What do you feed your Children?
Are you happy to feed your Kids junk food, processed ready meals, sweets all the time? Or do you prefer to give them a balanced diet to make sure they have a long and healthy life?
What do you feed your Dog?
Are you happy to feed your Dog junk food, processed Animal derivatives, sweets all the time? Or do you prefer to give them a balanced diet to make sure they have a long and healthy life?
Yes, its the same question! Many people have already become wise to Childrens nutrition, but good nutrition for Dogs is only slowly catching on. We are seeing an obesity problem in Kids and a rise in obesity in Dogs. Apart from a lack of physical (and mental) stimulation, a good diet is key. Even where there are no signs of obesity, poor nutrition means more illnesses, weaker body tissues and problems in later life. A young lively pup may seem to do well on the cheapest brands, but when they are older they may suffer from the lack of good nutrition in early life. That could mean more Vets bills, pharmacy medicines, greater amounts of supplements, poor teeth, a lack of vitality in later years.
You ARE what you eat - its the same for our pets. Many of the well advertised familiar brands lack in nutrition. Unfortunately foods with good nutrition dont seem to have the same advertising budgets (maybe putting the funds into quality ingredients?). Also it is hard to get the good foods at larger outlets such as supermarkets - the markup for the retailer is just not big enough for big boys (again quality ingredients generally means a higher trade price).
Look around and do some research. Some people object to better quality foods because of a higher price. But surely you should provide properly for your Dog as you have chosen to commit to its welfare? In fact many quality foods are fed in smaller quantities per portion and often weight for weight work out cheaper. Some cheap foods need to be fed on up to three times the quantity of a quality food. So a bag of quality food might cost say, £45 for 15 kg Vs £18 for 15kg of a cheap food, but the cheap food might be fed in quantities of 3 times per portion. In fact the real comparison is £45 Vs £18 (x3) = £54. Why feed three time the amount? Well for the Dog to try to extract the right amount of usable nutrition from the cheap food you have to over feed, which leads to .... more poo!!
Use the comments below to tell us what you do......
Do some research on the Internet. (you could look at our dog food page too!)
Look at dog nutrition. By feeding your Dog good food you will be doing right by them and you may also end up saving money!
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Is your Dog Microchipped?
A miniature pinscher who went missing was finally rescued after showing up more than 750 miles from her home.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2028732/Missing-dog-turns-state--750-miles-home-Utah.html#ixzz1VzDtivIn
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2028732/Missing-dog-turns-state--750-miles-home-Utah.html#ixzz1VzDtivIn
might be taking the 'dogs are like your kids' idea a bit far... then again.....
A dog-loving woman has revealed she spends £15,000-per-year raising her six British bulldogs like children - with their own wardrobes, organic diets and beauty regimes.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2026938/Barking-mad-Meet-couple-spend-15-000-year-raising-bulldogs-like-CHILDREN.html#ixzz1Vz2xmbYk
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2026938/Barking-mad-Meet-couple-spend-15-000-year-raising-bulldogs-like-CHILDREN.html#ixzz1Vz2xmbYk
your dog is like your toddler
Have you ever noticed that your dog is like your child? Small, hairy and bounding around on all fours.... well maybe not the hairy bit.
Have you ever noticed that families with well behaved dogs, have well behaved children? co-incidence? We think not! Have you noticed the opposite is also true?
When we have worked with dog behavioural problems we always suggest to people to imagine their dog as a young toddler - very able to absorb directions but less able to communicate in a way familiar to most Adult Humans. Think of how you might interact with a young child to show them how to behave and to keep them from being naughty. What method would you use if your child is naughty? Have you seen a child that knows it has done something wrong (yes, we believe young children can tell the difference) the child approaches you with head lowered, submissive and often placing their head on your lap - in much the same way as a repentant dog?
Do you ask children to behave then reward them with some sort of treat? How do you toilet train a child? Have all your answers so far seemed the same as those for dog training?? They should do!
