Radio 1 presenters - Comedy Dave Vitty and Dominic Byrne judge dog fancy dress photo competition - Dressed to the K9s 2011

Walk the Dog's annual charity competition Dressed to the K9s kicked off this week with Radio 1 presenter's Comedy Dave Vitty and newsreader Dominic Byrne judging this year's competition.

The dog fancy dress photo competition is in aid of dog rehoming and rescue organisation Every Chance Rescue and this year there are over £1600 worth of prizes for the lucky four-legged winner.  It's easy to enter, simply...

1. take a photo of your pet dressed up - let your imagination run wild
2. submit your entry online at www.dressedtothek9s.com
3. make a donation if you wish through our competition website

The competition runs from Monday 1st February and closes to entries Sunday 24th April 2011.  The winner and runner up will be announced on Friday 6th May 2011.

Dave says: “Both Dominic & I are delighted to be a part of the Dressed to the K9s competition. We can’t wait to see what people come up with as outfits for their dogs. We’ve seen some of last years and there are some comedy dog costumes out there. We might even see a Dancing on Ice costume... Sequined spandex on a dog – it has winner written all over it! Here’s hoping dog lovers up and down the country get involved and help the worthy cause that is Every Chance Rescue.”



Not unfamiliar to being in front of a judging panel whilst appearing on the current series of Dancing on Ice, Comedy Dave will now be able to see what it is like to be on the other side for a change. Whilst Dominic Byrne will need to step away from the serious side of reading the news to look at some light hearted entries for 2011 competition!  Dressed to the K9s dog fancy dress photo competition was created by Walk the Dog, a pet care and behaviour company, to raise much needed funds and awareness for the not for profit organisation Every Chance Rescue (ECR).   Hanne Grice, founder of Walk the Dog says: “We’re thrilled to have Dave and Dominic on board. They’ll have a great time looking through the entries, but it’ll be no easy task choosing a winner if last year’s anything to go by!”

Hanne continues: “Whilst we always have great fun with this competition, there is a real problem that needs to be addressed. Every Chance Rescue works diligently to save dogs from mistreatment and unnecessary death. If we can raise awareness around Every Chance Rescue and the great work they do on rehabilitating dogs and finding them a ‘forever home’ then it’s all worth while.”


Last years celebrity judge was renowned artist Christiane Kubrick and after short listing hundreds of entries, Christiane chose Rosie the Bichon Frise from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, who entered as ‘Barbara Cartland.  Our 2009 judge was the legendary James Bond film producer, Barbara Broccoli OBE.

For more information visit www.dressedtotheks9.com

Currently recruiting for a Pet Carer role at Walk the Dog

Do you love animals and being outdoors? If you are interest in animal care, welfare and management? If the answer is yes, then why not join our team.


We are currently recruiting for a pet carer. Job requirements include:

• over 18 years of age
• hard working
• flexible
• passionate about animals
• hold a full clean drivers licence and own transport
• enjoy being outdoors and walking whatever the weather
• ideally certification in Animal Care/Management or Behaviour
• have experience of petcare or working with animals
• live in the Berkhamsted or surrounding areas (less than 20mins)
• available between the hours of 9.30am to 4pm
• willing to learn about animal first aid and animal behaviour

The Pet Carer role includes:
- dog walking
- pet care and feeds for small companion animals while owners are away (incl. weekend work)
- assisting with Walk the Dog events, workshops and fairs (ad hoc bases)
- assistance with Walk the Dog Puppy School (ad hoc basis)
- dog sitting

Contract is pay as you earn.

If you would like to apply for the role of Pet Carer, please send an up to date CV with minimum of two references to; Walk the Dog, 15 Hillside Gardens, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2LF or email us at info@walk-the-dog.net

Walk the Dog Newsletter - Winter 2010

Dear friends,



‘Tis the season to be merry and for snuggling down with our pets as we look forward to some festive fun. We’ve got a bumper packed winter issue with advice on ensuring your four-legged friend stays safe over the festive period and we meet fitness guru Andi Vincent-Jones, who shares her top tips for avoiding injury from dog walking - advice we follow at Walk the Dog. Plus, we’re delighted to launch our very own cartoon series created exclusively for Walk the Dog by artist and illustrator Ellen Tozer. And, we have all our news and a great Christmas recipe for your furry friends. Thank you for your support this year, we’ve had a blast working with you and your pets. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year for 2011.

Click here to read the latest copy of our Walk the Dog newsletter for Winter '10.

New book for dog owners Playing With Your Dog

Nurture the playfulness of your pet dog! Walk the Dog founder and award winning dog behaviour specialist Hanne Grice’s new book is out in time for Christmas Playing With Your Dog, you will learn how playing enhances your pet’s natural skills.

Playing can benefit both humans and dogs in several ways.  For humans, playing is the key to developing the coordination that lets them perform their daily activities—may it be physical or social.  Playing can also help dogs in other ways. It allows a dog to use its natural behaviours by boosting its fitness and cognitive skills. This book will help any dog owner work out the games that are best suited for their pet to play throughout his life, from puppyhood to old age.


Playing With Your Dog also shares some tricks for all ages, group activities, and recommended toys that dogs will enjoy. Owners can also learn a few tips from this book to keep their pet tame while having fun. A useful guide, this book is a must-have for dog owners and lovers alike.

Click here to read an excerpt from Playing With Your Dog

Available to buy from Amazon, Tesco and most online resellers.  Or contact the Walk the Dog office to get your copy in time for Christmas.  RRP £6.99. 

