When we lose a pet, it’s a stressful and very sad situation for the whole family, including any other dogs at home. It may be hard to believe, but dogs do grieve for the loss of their best friend. How will your dog react?

Just as when a human experiences the loss of a loved one, reactions can be different. Some dogs may get depressed, while others continue as normal. Certainly, some dogs may experience behavioural or health issues. If you are coping with the death of one of your pets, here are details of several options you have to help the dog that remains at home through this sad bereavement process.

Physical warning signs and symptoms

# Dog loses appetite

# Depression and lethargy

# Sleeping more than normal – or remaining awake and not wanting to sleep

#Toilet accidents at home

# More anxious when separated from you

# Vocalising more – not always barking but possibly whining, whimpering or howling

# Change in personality – the dog that died may have been the leader of the pack

If it’s apparent that the symptoms don’t relate to an illness or physical condition, perhaps you need to take the dog to a Vet for an assessment and advice. Otherwise, here are some suggestions to help your grieving dog.

Keep to your normal routine

Changes in the household, due to the loss of another pet can make your dog feel anxious and stressed. One certain way to help him during this grieving time is to keep him to his normal routines as carefully as possible. Continue to walk him and feed him at the predictable times. Of course, sticking to your pet’s routine will probably help you during this sad time too.

Provide more stimulation and exercise

It’s highly likely that you have previously exercised both dogs together. The dog that died will probably have played an enormous part in the life of the grieving dog at home. They could have been fed together, played alongside each other, even shared the same dog-bed. The remaining pet could now feel very anxious or even bored. By going for more daily walks and giving him more mental stimulation, offering some interesting playthings and spending quality time with him will make him less anxious. Remember those extra cuddles too.

Be very patient with your dog

Remember that everyone, animals included, deal with grief in different ways. It could take weeks, or perhaps even longer for your dog to adjust to losing his play pal and canine companion. Allow your remaining dog time to process what has happened and to adjust to life without his pal. During this grieving process, give your dog praise if he remains calm. Likewise, try to ignore any naughty behaviour. It’s up to you to remain calm and patient and to help your remaining dog through this period of great loss. Consider very carefully if you are thinking of getting a new dog. It could be a very positive addition to the home, both for you and your dog, providing care is taken when introducing them to each other.

With a rise in robberies across the London Boroughs being reported, all householders need to be alert and more aware of the risks of burglaries at our homes. As we continue in our everyday lives, the majority of us, me included, think that nothing terrible could ever possibly occur at my home, yet the Police authority and some Insurance companies state that a large proportion of the population are careless when it comes to looking after our homes.

Be a Hero!

The Metropolitan Police have set up a campaign, asking people to become a Hero, to prevent doorstep crime – and are promoting this across social media channels, for high impact value. Here are some common factors that often result in burglaries at home:

• Many people leave their homes without locking their front door or windows. The most common entry point for a burglar, is through an unlocked front door, or an open window at the property.

• It’s a fact that burglar alarms are often ignored when sounding in the street, while many householders don’t even bother to set them when they leave the house.

• Only a small number of burglaries occur when the home is occupied, so take action to bluff the burglar into thinking you’re at home. Leave a radio playing, and have lights set on timers to come on and click off at different times during darkness. Of course don’t leave your front porch light on all day, as this advertises the fact that you’re out and won’t be home until after darkness.

• A burglar will sometimes return to the same house, as he is aware of your vulnerabilities. He may have a set of your keys, and will be expecting that you have replaced the goods he stole in the first visit with your insurance pay out. Don’t wait until you are the victim of a break-in, to inspect and upgrade your home security.

• It’s a fact that more burglaries take place during the summer months. People spend more time in their gardens, often leaving doors unlocked and windows open to air the house. Of course, more homes are unoccupied when the occupants are away on holiday. An empty home is an easier risk to a robber.

So how can you prevent becoming a statistic of a break in and burglary?

Social Media – be wise when posting updates on social media, or you’re at an increased risk of being burgled. If you check into Facebook at the airport, and post your holiday selfies, you are alerting opportunist thieves to the fact that your home is empty.

