Walk My Dog

If only they'd heard of Walk My Dog!

2011-08-21T20:46:00.003+00:00

More than 2.6 million dogs are left home alone every day of the working week according to a recent study of 2,000 dog owners.

Gocompare.com has found that one in four of the UK dog population are home alone while their owners are busy at work. And overworked dog owners are often too busy to offer their pet attention upon their return from the office; as many as half of dog owners surveyed admit to setting their pets out into the garden of an evening rather than taking them out for a good walk and four out of ten owners admit they don't bother walking their dog at all if they’ve had a long day at work. These neglected animals get far less stimulation and exercise than needed.

Phil Paterson-Fox, head of pet insurance at Gocompare.com, said: "This is distressing news for pets and animal lovers alike. But just because you hold down a normal job doesn't mean you don't want to have a loving pet to return home to. Unfortunately for the dogs, it does mean long term health implications; they may not be getting enough fresh air, exercise or attention.

According to the study, around 72 per cent of working dog owners said they felt guilty for leaving their dog alone in the house all day. So much so that many owners go to great lengths to make life more comfortable for their pet if they know they are going to be at work all day:

· A third of dog owners leave all the doors open in the house so their dog can wander around freely

· 27 per cent leave plenty of meals out for the dog to help themselves

· 27 per cent leave windows slightly ajar to allow fresh air into the house

· 29 per cent put plenty of toys out for entertainment

· 34 per cent of dog owners polled would ask a friend or neighbour to let the dog out for necessary toilet breaks

· 36 per cent would try to pop home for lunch if work allowed

But incredibly, eight per cent of owners would prefer to let the dog roam around the garden all day long than the house. And 13 per cent of dog owners admit they should never have bought their pooch as they simply haven't got enough time to look after it. They recognise that their pet feels lonely on occasion, and that their dog is often excited, hyperactive and seeking attention when they return from work.

Phil Paterson-Fox added: ”It is plain to see that dog owners are trying to make life easier for their pets, by taking responsible steps to ensure their well-being. But really the best way to ensure a bright and healthy future is to make sure the dog feels fit, stimulated and well loved. If a dog is displaying symptoms of loneliness or laziness, it really is time to have a rethink about the quality and standard of their care.”

Clearly, all these dog owners could do with giving a dog walking or pet sitting company like Cardiff based Walk My Dog a call!

Pet Friendly Holiday in Wales

2011-08-19T20:14:00.001+00:00

Going on holiday as a family is never the same without your family pet. If you are planning your holiday – why don’t you take your pet with you? After all, doesn’t your best friend deserve to come along too? If you want to take your dog – or even your cat on holiday with you, there are plenty of places around Britain that offer pet friendly environment. There are dog friendly and cat friendly holidays in cottages, guesthouses and hotels. Of course campsites and caravan parks are often a popular choice with pet owners.

Pet Friendly Walking Holiday Cottages in Wales

Bwthyn y Saer (the carpenter’s cottage) and Ty Cerbyd (the coach house) are four star self-catering holiday cottages in the Swansea valley. They are two of many holiday cottages which are waiting to welcome your dog!

Nestled on the slope of a gentle mountain overlooking the scenic valley town of Pontardawe, the farm cottages are surrounded by 100 acres of rolling farmland. With open hillsides, rivers, farmland, forest and mountains at your doorstep, your dog will feel like he is on holiday too! Your dogs will love the open space, the exciting new smells and the acres of new territory to explore. The countryside surrounding to cottages is ideal for dogs, with secluded paths, riverside woods and forestry trails.

There are handy outdoor taps to wash your pet’s muddy paws after that soggy hillside walk and both cottages feature their own enclosed lawns.

The cottages are just a few miles away from the sandy beaches of the Gower, if your pet wants to put his paws in the water, or there are the numerous mountain trails to follow on Mynydd Marchhywel (Hywel’s Mountain) directly behind the accommodation. From the top, a clear day gives panoramic views out to Swansea Bay and Mumbles. You can enjoy taking your dog on an exploratory walk up the mountain following the Plas Farm Trail, or perhaps further afield on one of the many trails in the Brecon Beacons.

The surcharge per pet is £20 per week – far more economical than boarding your pet in a kennels. We ask that pets are never left in the cottages unattended, as this can cause your pet anxiety. Around sheep and cows, we advise pets are kept on a lead.

This year, when you’re packing for your holiday – don’t forget the dog bed, bowls and biscuits.

How To Train Your Dog

2011-08-19T18:40:00.004+00:00

by Walk My Dog - The Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Company

1. Introduction
2. Chose the right collar
3. In the lead
4. Learn to use the equipment properly
5. Older puppies and adult dogs
6. Puppies and submissive dogs

1. Introduction
Does your dog take you for a walk? Does he strain at the lead? Or does your arm ache from gripping the lead with all your strength? With determination you can cure this typical dog-walking problem. It’s time for you to take the lead.

