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Posts Tagged ‘London dog walking’

Xmas is with us again, a time for merriment , on the other hand it is also a dangerous period for both us and our beloved pets. Pet Sitters London have tried to identify their top tips to reduce the dangers to our pets over Xmas. Dog walkers are often asked for advice or spot potential risks to pets at Xmas. This is often a neglected part of pet care.
1. Your Christmas Tree
It is crucial that it is in a safe place and is strongly fixed. This enjoyable activity of decorating the tree with your kids, must be done in such a way that the cat, when it jumps up onto it, will not bring it down on to the pet. Animals and cats can be disrupted at Xmas and can become frightened and liable to do anything, with the crowds, with all the new sounds and smells. If you can avoid placing the tree close to furniture that will help the dog jump onto the tree. Ideas include tying the tree to the wall and or ceiling with some wire. Use a hook in the wall might help. Weighting down the tree roots / stem to improve steadiness is another way of avoiding problems.
If it is a real tree, clean up the pine trees, not just because it looks nicer, but pets can eat them and this can make them sick. Some of the water additives for prolonging the life of the tree are dangerous, make sure your pet cannot drink this water.
2. Care with the Decorations.
The most dangerous to young children and pets are the glass balls, an alternative are the wooden and plastic balls. Eating these can be very dangerous. Some of the bright streamers can also be attractive to dogs, and can block the digestive tracts.
Avoid using hooks on attaching the decorations to the trees, use string – it is far safer.

3. Electrical Dangers.
Care with the electrical leads, man and beast can trip over them, bringing down what ever is attached. So use cable tidies, to put them out of harms way. Be extra careful if you have a pet that chews and is curious. Keep the electric turned off if no one is present, or close the door.

4. Animal Behaviour
Though you may appear to have plenty of time, you are often distracted and paying more attention to other people / things than your pet.
So watch your pet.
Animal behaviour can become eccentric at Christmas with the new sounds, smells and people. Pets are protective and can see a reduction in attention, their preferred spot taken over by the Christmas tree as a menace to their home. They are then more liable to change behaviour, cats become scatty and scared, they can even go off their food – even if you are giving them some special Beef or Liver. Dogs risk being hostile, if they are not getting their exercise or enough attention and love. A real danger even with very well trained and behaved dogs is the “ out of the ordinary” attacks on children and babies. Keep kids and dogs apart if not being supervised carefully all the time. If busy consider a professional dog walker from a company such as Dog Walkers London. If you do not have the time for exercising the dog, book your dog walker for a few sessions over Christmas, though a good idea to do this early as they are likely to be busy.
5. Boxes of Christmas Presents
dogs] especially with many people looking at them. Be especially careful if you have relocated your dogs bed and replaced it with the tree and presents. Dogs can rip the presents to pieces in minutes if you are unlucky. A great follow on risk is stomach blockages from the ribbons that they can eat, resulting in a trip to the local London veterinary clinic.
6. Food Dangers for Pets
Even at Xmas avoid feeding animals at the table, this habit is very difficult to break as they do not understand why it was OK at Christmas but not now!
Some Christmas items are particularly dangerous, especially the Holly. Other dangers are things like onions that may be with your meat that could be given to the pet. Chocolate is also another risky treat for pets, as well as sugary products that are not part of a normal animals food. Sugary products can cause teeth problems and with 30-50 % of pets suffering from being over weight these calories should be avoided. For both of you, perhaps go for a dog walk, he would most likely prefer it.
7. Home Safety
Before the season, do a thorough check, looking for potential dangers, our dog walker, often identify dangers and point them out to owners, common ones include live candles that could be knocked over by pets, especially dogs wagging tails.
Turn off potentially dangerous electrical items such as the Christmas tree lights when no human is present in the house.

So a little thought is a key element of pet care

Our best wishes for a safe and Merry Xmas for you and your animals.

