Adventure Pawz

15/07/2025

Hello doggie folks...
The facecrook drought is coming to an end...watch this space for a catch up and some silly pictures of us all having fun!

11/12/2024

If you or anyone you know has and would feel able to provide us with a sweat sample to train our dogs to detect the odour of the disease, we would be very grateful.

As we kick off the next stage of our Parkinson’s dogs project we need participants who are newly diagnosed and have not yet started medication. The process is very simple; we’ll send you a pack with some material to wipe cross your neck and forehead in the morning and you can send it back to us in a pre-paid envelope.

https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/parkinsons-disease/

26/11/2024

A great metaphor!
This is why I do things that seem odd, like hanging about in bushes, hiding treats on trees, giving calming touch or even doing nothing...it helps quell the storm! 🌩️
Jack is an expert in Nosework so hurry up and grab a spot with him to learn how to help your dog use theirs!

You'd keep your dog safe in a storm, wouldn't you?

For some, that involves taking them out at different times of day when the storm is at it's lowest. For others, it might mean no walks at all on the day of the storm.

You do this because you acknowledge that storms could be dangerous. On the drive there a fallen tree branch could hit your car. A gust of wind might spook your dog and send their behaviour into overdrive. A lash of rain might leave them shivering, and exacerbate any medical issues they have.

Not worth the risk, is it?

Would you say the same at a mental storm?

Think about it - if you're walking in that busy dog park, your dog might be surrounded by other dogs. They might encounter multiple people, or cyclists, or joggers. They might have to face incredibly loud bangs or noises.

These things act as mental claps of thunder, or bolts of lighting, or lashes of rain. They wear down our dogs psyche, expose them to stress, and cause so much damage.

We just don't view it that way, because we don't think there's anything physical to show.

But there is, isn't there?

In a normal storm, we cover our heads and rush off for safety when the heavens open. For a mental storm, our dog barks and lunges to create space, and find safety.

My point is to consider if the place you're walking your dog is a storm. A swirling mass of dogs, people, cyclists and things they find upsetting.

If it is, why are we doing it? Why would you choose to constantly walk in a storm that brings neither of you joy?

There are other options. Secure fields, quieter walking times, different locations.

Storms can be navigated, but should they be normal?

If you want to solve your dogs reactivity, then they shouldn't be.

Something to think about!

07/11/2024

RESTART.
Here’s the deal: these dogs get trained by the prisoners, and when I say “trained,” I mean proper training. These dogs get more stimulation and structure in 24 hours than most pet dogs see in a week. They’re thriving—tails wagging, brains working hard! But it’s not just the dogs who come out of this with their lives changed.

Think about it. In a place where showing empathy or being vulnerable could be seen as a weakness, these men are learning to let down their guard. They’re showing kindness and patience, not just to the dogs, but in front of each other. It’s a rare thing to see, and it’s even rarer to experience. The way they connect—it’s powerful. And the cherry on top? These dogs go on to become assistance dogs, changing the lives of people who need them most.

I haven’t always been the dog guy you know. There was a time when things could have gone another way for me—and not the good kind of “other way.” Let’s just say, I could’ve ended up on the wrong side of those bars. But dogs changed that. They gave me purpose, they taught me trust, and they pulled me through when life was more grit than gratitude. They have done several times since those days too.

That’s why Restart matters to me. They’re doing work that changes lives. But like any charity, they need a leg up. If you can, donate. If not, a simple share can make a big difference. The more people hear about this, the better chance the programme has to keep running.

Second chances don’t come around often. Let’s make sure they do—for the dogs, for the men, and for the people who need those dogs most.

Restart Dogs
https://www.takingtheleadcharity.com/

04/10/2024

❤️

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem to some, but it is something that many people have a problem with, even more so if you have a reactive dog.

I compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some people might say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that.

But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, are not sociable, are recovering from an illness, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs. Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of relationship, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and teaching wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected from the unknown.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive.

Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.

09/09/2024

In August we lost a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul, Bella 🖤💔🖤
When Gelder was a pup we met Bella and her human at a nature reserve. The dogs fell in love and played so well together, instant mates. No mean feat for a lad who was scared of big, black dogs! But Bella was a rescue girl with a lovely soft soul so he knew she was alright.
Then we all happened to do a paddleboarding session, when it was a new novelty having a dog on a board. Gelder jumped off, swam to Bella n Ali and joined them on their board. How Ali didn't fall off I'll never know!
Then we all met again on a course with Dorset Search Dogs and have been mates ever since! Some souls are meant to be in your life and beautiful Bella was a special one. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Run free sweet girl 🌈 Run fast, play big 🌈

09/09/2024

Sadly, we've lost some of the Adventure Pawz family over the rainbow bridge 🌈 🐾
The first was the legend that was Hobo, big brother to Asbo. At 15 he was still alert and cheeky. Always gentle, always on his own sniffy mission agenda and a great big brother - he will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to say goodbye.
Run free gentle boy, run free 🌈 🐾 💔
x love you x

08/09/2024

Hiro says "July is over...yay!"

As a friend's dog with his family away, my time with Hiro was a bit different to that with 'normal' clients. We regularly went to Pets at Home Branksome so he had an enriching experience other than big sniffs or dashing about like a loon. He is used to working and whilst it's the school holidays and his family are away it was really beneficial for him to have as broad a range of experiences as possible.
He loved getting fuss...and charcoal bones! 😋

08/09/2024

Somebody was unimpressed with the most awesome game ever...Crunchy or Soft!
If he wins he gets a treat, if I win he gets a treat! What's not to love?!

08/09/2024

Adventures of Team Nuttermutt 🧡🧡

Vizlife n vizlove with the gingernuts 🐾👣🐾

08/09/2024

Adventures of Sparkle 🖤

A little visit for this beautiful girlie. Silly billy wanted to play outside in the heat wave but double thigh rubs kept her calm and happy. 🐾

08/09/2024

Adventures of Jude the Dude 💖

A hot but happy Judy in July!