Tuesday, 1 November 2011

DOG FACTOR SHOW Queens Park W10

29th October, 2011

Film crew, Dogs, Councillors and the DOG FACTOR!!

I was asked by Fahema Akthar from City West Homes if I would arrange and organise a 'Dog Show' in St Judes Hall for the local community and then was hooked on planning and organising this great event!!
On Saturday after weeks of organisation, promotional leaflets and designing dog rosettes for the DOG FACTOR show in Queens Park, London W10 - all the hard work paid off and it was a great success!!

This was my eighth 'dog show' event but the first indoor venue where  seven 'different' dog categories were  mixing together in a confined area!! from Frankie a yorkshire terrier to Ebony a rottwieler standing side by side!!! The categories were Ms Diva - won by Ebony - Mr Slick won by Ollie the retriever - Best Senior won by Khan and Max - Best rescue - Josie the Jack Russell and Frankie - Pup Idol by Alfie the Jack Russell - Best Socialised Dog and Owner - Nico the Akita/Husky.

I luv my staffi rosettes were given out to all the 'staffordshire bull terriers' - cause they were all winners. All well behaved and making their owners proud!!!

Prizes were bought at Grand Union Pets Chippenham Road W9, who kindly gave me a hugh discount - a big thank you to them!! Rosettes were designed by myself and 'Dog Factor' certificates were given to First and Second Winners.

Registration was between 1pm - 1.55pm and the Dog Factor Show commenced at 2pm-4pm .  All the time I was observing and supervising the dogs taking part and ready to anticipate any 'anti social doggy behaviour'. Meanwhile being filmed for Channel 5 by the Production Crew who also were asking me questions about the 'event' and 'dog issues'.  I did forget I was wearing a microphone all the time I was directing 'dogs' and owners' to the stage when the categories were called!!

There was a 'special cup' awarded to Khan the staffie/x and Max the Husky/GSD for their 'work' in the community - promoting  'socialisation with other dogs and people in the community' and promoting 'Its not the Breed - Its the Deed'.

Lastly I was so proud to see Ebony the Rottweiler and her owner chosen by the 'judges' as the DOG FACTOR WINNER.  Ebony is a credit to Naz her owner and shows the true charactistics of this breed - gentle - gracious and a well balanced dog

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

FILMING at Dog Socialising Class

24th September 2011

A film crew were at our class on Saturday and with the permission of most of the dog owners - the dogs were enjoying 'instant doggy stardom'! A television channel is producing a documentary on 'Westminster' and what community events they support; Classes for owners and their dogs to make them more socialised and environmentally responsible was one of them.  So here we are - 'Movie Stars'!

To me it was a special day NOT because of Film crews But because I met Milo the little yorkie whose lovely owner was in a wheelchair.  Milo had never had the chance to be socialised off lead with other dogs, but at the end of the session to hear his owner say how much more confident she felt was rewarding to hear.  (Photos will be posted soon).

I must admit being filmed and having a microphone attached, was a bit distracting and dogs being dogs were enjoying the 'attention' in more ways than one.  Milo full of his new found freedom 'stole' an onlookers ball and decided to run round with it in his mouth.  Did I learn something from that - yes - Milo was not learning 'leave it' that easily and wasn't letting go!! Meanwhile 'welcome back Jimmy' the terrier' was Barking for Britain and some of the others started to join in the 'doggy chorus' and Archie had found a new 'doggy pal' to chase!!

Did we learn anything - Recall was hilarious!! But 'walking to heel' homework was really good! We also discussed 'Barking at the Bell' an 'indoors problem' but I gave some advice and showed how it could be corrected (without the bell)!!

Next class is 8th October as I will  be attending the 'Animal Blessing' at St Martins Church NW10 on the 1st October.

Looking forward to it - Back to an ordinary lesson.

NB Just like to Thank George and his assistant for being so patient with us all - total doggy mayhem!!

Dog Socialising Classes South Westminster September 2011

17th September 2011 Classes commenced at St. Georges Square, supported by Churchill Ward. It was mainly 'dog registration day' and meeting new 'arrivals' Mattie the cockopoodle (yes that really is a breed of dog!!) - Poppy the westie - Boots the cairn terrier rescued from a 'dog pound' in Ireland.  There are lots of stray dogs in Ireland who sadly end up in the dog pound where their 'owners' are given 7 days to 'claim' them.  Once the 7 days is up, and if the dogs are not rescued they are put to sleep.  Lucky for 'Boots the cairn terrier' he was adopted and rescued. Then we had 'Tiny' the pomeranian with 'small dog syndrome'. It was also good to see the 'regulars' Archie the whippet who remembered his 'little friends' Petal and Snowy BUT didn't chase them - Good Boy Archie you learnt 'something' from the previous classes!!

