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.

The Lassie Effect

I help owners with problem dogs. Most owners understand their dog’s breed, yet understanding his behaviour can often be misinterpreted, leading to problems.

Although man and dog have been together for thousands of years, we tend to forget his ancestor is the wolf. The DNA of a wolf compared to domestic dog differs by just 1 per cent; the same difference separating one human race to another. So, while your dog looks harmless, he has the mindset of a wolf.

Art, literature and entertainment has greatly influenced our thinking leading to the anthropomorphism of dogs, I call this ‘The Lassie Effect’tm. Lassie was a Collie with the heart of a lion and the navigational skills of a pigeon. Lassie made the public believe he could think, plan, sympathise, know right from wrong, remember complicated facts and seek revenge. When Lassie appeared to be studying a situation, he was actually watching his trainer wave a rag. We humans find it easier to relate to a situation when we project our own emotions onto our dogs. If a dog chews his owner’s shoes when alone, the owner may shout at the dog when he returns home, the dog may lower his body and slink away. The owner thinks his dog learns from the telling off, some may believe the dog destroyed the shoes out of resentment or boredom for being left alone which is why he looks and acts ‘guilty’. However, the dog may be anxious and the chewing action releases endorphins that calm him down, this feeling of comfort is rewarding. When the owner comes home, the dog acts in a submissive manner to avoid punishment. Yet, the owner misinterprets the dog’s attempt at communicating “please don’t hurt me” to mean “I know I’ve done wrong”. So, the problem behaviour continues.

Find out more by visiting http://www.doglistener.tv/

Walk the Dog focus on Pet health - Forever Living products made with aloe vera

Walk the Dog, the Berkhamsted based award winning pet care company sells Forever Living products. Pet health is of prime importance to us at Walk the Dog; we use a holistic approach to dog training and we wanted to reflect this in the products we also sell. Therefore, all our products our made from only natural and pure ingredients.
Aloe Vera flourishes in warm, dry climates, and is often mistaken for a cactus, but in fact it is a member of the Lily family. When the plant is mature the contents of its leaves, a mixture of sap and gel, can be harvested, preserved and bottled as a nutritional drink or combined with other ingredients to produce topical creams and lotions to nourish and improve the skin. As a drink Aloe Vera works with our immune system, replenishing nutrients from the vast range it contains, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Poor diet, stress, caffeine and over-processed foods can all lead to less than tip-top health. Aloe can help redress the balance with its wealth of essential nutrients.
The Aloe Vera plant is suitable for adults, children and animals and is known to provide the following benefits:


- combating the signs of ageing
- improving health and vitality natural cosmetics
- excellent quality and kind to skin
- skincare and specialist skincare
- personal healthcare - tooth gels, shampoo, deodorants
- animal care health products
- cleansing courses
- weight loss
- probiotic support to the immune system
- bee pollen for energy

To purchase our pet care products log onto http://www.walk-the-dog.net/ and visit our products page.

Dressed to the K9's 2010 - Press release

‘Dressed to the K9’s’ – Kubrick to judge dog fancy dress photo competition

Walk the Dog invites dog lovers everywhere to enter their annual 'Dressed to the K9's’ Dog Fancy Dress Photo Competition, judged by renowned artist Christiane Kubrick, in aid of Every Chance Rescue (ECR).

This is Walk the Dog’s second annual online photo competition where dog owners around the country have the chance to dress up their pooch to win some fabulous prizes. This year our winner will receive a professional photographic session and 12” x 10” framed portrait of their pet, courtesy of Ian Waldron Photography worth £250, plus a luxury hamper packed full of owner and pet goodies, courtesy of Reg & Ruby Pet Accessories, Walk the Dog with their Forever Living range and life coach Vicky Kelly’s new book. The runner up will receive a luxury hamper, and the top ten entries will also receive a goodie each for their fabulous efforts.

