Showing 21 posts from March 2009
Amber my Wire-Haired Vizsla passed away in my arms back in September.
Only now can I begin to think of her as a being that is in the past rather than the present. I'm pleased that we all have so many fond memories of her, and I know we'll meet again.
She was a sweet, gentle, polite dog that garnered affection and interest wherever she went.
A rare breed that would simply take your breath away when meeting her. An immensely versatile breed and character that can fit in with all that you request. She came on all of our UK based holidays and was a genuine joy to have around.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
It's pretty common for me to place a long line on a dog to create a far higher level of control for the owner, and to allow interruption of unwanted behaviour should it happen.
The long line is a god-send for owners of dogs that don't recall when called.
Typically I make up a 20metre line with a regular dog lead clip on one end, and a simple looped handle on the other. Some go for the thick flat corded type of line that can be knotted to create 'stops', but I prefer a 5-6mm line that remains light even when wet, allowing the dog to drag it without hindrance.
With really young dogs people seem determined to let them off to run freely without having put in place adequate measures for them returning when called. Place your pup on the long line for the first few weeks, and keep recalling using high value treats to reward each return. Any ignoring of your calls can be dealt with by a light tug of the line to remind the dog of your presence. THEN you can begin to introduce more freedom when your trust is there, and the dog associates your calling with an immediate response to look to you and recall. My little Pip stops like a twanged ruler when I call her...simply due to doing the above from an early age with plenty of repetition. It's not hard...you can do this too :)
Keep it simple.
Keep it fun.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
The long line is a god-send for owners of dogs that don't recall when called.
Typically I make up a 20metre line with a regular dog lead clip on one end, and a simple looped handle on the other. Some go for the thick flat corded type of line that can be knotted to create 'stops', but I prefer a 5-6mm line that remains light even when wet, allowing the dog to drag it without hindrance.
With really young dogs people seem determined to let them off to run freely without having put in place adequate measures for them returning when called. Place your pup on the long line for the first few weeks, and keep recalling using high value treats to reward each return. Any ignoring of your calls can be dealt with by a light tug of the line to remind the dog of your presence. THEN you can begin to introduce more freedom when your trust is there, and the dog associates your calling with an immediate response to look to you and recall. My little Pip stops like a twanged ruler when I call her...simply due to doing the above from an early age with plenty of repetition. It's not hard...you can do this too :)
Keep it simple.
Keep it fun.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
Little Pip will be three this Christmas, and I have to say that once Amber had passed away she stepped into her shoes so to speak with ease.
I admit that I was apprehensive as to how she would cope being alone, and without a play mate to look up to (quite literally in her case!). I was keen to reinforce our roles within the family to offer guidance and reassurance that it will be us as humans that guide and direct should she be in doubt.
Remember that dogs love being guided and given direction on all sorts of matters big and small. Providing leadership gives reassurance and the dog can relax and simply 'be'. I don't mean overpowering guidance, just calm and gentle when and where needed.
I admit that I was apprehensive as to how she would cope being alone, and without a play mate to look up to (quite literally in her case!). I was keen to reinforce our roles within the family to offer guidance and reassurance that it will be us as humans that guide and direct should she be in doubt.
Remember that dogs love being guided and given direction on all sorts of matters big and small. Providing leadership gives reassurance and the dog can relax and simply 'be'. I don't mean overpowering guidance, just calm and gentle when and where needed.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
This makes interesting reading, and reminds us to keep our minds and hearts open to the possibility of dogs being more aware and emotionally capable than we previously thought.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7770000/7770676.stm
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7770000/7770676.stm
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
I've had a good day today, down at Just for Pets Kidderminster.
I ran a free training and behaviour day, with a steady flow of people popping in to discuss concerns they have.
Some things we could get sorted by chatting, others were slightly more serious and will need some help in the home.
The issue of socialisation (or lack of!) came up a few times and remember folks how important it is to keep your dogs well socialised along with an element of basic obedience for listening to you.
Many dogs come to us (if rescued) lacking this vital element, so be sure to gain a full understanding as to your prosepctive dog's behaviour before bringing it home.
A big thanks to Mike, Dom and all the staff who were more than cooperative during my day there.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
I ran a free training and behaviour day, with a steady flow of people popping in to discuss concerns they have.
Some things we could get sorted by chatting, others were slightly more serious and will need some help in the home.
The issue of socialisation (or lack of!) came up a few times and remember folks how important it is to keep your dogs well socialised along with an element of basic obedience for listening to you.
Many dogs come to us (if rescued) lacking this vital element, so be sure to gain a full understanding as to your prosepctive dog's behaviour before bringing it home.
A big thanks to Mike, Dom and all the staff who were more than cooperative during my day there.
Should you wish to talk to me regarding your dog's behaviour, you can contact me here: http://www.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk/
