Today we filmed Pam MacKinnon from www.talkingdogs.org.uk with Cherry a 6 month old Red Fox Labrador discussing Scent work. Dogs love to sniff and smell their way through the day. Why not harness this skill rather than fighting against it? Scentwork offers a great way to have fun with your dog and tire him out quickly. This can be done at different levels, from letting him work alone while you watch from the sofa to encouraging him to cover larger, more challenging areas.
We then found out all about a new type of obedience training they do called 'Rally'. This is brand new and includes updated and clarified station signs, clear, well defined rules and regulations, and a unique ethos with an emphasis on pet dog owners competing with their own scores rather than simply against each other, Talking Dogs Rally aims to bring trainers and owners together to have a hoot with their dogs.
We also filmed a great video with Pam teaching a 'find it' game that we look forward to bringing you so that you can try it yourselves at home!
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
Playing with puppies
We had another great day's filming today, visiting little Daisy - a 'whattie' (Westie cross something!) We filmed an article about handling puppies and Daisy was a little star. Daisy's sister was also very friendly and seemed keen to get in on the filming action so we got some great shots of them playing together. They really are both a credit to their breeder - both such friendly, happy little pups.
We then filmed a lovely Hungarian Vizsla learning how to give a paw and then on to a Rottweiler to teach a roll over and a hand touch. All three dogs were very quick to learn and filming went effortlessly. We look forward to bringing you the videos over the next few months.
We then filmed a lovely Hungarian Vizsla learning how to give a paw and then on to a Rottweiler to teach a roll over and a hand touch. All three dogs were very quick to learn and filming went effortlessly. We look forward to bringing you the videos over the next few months.
Monday, 1 August 2011
August 2011 is underway
What a fantastic month! In this issue, meet Michael Ball and hear how his dog Freddie survived pioneering new hip surgery. Also hear how Turid Rugaas advises we can improve our dog's confidence by providing a variety of mental stimulation. Ian Dunbar talks about the type of walks that he enjoys the most and recommends for a happy, healthy pet, and Barbara Houlding explains how Veterinary Physiotherapy can benefit older dogs. Nick Thompson tells us how 8yr old Great Dane Sasha who was suffering from Spondilitis was helped with acupuncture and other therapies to help her to pee again. We also find out about the links between Castration and Behaviour and how TTouch can be useful in agility training.
New subscribers ALSO this month get a voucher for a KONG product up to £20
New subscribers ALSO this month get a voucher for a KONG product up to £20
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
WGAS becomes WGAC
Something new is happening at Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, UK...they are proud to be re-branding themselves and improving the possibilities they have as a charity to help dogs find new forever homes.
We caught up with some of the members of staff today to film an article for you on the charity's ethos and how they help so many dogs each year, from strays to abandoned puppies to adult dogs needing new loving homes.
With their headquarters in Cambridgeshire UK, the charity has built up a fantastic reputation locally and we are pleased to be able to support them to help increase their visibility on a more national and international scale.
Their 'new look' website can be found here www.woodgreen.org.uk
We caught up with some of the members of staff today to film an article for you on the charity's ethos and how they help so many dogs each year, from strays to abandoned puppies to adult dogs needing new loving homes.
With their headquarters in Cambridgeshire UK, the charity has built up a fantastic reputation locally and we are pleased to be able to support them to help increase their visibility on a more national and international scale.
Their 'new look' website can be found here www.woodgreen.org.uk
Friday, 1 July 2011
July 2011 is live
The July issue of Naturally Happy Dogs is now live and we have some more great videos for you. In Dominance: Fact or fiction?, Ian Dunbar discusses the existence of dog hierarchies and how the truth about dominance differs from the common beliefs.
As well as giving away a FREE KONG to anyone who signs up to an annual membership this month, we also have a great video by Lizi Angel about Kong toys.
We also have fascinating videos on Police tracking dogs, how to Bandage dog paws, how to teach a Basic recall, things to consider when Choosing a 'type' of dog, find out what happens at an Acupuncture session and see how TTouch can help improve a dog's state of mind ready for training.
