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

NEW!!! Sweeney Dog – private walking field

bernard — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:03:44 +0000

Sweeney Dog now have our own dog walking field. Located just north of Wigginton, this field has been securely fenced and is protected by double gates, so that when we are loading and unloading dogs from our specially equipped vans , dogs cant run off.

Our dogs can now run and play safely and is absolutely no where near any roads or traffic. We also use the field to assess new dogs as they bond into the group of other dogs, as well as enabling us to undertake work with dogs with behavioural problems.

The field may also be of interest to dog trainers in York, looking for a safe environment to work with their clients & dogs

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.

Safety Alert – Walking your Dog

bernard — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:22:08 +0000

I recently saw an unfortunate incident with someone talking their dog for a walk. The owner was getting the dog out of a car whenit slipped its head out of the collar. The dog ran off across a road and into a field. Luckily the dog narrowly missed a car and was eventually safely caught. It made me think about the types of collars and being extra vigilant about having full control of your dog especially when close to a road. We often use slip leads so that this cant happen, but it pays to be extra careful. It was also a reminder that you should have good insurance, in case your dog causes a motor accident. At Sweeney Dog our dog walking services are fully insured.

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.

Is your dog walking area safe?

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:38:32 +0000

Whenever you find a new place to walk your dog always do a risk assessment before you let your dog off the lead. Is the area secure , away from roads and traffic? If you go by car, is it a safe area to load and unload your dog. We thought we found a great place the other day but at the end of the field was a railway track. It wasn’t wqell marked but didnt pass our safety checks. At Sweeney Dog we always complete a risk assessment for walking areas, especially important for dogs off the lead.

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

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