Have you ever noticed that families with well behaved dogs, have well behaved children? co-incidence? We think not! Have you noticed the opposite is also true?
When we have worked with dog behavioural problems we always suggest to people to imagine their dog as a young toddler - very able to absorb directions but less able to communicate in a way familiar to most Adult Humans. Think of how you might interact with a young child to show them how to behave and to keep them from being naughty. What method would you use if your child is naughty? Have you seen a child that knows it has done something wrong (yes, we believe young children can tell the difference) the child approaches you with head lowered, submissive and often placing their head on your lap - in much the same way as a repentant dog?
Do you ask children to behave then reward them with some sort of treat? How do you toilet train a child? Have all your answers so far seemed the same as those for dog training?? They should do!
mobile dog grooming van conversions
Did you know we convert Vehicles to become grooming vans? Have a look at our web page grooming vans
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Lungworm - Why Picking Up Poo is Important
You have probably heard that one of the increasingly prevalent diseases diagnosed in dogs is caused by Lungworm.
The Lungworm problem is greater in Wales, London and the South East but it increasing in occurrence here in the Midlands.
Lungworm is a parasite that can cause very serious illness in dogs. The adult lungworm lives in a dog's Heart and the major blood vessels that supply the Lungs. Untreated, Lungworm is fatal.
Lungworm is carried by slugs and snails. The larvae develop in the snail or slug host and are transferred into a dog when the snail or slug is eaten. Larvae is then released into the dog where they mature and find their way to the heart and major blood vessels. Here they lay eggs, which develop into larvae, move into the digestive system and exit the dog in the faeces. The faeces are investigated by other slugs and snails and so the larvae move on to be digested by another dog.
The cycle is why the potential fatal disease is increasing in prevalence. We can all help in the fight against Lungworm simply by being aware of the symptoms and PICKING UP OUR DOG'S POO!! Remember if you see someone elses dog defecate and they do not pick it up, it is your dog that may be at risk!!
Signs Of Lungworm
There are topical preventative preparations available that are to be applied to the back of the neck. Usual worming tablets are not usually effective against Lungworm. With the correct treatment by a Vet, infected dogs usually make a full recovery.
The Lungworm problem is greater in Wales, London and the South East but it increasing in occurrence here in the Midlands.
Lungworm is a parasite that can cause very serious illness in dogs. The adult lungworm lives in a dog's Heart and the major blood vessels that supply the Lungs. Untreated, Lungworm is fatal.
Lungworm is carried by slugs and snails. The larvae develop in the snail or slug host and are transferred into a dog when the snail or slug is eaten. Larvae is then released into the dog where they mature and find their way to the heart and major blood vessels. Here they lay eggs, which develop into larvae, move into the digestive system and exit the dog in the faeces. The faeces are investigated by other slugs and snails and so the larvae move on to be digested by another dog.
The cycle is why the potential fatal disease is increasing in prevalence. We can all help in the fight against Lungworm simply by being aware of the symptoms and PICKING UP OUR DOG'S POO!! Remember if you see someone elses dog defecate and they do not pick it up, it is your dog that may be at risk!!
Signs Of Lungworm
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulties
- Anaemia or problems with blood clotting
- Sickness
There are topical preventative preparations available that are to be applied to the back of the neck. Usual worming tablets are not usually effective against Lungworm. With the correct treatment by a Vet, infected dogs usually make a full recovery.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Grooming can have its worries and its satisfactions
Good to see some old faces at the grooming studio in Thurcaston today. Some older than others.
A sweet Long haired Jack Russell came to see us after a fairly long absence caused by a cancerous tumour on her spleen. She was as sweet as ever and knew not to wriggle making it easier for us to be careful of the wound site.
2 Papillons getting on in Years, 14 and 15, have been coming to us for a while now. We treat all dogs with care and respect but when asked to handle Senior and sick dogs consideration for their age and ailments is utmost. Unfortunately even the best handling in the World cannot prevent natures affects.
