Adding up

Dear Dogs Today,

I am seeking information about adders as I understand a bite from an adder could potentially kill a dog.

Please advise how I can avoid adders when walking my collie and what I must do in case of an adder bite. A friend mentioned I could carry Piriton on dog walks just in case. Is this a good idea?

Kind regards,

Mr M. Thompson, Surrey

A polite word

Hi,

I am hoping for some advice from fellow Dogs Today readers.

I have a Cocker Spaniel, Mandy, who is 11 years but still very active. We walk the same route every morning and very often come across a chap and his terrier type. The terrier type is a bit bigger than my Mandy, and is quite boisterous. He is friendly and not aggressive, but he does play roughly and does bowl Mandy over on occasion.

His owner is very pleasant and chatty, but doesn’t seem to understand that his dog’s boisterous play can be a bit much for my old girl. I have tried to say things like, “Oh, you’re a bit old for young dogs now, Mandy, aren’t you?”, before walking on quickly, in an attempt to help the terrier’s owner to call his dog away, but it doesn’t seem to be working. How can I politely ask him to jump in and stop when his dog has a bit too tight a hold on Mandy’s ears?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Yours,

Sheila, by email

Mac for life

Hello Dogs Today team,

I’m after suggestions from other doggie people! Although its still the wettest the weather has ever been, I’ve found the air is quite warm and I’m getting hot on walks. I’m now on the hunt for a lightweight waterproof coat that can cope with dog walks across sodden ground, but doesn’t leave me sweating like mad.

Can any of your readers recommend their favourite macs?

Thank you very much.

Sue Butcher, by email

Walk on

Hi

I have been researching courses to attend to train to become a Professional Dog Walker. There are a number of different ones and I am not sure which one is best. I am hoping some Dogs Today readers might be dog walkers and can advise me?

Thank you

Zoe Pinhey, by email

Muddy paws

Can any fellow dog owners recommend a good mud-removing mat for after we come in from muddy walks? For years I’ve been putting towels on the kitchen floor before we go out in the rain, but I’ve seen a mat that claims to remove mud from paws and I wondered if it is any good. Has anyone used one?

Beverly Riley, by email

In the dark

A few years ago I bought a flashing collar for my Golden Retriever for autumnal and winter evenings which broke earlier this year. No idea where I got it from in the first place so can you recommend a good replacement I can use to keep Bailey visible?

Mark McLaughlan, by email

Made for walking

Any recommendations on very comfortable dog walking trainers or shoes? I’m fed up with blisters!

Danielle Sawdy, via Twitter


Sue at Brasher says...

Brasher walking boots and shoes are instantly comfortable straight from the box, you can find out more at www.brasher.co.uk.  However, everyone's feet are different so I would recommend the following steps to ensure your get the right fit for your feet:

Advice to remember when getting boots fitted:

• Late morning/afternoon is best as feet usually swell during the day
• Ensure the shop staff provide a clean fresh pair of tester socks in the correct size
• As a secondary check, slide the foot forward so the foot is touching the front of the unlaced boot. In this position there should be a fingers width behind the heel
• Remember to go for comfort above look as the deciding factor
  

I hope this helps - happy dog walking!

Wrap up warm

What's the best warm dog walking coat/jacket for women please?

Max Mcmicking, via Facebook

Three dogs and a baby

Hi,

Can you help me?

As an owner of three gorgeous dogs, two spaniels and one Shih Tzu, I love going on long off-lead walks. My only problem is now I have a baby (not really a problem, but as any mum would tell you.. juggling a buggy and three leads is tough!).

I wondered if you could suggest the best off-road buggies for me and my dogs, of a reasonable price.

I’ve looked online for advice, but most buggies have small wheels, or are really big and bulky. I am absolutely desperate for advice as I can’t get out and about with the dogs so much now.. and I miss it. I feel so sorry for my doggies!

Oh, and yes I do have a carrier, but I am only a small build and already my three-month-old is heavy for me to carry.

Your advice would be really appreciated.

Many thanks,

Lottie, by email

All above board

Hello,

I am a happy owner of four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and I do dog walking in my local area as well as other pet sitting.

I have had many enquiries about doggie day care and I am insured to do this, but I do not know if I need licencing. I know that if a dog stays overnight, I definitely need a licence. The owners are providing the dog's own food, if it needs a meal during the day.

I have contacted my local council but am still awaiting a response. I have researched the internet and for some councils you need a licence and for others you don't, so I am very confused.

Hope you can help,

Claire, by email

Walk the line

Hi

My wife and I have a German Shepherd pup who is almost 10 months old. His name is Torin.

My enquiry might seem quite trivial to someone who is used to dealing with dogs but we are relative newcomers to dog ownership although we have both had dogs in the past. We want to do our absolute best for Torin.

We have become a bit confused about how much exercise he should have on a daily basis. Someone told us that he should get five minutes for each month of his age per walk and he should get two walks per day. At present we give him about 90 minutes in total per day (plus playtime in the garden) spread over two or three walks but some sources say this isn't enough and others say that the dog is still too young for this amount. We don't let Torin off the lead much as he barks at other dogs and the dogs (and owners) often look quite concerned at this big dog who seems to be aggressive but in fact isn't.

We love Torin to bits and obviously want to do our best for him - the thought of our doing him harm fills us with dread.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you in anticipation.

John and Liz Brannan, by email

Christine Bailey, Dogs Today, says...

Hi John and Liz,

I think the five minutes per month of age is a pretty good guide, split into two or three walks a day. It’s especially important for a larger dog. When I had my first dog, Airedale Tasha, I spoke to a vet at my local practice (a locum) as I had been advised to only give her two 15 minute walks and it didn’t seem much to me. He told me that he didn’t think that enough for any pup, and to walk her much more. But a couple of months later she went lame, and on seeing the owner of the practice I was told in no uncertain terms that I most certainly should not be walking her so much, and I could well have caused her a major problem! You can imagine how I felt. Luckily rest sorted her injury, and I was not best impressed with the initial vet, who of course by then had left. I have never forgotten that experience.

Play with your pup in the garden but my advice would be to keep him on shorter walks until he is about 15/16 months, then gradually increase. Are you taking him to classes? Training exercises will tire him too, and you can practise your recall in safe areas, calling him from one to the other with tasty treats, and socialise him with other dogs so that he learns to interact in an acceptable way. It’s hard work, but definitely worth it in the long run! 

Exploring green and pleasant lands

Hello

Recently retired, my husband and I are keen to fill our days exploring the British countryside with our two Labradors.

We know our local tracks across Bucks but we’re keen to find new walks and see some of the stunning views our country has to offer at the same time. Can you advise of the best places to visit?

My eldest dog, Barnaby is 11 and can no longer walk great distances, so it would be great to be told of any routes that are both scenic but not too lengthy – any dog friendly pubs along the way are a bonus too!

Thank you,

Mr and Mrs Davies, by phone