Fitness Apps – take care when using Strava and other fitness apps that show your social media followers your location for a cycle or run, as it can also alert a burglar to your home being vacant at certain times of the day and night.

Lock the burglar out – ensure that your security on windows and doors is secure and up to date. Deadlocks and five lever locks make the best deterrents. Always double lock your doors, even if you’re only popping out for a short while. An up to date camera monitoring system won’t stop the burglar, but you may well capture his image on screen.

Make it look like you’re at home – ask a friend to visit your home every day to collect your post, if you go on holiday. A pile of junk mail on the front door carpet is a sure notification that the house is empty. Likewise, ask someone to mow the grass if you’re not going to be at home for a couple of weeks. Burglars tend to monitor homes before a break in, to check for people coming and going, and this is a way to put them off.

Hire a dog nanny or pet sitter – One of the specialist services I offer, is home sitting your pets. You can have complete peace of mind when you’re on holiday, or away on business, knowing that not only is your pet is being well looked after, but also your home too. I’m happy to water your plants and put out the rubbish bins too. Going away needn’t be a stressful experience for your pets, and you have the added knowledge that my presence in your home offers enhanced security and a deterrent to unwanted intruders.

At this time of the year, burglars are true opportunists and they are just waiting for the chance that you will let down your guard. Get into the habit of doing a “perimeter check” around your home before you leave. Move all your valuables out of view if anyone can see through your windows, and lock all doors and windows securely. Stop crime on your doorstep!

So far, during my career as a Professional Dog Walker, it’s really been a great adventure and full of joy. There are many reasons why I believe that being a pet sitter/dog walker is the best job in the world!

You get to choose your own work hours and rates of pay.

My work schedule is entirely planned by me – I choose which jobs to accept and decide on my availability and which time of day is best to visit the dogs I walk, obviously arranged in conjunction with the dog parents to suit their days. As a self-employed dog walker, I am also responsible for deciding on my hourly rate after doing plenty of research in the local area regarding other dog walker’s rates, the length of walks required, and how many dogs I take on the same walk. Of course, there is also the downside that I need to be available at weekends, evenings and holiday periods.

When the dogs I walk begin to recognise me

There is nothing better than when the pup I’m walking recognises and acknowledges me when I turn up. The dogs are usually at home alone while their owners are at work, and it’s a brilliant feeling when I walk through the door, and they greet me and are super excited to see me again.

Seeing tiny puppies grow into sizeable, adorable dogs

Those tiny puppies that I begin to look after from around 12 weeks grow up so fast. They are all adorable – how can you not love them with those big soppy eyes. It’s great fun getting to know each individual character as they grow, although it does sometimes feel like they are your children!

Being outside in the fresh air every day is a bonus.

While so many office professionals are desperately trying to fit in 30 minutes of exercise during their lunch hour, dog walkers like me certainly get plenty of daily exercise outside in the open air. With plenty of physical exercise, it’s certainly not a sedentary job, and spending the majority of my working day in the parks and woods with my four-legged friends is definitely more enjoyable than sitting at a desk.

Never a dull moment

During my time as a Dog Walker, I can honestly say that no two days have been the same. Each dog I walk or pet sit has a different personality, from their mischievous behaviour to how they interact with other dogs we meet on our walks. The dogs all know that I have treats in my pocket for them that they get when they’ve behaved and done as they’ve been told. It’s not only a fun job, but it’s also the best job, as the dog is your boss!

Plenty of Doggy Cuddles

I’ve yet to find a dog that doesn’t love to be cuddled. The dogs enjoy cuddling up to me when we take a breather on a seat in the park, which is all very well unless they have been running in the mud!

Being a professional Dog Walker isn’t going to make me rich, in hard cash, that is, but there is certainly an abundance of fun and adorable furry friends to spend my time with, and I’m surrounded each day by wagging tails and furry smiles.

 

 

The holiday season will soon be upon us again, and we wouldn’t want to forget our four legged friends during the season of giving. Dogs are family members too so it is natural to want to spoil them as well, and what better way to do that than with homemade gifts. As a North London dog walker I’m often asked what to make a dog for Christmas when on a budget, so listed below are some easy to make, adorable do it yourself gifts that your pooches are sure to love.