As well as giving away a FREE KONG to anyone who signs up to an annual membership this month, we also have a great video by Lizi Angel about Kong toys.
We also have fascinating videos on Police tracking dogs, how to Bandage dog paws, how to teach a Basic recall, things to consider when Choosing a 'type' of dog, find out what happens at an Acupuncture session and see how TTouch can help improve a dog's state of mind ready for training.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Canine Health 101
There are some people you meet, that you just know are incredibly passionate about their cause, Hope Turner is one of them. Having completed an animal management degree, Hope is now looking to start her MA and is tirelessly pioneering the value of a more natural way of life for dogs.
Hope makes sure that her ideas and ethos are always backed up by science and so we were very pleased to film an article with her on the benefits of a raw diet for dogs.
Her own beautifully healthy dogs (cream coloured German Shepherd x Huskies), are testament to the strength of the nutrient base within a raw diet.
Hope makes sure that her ideas and ethos are always backed up by science and so we were very pleased to film an article with her on the benefits of a raw diet for dogs.
Her own beautifully healthy dogs (cream coloured German Shepherd x Huskies), are testament to the strength of the nutrient base within a raw diet.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
June 2011 issue is live
The June issue is now live...and what an issue! This month we are supporting Dogs Trust and so for every person who signs up to an annual subscription, we will donate £1 directly to Dogs Trust. To find out more about Dogs Trust's brilliant work, why not watch our free video about the trust 'Dogs Trust: An Introduction'.
As an added bonus for this month, thanks to our friends at www.dog-and-bone.co.uk, every new annual subscriber will receive a voucher code which can be used to purchase a KONG product worth up to £20! And if that wasn't enough, they are also providing a fantastic prize of a 300g pack of Trainers Secret liver or garlic treats (the garlic treats have only just been launched but we have been reliably informed that dogs will do anything for them!) To enter this prize draw, simply sign up to our free newsletter.
As an added bonus for this month, thanks to our friends at www.dog-and-bone.co.uk, every new annual subscriber will receive a voucher code which can be used to purchase a KONG product worth up to £20! And if that wasn't enough, they are also providing a fantastic prize of a 300g pack of Trainers Secret liver or garlic treats (the garlic treats have only just been launched but we have been reliably informed that dogs will do anything for them!) To enter this prize draw, simply sign up to our free newsletter.
Just another dog training method?
There are so many ways to look at dog training and here at Naturally Happy Dogs we are keen to provide you with all the kind, positive methods we can. One such method is a training method called EMRA. EMRA stands for Emotional, Mood State and Reinforcement Analysis...quite a mouthful! However, as we found today the name is the only complicated thing about this fantastic training method.
The method takes a holistic approach to behavioural assessment and looks at the way a dog is feeling when he or she performs certain behaviours. By analysing the dog's underlying emotions and mood states you can begin to understand what is motivating certain behaviours. You are then in a fabulous position to help them and train them through the undesired behaviour.
We met up with Sue Ketland who has been involved in dog training for over 20 years and works at the rescue centre Wood Green Animal Shelters. Sue is an advocate of EMRA having been trained in the method through the Centre Of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). The method is used by Wood Green staff to help dogs through behaviour issues and improving their chances of finding their forever homes.
As well as the article on EMRA, we also filmed an article on some seriously outdated training methods of using 'choke chains' on dogs, especially on those dogs that are pulling on the lead.
Sue explained for us the choices dogs owners now have for walking dogs and exactly why the older choking training aids are now so unnecessary and even potentially damaging to dogs.
We very much look forward to proving the video and giving people the knowledge they need to live in better harmony with their beloved pet.
The method takes a holistic approach to behavioural assessment and looks at the way a dog is feeling when he or she performs certain behaviours. By analysing the dog's underlying emotions and mood states you can begin to understand what is motivating certain behaviours. You are then in a fabulous position to help them and train them through the undesired behaviour.
