Walking Pals: linking Hamble Hounders together so the evening in- the- dark walks can be done in company. Meeting places Hamble, Whiteley, Sarisbury/Warsash, Locks Heath. Email to be included.
LINKS & TIPS
Nothing structured on this page, just things we find useful/sensible
Raf and Smudge go swimming at Richmond Hydrotherapy. great non-weight bearing exerise. 01489 885200 www.richmond-hydro.com
FOOD: Confused about choosing the right food for your dog? It's a minefield! In my work, I see some dogs whose behaviour is considerably affected by food, other dogs seem to eat everything without it making any behavioural difference but of course, poor food will contribute to poor growth and condition.
In general, cheaper foods are packed with cereals and stuff to bulk them out, which have no nutritional value for a dog. Some have additives and colourants etc which can ‘hype’ up some dogs. I am not a nutritionist but those I know are of the opinion that cheaper foods are often a false economy.
From my own experience and understanding, Arden Grange, Burns, James Wellbeloved are all good mid range dry foods and Nature’s Diet is a good wet food. They can be bought from most good pet suppliers, but not usually supermarkets. Phil Webb from Webbs Natural Foods 01794 341491 is local, competitive on price and delivers, so worth checking him out.
Vets also often sell good quality food, such as Science Plan and Hills, some of which are formulated for specific breed or medical needs.
Claire Goyer from Haslemere Pet Company (BA(Hons), HND Canine Nutrition Therapist) has some useful ideas on her website http://www.haslemerepets.com (follow link to dog page and find articles on how to choose food/feed a fussy dog etc etc). She also offers an advice service for a nominal sum, if you are struggling, she is worth contacting.
For interest, I’ve have my dogs the BARF (“natural” i.e. raw food) diet. It is reputed to be good for dogs with food intolerances, which can include hyperactive woofers. Even with this there are proponents and antagonists! for example, see Clare’s website.
Sorry, nothing is easy or straightforward but I hope this gives you some food (!!) for thought.
I never hang my dogs' leads round my neck and clip in front, always clip them behind me.., feel its less likely to tighten round my neck if someone grabs it from behind! (may be paranoia speaking!)
Rewards: When teaching a dog what we want them to do, and to motivate them , we initially use food rewards. Having a variety of different foods, usually cut small, is a useful part of the tool kit. Dogs are well able to put a value on different treats; food they get often will be of less value than those with rarity value. All sorts can be used chicken, ham, cheese, kebble, sausages etc (with due regard to dietary needs) and here's a recipe that very few dogs can resist:
Liver Cake: 280g pig or lamb liver, 1 crushed clove of garlic, 2 eggs , 170g wholemeal flour
Heat oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4 Grease small roasting tin.
Chop liver finely or put into food processor and blend.
Add crushed garlic and beaten egg, blend together,
Add flour and mix until mixture forms a puree.
Put into the greased tin and place in the centre of oven for approx 15-17 minutes.
When cold, cut into small cubes. Can be frozen. De-frost and use as required