One of these old boys was standing on the table one moment groom almost complete, then collapsed, lifeless and frothing at the mouth the next. A quick check found that he was not breathing and no heartbeat. He was turned onto his side and with a swift pulse of 5 chest compressions, air was sucked into his lungs and he began to breath. Life came back into his eyes, within 5 minutes he was sat up within 10 he was his feisty little self again. Mum and Dad were thankful that we brought him back from the brink. Worrying at first, satisfying to see we kept him going!
A sweet Long haired Jack Russell came to see us after a fairly long absence caused by a cancerous tumour on her spleen. She was as sweet as ever and knew not to wriggle making it easier for us to be careful of the wound site.
2 Papillons getting on in Years, 14 and 15, have been coming to us for a while now. We treat all dogs with care and respect but when asked to handle Senior and sick dogs consideration for their age and ailments is utmost. Unfortunately even the best handling in the World cannot prevent natures affects.
One of these old boys was standing on the table one moment groom almost complete, then collapsed, lifeless and frothing at the mouth the next. A quick check found that he was not breathing and no heartbeat. He was turned onto his side and with a swift pulse of 5 chest compressions, air was sucked into his lungs and he began to breath. Life came back into his eyes, within 5 minutes he was sat up within 10 he was his feisty little self again. Mum and Dad were thankful that we brought him back from the brink. Worrying at first, satisfying to see we kept him going!
Friday, 3 June 2011
Britain's Got Talent - Pip and Puppy
After being fed up to the Canines with the lack of talent on a talent show, I was howling with laughter at Pip and Puppy (thought it was Pip and Buddy?!?) - great to listen to and certainly great to watch!!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Britain's Got Talent - Mexican Mayhem
Was out walking the family on this lovely balmy June Evening but cut it a little short to return home for Tea and to catch the next 'Big' dog act on BGT - Mexican Mayhem......
Wish I had detoured to the Pub
Wish I had detoured to the Pub
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Dog poisoned on Yorkshire footpath - In the News
There is a report that several dogs have become ill with eight deaths recorded so far, all since visiting the same path in Yorkshire. The path is located in Cross Hills near Keighley and has now been closed off by the local Police. The area is visited by holiday-makers as well as locals.
There is speculation that this is a malicious poisoning, however as yet, this is unfounded.
Let us really hope that this is not malicious, after all, this means that someone could be deliberately laying down a poison for animals to ingest. Can someone really be this horrible??
If may be that this is a natural substance, from a plant for instance, that the dogs have eaten and been overcome by ill affects.
Any of the possible causes are grim. A person or persons at large indiscriminately poisoning random animals is a frightening prospect but so is the possibility of a plant or creature secreting a toxic substance, after all this may not be confined to living in one path in Yorkshire.
Fingers crossed that a conclusion as to the source can be detected very, very soon and whatever action required is taken. If someone knows of a person that might be doing this they should come forward and tell the relevant authorities. Crimestoppers - 0800 555111 or RSPCA 0300 1234 999.
We all want our Dogs to enjoy their walks and it is important to allow them some freedom to use their noses and explore off lead, we hope all stay safe.
Our hearts go out to the families that have lost their beloved companions
There is speculation that this is a malicious poisoning, however as yet, this is unfounded.
Let us really hope that this is not malicious, after all, this means that someone could be deliberately laying down a poison for animals to ingest. Can someone really be this horrible??
If may be that this is a natural substance, from a plant for instance, that the dogs have eaten and been overcome by ill affects.
Any of the possible causes are grim. A person or persons at large indiscriminately poisoning random animals is a frightening prospect but so is the possibility of a plant or creature secreting a toxic substance, after all this may not be confined to living in one path in Yorkshire.
Fingers crossed that a conclusion as to the source can be detected very, very soon and whatever action required is taken. If someone knows of a person that might be doing this they should come forward and tell the relevant authorities. Crimestoppers - 0800 555111 or RSPCA 0300 1234 999.
We all want our Dogs to enjoy their walks and it is important to allow them some freedom to use their noses and explore off lead, we hope all stay safe.