To enter, entrants simply dress up their dog letting their imaginations run wild, submit their photograph via the easy to complete entry form on our competition website at http://www.dressedtothek9s.com/ . Entries can also be sent via post. The competition is in aid of Every Chance Rescue, a non-profit organisation that provides kennelling, foster and veterinary care, dog training and support for unwanted dogs, helping to find them their forever home. We’re looking for donations no matter how big or small from our entrants – as every penny helps. Donations can be made via our competition website or by cheque and sent in the post.

Last year our judge was fellow dog lover Barbara Broccoli OBE, Producer of the James Bond films. Our winner was Toby, a Cocker Spaniel, who dressed as John McEnroe. This year Walk the Dog is delighted to welcome artist Christiane Kubrick as our judge. Walk the Dog client, Christiane has always been surrounded by dogs and has provided a forever home for many rescue dogs over the years. Christiane currently has four dogs; Tallulah, Marshall, Elvis and Macy. Christiane says; "Dressed to the K9's is a great way for dog owners to have some fun with their pet, while helping raise the badly needed funds for Every Chance Rescue. I'm really looking forward to judging this year's photo entries and encourage dog owners everywhere to join in".
The competition is being organised by Walk the Dog, a pet care business based in Berkhamsted. Hanne Grice owner of Walk the Dog says; “Every Chance Rescue is run entirely by Jan Fennell Dog Listeners like myself, while our annual competition is light-hearted in its approach, the message behind it is serious. At Every Chance, we work diligently to save dogs from mistreatment and unnecessary death. We rehabilitate dogs with a way of training called ‘Amichien Bonding’. This has helped turn many dogs around and
literally given them a second chance.”

No doubt tails will be wagging everywhere in anticipation of being named Top Dog in this year’s ‘Dressed to the K9’s’ competition.

Competition launches; Monday 1st March 2010.
Competition closes; Sunday 25th April 2010.
Winner, runner up and top ten finalists announced; Tuesday 4th May 2010.

**Please note**: be kind to you dog, avoid putting him under any pressure. If your dog is unhappy about being dressed then please do not force him to dress up, as this may cause him unnecessary stress.

Notes to Editors;
· Every Chance Rescue (ECR) was formed in October 2008, to bridge the gap that
traditional rescue organisations cannot fill. Visit http://www.everychancerescue.co.uk/
· Dressed to the K9’s website is http://www.dressedtothek9s.com/ and entrants can post their submissions to ‘Dressed to the K9’s’ at 15 Hillside Gardens, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2LF. Become a fan on our Dressed to the K9’s Facebook page
· Christiane Kubrick is a UK based artist and wife of Stanley Kubrick. Christiane holds the annual Childwickbury Arts and Music fair at her Childwickbury estate. Visit http://www.childwickbury-arts-fair.com/
· Walk the Dog is an award winning pet care business in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire that offers a range of services from canine behavioural advice and training to dog walking. Visit http://www.walk-the-dog.net/
· Ian Waldron Photography an award winning business based in Eddlesborough, Bedfordshire, covering the UK. Visit http://www.ianwaldronphotography.com/main.php
· Reg & Ruby Pet Accessories is a pet product company. Visit http://www.regandruby.com/
· Vicky Kelly is a life coach based in Essex. Visit http://www.lonelyheartscoach.co.uk/
· Amichien Bonding is a revolutionary approach to dog training, developed by Jan
· Fennell. Visit http://www.janfennellthedoglistener.com/


For further information, please contact;
Louise Brooks – 07546405282 or 01442 878628

Hanne Grice – 07976743031 or 01442 878628
Email: info@walk-the-dog.net

***Special offer for WTD clients*** Pet Photo Shoot and Canvas

How cool would it be to have a professional photographic shoot with a top photographer and have that photo of your beloved furry friend mounted onto canvas? Well, now you can have it, thanks to Ian Waldron Photography.

Top rated photographer Ian Waldron is offering an EXCLUSIVE deal to all Walk the Dog clients; a professional pet photo shoot and your chosen photograph printed onto canvas for just £125.