We met up with Sue Ketland who has been involved in dog training for over 20 years and works at the rescue centre Wood Green Animal Shelters. Sue is an advocate of EMRA having been trained in the method through the Centre Of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). The method is used by Wood Green staff to help dogs through behaviour issues and improving their chances of finding their forever homes.
As well as the article on EMRA, we also filmed an article on some seriously outdated training methods of using 'choke chains' on dogs, especially on those dogs that are pulling on the lead.
Sue explained for us the choices dogs owners now have for walking dogs and exactly why the older choking training aids are now so unnecessary and even potentially damaging to dogs.
We very much look forward to proving the video and giving people the knowledge they need to live in better harmony with their beloved pet.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Galen Therapy or Myotherapy
This therapy is named Galen, after a Greek physician who studied anatomy, although it is sometimes know as Myotherapy. It is a form of canine massage that is accredited and includes an intensive study of canine anatomy and physiology in the training programme. The combination of the two factors is what initially attracted practitioner Nicola Wreford to the therapy.
Nicola is now qualified in the therapy and was keen to show us on camera the wonderful ways in which the massage can relax dogs, improve their muscle strength and help keep them in tip top condition.
Nicola is now qualified in the therapy and was keen to show us on camera the wonderful ways in which the massage can relax dogs, improve their muscle strength and help keep them in tip top condition.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Deaf Dog Network
We had the privilege today to meet Karen Lawe, one of the founders of an organisation called the Deaf Dog Network. Karen's inspiration has lead her to create a project to educate people about living with, training and understanding deaf dogs. The network is proud to be available to help out breeders with advice if they find they have pups born that are deaf and to empower owners of deaf dogs with the confidence and techniques to live in harmony with them.
We filmed some great articles with Karen and very much look forward to sharing them with you later in the year.
We filmed some great articles with Karen and very much look forward to sharing them with you later in the year.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Filming with Michael Ball
We are proud today to have filmed for you an article with broadcaster and actor, Michael Ball and his gorgeous Tibetan Terrier Freddie!
Freddie has undergone a big operation under Noel Fitzpatrick, 'The Bionic Vet'. The poor little dog has had to have a new hip in a revolutionary new type of operation after being involved in a traffic accident.
Michael had been away from Freddie for 5 weeks while he underwent his surgery, his recovery and subsequent physiotherapy programme back to optimal health. Both parties were immensely pleased to see each other as you can imagine!
After interviewing Michael about his life with Freddie and how he has coped with being away from him for so long we were also able to speak to Noel about the revolutionary new surgery and the operation itself.
One of our desires with this magazine is to be able to highlight the advancements that now exist for dogs in veterinary medicine and so we very much look forward to bring you this heart warming article later in 2011 and sharing with the world the choices for dogs that are being developed all the time.
Freddie has undergone a big operation under Noel Fitzpatrick, 'The Bionic Vet'. The poor little dog has had to have a new hip in a revolutionary new type of operation after being involved in a traffic accident.
Michael had been away from Freddie for 5 weeks while he underwent his surgery, his recovery and subsequent physiotherapy programme back to optimal health. Both parties were immensely pleased to see each other as you can imagine!
After interviewing Michael about his life with Freddie and how he has coped with being away from him for so long we were also able to speak to Noel about the revolutionary new surgery and the operation itself.
One of our desires with this magazine is to be able to highlight the advancements that now exist for dogs in veterinary medicine and so we very much look forward to bring you this heart warming article later in 2011 and sharing with the world the choices for dogs that are being developed all the time.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
May 2011 goes live with extra benefits
Another month, another 8 fantastic videos are added to the Naturally Happy Dogs Video Library! This month we have articles on Police dogs, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), dog training - past, present and future, vaccinations, Tellington TTouch, The Bowen Technique, more treat baking recipes, and more training commands.
We have also added some fantastic new benefits. Visitors to the website can enter into a free prize draw to win a month's free Naturally Happy Dogs subscription, simply by signing up to our mailing list.
