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Making You & Your Dog Happier

The true price of a puppy

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 What is a puppy really going to cost you?

dog on lead karen wild

The other day I saw a list of puppy prices, a year on year comparison. For anyone still considering a pup right now, you need to know that the price of a puppy has doubled, and in some cases trebled, compared to the same breed and time of year last year.

Covid-19 clearly has had some impact on this market, since a lot of people at home have time now to look after a dog. Let’s hope you can keep that level of care going. Dogs are social creatures and need regular contact throughout the day. It isn’t fair to leave them for more than a few hours at a time (and no, I don’t mean just seeing them for an hour lunch break in a seven hour working day five days a week). 

The financial cost doesn’t start at purchase. This isn’t just a car that we then buy and MOT once a year. A dog is a living being and needs regular care and money spending on them to make sure they are safe, happy and well. Those of us with dogs can easily tell you about the Vets bills that sometimes come out of the blue. We can also tell you about the time and cost of training if you aren’t going to end up with a bigger problem further down the line.

I had one call some time ago from a lady whose young dog had wrecked their carpet. I told her my rate for helping them with the dog who was clearly needing some training and support. She said she couldn’t afford it. I appreciate that, and I also think that trainers should and do charge properly for our time, qualifications, experience. However she also told me that the puppy had cost £2400 (of which my proposed fee was a tiny fraction). She simply had not factored in the additional costs that educating the puppy would incur, and of course, repairing the carpet was going to cost her an awful lot now.

The same for insurance. Thinking that you won’t pay into a policy but that you will just add money into a pot is a risky plan. Vets are highly skilled and there is no ‘Vet NHS’ (although the PDSA may help if you’re really stuck). If you have a spare £2000-£5000 sitting around, maybe you don’t need to factor insurance in. Even so, your dog needs third party liability insurance in case they cause accident or injury. 

So, a little thought for you considering getting a puppy or a rescue dog – the costs are far more once you have them, than when you start. There’s no such thing as an impulse bargain when it comes to getting a dog.

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

Mud and your dog walks today!

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Dog walking in autumn leaves

It’s sunny, and yes it’s muddy! The Autumn dry days are great for romping through the leaves (I mean for our dogs, but you’re allowed too). However, the mud is starting to build up. Yesterday wasn’t even overly damp but my shortest dog came back totally filthy, so it’s probably time to talk ‘mud management’ for our dogs.

Especially during these damp Covid-safe days, fresh Autumn weather can be great as we take our dogs for some cold air away from stuffy indoor working. Wrap up warm and out we go! On the other hand, it can be a constant battle against teazels in their tails and grimy feet and bellies. Not only mud on our shoes, but on the dog’s paws, on his fur, and of course anything he chooses to roll in along the way. Incidentally, why is fox poo so attractive to dogs? On a wet day in forthcoming wintertime, even just letting the dog out for a quick wee can be a major mud trauma.

Add a coat for any dog that is very young (their coats haven’t really developed yet), one with a thin or fine coat, and of course any hairless dogs need additional layers. Older dogs will also benefit from a warm outer layer, but try and find one that means they can still move freely.

Here are some thoughts on how to cope. Although mats at the door are great for human visitors, they are far too small for most dogs who of course have to wipe all four of their feet. Invest in a dirt trapper mat. Not all mats are the same… the trademarked ones really do work but cost a fortune, so look out for cheaper brands with the same texture. You need one big enough, more of a runner than a mat, but they are a long-term investment and can usually be washed, even tumble dried.

A cheaper and much easier solution is to use old bath towel sheets. Lay them inside the door just before you leave, and you have plenty of space for your dog to trample them as you re-enter.

If your dog is too fast, or absolutely filthy, set yourself up for success before you leave. Find a dog crate and place towels inside, over the top and sides, and a handful of really tasty treats placed towards the back. Place it across the door so that as you enter, your dog can see where best to go. If you take time to build up his confidence, your dog will race straight in, drying himself off before you get that ‘shake off and drown’!

Pack Leader is out of date for dogs

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Dog owners always like to know the best ways to help their dog, and often tell me they watch every program that is out there to learn more about this amazing animal. However, just as we don’t think Made in Chelsea is unscripted, or believe we would be able to mimic Bake Off recipes just by watching the show, we really need to accept that TV shows for dogs are there for entertainment – sadly, often at the cost of the dogs’ welfare.

It’s still on TV, and talked about as a mysterious wonder, the idea that we somehow have to be ‘pack leader’ of our unassuming pet dogs. People even call themselves dog experts and have probably paid a few hundred pounds to ‘qualify’ in the topic. It means that dogs are often treated badly, punished physically, shushed at in a weird hissing noise, or yanked around on their leads. All in the name of ‘pack leader’.

