CCA Dog Training

27/09/2024

Pate now in stock at Dogs Danglies

GRAB YOUR LEADS & HARNESS’ DOGS DANGLIES HAS A NEW GNAW -GOURMET PÂTE! 🐶

THESE PÂTES ARE PURRRFECT FOR A TOPPER TO YOUR RAW FOR EXTRA YUMMIES OR EVEN SLICED UP AND USED AS TRAINING TREATS! 🍖

AT A WHOPPING 95% MEAT CONTENT 5% CHICKPEA FLOUR THERE ARE ZERO NASTIES!! ⛔️

04/07/2024

Another day, another vet visit.......

Calypso still isn't eating or drinking much, one ultrasound later, and it seems her digestive system isn't working like it should be, cue Super Vet Frankie and her anti sickness injection.

Looks like Caly is in for a day of IV fluids tomorrow and some extra special meds to help get her intestines moving as they should be. But for now, it's plenty of cuddles and small amounts of chicken or anything she wants, really.

Thank you for all the messages and concern about how she's getting on. I'm still worried, but I have the best team looking after her at Rose Valley Vets ❤️‍🩹🐾

02/07/2024

I have been holding off posting for the last few days because we had a real emergency, and I have been coming to terms with it all.....

My number one girl Calypso was rushed into the vets on Thursday night for emergency surgery 😭. She started being sick shortly after her tea and was clearly in huge amounts of pain. A phone call to the best vets in Lancashire, out of hours, and we were heading up to Rose Valley Vets at breakneck speed. One sedation and an x-ray later, it's confirmed she has bloated, and her stomach had twisted, otherwise known as GDV......

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a serious and life-threatening condition.

GDV occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and then twists. This condition can cause severe complications, including restricted blood flow, damage to internal organs, and shock. GDV can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Signs of GDV include:
Distended abdomen
Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
Restlessness or pacing
Excessive drooling
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Weakness or collapse

Large and deep-chested breeds are at a higher risk, but any dog can develop GDV. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if you suspect your dog has GDV.

Preventative measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtime, and using elevated food bowls with caution.

If you ever notice any signs of GDV in your dog, contact your vet immediately. Early intervention can save your dog’s life. The fact that Calypso was in the vets 30 minutes after her symptoms started, probably saved her life, along with the expertise of Frankie, Howie, and Mel from . She is making a slow recovery, but I am praying she's now on the road to recovery.

Please learn the symptoms, stay vigilant, and keep your furry friends safe.

21/06/2024

The challenge with dog training is that it takes time and consistency. It requires faith that it will work with enough patience and repetitions.

Today, I got a glimpse of progress with both springer boys. Archie has started to look around more, wag his tail when he's out and about, and he generally looks less stiff.

Alfie has had a resurgence of his lead-fighting behaviour, but alongside that, he's much happier to sit and observe without rubbing against me or jumping up for support. He’s starting to sort things out in his own head.

It's so rewarding when a plan starts to come together. The boys are far from "fixed," but the progress is there! 💪🐾❤️

20/06/2024

🔥☀️ Keeping Your Pooch Cool in Hot Weather! ☀️🔥

Hello, wonderful dog parents! As the temperature rises, it's important to ensure our furry friends stay cool, comfortable, and entertained. Here at CCA Dog Training, we've got some top tips to help your dog beat the heat and have a tail-wagging good time!

🌴 **Shady Business**: Create a cool haven in your garden with plenty of shade. Set up a cosy spot with a sun umbrella, or better yet, let them lounge in the shade of a tree. Think of it as your dog's personal summer retreat!

💦 **Splish Splash Fun**: Fill up a paddling pool or turn on the sprinkler for some splashy fun. Dogs love water play, and it’s a great way to keep them cool and entertained. Just make sure to supervise – we don’t want any unplanned doggy diving competitions!

🍦 **Frozen Delights**: Treat your pup to some frozen goodies. You can make dog-friendly ice lollies with plain yoghurt and bits of their favourite fruits. Or, freeze some chicken broth into ice cubes for a tasty, cooling snack. It’s like a summer ice cream truck for dogs!

🚶‍♂️ **Early Birds and Night Owls**: Schedule walks for early mornings or late evenings when it’s cooler. Midday sun can be harsh on those paw pads, so avoid the hottest parts of the day. Plus, who doesn’t love a sunrise stroll or a sunset saunter?

🎾 **Indoor Olympics**: When it’s too hot outside, bring the fun indoors! Set up an indoor obstacle course, play hide and seek with their favourite toys, or teach them some new tricks. It’s a perfect way to burn off energy without breaking a sweat (or a pant!).

🚿 **Cool Baths**: A cool bath can be a refreshing treat for your dog. If they’re not a fan of the tub, try a gentle hose down outside. It’s like a mini spa day – all that’s missing is the cucumber slices!

🚰 **Hydration Station**: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, cool water. You can even add some ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it extra refreshing. Hydration is key to staying cool and healthy.

Remember, our furry friends rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable. With these tips, you’ll be the coolest dog parent around (pun intended)! Stay cool, have fun, and enjoy the summer with your four-legged pals.

