The thoughts and ponderings of Sue McCabe of Muttamorphosis http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/ http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/18/polite-dog-walkers.htm I recently had a call from a very distressed client who is desperately trying to help her dog get over his fear aggression towards other dogs. She had been working really hard on the suggested training programme but was struggling, not with her own dogs lack of manners, but with that of other dog owners out and about. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/17/work-experience-with-muttamorphosis.htm Work experience isn’t really how I’d describe my week with Sue. Without wanting to sound too much like I’m just a walking advert for Muttamorphosis, my week was fantastic. It was so much fun to work with all the dogs and Sue was so interesting and upbeat to be around that it didn’t feel like ‘work’ at all. It was just my aching legs by the end of the week that gave it away. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/16/training-recall-and-the-issue-of-neutering.htm By far one of the most common queries I receive from potential clients describes challenges they are having with their dogs when it comes to recall. Getting their dog back from distractions, more often than not, other dogs. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/15/its-official--dogs-are-good-for-you.htm Research from the US, carried out by the University of Wisconsin has revealed that some children growing up with dogs were far less likely to develop allergic skin rashes than those without. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/14/dog-language--what-they-learn-from-each-other.htm It never ceases to amaze me how new dogs just seem to slot in and settle, despite the worries or anxieties of owners. I am a confident handler who reads dogs very well and perhaps the dogs know this but even so, personalities clash and some dogs often just don't like each other. After all, I don't like every human I meet! http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/13/update-on-front-leading-harnesses.htm Feedback from a test run on front leading harnesses has been rather mixed. I asked several clients with all sizes and temperaments of dog to test run the Soft Touch Sensible Harness. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/12/ban-on-11-restricted-breeds-in-dublin-ireland.htm A frightening decision for any dog lover has been made by Dublin City Council in the past week, banning the ownership of 11 restricted breeds and their crosses in any council owned premises. This includes privately owned homes in council estates. Seizure of these dogs will mean increased numbers being put to sleep in the already over crowded dog pounds across Ireland. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/10/essentials-for-equilibrium-holistic-therapy-for-your-animals.htm As the owner of four cats, and three dogs, it can often be a hectic household. Recently, we had noticed that one cat seemed to be feeling the stress of living in a busy household and was scent marking in various rooms, much to our annoyance. Miette, a hand reared 5 year old cat, came home on several occasions with scratches and injuries which our vet told us were indicative of fighting, despite being a neutered male. It became clear therefore that Miette was stressed indoors and also being bullied outdoors. All this resulted in an insecure kitty who felt the need to reassure himself that home was indeed his territory and that he felt safe there. Hence the scent marking, the frustration and the terrible smell in our sitting room, kitchen and utility room! http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/1/front-leading-harnesses-leading-the-way-forward.htm One of the most common challenges of pet dog ownership is getting your dog to walk on a loose leash. Even the smallest dogs have power to pull during times of high distraction. It is very human to feel stressed and fed-up, being led down the road by your dog, rather than a relaxing stroll with puppy plodding by your side. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/2/why-its-nicer-to-neuter.htm Every cat and dog shelter, RSPCA and sanctuary is full of family pets that, through no fault of their own, have been born into a world with too many dogs, and not enough good owners. It is generally true that, if you decide not to neuter your dog, you will have a dog that is more difficult to train. You also run the risk of adding to an already overcrowded canine population, exposing pet dogs to abuse, neglect and ultimately death if they are put to sleep as a result of behavioural problems often associated with such neglect or abuse. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/4/what-misty-has-taught-me.htm I am regularly getting calls from people who, with little knowledge of the breed they own, see certain behaviour as a challenge, when in fact it is typical of that breed. People will call me to complain that their West Highland White Terrier or their Bishon Frise is very vocal. That they have started barking at everyone and everything when out and about. I hear complaints of collie that herd the traffic or nip at ankles. Owners of German Shepherds, Doberman or cross-breeds of the same type call me to ask how to stop guarding behaviour. http://www.muttamorphosis.co.uk/blog/article/3/the-importance-of-socialisation-and-breeding.htm The first 12 weeks of a dog's life map behaviour for the rest of its life. Good breeding in pet dogs does not only mean that the mother dog is free from congenital disorders and in full health, but that she is psychologically sound and has the kind of temperament we would all be happy to own in a dog. What a young puppy learns during the formative weeks when with the bitch and breeder influences his ability to cope with stress; to deal with strangers; to learn and be trained and to live in harmony with humans. In addition to his genetic make up, which may be nervous or outgoing, anxious or aggressive, he is also learning habits and social skills from his mother during these weeks. His ability to interact with people and other animals will be influenced strongly at this stage, depending on his mother's reactions to these situations. This is why it is paramount when choosing a puppy that you meet the mother dog with her litter to assess her temperament. You must ask yourself if you would be prepared to live with a similar personality of dog as the one who has reared your puppy during the most important weeks of his life.