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

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 the wild side

Having read about the wild boar in a recent issue of Dogs Today, are there other species that my dog might be affecting/bothering, without me realising? I know my dog should be on the lead in woodland in the spring, to protect ground-nesting birds, but are there other things I should be aware of?

Joy Shepherd, by email

Scott Passmore, volunteer wildlife conservationist (www.ScottPassmore.co.uk) advises…

As a dog lover, having rescued many dogs, of different shapes, sizes and ages, over the last 10 years, I believe dogs should be welcomed on any land/reserve/park where they will not be a cause of harm to wildlife or a hazard to other people.

It is also my belief that dog owners are responsible for their dogs’ behaviour and their safety and welfare, not the dog.

By taking a few small, but vital, points into consideration we can all enjoy the great outdoors at no expense to any flora, fauna or our pets.

Firstly, the Natural England Countryside Code says:

“When you take your dog into the outdoors, always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people by keeping it under effective control. This means that you:

·       keep your dog on a lead, or

·       keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it’s doing and be confident it will return to you promptly on command

·       ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access”

In some cases, intentionally or recklessly disturbing wildlife can be a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

At different times of the year dogs can become a challenge for many species of wildlife which are already in serious decline:

·       During the bird breeding season (April – July approx) dogs may cause birds, especially ground nesting, to leave and reject the nest, thus resulting in eggs not hatching and/or any born chicks dying

·       Some dogs are also known to attack birds they find in the undergrowth

·       Small mammals are at threat from dogs chasing, or thinking they are a toy

·       Any dogs disturbing wildlife may inadvertently chase the wildlife from the safety of their habitats; sadly this may mean into roads/paths of cars and/or separate mother from their young

·       Stressed wildlife can, and often does, die of shock. A worried animal may also retaliate and attack dogs, causing injury and an expensive vet bill.

·       Dog running uncontrollably in flora can cause extensive damage, maybe even destroy plants which provide habitat or food for animals

As well as looking out for wildlife we must not forget the natural hazards to our dogs:

·       Mammals like wild boar/badgers/fox will protect their young or defend themselves if threatened. The general rule if chased by a mammal is to let your dog go, as they can run away quicker without you on the end of a lead.

·       There are many toxic plants which if eaten by a dog can be fatal eg. ragwort, nightshades

·       Bites from poisonous species, like Adders, can be fatal to dogs, and if not treated fast can even make a human very ill., although human fatalities are very rare. Adders come out of hibernation when the temps rise, they have been unusually seen on really hot days in Dec and Jan, but usually they get active Mar/Apr and go back down in Oct/Nov time.

·       Other hazards for dogs in the countryside include being shot by farmers for worrying livestock grazing

·       Getting tangled on barbed wire and electric fences.

All the above can be reduced to a minimum and in return maximum enjoyment of our countryside gained for everyone just by keeping dogs should under close control at all times. Some tips for letting wildlife know you are coming include:

·       Talking loudly to your dog on walks, yes it really works J

·       Falconry style bells on collars, lightweight but effective

A few seconds advance warning for wildlife could be the difference between life and death for an animal, and a pleasant walk with no huge vet bill from injuries sustained to a dog unnecessarily.

Last but not least if your dog fouls anywhere in public please pick it up. It is a hazard to other walkers, unpleasant and can carry disease. Remember that school parties or people in wheelchairs, for example, may also use the area and disease can easily spread from wheelchair wheels to hands, or kids shoes to hands and onto food/into mouths.

Some Forestry Commission Districts do recommend on land they manage that you flick it in to the undergrowth, but ask that you never leave it in the open, or hang a dog bag on a tree for birds to become tangled in.

Leave the area how you wish to find it; let’s ensure wildlife is there for all in generations to come.

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

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!

Exercise regime

Hello,

Can anyone recommend how much exercise I should begin with my 13-week-old Siberian Husky bitch and how I should build this up over time to full long walks and runs?

Thank you,

Dianne Evans, 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