What if I told you that this ‘Pack leader’ dominance theory was never proven and is at least ten years out of date now?

Even the person who originally talked about ‘alpha’ (referring to wolves, which are of course, not dogs) has said he was wrong. Dr David Mech from the University of Minnesota has since recorded himself on Youtube saying how and why this wasn’t accurate. This is good science. Good science finds new evidence that renders the old theories inaccurate, and starts using the new evidence instead. It’s not anything to be ashamed of. It’s simply that we know more now.

Dogs are intelligent creatures that we have genetically modified over the years to suit our purposes. That used to be mainly for working – hunting, helping guard our homes, alerting, picking things up, but also sitting on our laps and being cuddly. Not all dogs were bred the same of course, that’s why even the ancient Greeks had little white fluffy dogs for companionship, and great big hounds for pursuit.

However, everyone has always been aware that we have to be responsible for training our dogs to do all the things we need and want, so that they and we are safe. This doesn’t mean being horrible to them in the name of an imaginary ‘pack leader’. It means understanding how they like to live, that they are driven largely by scent, movement, food, safety, and of course, mating, and how great they are at things we humans are often terrible at, which is why we want them around. They are above all nowadays, our friends, and they need us to help them and teach them in a sensible, kind and clear way – not demand and dominate.

Reality vs. Dog Training on TV

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The magic of TV dog training can often be very misleading!

This week a couple of new enquiries have surprised me somewhat. They have severe issues with their dog’s or cat’s behaviour, and really need help, but approached with a strongly pre-conceived idea of how we would work. It’s unusual for someone to tell you how you will do your job, and not a little irritating if I am honest, but I thought it would be worthwhile having a discussion about our expectations.

Notwithstanding we are in the middle of a pandemic and have a risk assessment longer than the Bible, cannot handle the animals in our care, cannot go to people’s homes for as long as it needs, and generally have been forced to change how we work (currently we work remotely, and it’s been brilliant!).

On a TV show, you are shown the disastrous home, terrible owners, awful pet’s behaviour. Then up pops the charismatic person who saves the day. It’s very interesting, but what it doesn’t show you are the hours of discussion, assessment, and planning that go into changing and retraining a human family and their pet. The TV show loves to see the crazy behaviour but this in itself is really damaging, since the more practice any animal gets at a behaviour, the more permanent it becomes.

Contrary to this, a registered practitioner never deliberately tries to provoke a problem behaviour from any animal. It’s unethical and unkind. In addition, we don’t need to see the pet in their home, behaving badly, because the owners can tell us every single thing about that behaviour (and they do!). 

Yes, we need to understand what is happening, and that makes total sense, but we do that by interviewing the owners and family, as they can describe what has happened before. Imagine me asking someone to get their dog to bite them, so I can see what’s going on.

It could be likened to an electrician asking you to touch a bare wire just to see if it’s live, or a driving instructor sending you off down the road in the car on your own at your first lesson ‘so that you learn by your mistakes’.

That’s not how a professional works.

Instead we get a really clear picture of what has happened before, implement safety advice, then we re-establish some basic ‘better behaviour’ skills (because most pets and owners haven’t had this either, no fault of theirs). We then build up the exposure to the problem (noise, other dogs, visitors, cats, etc) very gradually whilst we make sure the pet stays calm and happy instead of getting upset. Satisfying and effective and above all, kind and sensible. But undramatic!

Dog leash tech gives more reasons to walk our dogs daily!

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Exercise. We probably all need a little more of this, and pets are no different. Is there an ultimate lead that makes this easy?

The idea of an all in one convenient leash means we have seen them equipped with treats holders, water bowls, and of course, poo bag holders.

Leash fashion is taken care of with designer branding and colours, but the humble short lead may not be the future as we try to exercise our dogs under control.

Dog training is desirable to stop pulling on lead and to allow lots of freedom, but many people prefer not to let their dog entirely off their leash, or aren’t allowed by law. Longer ‘retractable’ leashes and lines combine safety and responsibility too and it is here that the human trend for tech and fitness has really overtaken leashes with functionality at the fore. Some trainers aren’t keen on flexi or retractable leads, but as with all tools, you need to know how to use them to make them safer.

So, the humble leash has seen an upsurge in style and technology!

