Some additional notes about the Basset Hound breed:
🐾 They are known for their distinctive baying howl and can be quite vocal.
🐾 They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals if not properly trained and socialized.
🐾 They can be prone to obesity if overfed, so monitoring their food intake is important.
🐾 They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but their ears do need regular cleaning to prevent infections.

23/01/2025

23/01/2025

Check In Bredasdorp
Ontmoet die nuwe OPS kinders

(Kruis Shetland/Collie/JackRussel)
(Kruis Pikengese/Rottweiler)
(Volbloed Basset)

23/01/2025

ALERT ‼️

With the current heat wave we are experiencing we urge all pet owners to make sure your pets have enough fresh clean water to drink.
Heat stroke is a serious condition for all dogs, but for certain breeds it is extremely dangerous.
Please speak to people who work for you as they may not know the following information.

22/01/2025

Dag 1 van pret, chill en (OPS se in-house term vir and ) saam met die boxer girl en willekind
Petsitter het hulle laat-middag eers gevat vir n heerlike stappie toe die ergste hitte eers verby is want dit was bloedwarm vandag in die Overberg

22/01/2025

is n Africanis kruising en vol lewe
Petsitter kyk hierdie week na Balla en in Vermont

Kontak ons gerus om jul Troeteldier Oppasser vrieftydig te boek
📞 Chiqutita Sue 0826562593

22/01/2025

Jip,ons is terug by (in die foto) en sy companion Afrcanis waar petsitter vir so bietjie minder as n week na die twee silly billies gaan omsien!

Hou ons blad dop om te sien hoe die twee vir Dewald besig hou 🤣

🐾 📚

THE BOXER DOG

In the 1850s, a Bulldog (which actually resembled a small Mastiff) was exported from England to Munich. Years later, early Boxer fanciers used descendants of that Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser to form the foundation of the modern breed, which was developed to be smaller and lighter than its predecessors.
In 1894, three Germans took steps to stabilize and exhibit the breed, which they did in Munich in 1895 for the first time and thereby brought Boxers to widespread prominence.

Boxers were initially bred to be working, hunting and guard dogs. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs and were used to carry messages, ammunition and supplies during both World Wars.

Today they are used for military and police work and as a breed is one of the pioneering guide dogs for the blind. They are also used as sensitive seizure-alert dogs and do well in agility, obedience and conformation.

The source of the breed’s name is uncertain, although some fanciers speculate that it was coined by an Englishman in reference to the characteristic sparring gestures made with its front legs during play, that remain a hallmark of this breed.

Other theories concerning the origin of the name “Boxer” include:

• that it is a corruption of “beisser,” which means “biter”
• that it is a corruption of the word “boxl” or “boxeln,” which were nicknames for one of the Boxer’s ancestors, a now-extinct breed called the Brabanter
• that it was coined simply because the dogs were “prize fighters.”

The boxer dog is a medium breed dog, with a compact and powerful looking body. This breed has a short and shiny coat. The body is squaredoff, with a strong neck and a high tail.
The Boxer dog gets its unique look from a lower jaw that extends out past the upper jaw. The boxer has deep dark brown eyes, a wide black nose and black facial markings on the muzzle.
Folds are apparent on the face, beginning at the base of the nose and carrying through to the sides of the muzzle.
The short, smooth, close-fitting coat comes in fawn, brindle, tan, mahogany and black often with white markings.

🐾 PERSONALITY
Boxers may look tough as nails but under the surface they are lovable, curious, courageous, strong and athletic. They are prized as both a guardian and a family companion; being dignified, exuberant, affectionate, alert, self-confident, utterly loyal, very clownish and playful.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
A Boxer can adapt to a smaller garden, but they are fairly active and will need to be taken out for exercise twice a day. They will do best with a large yard where they will be able to burn of some of their energy during the day. They are sensitive to heat and cold - their short snouts make it hard for them to cool themselves down in humid weather, and their coats are not thick enough for the cold so they are dogs who can live outside.
Boxer tends to be wary with strangers, fearless when threatened, alert and protective of their families which makes them reliable watchdogs and guard dogs. They will sound the alarm that strangers are approaching and their menacing, muscular appearance will deter anyone who poses a threat.
Boxers are an active, athletic, highly energetic breed and as they grow into adulthood they never lose the desire to romp and play like a puppy. They need lots of mental and physical exercise, daily long brisk walks will help burn some of their energy. They also love to run, jump and play (fetch being one of their favourites) in large open areas. Plenty of chew toys will also keep them busy throughout the day. Another good way to exercise them mentally as well as physically is by participating in dog sports like agility, flyball or obedience - they also love to perform tricks. Be careful not to exercise them too heavily in hot weather as they are prone to heatstroke. If they don’t get enough exercise they can become bored and will then find mischievous ways to occupy themselves - usually chewing anything in sight.
These dogs are cuddle bugs; they thrive on pats, hugs, scratches and belly rubs. They are very social and love people, craving attention and physical contact - they will want to be with their owners all times; becoming their shadow. Boxers love to carry things around the house from a toy to a shirt, or just about anything and they also make a sound (usually when they want something) unique to their breed that some owners call a “Woo Woo”. They drool, slobber quite a lot (especially after drinking), snort, sneeze, grunt, snore and they sometimes have flatulence which can be quite smelly,

They need an owner who has a firm but friendly hand and can put their foot down in regards to what the dog is allowed and not allowed to do; they also need proper socialization and training from a young age. If not they can become sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control.

🐾 IN A NUTSHELL, THE BOXER IS FOR YOU, IF YOU:
• Do not mind excited and rambunctious dog
• Are active and want a dog that can keep up
• Want a family orientated dog that will do anything and go anywhere with you
• Can be firm with the rules and limitations
• Are willing to spend the time training and socializing them
• Don’t mind drool, noises and flatulence
• Have time to give them the exercise they need
• Can give them the attention they need
• Want a good watch/guard dog
• Want a dog that is easy to groom Have a house with a yard