PawPrintPets

Making You & Your Dog Happier


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How can I get the best care for my pet?

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Whether we are looking for a dog trainers, pet sitters, dog walker, boarding or kennels, we naturally want the very highest level of care. How can we find the right people? How can we ask the right questions?

Find a decent dog trainer

All dogs will need training, and puppy socialisation (where lockdown allows of course). Dog training helps with walking your dog so that they do not pull on their lead. It makes sure they get along with other dogs and people. Also, it teaches you how to help them to learn the rules of the human household.

Even before you get your dog, research locally for an ABTC-registered trainer. Act now – get their space booked. Would you want to employ someone who might take shortcuts over caring for your dog?

Anyone charging money as a trainer should have proper (not just any) letters after the name. You could get an ABTC-registered person with practical – not distance learning – qualifications in all the aspects of animal behaviour that they promise to work. In today’s times there is no reason why a trainer or behaviourist would not want to get the appropriate ABTC registration if they profess to truly care for animals. 

Pet sitting and care

Pet sitting, day care and dog boarding kennels are next. What will happen to your dog when you are busy, or away? It is nice to ask family, but a professional is always best. They work with animals all day, are fully insured, and there are more than one available. A team of pet sitters will not suddenly let you down. They have qualifications in pet care and pet first aid should any emergency arise.

Day care for dogs is a relatively recent pet care service. Always check that they are council licensed and insured. Day care can also give your dog the chance to play with other dogs, so they will always come back tired and happy.

A pet sitter on the other hand often comes to visit or even live in your home! This can be the nicest thing for your dog with minimal distruption, especially if you have lots of animals.

Dog walkers are so helpful!

Dog walking services vary widely. Some dog walkers will collect up a few dogs and take them for a sociable walk together. This is usually in an enclosed space where they can be safe to roam and play. Others will do individual walks, perhaps for dogs that do not get along with others. They may help with other exercise needs that require specific attention. Dog walking provides companionship as well as exercise. At the end of your long day, you can rest in the happy knowledge that your dog has had a busy, fun day too.

Need the very best advice on how to care for your dog? Why not get Karen’s book ‘Being a dog’ which helps you see the world from your dog’s point of view!

Meeting people on walks with your dog

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Meeting strangers on walks? How to keep your dog calm.

Out on walks at the moment we are meeting so many new people (from a distance of course), and so many of them comment on our little dogs as we go. Dogs are a great conversation enabler, and of course lockdown means we need our daily exercise, close to home. So, the world is out, walking.

Our dogs get used to friends and family, but can sometimes feel unnerved when meeting new people. Here are my tips to help your puppy or adult dog feel more comfortable in the presence of new folks. 

Please don’t touch my dog

First of all, your dog should not be touched or greeted by anyone not in your household presently, since it usually means you will be too close to those people. Keeping your dog on lead is very important since if anything goes wrong, again, you will need to get too close to someone not from your household. 

It’s essential that you take good hygiene measures, so if you have to touch another dog, wash your hands and use sanitizer afterwards too. 

And it’s not just strangers on walks! A first time visit to the Vet, pet sitter or groomer, and visitors to your home (when finally allowed again) all need to be welcomed by a happy, calm dog.

How to introduce your dog properly

Safe dog introductions to new people are achieved with thorough, gradual training using rewards such as food or toys. Good puppy training habits, starting early with dog-dog socialization and getting used to the presence of visitors are all essentials. From an early age, your puppy needs to spend most days meeting new people and dogs. 

First impressions count! Meeting new people can be overwhelming. You can help your dog to feel more comfortable by introducing a calm, trained behaviour such as teaching the dog to come to you for positive reinforcement such as a food treat. Always reward your dog in the presence of visitors, asking the dog for a simple ‘sit’ so that you can prevent the dog from jumping up, too (keeping your dog on a leash will help control over-exuberant greetings at this stage).

What dog body language is best?

A wagging tail is not necessarily a sign that a dog is feeling relaxed or happy. It could be that the dog is worried and agitated, their tail thrashing around uncertainly.

Pay close attention to your dog’s body language. Are their ears pulled tightly back? Are their eyes are showing some of the whites around the edges? Is their head is lowered or they are turning their head away (or moving away)? If so, let the dog retreat and calm down. Your dog needs you to look out for them – so do this every time they see another person.

Want to learn more about your dog, their behaviour and how they see the world? Why not get ‘Being a Dog’, my book all about the latest in scientific research on dog behaviour – uniquely written from the dog’s perspective! Click on the above image to find out more!

Keep your dog happy during lockdown

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Simple ways to keep your dog busy at home

Are you back working from home, or want to make sure your dog is fulfilled every day when they are not on walks? You may need to listen to a work meeting without distraction, but don’t want your best friend to be bored! 

Dogs are intelligent, busy creatures and need mental stimulation, especially when young. Keeping your dog entertained is more fun for you and for them. Much better than just buying toys and hoping for the best. We all know the toy box is left gathering dust whilst your dog raids worktops and the leftover Christmas chocolate (very bad idea!).

What does my dog enjoy?

Firstly, decide what your dog actively enjoys. Do they sniff and hunt a great deal, or are they into dog treats, or just like listening to you for great social interaction? If you can provide things that cater to these needs, your dog will be more settled naturally. 

Boredom really means that there is nothing rewarding around. You don’t need to constantly work to keep your dog entertained, but they need to have an outlet to burn off excess energy. Providing chew toys, a dog puzzle with treats inside, interactive dog toys are great. Some of them can even be ‘smart’ toys that turn on and off to vary the frequency of play. All will help. A simple game is to take a muffin tin, place a small piece of dog treat in each section. Then place tennis balls over the top. Your dog can use their nose or bring their paws in play to knock the balls aside to earn their reward.

