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Not Knowing the History of a dog - adolescent pup or adult!!

More and more animal lovers  are making that great decision to rescue a dog from a rescue - as in the recent years more and more animals are being abandoned NOT only in UK but all over the world. I myself have two rescues and would never go anywhere else to get an animal but a rescue - a pound or a shelter. Also fostering a dog temporarily while they wait for a forever home is another option especially if your lifestyle or work schedule is not ideal for a dog to Adopt but would help out a shelter and save a life by offering a 'homeless dog' a  temporary 'home'.

 DOGS IN SHELTERS/RESCUES/ POUNDS

Dogs and pups, some pregnant - some pups barely old enough to leave their mothers - seniors - given up   when they need more care or just because they are old.  Their loyalty over the years meaning nothing! Some dogs are given up for financial reasons - relationship break ups or they are just not wanted anymore. Sadly the breed that is the most - abandoned - surrendered breed- is the staffordshire bull terrier and most rescues are full of this gentle 'unloved' and 'misrepresented' breed of dog.

Then there are the puppy mills - where pedigree dogs are bred year after year - never seeing daylight - some sadly die without seeing daylight or knowing a comforting touch.  Others are rescued and brought into the tender care of rescues like the wonderful Many Tears who have dedicated fosterers who help the sad unsocialised and traumatised ' yorkies, collies, - 'the forgotten breeding machines' adjust to a life outside a cage of darkness. 

Lastly not least are the beautiful healthy 'pound dogs' - strays who have no microchip or if they do - the owners don't come for them - and dedicated  animal advocates seek rescues to come forward and try to get them out of the dog pounds -      and  are given 7 days sometimes less to get a 'safe rescue'  for the dogs   otherwise they are  euthanized. 

Many have no history - a lot of them have had no training - May never have  been socialised with other dogs - children - lived in a home environment - like ex breeding dogs - they have spent their whole life in isolation - many not housetrained - many terrified of all elements of normal life. 

So when you walk in your local shelter - or you contact a rescue about a dog or a young pup and they ask you lots of questions and then want to check your home and then ask you go to training classes (some do - some don't) or they say though they have assessed the dog they have no history - please don't be put off getting a rescue dog. Please don't think that they are being 'too judgemental' - because all they want is the best for you BUT MOST of all that the 'pup' 'adult' 'senior' is in the right home and it will be for LIFE .

Bless your life and theirs and ADOPT or FOSTER a 'homeless dog''

Training tips contact Crissie 07949 523 710  www.canineculture.co.uk 

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Dog Classes in (Dog Area)  Paddington Recreation Grounds London W2

Socialising dogs and dog owners is so important - different breeds - ie. German Shepherds - Akitas - Huskies - Staffordshire Bull Terriers - mixed breeds - jack russells - pugs - whippets - the list goes on!
Thats what I like about my classes in Westminster  there is always a  a  variety of dogs - and a variety of behavioural  problems and because of the support of wards like Harrow Road Ward and Queens Park Ward I have the opportunity to teach our four legged friends the social enjoyment of being a dog.

When I first meet a new dog I am a stranger to them which gives me an opportunity to study his body language to see how friendly or otherwise his reaction will be with strangers - does he come forward tail wagging - does he hesitate nervously  - wary but not aggressive - or is he giving low growls or warning barks.  Does the dog 'sit' or 'bounce' - like Bella the young lab pup or utter a slow uncertain growl like Ringo the american bull dog - or try to 'mug me ' for the treats in my pocket - like Molly the Romanian GSD mix!  Of course all the dogs are on leads and I let the dog and owner  approach me - as I crouch down on one knee with my body sideways and eyes averted so there is no direct challenge to the dog. And Even though the dogs are on leads - the owners have come to the class to learn 'lead control' so they are not necessarily holding their 'precious pet' correctly.

I like to start the lesson with owners introducing themselves and their dogs and explaining what 'they feel their dog needs to learn or what their behavioural problems are' - then I make  my assessment.

An assessment at the beginning of the first class is very important because some dogs might have a problem that needs a one on one dog training session ie. fear aggression that could trigger the three F's Freedom Flight or Fight - as they would be on lead initially the first two F's would not be possible and that would only leave FIGHT.  This was in the case of Beautiful Lexy a Bull Breed that had been living in abusive circumstances for five years and also used as a breeding machine until the last year of rescue and also she was a big dog that her owner could not manage - so I arranged for Lexys owner to contact me for a one on one.  Junior the GSD was not good with other dogs (but lived with cats!!) but walked really well on the lead and his owner had a muzzle (if needed)

I like the dogs in the class not only to learn not to pull, to sit and of course - recall but also to leave at the final lesson with 'new friends' to behave socially not only with other dogs and dog owners but also non dog owners - so no jumping up - sitting 'politely' when people pass by in a public places - to make owning a dog fun and also a pleasure for both dog and owner.  And to Be responsible  - Get your pet microchipped - tagged - neutered or spayed and Insured and of course a pet is for LIFE

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Dog Classes Saturday 23rd February 2013

A cold day - a threat of snow but I was determined my 'dog socialising class' was going ahead!!

