Education on Dog Care and Responsibility

Crissie and 'Missy-Blue' @ Queens Park Library

2lst March 2012

Missy Blue and I went to Queens Park Library to do a talk on animal care and responsibility.
Some  children are scared of dogs and do not know how to react around them - and their actions could ACTUALLY enhance and excite a dogs behaviour.

When a child sees a dog coming towards them their reaction can be to show their fear by screaming, shouting or worse still running!  The dog (majority) could see this as a game and get excited jumping up and chasing after the child.  It does not mean the dog is aggressive - that it will bite the child BUT  the 'game' to the dog is 'fear and pure fright' to a child!

So in these 'talks' I explain how to act around dogs - NOT to run - Stand Still try to remain as calm as they can and NOT Scream, Shout or Kick out at the dog.  If approaching a dog ALWAYS ask their owner if  it is alright to stroke the dog BEFORE you do!

Missy Blue my own 'rescue dog' loves 'attention' and being 'stroked' but she has been trained to wait until the child approaches her - (some children  have never been near a dog before and are very nervous) sit patiently while they 'decide' to stroke her.  Some go to pat her then change their minds and then get 'brave' again and so forth, so Missy Blue has to be very patient and not jump up or move towards them but 'sit' for quite a while!!  It is a great way of introducing children to dogs and also making them understand the responsibility of having a 'family pet' and the need to understand that all living creatures need to be treated with care and respect

Dog socialising classes South Westminster Third and fourth session update Second Session March 2012

31st March, 2012

Dog Training in St George's Square SW1

Last week was sunshine and mayhem!!  Lots of dogs eager to learn and also have fun, Ceasar the staffordshire bull terrier was my 'star pupil' - he was being 'very polite' when greeting the smaller breeds and during 'play time' was bounding up to everyone but put 'his brakes on' during 'recall and returned to his owner - well done Ceasar and his owner!!

Snowy and Petal the two chihuahuas were mixing in well but their owner was 'wary' of the new 'doggy members' to the class so I teamed her up with Ceasar 's owner (walking on lead) and after 'socialised' walking together a couple of times - she felt more confident which related back to snowy and petal!

Jimmy the terrier mix decided he was 'bored' and wanted his 'ball back' (confiscated during 'sit' and 'stay' started Barking whereupon his owner turned her back and ignored him - it worked - for a while anyway and then it was 'play time'. Dorf the jack russell loves this part of the class and it improves his recall as the 'ball' is his motivation to return to his owner!! Some dogs will return for 'food' (treats) but others need another ' motivation' - you have to find that 'focus' and work with it with your dog.  Everyone wants their dog to be socialised but you MUST feel confident that your dog's recall is 100% before letting them off in a open space that has no enclosure. If you can not call back your dog and he decided to follow another dog out of the park - this could lead to an 'accident with a car - If your dog runs up to a dog that is on lead because of 'certain issues' and is attacked then you  could be held  responsible because YOU did not have your dog under control 'off lead'.  Also there is that 'summer picnic' that is JUST waiting for your dog to consume because you have not ' got his focus and he is not listening to you calling him back!! Find your dogs 'focus reward' and practice in enclosed areas off lead or use a long line in large open spaces.

Fourth Session

Thank goodness the rain held off!! This Saturday I commenced with a 'Workshop' from 2pm - 2.30pm - this was so I could work with the 'owners' and their 'dogs' on individual issues.  I had fudge the young lab puppy, Dolly the six month little terrier who kept escaping when her owner opened the front door - Tommy the Old English sheepdog who pulled his owner on lead!! Dorf came along for the ride and then helped with the 'doggy workshop' by showing off his skills he had learnt.  It was a good time to also answer questions from other dog owners on diet - growling at other dogs when 'on lead' - 'neutering/spaying issues' - 'what to do when a bitch was in season' - the 'need for pet insurance- and 'liability'.

Lastly a belated 'registered member' and welcome to 'Buddy' the little chihuahua who said 'a socialised welcome' to all - big and small.

Last session is 14th April 2pm

Dog Socialising classes South Westminster Second Session March 2012

Saturday 17th March, 2012

Second Class - Had arranged to meet Ceasar the staffordshire bull terrier and his owner just before classes started - just to go over the recall (thats what I love about staffies give them something to 'focus on' and they learn in an instant).  Ceasar was running back and forwards to his owner who was holding his favourtie ball' for his reward.  Another new 'pup' to the class came along - so excited to see all 'new' doggy friends - six month old retriever called Fudge - running round in excited circles - no basics but adorable to watch. A very tiny poodle came in to the class - with 'I am a big dog syndrome' with his female pal a lurcher!!