1. Homemade Dog Treats

Christmas baking is all the norm during the holidays, so why not bake a little something special for your canine friends as well. Homemade dog treats are a big hit with the pets and are much healthier for our beloved animals than store bought varieties. The Internet can provide dozens of easy to follow recipes for making biscuits and treats that are sure to be a hit with the pups. Make their holiday a little extra special with delicious treats baked just for them.

2. Homemade Pet Beds

Comfort is of the utmost importance, even for our doggy friends, so you may wish to consider a warm and comfy pet bed as their holiday gift. There are many interesting and attractive design ideas to be found online, and depending on your level of creativity and ability pet beds can be fabricated from all sorts of materials including old sweatshirts, vintage suitcases and repurposed pieces of furniture, guaranteed to not only please your pet but fit in attractively with your home’s decor.

3. Sock and Ball Toys

Puppies love to play, so why not create them a toy that focusses on two favorite canine pastimes, tug of war and catch. All that’s needed for this gift is a simple tennis ball and a discarded sock. By placing the ball into the toe of the sock and fastening it in dogs are able to use this toy for a game of catch, or owners can get involved too holding the ball and allowing the dog to go after the dangling end for a healthy game of tug.

4. New bowls

Cheap bowls come in a variety of colours and designs and if you’re a little bit creative you can decorate them to reflect your love for your pet. Remember to carefully check the paints or varnishes you’re using on the bowls and you’ll create a symbol of your affection that your dog will see every time they eat or drink.

The holidays aren’t about expensive gifts, they are about the act of giving and animal lovers who want to include their beloved pets don’t have to break the bank to do so. Small tokens of affection go a long way in making your four legged friends feel loved and appreciated.

 

 

Dogs are amazing creatures. Even dogs that are mistreated show a level of loyalty to their owners that is unmatched by any other animal. This fascinating degree of loyalty deserves respect and acknowledgement. Spoiling our beloved dogs is a great way to show them that we care. Buying for a dog however is not the same as buying for a human. Where a fancy dinner out on the town would please most any human, dogs are more simplistic in nature. Here are 10 simple gifts that you can give to your best friend on any occasion to see their tail wag and watch them jump for joy.

1. Squeaky Toy – They are loud and can bother some people due to the noise, but a squeaky toy can be pure happiness to a dog. Simple squeaky toys are often the most desirable for their affordability, but it is important to remember to take every opportunity to stimulate your dog’s mine. Dogs are natural hunters. Squeaky toys that offer a reward within will give your precious friend the hunting experience they have been looking for. They may be slightly more expensive, but your dog will appreciate the treat encased within the toy as well as the excitement of the hunt.
2. A Bone – Dogs are natural chewers. They exercise their gums and strengthen their teeth by chewing. There is no better toy than that of a new bone. There are a lot of different bones on the market today, but it is important to invest in a quality bone. One that is well made and durable will offer your dog the most enjoyment without risk of injury.
3. New Bed – Over time a pet’s bed can become misshapen and lumpy. If it looks uncomfortable to you, it is probably uncomfortable to them. A fresh new bed will have your dog sleeping like a new born baby. Although there are a number of traditional types of pet beds that are great for your dog, for a special treat invest in a newer model pet bed that offers a great amount of support in addition to the luxurious comfort.
4. Splash Pool – Kiddie pools are an inexpensive way for children to cool off in during the hot summer months. They can also be very enjoyable for your dog. For water loving dogs a swim in a splash pool is an exceptional way to beat the heat.
5. A Rope – Ropes have always been a great toy for dogs of all sizes. Although a standard rope is sufficient for dog enjoyment, there are a number of different shapes and colours on the market today that will make your dog’s rope gift an extra special one. Be sure to get a rope appropriate for the size of your dog. A large dog will make quick work of a substandard rope and a small dog will not know how to handle an overly large one.
6. Ball – In the history of dog kind there is no toy on the planet that brings more joy than that of a ball. This may seem like a simple form of entertainment for humans, but playing fetch with a brand new brightly coloured ball is the Holy Grail in the dog kingdom. Balls are no longer limited to a simple tennis ball. There are more colours and styles to choose from than ever before. A special new ball for any dog is the perfect gift.
7. Laser Light – Many dog owners will be cautious with this toy. There are a number of consumer reports that may discourage the responsible dog owner, but rest assured that a laser light is perfectly safe when kept from the animal’s eyes. Your pet will truly enjoy chasing the red light all over the house.
8. Disc for Throwing – Flying discs have been flying through the air giving dog’s a happy form of exercise for years. This seemingly outdated toy still makes a great gift for dogs. Flying discs today do not merely come in hard plastic. They now come in a wide variety of materials that make exercise more fun and safer for all dogs.
9. Crunch Toys – Any toy that makes noise will quickly become the best friend to a dog. These toys make a crinkle noise that dogs really enjoy. Many pet owners will use a plastic bottle in place of purchasing a crunch toy, but bottles are easily torn up and swallowed by the dog. Companies such as Ethical Pets make great crunch toys that can be virtually destroys by a dog without the choking and health hazard that a bottle poses.
10. Hidden Treats – Kong is the brand name most associated with hidden treat toys. This bestselling dog toy offers an incentive with play. The dog has to work a little bit to get to the treat. It offers the dog entertainment and reward all in one.

