The Walking Dog

04/02/2022

My last walk has just finished 😞. Didn't take any pictures as I was too busy enjoying it.

Thanks for the gifts and cards. Hope to bump into you all soon 🤞🥂🍾🐶

31/01/2022

Evening all dog lovers.

It's with sadness that I say I'm moving away from dog walking and going back to the project management world

The company I'm going to work for is probably the only one I'd accept a role from so I am excited about the change although very sad to be leaving my dogs, most of whom I've walked for nearly 5 years.

I will be keeping up my studies in dog behaviour though so you may still see me about. I'll be keeping this page active for that purpose.

Thanks for all your support over the years and cheers to the future 🥂🍾.

A selection of my fav pics (album) is linked. ❤️

31/01/2022

31/01/2022

26/01/2022

2024 update -

This post was made two years ago and has recently been getting attention again. The sad thing is that actually nothing has changed. This program is still being made. There is ( as far as I know - and very happy to be corrected if I am wrong) no veterinary involvement with these dogs prior to filming.

How many more dogs are going to be labled as awkward, difficult, stubborn or just lazy when actually there is an underlying pain issue?

We have so many wonderful trainers and behaviourists that could fill this man’s shoes and provide far more valuable advice and training. Stop giving people like this man air time… pick someone who actually cares about the wellbeing of the dogs they work with instead of the cash going to line their pockets…

-

Some phrases used on this particular episode of ‘Dogs behaving (very) badly’ where 8 year old Ruby would only get off the sofa if the rug was over the laminate flooring, and would sit down and stop on walks…

‘being a madam’

‘Controlling the diva’

‘Indulging her with rugs’

‘Thinks she’s in charge’

OR

Is this actually a dog in pain, a dog scared of slipping and hurting, a dog trying to tell everyone that she’s uncomfortable?

It’s not indulging her with a rug, it’s making sure her own home is accessible and safe for her. She’s not ‘being a diva’ and refusing to walk, she’s telling you it hurts and she’s uncomfortable.

I’m very glad that the owners realise that this dogs weight is having a significant impact on her life but there are other things that need addressing here. I have no doubt they absolutely adore their girl, that is very clear to see, but I desperately wish they had the right kind of support for Ruby, not just let’s force her to walk and walk on a floor she’s is scared

Dogs Behaving Very Badly and The Dogfather (Graham Hall)… I’m afraid the blame falls to you on this occasion. You have a massive platform with thousands of dog owners watching every episode. How about talking about signs of pain? Indicators of discomfort? When behaviours actually tell us somethings wrong? Ways to adapt houses for older dogs and those that struggle with mobility? You could educate SO MANY owners but no, it doesn’t happen. Instead we just see an uncomfortable dog being forced to walk when she doesn’t want to, and live in an environment that she is scared of.

Dogs need us to advocate for them, to realise when we need to do more and to learn the ways that they tell us something isn’t right. Owner education is the key to this and this could have been a brilliant opportunity to do just that.

18/01/2022

2 of the morning crew 🌞

13/01/2022

1 big and 4 small please carol 🤣

12/01/2022

Obligatory 'dog in fog' pics.

10/01/2022

The pressure on dog professionals to have ‘perfect’ dogs is often huge. People in the wider community may automatically think ‘well they work with dogs so their dogs should behave.’

https://www.canineprinciples.com/blog/social-pressures-canine-professionals

10/01/2022

I've walked these 2 since they were 6 months old (now nearly 5) they know my body language so well that this is what they do every time they know it's the end of the walk. Basically sit down as far away as possible from me so I can't put them on leads and take them home 🤣.

07/01/2022

Few from this week.

Little B, sycronised grass eating (an everyday occurance), D getting dry and F finds a mouse (he did nothing beyond stare at it for a while).

23/12/2021

We're off till the new year now.

Merry Christmas and/or a happy new year ☃️🎄🎉🎊