Page 58 • The HERALD • 5th January 2023 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 26TH JANUARY v ANIMAL MAGIC Mopley Dog Services Grooming and Home Boarding Now taking on new clients for 1-2-1 grooming Appointments Available Now! Qualified/Licensed/Insured NFDC HHHHH Contact Gail on 07852 828559 gail.cowell@hotmail.com FF @mopleydogservices Professional Dog Grooming • Est: 2006 07903 271342 beth@forestsidegrooming.co.uk www.forestsidegrooming.co.uk 07903 859960 rachel@littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk DOES YOUR DOG HAVE SMALL DOG SYNDROME? by Rachel Clark, Little Rascals Dog Coaching Do you dread your daily walk because your small dog barks at everything that moves? Is it a nightmare going to the vet or groomer or even putting a harness on because your dog hates being handled? You’re not alone; these sorts of problems are very common with small dogs. My decision to specialise in small dogs was inspired by my rescue terrier, Hope. When I rst fostered her, she was overwhelmed, barking at everything and with little tolerance for handling. Over time we’ve built up her con dence, taught her she doesn’t need to use her teeth to communicate and how to relax. I want you to enjoy spending time with your little dog too. So, what is small dog syndrome? e term ‘small dog syndrome’ isn’t a diagnosis; it’s just an unhelpful label that’s been given to symptoms that are commonly seen in small dogs. It’s more helpful to remember that beneath any behaviour there is a need and barking, growling and biting are just ways of communicating. But why do small dogs have a reputation for barking or snapping more than bigger dogs? Little dogs aren’t shouting because they’re trying to be big dogs. ey’re shouting because when they asked quietly no one heard. If a Dogue De Bordeaux curls their lip, people are more likely to give them space or ask for help. If a Chihuahua growls people are more likely to ignore them or even laugh at them. Both dogs are seeking safety, both dogs are experiencing the same feeling; it’s just the response that’s di erent. What can I do to prevent it? • Pay attention to body language and listen when they ask quietly. Dogs are perfectly capable of removing ngers but generally choose to warn rst. A growl is o en a nal warning a er lip licks, head turns or other ‘whispers’ haven’t worked. So, when a dog growls and you give them space, you’re not rewarding them for growling, you’re rewarding them for warning. • Teach a hand target: It can feel quicker and easier to pick a small dog up when you want them to move but it can feel very frustrating to the dog. Teaching them to move using a hand target helps them to feel like they’ve got a choice, helping them feel more con dent and more tolerant. • Ask for help! People o en struggle with the behaviour of their small dog for longer than they would if their dog was a big dog. But small dogs have the same feelings as big dogs and the longer a problem goes on for, the longer it takes to resolve and the worse it will get. If you need help, get in touch by calling me on 07903 859960, or email me: rachel@littlerascalsdogcoaching. co.uk (Little Rascals Dog Coaching was previously Pear Tree Pets) Image by Rebecca Scholz from Pixabay Improving Lockdown Facilities for the Birds at Barry’s Farm Visitors to Barry’s Farm on Frost Lane in Hythe recently will have noticed a lack of ducks on the pond and chickens running around the eld; due to avian u the birds are currently in lockdown. is year the birds have been treated to more luxurious lockdown facilities, thanks to the work of the volunteers and generous donations received from the local community, giving the birds some contained outdoor space to walk around in. To keep the birds and volunteers safe improved sanitising stations have also been installed, as well as two footbaths with a protective cover to keep the other very inquisitive animals from thinking it’s for them! e roof of the bird enclosure has also been renewed and upgraded to keep the elements out. Barry’s family and their team of volunteers have been able to make these upgrades on the farm thanks to recent donations from local community groups including: £170 from the Waterside Supper Club, £200 raised at an Art and Cra Fair in Dibden Purlieu and £490 which was given to the farm in memory of Mr Brian Boniface who lived just around the corner from Barry’s Farm. Most recently the farm has received a cheque for £3,000 from Hythe Waitrose & Partners, through their community matters project. e money will go towards xing fences around the eld together with helping with the cost of food to feed all the amazing animals that bring so much joy to the community. If you would like to make a donation towards the food and upkeep of the animals at Barry’s Farm please visit: https://gofund.me/11c1677d to make an online donation or you can pop into e Herald O ce in Hythe if you would like to make a cash donation. Some of Barry’s Farm Volunteers Janis Bevis (centre) and volunteers receiving the donation from Waitrose Roof upgrades underway at Barry’s Farm
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