September 11, 2023
September 06, 2023
March 18, 2022
August 28, 2020
Every pet owner knows that it is absolutely crucial to keep their pet happy, healthy and full of vigour. A growing number of animals are regarded as overweight – research from Direct Line suggests that a staggering 83% of vets are seeing higher numbers of overweight pets, and that one in eight UK dog owners have an overweight pet.
The reasons why pets are becoming more overweight are simple:
- They’re being fed too much
- They’re not getting enough exercise
- They’re not eating a balanced diet
Of course, the very best thing for your pet when it comes to ensuring they’re the right weight, and to make sure that they live a long and happy life without encountering any unnecessary medical problems, is to make sure that they get enough exercise. And, while going for a walk is a valid option, there are other interesting and engaging ways to burn calories!
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more unusual – but no less effective – ways you can play with your dog to help them remain fit as a fiddle.
<b>Games to play with your dog</b>
Ok, let’s start simple! We all know the rules of traditional tug of war, where your goal is to drag your opponent across the central partition and emerge victorious, but when it comes to playing with your dog the rules are a little bit different.
Dogs absolutely love playing tug of war because it seems – to them – like a legitimate challenge. They are competing to win, and your role as the more powerful of the two parties is to make it feel like it is a valid match-up, before ultimately allowing the dog to emerge victorious.
Games such as this do not, as some propagators of urban myth would suggest, make dogs more violent; rather, they make them far more resilient, patient, and will also allow them to exercise their core, as well as their leg, shoulder and neck muscles.
Dogs like nothing more than playing fetch – that’s been known since the dawn of time, and even wild wolves have been witnessed participating – but that game becomes even more fun, and more beneficial, if the object they are attempting to retrieve is capable of travelling long distances. A frisbee, in that regard, is absolutely perfect.
When introducing your dog to a frisbee it is probably best to start with one that has soft edges. Dogs will, very often, be inclined to jump for a frisbee in an attempt to catch it in mid-air, and they may be caught unawares if their face or teeth are rattled by hard plastic.
Have you ever watched Crufts and thought that it would be amazing if your dog was capable of performing such incredible feats of dexterity, poise and agility? Well, why not test their abilities by creating your own obstacle and agility course in your garden, in the park, or in your living room (if you have enough space)?
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, why not do some research and get an idea of what you can achieve if you set your mind to it!
You’ve seen how much kids enjoy blowing and popping bubbles, right? Well, dogs enjoy the prospect of chasing and popping bubbles just as much as children do! If you have a big enough garden, or fancy a trip to the local park, then why not bring some bubbles with you and get your dog leaping into the air?
This works in exactly the same way as an Easter Egg hunt, and the reward is indeed very much the same; the finder gets to devour some tasty treats! The only difference being, of course, that you are in no way allowed to feed your dog chocolate – this is pet ownership rule one!
January 13, 2020
September 02, 2019
July 29, 2019
July 26, 2019
June 10, 2019
Pooch and Pony Fitness Interview Questions
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and your Pooch and Pony Physiotherapy Business?
My name is Lindsey and I run Pooch and Pony Physiotherapy. My journey into the physiotherapy world started 13 years ago when my horse required intensive and ongoing physiotherapy due to injury. The difference I saw in her and the work the physios did fascinate me. I left university with a degree in Equine Sports Science (Equestrian Psychology) from Nottingham Trent University and applied to begin the physiotherapy course. At this time they told me I did not have enough small animal experience as I had previously worked on horse racing and dealing yards.
At this point, I applied to work in a small animal vet and began my Veterinary Nurse training. As I finished the training I was lucky enough to be accepted onto the Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Harper Adams and began my training with them whilst continuing to work as a Veterinary Nurse.
I have now been an RVN for 10 years and a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist for 4 years. During this time I have built my physiotherapy business treating a variety of dogs and horses throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
My mobile practice allows me to visit dogs in their own home where I find they are more relaxed and this reduces the need for owners to have to travel their dog especially if they find this stressful. Owners may contact me directly for appointments or be referred by their own vets and treatments are often covered by pet insurance.
Recently achieving my Canine Conditioning Academy Licensed Instructor qualification has enabled me to develop my courses and classes further building on my knowledge and accessing the most up to date research relating to fitness.
