Tails of Adventure

17/09/2025

The Benefits of Long Lines in Training

Different from a retractable, a long line is a super long lead that is useful and in some cases safer than a retractable.

Why use a long line?

✅ Safe freedom - Your dog can explore, sniff, and run while you keep control. Unlike a retractable you can grab the lead and reel them in manually (if necessary), with a retractable grabbing the lead will lead to painful consequences.
✅ Recall practice - Perfect for teaching a reliable recall without the risk of your dog running off.
✅ Confidence builder - Great for nervous or rescue dogs who need gradual freedom.
✅ Controlled adventures - Ideal in open spaces where off-lead isn’t safe or allowed.
✅ Good long lines are not at risk of snapping - retractables can and
do snap turning into a high speed whip that slices through flesh like butter.

💡 Top Tip: Use a harness, not a collar. If your dog runs to the end of the line it could cause injury to the neck.

I get my long lines from Golden Unleashed, get yours here https://buff.ly/w8R4eVp and get yourself a 10% discount with code: tailsofadventure

15/09/2025

10/09/2025

Recognising Subtle Stress Signals in Dogs

Stress signals can often be missed as they can be subtle.

- Yawning
- Lip licking
- Panting when not hot
- Ears pinned back or tail tucked
- Pacing or restlessness
- Excessive scratching or shaking off

Tips to help your dog:

- Give them space
- Provide a safe, quiet area to retreat to.
- Avoid overwhelming situations (crowds, loud noises).
- Use positive reinforcement to build confidence.

Remember: A stressed dog isn’t “bad” – they’re communicating that something feels wrong.

💡 Pro Tip: Look at your dog’s whole body language, not just one signal. Context matters!

03/09/2025

Spotting Signs of Pain in Dogs

Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort – it’s a survival instinct. By the time limping or crying shows up, they may have been hurting for a while. Here are early signs to look out for:

⚠️ Subtle Changes in Behaviour: suddenly quieter, clingier, or more irritable.
⚠️ Reluctance to Move: hesitating on stairs, jumping less, or slowing on walks or not making it as far, sudden reluctance to meet favourite people as it means moving.
⚠️ Altered Grooming: licking one spot, chewing paws, or avoiding touch.
⚠️ Appetite & Sleep: eating less, restless at night, or sleeping much more.

If you notice changes that don’t feel “normal” for your dog, trust your gut and book a vet check.

Catching pain early = faster relief, better quality of life. 💚

01/09/2025

ENQUIRIES ARE WELCOME.

Responses maybe slower than usual but everyone who enquires will receive a response.

Thank you for your patience.

28/08/2025

Another fantastic review! It was wonderful watching not only Sabre improve greatly through positive reinforcement training but also to see his owners confidence absolutely blossom and the smile on her face when she saw that her boy can do it!!

27/08/2025

What Age is Best for Neutering?

Neutering is an important decision for your dog’s health and behaviour. But when is the right time?

General Guidelines:
Current advise is to wait until your dog is 12 months old or depending on your dogs breed/vet you maybe advised to wait longer or not to do it at all.

Pros of early neutering:

- Reduces the risk of unwanted litters.
- Can help prevent some cancers
- Reduces the risk of infections such as Pyometra
- May reduce certain unwanted behaviours like marking

Pros of later neutering/Leaving it all together:

-Allows dogs to mature physically and mentally
-Can reduce the risk of some orthopaedic issues
-Can worsen some behaviours, such as nervousness
-More prone to weight gain

A study found that spaying or neutering in dogs at 1 year old or less had an increased risk of Cranial Cruciate Ligament disease.

Another study found that both male and female dogs who went the longest before being neutered were a lot more likely to be healthy in old age.

And there will be more than I can list both for and against but every dog is different. Breed, size, health, and behaviour all play a role. Always consult your vet to choose the timing that’s best for your furry friend.

25/08/2025

25/08/2025

DID YOU KNOW? Canine Distemper

24/08/2025

Some Summer Fun Updates that I am behind on!