Swansea Dog Trainer

Archive for the ‘Doggy Fun’ Category

Skidboot from Animal Planet.

A relatively simple routine but so well executed it becomes magical to watch. Get those creative juices flowing! If you’re in Swansea and you can do this with your dog, post a video and let me know!

From America’s Funniest Home Videos Season 21 Episode 15 – Winner of the $100,000 prize.

Another one to watch… and try not to smile.

Tucker, a one and a half year old Schnoodle (Schnauzer – Poodle), plays the piano and sings along at least 3 or 4 times every day.

In spite of all of his practicing, he really isn’t getting any better.

Image via Wikipedia

Christmas is here again where the host of the evening traditionally cooks enough food for four or five families which one family will try to eat. No sooner are we feeling sick and uncomfortable, someone suggests bringing the heaviest dessert ever… and places a huge slice of Christmas pudding in front of you.

As a result, there are always plenty of leftovers.

Did you know however that while some of it is ok most of the food on your plate can kill a dog?

Turkey necks are a BIG no no. I’ve spoken to Hannah Richards at Penybryn vet who says that most emergency calls over Christmas are caused by someone thinking it’s a wonderful idea to give the dog the turkey/goose/chicken neck to munch on. These tough, bony, reinforced wind pipes aren’t edible (hence why we don’t eat them) and cause blockages, discomfort, suffocation and death in a dog. Put these straight into the bin to avoid anyone getting any bright ideas!

Raw bones (larger bones) are usually ok  and do so at your own risk, but NEVER feed a dog (or cat) cooked bones. Cooked bones are more brittle and will slice up your dogs insides causing internal bleeding, infection and death.

Cooked bones are a no as above. (hi-lighted in bold to reiterate the point)

Nuts are best avoided, some are toxic while others are ok. All are a choking hazard so avoid all just in case. Just six Macadamia nuts for example can lead to complete paralysis in the average dog. While it’s nice for him to settle down, he’ll be settling down in the vet’s kennel.

Sausages, Bacon and other salty foods cause a dog to be thirsty which could lead to him drinking too much water causing bloat. In VERY small quantities ok, but if every one at the table gave a small quantity… you do the math.

Clementines and other seeded fruits contain traces of cyanide, safe enough for humans in small quantities but enough to kill a small animal, for example a dog.

Chocolate causes heart arrythmia which can lead to almost instant death. This can be in any quantity so like the turkey neck, never feed this to a dog… ever!

Alcohol and alcohol drenched foods (i.e. christmas pudding) are a no go too. Alcohol before the age of brewers originally came from fermented fruits so most fruit eating animals can handle trace alcohol without any issue. We’ve had millions+ years of practice. Dogs however are carnivores and can’t handle even a small amount. Dogs can easily succumb to alcohol poisoning and death.

Christmas pudding is also very high in another ingredient besides alcohol. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are highly toxic to dogs and can cause instant kidney failure in relatively small amounts.

So what can my dog eat at Christmas?

Most other leftovers are ok, the general rule is meat and veg are ok, many fruits and most chemicals aren’t.

Left over turkey without the bones will be a lovely break from the normal dried dog kibble, vegetables and potatoes will add some vitamins and fibre while gravy will infuse into the added dry kibble creating something more appetising.

Keep it balanced to keep out of trouble, and if you’re in doubt about an ingredient, leave it out.

I also found a wonderful recipe if you fancied treating your dog this year to a balanced and healthy Christmas meal. Thanks to Joe Inglis for this one: Christmas dinner for dogs

I tried it myself, prepared the mash before our own dinner and slotted it into the oven. It smelled amazing, I even tasted it myself, the dogs wolfed it down so thumbs up from me.

As it’s Christmas, also watch out for

Sticky tape, plastic toys from crackers, baubles, Christmas lights, candles, cigarettes, overly affectionate children (these love annoying the dog)

And don’t forget to walk your dog on the day! Without that energy drain, he’ll start the day agitated and could be big trouble when the family arrive.

Have a VERY Merry Christmas from me; Simon, Jake the Greyhound, Beci the Cavalier and of course my lovely wife Yovina who has supported me in everything I’ve decided to drag her through with very little complaining.

Well we’ve just had one hell of a snowfall, schools and many offices are closed, the roads are dangerous and your dog’s garden/street/park has disappeared!!! Under all this white stuff!!!

This is Jake’s first snowfall. I opened the back door while making coffee for him to relieve himself, he took one look and stepped back. I tried to encourage him out, push him out, but nothing.

Do I let him stay afraid of nothing? Of course not, I’m a  dog trainer. He’s never had a bad experience with snow so I don’t want to give him a phobia by allowing him to be scared and closing the door.

I took a handful of his favourite treats and performed a number of ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ taking a step back each time and rewarding heavily all movement forward. I carried on straight into the garden and after a short hesitation, he followed me out to let out the chickens.

Now, like all dogs, he loves the snow, but fears are easy to create, be careful.

Oh, and if your dog does the following snow or not, he’s not burning energy, he’s desperately full of energy and needs a walk! Don’t leave him in the garden, get him out properly!

Wrap up warm, stay safe, only drive if ABSOLUTELY necessary. At time of writing, the gritters hadn’t cleared some major routes. If you dog is old, small, ill or would otherwise benefit from a coat, use one. Boots are fun too to protect their pads from the ice, I’m not sure they’re completely necessary, but it’s a good laugh watching a dog trying to walk in them.

Stay safe and have fun!

Image via Wikipedia

Swansea dog trainer will shortly be holding seminars in Swansea for the first time dog owner. It’s primarily aimed at people who are planning to get a dog but haven’t yet done so although most of the content will also suit owners who have recently obtained their four legged pal (and haven’t damaged it yet).

The seminar will cover:

• Your dog – My first carnivorous, predatory hunter…
• The pros and cons of choosing from breeders and rescue centres.
• How to recognise and avoid puppy mills and scams.
• Choosing a dog and tell tail signs of prior issues.
• Your promise to your new pal.
• What to buy before your dog.
• Bringing your new pooch home.
• Children and dogs!
• Pack leadership – Giving your dog the confidence to follow balanced, protective leaders.
• Home management – Rule by respect and admiration, not by fear.
• Socialisation – 100% ESSENTIAL for your puppy within the first few months of birth. How to do it.
• Crates, cages, beds and toilet training.
• Feeding, food, snacks and treats.
• Vets, insurance, vaccinations and pet passports.
• Neutering and spaying.
• The law and your dog – don’t get caught out!
• Training recall – THE most important ability.
• Walking politely and safe, off-leash fun.
• Continuing the training for fun, talent shows and assistance.

Attendance will cost just £25 and include refreshments a discounted one to one visit if required.

To be notified of the exact dates and times coming up, please enter your email address below.

I will send you an email about the upcoming events when we confirm dates and venues in Swansea.

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Ok a little treat from the Swansea Dog Trainer. How to wrap a dog for Christmas :)

Not so much dog training as dog learning vs. well times photographer :) Enjoy!

Found this on YouTube. An absolutely fantastic mashup of dog heros, dog tricks and dogs just being dogs. It is 7 minutes long but if it doesn’t make you smile… you’re probably a cat.