Kennel cough aka Canine cough

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Infectious Tracheobronchitis.

Kennel cough aka Canine cough is similar to a human cold or flu.

Dogs are required to have their shots before going into any boarding establishment.

The vaccine, like with the Human flu vaccine, are not full prove.

The reason for this is because there are many, different ongoing, emerging strains.

So as with the flu vaccination a yearly shot is recommended.

If you are planning to put your dog in kennels, doggy daycare or are out walking your dog in high traffic areas, such as parks and the like.

Below are links to a couple of good articles, on Kennel cough/Canine cough

Can I walk my dog with kennel cough?

https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/mindfulness-wellbeing/can-i-walk-dog-with-kennel-cough

Stay on top of canine cough

https://vetcouncil.org.nz/Web/Web/News/Articles/2022/Stay_on_top_of_canine_cough.aspx

 

Dog Training Classes, 25th, 26th November 2023

Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst and Balance Domain, just outside Woodville, near the Ferry Reserve.

Introduction to Canine Parkour. 1 hour training class: $70 (Private Lesson) Make your dogs walk more fun and mentally stimulate your dog.

1 hour training class: $70 (Private Lesson) 1 or 2 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

1 x 2 hour training class $120 (Private Lesson) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with.

2 x 2 hour training class $ 240 The 2nd 2 hour lesson will be in 2 weeks or a months time. This will give you time to practice what you have learnt. We will keep in contact via email, text or phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for distance training and dog safety).

Please fill out the form on my contact page and tell me the problems you are experiencing with your dog. You can also call or text 027 721 6823.

 

Dog Training: Private training only 27th & 28th February.

Hello everyone, I will be in Woodville on the Saturday 27th February, from 10am – 5pm, training at the Balance Domain.

On Sunday 28th February, I will be in the Ashhurst Domain from 11am – 7pm.

All dogs must be fully vaccinated (puppies included).

Cost: $60   Private Lesson (one hour only) 1 or 2 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

Cost: $120 Private Lessons (two hours only) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with.

Cost: $250 Private Lessons (2 x 2 hour) The 2nd 2 hour lesson will be in one months time. This will give you time to practice what you have learnt. We will keep in contact via email, text or phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for distance training and dog safety).

Advantages of private dog training:

You and your dog will learn more and have fun along the way.

Dogs need mental stimulation as well as exercise. So as well as obedience training, I will teach you a few games you can play to help stimulate your dog mentally, this will also help your dog learn to listen to you.

You and your dog will have less distractions.

My aim is to also promote dog safety & awareness so this class also covers: How to socialize your dog, the right way. Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs & people/Dog bite prevention, Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act, Introduction to Canine Parkour (Urban Agility).

Text: 027 7216823 to book an appointment. or email me The contact form is at the bottom of the About ME page.

Please include your name, contact details, your dogs name and problems you are having.

Limited spaces available

 

Dog Training & Covid-19: The New Normal guidelines for Classes & Private Training.

Hello everyone, I hope you and your dogs are all well. New Zealand has relatively small amount of Covid-19 cases, compared with the rest of the world but it is still here.  So non of us can afford to be complacent.

If you are feeling unwell, stay home, if you have a cough, cold or flu symptoms, stay home and go visit your GP.

While Covid-19, at this stage is not believed to be a health threat to dogs, they can test positive for Covid-19, from what I have read the dogs were in households where the virus was present. Human to animal transmission. Dogs can carry it on their body, although the experts say there is a very low risk of humans contracting the covid-19 from dogs, I personally wouldn’t let anyone pat my dog but that is up to you.

Please read the enclosed link, for more detailed information Can dogs get the Coronavirus?

So to help us all stay safe, the new Dog Training Guidelines are as follows:

Same rules apply for Class and Private Training

1.   New Normal: You must supply your own dog’s water bowl plus water. (for your dog only, no sharing with another dog) I used to supply a bowl plus water for your dogs to drink out of, while training.  
2. New Normal: You must supply your own dog treats, again no sharing with another dog.
3. New Normal: Don’t forget to bring your dogs lead, halter, collar etc make sure they are all in good order, as I can’t give you one to use.
4. New Normal: Social Distancing, 4 meters, you may ask “why 4 meters”? Dogs can’t meet, so 2 meters distance for you and 2 meters for your dog. (covers the length of your arm and leash)
5. New Normal: Bring and use your own hand sanitizer. Also gloves and masks if you choose to wear them.

 

 

Dog Training, Social distancing Style

Your dog will still need some exercise, so solitary walks, no dog parks, or group walks.

If you are not comfortable going out, train, play and walk your dog, around your home, garden or property.

Doing fun things with your dog, can brighten up everyone’s day.

