Help For Hounds

Following on from yesterday... how do I know if I’ve got the right size muzzle?
✅ Your dog can still eat treats ✅ Your dog can pant and bark ✅ It doesn’t press into their eyes when fastened
... So, your muzzle is too small if... ❌ It holds your dog’s mouth shut (like the Nylon ones) ❌ Your dog can’t bark/pant with it on ❌ There is no grille on the end (like the gimmicky duck beak ones). These do not 100% protect against a tooth grip).
Two of my favourite brands are BUMAS and Baskerville Muzzles. BUMAS are made to measure, which is ideal for dogs wearing them more long term, and Baskerville have two styles so suit a range of dogs. For flatter faced breeds, a muzzle similar to the style below is the best option as mesh ones can become very hot on a warm day. 🐾
More on muzzle training tomorrow!
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Muzzles are Marvellous! 😍
When people see a dog that is muzzled, they often assume that the dog is aggressive. This may be right, it may be wrong, (usually wrong as aggression is not a personality trait) but that does not mean there’s a bad dog behind the muzzle.
Muzzles are worn by dogs for lots of reasons, including:
... 🐕 Dogs that pick up things they shouldn’t on their walks
🐩 Dogs that really like to chase stuff such as squirrels, to protect them if they get off lead (this can be considered “coarsing”)
🦮 Dogs that find dogs rushing in their faces really scary, so may snap if others get too close
🐕‍🦺 Dogs that find new people scary, to prevent children’s straying fingers or the person that passes too close from being harmed.
People can be very judgemental when you walk a muzzled dog. I’ve had people glare, point & even shout at me before!
A muzzle is keeping that dog AND your dog safe. A well-fitting muzzle means a dog has a 0% chance of biting you or your dog. To me, that is the sign of a really considerate dog parent 😍 they’re thinking of you and your dog too! Please give that dog’s human a smile at a distance😊
In this photo, Lily & I are playing muzzle games at the vet. Lily finds handling hard, so we play muzzle games to make her muzzle the best thing ever. This way, whenever she has to wear it, she looks forward to it & it doesn’t make her more stressed.
You can’t see in the photo but lily’s foot was bleeding heavily after a claw was accidentally ripped out. We played easy, fun muzzle games whilst her super vets were quickly preparing the care she needed. This kept lily relaxed & optimistic for as long as possible 😍
Muzzle training is, in my opinion, one of the BEST gifts you can ever give your dog. It’s one of the things I hope you will never need, but couldn’t be prouder of you all for doing.
See our next post for fitting a muzzle!
Thank you for reading 🐾
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TAKE 5.
This is an overwhelming and scary time for us all, which can transfer to our pets. Our dynamic within the house has changed a lot, our routines have changed and it’s thrown everyone out a little. Having some structure to your day can be really beneficial for your dog, including play times/training times/rest times!
This is my “take 5” tips for a successful lockdown with your dog!
... Try some of this each day 🐶
TAKE 5 - MINUTES APART - practice being apart even if just for 5 minutes daily to help prevent separation anxiety when we all return to normal. If you’re dog is used to being left, it won’t be such a jump for them.
TAKE 5 - MINUTES TO PLAY - Have 5 minutes of silly fun with your dog! Play some hide & seek, tuggy, sniffy games - whatever you enjoy that makes you both jump for joy.
TAKE 5 - MINUTES FOR FOOD - Give your dog enrichment and brain games to help make their food last longer. It will help keep them busy whilst you’re working!
TAKE 5 - MINUTES OF SKILLS - Practicing a new trick for just 5 minutes a day means you limit frustration, “overcooking” and means you both keep your motivation!
TAKE 5 - MINUTES TO TALK - Just hanging out and talking with your dog is a great way to cement your bond, particularly if they are new or nervous. Read a book, talk about your worries, and laugh together.
So, if in doubt during lockdown - take 5!
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This is a great graphic! Please share

For those of you wanting basic training or who have recently got a puppy!
My friend Bethany at Bonny Dog Behaviour has set up an awesome online course to help your dog become a well-rounded family pet, even with the craziness of lockdown.
I like how it’s the content of classes but it can be done at home. Classes don’t suit every dog or their human, so having this style of training can be really successful!
... Enjoy 🐶
https://schoolfordogs.teachable.com/p/bon ny-dog-behaviour-l…
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TIGER KING.
A Netflix show that’s grabbed the nation, right?
But also, a very depressing state of affairs for the welfare of big cats.
... When you watch the show, a lot of the signals the cats will give that they are extremely stressed are more subtle. A really common one is the “looking half asleep” in an uncomfortable crouch, alongside pacing and vocalisations.
I am not an expert in Feline behaviour, however I know enough to spot stress and I think that, whilst some of the people on the show are very entertaining, a lot of the cats are showing very high amount of stress.
If you watch the show, I would really like you to consider looking for the stress these cats show. Feline stress can be more subtle to the human eye than canine stress. Be an advocate for the cats.
Graphic credit: CattleDog Publishing - The Legacy of Dr. Sophia Yin
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😂

