The Darling Dog Company

A Gumtree dog is not a rescue dog

Recently I've met up with a number of new owners who have taken on dogs via sites like Gumtree. If you are thinking of buying a dog through such a site, switch off the computer and walk away. Gumtree and similar is a site designed to flog things that people don't want anymore including dogs and in my mind, that should not be a destination site for new dog owners to search for their beloved addition to their family.

If you want to rescue a dog, spend the time and do it properly. I will help you with free advice.

A Gumtree dog could be from a puppy farm, it could be from some dodgy bloke doing back street breeding or it could be a dangerous dog that shouldn't be going into a new home. You just don't know. I met one woman who took on a huge mix of two guarding breeds aged 12months old. She had two children in her home under the age of 10yrs old and the dog already had aggression issues. Had this dog been assessed, under gone temprement testing or exposure to different scenerios? No. The woman went on the owners description of "a lovely family pet that we have to get rid of due to a change in circumstances".

On Gumtree you can say anything you like, I could set up an advert flogging a dog I've come across in the park. There are no security checks, there are no behaviour checks, no chipping or safety checks in place like you would get from going through a bona fide rescue rehoming centre. I work with such places and I see people get refused a dog because the particular dog they have fallen in love with doesn't fit their situation. So instead of waiting until the 'right' dog comes up, they head home and trawl the internet. And hey presto there is that huge Malamute they had their eye on and oh look, its free to a good home because the owners just don't have time for it anymore. Yet the one at the rehoming centre wouldn't be handed over to them because they live in a tiny property, someone is out at work all day and they only want to do 30 mins of exercise per day.

Believe me when I say that there is usually a valid reason if you get turned down for adopting a certain dog. The centre will work with you to find you the dog you are looking for but very often that takes time and in today's society, people don't want to wait. They want it now.

A rehoming centre has their reputation to protect and they genuinely care for the dogs they are entrusted with, so if you are looking for a rescue dog, don't cut corners and do not be tempted to take a dog home just because you feel sorry for it. Believe me, it will end in tears, as one girl in Islington found out when she sold her dog through a site and a day later it ended up dead after its new owner had used it for fighting and then flung it off of a balcony. Hideous and I'm sorry if it upsets you but it is the harsh reality of such a world.

Texts from a dog, this is genius!

Earlier on I was with a client and we were chatting about all the funny things out there about dogs. And he mentioned texts from a dog. I said I'd never heard of it. So for all of you out there who also haven't seen this, you need to......

A dog should not be a stop gap to a child

I write this blog with a heavy heart as sometimes you have days when you meet a dog that just gets to you. Today was one of them. On my walk around the kennels I met a new inmate, he was sat shaking and yowling is the only word I can use to describe the noise. Those of you who have shared your life with a Staffy will know what I mean, is that noise they do when they are so sad and anxious that they can't do much else.

This is what Boss was doing this morning when I came to his kennel. Boss is an 11yr old black Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was 'given up' because after 11yrs his owners decided to have a baby which meant there wasn't room for Boss and a baby.I totally understand how hard it is with a baby and a dog, I only gave birth 5 months ago but it was our decision to own a dog and have a baby. I admit it takes a great deal of effort but in my opinion, if you can rehome a dog for doing nothing wrong after 11yrs you need your head read.

There are certain things surrounding dogs that get me on my high horse and this is one of them. If you are reading this and considering gettting a dog and you don't yet have a baby but are planning to have one then think about it carefully. A dog is not and should not be something that you have until a baby comes along. A child growing up with a dog is an amazing experience if done carefully and with respect.

Boss barked when you didn't throw the ball quick enough, he backed into you when he wanted a cuddle all things that he has been allowed to do for 11yrs of his life. So anything that you train or tolerate with your dog, think to the future....will it still be so 'sweet' when doggy wants to lie on your chest whilst your breastfeeding? Its not the dog's fault if you allow it to become a certain way that you then don't like when you are exhausted from being up all night with a 3 day old baby.

Please just use this tale to make yourself think or pass it on to friends and family considering getting a dog. Or if you own a dog and are pregnant, call me and lets get you prepped for this life changing experience because it is truly heartbreaking to watch a dog like Boss going through what he is.

It's the 'Kate effect' on Cocker Spaniels

Every now and then I notice an increase in a particular type of dog coming to puppy classes. Since the end of last year it has been all about the Cocker Spaniel. I couldn't figure out why and then after discussing it with a client who owns a lovely working cocker called Lily, she called it the 'Kate effect' and its true.

Kate and William bought their bundle of energy Lupo home in 2012 and the Kennel Club reports a 50% increase in the public searching for Cocker Spaniel puppies on their website in January and February 2013. I do find it amazing that people are so easily swayed as the main reason for selecting a dog should be its ability to suit your lifestyle.

Living in London isn't always quite as easy with the working breeds

Now as anyone who works with dogs will tell you, Cockers are a brilliant breed but and its a big but they need to be with the right family. They are a working breed that is designed to be active and do a job so if you live in a one bed flat and only fancy a half hour stint around the block, you are going to be in big trouble with that dog. I've also had people selecting a working cocker on purpose which again, is great if you know what you are letting yourself in for. But there is a reason why they are often used as a sniffer dog, because they keep going and going and going. My grandfather who was a farmer describes them as the dog that is never satisfied which is true. So if you are an incredibly energetic and busy household who like to be out for hours then this could be the breed for you.

