Canine First Aid Course - Spring 2010

This is a cross post from my Greyhound Walks forum, which is members only viewing, but all the info is here.

A couple of years ago we organised a Canine First Aid course with Animal Aiders and we've had a few requests to organise another.

Details of the course are attached to the bottom of the post (AUTHOR'S NOTE - I can't attach the info to the blog so please email Janet below for details). Those of us who did the original course found it very useful, especially the bandaging practice

As you can see the course lasts for 3 hours and costs £30 per person. We would need a minimum of 12 people attending to go ahead.

The dates I've been offered are:
Sat 20th March
Sun 9th May (reserve date)

I'd propose we go for an afternoon session, from say 1pm. Venue would be close to Braintree as that's quite central for all. At the last course we were able to take the dogs along, although they can't be used for demonstration or practice.

If you're interested in taking up a place can you add your name to the thread please and we'll see if we get enough responses to make a booking.

Please feel free to cross post to other forums as this is a very worthwhile course which may be of interest to many other owners.

If you'd like any more information either PM me or email me janet@greyhoundwalks.org.uk

Animal Aiders were the peple I did my course with in Autumn 08 and it's a really good course to go on. I'll be doing a refresh with them 2011, as I think I should be able to remember the info for a few years.

Christmas Eve at Thorndon Park

Our last walk before Christmas today - some highlights!



My son came with us today - he slipped on the ice, so the dogs gathered round in an immediate recall as I've taught them! Helped along by a generous dose of nosiness. Bramble didn't join in as I haven't played the 'lying down recall' game with him yet.



Jacob is standing up, so they're not really sure what to make of him...



Bramble got into this shot! I ended up using 'Bramley' as short cut for Bramble & Bingley but only Bingley took any notice, so it didn't really last long (although I had a jam sandwich when I got home and I'm not really sure why...).

I wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Scarlet

There's something about this photo I just love...

Even more snow!

My windscreen cover made no difference to the van last night! The wind was so strong it just kept blowing loose.

I've cancelled my early walks this morning, it's not sensible to go out early today. I drove past two accidents yesterday, don't want to make myself and the dogs another one!

Hopefully the dogs will come out at lunchtime instead, when the morning commuters have cleared the roads a bit!

It's days like this I'm so glad for the skidpan training I did when I became a taxi driver back in 1991! Those memories never fade...

Snow!

Well, a little tiny bit. Weather forecasters said it would turn to rain, but it didn't and it's settled!

Here's some of the dogs I took out today, some are seeing snow for the first time. Some were before the snow, but still cold and frosty, then came the snow! I love my job!

If you look really closely at Max (Daxie), you can see the blob of snow on his nose where he's been snuffling through it.
















Remember that small, young, short-haired, old, infirm, ill or just plain 'looks too damn cute' dogs will need a coat in the snow.

Winter 09 Newsletter - Winter Care for Pets

News from the Team

Fred is now a cover star! He has worked very hard to overcome his bad start in life, and walking with so many dogs over the past year has really helped him to settle down, so I was very pleased that he earned this honour!!

In case you can’t read it, the book is called ‘100 Ways to Solve Your Dog’s Problems’. Unfortunately I’ve been included in the photographs inside, but there aren’t many!

Mud!

I apologise! Some of the dogs seem to have an inbuilt mud magnet. I’m happy as long as they are enjoying themselves, but I do what I can to leave the mud outside. Please leave an old towel out for me to give your dog a final ‘polish’ before I leave them. If you’d like to leave newspaper, cardboard, plastic sheeting etc on the floor, I’ll happily walk on it.



Special Requests

Dog training - I’d like to extend an offer for basic training- I am able to teach the dogs, but need experience teachingpeople to teach their own dogs, so if you think you and your dogwould benefit from one or two sessions for basic exercises, sit,down, recall, lead walking, please get it touch. This will be alimited offer!




Food labels and empty bags

As part of my training I’m researching dog food and ingredients, so it would be really helpful if I could have empty dog food and treat bags, labels from tins etc. Just one or two of each would be great.

