Life lessons from a dog (part 1)
December 2024
Dogs aren’t just loyal companions; they’re also some of life’s greatest teachers—and let’s face it, often much wiser than we are. Ever watched your dog chasing a ball or splashing in water with pure joy and thought, “Maybe they’re onto something…”? Here are some life lessons that my dog has taught me!
Show unconditional love
A dog’s devotion knows no bounds. You could have popped out for two minutes or two hours, and they’ll greet you like you’ve been to the moon and back.
Lesson: Be generous with your affection (but maybe not slobbering kisses). Love with your whole heart and let grudges go faster than a dog forgets about that time you accidentally stepped on its paw.
Take Time to Rest
Dogs nap whenever they fancy. On the sofa, under the table, halfway up the stairs… Sleep is sacred, and they’re unapologetic about it.
Lesson: Forget the guilt over a sneaky snooze. If a Labrador can nap in a sunbeam with zero regrets, so can you. It’s called self-care!
Live in the moment
Dogs don’t fret about yesterday’s lost tennis ball or tomorrow’s bath. They’re fully engrossed in the here and now—whether it’s sniffing a lamppost or barking at the postman for the hundredth time.
Lesson: Stop doomscrolling! Take a cue from your pooch: relish your cup of tea, enjoy the sunshine (or rain—we’re in the UK, after all), and don’t waste time worrying about nonsense.
Be Curious and Open to Adventure
Dogs are endlessly fascinated by the world. A new smell? Investigate! A squirrel? Chase it! Life is one grand adventure—especially if there are snacks involved.
Lesson: Embrace curiosity. Explore that new café, say yes to that quirky day trip, and treat every walk like it might lead to buried treasure (or at least a nice pub).
Helping your dog to cope with fireworks
November 2024
Fireworks might be fun for (some of) us humans, but for many dogs, they can be a source of intense anxiety and stress. But don’t worry! With a little preparation and some comforting strategies, you can help your dog stay calm during the booms and bangs of firework displays. Here are some practical tips to make these nights easier for your furry friend.
Prepare early
Desensitizing your dog to fireworks noise doesn't work for every dog and it is a gradual process but it can be helpful. Start by playing recordings of fireworks sounds at a very low volume, just enough for your dog to notice without feeling scared. Pair this with positive reinforcement, like treats, praise, or play, to help them associate the sounds with good things. Over time, slowly increase the volume as your dog becomes more comfortable, always ensuring they remain calm. This gradual exposure may help reduce their fear response when they hear real fireworks, making these loud noises less stressful for them.
In the run-up to firework season, use calming remedies like natural supplements or pheromone diffusers to help ease your dog’s nerves and prepare them to handle the noise with less stress. I personally use Dorwest Valerian drops from about October until after New Year but always speak to your vet first about what might be most suitable for your dog.
Be prepared for emergencies
In some cases, fireworks can cause extreme reactions, and some dogs may even try to escape. Double-check that your dog’s microchip and ID tag (if they wear it in the house) are up-to-date just in case. It’s also wise to ensure windows, doors, and gates are secure to prevent any accidents if they try to flee.
On the day
Try to give your dog a good workout earlier in the day to help release pent-up energy. A long walk, some playtime, or a run can all help tire them out, making them more likely to relax as the evening comes. Exercise can be a natural stress-reliever and can help them cope with any anxiety that arises. Make sure that their final walk of the day is completed before it starts to go dark.
Create a quiet, cozy corner of your home as a safe space for your dog during fireworks. Fill this area with their favourite bed, blankets, and toys to make it extra inviting. You can even add a crate, small tent or blanket to make it feel like a safe little den. Once you've set it up, introduce your dog to this space well before the fireworks start so they feel at ease retreating there.
During the fireworks, help mask the sound with something more calming. Put on some calming music, turn on the TV, or use a white noise machine. The gentle sounds can help drown out the noise from outside and create a more soothing atmosphere. Many dogs find classical music especially calming, and Classic FM usually do lovely Pet Sounds programmes around Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year. I have it on full blast on these days and it really helps.
Give your dog something enjoyable to focus on, like a puzzle toy, a favorite chew, or a treat-filled Kong. Engaging their mind can help distract them from the noise outside and give them something positive to focus on.
Helping our dogs to feel safe
Remember, our dogs look to us for comfort and protection, especially in scary situations. Taking these steps can go a long way in helping them cope with fireworks and other loud noises. By planning ahead, creating a calming environment, and using some simple tools and techniques, you can make a real difference for your dog and help them feel safe and loved during fireworks season.
Top dog walking tips
September-October 2024
For dogs, every walk is an adventure—a chance to explore, play, and strengthen that special bond with you! Get ready to make each walk unforgettable with our top tips for turning every outing into the best part of both your and your dog's day!
Gear Up
Before heading out the door, make sure you’ve got the right equipment for both you and your dog. As a wise person once said, there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing so make sure you're dressed appropriately. Layer up so you can remove clothing if you get too hot, waterproofs (including trousers) if it's wet and boots (I love my Muck Boots - not an ad). Waterproof socks are one of the best inventions ever!
Whether your dog walks on a collar or a harness, make sure it fits well and that they have their name tag attached. As an additional safety measure, my dog also wears a tag from Pawtag which has a QR code that can be scanned and location shared if my dog gets lost.
I generally always carry treats, water, poo bags and a spare slip lead as a minimum. In case dogs get dirty, I usually keep a towel and extra water for cleaning them them off before they get back in the car.
What's Going On?
Always be mindful of your environment. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like broken glass, other dogs (that spare slip lead occasionally comes in handy!), or cyclists. If my dog is off lead and I see an onlead dog we don't know, I always put my dog on his lead as a courtesy to the other dog.
It’s also important to be aware of how your dog is feeling during their walk. Are they panting excessively or looking tired? Shorten the walk if necessary. Safety is key for a happy and successful dog walk.
Pace Yourselves
Dogs love to sniff and explore, but it’s important to keep a consistent pace. Walks are about more than just exercise—they’re mental stimulation too. Allow your dog time to stop and sniff every now and then, but balance it with periods of steady walking. This keeps your dog engaged, energized, and calm.
Positive Reinforcement......Always!
Praise and treats go a long way on walks. I use the word 'yes' whenever dogs do something I like and reward it with a treat, or praise if the dog isn't food driven. Positive reinforcement strengthens your bond and encourages your dog to follow your lead.
Walks are also a great way to practice your dogs basic commands such as ' come', 'this way', 'let's go' in a natural and fun way.
Our week at the seaside in Northumberland September 2024
The Boys are Back in Town!
What a fantastic week by the seaside in Northumberland with my dog and our human and doggy friends! The adventure began with long journeys, car (us) and train (them) then car for all of us for the final leg from Newcastle to Seahouses. Every minute was worth it once we arrived. The wild Northumberland scenery took our breaths away, and the dogs were so excited to be together again!
Salty Sea Dogs
Ro, intrepid as he is (ahem!), quickly became a salty sea dog as he paddled in the sea. Each day brought new courage; he became braver with every wave that crashed around him. Alongside his friend Arty —who was all about fetching balls and splashing through the surf—they formed quite the dynamic duo! We howled laughing as Ro attempted to steal Arty's ball time and again while daringly venturing deeper into the frothy waves.
High on a hill was a lonely goat-herd!
Ro tried his paws at rock climbing, not recommended or allowed!! Despite his age, he was surprisingly agile and it took a lot of coaxing aka treats, to get him down. How we laughed....not really, it was quite dangerous and very silly of him!
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.