No matter what toy you choose for your dog, they will no doubt really enjoy it. There are many other toys available for special dog gifts, but these ten would be number one on your dog’s wish list if he possessed the ability to make a list.

We’re very good at taking care of our dogs’ health – watching out for symptoms or changes in behaviour that suggest something may be wrong.  Problems with physical health are relatively easy to spot and remedy.  But your dog’s mental health is also vitally important and merits equal attention if you’re to be sure of having a happy and healthy pet.

 

Stave off boredom

Dogs get bored – for a number of reasons: lack of exercise, lack of company, inadequate stimulation e.g. through play, and even lack of training. A dog that understands and responds to encouragement is a happy dog.  A ,ot of London dogs are bored

 

Get some exercise

Exercise your dog regularly. It’s easy, especially in winter, to fall into a pattern of walking the dog before and after work, when it’s dark and you don’t go to the park to meet other dogs.   It’s a good idea to buddy up with others so that parks and other wide spaces are still accessible on dark evenings. You should also try to vary walks so that they’re more stimulating and interesting.

 

Loneliness

It’s not a good idea to leave a dog alone, in his own company, for long periods of time. This is not only boring but also stressful too for animals that would, naturally, live in groups.  If you are out at work, consider employing a dog sitter and/or dog walker to take care of your pet and to make sure he is adequately exercised and socialised

 

Dogs need a social life too

Socialisation is an important part of your dog’s well being and Finchley Dog Walker can take your dog out in a social group – to chase and play as well as to learn how to behave around other dogs.  A dog-sitter can also be provided for occasions when you will be out of the house, or even away from home, for longer periods than usual.

When you do have time to spend with your dog, it’s important to bond, to keep and make a connection with your best friend – one of the most rewarding things you can do.  Play is a great way of doing this – both indoors and outdoors.  Playing educational and training games challenges your dog. Teach him simple tricks for which you reward him.  Keeping your dog mentally challenged is important for his health; and you don’t have to do this alone. Look out for local dog training classes, doggie day care groups and dog walking groups, all of which may exist nearby.

Pet Correctors are bad news for Dog Welfare

A can of Pet Corrector spray releases a “hiss” sounding spray of compressed air, which claims to disrupt undesirable behaviour in dogs, such as aggression, jumping up and barking. The noise claims to be comparable to the natural warning noise made by a snake or a cat, and grasps the dog’s immediate attention.

Aversive training tool

The ethos behind this tool, to startle the animal, makes it an aversive training tool. I know for a fact it would terrify my dogs, as they are noise-sensitive. The claim that if it works, the dog will find it unpleasant, however this will only work for as long as the dog remembers the practice, and becomes to fear the red can! I don’t want my dogs behaving out of fear, and I certainly don’t want them to be afraid of me.