Winter Care

Young, elderly, ill or infirm dogs (sighthounds such as Greyhounds, Whippets or Salukis in particular) may need a coat when out of doors this winter.



Wind can be particularly chilling. Dogs with short coats living in centrally heated homes don't grow a winter coat in the same way an outdoor dog would. If you turn your heating off at night or while you are out, consider whether your dog might be cold, even indoors and think about getting a separate coat for night times.

Dogs don't usually need more food in the winter unless they are kept outside, so don't be tempted to give extra food. Outdoor water bowls can ice over, and very cold water is not good for dogs. There is a danger of ice burns to the tongue if the bowl is metal and cold enough, or a ceramic bowl can crack. Float a ball in the water to help prevent icing over, bring the bowl in, or empty it on very cold nights.

It can be just as dangerous to leave a dog in a cold car as a hot one, because the car keeps cold air in – make sure your dog is warm enough if you have to leave them for a while. Dogs, but in particular cats, have a great liking for anti-freeze
due to its sweet taste. Keep it well away from your pets because it can be fatal.

Cats have a tendency to climb into warm places in winter, and this includes car engines. Please be aware and try to be sure where your cat is before you drive off.

Chocolate and mistletoe are more in evidence at Christmas. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, although they may be able to tolerate a small amount of milk chocolate - small dogs are more at risk as they don’t need to eat much to be ill. Call the vet if you
suspect they have been in the Quality Streets – cooking chocolate is much worse, so watch out when chocolate cakes are around.

Mistletoe, and in particular the berries, are highly toxic, so make sure they are hung up carefully and can't be pulled down by the dogs. Watch out for fallen berries.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are often left outside in the winter.

Rabbits can deal with this as long as they are not in a draught or getting damp. For guinea pigs it’s pure misery! Bring your guinea pigs into a shed or unused garage, and give them, and rabbits, thick newspaper under the bedding to help insulate,
and plenty of extra bedding, changed more frequently as if it gets wet (either rain or urine), it will freeze. Bubble wrap is your furry friend’s Best Friend. Keep two water bottles, and make sure to swap them over if one freezes. Don’t forget to spend
time with your pets, even if it is cold and dark outside.

Snow and fur is not a good mix, and sometimes snow balls form on long haired dogs. Even shorter haired breeds can gather these on their feet, and once they have formed they need to be left to melt (hairdryers can help if your dog will tolerate it). They
are very painful for your dog to walk on, so if you spot them, take the dog home for a break. Vaseline between the toes, and keeping long fur trimmed can help. Leave some fur on, as is will help to protect their pads from frozen ground.



If we get heavy snowfall again this season, watch out for snow on buildings or trees that might melt and fall – just as your dog is underneath. Check that the height of the snow in the garden doesn't open up an escape route for your dog.

Snow, ice and hail usually lead to gritting lorries. The salt and other materials can irritate your dogs feet, so you may need to give them a damp wipe over when returning from a walk; try not to let your dogs lick their feet in case they ingest something that could make them ill.

Caught in the Act!

Snowflake is eating Henry's dinner....

No!

It's amazing how many dogs won't respond to the word 'No'. Why not? Is it because:

a) they hate me
b) they enjoy making me look like I can't handle a small number of friendly mammals?
c) they think it means 'carry on what you're doing, but faster?'
d) they think it means 'stop doing that fun thing and do a boring thing instead'?
e) well, you get the idea.

So I make it my business to spend a few minutes with each dog, at the end of the walk, demonstating that 'No' really means 'stop what you're doing and do something else and I'll make it worth your while'.

Here's Smudge, 19 weeks old, getting a head start.



We're working on 'stop trying to take the food and do something else' and his 'something else' is a sit and stare. This also works with 'stop eating that boring dog biscuit that you found under the cupboard and have this tasty bit of chicken instead'.

So 'No' can be used for 'leave' and 'drop' as well.