I had arranged for the classes to take place in the (Dog Area)  Paddington Recreation Ground W9 - a lovely big enclosure for safe and security for all the dogs taking part. With registration forms, (for Public care and Liability Insurance and monitoring for Westminster Council) - training leads - water bowls (yes even in cold weather it is still good to have access to water for thirsty 'trainees') I was already to go - just needed some 'dogs' to bring their owners!!!

First to 'Bounce' through the gate was Ringo a lovely 'american bulldog' rescued from Bullies in Need - raring to 'socalise himself' with lots of vigor - then along came Junior a GSD x all the way from Spain - he was fearful of other dogs.

Bella the labrador came bounding up to me - her  owner holding 'for dear life' to the lead!  Alaska and Arakeetall (beautiful names) two very friendly huskies - Alaska the female had a little stubborn streak and only wanted to do what Alaska wanted! Rocky a handsome six month lurcher/GSD x came in - needs to learn 'lead control' and to be more confident around other dogs. BB the staffie cross came in with Molly the Romanian dog rescue eight years ago - both determined to show the 'other dogs' how 'it was done' as  they had been to 'quite a few' classes before.

Oh and lastly but not least Little Ava a little staffie pup with her 'foster mum' looking a bit overwhelmed with all the 'Big guys'! Ava is from the mayhew animal  home trenmar Gardens London NW10  - I offer a place in the class free to a puppy or dog from a rescue home for one or two sessions.

The first class is always to assess the dogs and the 'owners' behaviour and to socialise the dogs with each other - all on leads - it is also important that owners discuss in a group their own 'views' on their dogs behaviour before we practice 'walking on the lead' together in pairs - and to show how to stop the dogs from pulling - using the 'block'.
It was a great group of dogs - and I look forward to next Saturday 's session - and I hope they do too!!

Welcome to the year of Canine Culture 2013

Its the first month of the new year and canine culture wishes every dog owner and of course their canines a great and exciting new year ahead.

So far this month though the snow was great for our doggy pals to enjoy running and playing with snowballs and racing up and down in the parks and woodland!! - it was not the ideal weather for 'puppy training'!! Walking on lead and teaching adventurous or nervous pups not to pull when you yourself are slipping and sliding on the icy pavements is NOT a trainers  or owners ideal training session -  and definitely not for the 'pup in training' - the best weather to sit and stay, when a warm fire and their favourite bed was waiting for them indoors!

So dog training classes and one to one sessions and assessments were put on hold until late January and Early February.

Last week as weather improved  I had a one on one with Alfie the maltese terrier and his pal a terrier mix called Ken (who apparently was a bad influence on Alfie) - of course nothing to do with his owner or Alfie's!! Alfie and his canine partner in crime Ken were barking at certain dogs - like the local rottiweiler  or the Bull Mastiff or maybe a twelve year old greyhound - the Bigger the bolder the bark. Also jumping up at people to say a friendly but boisterous hello! So after meeting in the local park and letting both dogs have a good run together and let off steam while I got some more information and history on Alfie and Ken we left to walk the streets of Grovenor Road SW1 and Belgravia
Firstly I wanted to observe how Alfie and Ken's owners reacted to their behaviour - everytime they saw another big dog approaching they would verbally 'reassure' their dogs and saying 'Be good boys' - and don't bark etc. - what they were doing was condoning their behaviour - my training method is to use verbal or 'food' reward to praise a dog when they have done something to earn it only.

I walked Alfie by my side and when he went to Bark I ignored him -  stopped with the lead turned his head round to the side and immediately he stopped I verbally praised him 'Good Boy' and after a few stops - turns and 'good boys' he was walking more confident but without the barking and as for Ken he trotted by his owners side with not so much as a 'squeak'. Giving both owners doggy homework - for the next seven days - and then for our next session - food guarding!

One of my other clients is Bella a chocolate labrador four months old - such a good student until that labrador's stubborn trait appears!! Perfect sit and stay - recall - its still a game of hide and seek for her owner - still early days. 'How do you do it Crissie - she comes straight to you - but not to me' her young  owner cries -  practice and patience and making yourself exciting and the main focus of your dog!! Back next monday for another training session with my canine 'peter pan'.