From all of us at CCA Dog Training, stay paw-sitive and keep those tails wagging! 🐶❤️

19/06/2024

A bit of a different day yesterday....

In between walking and training, I had the choral accompaniments of these two cats, both in fine voice 🤣.

Don't forget I offer a pet taxi service, if like the owner of these two, your elderly and can't get them to the vet for a checkup, or don't have a way to transport a large dog to the kennels or the groomers then drop me a message and we can arrange a collection and drop off.

Unfortunately I can't transport owners too, I would need a taxi license to be able to offer that.

18/06/2024

Meet Archie...

The second of the spaniel duo, Archie, shows more traditional signs of anxiety. In the video, you can see his body is quite stiff, he's constantly scanning his surroundings, and there’s a lot of lip licking. All these signs show that Archie is quite uncomfortable.

To address the issues both boys face, they need to experience being over threshold—that is, outside their comfort zone, where they start showing anxious behaviours. For Archie and Alfie to get used to new surroundings, sights, and smells, they’ll feel a bit uncomfortable during our walks. However, they won't be so uncomfortable that they shut down or can’t function. Instead, they’ll be in that slightly anxious state where the best learning happens. Over time, they’ll start to see that the world goes on around them without any threat, and they'll realise that what really matters is where their human is. Their human has got this, so they don’t need to worry.

I can't wait to see the boys again today and check on their progress. Aimee is doing a fab job of keeping me updated with videos of their walks too!

17/06/2024

Sorry for the silence this morning...

It's post op check up day at Wrightington. I will answer your emails and messages later on. Sorry for any inconvenience

16/06/2024

🌟 Happy Father's Day to all the Amazing Dog Dads! 🌟

Today, we're celebrating all the fantastic dog dads who go the extra mile for their furry friends. Whether you're a proud papa to a playful pup or a seasoned dad to a wise old doggo, today is all about you and your four-legged kids!

To make this day extra special, why not try out some fun activities that both you and your dog will love? Here are a few cheeky ideas to get tails wagging and tongues lolling:

🐾 **Fetch and Frolic**: Grab your dog's favourite toy and head to the park for an epic game of fetch. It's a classic for a reason – nothing beats the pure joy of seeing your dog sprint back with their prize.

🐾 **Canine Treasure Hunt**: Hide treats or toys around your garden or house and let your dog sniff them out. It's a great way to stimulate their minds and burn off some energy.

🐾 **Agility Course Fun**: Set up a mini agility course with household items. Think broomstick jumps, cushion hurdles, and tunnel crawls. It's a fantastic way to keep both of you active and entertained.

🐾 **Splash Time**: If the weather's warm, set up a paddling pool or sprinkler for some splashing fun. Dogs love cooling off, and it's a brilliant way to spend a sunny afternoon.... I know it's unlikely to be sunny 🙄🤣

🐾 **Doggy Picnic**: Pack a picnic with some dog-friendly snacks and head to your favourite spot. Enjoy some quality time with your pup, surrounded by nature and treats.

Remember, it's not just about the games – it's about the bond you share and the joy you bring to each other's lives. So, grab those leads, lace up your trainers, and get ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and lots of wagging tails.

From all of us at CCA Dog Training, have a pawsome Father's Day! 🐶❤️

14/06/2024

14/06/2024

I promised you a proper introduction to the spaniel duo...

Meet Alfie...

Just like his brother, Alfie struggles with anxiety outside the house. Anyone who has trained with me knows that headcollars aren't my go-to tool for a dog that pulls. However, both Alfie and Archie hit the end of the lead and just drag, hurting their throats and Aimee's arm. It’s a symptom of their distress. On walks, they dash to the off-lead field as fast as possible to avoid the outside world. They find it tough to focus on anything other than reaching and returning from the field.

In the video, you see Alfie seemingly doing typical spaniel behaviour, nose down sniffing. But I see panicked, fast movements. He’s actively avoiding taking in his surroundings, living life in a blur to escape the scary outside world. He's not truly sniffing—it's a displacement behaviour. He won’t take food outside the house, constantly over threshold, and fights the headcollar if he can’t revert to pulling like a tank.

So, what do we do about it? We start by conditioning him to the headcollar, getting him used to it in the house first with rewards, then taking him for short walks with it on. He’s quickly learnt he can’t pull into it like he does with a harness or collar, and he’s respecting lead pressure much better. Though he still has the occasional argument where he jumps up at the handler for comfort, that’s happening less often. Now that we have control, we can slow him down and help him realise the big wide world is full of interesting smells and sounds—it’s not the terrifying place he thinks it is. Over the next few weeks, Aimee and I will walk him in different places, slowly increasing the level of distractions as he gains confidence.

Tomorrow, Archie will be the star of the show, and you’ll see how different dogs present different symptoms for the same problems.

At CCA Dog Training, we set ourselves apart from other training schools by avoiding one-size-fits-all methods. Instead, we focus on personalised training tailored to the individual needs of each dog. We train the dog in front of us, ensuring a unique and effective approach for every canine client.