With Smudge I'll be moving on to showing him that he won't always get a treat for responding appropriately to 'No'. Sometimes he'll get a game, a toy, sometimes nothing, but I'll save up all the nothings and he'll get something of equal value randomly.

It does mean at some point I'll have to give him a suckling pig.

Local Dog Walker's Dog is a Cover Star (Press Release)

Linda Ward, a professional dog walker and cat sitter running Boredom Busters Pet Care Services, celebrates the publication of a new book for dog owners. Linda's dog, Fred, is not only included within the book itself, but has the place of honour on the front cover.



"Fred was a rescue dog, unwanted by his first owners, and left with me as a 'foster mum'. He proved difficult to rehome, as he was very unsettled and anxious, and unable to trust humans. In 2006, after nine months of caring for him, and trying to solve some of his behaviour problems I adopted him. As part of his rehabilitation I investigated a system of massage called Tellington Touch, and was lucky enough to find myself in touch with Sarah Fisher, the UK's leading practitioner who has had a lot of success with rescue dogs.

"Sarah felt Fred could be helped and invited us to visit her at her premises near Bath on the day of the photo shoot for her new book. Sarah worked her magic, and because Fred was so well-behaved and charming after she had relaxed him, she continued with the photo shoot and chose Fred for the cover." Linda Ward, proprietor

From Sarah Fisher's website:

"The Tellington TTouch is a teaching method for dogs and other animals that incorporates body work, and ground exercises where appropriate to improve co-ordination, balance, and athletic ability whilst deepening further communication and understanding between the animal and its owner/carer."

The book is called '100 ways to Solve Your Dog's Problems' ISBN-13: 978-0715332078 and is published on 29th November, 2009.

Fred now accompanies Linda on all walks with new dogs to help her assess their temperament before matching them with a compatible walking group or bringing them into her home for boarding.

There is more information about Linda's dog walking and boarding services, plus cat sitting, on her website - http://www.brentwooddogwalker.co.uk/ - and blog - http://diary-of-a-dog-walker.blogspot.com/ - or Linda can be contacted on 07726 265848 or Linda@brentwooddogwalker.co.uk

Time for Bubble Wrap

If you've got rabbits out of doors, they may need some extra help with some bubble wrap, or other insulation around their hutch. My own rabbits lived outdoors all year round, out in their runs every day, and only coming into the shed or house if it snowed. Couldn't have made it without bubble wrap though, so if you haven't been saving it from packaging materials all year, it's an ideal time to nip out and buy some. Storage companies often have a good supply. A windbreak can be put up around the hutch to keep things a little snugger.

Hutches should be raised off the ground (ideally it would be on legs), bedding materials should be increased so the rabbit can snuggle themselves right inside it if they need to, and make sure water is always available. Keep a spare bottle indoors ready in case the outside one freezes, and seriously consider a thermal covering for the bottle. If you use a bowl instead of a bottle, it shouldn't be on the floor, but raised so bunny can't sit in it and get wet fur. A wet rabbit will find it very hard to stay warm, plus without water it won't eat food, and it needs to eat more food than usual to keep warm.

If you don't already clean the litter every day, make sure to do so now, it will be cold and wet and not nice for bunny to sit on! Just because it's cold outside, your bunny should not be neglected.

Don't panic! Rabbits can survive the winter, they just need a little help.

I don't have rabbits anymore, but I've been bubble-wrapping one of my wormeries. It's in my north-facing front garden, so could do with some help.

Both wormeries are doing well, the worms in my much warmer back garden shed are munching their way through quite a lot of poop. Slower in the front, but there were less worms to start with. I'll move a few around early next spring! They aren't able to manage all the garden poop just yet, but these things take time!

Rain Doesn't Stop Play

We don't care if it's torrential rain or not. I take extra care when driving, try to persuade the dogs to stop steaming in the van so I can see through the windows, and carry lots of towels, but otherwise, it's business as usual.



The rain made the tiny stream (so tiny it dries up if it doesn't rain for a few days) on our usual walk not only very fast, but it burst its tiny banks in a couple of places!



