Heather's Happy Hounds

28/09/2025

Our walk and train session focused on attention to name, and recall with a little short off lead run in a safe area, followed by coffees and puppuchinos! 🥰😋

21/09/2025

Our walk and train session earlier this morning, we all had lots of fun , which helps build confidence in both dogs and owners. Well done everyone! 😊🐾

17/09/2025

Why do we sometimes label dogs when we see behaviours?, Most people will have unintentionally called their dog " grumpy" " stupid" or "snowflake " but what we should be asking, is what is causing that behaviour? Are they in pain?, are they fearful? or did we not spend enough time training them to feel calm in new situations. Lose the label and make some changes. Happy to help. 😊🐾

07/09/2025

A very wet but enjoyable group walk this morning where we discussed recall.
Notice in the video, that I called my dogs name to get his attention, and only recalled him when he responded, which was when his bum came up. Most dogs would normally lift or turn their head , but this time he had a ball in his mouth. How does your dog respond to their name?

05/09/2025

The noise and speed of the aircraft might be thrilling to us, but your dog might not share your enthusiasm. 😢✈️

Vets for pets used our poster to get the word out. Well done. Vets for Pets!

19/08/2025

After a very successful group walk, some clients were encouraged to take the plunge and have their first visit to a cafe for coffee and puppuchinos. Happy to say everyone was well behaved , including the dogs! Lol. If you have a puppy then take them to dog friendly restaurants or cafes. Keep the visit short, take plenty of treats, and try to use premises that have an outdoor area. Doing it now will pay off later. 🥳🐕🐾

18/08/2025

I found this site by accident, and I am horrified at the level of violence in the cases listed. One of these monsters is from Prestwick. Please don't be afraid to report cases of abuse; it might not just be the pet that is being targeted. Thankfully, Buster is doing great in his new home.

CONVICTED | Daniel Murphy, 43, from Prestwick, South Ayrshire - subjected a young Staffy to a series of prolonged vicious attacks.

Serial animal abuser Murphy, who was given a five-year ban in 2018 for kicking a puppy in the street resulting in injury, admitted causing the 11-month-old dog called Buster unnecessary suffering.

He was prosecuted after members of the public raised multiple reports of concern with the Scottish SPCA, with one caller reporting they heard a dog yelping and screaming in distress.

One attack, which took place on 1 November 2024,, was caught on video. During a horrific THREE-HOUR assault, Murphy was captured:

- beating Buster’s face and head with the flat of a household iron;
- throwing filled 2-litre bottles at Buster and pouring unidentified liquid over his face and body several times;
- dragging, lifting, and throwing Buster by his legs and tail;
- subjecting him to sustained verbal abuse and terror.

In total, Buster was struck 71 times with extreme force. Throughout the attack he displayed visible fear and distress as well as submission and resignation, showing that he had endured previous abuse.

The court heard Murphy effectively tortured the terrified pup by showing love one second then suddenly exploding in violence.

It was heard that Murphy had taken Buster to a vet where he claimed that his multiple injuries had been caused accidentally.

The vet found Buster to be subdued with severe swelling on his head and face and his right eye was closed over. It was later concluded that this had likely been caused by trauma to the head. The vet contacted the SSPCA with her concerns.

The dog was finally found by officers in the care of a friend of Murphy and taken to the Lanarkshire SSPCA rehoming centre for further treatment.

The court heard the SSPCA was later sent videos taken inside Murphy’s home by an anonymous source.

Defence solicitor John Gallagher told the court his client had “suffered a deterioration in his mental health” and had been using alcohol and illicit substances.

Jailing Murphy for nine months Sheriff Michael Meehan told him: “This was a sustained and senseless episode of cruelty on an animal that went on for hours.

“You have a considerable record of inflicting harm on humans – you have a previous conviction causing suffering to an animal and disqualified for five years.

“To approach this case properly I had to view that footage, it is distressing a relentless attack on an animal that was helpless. What is shown was merciless behaviour. I take the view the only appropriate disposal is a sentence of custody.

“Given the deeply disturbing campaign of cruelty you will be disqualified for a period of life.

“Such is the degree of cruelty you cannot have contact with any animal in any way. It would not be okay you to walk or care for someone’s dog even for five minutes.”

Scottish SPCA inspector Caitlin Rea, who was involved in the investigation, said: “This case is truly horrific. It is without question one of the worst I have encountered with the Society due to the sustained and brutal nature of the abuse.

“Buster endured hours of torment at the hands of someone who should have cared for him. The physical injuries were severe, including head trauma, swelling, and a historical leg fracture, but the emotional trauma was just as profound.

“Thanks to the bravery of the individuals who reported this, and the evidence captured, we were able to ensure Buster’s suffering ended and justice was sought.”

After receiving emergency veterinary care, Buster was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA. He has since been adopted and is now thriving.

Inspector Rea added: “Buster is now living a wonderful life hillwalking and travelling the country in a camper van. He finally has the peaceful and loving life he deserves.”

Sentencing | nine-month custodial. Lifetime ban but can appeal after 10 years.

https://ukanimalcrueltyfiles.org/prestwick-south-ayrshire-daniel-murphy/

https://www.scottishspca.org/news/dog-endures-three-hours-of-sustained-abuse-at-hands-of-owner

09/08/2025

How many toys does your dog have? Are you constantly buying new ones? Dogs get bored of toys just like children, and so I decided to use this little trick that my mum did with my toys. Hide them away in a box or container your dog can't access, but keep a couple out, then every few days bring out another couple , and put them on rotation. As a child I completely forgot about the toys I wasn't playing with, so I thought I was getting new toys every week! What a clever mum I had! 🤣

01/08/2025

Dew claws...what are they? does your dog have them?
Dew claws are like a dog's "thumb," situated higher up on the leg, but they may have been removed depending on breed.
They are remnants of evolutionary past, but if your dog has them , then you have probably seen your dog use them to balance themselves when they turn sharply or hold onto objects. Unfortunately they don't tend to wear down naturally because of their position on the leg, so if you see your dog chewing on the claw it usually means they are uncomfortable. 🐕🐾

19/07/2025

Fantastic walk at Dean Park,ending with some well deserved coffee and cake, and of course some doggie treats! 😀

29/06/2025

Had a lovely time at Seasalt Fun Dog Show, with Tracy Miller Breen of Lola's Luxury Doggy Day Care. Came away with a first in the best dog class, which had a very big turnout, in fact he fell asleep at one point! needless to say he is now munching on his winnings 😍🐾🐕🤣

28/06/2025

Looking for something to do with your dog tomorrow? , why not pop along and enter a class.