2. Choose the right collar
There are different collars for big dogs, small dogs, puppies, over-excited dogs and dogs in training. They come in all colours, shapes and sizes. But which one is right for your dog? Training your dog to sit, stay, dog show parading or simply beachside strolling – all require the right type of collar.

The buckle collar is the most common - a mini trouser belt round your dog’s neck. Variations on this are the breakaway – a collar which does just that – it pulls apart under great stress, for example if your dog were choking on a fence post. Others have release tabs, snapping apart quicker than you can say ‘unbuckle’. Ideal for young puppies.

Training collars are especially for adopted dogs or older puppies. They communicate ‘no!’ without hurting your new pet. Choke collars may seem cruel, but they harm dogs less than other training collars and are ideal for larger dogs. Used correctly, they can stop your dog from running away, tugging on the lead, or jumping – ultimately keeping your pet safe.

When the lead is pulled, metal prongs around the inside of the collar prod the dog’s neck. Unlike other collars, the pressure is evenly distributed around the collar and not just on the dog’s throat, which can be harmful.

Slip or choke collars form a slipknot, so when the lead is pulled, the collar’s diameter shrinks, allowing swift action to correct a dog's behaviour.

Halters wrap around the dog’s nose and neck for more exact control. Not to be confused with a muzzle which stops your dog from opening its mouth, halters let dogs drink, bark and yawn. Some trainers recommend this for some dogs that respond to subtle tugs.

3. In the lead
Buy a narrow, six-foot leather lead (as other fabric can slide through the hands and cause friction burns on tender skin) with a loop at one end and a sturdy clip at the other. Avoid chain leashes, retractable leashes, fancy plastic leashes, and wide leashes until your pet is under control. Both hands should grasp the leash for maximum control, so it should be comfortable to hold.

4. Learn to use the equipment properly
This collar should fit snugly but not tightly. A rule of thumb is to be able to fit a thumb comfortably between the collar and the dog’s neck. If using a prong collar place the prongs against a tough dog’s neck or facing outwards on a more sensitive dog.

5. Older puppies and adult dogs
Hard-as-nails Rocky the Rottweiler needs different training than sensitive Sue the Shitzsu pup. Consider your dog’s character, before deciding on your training style.

Begin by teaching the dog body awareness – of where you are going. Let your dog wander, before changing direction before the lead tightens. Don’t speak, let him start watching you. As the collar tightens he will start to understand. If your pup streaks ahead and the lead tightens - stop. He will probably turn towards you, loosening the collar. Start walking, but change direction before he reaches the end of the lead. Continue, but add in obstacles on your way. Why not saunter around a lamp post, cut round a car or circle round a tree or two. Cross over the road, or turn right around and retrace your steps - until you have one perplexed pet who has no idea where you are going next.

If this isn’t working after a few days, try the collar tug. This should be a gentle pull on the lead, for attention, not for punishment, it says: “I’m in charge”. Step towards the pulling dog so the collar loosens, then pull the lead suddenly then release it in one smooth move. The collar must tighten then loosen quickly, and whilst doing so walk the opposite way without a word.

If two or three such tugs on a slip collar still doesn’t work do not increase the strength; instead change to a prong collar as continual pulls on the slip collar damage a dog’s throat. Don’t forget to praise your dog when he learns to walk without pulling.

6. Puppies and submissive dogs
Toys or treats are always good bribes for training pups on a buckle lead. Be loud and happy, using any hand movements, noises (like whistling, clapping or even thigh slapping!) to get attention. Puppies are easily distracted, when this happens turn around and go the opposite way, or use a treat as a bribe. Above all your puppy should learn walking close by is fun.

Teaching submissive, or frightened dogs is similar to puppy training, use treats to reward, and coax don’t threaten. Keep things low key and prong collars smooth side facing inwards are often better than chain collars.

Be determined to do it, be stubborn and be consistent. And finally, if you can’t do it – don’t be afraid to call in the dog training clubs and schools for help.

Great Leaping Puppies

2011-03-24T19:30:00.002+00:00

Puppy walking again this week. This one has spring-loaded paws so every step is an exuberant leap. She is Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout in dog form, when we reach a patch of grass larger than a postage stamp she dashes around me in concentric circles, growing bigger and bigger as I spin round with her trying to maintain some semblance of control over her direction and containing my dizziness.