What made you decide to start a Dog Fitness Class alongside your Physio work?
The Canine Conditioning classes came about as I wanted to provide owners with a class they can do with their dog after the basic puppy classes. With my puppy, I often found after basic training the options available were agility, flyball or obedience classes which were often geared up to competing.
This class allowed me to provide exercises owners could easily do at home to further their training whilst providing health and mental benefits as well. These exercises also have huge benefits to those dogs that are competing to ensure they have the core strength and ability to perform what they are being asked and the exercises can be used as part of a warm up and cool down routine.
I am passionate about education and prevention of injury and this allowed me to pass this information on to owners in a way they would be able to use and also have fun with their dogs whilst doing it.
What does your fitness class involve?
Our classes are fun and informative. They begin with a presentation explaining how each exercise will benefit your dog and which muscle groups are being targeted.
We then work at your dog’s own pace to learn the exercises. The exercises can be broken down into easier combinations or made more difficult depending on your dog’s ability ensuring both you and your dog get the best out of the class. As the exercises are all low impact this makes them suitable for older dogs and for younger dogs whose growth plates have not yet fused.
I spend one to one time with you and your dog during the class to give plenty of time to ask questions and focus on how you handle and train the exercises. This also allows me to discuss with you which exercises your dog finds easy or difficult and to give personalised advice.
The dogs really enjoy learning something new and it is great to see how their confidence develops. However, these exercises are deceptively difficult and it isn’t uncommon for owners to tell me their dog slept like a log after the class.
How will a pet owner know if their pet needs physiotherapy?
In humans, physiotherapy is commonly used after surgery or injury, for the treatment of muscle weakness, back pain and mobility issues. This is becoming more common in the animal world now as well.
Physiotherapy may be required after surgery or injury to reduce recovery time and the risk of reinjury. It is also beneficial in the management of long term conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia and arthritis or the onset of neurological or spinal issues as we look at improving or maintaining mobility, reducing pain and providing the owner with support and management techniques to still allow our dogs to live their lives to the fullest.
Many sporting and working dogs also have physiotherapy as part of a maintenance program to manage any aches and pains and detect changes before they develop into injuries.
If you notice changes in your dog’s posture or gait, a general slowing down, reluctance to perform activities they were previously happy doing such as jumping on/off furniture, negotiating stairs or competing for this may suggest physiotherapy can benefit your dog.
Why are stretching classes such as Yoga beneficial for your dog?
During our classes, we learn how to improve your dog’s balance, flexibility, core strength and proprioception. Whether your dog is a pet, working or competing for dog this can benefit them by reducing the risk of injury, promoting symmetry and correct posture.
Flexibility is the ability of the tissues to be able to shorten and lengthen and allow the joints to move through their full range of motion. If we do not use our full range of motion or experience postural changes the tissues can shorten and tighten preventing us from being able to perform certain movements. It can also mean that if your dog should slip and over extend these short tight tissues they are more likely to cause injury than if the tissues are flexible and can then stretch with the movement.
Proprioception is the unconscious knowledge of where parts of our body are in relation to others. By improving your dog’s awareness of their body they are more aware of where their paws are and their reaction times can improve enabling them to cope with changing terrain and obstacles and improve confidence through better body awareness and an improved bond with their handler
As with humans, poor posture can lead to muscular aches and pains and incorrect loading of joints. These changes in posture and gait can creep in gradually and unnoticed in many cases but over time the body begins to compensate for putting extra pressure on other joints and soft tissues as the body adapts. This may lead to injury or the early onset of conditions such as arthritis due to the increased load on these areas.
A strong core is necessary to promote correct movement and posture and by increasing your dog’s body awareness they learn to move and stand in a more balanced way. The core muscles are situated deep within the body and can’t be seen or touched but play an important role in stabilising the spine and pelvis.
The exercises also require a lot of focus so are mentally tiring for the dogs. Mental stimulation is an important aspect that is often overlooked and may help to reduce hyperactive and destructive behaviour. Mental stimulation is known to tire dogs out much quicker than physical exercise which makes this great for dogs that cannot be walked far, puppies and for owners who have limited time to exercise their dogs. It is also a good way to occupy them during bad weather when we would all much rather be tucked up inside!
Which dogs can attend your classes?