Does my dog need to be busy all the time?

Introduce rest and relaxation as part of your fun indoor activities. All dogs, especially puppies, sleep a great deal, so make sure that you aren’t experiencing puppy boredom by giving them activities and then routine ‘sleep times’.

What activities might my dog enjoy?

Activity ideas include simple games such as hide and seek, or finding tennis balls, or basic obedience training. If you really can’t spare the time, employ a dog walker so that your dog can be out having a great time whilst you sit at your desk.

Fetch and tug of war can sometimes lead to problems with obsession and injury. From crazy leaping around for a tennis ball, or pulling hard on items as a ‘win’ game. Basic obedience comes from your dog learning that it is fun to interact with you. It enriches their quality of life immensely. So start teaching sit, down, come, heel… yes, easy and useful too.

How about some basic nose work, where you scatter tiny pieces of their food around the garden for them to seek out? Repeat this with your dog a few times rather than giving them their dinner in a boring bowl.

Even though you may be at home, you will need regular breaks. As long as your dog is fit and well, you should provide at least two walks outdoors a day. Healthy dogs also keep their owners active. A good sniffy walk helps everyone’s quality of life. 

How do I keep my dog happy when alone?

Be cautious not to develop a dependency between yourself and your dog. It might be that when you finally leave the house the dog has nothing to keep them entertained. Create a big list of all the activities your dog can enjoy without you needing to interact with them. Food puzzle toys, interactive dog toys, the frequency of play with you and without you. These are all important guides for what your dog will need when you are not there

What can I buy that will help my dog stay busy?

Here’s some examples of interactive dog toys. Click the images for more info.

Some fun toys are just what you need! Click the images above for more.
How about a snuffly mat? These are great fun. Click the picture to find out where to buy one.

Is your dog your best friend?

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Does my dog actually like being with me?

I saw a meme the other day about lockdown, saying that all the dogs are celebrating as we are meant to stay at home. However, I am still getting behaviour referrals for dogs that aren’t, and haven’t been coping when their humans are around. So, let’s ask ourselves the burning question ‘Does my dog actually like me?’

Dogs show affection easily, but it can be hard to spot the signs that your dog loves you. However, dog body language is actually easy to spot once you know how. This is a great way to get closer to your best friend.

What does dog affection look like?

It feels so good when you see your dog give a full body wag. It starts with the tail swooshing happily side to side. Their mouth is open and tongue lolling. That’s one of the reasons we get a dog (or more than one).

If your dog likes you, your dog will want to spend time with you. What if they constantly spend time away from you? If they seek out their beds or like to be in another room? It doesn’t mean they don’t like you but it might mean they need their own space. We should always respect that. And don’t forget to check your dog is actually fit and well if they suddenly start hiding. Poorly dogs avoid contact.

In my work as a clinical animal behaviourist, I look for an understanding between owner and dog. Strong bonds form over time, but sometimes this relationship can be affected by fear or stress. A dog that is comfortable with you shows affection with coming to you. They lick your hands or face, keeping soft eye contact.

How do I know my dog isn’t happy?

How do you know if your dog isn’t happy with you? Well, if they want you to stroke them, do so for a couple of seconds then stop. See what they do. Do they walk away? The dog may yawn and look a little tense. Their eyes may narrow and they may lick their lips. Their tail may wag but this can be deceptive. A stiff tail is a sign that your dog isn’t relaxed.

Is my dog bonded with me?

How do you know if your dog is really your best friend? If you already look after your dog’s well-being, give him enjoyable exercise, decent food, and play games? Then you have built a nice bond already. Dogs show their love by being around us and relaxing. You need to show a similar sign of affection. Patting your dog hard, hugging them tightly, are not signs that you love him. They can be seen as scary and confrontational. So, show your dog you love him by giving him space to come to you instead.

A lovely way to get your dog involved and be your best friend is to provide interesting toys! Here’s an idea above – just click on the picture for more information!

Fjord’s Mountain Mission to help children and dogs

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NEW – Amazing Ski Safety E-Book for children needs your help!

Caroline Elliott, a snow safety expert and French qualified ski patroller who specialises in promoting safety on the ski slopes for children, is raising funds for her book, Fjord’s Mountain Mission.Caroline, who has been working with avalanche dogs for over 10 years, has also spoken extensively in schools and at winter sports industry events and conferences, including on the main talk stage at The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival in London. The book will be published as an e-book version and then if the funding allows, there will be a print edition produced. Evgenia Malina, a professional commercial artist, is creating the 64 illustrations that will bring the book to life and make it appealing to the target age group of children between 5 and 12 years of age.    Fjord, a French flat coated Retriever, sadly died in 2020, but his name and legacy lives on in Caroline’s book and on her website Fjordsar (fjordsar.com). Caroline is now training her new dog, Källa, who will follow in Fjord’s footsteps, helping children around the country to learn about how to stay safe on the slopes. 

Caroline said: “’Fjord’s Mountain Mission’ is a magical account of a real avalanche dog and his mission in the snowy mountains. Through his adventures, your children can learn the essentials before they head to the resorts for their winter holiday, empowering them to enjoy their trip to the full. The book also has lots of helpful tips to keep safe and learn some fascinating facts about the life of a working avalanche dog and how to reduce your carbon footprint when visiting the mountains”.Caroline is hoping to raise £5,500 through a Go Fund Me page and is planning to release the book in time for the lead up to Christmas 2020.

All donators can opt to have their initials printed inside an individual snowflake on the inside cover. 

The book will be translated later into German, French and other languages if there is a demand.

If the funds are raised in time the Children’s illustrated book will be ready for Christmas in E book and printed form. 

Donate here: gf.me/u/wugfrn