Everyday as I approach the door and reach my arm out to put the key in, she is already on her hind legs, as tall as a fully grown human – looking at my face as I open the door. She is tall when she is on two paws, but tall enough on four to make most people look at her twice. A teenager on a bike – what type of dog is THAT? Don’t like those usually, yet he wheels closer still. Molly bounds up bouncing around him licking his hand, then scuffs him feebly with another mistimed spring. He backs off, but is interested.
She is a beautiful dog. just in need of more training, but I can't do it now, after all, I am just the temporary dog walker, whilst her owner is on holiday, so unfortunately we are only temporarily friends. Besides, I wouldn’t want to tame her natural happy manner, and her free spirited approach to water, mud, grass, other people’s gardens, and her disdain for private property and a human’s personal space!
She is intrigued with the slow moving shallow river lying alongside our path – why should I prevent her from going in (potential pollution, litter could cut her paws – my sensible side admonishes me). Nonetheless, perhaps it is I who should learn something from her instead. Tackle everything head on, have no curb to curiosity. But sniff everything before poking your nose in!

And the winner is.... the husky

2011-03-14T15:37:00.002+00:00

13 is a lucky number for dogs if they are pulling a Mackey in their sled. First Rick, then Dick and now Lance have won the legendary Iditarod, the Alaskan marathon for huskies. The family winners all took bib number 13 and won the event on their sixth race. As far as dog races go (and this one is 1,770km) the Iditarod takes the dog biscuit, lasting anything from nine to fifteen days. This year's sled contest took Lance Mackey nine days, five hours and eight minutes. And not content with simply one win this year, he's also the first musher to win both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest in the same year.

I was once driven over thin ice by an Iditarod challenger, in a 4x4 without snow chains, and as we expertly slip-slid our way town-wards, he let me into a few secrets about a world I knew nothing of. He ran a husky farm inside the Arctic circle near Tromso, in northern Norway. Visitors seeking a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights travelled out to pet the huskies, hear the puppies barking eerily at the moon, and view the mini wolf-like mothers and fathers tethered outside their doggie cabins in the snow. Huskies may occasionally still look vaguely malevolent - diluted versions of their wolverine cousins, but face to nose, they are invariably friendly and eager to please.
On the husky farm, after failing to sight any green or pink light through an inconvenient haze of low cloud, I instead went the most magical expedition of my life - a dog sled ride. After being satisfied with assurances the dogs lived for it, I looked for myself. I saw their desperation for the off, and heard their excited barks. They had to be held back from pelting forwards before the human cargo was loaded into the low sled, and the reindeer hides heaped on for warmth. I was then dragged gracefully round the cool bright white and otherwise silent landscape, by happy, panting, scampering dogs who, when stopping for a break, were petted and congratulated for enjoying themselves so well. The scenery was like escaping through the wardrobe to Narnia - was that the snow queen? Did I really just see a lone lamp post at the edge of the forest?

Poodle rockin'

2011-03-08T16:16:00.002+00:00

I have just uploaded the Gorky's song Poodle rockin' to my mobile, so whenever my dog phone rings I am treated to a cacophony of tuneful barking. Better than what I had before - the theme to Dog Tanian and the Three Muskahounds.

I have a new client, a poodle. She is very cute, and sports a fun-sized black perm, a little shaggy, which her owner informs me is the 'puppy cut.' Ahh. She is a bouncy eight months old. I like when the dogs are happy in their hair. I was walking a dog the other weekend who had just been for the snip (I mean a hair cut) and seemed all the chirpier for it. More mobile, and far lighter, he scampered around with a new lease of life.
In America, the poodle became so unpopular in the 1920s it almost died out - can you imagine a poodle-parlour free world? Yet the poodle was originally a tough, butch breed, a water dog renowned for its duck hunting skills, without a bow in sight. The name is from the German for puddle (pfudel), and those little puffs of fancily trimmed fur at ankle and tail, as well as the No. 1 close shave on the upper thighs were first of all practical - designed for protection and mobility when hunting and swimming.

Yet Brand Poodle was relaunched in France - retiring their oh-so 16th Century practical dog tags for coiffed treeses, sculpted locks and multicoloured fur coats, more elaborate than their owners. They went on to become the ultimate fashion accessory for the French aristocracy in the 17th and 18th Century.
Come into the 2000s and it seems the Poodle needs another rebrand, to shed this silly skin and back away from the stigma of the silly haircuts. It's not going too well. Take one random poodle story. Best of Breed winner at last year's Welsh Kennel Club show, La Marka Lemerle Oscar Wilde (ahem). Disqualified after being found wearing hairspray. It's an illegal substance now - banned by the Kennel Club. The equivalent of steroids for canines. In the past, dog owners used to do all sorts to preen their pooches prior to ringside performance - add chalk, hair mousse or shine, but alas! no longer! So, Wilde's owner is screaming sabotage! He said: "I'm not saying there wasn't hairspray on my dog, but I didn't put it there."
So, we are left with a mystery on our paws, who was the elusive hairspraying menace - and when will he strike again? Perhaps it was another dog.
I wouldn't happen in a class of Bulldogs.

Filming Walk My Dog!

