Elderberry Pets

Please be careful about asking at your vet surgery for recommendations for dog walkers and dog trainers. They often don’t have any objective criteria, nor have any close working experience with who they’re referring. It’s one of the hardest things about working in this industry- seeing who’s getting amazing breaks, often just based on friendships, being a vet receptionist in the past, or who knows what with some of them. I’ve got examples from across three of our local vets... of them recommending people that they really shouldn’t be, when there are much better options around. Ask around as many people as you can before opting for someone, take up references, go for a walk together, and make sure expectations and T&Cs are clear and in writing. This week I’ve had a dog walker ask me to help regarding the trainer that the vet surgery has recommended to the client, as we both know the trainer’s unethical. I’ve spent probably an hour doing proper research ( for free) into what their problem is and what behaviourist will suit them best. Sometimes, the receptionists have just been given great leaflets and maybe gifts, and it’s the first thing to come to mind.
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There are some ‘funny’ videos circulating at the moment, showing stressed dogs, apparently happy in one case, ‘goofy’, I assume in another. Both show anxious dogs. In one, a Boxer Dog has been put in a pool of water that it can only stand up in on its back legs, and it’s trying to get out. Apparently it’s funny or cute or something that it doesn’t know how to swim, and is trying to teeter to the edge. The other is of a young rescue terrier-type asking for more personal space..., possibly stressed by the attention and camera. Apparently it understands that it’s just been chosen for adoption, and is delighted.
Dogs do their utmost to read us and our emotions. Let’s do what we can to pay it back!
Diagrams by RSPCA & Lili Chin.
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Some of the indoor cats that I visit would love one of these 😍

A reminder that I’m doing house visits in SW13 & 14. For puppies, cats, elderly dogs, or on days that it’s too hot for your dog to go out with a group dog walker etc. Also happy to do house visits for plants and security reasons whilst you’re away. Puppy & dog training visits, & grooming are at a higher rate than other pop in visits.
Parts of SW15 & TW9 may be possible too.

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, please consider our vulnerable native breeds. You will enter an amazing, supportive community of people with the breed, if you get one.
There are often adults requiring a home, if you ask the breed clubs. You may have to wait considerably for a puppy, but sometimes not. You will normally be grilled by the breeder, before being allowed a dog.
https://www.countryliving.com/…/native- uk-dog-breeds-vuln…/…

Please get in touch if you’d like more information about the ultrasonic toothbrushes that I use on my dogs, and now sell.

*Only one left now* £5 off. Two sniffing mats at £20 this week, so they don’t have to be packed up and moved home! These provide absolutely brilliant scent activity. You hide treats or kibble in the ridges. Everyone whose bought one is really pleased with it. There are various types on the market, but I’ve chosen this one to sell as it has different depth ridges and it’s machine washable (many aren’t). The colour also suits most homes and tastes. Price returns to £25 by the w...eekend. 🐾🐾
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I can highly recommend this, having done two of Sophie’s First Aid workshops. If you can’t get tomsee her in person, this is the next best thing. I recommend everyone with a dog to learn about first aid for them. I hear about quite a few problems that could have been avoided if owners had a bit more knowledge. Unfortunately, some serious ones, recently. I’m hoping to host Sophie Bell again for a workshop locally too. If you let me know if you’re interested, I can organise one.

Some spaces coming free now for the next two weeks, the last two weeks of group walks. Some clients are trialling or moving to their new provider early.
One walk space available AM: Friday 22 Feb... Monday 25 Feb Weds 27 Feb (late AM/ lunch)
🐾🐾
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