Dates of classes and workshops will be on my website soon www.canineculture.co.uk and if you just want a friendly word of advice  on a new pup, rescue dog I am sure I will have some time to spare on 07949523710

Goodbye to the year of 2012

2012 was a year of - protesting for the end of a law that is NOT in touch with reality and judges the 'breed NOT the deed' - The BSL which condemns a 'bull breed' for what he looks like THAN whether he or she has committed any 'Deed' that comes under the Dangerous Dog Act or not!! We said good bye to Lennox on 11th July 2012 after he spent two years in captivity - imprisoned in kennels - with Victoria Stilwell and Roger Mumford  amongst Lennox's supporters from around the world.  RIP Lennox we are still fighting The authorities of Belfast for JUSTICE for you and your family!
I met Peter Egan, Sarah Fisher Anthony Head - but best of all were all those Dedicated and Inspiring EndBSL supporters who came out in rain or shine to the Peaceful Protest in Westminster to spread the word - End BSL Now.

In 2012 I continued by dog socialising classes in the Harrow Road Ward, Queens Park Ward and the wards in South Westminster - promoting responsible dog ownership and socialising both dogs and owners. I attended with Missy Blue my jack russell cross in local educational events with school children in libraries and schools about 'Being safe and secure around dogs'.  Held four dog shows featuring 'I luv my staffie' Ms Diva, Mr Slick and other categories.

This years Community Cup for the Most Responsible owner was won by David and his husky Shadow

2012 we petitioned for Anna the Elephant abused and kept in captivity for years to be freed and she now knows the safety and protection of a sanctuary where she tasted the joy of freedom. Along with Brian May we stopped (for now) the culling of badgers in UK and will continue our fight into 2013.

Mozart, Buttons, Clash and Betty  and Sebastian - felines abandoned on the streets of london got homes - Betty the tabby going as far as Gloucester!

Cuba a blue staffordshire bull terrier was found after a massive united facebook appeal and reunited with her family. Ruth a 'cruelty case' found her dream home after a long wait - www.mayhewanimalhome.org.uk never gave up on her. Missy and Bru two romanian dogs found their  forever home with my amazing friend Lynda Bryan and also I met the True K-9Angels - three glamourous ladies that work so hard for the animals in Romania, Thailand and other countries were their is no support or animal care for the strays. Many of us campaigned and tried to find homes not only for the poundies who have only 7 days to be rescued or reunited before they are euthanized - in UK but for dogs and cats in USA that were on Death Row.  Maria Daines, Marsha Jones, Nicola, Lynda, Laura, Gary Kaufman, Sharon, Paul - Natasha Mason - Vicki - Coleen - AnnMarie - So many Animal Angels to thank for their commitment - dedication and Never giving up.

Sadly we lost some beautiful feline and canine pals - Handsome Gentleman Dizzy - Magnificent Khan - Lovable  Mutley  a staffie I homed with a great family over ten years ago. Sweet Polo a little cat rescued from a hoarder who had over 150 cats and also Pookie.  Georgie a little terrier, Tiny Jessie a little yorkie rescued from abuse. Louise's little Angel - May you and all the animals that died that could not be saved. May you all run free - free from Pain.

And last but not least - I became a Doggy Godmother to 'Crissie' the little pup from Romania - thanks to a special lady Ghita - what an inspiration you are

May I wish everyone a happy new year and pledge to continue to fight for The welfare and protection of all animals, and to educate the uninformed - make laws harsher for the abusers NOT the victims.

Bereavement - Tribute to Tilly the Rescue Cavalier

Animal Bereavement

Losing a beloved pet is one of the darkest days of your life - it is like losing one of the family - and sometimes it is hard to know when the time is right.  A vet will advise you but they can not make your decision for you - they can not tell you or show you the pain.

Only your precious pet can tell you that - (if only they could) - maybe they seem slower -yes  but they are getting old - they are still eating (maybe less - but then they do not go out much any more). Our ideal dream is they 'kiss us goodbye' and then go for that eternal sleep in our arms - but sadly it doesn't often happen  that way - and we have to decide 'when' it is time.  I have had to make the decision twice in my adult life - and it was heartbreaking - I hope this poem I wrote in tribute to an ex mayhew rescue dog 'Tilly' helps those who might have to make that 'saddest decision' this Christmas.

                                                            May I Leave Now

May I leave now - Will you let me say a Final Goodbye.
You gave me MY LIFE - You Came at the Final Hour - You Came
- You Rescued Me - And I Loved you from that Day.

May I Leave now - Take that Final Walk - Take the Step - Beyond
You will always have my heart but please set my spirit free

At first I fought - I did not want to go - I did not want to leave you -
I loved you so

But now I am feeling so old - and now I feel the pain
And Oh I can See the Shining Light of Freedom - reaching out
to me
Again

May I leave now
Can I say my final goodbye
Sweet Mama - Please Please don't You Cry

I can see you are afraid - I can see it in your tears

I can try and give you one more day - but then that is really all I can give
My body is so tired - and I know it really is my time

So thank you for loving me - You know I love you too
Hold me one more time - and let me hear you say

Goodnight my Darling and
send me
On my final journey
TODAY

Harmony at last!