At the beginning of the class I discussed and demonstrated what to do when 'confronted' with an irresponsible owner and their dog (who might show by his/her body lanquage aggressive behaviour).  Also the question came up 'Should I neuter my dog and 'What age'.  With a female I always say let her have one season (making sure she is not in contact with any male dogs and kept on lead while out on walks) and then spay her before the next season. With male dogs I always point out that neutering DOES not cure behaviour problems BUT of course it stops unwanted litter of puppies - and some dogs hormones are more outrageous than others and the best solution is to have them neutered after eight or ten months.  Most Rescues insist on all their dogs being neutered/spayed as shelters are overflowing with unwanted litters of puppies through irresponsible breeding,However I do suggest that  a  dog's 'case' is a choice that should be discussed with your vet and your reasons 'for' and 'against' should be  talked over thoroughly  so that you have the full facts of the positives.

Dorf decided he was going to show how recall was done and loved the attention until Leon the poodle decided he was getting 'bored' and decided to chase Dorf and Ceasar - so I decided to let the dogs all off lead and have some 'Fun Time'!

Training classes as well as being instructive should also be enjoyable for both dog and owner and have some time off lead (in the enclosed area) to let off steam.  Back on lead we walk in pairs practicing Lead control and how to stop 'pulling on the lead'

The rain at least held off for most of the lesson, thankfully and classes ended on schedule.

Next class 24th March at 2pm

Dog Socialising classes South Westminster March 2012

Saturday 10th March, 2012

First day back for 2012 for Dog Socialising classes in South Westminster!  Registration Day today and dogs and owners strolled in gradually - which gave me a chance to assess the new members, by 2,30pm the  
latecomers were all present and correct.  Great to see the regulars , Archie   the whippet - Jimmy the terrier still barking for Britain - his ball for motivation.  The two chihuahuas  walking well on the leads and looking forward to the start of lessons. Oscar the rescued terrier looked like he had learnt a few 'social graces' from the last classes - but very interested in new 'additions' to the lessons.

New member of the class was Ben  the Jack russell a feisty senior who doesn't take to 'new dogs' on the block - the bigger the dog - the bigger the bark!  Then Ceasar the 8 month old staffordshire bull terrier who loves everybody but doesn't know his own strength and pulls his owner at 10 mph! Jack another Jack russell  - his recall is non existent - he runs off and doesn't look back.

Sad news about Alfie the English Bull Terrier - his health has gone down hill and he is in and out of the vets - we all hope and pray he recovers. Apologies from the 'pugs' - such a lovely day their owner has
taken them to the countryside - Apologies from Dorf's owner - will be joining next week.

Going to meet Ceasar and his owner before the next session starts just to give a bit of extra advice and training on 'lead control' and 'recall' - might need a one to one. Looking forward to seeing him - he is such a beautiful dog just full of bounce and energy but eager to please

Next session 17th March 2pm - 3.30pm

TRIPLE DOG FUNDRAISING EVENT 25th February 2012

Big Event on Saturday 25th February 2012

Animals are part of our lives and steal Our Hearts - so it is great when you can get the opportunity to showcase animals that not only have had an unhappy start but have been waiting a long time for that 'Forever home'.

On Saturday the 25th February, at St Martins Church Hall, Mortimer Road, London NW10 I have helped organize an event to raise money for three small but dedicated animal rescues - It starts at 2pm and ends at 4.30pm.  Raffle Winner will be picked at 4.00pm

Many Tears Rescue  (Helping many dogs rescued from dog pounds and abandoned puppy farms)
German Shepherd Rescue (Helping home unwanted German Shepherds)
Baan Unrak Animal Sanctuary (Helping Street Dogs in Thailand with medical care, and rehoming some in Europe and UK)

It is a chance for dog lovers to learn more about these rescues and support them by coming along and taking part in the raffles, buying from the stalls and enjoying refreshments (home made cakes) and even treating your dog  (s) to home made doggy biscuits!! Also I am donating a Bottle of Champers to the Owner of the Best Breed!!! Free Neutering/Spaying Vouchers will be available for all 'Bull Breeds' courtsey of the Mayhew Animal Home, Kensal Green.