Xmas is with us again, a time for merriment , however it is also a dangerous period for both us and our beloved animals. Pet Sitters London have attempted to list their top tips to minimize the risks to our pets over Xmas. Cat sitters are frequently asked for guidance or spot potential risks to pets at Christmas. This is often a neglected part of pet care.
1. Your Christmas Tree
It is crucial that it is in a safe location and is strongly fixed. This pleasurable activity of decorating the tree with your children, must be done in such a way that the cat, when it jumps up onto it, will not crash it down on to everyone. Animals and cats can be disrupted at Christmas and can become frightened and likely to do anything, with the crowds, with all the new smells and sounds. Try to avoid putting the tree too near to furniture that will help the animal jump onto the tree. Ideas include tying the tree to the wall and or ceiling with some wire. Use a hook in the wall might help. Weighting down the tree roots / stem to improve stability is another way of avoiding problems.
Real trees pose a further risk from the pet digesting the pine needles – so hoover them up regularly. Some of the water additives for prolonging the life of the tree are dangerous, ensure your pet cannot drink this water.
2. Christmas Decoration Care.
Glass Xmas balls are particularly dangerous, an alternative are the wooden and plastic balls. Eating these can be very dangerous. Some of the bright streamers can also be attractive to dogs, to chew and block the intestines.
Take care with using hooks on attaching the ornaments to the trees, use string – it is far safer.

3. Electrical Dangers.
Care with the electrical leads, man and beast can trip over them, bringing down what ever is attached. So use cable tidies, to put them out of harms way. Be extra careful if you have a dog or cat that chews and is curious. Keep things turned off if no one in the room, or close the door.

4. Animal Behaviour
Though you may appear to have plenty of time, you are often distracted and paying more attention to other people / things than your pet.
It is important to have a rational understanding of the reliability of your pets. If in any doubt close the rooms with any potential danger to, or caused by pets.
Animal behaviour can become variable at Xmas with the new surroundings and people. Pets are territorial and can see a lack of attention, their preferred spot taken over by the Christmas tree as a threat to their home. They are then more liable to change behaviour, cats become scatty and scared, they often go off their food – even if you are offering them some special Beef or Liver. Dogs risk being aggressive, if they are not getting their exercise or too much attention to the visitors. A real risk even with very well behaved and trained dogs is the “ out of the ordinary” attacks on kids and babies. Keep kids and dogs apart if not being supervised carefully all the time. If busy consider a professional dog walker from a company such as Dog Walkers London. If you do not have the time for exercising the dog, book your dog walker for a few walks over Xmas, though a good idea to do this early as they are likely to be busy.
5. Christmas Presents
animals. Be especially careful if you have moved their bed to put the tree up and the presents around it. It is not unknown for dogs to take it out on the presents. The most dangerous consequence is often the digestion of string that can cause digestive blockages, resulting in a trip to the local London veterinary clinic.
6. Food Dangers for Pets
Even at Xmas avoid feeding animals at the table, this habit is very difficult to break as they do not understand why it was OK at Christmas but not now!
Some Christmas items are particularly dangerous, especially the Holly. Other dangers are things like onions that may be with your meat that could be given to the pet. Chocolate is also another risky treat for pets, as well as sugary products that are not part of a normal animals food. Sugary products can cause teeth problems and with 30-50percent of dogs suffering from being over weight these calories should be avoided. For both of you, maybe go for a dog walk, he would most likely prefer it.
7. Safety of the Home
Before the season, do a thorough check, looking for potential dangers, our dog walker, often notice dangers and pass them onto the owners, such as live candles that might be knocked over by pets, especially dogs wagging tails.
Turn off potentially dangerous electrical items such as the Xmas tree lights when no human is present in the house.

Christmas has arrived again, a period for jollity , on the other hand it is also a risky time for both us and our beloved animals. London Pet Sitters have tried to identify their top tips to minimize the risks to our animals over Xmas.  Dog walkers are often asked for guidance or notice potential risks to pets at this time of year. This is often a neglected part of pet care.
1.  Your Christmas Tree
The most important this about this is ensuring that it is in a safe place and is firmly fixed. This enjoyable activity of putting it up with your children, must be done in such a way that the cat, when it jumps up onto it, will not bring it down on to everyone. Pets can be disrupted at Xmas and can become scared and likely to do anything, with the crowds, with all the new sounds and smells. If you can avoid placing the tree close to furniture that will help the cat leap onto the tree. Ideas include tying the tree to the ceiling and wall with some wire. A temporary hook into the wall is a great safety feature. Weighting down the tree roots / stem to improve steadiness is another way of avoiding problems.
Real trees pose a further risk from the pet digesting the pine needles – so hoover them up regularly. Some of the water additives for prolonging the life of the tree are dangerous, make sure your animal cannot drink this water.
2. Christmas Decoration Care.
Glass Christmas balls are particularly dangerous, an alternative are the wooden and plastic balls. Eating these can be very dangerous. Another danger are the bight ribbons and streamers that can be attractive to dogs, and can block the intestines.
Take care with using hooks on fixing the ornaments to the trees, use string – it is far safer.