Smart leashes, such as the Go from PetKit are hi-tech retractable leashes. Their functions include measuring walking and activity, linking via bluetooth to a smartphone. Rechargeable on usb, with the ability to charge your own phone too, these leads are designed to be more comfortable to hold too. Led lights are a popular tech addition allowing nighttime dog walks to be safer as the dog wanders to the extent of the lead, as well as reflective or luminous bands and stitching.

Encouraging a comfortable walk is assisted by the TUG ‘360 degree’ lead that again is extendable but prevents tackles with a rotating section on the handle. The SmartLeash reflects the uncomfortable nature of a dog that may pull with a shock absorbent bungee/elastic attachment.

Here are a few of my top picks for now, if you’re heading towards a new choice to keep your dog exercised but remember, long lines of this type need you to be vigilant – never ever walk your dog on an extending leash next to a road!

Games ‘not’ to play with your dog

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Any play can turn into a problem if you don’t think through the rules and regular routine of the game beforehand. It’s a good idea to think about what the game is actually ‘for’! 

Let’s think of a basic ‘fetch’ game. Simply tossing a ball over and over until your dog falls down, exhausted, might sound like the best idea for a quiet life but can create a serious obsession for your dog. It can also create injury issues as the dog repeatedly lands on the same joints over and over in a frenzied attempt to catch. As we know, nothing is good when it’s excessively repetitive. This can be particularly problematic with some working breeds such as Border Collies, who then constantly obsess about the game and cannot break off from it.

Now let’s look at chasing your dog. I have heard several owners say they love running after their pooch while it gambols about the lawn. This might be hilarious as a mock ‘I am gonna getcha!’ game but it actually teaches the dog to run away from you. This has to be the very last thing you want your dog to learn. It is even worse when the dog also has a toy and learns to ‘keep away’. Before too long you have taught your dog never to return to you and also, that they can hold onto things without giving them back.

How about play fighting, where you encourage your dog to mouth on your hands or clothes. Even if they are gentle, you are teaching your dog that mouthing people is a great game. You might be fine with it, but it may not be the same for anyone else, especially anyone frail or small. It’s not a thing to boast about, ‘He doesn’t hurt me!’. You have taught a dog to play with people using their grabbing and mouthing behaviours, which could be easily misinterpreted as biting. Easily done and forever a problem, so the quick answer is, don’t teach it. Using their mouth on people is a habit we do not want any dog to learn.

This doesn’t mean you can’t play with your dog – far from it! Reverse the above. Ask your dog to bring things back to you, little and often. Vary the game by hiding things for them to fetch rather than asking them to run back and forth. If they need that much running exercise, teach them a send away.

Instead of chasing your dog, invite them to chase you! Easy!

And finally, play with a toy rather than your body. There are millions of dog toys out there, and you only really need to pick one. It’s not hard, and it’s a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Do lockdown changes mean our dogs can play?

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Pawprint puppy class with Karen Wild

I am asked this nearly every day at the moment. Everything is still changing day by day, so I am not going to give you the exact details of what is ‘allowed’ as I write this column, because it will be out of date probably even by tomorrow! We do know that touch can transfer infection and the advice currently is to always wash your hands before and after touching your pets. I am not sure if you are doing this, but that’s sensible hygiene in any case, so we all should.

Moreso right now, we are all wondering if our dogs are allowed to meet other dogs, and how will it affect them if they can’t? The quick answer is, 2 metres apart is 2 metres apart, but don’t be upset because this means your dog can’t mix.

The idea of social distancing has become more normalised, and I am glad it has. Whether or not we follow it (and we definitely should!) is something that many dogs have already been doing for years. Dogs aren’t all the big, huggy and over the top creatures we may think. It’s probable that your dog likes you and wants to do this for you, but often, they won’t share that same affection with everyone. 

I have to explain over and over to clients that many, many dogs do not automatically love everyone. They don’t want to meet every person and every dog on their walks or in their home. They are allowed to have those misgivings. It’s normal.

You may have the dog that does love everyone, but in return, does that mean that your dog is entitled to leap all over every person and dog they encounter? No, it doesn’t. It often causes fear, anxiety and lots of fights too.

My goal here is for you to recognise that for a lot of dogs, social distancing and lockdown have been a good thing. They don’t want to meet and greet. They perhaps want to look from a distance, or only play with people and other dogs that they actually know well. They don’t necessarily need to be life and soul of the party, and most dogs I work with are very happy to stay at least 2 metres away (and probably more). In short, they are allowed to have preferences. It is us that can overwhelm and upset them (or other dogs, or other people) by allowing and encouraging them to get far too close.

Next time you are on your walk, don’t be sorry that your dog can’t go right up to other dogs. A lot of themD probably prefer it.