Sweeney Dog Pet Services, York, Harrogate, Yorkshire » dog health

Success in managing Poor Dog Behaviour

bernard — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:52:25 +0000

We have recently been asked to help with a dog that seems to have a poor attitude to other dogs. The owners are concerned that their much loved pet barks and snaps at other dogs, and as a result have begun to dread taking him out for a walk.

We began by talking him out with 3 other dogs , all of which like to run and play. We initially kept her an a tight lead and observed her behaviour. True enough she growled and snapped at the other dogs, but it was also clear that she was frustrated about not being able to run free and perhaps the behaviour was not aggressive but more likely defensive and based on fear and lack of confidence.

On subsequent walks over the next few days , her behaviour improved, although we still kept her on a lead, we were much more relaxed with her. On day 5 it became clear that she had developed so well that at the end of the walk , she insisted on jumping in the cages in the van with the other 3 dogs, rather than have her own cage. She had obviously overcome her fear. On day 6 she was allowed to run free with the other dogs and enjoy playing and running without constraint.

I am sure that there will be setbacks in the coming days and weeks but she is now a totally different dog, loves coming out for a walk and enjoys the company of other dogs.

It tremedously rewarding to help with problems, and often it just reqiures patience, perserverence and understanding.

Dogs in Vehicles

bernard — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:14:11 +0000

Owners should take some simple precautions to help reduce the risk of harm to their dogs in vehicles in hot weather.

Always allow access to water.
Try not to park in direct sunlight.
Ensure there is adequate ventilation and remember your pet will need more space than in normal weather conditions. This is especially important when carrying more than one pet.
On journeys stop more often than usual, and give your dog some exercise.

All Sweeney Dog vehicles have roof ventilation, Limosine blacked windows, which allow for ventilation, but reflect heat, and all vehicles have water bowls and purpose built cages to maximise the room available for your pets.

The Value of Group Walking

bernard — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:56:25 +0000

As experienced dog walkers we get to observe how dogs react in a variety of situations. We recently added a new dog to one of our groups and the owner was very concerned how her dog would react to other dogs. The dog has a history of aggressive behaviour to other dogs. I think she was being protective but also nervous of other dogs, hence the aggressive attitude.

We started off with her on a short lead, letting her get used to the other dogs in the group. Very quickly she understood that the group of dogs were friendly and just love playing. Within a few days she was off the lead, and playing with all the other dogs and we havent seen any sign of previous behaviour. Her confidence is sky high andwhen we collect her for her daily walk, she cant wait to get into the purpose designed cages in the Sweeney Dog vans.

Tip of the Day – Scoop the Poop

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:58:49 +0000

No one really like doing it but why not make it easier on yourself by giving your dog good quality food.

As dog walker in York we get to see a lot of what passes through a dog. By feeding food with high quality protein and rice or maize content, there is little filler content in the food. This means that the poops are firm and easier to pick up, and there are less of them. This benefits everyone. At Sweeney Dog we can advise on good pet nutrition. Beeter foods are more expensive to buy but it often works out as good value as cheaper foods because you feed less per meal. Contact us for details.

Is your pet overweight?

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:49:58 +0000

If you think your cat or dog is overweight, you may also be doing long term damage to your pets joints and stacking up high vet bills in the future.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT

Feed your pet a good quality food, but feed at least twice a day and feed about 15% less than your normal amount

Cut out the treats and tit bits or take these into account and reduce the amount in the normal feeds

Give your pet plenty of excerise – if you havent the time, use a reliable dog walking service.

When your pet has reached the weight you are happy with, adjust the food to maintain this level.

Dog Walking Service

Health Warning – Throwing Sticks for Your Dog

bernard — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:09:15 +0000

Be careful if you throw sticks for your dog to chase. I have seen dogs chasing after them so fast that they are either hit by the stick or the stick lodges in the ground and it can pierce the dog causing blood and injury.

Millie running in a field

If you would like some advice about excerising your dog, please contact Bernard or Phil at Sweeney Dog on 01904 898785 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Tip of the Day – Weather Warning

bernard — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:16:19 +0000

Please be careful with your dogs in the heat wave that we are having. If you usually throw balls or sticks for your dog remember in this heat they can get over heated very quickly, so for the next few days it may be a good idea to cut back on the exercise that you give your dog. Always ensure that they have plenty of water to drink and be careful leaving them in cars, (especially in direct sunlight and without adequate ventilation).

labrador next to Sweeney Dog van

New Dog Walking Vehicle

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:14:49 +0000

Sweeney Dog has recently acquired an additional vehicle for its dog walking service. The van is equipped with a ramp to help the older dogs get in and has two very large purpose built cages installed which can be adjusted to take even the largest dogs. In addition we have had roof ventilation installed and the rear windows have been tinted in limousine black which helps to deflect the sunlight and keeps the van cool, even in the hottest of days.

Sweeney Dog Pet Services New Van