Very refreshing! Although it was raining, it was quite warm once we got moving.

Apples

Another video, this time it's Henry demonstrating how to 'alf-inch' apples off the tree, including the quick look behind him to make sure the farmer isn't coming.

Chestnuts

There are chestnuts everywhere in Brentwood at the moment. The dogs are fascinated - either they're tip-toeing through them all over the floor, or they are attempting to eat or play with them.

Some dogs do this even when they are in their burrs (as I am led to believe the spikey things are called). There is a correct, and an incorrect, way of doing this.

Correct way: Carefully, as demonstrated by Lola.



Incorrect way. As demonstrated by my dog.

Ram it on the end of your nose...

Then carry it about, wondering why your lips hurt.

Christmas is Coming!

Well, not quite Christmas, but as a busy dog walker with a good reputation I am fast getting booked up. Scarlet, Henry and Benson are doing their best to be Good Dogs so that Santa will come.

Parties, Christmas shopping, school functions, present wrapping, sometimes the dog has to take second place to your human family. Don't let the dog feel blue, left home alone, I can bring him into my home for some love and attention, playtimes and long leisurely walks - whatever the weather!

If you prefer I can collect your dog from your home. My walks are well-known for ensuring dogs only want to sleep when they get home, so you can get on with other things without feeling pressured by your dog.

If you have to be out late, I can visit to break up the time. After dark walks will be in well-lit areas and may have to be on-lead, but I know plenty of games to play on-lead too, so your dog won't notice they haven't had their normal run. Dogs will be provided with a reflective jacket.

I am an experienced dog walker, licenced, fully insured, vet & police checked to take dogs into my home to care for them. They live with my family in the home, not kennels, outhouses or summer houses, and are treated as one of the family. They get lots of walks, physical activity and plenty of playtimes and cuddles.

Please check my website for further information - http://www.brentwooddogwalker.co.uk/

Some of my previous boards can be found here - http://diary-of-a-dog-walker.blogspot.com/search/label/Home%20Boarding - I think the photos speak for themselves! All photos are genuine dogs who have shared my home, not stock shots of dogs I've never met.

There are no exclusions for breed, age, size, sex or health issues. As long as your dog can live with adults and teenagers, and get along with other dogs they are welcome in my home and on my walks.

Walks are generally in groups, although realistically evenings and/or late afternoons your dog is likely to have me all to him/herself. Groups are small - no more than four, and the size of your dog is not an issue. Groups are decided by the needs of the dog for exercise, companionship, discipline (ie they have to behave themselves!) and matched to dogs with similar needs - no matter what their breed!

Prices are good - I can walk your dog for an hour for £10, or I can bring him into my home for an afternoon (from 3-8pm) for the same price! This also includes an hour walk, the evening meal (owner must provide) or a snack. A real bargain!

Overnight stays from £20.

December weekends are nearly all booked up for boarding- only one left! New Year's Eve is fully booked for boarding, but I do have space Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day - please enquire for prices.

Walks and Home visits are still available all through December.

Puppy Spaces

My full-time puppy space has now been filled, thanks to the very cute, and far-too-pretty-to-be-a-boy Smudge, a 12 week old JRT.

A photo is sure to follow when he starts with me in two weeks time. Next week I'm not walking as I'm on a training course, and the week after is half-term and he won't need me.

I found it very hard to leave the house after meeting Smudge! Can't wait to start working with him. It's dogs like Smudge and Woody that make me want to have my very own baby puppy.

Next puppy space will be available in February.

Dogs Doing Good Things for the Community

The fabulous Barney doing his bit for the local community. Being a Labrador he likes to carry things in his mouth, so when he found this plastic bottle in the River Roding it took me a while to get it away from him.

Fred has also done his bit to clear the Roding, here he is with an old compost bag he dragged out.



Even Keep Britain Tidy thinks dogs are fabulous litter collectors! You may spot a dog or two you know...

