Animals need to be motivated to learn and most modern-day trainers know that using some kind of reward helps drive that motivation. However, there are some owners who feel that their pet should obey them without using reward-based...
After consuming all those goodies at Christmas, many of us are thinking about starting the New Year with a weight reduction and keep fit campaign but there are many potential hazards for our pets in January! Xylitol For dieters, lots...
“Help! my cats don’t get on” is a frequent call I get from cat owners. It usually follows after another cat is introduced to keep an existing cat company. But do cats need a friend? The short answer is generally NO!...
A common problem that arises for parrot owners’ is the bird that becomes overly bonded to one particular member of the household. Aggression can be shown to other members of the family, especially when they are in close proximity of...
Cats and other animals always amaze me at the way they adapt to disabilities. This is certainly the case when caring for one that loses their sight. Cats that go blind suddenly often need more time to adapt but, although it’s easier if...
A new study, undertaken in the UK on behavioural reasons for deaths in dogs under three years of age, has found that a staggering 33.7% of deaths was linked to undesirable behaviour problems. It highlights the importance of puppy...
At 7 years of age and above, most cats are still playful and may appear youthful but there is an increasing risk of feline age-related problems developing. Hypertension (often referred to as high blood pressure) is a medical condition...
Now that it’s spring and the weather is warming up, most of us will be planning some lovely long walks with the dog. Whilst out and about, it’s possible to come across an Adder basking in the sunshine as they emerge from their...
Keeping in good shape mentally and physically makes sense for all of us and sharing a healthy life with your dog means that you can live life well together. Obesity is not only a human problem. In fact, according to the Kennel Club,...
Working as a canine behaviour counsellor means that I often have to help people understand why their dogs react or behave in a particular way. Attributing human emotions can be unhelpful Often misunderstandings arise because owners...
All cats are individuals and have their own personality types. However there are a number of common behaviours that most cats exhibit. Knowing what some of these are and what they mean helps us understand and appreciate them just that...
Just like humans, as dog’s age, they benefit from being mentally stimulated. In a recent study, researchers in Vienna taught elderly dogs to play computer games and found that they can help slow down mental deterioration. The...
Aggression is a broad term. In the cat it ranges from hissing and growling right up to a full blown attack. However this description doesn’t tell us anything about what is motivating the cat to show aggression. In most cases cats...
Now that the festive season is upon us there will be lots of preparations for Christmas. Whilst this is a happy time for most of us, it can bring about additional stress and potential problems for our feline family members. Here is the...
Now that the days of summer have slipped by we all begin to turn our thoughts to events like Halloween, Bonfire night and preparations for Christmas. There’s lots of activity going on in the kitchen with Christmas fare and warm...
Observe dogs’ body language: You can watch your own dog in the home, when out on walks and during play sessions. See how they interact with you and the world around them. Observe well socialised dogs interacting together and look at...
Lungworm is a potentially fatal disease affecting the dog. Evidence indicates that it continues to spread across the UK. Read all about this potentially fatal disease and find out why monthly treatment is essential to prevent the...
This is the first of a series of short blogs about different dog breeds. Each article looks at some of their traits and first aid situations or health related issues that the breed may be susceptible to. This article spotlights the...
As a behaviour counsellor with a special interest in feline behaviour, one of the most common problems I am called about is inappropriate urinating in the house. Here are ten reasons why this might be happening: Aversion to the type of...
This week is Diabetes week but did you know that this disease doesn’t just affect humans? In fact Diabetes Mellitus (to give it its full name) is one of the most common endocrine conditions seen in dogs. The term endocrine relates to...
Although we are still experiencing some rotten weather, the nights are getting longer. That means that we can start to look forward to taking our dogs out for long walks. It sounds good doesn’t it? but what if your dog had an accident...
Fear Aggression One of the most common problems I am asked to give seminars on, or help pet owners with, is “aggression”. However this label can be very misleading. Aggression is a response to something in the environment....
As a dog lover and pet professional, I often look out for a hotel to stay where I can take Robbie, my beautiful 7 year old rescue Labrador yet still enjoy some luxury accommodation. Choosing to stay at Ox Pasture Hall with my husband...
Now that Spring is in the air we all start to turn our attention to going on holiday. Packing up the car for a day’s outing with our dog should be something to look forward to. Unfortunately, for some dogs this isn’t the case....
There are an estimated 1.3 million rabbits kept as pets in the UK. However despite their rise in popularity many of their basic behavioural and welfare needs are not always being met. Pet rabbits are not far removed from their wild...
Christmas time can be quite stressful for our feline friends. Cats are creatures of habit and so can get quite anxious during the festive period. There are lots of new smells, changes to the layout of the home and visitors calling. Not...
Bonfire night is just around the corner and it’s NOW that we should be preparing our pets for the event. As a veterinary nurse and animal behaviourist, I see lots of owners asking for help about a week or a day before bonfire night,...
As a veterinary nurse, behaviourist and animal first aider, there have been many times when I have had to use or recommend the use of a muzzle. Muzzles can be used for a number of reasons including: To prevent your dog from scavenging...
Did you know 80% of dogs over the age of three experience gum disease? Gum disease begins when bacteria sticks to the surface of teeth. It forms a whitish sticky layer called dental plaque. If this layer is left, it...
Training your dog to use a crate or cage is a great idea for your dog and your property’s safety. A crate provides a safe, comfortable haven for your dog, like a play pen for a toddler. It should never be used as a form of punishment....
In April 2016 all dogs from 8 weeks of age must be microchipped. According to a survey by MedicAnimal there are still a large number of dog owners who are not aware of this new legislation. In fact many taking part in the survey were...
I spent a fantastic day with the brilliant Ian Dunbar. It was part of his roadshow educating dog trainers & behaviourists on the merits of reward-based training. The whole day was full of useful tips on training and if you haven’t...
At last some warm weather is her is here! But this can be bad news for your dog if they overheat. We’ve all heard about the dangers of hypothermia in winter, but what about hyperthermia? What is hyperthermia? Hyperthermia is when a...
Recently I have helped out with a forthcoming programme on cat behaviour for Channel 5. The documentary is to help educate cat owners understand their cats’ problem behaviours. The aim is to improve the...
The veterinary profession are urging people to sign a petition to add a foul-tasting additive (bitterant) to antifreeze. This would deter pets from ingesting the sweet tasting poison and so prevent them from a painful death.The...
I recently taught a lovely group of very keen pet owners in Harrogate about First Aid for their four-legged friends. They were delighted to feel confident enough to respond in an emergency situation. A willing assistant...
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons announces Royal Charter for Veterinary Nursing as a profession. This came into effect on the 17th February 2015 and represents a huge step forward for all Registered Veterinary Nurses. As well as...