Our hearts go out to the families that have lost their beloved companions
Teddy the Poodle
Britain's got Talent .................. hmmmmmm
Teddy looked like he was having fun and he is getting on. Missed some of the act as it was obscured by her Bottom
Teddy was definitely the best member of the duo!!
Teddy looked like he was having fun and he is getting on. Missed some of the act as it was obscured by her Bottom
Teddy was definitely the best member of the duo!!
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Why I believe your Dog is like your Child
There is much debate as to whether a Dog should be regarded in the same way as a Child. Some say a Dog is a Dog, others say a Dog is their life, some, a Dog is their Baby. I believe that your Dog is like your Child.
I have trained Dogs. I have trained Horses. My Wife has trained Rats. I have trained Adults. I have trained Adolescents. I have trained Children.
The previous statement might sound a little far fetched, or perhaps that I am stretching the truth a little - but let me explain.
I might also say at this point that 'to train', I feel, sounds a little dictatorial, almost as if the process is one way. If we were to refer to a Schoolchild / Student we would say that they are taught rather than trained or that they have learnt. If I use the 'train' it should be interchangeable with 'teach' or 'learn'. And teaching or learning should be a two way process.
A child is born into this World not understanding the social rules that have already been laid before them, yet very soon they will be expected to conform. They will also be asked to be themselves, to shine and be an individual. They will be expected to live with a family and to interact with all the World has to offer them. They will need to learn who they are and where they fit in. They will need to be shown, or taught, how to behave and interact to social norms and over time, with the right guidance and repetition, they will learn.
When a puppy is born into this World, it doesnt understand what is expected of it. If they are to be a companion, they are asked to live with a family and interact with all the World has to offer them. Their new family will want to enjoy their individuality, but they will also want them to conform to accepted social behaviour. Just like that baby, with the correct guidance and with mindful repetition, they will learn.
I have trained Dogs. I have trained Horses. My Wife has trained Rats. I have trained Adults. I have trained Adolescents. I have trained Children.
The previous statement might sound a little far fetched, or perhaps that I am stretching the truth a little - but let me explain.
I might also say at this point that 'to train', I feel, sounds a little dictatorial, almost as if the process is one way. If we were to refer to a Schoolchild / Student we would say that they are taught rather than trained or that they have learnt. If I use the 'train' it should be interchangeable with 'teach' or 'learn'. And teaching or learning should be a two way process.
A child is born into this World not understanding the social rules that have already been laid before them, yet very soon they will be expected to conform. They will also be asked to be themselves, to shine and be an individual. They will be expected to live with a family and to interact with all the World has to offer them. They will need to learn who they are and where they fit in. They will need to be shown, or taught, how to behave and interact to social norms and over time, with the right guidance and repetition, they will learn.
When a puppy is born into this World, it doesnt understand what is expected of it. If they are to be a companion, they are asked to live with a family and interact with all the World has to offer them. Their new family will want to enjoy their individuality, but they will also want them to conform to accepted social behaviour. Just like that baby, with the correct guidance and with mindful repetition, they will learn.
What's this all about?!?!
Hello!!!
We are often asked for our opinion on doggy matters and questions on doggy subjects.
By Clients, by friends, by family, by passersby, by Radio presenters.... by everyone!
So, here is a place for us to discuss the most commonly asked questions, and perhaps some of the more unusual and interesting stuff. We will also discuss Dog matters in the News and things found on the Web.
As groomers we are asked about grooming, but we are also asked about training and about nutrition. Woof Wash offers training but we often find that we give away Dog training advice for free..... so watch this space!!
We are often asked for our opinion on doggy matters and questions on doggy subjects.
By Clients, by friends, by family, by passersby, by Radio presenters.... by everyone!
So, here is a place for us to discuss the most commonly asked questions, and perhaps some of the more unusual and interesting stuff. We will also discuss Dog matters in the News and things found on the Web.
As groomers we are asked about grooming, but we are also asked about training and about nutrition. Woof Wash offers training but we often find that we give away Dog training advice for free..... so watch this space!!
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