Play enrichment games, do some training, remember your dog doesn’t understand what is going on.

Canine parkour (urban agility) and scent games are just a couple of things you can try but there are many more ideas out there.

Dogs don’t like change in their routine, so try to do what you normally do with your dog, you may have to be a bit inventive and improvise but that is ok.

It is US the human dog owners, who have new rules to follow, to help keep us safe and well. Please Read: Can I walk My Dog During A Pandemic

Covid-19 dog fact: your dog can’t catch the virus but it may carry it, on its skin and fur so don’t let anyone outside of your household pat or handle your dog or any of your pets. (exception being your local vet) because there is a chance a person could unknowingly, transfer the virus on to your dog.

 

Coronavirus: All Dog training cancelled, until further notice!

Hi everyone,

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic,  Jacinda Ardern  NZ Prime Minister has declared a level 3 alert today and NZ will move to a level 4, within 48 hours.  The aim is to slow the spread, So take care out there, for more information click Unite against Covid-19

Your dog will still need exercise, so solitary walks, no dog parks,  or group walks. If you are not comfortable going out, train, play and walk your dog, around your home and garden.

Play enrichment games, do some training, remember your dog doesn’t understand about the pandemic. Dogs don’t like change in their routine, so do what you normally do with your dog, its US the human dog owners, who have new rules to follow, to help us stay safe and well. Please Read: Can I walk My Dog During A Pandemic

Covid-19 dog fact: your dog can’t catch the virus but it can carry it, on its skin and fur so don’t let anyone pat your dog because that person could unknowingly, transfer the virus to your dog.

Then you pat your dog, then you or a member of your family, may become ill.

 

 

 

 

Dog Training Classes & Private Dog Training Options, Ashhurst, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March, Class starts @ 1.30pm, min class size 4, max size 6, “Book Now” to secure your place.

Hi there and welcome to the new Private Dog Training & Group Class Page.

Dog Training Classes and Private Dog Training with an expert dog trainer and behaviourist.

At this stage all dog training will be held once a month on a Sunday in the Ashhurst Domain and Saturday by appointment only in Woodville, however this may change in the future.

Cut off for enrolments, will be 5 days prior to the scheduled training day.

Group Class & Private Training, enrolment cut off date, will be 24th February @ 5pm 2020

Small classes max no 6, Min 4, so you will learn more and I can spend more time with you and your dog. unlike some of the larger classes. Classes are kept, as age appropriate as possible.

To secure your place, Book Now! Start: Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March @ 1.30pm. Suitable for dogs of all ages.

My apologies for this but the Group Class will be cancelled if the minimum attendance numbers, are not met.  (minimum no 4)

Faq sheets, included in the price.

Group Class: Please Read – Your puppy needs to be fully vaccinated, before attending class. What does this mean?

The Basics+Canine Enrichment Group Class (2 hours only) min class size 4.

COST: $79

If you and your dog want to have some fun while training, then this class is for you.

The Basics+Canine Enrichment: Walking on a loose leash, Sit, Leave it, Wait/Stay, Recall, Jumping up, leash pulling, plus any other minor problems.

Canine Enrichment: Most dogs today, have lost the jobs they were born and bred to do and while physical exercise is good its not enough, dogs like humans need mental stimulation. Canine enrichment is great for teaching your dog to listen and focus on you, while having fun along the way, it also helps alleviate boredom, as the saying goes “a happy dog is a tired dog”.  In this class I will introduce you and your dog to: Canine Parkour, (it will make your daily walk and training more interesting and fun), scent games, plus a few ideas on how to keep your dog happy and occupied with everyday items, we often throw away. These games and training can be adapted so you can do them in your own backyard or inside your home.

Private Training Options

Sunday Only

Limited Spaces

Sunday 1st March

Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, Palmerston North

$60       Private Lesson (one hour only) 1 or 2 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

$120     Private Lessons (two hours only) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

$250     Private Lessons (2 x 2 hour) The 2nd 2 hour lesson will be in one months time. This will give you time to practice what you have learnt. We will keep in contact via email, text & phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for recreational and distance training).

My aim is to also promote dog safety & awareness so all training options will cover: How to socialize your dog, the right way. Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs & people/Dog bite prevention, Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act.

Making a dog safety difference in 2019, most dog bites are preventable. It would be great if we could all in a small way help, turn the tide and try to reduce, through education, the number dog bites/ dog attacks in NZ.

Hopefully along the way, prevent someone from getting bitten and save a few dogs, a one way trip to the vet.

Name(required)

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Phone No(required)

Group Class The Basics+Canine Enrichment

1 hour Private Training

2 hour Private Training

2 x 2 hour Private Training

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“I don’t have a magic wand” I can only advise, teach & guide, you have to train your dog.