Aggression and the 'Feel Good Factor'

While many dog owners will tolerate a dog that pulls on the lead or is destructive when left alone, aggression is problem most owners won’t tolerate. In my role as a dog listener, I help clients understand why their dog behaves in such a way and how to deal with aggressive behaviours in a calm and consistent way.


I always ask my clients to have a vet check up prior to their consultation, particularly in cases of aggression as often physiological reasons can lead to unwanted aggressive behaviours, for example, the dog being in pain leading to increased aggressive behaviour towards its owners when touched. Understanding of the internal states and environmental influences affecting a dog’s behaviour is vital. While much focus is placed on learning theory and behaviour analysis, it’s important to appreciate the biology of behaviour and how the nervous system (which includes the brain, spine and neurons) affects the endocrine system, which is mainly responsible for chemical co-ordination within the body.

Neuropsychology is the science of the relationship between the nervous system and behaviour. And studies made by researchers at Zaragoza University in Spain, recently have found that aggressive dogs often have low levels of serotonin – which affects mood, pain, emotion, sleep and appetite.

Serotonin is often released when, for example, we eat; it gives a feeling of contentment or what I call ‘The Feel Good Factor’. Low levels of this chemical are linked to depression, anxiety, learning impairment, reduced impulse control, and aggression. Findings by the Spanish researchers back up the theory that maintaining a stable and appropriate level of serotonin activity in the brain is important to maintaining adequate impulse control and reducing aggression.

The University’s researchers took blood samples from 80 dogs which had been referred to veterinary teaching hospitals because of aggressive behaviour toward humans. The blood samples were compared to those taken from non-aggressive dogs. The aggressive dogs averaged 278 units of serotonin, while the others had 387. The aggressive dogs also had high levels of cortisol, which the body secretes as a response to stress. They averaged 21 units compared to 10 in the non-aggressive dogs.

The researchers hope the findings will lead to new ways of treating canine aggression, one of the most common reasons why dogs are euthanized. The findings back previous research that has also indicated aggressive dogs are low in serotonin. According to k9aggression.com “the use of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs improve the aggression problem in combination with behavior modification.” However, dog owners be aware; changing such unwanted behaviour cannot be done without behaviour modification. It seems more and more owners are turning to drugs to affect their dog’s behaviour. Psychology Today have reported there has been enough demand for Prozac for dogs that the pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has created a beef-flavoured version of the drug.

If you’re experiencing problems with your dog, please contact Hanne Grice at hanne@doglistener.tv

Note: dog owners should always seek the advice of a veterinarian and certified behaviour expert when experiencing problem behaviours such as aggression.

Walk the Dog's Summer 2010 newsletter

We've got a bumper packed Summer newsletter for you!

In this issue we look at a common problem faced by many dog owners; aggression on the lead, plus we've top tips on how to have a happy cat. We unveil the results of our Dressed to the K9's competition, and chat to veterinary surgeon Chris Aylott to find out more about the work of a vet. There's all our usual features too from recommended reading to our special appeal. Catch up on the latest news including details about our Summer walk in Ashridge and the Green House Fashion Show in aid of Every Chance Rescue.

You can access our newsletter by clicking here.

If you have any stories or news you'd like us to feature, do get in touch.

Happy reading!
Hanne and the WTD team

Hot weather safety tips for your pets

We’ve had a lovely few days with the warm weather, however, while we have the luxury of changing into shorts and t-shirts, our four-legged friends aren’t as lucky being stuck with their furry coat!  So, while this warm weather continues, think about the following when walking your pets…

  

1. Take water bottles out with you so your pet can cool down and have a drink if needed.
2. Keep to shaded and wooded areas as much as possible to reduce any chances of your pet overheating.
3. If your walks are across the hottest part of the day (lunchtime), monitor your pet while out walking. If you feel he is becoming overheated or in any discomfort, reduce the walking time.
4. In the meantime, below are some useful tips on how to keep your pet safe in this heat, and signs to look out for if you suspect your pet is suffering from over heating:
5. Pets can get easily dehydrated, ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times
6. Make sure your pet has a shady or cool place to rest
7. Avoid long walks in the mid-day heat, instead play with your pet in a shady or cooler area to reduce the risk of over heating
8. Pets with flatter faces like Boxers, Pugs, Persian cats, struggle in the heat more than others breeds/species, as they cannot pant as effectively. Pets that are over weight, or suffering from heart and lung diseases should also be kept in cool areas
9. Avoid leaving your pet in the car. A parked car can quickly act like a furnace, leading to fatal heat stroke
10. If you have a paddling/swimming pool which your pet enjoys splashing around in, make sure your pet is supervised at all times. Wash your pet after swimming to ensure any chlorine or salt from the water is off his coat. Discourage your pet from drinking the swimming pool or canal water as this contains chemicals and bacteria that can lead to an upset stomach
11. Ensure your pet cannot get access to open windows. Often in the summer, veterinarian see an increase in the number of accidents and injuries caused by pets (mainly cats) falling out of open windows
12. Pets with a thick coat will benefit from a good groom and cut
13. Avoid long walks on tarmac/and or pavement as the ground quickly heats up and this can burn your dog’s paws and tummy as he is low to the ground. Avoid asking for requests to “sit” at the roadside, as this too may potentially burn your dog’s bottom on a hot day!

Over heating – signs to look out for:

If your pet displays any of the following signs, you should seek veterinary attention immediately. These signs include: 

 

• excessive panting
• difficulty in breathing
• increased heart and respiratory rate
• drooling
• mild weakness
• stupor
• bloody diarrhoea
• vomiting
• and even collapse.

 Stay safe in the sunshine and enjoy this lovely weather.