For more information about this fantastic offer, call Ian Waldron Photography on 0845 225 1771. Email: info@ianwaldronphotogaphy.com or visit www.ianwaldronphotography.com/main.php

Moving house - a pet's survival guide

Moving house can be an incredibly exciting yet stressful time for us, and it can affect our pets too. Dogs and cats like status quo and they’re incredibly intuitive; so, a combination of their environment changing and picking up on our frazzled emotions, this can lead to our pets displaying unwanted behaviours after the move. Below are some helpful tips for a safe and stress-free pet!

· Check the property for any potential problems such as holes in the fence, dangerous items being left in the garden and so on.
· Introduce your cat to his new home gradually; restrict him to one or two rooms at first. Place the litter box, bed, scratching post, food and water in the room with it. This gives your cat the chance to get used to the new sounds and smells, and provides him with a ‘safe’ place to use later as a refuge or if he feels uncertain. Place your pet’s favourite bed, blanket, toys or any item that’s familiar to them in that room. This helps him feel more secure in the new surroundings.
· If your cat will be allowed outside, keep him indoors for at least two weeks, so your home is familiar to him. After two weeks, take the cat outside with you, let him explore a bit. After ten minutes bring him back inside. Each day increase the time until he feels safe and knows the area.
· Ensure your pet is properly tagged with your new address and phone number.
· If possible, allow yourself some time before you go back to work. This enables you to help your dog adjust. During this period of change, practice ‘Gesture Leaving’ - where you spend time coming and going from the house, building up in small increments (from a couple of seconds to minutes) to see how your dog will respond. This helps reduce separation anxiety and with practice and repetition your dog should adjust to being home alone in the new environment.
· You should also take your dog straight into the garden of the new property on moving day. Ensure he is on the lead and allow him to explore his new environment. Practice some heel work and general obedience requests to get him focused onto you too – this keeps his pulse rate steady and avoids over excitement. Introduce your dog to his new area very slowly. Explore the area one street at a time, so he can ‘suss out’ who else lives in the neighbourhood. Strange dogs can pose a threat and cause your pet unnecessary stress.

WTD Sponsorships for 2010

WTD is delighted to continue our sponsorship of Girl Racer, Emma Cowell. Emma races in the British Siberian Husky Racing Association (BSHRA), with a three dog team. We've been sponsoring Emma since 2008. WTD is also the official sponsor for 'A Dog's Diary...'' a column that follows the adventures of Suzie the Schnauser, featured in Berkhamsted Living and Tring Living magazine, for the second year running.

Launch of Walk the Dog Puppies

Join our new puppy classes Walk the Dog Puppies starting February, every Tuesday evening. Our 5 week course help dog owners learn how to avoid unwanted behaviours, as well as, give their dogs the basics from sit, stay, heeling, recall and much more. Classes are held at the Buglass Room, Village Hall, Leverstock Green, Herts HP3 8QG. From: 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Parking is free.

Dressed to the K9's to launch 1st March 2010

Our second annual dog fancy dress photo competition "Dressed to the K9's" in aid of Every Chance Rescue launches Monday 1st March and runs until Sunday 25th April. This is a online pet photo competition and we have some fabulous prizes up for grabs!
1st Prize: A Pet Photographic Portrait by Ian Waldron Photography, plus a luxury hamper full of pet and owner goodies courtesy of Reg & Ruby Pet Accessories and Walk the Dog with it's Forever Living range.Runner up Prize: A luxury hamper full of pet and owner goodies courtesy of Reg & Ruby Pet Accessories and Walk the Dog with it's Forever Living.

