Karen wild Archives - PawPrintPets

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Thinking of getting a pup?

25/01/2021 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

House of Fraser’s tweet which does NOT give us the right idea of what owning a dog is like nor should be either. Saddening really.

If you are still tempted, before you read on, can I suggest you think again. Getting a puppy during lockdown is likely to lead to big changes when we are finally free from restrictions. You will be back into a routine – working, school, social time… if you don’t think this affects you, think again.

Puppies are expensive

Puppies are very expensive. At the moment they cost three times what they did before the pandemic. There is reduced supply of quality litters, meaning that you’ll most likely fund a puppy farm or opportunistic amateur. It’s the equivalent of buying an old banger car from a layby without any chance to test drive, that costs three times as much but you pay it just because you are in a rush and the kids are moaning.

A new puppy needs planning, care and attention. From finding a puppy training class, to pet insurance, when and how to toilet train… the non-stop whirlwind of a new puppy starts even before you bring your puppy home.

Puppies need huge amounts of care

Finding a good breeder is crucial, as is checking for health problems, and finding a decent insurer. See the puppy with its mother – no excuses. It is otherwise likely to be stolen or shipped from a puppy farm. Register with a Vet and be ready for regular health checks, vaccinations, and preventive treatments – worming, fleas, ticks and other disease all needs to be looked out for.

Puppies are hard work, so time is a huge cost too. Can you guarantee you will be around for at least the next three years making sure your dog is not left alone for more than a few hours a day? I don’t mean several times a day. No more than 3-4 hours per day absolute maximum and not every day either.

Surely you’d like to be the owner that says ‘We knew what to expect’ than the ones that say ‘We can’t look after him/her properly’ as you hand them over on Gumtree.

Pups need training, groomers, dog walkers and day care

Think about who will look after the puppy, and make sure you have contacted a groomer, a registered, qualified puppy trainer (positive reward-based methods), dog walker and dog day care too. If you can’t afford them – don’t get a puppy.

Aim to get a puppy at around 8-9 weeks of age (no earlier, no later – it can cause big issues). A rescue dog is often a better choice. Centres are filled with dogs who, through no fault of their own, need somewhere to live. I am sure their original owners all decided a puppy was right for them at some point. Life has a way of catching up with us and rescue centre dogs need decent homes. Do contact our local ones – you could get a wonderful dog that’s absolutely right for you.

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!

How can I get the best care for my pet?

22/01/2021 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

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.

Meeting people on walks with your dog

12/01/2021 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

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!

Is your dog your best friend?

05/01/2021 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

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!

The true price of a puppy

25/11/2020 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

What is a puppy really going to cost you?

Buying a puppy? What is the cost?

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).

Extra costs. The real price of a puppy.

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.

The cost of a puppy doesn’t end at purchase.

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.

Prepare for dog insurance too.

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.