I’ve spent the last couple of weeks supporting Bea my dog
who has had a crisis of confidence. She has always been shy around other
boisterous dogs but generally copes well with a little support from me. She
used to bolt if they were to full on but I quickly showed her that coming to
stand by me was a much better idea as I can protect her whist showing her that
the other dog was quite friendly and just wanted to say hello. Recently there
has been a couple of, what I thought, were minor incidents which she would
normally shake off quickly but she took to not wanting to pass other dogs and
when they came nearer bolting away from me and them. This was unusual but not a
huge problem as I went back to basics with her, using a body wrap for
confidence, doing ttouches on her in the park and taking care not to put her in
overwhelming situations. In short I wanted to build her confidence up again
slowly. At a round the same time I noticed when sitting she was throwing her
right hind leg out to the side at a weird angle, some thing she never did.
Claire Shepherd my canine osteopath was due to see her this week so I was keen
to get to the bottom of this. Bea was also slower to climb the stairs and jump
into the car. As posture and behaviour are linked the light bulb came on in my
head as to why she was acting out of character. Sure enough her right hip was
stuck. The very next day her behaviour towards approaching dogs began to
improve. With the osteopathy and continued support with Tellington TTouch the
situation can only get better. A play date with friends Monty, Leah and Mandy
also helped. It amazes me how discomfort in the body can influence our
perception of the world. Unfortunately so many dogs go through life in
discomfort and get labelled as difficult. Many of my clients get blocked by
vets when I suggest they visit an osteopath or chiropractor but instead suggest
they see a behaviourist. Be brave people, if you think there is something amiss
fight for your dog’s right to be pain free.
Saturday 23 June 2012
Monday 4 June 2012
Swimming Dogs & Swarming Bees
I’ve decided I’m a workaholic. It’s the bank holiday weekend
and although I’m not seeing clients, well not until Tuesday, I’m still itching
to do a bit of work now and then. I’ve been working on an idea for a book which
is very much still at the idea and development stage but it keeps popping into
my head. I am trying to recharge my batteries after an exhausting four months.
Not helped by my dog getting me up at 5.30am with an upset stomach. All better
now but not the best way to start the day.
Last Sunday I ran a workshop for the Canine Hydrotherapy
Association. It was specifically aimed at hydro therapists but also attracted
physiotherapists. The venue and weather were perfect. We spent the morning in a
paddock moving around with the shade and the afternoon saw us cooling off in
the dog pool with practical sessions. Tellington TTouch can be so beneficial
when combined with hydro. It can relax stressed dogs, calm excitable ones and help
with pain relief amongst other things.
After a busy week I was walking my dog Bea yesterday and
found a swarm of honey bees clung to each other on a low branch. They were cold
and wet and as the weather wasn’t getting any better soon, I really feared for
the 2000 odd bees’ survival. We need every bee we have as they are so important
for pollination. A friend put me onto a local beekeeper that sent the word out
and within a very short time they were rescued and re-housed in a cosy hive a
few miles away. The cold can really be a problem for swarming bees that get caught
out with our unpredictable weather. If you see a swarm please do call the local
beekeepers representative who will be very grateful for the tip off.
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