3. Dangers with Electrics.
Care with the electrical leads, man and beast can trip over them, bringing down what ever is attached. So use cable tidies, to put them out of harms way. Be extra wary if you have a cat or dog that chews and is curious. Keep things turned off if no one in the room, or close the door.

4. Animal Behaviour
Though you may appear to have plenty of time, you are often distracted and paying more attention to other people / things than your pet.
It is important to have a rational understanding of the reliability of your pets. If in any doubt close the rooms with any potential danger to, or caused by pets.
Animal behaviour can become eccentric at Xmas with the new surroundings and people. Pets are territorial and can see a reduction in attention, their preferred spot taken by the tree and presents as a menace to their home. They are much more likely to change behaviour, cats become scatty and scared, they can even go off their food – even if you are offering them some special Beef or Turkey. Dogs risk being hostile, if they do not have enough exercise or enough attention and love. A particular risk even with very well behaved and trained dogs is the “ bizarre” attacks on children and babies. Keep kids and dogs apart if not being supervised carefully all the time. If busy consider a professional dog walker from a company such as London Dog Walking. If you do not have the time for exercising the dog, book your dog sitter for a few sessions over Christmas, though you may need to do this early as they are often busy doing pet sitting at Christmas.
5. Boxes of Christmas Presents
Pets are intrigued by boxes, in sparkling colours and materials with lots of people showing attention. Be especially careful if you have relocated your dogs bed and replaced it with the tree and presents. It is not unknown for dogs to take it out on the presents. The most dangerous consequence is often the digestion of string that can cause digestive blockages, resulting in a trip to the local London veterinary clinic.
6. Care with Christmas Food
Even at Xmas avoid feeding animals at the table, this habit is very difficult to break as they do not understand why it was OK at Christmas but not now!
Be particularly careful with the seasonal dangers such as Mistletoe, Holly and Poinsettias which are particularly dangerous plants. Other dangers are things like onions that may be with your meat that could be given to the pet. Chocolate is also another risky treat for pets, as well as sugary products that are not part of a normal animals food. Sugary products can cause dental problems and with 30-50 % of dogs suffering from being over weight these calories should be avoided. For both of you, maybe go for a dog walk, he would most likely prefer it.
7. Safety of the Home
A good check of the house is worthwhile, our dog walker, often notice risks and pass them onto the owners, common ones include live candles that would be knocked over by pets, especially dogs wagging tails.
I would advise Christmas tree lights to be turned off at night and when no human is present in the house.

Our best wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas for you and your pets. 

The Maltese is a small toy group dog breed with silky white hair that is lively and intelligent and very cuddly, so makes a great pet for city living. Though if living in a condo, you will need to take them out for regular walks or use professional dog walkers such as London dog walking  The fur will grow long, so a good idea is to give them a puppy cut, otherwise the hair becomes difficult to manage.
The Maltese have dark round shaped large eyes. Whilst the Maltese is petite, about eight and 10 inches high, it is sturdy and weighs around three and 8 pounds ( one and a half to 3 kilograms). The dog care of a Maltese is relatively straightforward. They are fairly long lived, up to around 15 years.
 
The Maltese is often devoted to its owners, which means they have a reputation for barking at strange noises and people. Their high activity level can also lead to them snapping. Dog socialisation at an early age is crucial to removing this problem. They are courageous and will approach dogs far bigger than themselves, being secure they mix well with other pets.
The Maltese suffers from a small number of health problems, that includes skin, eye and teeth problems. In addition respiratory problems and risk of sunburn on the top of its nose.
A routine of brushing is needed with the Maltese, otherwise you will get matted fur. As well as brushing twice a day, one should also clean the Maltese after every meal, to reduce hair staining. Tear staining is also a common problem which is related to the size of the tear ducts and how much the Maltese’s eyes water.  Tear stain can be removed or minimised by using regularly a metal fine-toothed comb that is moistened with lukewarm water and drawn through the hair below the eyes. This should be done every two days.
The Maltese have thick hair, they do not shed very much and like the comparable Havanese and Bichon Frisé will not give as much allergic reaction to people as other dog breeds. A lot of will keep the hair out of the eyes by the use of a ponytail to ease cleaning the eyes. It is important also to regularly clean the Maltese’s ears.
Whilst the name suggests the dog comes from Malta, its origins are not clear, though generally felt to come from Italy / Greece. It is sometimes called a Maltese Terrier or the Maltese Lion Dog ( a reflection on its character), though its official kennel name is “Maltese”.