Gratuitous Cute Puppy Post

No reason for this post really, except that Woody is such a cutie I couldn't resist!

Puppy & Adult Spaces

My part-time puppy space is now gone, as the lovely Lola is now walking with me. Isn't she a cutie!

I have one remaining space for a full-time puppy, OR one full time adult at lunchtime. My Breakfast walks (1x60 & 1x30) still have one space each. Part-time/occasional adult dog spaces always available.

Teatime walks still available until it's too dark to walk in the park.

The Wormeries

I am trying an experiment, I've bought two wormeries.

The idea is that my worms will be eating dog poop. It appears to be perfectly possible to feed the little critters with poo, as long as I don't feed them anything else (except newspaper), and don't use the vermicompost anywhere near children or vegetables.

Last night the little wrigglers spent a lot of time attempting to escape, so possibly this time next week I'll have none left, but I am assured they will settle down in a few days. I can't start feeding them for two weeks, and it will take some time for them to be able to eat all the poop, especially as it's coming up to winter.

I bought two as I do have a lot of dogs around the home! One probably wouldn't be enough for just my two, but with the decomposter as well, eventually I hope never to have to put poo in a bin again.

I will post updates, before I took the plunge I tried to find real people who were already doing this and posting their experiences online without much luck.

Autumn Newsletter - Online version

News from the Team

First of all, sorry for the late arrival of this newsletter. I am still recovering from a very busy summer with lots of dogs coming to stay for their holidays! My carpets will never be the same again...


Thank you for your patience with my time off this year, I have one more week off in October (19th to 23rd) and that's it until February 2010. I am 'open' all over Christmas and the New Year period, although New Year's Eve is already booked for boarding. Please refer me to your friends if they need a little help with their pets over the party season! I don't just do dogs and cats, I can feed fish, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, chickens and anything else Brentwood residents see fit to bring into their homes as companion animals.

Please let me know if there are any days over the holiday period I will not be needed as soon as possible.

I have now been in business for one year, and I would like to thank everyone for the trust and loyalty I have been shown. I continue my training in dog handling and behaviour, and being around so many different breeds is part of my education. This can only benefit your dogs! My knowledge of cats and cat behaviour is increasing as well.



Identity Tags

Under current law dogs are required to wear an identity tag with the owner's name and address clearly inscribed on it when they are in public places. I would strongly recommend as many phone numbers, of as many people as possible, are also attached to the collars (without weighing your poor dog down).



If your dog (or cat) strays and is taken to a pound or rescue, although they will make reasonable attempts to trace and contact the owners they cannot spend a lot of time on each animal. If there has been no contact, after seven days they can put your pet up for adoption and rehome it. If this happens owners have no legal right to the return of their pet, and it is not uncommon for new owners to refuse to part with pets they have legally adopted, even after as little as a week.

From the Daily Mail, September 09 - Scamp’s Story

When, after seven days, no owners had come forward to claim her, the local authority became the dog's legal owners and began the process of rehoming her.

Because Scamp was such an unusual stray, the kennels very quickly had nine applications to adopt her and on September 1 she was handed over to her new family - the same day the de Lacys returned from holiday and travelled up to Wirral to begin looking for Scamp.

When they arrived at the council kennels in Birkenhead they were given the bombshell that Scamp had been given a new home.
....
'We have appealed to the new owners on the de Lacys' behalf to ask if they would consider returning the dog.

'However, they state the dog has settled into their household and have refused, which is their right.'

If your pet is micro-chipped (most pets can be micro-chipped, not just cats and dogs), give the chip company as many phone numbers as you can. You may add my number to tags or chips if you wish. I will always help reunite lost pets, even if circumstances change and I am no longer caring for your pet.

Micro-chips must be kept up to date with contact details otherwise they are useless.

Fireworks

There's no avoiding them, it's coming up to firework season. For the younger pets this may be their first experience, and we can try to make it as easy as possible for them.

If you have any major concerns about your pets, please speak to your vet in advance.