Sad but true, I don’t have a magic wand, I can only advise, teach & guide, its up to you to  be consistent and put the time and effort in to training your dog, on a daily basis.

I know there are a few people not many but enough, who think if they take their dog to a training class,  it will be miraculously trained, if they attend every session.

Unfortunately, that isn’t true, its just like going to school and the obedience class is often more about educating and teaching the owners, then the owners going home and practicing what they have learnt, on a daily basis.

Now, all dogs are different, what may work for one may not work for another, so its up to you, if you are having problems, mention it to your trainer, at the next class. They don’t know, if you don’t tell them.

Having said that, I can always tell if someone hasn’t done the work, even if they say they have.

When the last class is over, don’t expect to have a fully trained dog, that takes time, consistency and a lot of patience, meaning setting time aside each day to spend time with your dog.

Training can be fun, you are only limited by your imagination, dogs need to have their brains worked, so educational games such as canine parkour, nose works etc can be thrown into the training mix as well.

High expectations, can be a dog owners downfall, don’t expect too much too soon.  Even with older dogs.

young dogs v high expectation, and the winner is no one!  signs of stress in dogs

There are no quick fixes when it comes to training your dog

 

5 things NOT to do when you first adopt your dog

Great advice, for anyone who is thinking of or who has adopted a dog lately and is a must read.  I originally posted this article back in 2015 but I thought it is time for a repost because lately I have had a few people contact me regarding the dog they have just adopted.

Again, high expectations (good intentions) on the part of the dog’s new owners, can set them all up, to fail. Lets face it, your newly adopted dog doesn’t know you, your family, environment or routine. It may be stressed, scared or frightened as well as some dogs have a history, you know nothing about.  So expecting them to act and behave and do what you tell them, can be a bit hard for them to grasp. Whether it be a puppy or older dog, they need time to adjust and feel secure.

 

No Dog About It Blog

I often try to remember back to when I adopted my first shelter dog. I was so uninformed and inexperienced back then. I had never adopted a dog before. I had absolutely no idea what to expect with an adult dog, especially not one who had a whole history behind her that I didn’t even know about. I probably made a lot of mistakes and bad decisions in those early days (I am sure of it).

What I didn’t know then, but know now is that for a rescue or shelter dog, the first few days and weeks in their new home are risky ones. They are at the mercy of their new human to make the right decisions for them. One mistake, and the dog could end up back at the shelter, or worse, euthanized for a serious mistake that could have been prevented if the human had made a…

View original post 1,001 more words

 

Young Dogs V High Expectations and the winner is: No One

Young Dogs V High Expectations and the winner is: No One

Nobody really tells you, how much work, time and effort you need to put in, to have a happy, healthy well-rounded dog. There are no quick fixes, when it comes to training your dog.

Whether you are a new dog owner or a seasoned dog owner, young dogs can be trying at times. They are full of fun, excitable, would rather chase butterflies, instead of going to the loo, have a short attention span and no ears, half the time.

They can frustrate you, make you angry, make you sad, put a smile on your face, cheer you up, when you are down. They can invoke, many emotions in you, all in one day.

And, that is not counting the times when you may feel overwhelmed, and wonder if you did the right thing, by adding a dog to your family. Even seasoned dog owners can feel overwhelmed, we are probably all guilty of this, comparing the dog or dogs that have come and gone in our lives, with the one we have now.

No two dogs are the same and if you have had a dog for many years, its easy to forget, what it was like, when that dog was a young dog because memories fade and often we only remember, “the good stuff.”  

Good stuff like: how great he/she was to walk with, how obedient, how chilled out and the list goes on. Its easy to forget, how long you spent training & hanging out with your dog, the ups and downs you had along the way, the frustration you sometimes felt because your dog, just wasn’t getting it!

Now here’s the thing, dogs are not human, they don’t think the same as we do. So don’t expect too much, if you think they should know what is expected from them, they don’t, you have to teach them and that can take time, dedication and a lot of patience.

Baby steps is the way to go, all too often and without realising it, it is easy to set up your dog to fail. For example, teaching the recall (come), if you start with your dog on short lead and then ask your dog to sit, then move one or two steps back, then ask your dog to come, more often than not, your dog will come to you. So the end result is one of achievement, for both you and your dog.

Now play that again, say you tell your dog to sit and you move a couple of metres away, your dog starts walking towards you after a few seconds, so you go back and make him/her, sit again and the same thing happens.  You may do that 2 or 3 times, your dog isn’t capable of sitting for that long yet,  So your dog fails what you asked of, him/her.

How does that make you feel, angry, frustrated or are you ok about it, because you realised, you expected too much, from your dog?