Dogs
Pooch Corner – Have You Heard Of Trigger-Stacking?
Have you heard about trigger stacking? Also referred to as situation-stacking, where short-lived and individual experiences (good or bad), happen one after the other, in quick succession, without time for the dog to calm down in between. The best analogy for this is thinking of lighting a candle per experience, the more candles that get…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – MANAGING ANXIETY IN OUR DOGS
Did you know that anxiety can cause physical pain? I know that it does for me. I keep all my anxiety/stress/tension in my neck and shoulders and now have regular physio to keep on top of it. This effect on my body started a few years ago when I suffered severely from depression, brought on…
Read MorePooch Corner – Saying Goodbye. Do Dogs Grieve?
Today, as I write, it is the day after my beloved pooch crossed the rainbow bridge to endless walks and treats, where I know in my heart she was met by two of the most important women in my life, my Mum and my mother-in-law. Myself, my family and LJ (our other dog) are grieving…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – DEALING WITH OLDER DOGS
I treat a wide range of dogs, mainly young, but some are older, working or agility dogs. They range from musculoskeletal issues, post post-operative to monthly maintenance massage. I have experienced and seen some amazing results with all the dogs I work with but as always in life, there is sorrow and joy. Sadly, over…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – WINTER TIPS FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS
Season Greetings, This is my favourite time of year. Spiritually – Autumn is related to letting go & releasing and Winter is for nurturing & restoration. This time of year – for me – involves a lot of introspection. Short days and long nights provide the opportunity for reflection as I love to ‘hibernate’. Consider…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – OUCH! STINGING NETTLES HURT
I was out with friends on a very jolly walk. The sun was shining, the skies were blue, pubs on the route were open and I didn’t have a jumper on, it was that lovely. After locating a very non–discreet spot for a wild wee (embarrassing!), I hopped over a wobbly wooden stIle to catch…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – HIKING WITH A DOG
I have been treating a 10 ½-year-old male Springer Spaniel called Spud since May 2021 – the middle one in the photo. I call him my loveable weirdo and let’s leave it at that!! The other 4 Springers in the family are (left to right) – Chip(nearly 2), Max (nearly 13), Weirdo, Bert(6) and Bryn(2). They…
Read MorePOOCH CORNER – SNIFF THOSE EARS!
I am the proud owner of two Springer Spaniels. A favourite pastime of mine is sniffing their ears. I thought it was just a spaniel owner thing but there is an explanation as to why this is so enjoyable, pheromones. Dogs communicate through these amazing chemical messages, they are specifically secreted for the purpose of…
Read More