Happy Houndz

03/06/2026

31/05/2026

With Village Vets – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

31/05/2026

If your walks have turned into a tug-of-war match, it might be time to rethink how you handle the leash. The secret is showing your dog that pulling is actually the slowest way to reach their favorite sniffing spot.

1. Halting your forward movement the instant the leash goes tight makes pulling counterproductive.

2. Using a consistent heel command helps guide them back to your side where the pace is more manageable.

3. Offering a small reward whenever they keep the leash slack encourages them to check in with you regularly.

By stopping instead of tugging back, you avoid a power struggle and emphasize that walking together is a partnership. A relaxed stroll is much more enjoyable for both of you when you are on the same page.

27/05/2026

EDIT SAFE HOME 🥳
**MISSING CLONAKILTY - PLEASE SHARE**
Went missing from his home on the Dunnes side of Clon this evening. Possibly scared by the thunder. Please keep an eye out for this little one.

26/05/2026

If your walks have turned into a tug-of-war match, it might be time to rethink how you handle the leash. The secret is showing your dog that pulling is actually the slowest way to reach their favorite sniffing spot. 1. Halting your forward movement the instant the leash goes tight makes pulling counterproductive. 2. Using a consistent heel command helps guide them back to your side where the pace is more manageable. 3. Offering a small reward whenever they keep the leash slack encourages them to check in with you regularly. By stopping instead of tugging back, you avoid a power struggle and emphasize that walking together is a partnership. A relaxed stroll is much more enjoyable for both of you when you are on the same page.

26/05/2026

Many pet owners unknowingly endanger their dogs with common kitchen staples.

Did you know some everyday foods are incredibly harmful to our furry friends?

Take chocolate, for instance—it's more than just a delightful treat for us. For dogs, it can harm the heart and nervous system, posing a serious threat. But that’s just the start.

Grapes and raisins seem innocent, yet they can trigger sudden kidney failure. It’s astonishing how something so small can be so potent.

Then there are onions and garlic. While they add flavor to our dishes, they can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Imagine a busy morning with a cup of coffee or a sugary snack—caffeine and xylitol are lurking hazards. These can wreak havoc on a dog’s heart and blood sugar levels.

Let’s not forget cooked bones. They might seem like a natural treat, but they can splinter, causing internal injuries.

Alcohol is another silent danger. Even in tiny amounts, it's toxic and can lead to dire consequences swiftly.

And yes, even the creamy avocado, a superfood for us, can upset a dog's digestion and breathing.

In any of these situations, swift action can be a lifesaver. Contact a vet immediately if your dog consumes these foods.

Protecting our dogs starts with awareness.

Their safety is in our hands—let’s keep them out of harm’s way.

26/05/2026

Did you know? When dogs are placed in a backyard with limited engagement, it often becomes a giant self-service behavior rehearsal zone.

Many wonder whether having a backyard is enough for dog exercise. The answer? That depends entirely on how we define the word “exercise.”

If by exercise we mean healthy outlets for physical energy, mental stimulation, and social engagement, then simply turning a dog loose in the yard often falls short.

However, dogs kept in backyards absolutely do get plenty of practice out there, just not always in the behaviors owners were hoping for!

Indeed, when kept out in the yard for long, dogs get to “exercise” a vast array of undesirable behaviors.

So yes, you can “exercise” a dog’s body to some extent in a backyard, but you can also accidentally exercise the brain in all the wrong ways.

Discover more about why backyards are not a substitute for exercise and mental enrichment: https://dogdiscoveries.com/training/is-having-a-backyard-enough-for-dog-exercise/