Tuesday 17 May 2011

South Westminster Dog Socialising Classes

Saturday 14th September 2011 St Georges Square SW1

We had some new members this week!! Frankie the French Bull Dog who was quick to know who was 'Boss' - thats right he thought it was him!! Then we had Dorf  another jack russell who had never been socialized with other dogs off lead and was very nervous.  A latecomer was Fleur who at 14 weeks was ready for action - typical jack russell. Another Bull breed who was much better humoured that his owner (I had him eating out of my hand at the end of the session!!) the dog not the owner!!

Jimmy the terrier didn't want to join in (he wanted to play ball) but when he was able to show off his recall he was ready to 'obey the rules'.

Classes as well as socailising should be fun for both dog and owner. No owner should be made to feel nervous or stupid and I try to make people in my class feel welcome and empowered and communicate with them to inspire them to want to learn and come back for more!!

We practiced 'Walking to Heel' and 'Jumping up' and then Recall, making sure the dogs had their 'Free Time' off lead and socialising in between.

Agility next saturday with the 'Hoop' and the 'Hurdle' and  'How not to Chase Footballs in the Park'.
Should be fun - but also will help in training 'Sit' 'Stay' and 'Recall'.

Lungworm Be Aware

Lungworm is a potentially fatal parasite worm that infects many snails and slugs that in turn are eaten by our family pet either by accident or purposely, absorbing the worms into their bodies. The worms absorbed into the body make their way to the heart where they produce eggs which enter the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs. This can cause massive reactions in the lungs and can be fatal if not treated by your vet early.

Symptons can be hard to detect early but if your dog has any of these symptons be on the safe side and take them to your vet. 

a. dogs lose weight.
b. bad coughing sound
c  vomiting and diarrhoea
d unusual behaviour

Prevention is going to your vet and getting a 'spot on' that is reccommended. If you require more information about lungworm go to http://www.lungworm.co.uk/
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Monday 9 May 2011

DOG SOCIALISING CLASSES (supported By Westminster Council)

South Westminster Dog Socialising Classes 7th May ST GEORGES SQUARE SW1

What a great day!! My First session for 2011  went really well, eight bull breeds, two jack russells, one beagle, one lab, two rescue mixed terriers and a maltese x - all NAUGHTY but Nice!!

Firstly - we discussed any 'behaviour issues'  (mostly pulling on lead, jumping up, barking non stop and lack of recall). It was important to assess each dog and see how socialized they were with both other dogs and people, so we all walked round the large 'dog area' (dogs on leads) in pairs - practicing 'walking to heel' and how to use 'the block'. This also was socialising the dogs in a group - walking together.

Then the dogs were 'off lead' (under constant observation) interacting with each other.  Dogs once 'unattached' to us - humans (who often transfer their own stress to the dogs through 'lead contact') usually interact well with each other.  It is often ourselves that 'cause' the problems! It is important to observe your dog and to understand your dog's body language but also feel confident in yourself.  If you don't feel confident and 'stress' free - not only does your dog pick up on your anxiety but other dogs could too and they could react aggressively.

Jessie a very pretty staffordshire bull terrier had a problem with other dogs when she was on lead (off lead she was fine) and also having been bitten once by the local bully (a jack russell) - now - was slightly 'anti'! I got her owner to walk round with Romeo the Jack Russell (both on leads). A few growls at first but using no 'negative' verbal and rewarding only 'positive' reactions - Jessie learnt Fast!! Clever Girl.

Kane a big softy (Bull Mastiff X) was one of the 'pullers' - more practice needed - gave his owner some 'walking to heel' homework!

.Jimmy a lovely rescue has got a 'vocal' problem - Barks for Britain and Romeo he is a pup that joins in!!

Whats on the Agenda next week - Barking , Recall and Checking 'Doggy Homework''; can't wait.

2pm next Saturday 14th May