Just a thought..!

Here's a suggestion that might help people to adopt a dog from one of the rescue shelters  ...

Gizmo, my own rescue pooch, has a bad habit of barking at strangers he meets on a walk. We're not really sure what in his history caused this, but we're hoping that we can reverse it (any suggestions gratefully received !).*

Recently I met Dominique Doring , a dog trainer who is currently working at K9, and she's helping us try and change Gizmo's bad behaviour and overcome his anxiety. That's what  prompted this post ...

I think that it would be wooftastic if  the shelters here could could team up with a dog trainer, or at least be able to recommend one to people who have adopted a dog.

Of course not every rescue pooch comes with problems, but some abandoned dogs do have issues. So it would be great to have the back-up of a dog trainer if the going gets tough, and the new owner is thinking that they might have to return the dog to the shelter.

It may only take a few sessions with a qualified trainer before the rescue dog gets over his problem, or at least the new owner can see signs of improvement.  Then the woofer is given longer to settle in, and doesn't immediately get 'banged up' back in the cages at the shelter.

So, I think that if the rescue shelters could work more closely with a dog trainer it would give people a back-up if problems do occur, and perhaps lead to fewer dogs being returned.

* ps Gizmo's says "it's not my fault, I'm just a bit shy :-)"

My second lesson with Dog trainer Dominique Doring

For my second lesson with Dominique we went to an area where there were some people for me to practice on. I am nervous of strangers when I meet them on the street and bark at them which isn't very sociable. Maybe its because of the time I spent on the streets when I was abandoned. Anyway Dominique said I had improved , but I still get annoyed at children on bicycles , skateboards etc.

Dominique and Nikki held me on two leads so I was waliking inbetween them, it then felt quite safe . I did get quite tired though and lay on the ground a few times well it was hard work..!

Dominique's training is one on one so you get the benefit of Dominique really getting to know your Dog and his/her problem.

Ring Dominique on 680 578 601

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My lesson with Dominique - Dog Trainer

Well I had my first training session with Dominique, actually it was more Nikki really that needs the training. The session was quite hard work for me ( but fun ), concentrating on Dominique's commands, but I always got a biscuit for a reward. Dominique never shouted at me, her approach is training through a positive approach, body language and lots of eye contact and of course biscuits as a reward.

Dominique is hoping to work with more dogs at K9 so they have a better chance of being adopted and also increase the chance of the pooches staying with their new owners. I was very impressed so was Nikki with her approach , though its not over yet for me but Dominique gave Nikki some really good advise. I would definitely recommend Dominique to people who need some help with their pooches.

Ring Dominique on 680 578 601

Me relaxing after my lesson

Safety - Children and Dogs

Here's an interesting article on the BBC website concerning the safety of children around dogs, according to this article in 2006/07 over 900 children aged under nine were admitted to hospitals with injuries caused by dogs in the UK.

So take heed kiddies no pulling of our tails, running around and screaming at us and leave us alone when we are eating that is definitely a big no no !. Doggies do not like being disturbed when munching their dinner. Treat us with respect please and we will be your best friend..


Click here to read more on the BBC Website



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Introducing Steph Veterinary assistant, Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer

(Basil's showing off his new hair cut)

Tenerife Dogs would like to recommend Steph, dog groomer and trainer.

Steph is a trained veterinary nurse and has studied animal psychology and of course grooming.

She has just recently moved back to Tenerife to set up her grooming and dog training business. Basil has just had a fur cut from Steph and is well pleased.

Basil says "I was starting to look like a bit of hippy he said, now I look very smart" (see pic)

Steph has a Duck (Essy) as well as owning three pooches, Essy takes regular walks on a lead, so if you see a duck waddling around with three pooches on the beach, she probably belongs to Steph and Tony...

If you would like to contact Steph for grooming/dog training/pet sitting or walking tel:628859973

Dog Leash Training

Dogs walk faster than humans can. Naturally, if you put them on a leash, they'll start pulling to get to whatever they're looking at faster. A dog, having what is called an opposition reflex, would lean on a pressure it feels on its neck and chest. Understanding this makes it clear that if you want to have a leisurely walk with your dog on a leash, you must begin dog leash training while your pet is still a few weeks-old puppy.

Begin by allowing your dog time to get used to the collar around his neck. When you put it on for the first time, your puppy will scratch, roll around or try to get it off. Make sure you fasten the collar securely and don't remove it when the dog is trying to. When he finally calmed down and shows signs of being comfortable with it, you can remove the collar for a short while. This teaches the dog two important things: first, that the collar won't come off when he wants it so he'd best get used to it and second, the collar is not a permanent attachment. Check the collar regularly to make sure it isn't too tight. Your dog grows in size and you need to adjust the collar regularly.

When the dog is ready, attach a leash to the collar and allow the dog time to adjust to the leash. Allot a few minutes every day to for leash training with your puppy and have some treats handy. Your goal is to be able to walk around with your dog on a leash without him pulling at the other end. This means you should be able to stand still with your dog and walk around at your pace, not his.

To get started, fasten the collar securely around your pup's neck and attach the leash. Hold the other end securely. Try and have the dog stand still beside you. When he starts to wander too far and pulls on the leash, call the dog back to your side and reward him with a treat when he does. When he finally is able to stand still beside you for the time you wish to, you can begin walking him around. When he wanders too far to the point of pulling on the leash, call him back to your side. Pull on the leash if needed. When the dog returns to a comfortable distance - walks beside you without pulling on the leash, reward him with a treat.

