Top 5 Dog Myths Busted. - C Four Paws (Calagran)

After been asked to be a guest writer in this month’s Chesterfield 1st by our partner Calagran Four Paws Hotel kennels and cattery in Arkwright Town, I was very happy and then the thought of what to write about? As a full time dog trainer I thought I would address some of the myths I hear on a daily basis. One of the most important thing when training a dog is to understand them and allow yourself to change your views when science proves otherwise. When I began working with dogs 17yrs ago I also believed most of these myths and now I know better and so can you.

1. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…
This is the one most people will have said at some point in their life. I work with dogs on a daily basis and haven’t met a dog who you couldn’t teach a new trick too. With an older dog it takes longer for them to learn it but isn’t that the same with humans?

2. Dogs are always trying to dominate us humans.
The fact is dogs are no trying to take over the world or even just your house. The fact is dogs need to feel safe and secure and you dominating your dog will only make you dog feel insecure and could cause the dog to show behaviour problems such as aggression. Positive reinforcement is the way forward.

3. A wagging tail means a friendly dog
Happy dogs do wag there tail but so do aggressive dog so not every wagging tail is a happy friendly dog. Dogs use their tail for communication with each other and it will show their intent. A dog that wags his tail and moves his entire rear end, is usually demonstrating a friendly wag. Tails that are wagged when held higher, a twitching tail or a wagging tail held over the back may be associated with aggression.

4. Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed.
Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better off in anyway. The fact is that spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections. It is advised that you let them have their first season

5. Mutts are always healthier than purebred dogs.
This is a common myth that many people believe to be true. Both mutts and purebred dogs can be either unhealthy or healthy. However, it is true that mutts generally do not have as many of the genetic diseases that you may find in purebred lines.

I hope I have given you some food for thought and if you would like more information on training your dog or are thinking of getting a dog please feel free to take a look at www.positivepawstraining.co.uk or drop me a line on classes@positivepawstraining.co.uk Positive Paws Training have classes starting in September at Calagran Four Paws Hotel

Guest author – Gemma Ibbotson VSPDT

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Terms and Conditions

All animals must be fully vaccinated and a current veterinary certificate must be produced at the time of boarding and may be retained on site during the boarding period. Effective treatment against worms and fleas must also have been given prior to the commencement of boarding.

Vaccinations for Dogs – Dogs must be fully vaccinated within the last 12 months against:
a. Distemper
b. Hepatitis
c. Leptospirosis
d. Parvovirus
e. Para-influenza and must have had a booster injection within the previous year.
f. Kennel cough – optional - kennel cough vaccines must be given a minimum of 14 days prior to your pets stay as this is a live vaccine.

If a dog has been given its primary vaccination course, or if they have had to restart their vaccines due to a gap in the vaccine history, the vaccine course must have been completed a minimum of 14 days prior to the check-in date. This does not apply to booster vaccinations. For ANY kennel cough vaccine - either initial, restart or booster, this must have been given a minimum of 14 days before your dogs stay, as this is a live vaccine.
If the relevant amount of time has not elapsed or if your dogs vaccinations have expired at the time of boarding, or proof of vaccinations are not produced the dog(s) cannot board at our facility and 100% of the paid fees will be forfeited. It is the owners responsibility to ensure their dogs vaccines are in date and given within the correct timeframes of their dogs stay, and that this can be evidenced.

Veterinary treatment will be arranged with a local veterinary surgeon if deemed necessary for any condition occurring during the stay. However, any recurrence of a known condition will NOT be covered by our own insurance and all owners will be expected to settle their own accounts in full.

Only dogs from the same household may share boarding accommodation.

Charges are per day including arrival and departure days. If a pet is collected before 10am on the departure day there will be no charge for this day. If an owner is late in collecting their pet and arrives after 10am this charge will be added to your dogs stay.

Cancellation fees will be at the proprietor’s discretion. Deposits are not refundable.

Whilst all reasonable care and attention is given to every animal boarded, the animal is boarded entirely at the owner’s risk.

By signing the contract and leaving the animal at these kennels, the owner certifies to the accuracy of all information given about that animal(s) stated on this contract and consents to the conditions set out.

In the event of an animal not being collected or boarding fees not being paid, the proprietor may dispose of the animal concerned after giving 14 days’ notice to the owner, or their representative at their last known address

Everything your dog requires for his/her stay is provided. However, bringing your pet’s favourite toys and blanket may help it settle in, particularly if it is their first stay with us. We do not accept any responsibility for their condition or safe return

We do not give credit for early returns; you must pay for the period booked.

We require a 50% non refundable deposit for all stays between the beginning of June and the end of September, along with the Christmas period. All other stays will require a 25% deposit. During our peak times we operate a 4 day minimum booking policy. For any bookings made under 4 days a premium will be charged.

For bookings which are made 7 days or less before the check in date, payment must be made in full at the point of booking to secure your dogs stay. If payment is not received the booking will be cancelled.

We are open for collection and drop offs between 10am and 12pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. We are closed ALL DAY on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and therefore animals cannot arrive or depart on these days.

We reserve the right to cancel a booking or refuse boarding if we feel there is a risk to our staff or other customers. Our staff will not tolerate abuse, and reserve the right to refuse service to customers.

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition we reserve the right to request a statement of fitness letter from your vet.

By proceeding with your booking you are confirming you accept the above terms and conditions.