The classes are open to dogs of all breeds over the age of 6 months. They need to have already completed some general obedience training and know commands such as sit, down and wait/stay.
Class sizes are limited to allow plenty of one to one time with me to ensure each dog performs the exercises correctly and any questions you may have are answered.
Where can someone find your classes?
Our class dates can be found on our Pooch and Pony Physio Facebook page (www.facebook.com/poochandpony) or by contacting myself via email lindsey@poochandponyphysio.co.uk or phone 07946 283784.
We currently run classes in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, South Hykeham, Lincolnshire and Dodworth, South Yorkshire however we are always happy to run them at new venues or for clubs and groups.
Alternatively 1:1 session are available that are tailored to you and your dog.
How often do your classes occur and what is the costing?
The classes run either as a 4-week course (2 hours per session)
or a one-day intensive course and cost £80.
April 02, 2019
I remember the shock of walking into a friend's house and seeing a crate for puppy training because for me it has always felt instinctively cruel to box or confine a pet. However, kennel or crate training generally has increased in popularity over the years as an effective method of developing your puppy's obedience and adherence to routine in the sense that boundaries can actually make your puppy feel safer and more secure. As with any training method, it's the application of the environment that makes a difference between an effective or detrimental outcome.
Applying the use of a crate for small time periods can help with toilet training and managing aggressive or destructive behaviour but it can also be useful in helping with your puppy's stress and anxiety levels. During this time, it is vitally important that the crate is treated as a 'positive' experience for the puppy as a safe place it can go to feel protected and happy in the same way that a child's bedroom should be a place the child can go to in order to feel they're in their own environment, especially when they're over tired or anxious. If this is done correctly, the dog will retreat to its crate whenever it wants to relax or settle away from the hustle and bustle of the household.
There are multiple advantages to the 'crate' approach, including the development of a puppy's basic natural instincts around toilet training: a puppy will rarely mess where he/she sleeps more than once or twice for all the obvious reasons! This also helps to get your puppy into all the right physical routines for blader and bowel movements. If the crate is a clean and warm place to go, the puppy will quickly adapt to doing its bit to ensure that it stays that way! Having a crate can also help to develop the puppy's anxiety at night as a place he/she feels is a retreat from the dark house environment: do remember that at night every background sound you sleep through is invaraibly a trigger of some sort for your puppy, even if it's simply curious to know what made the noise.
Other incredibly useful times to use the crate can be either directly before or after exercise (it's vitally important to provide the right level of exercise for your puppy once he/she is ready to explore) and at breakfast or other meal preparation times when having a puppy around your feet can be dangerous for you and them. At these times, it is incredibly helpful if they are given a chew or some sort of interactive toy so that the crate is seen as a reward rather than a negative confinement.
One thing it's vitally important to point out is that crate training is not the easy option when it comes to developing your puppy's routine. It might seem like a way of narrowing access to the rest of the house while he/she learns the rules but it really has to be presented in a positive light and the balance of getting this right actually makes for a difficult challenge all by itself.
There are almost as many crate, cage and kennel variants on the market as there are dog breeds! These can be plastic, metal, fabric around a metal frame or wooden and come in a wide variety of different types: static, collapsible, fold away or compartmentalised. They also come in a variety of different sizes. Some people prefer a larger crate to ensure that the puppy doesn't feel trapped or overly confined and others prefer a smaller crate because they feel that the puppy will consider itself safer and more secure in a closer environment. The standard advice is that your crate should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in. You do need to ensure that the crate will be large enough to accomodate your puppy as it grows so this needs to be taken into consideration when making your crate selection.
1. Make sure the crate is placed in a communal area of the house where the family spends time and not in an isolated or shut-off environment.
2. Put in a soft blanket or padding, perhaps with removable 'cleanable' sheets underneath it (the same sort advised for smaller pets).
3. Put small food bites and/or treats into the crate to warmly welcome your puppy to its occasional home.
4. Introduce your puppy to the crate but do NOT force him into it. Simply ensure that everything that might attract him is inside rather than outside the environment and see what happens. This step may require an enormous amount of patience and constitution!
5. Be sure to give your puppy their meals in the crate so that they are always looking forward to being there.
6. Your puppy's feeding sessions are generally regarded as the best advised times to close the door of the crate/cage but you must ensure that this is not done immediately or suddenly and only leave the door closed initially for very short periods (ie while the puppy is distracted by its enthusiasm for feeding).