Its origin could have been either from the Swiss Spitz dog or the Asian Tibetan Terrier. Its earliest record of the Maltese dates back to when it was found on a Greek amphora around 500 B. C. and is often mentioned in Greek / Roman writings.

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Poor bladder control is the number one cause for puppies being taken to abandoned dog charities. It is often frustrating and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to give advice, so a key part of puppy care. Experts believe the best method is to use a cage. Normally a breeder will {use a cratehave used one}, and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the premise that dogs do not like to mess their beds and in a crate would be forced to sleep in the mess. This method also has the advantage of encouraging the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 7 weeks or so should last around 8 hours. During toilet training, leave the puppy inside the crate when he cannot be supervised, whilst you are say bathing the children. Just prior to putting pup into the crate or taking him out of the crate, take him outside so he can go to the toilet. There should not be any water or food in the crate, just a blanket and maybe a chew toy to occupy his time. As your confidence with your puppy increases, you can leave him more and more out of the cage.
The crate needs to have the right dimensions, enough floor area for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is useful for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, buy one big enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, not many people have the time for this. To do this, you need to be with pup constantly, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the carpet. Then taking him directly to his potty area, then bring him straight back, having him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The puppy needs to appreciate the reason he was taken outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not confuse him.

The other alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging them to use these papers, often positioned in the bathroom or utility room. The pads have chemicals to attract the puppy. When you catch with their pre-toilet behavior, pick them up quietly and carry them to the pad. Praise them if they do the business. The main disadvantage with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, pups should to go out, soon after waking and around 40 mins after having been fed.
Occasionally pups will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not punish them for this. If they are liable to this, take them for a walk, prior to any excitement, like friends coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just prior to, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To strengthen the toilet training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Great ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the toilet. Use a different word such as “play” if its for more of an enjoyable activity, though he may eliminate when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When the puppy is doing something wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Praise success always.
2. Never punish the puppy, if you do not catch him in the act of doing something wrong. The puppy will have no idea why you are punishing him.

If you see him urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.

Poor bladder control is the number one cause for dogs being taken to dog shelter charities. It is often difficult and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to give advice, so a key part of puppy care. The general consensus as to the best method is to use a crate. Normally a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. The crate method is based on the principle that puppies do not like to mess their beds and in a crate would be forced to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to manage their bladder. Young pups from 8 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During potty training, put the puppy inside the cage whenever he cannot be watched, whilst you are say reading to the children. Just prior to placing pup into the crate or taking him out of the cage, take him outside so he can do his business. There should never be any water or food in the crate, just a blanket and perhaps a chew toy to occupy his time. As your confidence with your puppy increases, you can leave the puppy for longer periods out of the crate.
The crate needs to be right size, enough floor area for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The cage is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, purchase one big enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to cage potty training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. This involves being with pup all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the carpet. Then taking him directly to his potty area, then return him straight back, having him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The puppy needs to appreciate the reason he was taken outside was for the toilet, nothing else, do not baffle him.

The other alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these areas, often positioned in the bathroom or utility room. The papers have chemicals to draw the pup. When you observe with their pre- potty behavior, pick them up calmly and take them to the papers. Praise them if they do the business. The problem with this method, is you have to do a second training to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Toilet timing, normally, puppies need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after having been fed.
Sometimes dogs will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, also known as submissive urination. Do not punish the puppy for this. If the puppy is liable to this, go for a walk, prior to any excitement, like friends coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just prior to, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after 4-8 months.
To reinforce the potty training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Great ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty. Use a different word such as “play” if its for more of an enjoyable activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Go to the toilet.
Good Dog: For any praise to give him.
No: When the puppy is doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Always praise success.
2. Do not punish the puppy, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.

If you see the puppy in the act of urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.