Also, anyone who signs up for an annual subscription will receive a free copy of 'Your First Agility Show' by Sally Rowe (more details about the booklet can be found on Sally's website).
And if all that wasn't enough, subscribers can now access discount codes for many products and services on our subscriber benefits page!
Want more? OK, we have also launched a 'Pawsitivity' page to allow visitors to send positive thoughts to dogs in need.
Phew... what a busy Easter!
We have also added some fantastic new benefits. Visitors to the website can enter into a free prize draw to win a month's free Naturally Happy Dogs subscription, simply by signing up to our mailing list.
Also, anyone who signs up for an annual subscription will receive a free copy of 'Your First Agility Show' by Sally Rowe (more details about the booklet can be found on Sally's website).
And if all that wasn't enough, subscribers can now access discount codes for many products and services on our subscriber benefits page!
Want more? OK, we have also launched a 'Pawsitivity' page to allow visitors to send positive thoughts to dogs in need.
Phew... what a busy Easter!
Friday, 29 April 2011
New Search function
The Naturally Happy Dogs website is constantly evolving, this week we have yet another feature for you!
With our 'search' function you can quickly and easily search our site for words within the video library, directory, blog or even contributors sections. Click on 'search' at the top of any page and type your search terms into the search box.
With our 'search' function you can quickly and easily search our site for words within the video library, directory, blog or even contributors sections. Click on 'search' at the top of any page and type your search terms into the search box.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
A day with the Bionic Vet
We have had an exciting afternoon today, filming articles with Noel Fitzpatrick, known also as the 'Bionic Vet'.
The Fitzpatrick Referral Centre is a state of the art vet practice, surgical theatre and rehabilitation unit in Surrey UK, where Noel and his team look after animals that need his help.
After a tour of the centre, we were lucky enough to be able to film for you some of the case studies at the centre that day, and also speak to Noel to ask him about his fascinating work creating new limbs for dogs, repairing joints and mending structural injuries.
We also met 'Baron' an elegant looking Leonberger who was in for a new type of surgery aimed at alleviating bone cancer in his front leg, and we were able to follow Baron on his journey into theatre for his operation.
These fascinating articles and more will be coming up in Naturally Happy Dogs magazine in the very near future!
The Fitzpatrick Referral Centre is a state of the art vet practice, surgical theatre and rehabilitation unit in Surrey UK, where Noel and his team look after animals that need his help.
After a tour of the centre, we were lucky enough to be able to film for you some of the case studies at the centre that day, and also speak to Noel to ask him about his fascinating work creating new limbs for dogs, repairing joints and mending structural injuries.
We also met 'Baron' an elegant looking Leonberger who was in for a new type of surgery aimed at alleviating bone cancer in his front leg, and we were able to follow Baron on his journey into theatre for his operation.
These fascinating articles and more will be coming up in Naturally Happy Dogs magazine in the very near future!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Dog Power
We have had a very interesting morning filming articles with Barbara Houlding, one of the UK's top canine veterinary physiotherapists. We discovered what 'drives' the dog, which parts of his physiology power him to walk, run and jump. Barbara explained the research which has shown new ways of looking at how the dog moves. We also discussed the influence that the tail has on the dogs balance, movement, physical function and proprioceptive senses.
We also filmed a great article on Hip Dysplasia, the anatomy behind the condition and how it could be helped by veterinary physiotherapy.
We also filmed a great article on Hip Dysplasia, the anatomy behind the condition and how it could be helped by veterinary physiotherapy.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Amongst the bluebells with Ian Dunbar
We were lucky enough this weekend to catch Ian Dunbar before he flew back to the USA.
We found a great location to film Ian discussing all things connected with walking your dog - a typically British woodlands with trees, moss, horses in the field nearby and lots of beautiful bluebells. The type of place that is lovely to amble through with a dog.
We were very pleased with footage filmed which included articles about recall and mental stimulation, we look forward to sharing it with you later in the year.