Terry Bolding Representing Many Tears Rescue will be showing a short film featuring Trooper the Blind Collie

Lisa will be representing German Shepherd Rescue giving a short 'talk' on how GSD operates and about the dogs in the rescue needing homes

Emily from Baan Unrak Animal Sanctuary will be showing pictures of dogs needing homes in UK and about 'Gemma Ashford' who founded the Sanctuary and how it strives to help street dogs in Thailand

It will be a great day and all the money will be going to the three charities.  The Reverand G Noyce has kindly allowed us to have the hire of the hall for free as his donation to the Fundraising Event.

Hope to see you there - All dogs are welcome (on leads).

New Pup/After Christmas NEED ADVICE

Just got that 'adorable pup' or that 'new rescue dog' - Christmas is over and the New Year already begun - AND BACK TO WORK - kids back at school AND things are not as 'easy' as you thought they would be with the new addition to the family!! Toilet training with the pup is not going according to plan - the new rescue dog is chewing the furniture and barking when left alone and the kids 'promise' of 'walking' has been replaced by a new television programme!!

One word 'training' and another 'socialising'  start  now - with a puppy - he or she looks to you to set boundaries to give them a rountine - the first walk or 'outing in the garden' after the inoculations - the 'contained place' to start 'toilet training'. How to get used to a collar (by wearing it around the home before venturing out into the street) and to walk on lead without 'pulling'. To give your new pet mental stimulation as well as physical and to build upto leaving your pet on their own.

A good 'training class' will have between 8 - 10 dogs (any more to me is too many!!) and as well as training there will be 'off lead 'doggy playtime).  Ideally the sessions will be outside but in the winter a hall is good as long as you also  are able to go  outside to 'walk on lead' interact with other dogs and owners and address the 'outside environmental issues' Owners have a very short period of time to accustom new pups and 'rescue' dogs to a range of 'different experiences' A good trainer will  observe any 'bullying' from bolder pups towards the shyer ones and address this accordingly at the same time not making either owner or  dog feel 'overprotected' or 'fearful'.

Sometimes a pup or dog may have 'certain behavioural issues' which are not at all serious but if left or the wrong 'correction' given could develop into bigger issues!! A one to one consultation can be given - I offer a two hour consultation @ £60.00 for full session. Please call if you need any advice or email me on canineculture@googlemail.com or check out my website www.canineculture.co.uk

A Goodbye to 2011 and Hello to 2012

2011 - A year of petitioning for Justice for 'abused or animals killed by abuse', For Freedom for 'bull breeds' victims of BSL - a law that criminalizes the 'breed' not the 'deed'- many staffordshire crosses kept in cold stone cells for long periods of time.  Awaiting a fate that could mean 'Destruction' under an Act that was not thought out and nearly all are owned by persons  that 'did everything' in their power to behave as responsible dog owners. We must not forget Lennox in Belfast - a dog whose fate is still in the hands of the 'powers that be' and Lennox's family who every single of the day are thinking of him and praying for his release.  Lennox's family must be WONDERING WHY he is a 'victim of BSL - he was neutered, microchipped and everything was done according to the law YET he is now in a cold cell.

2011 - a year when 'Annie the Elephant' was seen on film being brutally treated by his owners 'henchman' - now she is living her retirement in a place she never thought she would live to see and is SAFE.

2011 - when Baan Unrak Animal Sanctuary a rescue for the street dogs in Thailand had fund raising events  in St, Martins Church London NW10 and South London UK and raised awareness of how Stray Dogs not only in Thailand but worldwide are treated. Avril Simms and her many supporters raised money to get dogs that had gone through hell in Turkey to safety in UK to 'forever homes'  Dog Star Foundation had an amazing year helping strays and carried out neutering/spaying programmes in Sir Lanka.  Foster Farms Sanctuary in US helped save so many horses from slaughter.  Noahs Arc (Spain)and Many Tears Rescue (UK) rehomed and rescued dogs in Uk and abroad.  People ran marathons, fetes, dog shows, drew portraits, donated, shared, fostered, adopted and rescued - all in the name of the innocent creatures in this world

2011 - Saw the sadness of our canine and feline friends passing - leaving us to heavenly pastures, Max, Roma, Blue the Beautiful Gentle Cat, and so many more.  May they RIP

2011 was a year combined with sadness and joy but most of all united us all in our Determination to make sure we will carry on being the voice of the innocent and Shout Even louder in 2012.

Happy New Year to you all