COMMUNITY
VETS AND THEIR PETS
Many vets and veterinary nurses, from all practises in the area, train with me and personally recommend me to clients based on their experience. Here are some you may recognise…
Caitlin and Maximus (Newfoundland) -
Swayne and Partners Veterinary Surgery
Finding conventional indoor classes frustrating, with trainers and other participants finding Maximus's puppy energy both intimidating and hard to control it soon became clear Caitlin needed to find a more understanding class.
“I found out Sara had taught Great Danes and Irish Wolfhound puppies around other dogs and with her classes being held outside, I knew Maximus’s size and energy was not going to be a problem, and already felt more relaxed in her company. Having learnt the basics of how best to walk him, calm him, relax and socialise him alongside all breeds of other dogs we are now joining the Wolfhound Puppies in show ring practice with Sara and will keep you posted as to how we progress in the show community”.
Kerry and Lola (English Bulldog) -
Mulberry Veterinary Surgery
Kerry was called out to see Lola, who had only been used for breeding, and had haemorrhaged badly. Knowing Lola was no longer wanted by her current owners, Kerry took her home. Lola had no social skills with people or dogs, she would launch herself at visitors to the house, jump all over the furniture and knock Kerry's tiny 4 year old daughter Charlotte over. Lola would lunge to try and get to other dogs in the street which was intimidating for them and their owners and with another baby on the way Kerry really wanted to get things under control.
An initial visit to Kerry's home established some rules and boundaries for Lola and how these were to be practiced, so over time, she would learn to be calmer.
We introduced Lola to a social class where she could continue to be around other dogs on a regular basis. After an initial 12 months Lola not only showed great ability to be calm around other dogs, she gradually got the agility bug and enjoyed running round with Charlotte who's squeals only added to the fun for everyone watching. Kerry adds “Walking Lola is now a pleasure!"
Kitty and Frank (Standard Daschaund) -
Ardmore Veterinary Surgery
Kitty joined puppy class, having been recommended by other members of Ardmore staff. Frank surpassed all expectations in every task completing puppy foundation training with ease.“We enjoyed Sara’s classes so much we didn’t want to stop. Being flexible in her approach to fulfilling dogs needs, Sara adapted the agility course to suit Franks breed and we have been coming weekly for more than 3 years. Franks loves it and it keeps him socialised with other dogs of all shapes and sizes”.
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I was contacted to provide dog assessment and integration services for Purina staff and their dogs who wanted to take part in the Nestle Purina Pets at Work Scheme. This involved meeting with each owner and their dog, first at home to assess them in a relaxed environment and then again in the work place where they would be on a regular basis. The owners admitted they were a little nervous in having their dogs scrutinised but soon understood it wasn’t like that at all. A 12 point plan of obedience was played out which those taking part passed with flying colours both outside and inside the workplace.
As well as social skills and obedience, we had to cover Health and Safety and, "no go areas" (for staff that did not want to meet the dogs).
PAWS ON PATROL
Babergh District Council Environmental Services and Suffolk Police
I was happy to be invited to take part in this scheme encouraging dog walkers to provide extra eyes and ears on their walks, reporting common offences such as fly tipping, blocked footpaths, suspicious behaviour etc. Suffolk police were extremely happy with the amount of public that registered at the open day held on Friars Meadow and forces across the country continue to roll out this worthwhile scheme.
PURINA PETS AT WORK
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Long may new dogs continue to apply for their Pawsport to enrol in the such a valuable initiative. It was lovely to see the effect of having the dogs at work and the lift this gave other staff members who passed through the dog friendly areas.