A bolthole – many pets will find a small space to hide. Leave them where they hide if you can. Don't worry if they miss their tea, or you think they may need to go out to spend a penny.




If your dog is used to a crate, try layering it with blankets or old duvets to deaden any noise, and leave some stuffed interactive toys or something for them to chew. Chewing and licking has a calming effect on dogs and should help.



Keep curtains and windows closed and the television or radio on, a little louder than usual.

Dogs can be given a good run before it gets dark so they don't have to go out again.

Bring cats indoors, and lock the catflap, providing a litter tray for the evening. Multiple cat households may encounter friction between cats, so try to give them their own'territory. They may choose the area themselves, so don't start moving them around if they have naturally separated. Doors can be closed to keep them apart.

Rabbits can be brought into a house or shed for the evening. If that's not possible, turn the hutch to face the wall and cover with an old duvet (make sure they have fresh air!). Give them, and any other caged animals, extra bedding so they can bury themselves if they need to.

Identification for your pets is essential at this time of year. If your pet escapes and runs off an identity tag will enable neighbours to bring them back or contact you. Being micro-chipped does help reunite pets with owners, but an identity tag on your dog will hopefully avoid the need for the dog warden to get involved (saving yourself a hefty fee and probably kennel fees).

In the morning check the garden for firework debris if there have been fireworks locally.

Old duvets and blankets can often be picked up on Freecycle, or in charity shops. Wallace Kennels will be grateful for clean blankets in good condition when you no longer require them (I can pass them on – as well as any other surplus dog 'equipment' or food).


Smudge

Before I was a professional dog walker I was a ‘foster mum’ for dogs in rescue, waiting to find a new home. At the moment I have Smudge staying with me. His previous family had rather colourful lives which culminated in an eviction, so with nowhere else to turn, I had to open my doors and my heart to him.



Smudge is a ten year old Border Collie cross who is currently in the care of Animal Action in Essex.

Smudge sustained an injury to his front leg as a young dog, which has left him lame and so only has very short, slow walks, which he enjoys. Smudge is in good health apart from his leg. He is a little nervous as he is anxious to avoid further pain, but he eats and sleeps well and can live with other dogs. As he is unsteady on his feet a calm household is a must, no cats or children. He can be left for a few hours.

He would probably best suit a retired person who doesn’t do a lot of walking, but would take him out for short trips to keep his mind active and allow him to investigate new sights, sounds and smells.

If you know someone who would be interested in giving Smudge a home, please let me know, pass on this newsletter, or phone Lu Scott on 01277 634406. A rehoming fee and homecheck (the rescue will check the family and environment will be suitable for Smudge) will apply.

Smudge has settled in with me, and is very quiet around the house, but really needs a family to call his own, possibly with less comings and goings. His limp is quite pronounced, but he can move quickly enough when his dinner is ready!

Time for Elevenses

The dogs often stop for a drink here. Although it's September, it's been lovely and sunny this week, hot in the sun.

Conrad and Scarlet are first to the water - Conrad is usually in the lead (unless Barney is with us), so he drinks first. Scarlet, being a lady, doesn't seem to have any idea there is a pecking order she should be following. Winston and Bingley hang around the edges, waiting for their turn.


Next, it's Winston's turn. You may be able to spot from the ripples that he's not so much drinking as nose-butting the water. He likes to smear it around with his nose.


And finally, Bingley. He very rarely has a drink on a walk, but he wants to take his turn anyway, so pokes his nose over for a good look.

Now Available - Ongar Dog Walking

Due to popular demand I have added High Ongar & Chipping Ongar to my service.

As my main business is in Brentwood, Shenfield and Hutton, Ongar dog walking is available off-peak, at around 4.30pm on weekdays, or anytime at weekends.

If you are at home during the day, a new mum/dad, have a young family, have limited mobility, or are leaving your dog with family while you are on holiday, walking the dog can be difficult to fit in. Let me take your best friend out for a good run so you know she or he gets the exercise they need, while you take the time to concentrate on your family, or simply rest, knowing he or she is in good hands.