7. If the puppy begins to cry or moan at being in the crate, it is vitally important you only let them out when this behaviour stops so that the puppy doesn't associate crying with being released from the environment.
8. Each time your puppy enters the crate, make a fuss of them and give them a treat or reward to positively reinforce the good behaviour.
9. You should spend time sitting beside the crate initially to keep your puppy company, starting with five or ten minutes sessions and slowly decreasing this over time.
10. When your dog is comfortable spending half an hour or so inside the crate, you may tentatively leave the house for small periods of time, increasing this as the dog becomes more comfortable with the environment.
Overexposure to the environment. Keeping your puppy inside the crate for too long can be very damaging and a difficult problem to unpick. It's far easier not to fall into this trap than to undo the effects afterwards. During this time it's really important for you to remember that you are supposed to be catering to your puppy's physical and emotional needs, not your own. If your puppy has been in the crate for any sort of lengthy period, they should then spend a larger amount of time outside it. Puppies should not spend more than three hours in a crate at any one time. If they do, you will make more work for yourself cleaning up the results of their prolonged stay! Seperation anxiety is not cured or helped by confinement, so do ensure that your puppy is not overly stressed about being inside the cage or its desperation to get back to you will be doubled. This is why it's worth restating that you should spend chunks of time sitting beside the crate when you first introduce your puppy to its occasional home. Whining or howling at night is very common in the first week or two of crate training and, as mentioned above, it is important to stay vigilant and reward the cessation of the behaviour rather than unintentionally rewarding the behaviour itself.
March 26, 2019
t's one of the burning questions most new dog owners ask, simply because in most cases the puppy has been cooped up in the house and is so obviously ready to run and play...but you still need to do what's best for the puppy and abide by the sensible rules and established guidelines.
There are so many reasons to keep your puppy at home until the right time: diseases and viruses like canine distemper and parvovirus are not merely dangerous and can in some cases prove fatal. They can survive actively in environments where an infected dog may have walked and are an ever present threat...
March 26, 2019
Losing a pet is one of most heartbreaking situations an animal lover can go through and although nothing can ever replace your best friend being there in those moments when you're feeling down or in need of that unconditional love they all provide, we spoke to Impressive Memories who runs a business to help you cherish your memories in some of the most beautiful and original ways.
When did you start your business?
I don't really have a start date...it just kind of ‘evolved’!! I started lifecasting in 2003, while I was on maternity leave from my teaching career, after having my daughter. I practised on all my friends and family's babies. By 2006 I had an inclination that all new mums would love to have casts of their babies so I had my first batch of 'Impressive Babies' business cards made.
Life threw me a bit of a curveball in 2008 and I had to return to full time teaching to survive as a solo parent...but we all know how many holidays teachers get...and that's when I continued to work on my own business idea. Customers started asking for more than just baby casts. I was regularly casting adults & pets and making bespoke jewellery that incorporated a huge range of memories & emotions.
I’d also started to capture final memories in local funeral homes and realised how precious life can be. I took the plunge into full-time self-employment, leaving my safe, secure, superannuated teaching job in 2013 and 'Impressive Memories' was born!! Making a change is scary but regretting NOT doing something is much scarier. My motto was ‘What’s the worst thing that can happen?’ As long as I could answer that (honestly) I knew I was ready. I built my studio in 2014 and business has boomed since.
What made you think about adding a pets inspired range to your store?
Our pets play such an important role in family life...they are just as Impressive as our human family and so many of my own childhood memories & important life events involve my pets, it just felt totally natural! One of my bucket list wishes is to cast a tiger’s paw - how amazing would that be???
(Lock of Fur Charm £79.00)
Which of your pet related items is your favourite to make?
Aargh...I love them all. It's amazing to meet customers pets and capture their memories but I think my favourite part is seeing the reaction from the customer when they receive their finished item. It makes all the hard work worth it.
Would I need to bring my dog to the booking?
Not always. Lifecasting and ceramic/clay orders I need to meet with you and your pet either here at my studio, or at your home if travelling is possible.
All the jewellery I offer can be made by posting out kits to capture the initial elements, you’re very welcome to make an appointment, but it isn’t always necessary.