Following on from our post yesterday... how do we know when our dogs may be in pain?
People often think a dog has to be crying/whining or limping to be in pain, but as anyone who has experienced long term pain will tell you, masking it as much as possible allows the most normal life possible.
These are just some of the signs your dog may be struggling with pain, particularly chronic/long term pain.
... PLEASE NOTE - this is NOT a complete guide & is not one size fits all. It is simply some common signs I see, particularly from a behavioural perspective. If you have any concerns about your pet please consult a vet immediately.
I’d like to know - those of you whose dogs have diagnoses, how did you know when they were uncomfortable? What signs did you spot?
Jemma 🐾
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“Surely if my dog was in pain, he wouldn’t chase a ball?”
Actually... that’s not necessarily the case.
Chasing a ball releases huge amounts of adrenaline. Adrenaline raises the heart rate and can mask pain.
... It also releases dopamine, in short, intense bursts. Dopamine is the happy hormone, but with the repetitive nature of ball throwing it becomes more and more addictive to try and get that “high”.
Lily adores a squeaky ball. Despite double hip dysplasia and back issues, she would play with a ball with you all day. She would literally run until she dropped because in her brain, the fun overrides any discomfort.
I don’t deprive her of a ball because she loves them. We just play a bit more sensibly to stop her hurting herself.
In this game, I throw a treat on the floor and throw the ball in the opposite direction whilst she’s sniffing. She then has to search for her ball. We only play this game 1-2 X per month.
Searching for the ball is much more of a gentle activity and doesn’t have the awful “stop-twist” motion that ball throwing does. She still gets lots of praise for finding the ball and she is much more tired after this because she’s used her nose & brain.
Chronic pain is also very hard to find in animals. They hide it so well. So just because your dog isn’t whimpering, limping or refusing to get out of bed doesn’t mean they are in pain. I will talk more about spotting pain in one of my future posts!
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A double, quadruple success story!
I was clearing through some of my gear a little while ago and I found some stuffy dogs that I used to use occasionally for assessing. I don’t really use them any more and decided they could be very well loved in a new home.
Who better than two kids who adore dogs and were finding life tricky as their daddy has just gone on Covid 19 military deployment?
... Teka the Husky and Lucky the Golden Retriever went off to their new homes and have become best friends in the family. They go EVERYWHERE! Even dad got to meet the new additions 🥰
That’s a huge win. Putting smiles on faces is always a win, especially during these tough times.
But then I got a message from mum that absolutely made my week 🙌🏼
Having their new stuffed companions helped the kids realise how much work having a real dog can be & how actually they aren’t ready for that commitment yet. They enjoy walking other people’s dogs but aren’t ready for the 24/7 dog ownership life. They are able to love their stuffed friends just as much and still do all the things they normally do.
How amazing that two stuffed dogs have been able to help two young children make such a mature and sensible realisation! Dog ownership is a huge commitment and people rush into getting one so quickly. If more people had this experience, shelters would be nearly empty.
Before you buy a dog: think, research and do a trial run with looking after other people’s dogs. Foster from a shelter too if you can! This will give you a chance to see if a dog works with your household dynamic before buying one. A real dog is not something you can just pick up and put down when it’s convenient. A stuffed dog is!
Thank you for reading. All shared with guardian’s permission.
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4 ways to spice up your walks!
With all the restrictions in place, your walks can often be limited to road walks or shorter walks.
However... we CAN still tire our dogs out with these, if we do them right!
... Here are 4 ways to spice up your walks:
1. TEXTURE AND SURFACE - encourage your dog to try (safe) varieties in surfaces on your walk, such as stepping on to grassy areas, slightly raised walks, on and off the curb!
2. LET ME SNIFF! Scatter some treats on the floor at random points on your walks and spend more time letting them sniff. Allowing them to process data will tire their brains out.
3. PLAY GAMES - Games such as drunk walking, sitting and waiting for a second, “find it” or practicing your tricks will help use their brain a little more.
4. HANG OUT TOGETHER - pause for a moment on your walks. Have a cuddle and hang out. This will add to your bonding and allow your dog to really process their walk!
Stay safe, stay well and stay home ☺️🐾
Jemma & Lily
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BANK HOLIDAY FUN!
Each photo from a film/TV show depicts a behaviour or training issue that your dog may show. Comment your guess on the photo as to what that might be! 😄

How a simple kids toothbrush is helping Lily...
Last time Lily was at the vets, she had to have her leg shaved, which as a dog who requires little to no grooming really freaked her out!
I bought a soft child’s toothbrush, as they sound quite similar to small clippers & are very soft on the animal’s skin. We are pairing it with nice treats to build clipping into a fun activity for her. This is a technique I have also used to great success with nervous horses.
... Today was session 1, and already she is starting to wag her tail when the brush gets turned on! This is because as the brush gets turned on, she gets some yummy ham, so now when she hears the brush go on, she feels positive and looks forward to it. Go Lily!
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My little guy bas is such a lucky boy & lily loves her pickpocket too! They are amazing enrichment - check them out to keep your dogs, cats, bunnies, guineas and hamsters entertained during lockdown 🐾

The amazing Shona Moon from Come to Heal Dog Training Centre did this epic video exclusively for our Facebook group Help For (Your) Hounds! 🤫
However.... I love it so much and I want to promote my doggy friends, so here it is for all of you to enjoy!
WAG IT games are a really fun way of training. For those of you struggling with loose lead walking, this is for you!
... Check out Shona’s Facebook page for more awesome content 🤓
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Fingers crossed this is as effective as the amazing cancer and diabetes detection dogs already in action!
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/…/dogs- being-trained-to-sni…

Great advice from the lovely Andy!