Tips

Below is an archive of tips for the welfare and training of your pet. Before e-mailing me, check here to see if your question has already been answered.

Homemade Liver Cake - A tasty recipe for a well-behaved dog!

This recipe is a healthy substitute for expensive treats. To a dog, there isn't much that tastes better than liver! It's an effective aid for any training, and improves motivation (something to 'work for' in dog eyes). I have to say I'm not keen on liver (in fact it makes me feel nausious when I cook it) but my dog loves it - yours will too! Heres how to start:

Ingredients: 1lb Liver, 1lb Granary Flour, 3 Eggs, Olive Oil, Milk, 2 Garlic Cloves (optional but good for your dog).

  1. Liquidize the liver with the eggs milk, oil and garlic.
  2. Add the flour to the mixture and pour into a tin.
  3. Cook in the microwave on full power for about 10mins.
  4. When cool cut the cake as you wish and freeze the pieces.
  5. You can defrost the treats when you need them, yummy!

Firework season - Are you prepared?

Many dogs are upset by fireworks and unfortunately fireworks are used sporadically, not on one day. There are lots of things you can do to help your dog suffer the least distress possible. For a long term solution (desensitisation to noise phobia) contact me

  1. Prepare a refuge area for your dog. This area can be made even better with the use of heavy curtains: keeping out the light to make a 'den' for the dog to 'dig down' into.
  2. Plug in an S.A.P diffuser near to the 'den' 2 weeks before the fireworks start.
  3. Play music with a constant drumbeat and close windows to block out sound. Make sure the dog is safe so it doesn't dont bolt and escape.
  4. Don't give the dog attention or reassurance when anxious or fearful: you will be rewarding the behaviour. Behave in a calm manner and try to engage the dog with a game involving treats.
  5. Ignore the noises yourself.
  6. It is far better not to leave your dog alone. Your presence will reassure it. If you go out, leave a recently worn item of clothing for comfort.
  7. You could try feeding it a large, stodgy carbohydrate rich meal with a vitamin B supplement about 2hrs ahead of the event. Ideally that would start 2weeks before.
  8. If you know a dog who is not scared it may be good to get them together. Playing with the fearless dog may encvourage it.
  9. Lastly on to drug therapy. This is used in the very short term to block memory of the specific event or anxiety. The prescribing of any drug is entirely at your veterinary surgeon's discretion.