How long does a casting session take?
Booking is usually for an hour. The actual time in the casting impression material is only 3-5 mins. Most of the time is given to let your pooch settle and feel relaxed and comfortable with me, and prepare them for their casting.
What if my dog didn’t sit still for long enough?
Wriggling isn't an issue. I won't begin casting until I know the dog is ready and I follow the owner's guidance to keep doggy happy and relaxed. If you cast correctly, and the preparation is done wellthen the movement is restricted gradually and the dog sits safely and securely in position. The success or failure of the cast depends on the caster, not the doggy.
(Pet and Paw Casting from £65.00-£105.00)
Is the casting uncomfortable for dogs?
If the dog is not comfortable with me preparing them for a casting, then I would never proceed. I build their trust by gently massaging the paws & offering them tasty treats. Only then do I proceed towards casting. Some lifecasters insist on dogs being muzzled. I don't. If your dog isn't happy then I won't cast them. If a muzzle is needed then either the dog is unhappy or the lifecaster is scared...neither of those should be the case.
Will it get caught in their fur?
Only if done wrongly using the wrong materials and techniques for your breed of dog. This is why I HATE to see casting kits on the market to cast your dog. If done wrongly then the dog can & will suffer and that is totally unacceptable.
How long is the making process for your pet products?
After your cast is taken I need a minimum of 6 weeks for a small individual paw, up to 12-16 weeks for larger casts. The time needed is vital to the process and longevity of your cast, and also an indication to the quality of materials being used. Cheap stone plaster not only looks poor but it dries quickly due to its larger particles...these are also weaker and prone to crumbling in years to come. Another common mistake is only drying the cast externally...leaving moisture internally and painting/sealing the cast traps the moisture which in time will rot from the inside out. Your cast will start to grow mould - NOT impressive!
Jewellery orders need approx 10-14 days to make once I have all the elements I need. I do offer a 7 day express service for some items. Christmas time is a bit manic and most turnaround times more than double.
2D Clay impressions need approx 3-4 weeks.
(Ceramic and Clay Paw Prints £15.00-£45.00)
Do Prices differ on certain products depending on the size of breed?
My prices for casting don't vary. My charges are based on the materials and time I need to create them.
For Silver noses however I do offer three different sizes, each with a different amount of silver - so the cost reflects that. But other jewellery - paw prints etc - the price doesn't vary.
If I wanted to make a keepsake of my dog who’d just past how would I go about that with some of your products?
I can, and do, still offer to cast dogs who have passed away. Each circumstance is unique. Time is very precious and arrangements need to made quickly. I am also a member of the Association of LIfecasters International - If I am unable to capture your memories I have a network of fellow casters worldwide that I am happy to recommend
For jewellery that needs an impressio,n I offer next day delivery for my kits. There are alternatives too to capture a pawprint for example and I've helped many pet owners capture everything we need to then create their jewellery.
(Cremation Ash Silver Ring £65.00)
Your ‘Nose Necklaces’ are really unusual, we’ve never seen anything like it before!
We’d love to hear where that idea come from if you don’t mind sharing?
I LOVE silver dog noses! I became a bit obsessed by them when I discovered they are as unique as a human’s fingerprint. The detail in them is so gorgeous and when I wear mine on a necklace I notice people are fascinated by it. They can look quite abstract but once you say ‘It’s my dogs nose’ then it becomes so obvious! Most dog owners know their own dogs nose - I am wakened most mornings by two cold wet noses that are eager to start the day!!
(Silver Dog Noses £69.00 - £108.00)
Are there other ‘send-away’ kit based items that I can do it from home?
All the items in my online shop can be created from the comfort of your own kennel. Distance is not an issue. My packs all contain detailed instructions, I have video demonstrations on my website and I’m always on the end of the phone if you need to ask a question before you start. I am also happy to communicate with your vet or staff at the pet crematoriums too if you’re asking them to help you capture final memories.
I also have gift vouchers too - Impressive & unique gift for ‘paw’rents and ‘fur’iends.
(Small Paw Print Pandora Charm £54.50)
Where do you ship to?
My website accepts orders from the UK and I offer a free local collection service from here at the studio. I am happy to offer international postage outside the UK via telephone orders if I am able to.
Find out more at their Website at ImpressiveMemories.co.uk
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