Do these training exercises with a reward system for several days or weeks or until your dog learns to consistently respect the leash. When your dog is finally able to stand still beside you or walk around your house or backyard with a loose leash, reward your dog with a lot of praise, hugs or pats and some treats. He is ready to be taken out for a walk.

Remember that to condition your dog to respect the leash, focus on allowing your dog to progress forward when the leash is loose. If you allow your pet to proceed forward when the leash is tight, you're teaching him to pull.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Swiming Pooches - Written by Sharon Haslam

Have you ever taken your dog down to the sea and allowed them to take a dip? I am currently working with two Spinger Spaniels and I thought I would do something a bit different with them today so I took them to a small cove around Golf Del Sur area where they could go into the sea and have a swim if they so desired. Little did I know how much fun they would actually have and I should have worn a bathing suit as I ended up as wet as the dogs did! I didnt even have time to take off their leads and they were splashing around and leaping about in the waves! We spent a good half an hour having so much fun and I hadnt realised just how much they loved swimming. Now we will be making this a once a week stop off so they can blow off some steam and I can sit and watch them and laugh at their silly antics!!

Obviously these two dogs have been used to the sea since they were pups so please dont just go down to the waters edge and throw your dog in which many people do. You have to teach them they have nothing to fear. How would you like to be thrown in at the deep end of the pool and not know how to swim, panic maybe?? Remember dogs have emotions and feelings too so make it as fun as possible for them even if it does take a lot of time to get them feeling comfortable, it shouldnt be a stressful experience.

Unfortunately many of the areas with a beach here in Tenerife have recently become not accessible for dogs so do make sure you check first before you allow your dog to go romping along the beach and splashing about in the waves or you could end up with a hefty fine!
As a final thought, its always a good idea to gently hose your dog off once you get home to get rid of any salt or debris left on his coat. Happy Swimming!

Article written by Sharon Haslam - Dog Trainer - to contact Sharon ring 699 109 837

Happy Tails Dog Training

'Dog Safety' written by Sharon Haslam Dog Trainer

I always suggest to pet owners to attend a Pet First Aid Course if possible but unfortunately they are not available here in Tenerife.  However here are some basic prevention ideas to help keep your pets safe as we always say prevention is always better than cure:

In the event of your dog having an accident, Common sense is the best first aid and the first thing to remember is DON’T PANIC!

 Contact your vet immediately; if your local vet is closed contact one that is available 24 hours a day.  If you are not sure, please give me a call and I can give you a list.

Don’t give your pet anything to eat or drink unless your vet tells you to do so.

DO keep your dog on a lead when near traffic or in unsafe areas

DO watch out for hidden dangers such as poisonous plants, hidden holes, gullies and caves.

DO look out for dangers within the home.  Check your pet cannot fall from the balcony, chew exposed wires or cables, have contact with any household cleaning products or insect repellents.

DO keep your vets details plus an emergency vet’s telephone number handy and in a place where all family members know where it is.

DON’T allow your pet to play with children’s toys or sharp objects.  These can damage their throats or block intestines. 

DON’T EVER LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED IN YOUR CAR.

DON’T leave rubbish bins unsecured and open

DON’T leave doors open on washing machines or tumble dryers.  Cats find these as cosy places to sleep.

 

Remember speedy action is required when dealing with life-threatening emergencies but don’t let ‘heroism’ get in the way.  Animals can lash out and bite or scratch when scared or in pain so if you suffer injuries yourself, make sure you also seek medical attention.

Article written by Sharon Haslam - Dog Trainer - to contact Sharon ring 699 109 837 

Happy Tails Dog Training

Tenerife Dogs Welcomes Sharon Haslam Professional Dog Trainer and Veterinary Nurse

Sharon has been working with dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes for over 10 years using kind and humane training techniques and has a vast range of experience in the training of dogs with behavioural problems and also Obedience Training. Her training started in Michigan, 1998 , when she attended many dog training and behaviour counselling seminars by professionals such as Sue Sternberg and Patricia McConnell. In 1999 she started training to become a Qualified and Certified Guide Dog Instructor and she earned her Qualification as a Guide Dog and Obedience Instructor. Sharon is also a Veterinary nurse graduating from Pennsylvania State University in 2006.

Sharon has also attended workshops for T-TOUCH Therapy which is an alternative and therapeutic way to help you become more connected with your dog. She is now living in Tenerife and has a successful business called Happy Tails Dog Training which helps to retrain dogs with all kinds of problems using positive reinforcement, no matter how big or small. She also works alongside K9 (Sharon is on the commitee) and Dingo dogs and runs K9 Rehome follow Up program, which ensures that dog owners have a resource where they can make contact, if they are having any difficulties with their rehomed dog, rather than simply turning it out onto the street again.

Sharon will be contributing to Tenerife Dogs imparting her considerable knowledge of dog behavioural problems and other issues concerning the welfare of dogs in Tenerife.

If you would like Sharon to solve any behavioural problems with your dog give her a ring on +34 699109 837 info@happytailstraining.com www.happytailstraining.com