We found a great location to film Ian discussing all things connected with walking your dog - a typically British woodlands with trees, moss, horses in the field nearby and lots of beautiful bluebells. The type of place that is lovely to amble through with a dog.
We were very pleased with footage filmed which included articles about recall and mental stimulation, we look forward to sharing it with you later in the year.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Dotty Dalmatian
Caroline from Naturally Happy Dogs was asked to visit a Dalmatian this weekend who simply won't go for a walk.
Poor Scooby (6 months old from Cambridgeshire) is quite scared of walking and will often go into 'fool around' behaviours during his walks.
As walking and dog ownership do rather go hand in hand, Caroline went to see if any Tellington Training could help. During the session, Caroline filmed some of his behaviour to show it to our contributor Jez to get his expert opinion on the subject too.
We are happy to say that Scooby's owner has been implementing some of Jez and Caroline's recommendations and only 3 days later he is beginning to change his reaction to walks.
Are you a Subscriber? If you are in the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire area and would like us to help with your dog's issues please do contact us and your dog could feature in the magazine himself.
Poor Scooby (6 months old from Cambridgeshire) is quite scared of walking and will often go into 'fool around' behaviours during his walks.
As walking and dog ownership do rather go hand in hand, Caroline went to see if any Tellington Training could help. During the session, Caroline filmed some of his behaviour to show it to our contributor Jez to get his expert opinion on the subject too.
We are happy to say that Scooby's owner has been implementing some of Jez and Caroline's recommendations and only 3 days later he is beginning to change his reaction to walks.
Are you a Subscriber? If you are in the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire area and would like us to help with your dog's issues please do contact us and your dog could feature in the magazine himself.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
New video library
Naturally Happy Dogs have just put live our 'new look' video library. We have split the videos into categories so you can now search by issue, by category, by 'free videos' or alphabetically.
We thought this was necessary as our video library is filling up rather rapidly with so many great and interesting videos.
Please do let us know what you think!
We thought this was necessary as our video library is filling up rather rapidly with so many great and interesting videos.
Please do let us know what you think!
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Naturally Happy Dogs 'on the beat'
Yesterday we met special canine agent 'Charlie', a Labrador whose sole aim in life is to find whatever his owner wants him to find....all in return for his favourite thing in life - a tennis ball!
Charlie is a police dog from Cambridge, UK. He is now retired but he has many big claims to fame as a police dog, including finding drugs worth £250,000.
We met more dogs just like Charlie who are trained to sniff out explosives, drugs and also to find missing people. We met their handlers too, who take the dogs home every night and keep them as members of their families when they are not tennis ball hunting.
We filmed a great article for you about how the dogs are trained. We found out that the police work with many different breeds of dog including Belgian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Spaniels and, of course, Labradors. We also heard about how they often take on dogs from rescue centres and train them up through the 13 week training programme to become canine 'special agents'.
We look forward to sharing the article with your in the coming months.
Charlie is a police dog from Cambridge, UK. He is now retired but he has many big claims to fame as a police dog, including finding drugs worth £250,000.
We met more dogs just like Charlie who are trained to sniff out explosives, drugs and also to find missing people. We met their handlers too, who take the dogs home every night and keep them as members of their families when they are not tennis ball hunting.
We filmed a great article for you about how the dogs are trained. We found out that the police work with many different breeds of dog including Belgian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Spaniels and, of course, Labradors. We also heard about how they often take on dogs from rescue centres and train them up through the 13 week training programme to become canine 'special agents'.
We look forward to sharing the article with your in the coming months.
Friday, 1 April 2011
No fooling here
It's no fool honestly - Naturally Happy Dogs has put another 8 videos live!
Log in or sign up at the top of the page to access our video library and watch videos by Ian Dunbar, Richard Allport, Dale Pinnock, Barbara Houlding, Nick Thompson and more!
Log in or sign up at the top of the page to access our video library and watch videos by Ian Dunbar, Richard Allport, Dale Pinnock, Barbara Houlding, Nick Thompson and more!
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