This year’s judge is eminent artist and dog lover Christiane Kubrick. To enter simply:
1. Dress up your dog (let your imagination run wild)
2. Take his photo and submit it via our competition website http://www.dressedtothek9s.com/ or post your entry to ‘Dressed to the K9’s’, 15 Hillside Gardens, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2LF. Note: we are unable to return your photographs.
3. The proceeds from this event go to Every Chance Rescue (ECR). We’d be very grateful you’re able to make a donation to ECR via our competition website when submitting your entry -, no matter how big or small, every little helps.
4. The competition closes 25th April. The winner and runner up will be announced on Tuesday 4th May.
We look forward to receiving your imaginative entries. Good luck!

Become a Fan by joining our Facebook page ‘Dressed to the K9’s’.

Cats - a brief history

The cats we know today have a long history dating back millions of years. Paleontologists have discovered evidence of a cat with a retractable claw, Miacis, who lived about 50 million years ago. Most scientists believe that the descendants of Miacis and other prehistoric cats divided into three separate groups nearly a million years ago; the big cats (lions and tigers), the cheetahs, and the small cats (ocelots, bobcats and lynxes).

Cats come in many shapes and sizes, but the fur coat found on each feline is a big part of how they are classified; long-haired, short-haired, or "hairless". Long-haired breeds include; Persian, Maine coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Rag doll. Short-haired breeds include; American Shorthair, Siamese, Burmese and Singapore. While "hairless" cats, such as the Sphinx, merely appear to be hairless, they have a thin layer of hair covering its body.

Cats first started living with people approximately 6,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian farmers domesticated the African wildcats, Felis hybica, a natural hunter, to keep grain storage areas rodent free. Egyptians worshipped Bastet, the cat goddess of fertility, happiness and the moon. Impressed with the cat's natural beauty, Egyptian artists painted and sculpted them, making them cultural icons. Although ancient Egyptians are known for their love of cats, they are not the only people who worshipped them. In Thailand, Siamese cats were sacred temple cats. In Japan, these animals kept Buddhist temples free of mice. In Norwegian mythology, Freya (the goddess of fertility) rode in a chariot pulled by two white cats. Throughout history, sailors and other explorers helped spread cats across the world. Keeping cats abroad their ships was also a good way to rid their living quarters of mice. In time, it was considered lucky to keep cats on board. When cats came to Europe in 900 BC, they crossbred with a native cat found in the British Isles, Felis silvestris. Yet by the middle Ages, cats fell out of favour with most of Europe. The Catholic Church connected cats and those who lived with them with paganism, devil worship, and witchcraft. Superstitious people believed that cats (especially black cats) had diabolical powers.

Today, cats are the UK’s favourite pet with an estimated population of 9.2million. Walk the Dog is proud to support the Cats Protection League Hemel which helps rehome and foster cats. Show your support for Britain’s best loved pet by logging onto http://dacorum.cats.org.uk/

Focus on puppies
How cool would it be if you could learn to successfully communicate with your dog so you can understand one another? Well now you can! Walk the Dog Puppies launches in February; these are puppy classes and young dog progress classes designed to help owners learn how to teach their dog the basics from recall, sit, stay, heeling, ‘leave’, as well as, learning how to avoid unwanted behaviours and deal with common problems in a calm, consistent and convincing way. So, we’ve got some top tips below to set you and your puppy on the road to successful dog training.

