Tuesday 8 July 2014

Socialisation Therapy Walks (8).

To Walk With Dogs
German Shepherd Dogs
C. K9. V. W. G.
The Community K9 Voluntary Walking Group. 

TITUS

Free:
 Dog Socialization Therapy.

To find out more about the GSD. Click on this Link:  http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com

Below are some pics from this Sundays Walk.

Updates will be posted here some time Thursday for the next walk on Sunday 31st August.



Thatchers Copse Car Park,
Chilling Coastal Area.
Guide Only - Nearest Address and Post Code: Meon Road, Titchfield, Fareham. PO14 4HH. - approximate address only.
For Driving Directions and Map Link, and to see Meeting Point Click the Following:  https://www.google.co.uk/maps/

All meet at 10.30 for a 10.45am Start


Directions are:

West Street, Fareham. PO16 0AT - Drive along Quay St, take A27 to Posbrook Ln in Titchfield, Continue on Posbrook Ln, take Triangle Ln to Thatchers Copse Car Park. You Have Arrived.



NOTE:   If the walk has to be cancelled for some reason it will be posted on here at least 2 hours before the arranged walk. It won’t be cancelled if it is just raining!  So please check here first before you set off.

Please make sure your dog is wearing a suitable dog tag before the walk, by law this must have the owners address and telephone number on and preferably that the dog is chipped and neutered.


ON ARRIVAL: Dogs must be kept either in cars or walked away from the car park until the start of the walk. At times, it can be a fairly busy place and it doesn’t help our cause to have the dogs barking and bouncing about on their leads. It is up to us to make sure that our dogs are not seen in a bad light and to have a large amount of dogs in the car park barking at people and their dogs as they go past and is not acceptable and it’s not fair on the rest of us who spend a great deal of time and effort trying to improve how the public looks at dogs like ours.

Also, please be aware of us as a group when on the walk, sometimes the group get strung out, forgetting it is a dog socialization group walk, some walkers battle at times to keep up with the rest of the walkers and have their limitations, please make every effort to be as one or several small groups in close proximity to each other.  

We invite, and need GSD owners who has very Calm, Social and gentle natured Balanced Dogs to join us on our weekly Sunday Socialisation Walks, these dogs will build confidence in the nervous, aggressive and over exuberant dogs and give them the chance to learn how to interact, stay calm and become more socialise and balance with one another. The GSD is a working breed that needs loads of exercise to stay fit and healthy - just like we do.  This is an ideal opportunity for people to Walk With Dogs.
All breeds are welcome.


BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS:  Some dogs never get to be properly socialised and in the case of rescue or even a hand-me-down cast-off dogs earlier experiences may be mainly negative. Some dogs are left at home for several hours at a time, with the modern way of life that many families are out all day and this can lead to boredom and separation anxiety, Various aggression issues, over excitement, fears and phobias and rank issues which can result in barking and destructive behaviour. Lack of socialisation or nervousness can lead precipitate aggressive or inappropriate behaviour towards other dogs to towards people, at one time dogs were deemed in law to be entitled to retaliate against bad handling, teasing etc., and it was generally accepted that a dog was allowed "one bite", today dogs have to be whiter than white regardless of incitement, poor treatment and teasing. 

If not properly trained, your dog may be a problem element in your family. The biggest mistake most dog owners make is yelling at their dog or hitting them, "Violence begets violence, aggression begets aggression." Remember, your dog doesn’t always understand why he has been hit or being yelled at. Beating and shouting will simply increase the problem, you mustn't make them submit under the pressure of fear. Keep calm and be patient, identifying the source or the reason of your dogs unwanted behaviour is the key to the success story.

So please come and join us on one of our Socialisation Therapy Walks. Come and meet new people and make new dog friends. If you have another dog that isn't a GSD, thats fine too, you can bring that one along as well. Great fun for all the family to enjoy.

DOG WASTE.  DO BAG IT AND BIN IT.

To Walk With Dogs Supporters: Please be aware that other dog walkers, joggers, horse-riders, and families may be situated in the same area, we do ask if owners can put dogs on their lead or make them sit to one side when people walking with or without dogs are on the same path to let them pass. Please keep this up, we have been praised on previous walks for stopping and allowing members of the public to pass with their dogs, so it is important we carry on doing this not just because it’s polite and something that should be done but because we ‘are’ responsible GSD owners and others.

DOGS AND LIVESTOCK:
We recommend that you should exercise caution when bringing your dog on our walks, and that you should have adequate control over your dogs around livestock. A flexible lead would be recommended as this will allow your dog to explore, while it enables you to keep your dog safe.

Even if livestock are not present, dogs should be ‘under close control’ always, although this doesn’t necessarily mean on the lead. Dogs should be kept on a lead if owners cannot rely on their recall and their obedience. You mustn’t forget that dogs worrying livestock can be legally shot. On this part of there walk there’s a number of wild and domestic animals roaming free, be vigilant and dog safe.

OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY:  All dogs and owners welcome as usual, but we would ask that all owners please be in control of your own dog(s), the supervision of your own dog is your responsibility and that you have a duty of care to ensure that your dog/s are not causing a problem for others. When we meet and proceed  on our walk, the To Walk With Dogs will not tolerate, be held accountable or responsible for any accident, fight or unwarranted behaviour towards a member of the group or member of the public.

We welcome new supporters and dogs and positively urge them to come on the walk for there and their dogs benefit but we do expect owners to keep their dogs in check.

We all come on the walk to help socialize the dogs and have a natter with like minded people and have a good walk, but if you think your dog(s) maybe a bit snappy or over aggressive like have a lethal dose of small dog syndrome and show any signs of dominance to other dogs or you don’t know how your dog will react to other dogs we do ask that you muzzle it for your dogs and others safety, making sure the muzzle is the right size for your dog. Providing your dog has good recall, with your good judgement the dog can be off lead, this will give the freedom to interact and socialize better.

If your dog is unpredictable and has a skittish personality we ask that you either keep it on a lead or a  flexible lead or long line. Please be courteous and respect others by keeping an eye on your dog and being aware of what it’s doing, and take the appropriate action. We do not want to stop people or dogs coming on the walk but we will be left with no choice if a dog is a constant problem.

Walking a Puppy! 
If you ever wondered - How long should you walk a puppy for each day?
No organised walking at all until around 6 months, and then just gradually building up the muscle tone until by a year, provided they've remained sound, they are ready to go!

Puppies do not need to be walked for as long as adult dogs. Puppies can develop hip and joint problems when they are older if they are over walked as puppies. 

A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of your puppys life. To calculate a very general guideline for walking, walk the pup for 5 minutes for every month of its age. For example a 4 month old puppy will be 5 minutes X 4 months, which =  20 minutes.

Don't go out for longer as your pups bones are still growing and you can cause damage with too much formal exercise. 

For the rest of the time play games with your pup and give him things to stimulate his mind. 
If he's small enough or you are strong enough (!) you could carry him to places to add to his socialisation experiences. 

Don't forget training. Ensure its fun and in the context of play. Practise every day, several times a day for about 5 minutes at a time. Ensure your pup feels as though he is achieving and gets lots of praise. 

Big dogs, such as Goldens, GSDs etc often succumb to hip problems when older. Restricting the amount of formal exercise they get as a pup can help to prevent this.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  We will not be held liable for any cost, damages, expenses, claims and / or judgements that may arise or result from any harm or loss caused by any owner and / or their dog(s) whilst participating in any activity organized  by the (K9. V. W. G.) - To Walk With Dogs. You are responsible for your own dog(s).


"Adders - Safety Warning" -  From march all owners should be aware of Adders. 

Springtime sees the end of hibernation for the adder. So keep your eyes peeled while walking on the grassy fields, heaths and in the woods. 
The adder is the only British venomous snake, Unfortunately dogs are the animals most likely to be bitten due to their natural curiosity and need to stick their noses into everything!   Remember, there has been Dog fatalities through adder bites.  But adder bites are rarely fatal. Adders tend to live in areas of dense ground cover, where they can hide from natural predators, but they also need sunny spots for basking. (Adders need to warm their bodies before becoming active). Adders seem to prefer South facing slopes, in order to maximise their access to sunshine.

Adders are difficult to spot because they're extremely shy animals. Although they can't hear, they'll detect vibrations from you walking, and usually will quickly and smoothly slither into cover as soon as you get anywhere near. Adders are often only a foot or so away from deep cover, and they favour remaining in ground which matches their colouration, making them really difficult to spot.

To keep you and your pet safe follow these simple tips...

Keep to the paths - snakes tend to live in the undergrowth
Use a short lead on heathland in summer - part of your Open Access responsibilities
If you encounter an adder - leave it alone - give it the opportunity to escape to safety. Here's a helpful leaflet Dogs & Adders Leaflet for dog owners.  The leaflet gives good advice on identifying adders and what to do if your pet does get bitten.  You can also find some tips on  First Aid for Dogs page.
So enjoy your walks and REMEMBER that bites are rarely fatal but must be treated quickly  by a vet.

Here's some adder facts...
Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  It is an offence to kill, harm or injure them, and to sell or trade them in any way.
Females grow larger than males.  Link:  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Adder



Our walks are held every sunday at different locations.

A Pet's Ten Commandments:
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years… Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old – remember, you too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
©  Stan Rawlinson 1993.

