Woof – the blog
Getting a dog – choosing carefully
The choice is overwhelming. However, finding the right dog for you should not be an impulse decision. It needs, careful, thought before deciding on the pooch for you. So, why then, do so many people get this important decision wrong? I see many people that have, simply, not thought about what a dog means, potentially, […]
Reactive dogs – help them…
Over the past week or so, I have met a number of owners of ‘reactive dogs.’ Two different examples follow. The first person had 2 dogs, one of which was a nervy, mildy reactive terrier. He’d been attacked a couple of times and now snapped at other dogs. Therefore, the owner tried to keep him […]
Staffies – dangerous dogs?
Parliament has just debated whether or not Staffordshire Bull Terriers should be placed on the dangerous dogs register (16/07/2018) . Fortunately, sense won the day and, the petition was rejected. In my opinion, rightly so. This debate was forced by a petition from The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). They argued that […]
Physically punishing our dogs is not training — it is abuse!
I am staggered by the number of dog owners I see that think it is acceptable to hit their dogs. (I will not be using any pictures in this post — they will be too upsetting for most caring dog owners). I would recommend ‘How dogs learn (Burch MR et al, 1999)” as a good starting point […]
Heat and dogs — give them a break
So, we have a bit of a heat wave in the UK. Unfortunately, there are, as usual, many dog owners that do not understand that extreme heat and dogs don’t mix well.
Short nosed dogs – time to stop…
A short piece by Jonathan Leake in last weeks’ Sunday Times regarding short nose (brachiocephalic dogs) gave me cause for optimism. Over the centuries, man has bred dogs to be more extreme in their appearance all for the benefit of fashion. This has been to the detriment of the wellbeing and quality of life for […]
Out of sight, out of mind – No!
I came across a chap with his terrier type dog this morning whilst out with Ziggy. He proceeded to behave, somewhat, oddly with his dog. As we approached, he turned away from us, shortened the dogs’ lead and made him sit, all the while blocking the dogs’ line of site to us. During our approach […]
Over excited dogs – putting the time in -the Royal Navy way
I met a couple with a very excited dog today. It reminded me of my time in the Royal Navy. Way back in 1982, after 9 years, I found myself drafted to my first ship. This was, of course, en route to the Falklands Islands and a conflict going on in those chilly waters.. I […]
Re-homing – loosen the lead a little
In April 2018 the Times newspaper reported there were 130,000 dogs in UK rescue centres. a staggering number of animal, I think most sane people would agree. Perhaps it is time that the rescue centres revised their re-homing policies. I’ve visited some of the bigger charities websites such as the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust […]
A bit of a stretch – the curse of extension leads
In every vet surgery, pet shop or any store selling pet supplies you will see them. Hanging in their rows and plastic cases, promising the owner the perfect answer for walking their dogs. Why, with these leads, you need never fear your dog running off again and, they get to have a good walk on […]