· Lower your expectations. Remember, your puppy is just a baby; he doesn’t know he should toilet outside, or know even his name. A human baby takes many months to learn to walk, talk, and toilet training can take years. It's the same principle when you're training your puppy – patience, understanding and consistency is the key to successful training.
· Adolescence. Around 4 months of age, the puppy moves into adolescence. They get bored easily and have no self-control, they like action and speed. Set some boundaries (e.g.) is the puppy allowed on the sofa by invitation only? Is the dog allowed upstairs?
· Avoid long training sessions. The puppy’s ability to concentrate over long periods is poor, and you need to help teach him self-control. Keep training short, fun and easy. Teach in steps, like the ‘sit-stay’ - build from one second to three seconds, five seconds and so on.
· Have fun with your puppy. Play with your dog! This teaches him to focus on you and builds the association that you’re fun to be with! Playing helps build a bond with your dog too. Focus more energy into playing than walking the puppy. Playing gives the dog mental exercise, as well as, physical exercise.
· Allow the puppy breaks and rest if he looses his concentration while training.
· Slowly introduce new experiences, environments, noises, machinery, clothing, animals and people to the puppy. Take it slowly! You mustn’t put pressure on your puppy or yourself. Your behaviour dictates the behaviour of your dog. If the puppy is scared by something move away in a calm manner, do not make a fuss of the dog (this will only re-enforce the dog’s scared behaviour). Show you are not bothered and there is no need for concern.
· Never hit, shout or punish the puppy. Aggression only begets aggression.
· Toilet training. Look for the key times the puppy will go, typically upon waking, playing and eating. Pups will sniff and circle. Encourage the puppy outside into the garden. As the puppy eliminates say a word like “be clean”, this builds the association of that word to that action, so in time you’ll be able to say the word and the dog will eliminate. Once the pup has finished, praise with food reward immediately and say “good dog”, this positively re-enforces this ‘wanted’ behaviour. Don’t go inside the house straight after the pup has been to the toilet, as the puppy may learn to hold on for longer, as they want more time to explore the outside. If the pup goes to the toilet inside the house and you haven’t caught him in the act, simply clean it up with no fuss (say nothing and no eye contact). If you catch the puppy about to go or mid-flow – pick him up gently and take outside (repeat as above).
· Start grooming early. Teach your puppy that grooming is a pleasant experience. Brush him when he’s sleepy, gently touch ears/teeth/paws to enable him to get used to being investigated in these areas. This will help when he goes to the vets, or when you need to clip his claws or brush his teeth.
· Learn to communicate with your dog. Learn the dog’s language and you’ll understand each other and have the relationship you deserve. Speak to Hanne about how you can achieve this.

For more information about our 5 week puppy courses call us on 01442 878628 or email us at: info@walk-the-dog.net

WTD wins Business Excellence Award
Walk the Dog has been awarded the title 'Most Promising New Business' at this year's Dacorum Business Excellence Awards 2009. The judges said of Walk the Dog;"We were very very impressed...this company demonstrated thorough market research, a clear business strategy, has achieved its objectives, and puts its customers [pets] at the heart of its business...this entry stood out from the rest". The gala night was held on Friday 23rd October at Shendish Manor. For more on this story, you can access our press release by clicking here.

Cold weather safety tips for your pets

With the recent snow flurries and cold weather we've been experiencing, not only is it important that you wrap up warm and take precautions when travelling around in such weather, but it's also important to take safety measures to ensure your pets stay safe. Below are some top safety tips for pets during the cold weather.

Coats - just because your dog has a fur coat, doesn't mean he won't feel the cold. Small dogs or dogs with little to no hair should have sweaters or jackets for protection against the cold. If your dog doesn't like wearing clothing, then better to keep them out of the cold and ensure food and water is provided inside the home to prevent from freezing.

Cold - pets shouldn't be left outside or walked for long periods of time. Even half an hour in frigid temperatures can cause problems. Never leave your pet outside for more than ten minutes when temperatures dip below freezing. Your pet's ears, feet and tail are highly susceptible to frostbite, so limit his time outdoors.

Ice and feet - when walking your dog near ice or frozen puddles/ponds/canals/lakes, keep your dog close to you and on the lead. This ensures your dog cannot run across the ice, avoids his feet getting accidentally cut on the ice and helps prevent falls on the ice which may lead to injury for you and your dog. Always wash your dog's paw's after a winter walk to remove any salt.

Shaking - if your pet is out in the cold and begins shaking or shivering, get him back to warm shelter as soon as possible. Signs of hypothermia include; shaking/violent shivering, slow and shallow respiration, a slower heart rate, gums may appear pale or blue. The pet may also appear listless. Call your vet immediately.

