Ruff Cuts

09/01/2026

Just a reminder, peeps. Don't message me here via Messenger or Facebook. I dont get them.

Text me in 0277 789 798. Dont phone and leave a message as I don't get them either.

Text only, thanks.

26/11/2025

Hi all,

Most customers are aware I'm winding things back grooming wise and am now only working in Golden Bay.

At some point I'll be closing down this page, but in the interim I'm going to be closing Messenger for Ruff Cuts as notifications are really iffy and sporadic and I miss quite a few messages which can be frustrating for you and me.

In the meantime please text (don't phone) on 277 789 798 or if you must message me do it on my personal Messenger (Gay Hamilton). Text is preferred as I do like to keep work and my personal life separate for sanity sake haha.

Thanks

Gay Hamilton

17/07/2025

Any followers from Auckland? Or customers with friends in Auckland?

The owner of this pet homestay, Megan, is a friend - highly recommended as a home from home for your pup.

26/04/2025

Changes are afoot... my body is starting to grizzle so I'm making a few changes.

I've taken on a new part time job that will be less strenuous and with less hirsute clientele, so I will be slowly easing back on dog grooming.

But don't panic, my lovely customers, all that will mean for you right now is that I won't be taking on any *new* customers and I won't be as flexible with days/times as I have been in the past.

So, from the week after next, Monday will be my main grooming day for Golden Bay and over the hill, as well as afternoons on the other days in GB.

Except Friday ⛳️🏓

02/04/2025

Thinking of getting a puppy? One at a time is best.

Getting two from the same litter sounds good in theory, playmates etc, but it's really not a good idea. It can make training somewhere between difficult to nigh impossible.

Understanding Littermate Syndrome in Puppies

Bringing home two puppies from the same litter might seem like a great idea—they’ll have built-in companionship, right? However, many dog owners are unaware of the challenges that come with Littermate Syndrome, a behavioral condition that can develop when sibling puppies are raised together.

What is Littermate Syndrome?

Littermate Syndrome is a set of behavioral issues that arise when two puppies from the same litter (or even unrelated puppies of the same age) are raised together. These issues often stem from excessive bonding between the puppies, making it difficult for them to develop independence and proper social skills.

Signs of Littermate Syndrome:

Severe Separation Anxiety: Puppies become highly distressed when separated, making training and socialization more difficult.

Fearfulness: They may become overly reliant on each other, leading to increased anxiety in new situations or around unfamiliar dogs and people.

Difficulty in Training: Since they focus more on each other than their human, training sessions can become ineffective.

Inter-Puppy Aggression: As they grow, fights between littermates can become more intense, sometimes escalating into serious conflicts.

How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome

If you’re raising two puppies together, consider these steps to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, independent dogs:

Separate Training Sessions: Train each puppy individually to ensure they learn to focus on you rather than each other.

Encourage Independence: Allow them to spend time apart daily so they learn to be comfortable alone.

Socialization: Expose each puppy to different people, dogs, and environments separately.

Individual Bonding: Spend one-on-one time with each puppy to strengthen your personal relationship with them.

Should You Get Two Puppies?

While raising two puppies is possible, it requires significant effort and commitment. If you’re considering adopting littermates, be prepared to implement structured training and socialization strategies to prevent Littermate Syndrome.

By understanding and addressing Littermate Syndrome early, you can help your puppies grow into happy, confident, and independent dogs!

07/01/2025

Awww what a handsome dude xx

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XmB5cGKfZ/

23/02/2024

At the Village Market tomorrow I have new dried treats of hoki skin, venison hooves, shark cartilage and beef lung all bagged up and ready for you.

And also on the stall will be the regular stock of lifejackets, cooling mats, bowls, grooming tools, collars and leads, balls, squeaky toys, shampoos, nail clippers, de-shedding tools, coats, probiotics, health products and, of course, ME! ready to answer any pet questions you might have. And Im always up for a yarn too.

See you Saturday!

24/01/2024

Come on Border Collie peeps, youve got this!

13/10/2023

Too windy for me at the Village Market today so I've been unpacking my new stock.

For summer fun with dogs Ive got a range of Ezidog Floatation Devices - all sizes of the X2 Boost range. Perfect for keeping your pet safe while you paddleboard, kayak, fish or swim. 1 of each size available at the moment. Check out the size chart for more.

Ive also got more balls (ooh err!) and toys from the Chuck It range. These are really durable products, whilst more expensive, they are long lasting and way better for your dogs teeth than tennis balls which wear them down.

I'll be at the Market next week (weather permitting) or if you want to get in earlier text me on 0277 789 798 and we can make an arrangement.

06/10/2023

Do you have a stash of dog leads, collars or harnesses at home that your pet has grown out of?

You can unclutter your home *and* help someone out *and* raise money for Foodbank Dogs or GB Animal Welfare by putting these items in our Koha box at the Market.

All proceeds to Charity.