To find out more about the GSD. Click on this Link:  http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com

K9 Lessons Dog Training, Click on this Link:   http://dogtraininginhampshire.co.uk/index.html 

ARDEN GRANGE DRY DOG FOOD - From:  www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk

Snapshots from Sunday walk 24th August 2014, at 

Thatchers Copse, Titchfield.
















































































Snapshots from Sunday walk 17th August 2014, at Butser Hill, Langrish, Hampshire. 












































Snapshots from Sunday walk 3rd August 2014, at Alver

Valley Country Park, Gosport.

















































Snapshots from Sunday walk 27th July 2014, at the 

M.O.D. Training Cap, Gosport.

















































Snapshots from Sunday walk 20th July 2014, at Harting

Downs, on the Southdown Ways.































































Snapshots from Sunday walk 13th July 2014, at Warsash Common.
















































As we were confronted with an Adder on Sunday at Alver Valley Country Park and little Bills was almost a victim of this snake, as a warning to us all I would like to  take this opportunity to share my account of what happen some 14 months ago.


Walking for about an hour-and-a-half, Titus and I was now well into are walk and our walking pace has grown quite a bit, Titus seams to be buzzing on this quicker pace, he is very close to my side and looking straight up at me, just like a faithful old friend as he’s always been, and now meeting up with other familiar faces and their dogs, our quick strides have turned into a more relaxing stroll. 

Most of the dogs are running free on this very hot day, through the dry long grassy slopes, as always Titus is never too far, usually he is right next to my side, that is to say, until his nose sniffs the damp air of water nearby, then he is off like a shot.  As we wander along the well trodden track, chatting, in foreground is a large open space of water, the water lies wide and deep, in a sunken-bowl-like-depression in the ground. 

Titus just gets a glimpse of it and with a feeling of sheer excitement to cooling down, he run’s over to the expanse of water and strikes it with a big splash, snapping and biting the surface, with his head whipping it side to side, jumping about with elation, flinching abruptly backwards and forwards, twisting one way and then another with fired-up energy just like a spring lamb. He is so happy just to be in the water to cool down, and to be out in the wide open spaces. After spending five to ten minutes at the water’s edge, waiting for the dog’s to come out so we can continue our walk, we carry on very slowly and in turn, the dog’s follow. Approaching a stile in a distance, and after a while the conversation becomes a bit stilted, two of the walkers decided to divert in a different direction, leaving the remaining three of us with our dog’s to climb over the stile, into a noticeably different terrain. 
 The surrounding view is now a patchwork of heather and broom with bracken and tall long grasses. The footpath we are pounding is a mixture of silver sand and other parts are of shingle, the dogs were chasing each other through the mishmash of the terrain, crossing each others path in a figure of eight. As we wondered on talking, the dogs seemed to have flushed out something in the undergrowth, as they have taken chase and disappeared for a while, one of the owners gave a recall on their whistle and in the distance we could hear the dogs respond by a bark. Four of the dogs returned promptly, we waited for the other dog, with another recall on the whistle, there is no sight or sound of her.
As time past, we were getting concerned. I stayed with Titus while the other two walkers decided to look and search in the direction, over the heathland from where the other four came. Standing with Titus for about five minutes from where the dogs took off, looking on watching out without getting too involved. Titus was looking the opposite way from where I was. He has for some time been fixated on something further down the track, over in the wild shrubs and trees, as he had been focused on this one point, he has been edging himself forward while sitting. He seemed to have heard something. 

As my attention is now with Titus to what he is concentrating on. I hear a crackling sound caused by the movement of dry leaves and branches, we move forward in that direction and unexpectedly was surprised to see what came out of the bushes, a little distressed and agitated dog, called Molly, a springer spaniel that seemed to be in some form of trouble. I called Molly as she approached me, I think she was pleased to see a familiar face. I held her collar and then laid her down to keep her calm. I called at the top of my voice, I’ve got little-Molly she’s over here, she appears to be unwell.  After panting and wheezing for a while, she is now very calm and drowsy. The two dog owners arrive back from their search and Molly’s owner noticed a severe swelling on her muzzle. I said she has been attacked by an Adder, you best get her quickly to a vet for prompt medical attention, to be treated with anti-venom. 


This area is typical adder country, they are attracted by sunny woodland edges, bracken covered slopes, sandy soils, heather and dry grassy areas, any of these would be likely to have adders. The hot weather has encouraged adders out into the open.  So tread carefully, and it would be advisable not to let your dog run freely amongst the long grassy areas, it would be wise to keep them on a short lead.
Molly received adequate medical care by the veterinary, who had a small supply of anti-venom. She returned to normal health and was running about like before.


All this had taken place within a couple of minutes away from where we all encountered the Adder on sunday. So be warned and be vigilant and dog safe. If your pet is bitten by an adder (or you suspect that it may have been) you should seek prompt veterinary attention. Do not attempt first aid measures such as sucking out the venom or applying a tourniquet - these procedures are ineffective and may even cause further harm to your pet. Try to keep your pet calm and wherever possible carry your dog rather than let it walk. Both these measures will help slow the spread of venom around the body.


Snapshots from Sunday walk 06th July 2014, at Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport.



























































TITUS

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