Eating snow/ground matter - avoid letting your pet eat snow or anything else on the ground. Dangerous objects or chemicals may be hidden in the snow or ice. Eating snow can also cause stomach upsets and even hypothermia. Keep water at room temperature. Pet's, especially dogs, become easily dehydrated in winter, so make sure he has easy access to fresh water.

Antifreeze - this is highly toxic! Antifreeze can get into puddles on the pavement and roads and taste sweet to pets, but even the smallest amount is deadly to your pet. Supervise your pet while outside (even in the garden) and if you suspect your dog has had any exposure to antifreeze, call your vet immediately.

Fire - if you use an indoor or outdoor fireplace, ensure you keep a safety guard around it in order to protect your pet from the flames and soot. Never leave a fire unattended.

Shelter/bedding - always ensure your pet has adequate shelter where it will be warm and dry. His bed shouldn't be in a drafty area and bedding should be kept dry. Provide extra blankets when temperatures dip below freezing.

Grooming - snow can get easily caught up in the fur of your pet. So, regular grooming will help avoid matter being caught in their coat and a well groomed coat means a better insulating coat for your dog or cat.

In the car - never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. If the engine is off, he may die from hypothermia. If the engine is left running, he may be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. Better to leave your dog at home in the warm.

Follow the tips to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter.

Dog aggression

In my role as Dog Listener, I am often called in as the last resort to help clients experiencing a range of problems with their dogs from separation anxiety to excessive barking. While owners may tolerate some unwanted behaviours like pulling on the lead, one problem they can’t live with is aggression. It’s confusing for owners to have their loving dog suddenly turn into a Jekyll and Hyde character when out on a walk. As a result, walking the dog is no longer a pleasurable experience for the owner or the dog. So, why does this happen?

Aggression is a defence reflex, initially exhibited as a threat or warning, ultimately exhibited in a real form when there is no other option left. In other words, it can usually be avoided if you understand the cause, can read the signs and know how to desensitise the dog’s lack of trust towards the situation that resulted in the aggressive confrontation. Nearly all aggression results from a lack of trust on the part of the dog. So, it’s vital you get your dog to trust in you by giving him the right information whenever a question is raised “what happens now?” By getting your dog to elect you as leader, he will trust in you and follow your lead. There are four key areas where dogs look for leadership from us. These are; the hunt (or going for a walk), food/eating, status and perceived danger. Canine confrontation takes place within these four key areas (e.g.) dogs will fight over chew or may growl when another dog tries to cross its path. If we fail in our ‘leadership’ credentials then the dog’s survival instincts kick in, telling them someone has to take charge of the pack, and this is when the unwanted behaviours kick in.

The 4 F’s – flight, freeze, flirt or fight
Dogs exhibit four defence reflexes; flight, freeze, flirt and fight. This means when a dog feels threatened or challenged they will run away (flight), enter an almost catatonic state of immobility or snarl and growl (freeze), or try to initate some play and act like a puppy to avoid a fight (flirt) or they may finally bite (fight). The fight reflex is the most common reason for the popular diagnosis ‘aggressive dog’. Dogs that are prone to ‘fight’ as the first means of defence, will growl, snarl and eventually bite if we don’t read the signals. Dogs aren’t confrontational creatures; they won’t initiate aggression unless provoked. If a dog feels threatened – particularly if someone bends over it, directly approaches it, makes eye contact or tries to stroke their head and neck, then depending on that dog’s personality it will tell the human to ‘back off’ in the only way they can communicate. Below is a list from 1 to 7 of the warning signals dogs will give off, which if unheeded could lead to an attack.

1. Yawning, blinking, nose licking
2. Turning head away, then turning body away/sitting/pawing
3. Walking away or creeping backwards
4. Standing crouched, tail tucked under
5. Stiffening up and staring
6. Growling/snarling, tail high
7. Lunging then bite

If you would like to know more about how you can understand your dog and get the relationship you deserve, then call Hanne Grice, dog behaviour specialist and dog listener on 01442 878628 or email us at info@walk-the-dog.net