Last month I visited South Africa for a MHERA Wildlife week hosted by Karin (author of Mood Matters). It was an opportunity that enabled me to experience working as a Behaviourist with animals I wouldn’t usually get close to in the UK. All voluntary, but an opportunity of a lifetime.
Zeke has flourished through puppyhood and adolescence, and I can honestly say he has grown up well. Of course, he is a Labrador so will be forever young at heart. But, as he passed the 2.5 year mark, I can see his emotional maturity bloom. I advocate choice wherever possible,
An energetic Labrador, who is also jet black, can be a bit of a challenge when the weather is hot. Zeke doesn’t seem to notice at all, thankfully it’s not been too hot for morning walks. Zeke has been patrolling the garden, keep an eye on all the birds tweeting
My final rescue centre case study is written, and kitchen table finally clear with my 29 behaviour books packed away. I’m not even going to think how much I’ve spent on books, but I have them for future reference at least. Psychopharmacology was probably my least favourite subject, but it
Things have been busy. I have some time off work and I’m trying to catch up on all those things that seem to pop up with alarming regularity. We’ve also signed up for a repeater set of dog training classes, which may seem odd given I’m a trainer and a
We booked a slot at The Larches Paw Paddock for this afternoon, the last one of the day. I particularly like the Meadow, as you can see the sun setting over the Bristol Channel. Zeke had a wonderful time, exploring everything as if it was the first time. With all
Fireworks. Far be it from me to spoil someone else’s fun, but I hate the noise. My dogs have all eventually tolerated it, but I have never left any of them to deal with it on their own. All the main animal charities have advice on how to help your
We have a great dog facility not too far away that you can book for sole use. It has two secure 2-acre dog walking fields, each surrounded by super high fencing. The owners have clearly put a lot of thought into the design. Once you put that day’s passcode into
It’s true. Research published in 2019 on Science Direct, titled “Let me Sniff”, says that allowing dogs to practice nosework allows them to express a natural behaviour. I’m sure that’s not a total surprise to most of us with dogs! It says that nosework “induces positive judgement bias in pet
Another week and I can see a marked difference in Truly. I’m not saying she’s her normal self, but I can see aspects of her personality emerging again. In my last blog I talked about the strange new behaviours, those remain, but I will say she has good days and