My concern is those who look at the dog on paper and think it looks lovely. Kate and William have access to a team of people for support so like when you are selecting any type of dog whether a puppy or a rescue, look at your life and then at the dog. As the Kennel Club says, working spaniels need a lot of activity and attention and hopefully those who take them on know this.

I do offer free advice on selecting the right dog for you, so do get in touch if you would like any help.

If you can do this to a dog, what would you do to a child?

Last week this poor soul of a Bull Mastiff cross was dumped overnight in London Fields. It was the evening where temp dropped to -4. The dog was found under a bench, in his own vomit, covered in sores, malnourished from starvation, the saddest sight to behold. The park rangers took him in until the dog warden could collect him. We then had a conversation about what to do, what the dog was like, his temprement and so forth.

What frustrates me the most about animal abuse is how low the police put it on their agenda, you only need to look at the sentencing for it. However in my eyes we should be taking animal abuse extremely seriously. In 2005 the NSPCC published a document for professionals working with children, stating how many links there are from those who abuse animals going onto abuse children and adults, they state "cruelty to animals has been linked to an increased likelihood of violent offending behaviour against humans in adulthood".

So in my opinion, if you see someone abusing their animal whether it be physical or verbal abuse or you know your neighbour hits their dog. Don't turn a blind eye, report it. You could be the catalyst which makes someone do something about it.

Teaching your dog things can be useful too!

My lovely friend Debora Robertson (Licked Spoon blog) sent me a link to this video today, she too owns a Border Terrier. It is a fabulous example of how training your dog some commands can even be useful when filming a video!

The video is a brilliant call to get people to recyle and I love it. See what you think...

ROCKET from TheAllotment on Vimeo.

 

  

My work with dogs and youth offenders

For a while now I have been working on a pioneering project alongside the Dogs Trust, I have been involved from the very beginning and it is brilliant to see the project going from strength to strength. I work with youth offenders who have community hours to serve and we use those hours to work with Dogs Trust dogs looking for homes, to teach the youths about responsible dog ownership and how to train a dog using positive methods.

The youths achieve a huge amount from the project and so do the dogs. Recently the Youth Justice Board came to make a video about our work and here it is. You will see in it that I am 9 months pregnant, I don't usually look like that!!

 

Great toy for a rainy day

I'm always on the look out for great interactive toys for different clients and this is one that I really like the idea of. It is so simple and if you have a dog that likes looking for its food then this could be a great addition to your repetoire.

The idea is that you use the toy to scatter feed their treats or meal allowance and they have to sniff them out and retrieve them from the plastic strands of grass. Which is why its a great toy for a rainy day or even for a day when you fancy a bit more time on the sofa!

Great mental stimulation game for your doglet

I love mental stimulation games for dogs, it really does enhance a dog's life and it provides entertainment whilst also teaching them some independence as its a solo game. Unless you fancy searching for your supper in this way too!

So if you have a sniffy terrier, a food loving working breed or a dog that just generally likes to be doing something, give this a go. To order follow this link, at the moment its retailing for £25.

My dog: the paradox by The Oatmeal

This morning I woke up to find a link sent to me on Twitter by Teddy's owner Oscar. And what a link it was!

The Oatmeal is an online comic and they have created this wonderful strip called 'my dog: the paradox' if you own a dog you must read it. Its so funny and best of all I love the way they have captured dogs' enthusiasm in life for everything that we humans take for granted.

A snippet from The Oatmeal comic strip

If you like it, which I'm sure you will, you can order a poster, I fully intend to order one as its a great reminder just how damn wonderful your dog is and how short their time is with us. They teach us so much on a daily basis and its just a brilliantly written piece of art and story. So take a look here at it....

Pupaid in Parliament & on Primrose Hill

Last week saw Pupaid taking the message to the Houses of Parliament and to the masses on Primrose Hill. It was a great week for getting the word out that puppy farming is wrong, inhumane and has huge implications on our society.

I joined Marc the Vet, Debbie Connolly, the Kennel Club, BPFA in presenting our thoughts to Neil Parish MP. It was a great day that went extremely well and we can only hope that Neil Parish keeps his promises and moves us forward on the short and long term aims of Pupaid.

Pupaid at the Houses of Parliament

In addition to this, Primrose Hill saw an influx of dog lovers congregate to join forces and speak out against the awful practice that is Puppy Farming or Puppy Mills as they are called in the USA. It was a great day out for everyone involved with the focus on the dogs.

I helped in judging the 'Golden Oldies' category where we met a lovely array of older dogs. Third prize went to Barnacle Magnificent a Border Terrier cross, Second place to Maggie a 13yr old Labrador owned by Ben & Marina Fogle and first place to Tess the rescue terrier who was 18yrs old! They were an amazing group of dogs who were all so sweet and so active for their ages.

Ludo Fogle and his dog Maggie who came 2nd place

I also thought you might like to see this photo of the brilliant Boxer boy I met called Cass. A hulking great lad but who so very delicately walked around with a balloon in his mouth. His owner had started giving him them to carry as it stopped him focussing on other dogs and kept him happy. Isn't it a great photo though?

Boxer and his balloon!