2011-03-07T13:55:00.001+00:00

I was called about filming Walk My Dog by a Croatian journalist. Ivanka called me to ask if she could feature Walk My Dog as her main news story, since they don't have pet sitters or dog walkers in Croatia and hopes to use it for her TV station when she returns. She is doing a short week-long course at Cardiff's Thomson Institute, a media charity training students how to use cameras to make their own stories.

I was happy to help, and we had some rainy fun trying to keep the dogs from sniffing, then knocking over the camera equipment! One of the dogs would keep going up to the lens to have a closer look, then leaving minute droplets of water over it! I didn't realise how long it took just to get a few minutes of good footage.
Clearly I am no wannabe film star, although I suspect the dogs were Hollywood hopefuls - playing up to the camera. I spent about twenty minutes (or so it seemed to my aching arm and the dogs' delight) throwing a stick in slow motion, and put on my waterproofs three times, by which time it had almost stopped raining.
The mud was omnipresent though, so I am sure it all looked quite unpleasant on film. As usual Maple was doing her best to find the deepest pools of mud to wade through, she managed to coat her head in a muddy wash of water before it was time to go back, and was that a deliberately mischevious look she gave me after the initial plunge? I am sure she does not do this when she is with her owner! I'll post the link to the footage when I get it in the right format. If I get 2 and a half minutes of fame does that count for my 15 minutes, or do I get another 12.5 on top of that? What happens if it is shown repeatedly on Croatian tv - does it all add up? I shall wait see.

More mud!

2011-03-06T15:34:00.002+00:00

Out in the countryside this morning for an hour-long mud fest through woods, up hills, and over fields with an impossibly small dog. Cyril needs the exercise. He doesn't get many outings, and as a consequence his belly has grown to meet the ground - his fur dragging on the ground, picking up small twigs and debris as he travels. He badly needs this walk and almost gagged with glee at the prospect of the open path after just a few metres of freedom. Far more exciting than the garden!

It was not raining so I didn't use waterproofs or wellies, but five minutes later both dog and I were ankle deep and stomach deep respectively - in gloopy mud. But I didn't have bits of bramble stuck in my chest fur, so I think I came off better than the dog in the end.
Cyril is mostly a house dog, as stout as he is small and in need of a manicure - so we spent half the time on the pavements. He bounces along, compensating for his stunted stature by well planned hops, leaps and bounds, executed with panache and a wag of the tail. A fat black and tan sausage, he wiggles over larger logs and slides his belly over any other obstacles, he doesn’t like deeper puddles, and like a girl in sinking stilettos, paces round them tentatively. Perhaps he can't swim!
I know when he's all walked out when I see his tongue lolling and he starts to trail a little - and he no longer trips me up weaving round my legs!

Dog Blog – Adventures of a dog walker in Cardiff

2011-01-19T17:35:00.002+00:00

Okay, I’ve got it. I think. Little one on the left and the big one on the right, otherwise they both get confused and wind round my legs until I'm a human maypole.

In this wind Maple the stout black Labrador is quite handy, she’s my portable wind guard, at least for my legs, which I shelter behind her as we pad along the side of the road towards the park. The park! Even a whisper of the word sends Maple streaking ahead. She is straining at the lead to get cross the road once a glimpse of green is within doggy distance. But let’s not forget her bosom buddy and fellow pack member Poppy, a small and compact terrier, whose mournful eyes are made to break your heart - the more casual half of this double act. Where Maple leaps, Poppy saunters, and where Maple dashes, Poppy meanders. Not put off by Maple’s pulse-racing pace, Poppy walks along oblivious, a few paw lengths behind.

As we walk across the road, it occurs to me we must look an amusing threesome, as car drivers crane their necks to grin at our mismatched walk, me walking scarecrow-like, one arm stretched forwards the other way behind me.
Once we are in the park it all calms down, and I can almost hear their sighs of relief. We have arrived! Maple immediately makes for the largest puddle she can find, and is delighted to discover one neck-deep, leaping in with an almighty splash. More like a temporary lake than a collection of leftover undrained raindrops, this puddle is so deep Maple contrives to have a little swim, then as if to show off just how skilled she is in finding water - gets out – without shaking, and bounds towards me at full pelt. One hasty sidestep later and muddy Maple has missed her mark, so she doubles back and is last seen heading for the next brown patch on the otherwise green horizon.
I skirt carefully around the pools of brown sludge on desperately sinking grass – obviously I forgot my wellies on the windiest and rainiest day of the year. Poppy politely follows in my footsteps. Clearly she knows I don’t want to get too mud-splattered, and realises she will have her paws washed if she is, which she hates. But this is all going to end in hosing - mini dog showers all round, from the waist down of course - 'tis only decent. Because these once hairy, now mud-wet balls of fur and bark don't really match the pristine cream carpet...

Welcome to Walk My Dog's Dog Blog

2011-01-19T00:27:00.000+00:00

Woof Woof!