Next class 24th September same time same place

We walked in pairs walking to heel on the lead and using the block - this is not only a learning process but also helps the dogs and owners to socialise with each other.

Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Annual Great Communities Day 3rd September 2011

Saturday 3rd September Vincent Street SW1

What a Great Day was had by all - City West Homes Really pulled out all the stops - catering for kids (funfair and candyfloss) 'afternoon tea' for the 'Seniors' and lots of stalls and music entertainment by amazing singers!!

At my 'Dog Advice Stall' I had water for 'thirsty dogs' and 'doggy treats' and gave out over 200 environmentally friendly 'poop bags'!

Advice was given on 'dog aggression on lead' 'seperation issues' 'constant barking' 'neutering/spaying your pet - when and at what age. I did a 'demonstration' on how to stop a dog pulling on the lead.

As new 'dog socialising classes' are starting on 17th September 2011 in the 'dog area' in St Georges Square SW1 at 2pm-3.30pm I gave out leaflets with all the details and my telephone number. (Any queries they can telephone me).

These classes are supported by 'CHURCHILL COUNCILLORS WARD BUDGET'

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Dog Advice Stall Vincent Street SW1 3rd September 2011

September 3rd, 2011

DOG ADVICE STALL @ ANNUAL GREAT COMMUNITES DAY 1pm-4pm

I have been asked to have a DOG ADVICE STALL by City West Homes in South Westminster during their ANNUAL GREAT COMMUNITIES DAY on Saturday.

I will be giving advice on all dog related behavioural and environmental issues' also I will be giving a demonstration on 'dog handling'.

Environmental Poop Bags will be given out, as well as access to water bowls for 'thirsty dogs'. Vouchers for FREE neutering/spaying of all Bull Breeds will be available and Advice will be offered on the positives of neutering/spaying your pet and local rescues that do low cost care.
NB: Mayhew Animal Home TrenMar Gardens London NW10 6BJ or check their website www.mayhewanimalhome.org - PROVIDE FREE NEUTERING/SPAYING OF ALL BULLBREEDS in London

I hope you will come along on Saturday, I Promise I am well trained and DO NOT BITE!!


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Sunday, 7 August 2011

Dog Socialising Classes 6th August 2011 3pm

Saturday 6th August,2011

It was just the right weather for dogs - not too hot and not raining - We had three German Shepherds from a puppy to a eight year old in the class , beautiful dogs. Satchmo the pup was so happy to be chasing tails of his peers till he was firmly 'told off' by Cedar who had tolerated enough 'puppy play'. We walked round in pairs so I could 'observe' lead control - Thomas the German Spitz was trotting along nicely until he saw another dog (this was a problem his owner had - she said he was unpredictable with his behaviour towards other dogs). I demonstrated with Thomas - how to do the 'block' (using your left foot in front of the dog to block) stop and to relax the lead and using no verbal just 'lead control'.

When we reached the secure enclosure in Paddington Recreation Ground - dogs were let off (I was observing them all the time) while they interacted with each other. It is very important to observe your dog and study his body language and learn his behaviour pattern!

Dogs back on leads we then discussed individual issues that needed to be readdressed. For example with Satchmo his recall was excellent But he had very bad 'seperation anxiety' (which is probablly why his recall was so good) He didn't want to leave his owners side. I did suggest that maybe it would be a good idea to have a one to one at home so I could see his behaviour and what reactions his owner did when she left him alone. Benji the Maltese Terrier on the other hand was quite happy to be left alone for a few hours But his recall was 'when he was ready to come back' 'if' and 'what time'!!

Another 'Free time' off lead in the enclosure then 'doggy homework' given - it was going home time already!

Apologies for Absence Daisy and Millie the 'jack russells' Frank the Staffie, Cleo the Mixed Cross and Shadow the Husky.

Friday, 5 August 2011

Dog Socialising Classes 6th August 2011 3pm

Dog Socialising Classes Paddington Recreation Grounds

6th, 13th and 20th August, 2011

Classes starting again at 3pm-4.30pm and we are all meeting by the cafe in Paddington Rec.  All Breeds welcome but NO extension leads please!!

We will be getting dogs and owners socialised in the first session, walking on leads to correct any pulling, and discussing diet, grooming and any 'anti social doggy behavioural issues' your dog may have.

We will also be practicing 'recall' and 'sit' and 'stay,

These classes are FREE and funded by the Wards of Queens Park and Harrow Road so take this opportunity to 'learn' using reward not punishment and also to socialise with other dogs and owners.

All queries to Crissie on 07949 523 710