It is increasingly difficult to find dog-friendly days out. If you can't take your best friend with you on a weekend day out, let me take care of him or her for the day. I can visit once or twice, go out for a run or just spend time with your pet, whatever suits your family.

I hope to increase my service to peak time weekdays in the future.

It was very comforting to know that the dogs were in such good and responsible hands.
Sheree M., Ongar

Wet Weather Walking

Nothing gets in the way of a Good Walk. Even the torrential rain we had on Tuesday of this week.

I got to try out my new winter wet weather gear (Australian Bush Hat and Millet's waterproof trousers), and enjoy a virtually empty country park!



The rain came down so hard there were puddles everywhere as the ground couldn't soak it up fast enough. I couldn't take many photos as the camera was getting too wet! Scarlet got out of the van, then jumped straight back in. Every time I let another dog out she tried to get back in! Poor girl!

Dilly, being a Labradoodle and very furry got completely drenched, and I expect she's still drying out now.

I do give the dogs a rub down when they get in the van, then again when they get back out at home, but I think they all go home a little damp in that kind of weather. I will be asking the owners to leave towels out at home, so the dogs can have a last rub down with a dry towel before I leave them!

Dogs & Cats, Loved Like My Own

Puppies

My famous and elusive Puppy Package will be available again from 14th September. I have one weekly space, and may also have space for a part-timer, so please do contact me if you have just taken on a new puppy or are waiting to bring one home. Typically these spaces are filled within two weeks of advertising, often sooner, so don't delay! One week's deposit will secure your space if you won't need me to start for a few weeks.

Thanks again for giving Pongo such a great start in life.
Tina F., crossbreed

Dog Walking

I walk dogs in small groups of three or four. Your dog is important to me, and walks of this size allow each dog to benefit from being with their own species while still having time for personal attention from me.


Walks are usually for one hour. 50 minutes is 'walking' time, which includes sniffing (each other, me, bushes, unidentifiable 'things') toilet time, meeting other park users, playing chase with each other when safe, playing hide and seek with me or for titbits & toys, learning to come back to me when cued and leaving things alone when asked. I try to find something for each dog to do that stimulates its natural instincts in an appropriate and healthy way. Walking happens in between these activities.

The remaining 10 minutes is spent at the van having a drink and a biscuit (for me as well as the dogs!). Then having mud, water and bits of plants removed as best we can before being driven home for a well deserved snooze.

Walks available, part time only
60 minutes, breakfast
60 minutes, lunchtime
30 minutes, lunchtime
Teatime walks are always available.

I try to squeeze as much as possible into all the walks, but the shorter walk means we can't do so many activities so they are limited to three dogs only.

Solo or 'training' walks are only available 'off peak' after 3pm.

I would highly recommend Linda as an excellent professional who has a genuine love of dogs. We will definitely use Linda again and feel very lucky to have found someone to care for our dog when we are unable to.
Susie S., Old English Sheepdog


Dog Boarding

Summer holidays are over, but I am taking boarding bookings for October Half term and will soon be opening my books for Christmas/New Year bookings. Most of my bookings now are for weekends only, so if you want a full week please get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Dogs are loved and cared for as if they were part of my family. They do everything we do, daily walks, fun and games, tidying their rooms, cuddles, a good brush every day, and the run of the ground floor. The garden is always available when I am at home.

Reliable, trustworthy service that cares about the pet.
Attricia A., Miniature Dachshund


Cat Sitting

I do a lot for dogs, but I love cats too. If you are going away and want to be sure your cats are fed, and are around to eat the food! give me a call. I will look after indoor or outdoor cats, empty litter trays, feed, play, cuddle and clear up any wildlife I find.

Outdoor cats will need to wear a collar and identity tag while I am caring for them.


I cannot bring cats into my own home, but I will give them as much attention as you would like. Normally two half hour visits per day, but I can do more, or less if it's only a short break.

Reliable, trustworthy and caring. What more could you want?
Marian K., Phoebe, Alfie & Marley