The Pet Corrector claims to scare your pet into stopping whatever bad behaviour they were doing at the time, however if you continue to use this aversive spray and don’t address the initial cause of the bad behaviour, there is every chance that you will discover that the spray will not work. Your dog will react aggressively to you, or may even develop additional behavioural problems that will almost definitely be more difficult to repair than the original issues.

Not a quick fix

Dog owners are quite often impatient and search for quick fixes. However, these quick solutions are rarely lasting ones, usually resulting in an aversive emotional condition in your dog, which could well develop into more dangerous and severe behaviour problems in the long run.

The Pet Corrector spray may result in increased anxiety, as the dog will not understand when the noise will occur, or even why it’s happening. It may also, in the same way that spray and shock collars can redirect aggression to other situations, mean that your dog associates the startling sound of the spray with incorrect stimuli.  While you might think that there is an enormous difference between a sudden noise, a shock or a spray of air, the point is that they are all aversive methods designed to cause avoidance and fear. While there may be little physical damage to your pet, there will undoubtable be an amount of psychological damage.

No place in positive dog training

A dog never really does anything wrong – sometimes they do things that we don’t like or want them to do, but they really aren’t doing it to annoy us, but only because it seems to be a good idea to them. There should never be a reason to “correct” your dog, only to teach him better behaviour. There should be no place for Pet Correctors in positive dog training. It’s a much better training method to show your dog how to do what you want, by manipulating the circumstances and then to reward him for his better behaviour.

Please be conscious of this before you go out to buy the latest corrective device on the market. Say NO to all aversive training!

 

 

Why not make up a Comfort Care Bag in a random act of kindness

There are a multitude of charity drives around Christmas time that aim to help the homeless, however, in addition to donating money to these shelters and charities, one thing that you can involve the whole family with is making homeless care bags and packages. They are just one simple way which allows you to help the cause, although we should point out that they shouldn’t just be donated and given out at Christmas time; the winter months of January, February and March can bring some terrible, freezing cold weather, with temperatures very often well below freezing.

Follow our suggestions below for making your own care packages, that you can either distribute yourself to any homeless people you see while out on your dog walks, or around town. Remember to first approach them and ask if they would accept your donated package, don’t always assume that everyone will. The alternative is to create several bags or boxes containing these very useful items, and take them along to one of the homeless shelters or community-led volunteer centres. Perhaps give them a call first to find out what exactly they have a need for and are able to accept from donations.

Making your comfort care bag

• Decide first of all if your donated pack will be for a man, woman or young person, living on the street. Perhaps there is someone you have noticed nearby where you live who would benefit.
• Find a backpack or a handbag (these can usually be bought quite cheaply in stores such as Sports Direct, or use a clean used one you may have at home.
• Include some warm bedding, a fleece blanket, and possibly some large, strong plastic waste bags.
• Add thermals, warm clothing, hat, socks, gloves and a scarf. Temperatures will soon begin to drop and any warm clothing will be appreciated.
• Toiletries, including travel size shower gel and shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary items and maybe a lipstick for the ladies, sure to boost their morale.
• Additional items to include are supermarket vouchers, hand warmers, wet wipes and snacks such as cereal and protein bars.

If you prefer to make up a smaller donation of items to help a homeless person, consider making a comfort mug. A plastic mug with a sealable lid can usually be found in stores like the Pound shop and on Amazon. Fill these with smaller, useful items, toiletries, vouchers, many of which can be purchased for next to no cost, but they will make someone’s day a lot more comfortable.

Pets that are homeless and living on the streets

Many homeless people own a dog, for comfort and companionship. They may have previously lived together in a house for several years, and due to whatever circumstances find themselves without a roof over their heads. It would be a nice gesture if you put together a dog comfort pack. You could include a small blanket, a padded dog coat, worming and flea treatments, a collar and lead and don’t forget the doggy treats and toy or even offer to take the dog walking

These donated packages are known by many names, care packages, comfort bags, blessing bags, sock of love (fill a sock with goodies) car package (make and keep in your car until you spot someone in need), all are a random act of kindness. Give a parcel to someone homeless on the street. Speak to the person initially, ask them their name, chat to them about their situation and offer some important contact.  A very simple guesture like this when out dog walking arund the Finchley area (or any area) can make someones day