Category Archives: Welcome
What is your favourite training aid or dog gadgetry?
Mine is pretty simple, but important nonetheless – the long line
Why? Mainly because of my job. Since working as a self employed dog walker, my long line has become my most valued tool. When I take on any new clients they have to give written permission for their dog to be walked off the lead (for insurance purposes). However, I never let a new dog off lead immediately, no matter how good of a recall they have according to their owner. I ALWAYS use a long line as we build our relationship.
The main reason is for the dogs safety and well-being. The dogs I walk vary in what they want from a walk; some love to run, some retrieve and others just sniff and plod along, but I love giving them the freedom and space to do so. Exploring the area and getting enough mental and physical stimulation is what a walk is all about. But, the dog is new to me, just as I am new to him, and there is a possibility he won’t have a reliable recall on our first walk together. Taking care of someone elses dog is a huge responsibility, especially in a public place. The long line eases owners minds, and mine too.
Most of my clients contact me when they’ve just adopted their dog, and so sometimes there is little recall already in place. So I whip out my long line, and get started on some recalls, working alongside what the owner is practicing too. As with all kinds of training, it also allows me to build a bond with the dog. One of the dogs I walk is quite independent on walks, and using the long line meant he had to spend more time with me (to his disappointment!), but we really bonded and now he’s fab off lead :)
I admit, it’s not a perfect tool. It gets tangled, and knotted, and trails in the mud. It’s also not great to use when a dog is interacting with others, as it can get caught on a few paws. However, if used correctly, with a harness and a good technique, it helps me alot!
Long line wash day!
Liebster Award Nomination – spreading love of the canine kind
Liebster – dearest, beloved, sweetheart, love
It has been just over a year since I began my blogging journey, sharing my words of wisdom, highs & lows & adorable dog photos, living and working with dogs. My Liebster Award nomination kindly comes from ‘Walter’s Lunchbox’, a fantastic blog following a handsome Great Dane & sharing some canine friendly recipes. I admit, the Liebster Award is new to me, but from what I gather it aims to spread the word, and show appreciation for blogs with fewer followers (200 or less). I feel it enhances the sense of community and although the rules are likely to have evolved along the ‘chain’, I suppose it can only be a good thing :)
Rules
1. Link back to your nominator in your own blog; thank you Walter!
2. Answer the 10 questions nominated to you
3. Nominate 10 other bloggers (with less than 200 followers) let them know & set them 10 questions too
My nominations
Now, I wanted my nominations to be of blogs that I genuinely love reading, and that deserve some recognition :) It was a hard one, but I’ve come up with a selection of blogs that either I read regularly or would like to learn more about…
The Rufus way Vulpe’s Adventures in Manchester
My Mega-e dog Luke’s Adventures
Your Question’s
1. What would be your perfect candle smell?
2. Describe your blog in 3 words
3. What was your first pet?
4. Name a time in your life when you’ve stepped back and said ‘wow, I did that’.
5. Recite your favourite quote
6. Write a short poem using the words dinosaur & gold
7. What was your favourite childhood cartoon?
8. Name your favourite animal themed movie
9. What has been the biggest change in your life during the past five years?
10. And finally, what would be the name of your much anticipated autobiography?
Welcome…
Hello! I’m Katie, and welcome to DogTailsBlog! I currently have four dogs in my life, Jess, Max, Sam and Oscar, amongst other small furry animals! They will be joining me on my journey of blogging; reviewing dog products, Kong toy fillers, sharing hints and tips and just day to day doggy adventures!
As for my four legged friends, Jess is my lovely rescue dog. She stayed with my mum while I went to university, and is still living there while I get myself settled and steady, now that i’ve graduated. She was adopted from Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home, and was very nervous and uncomfortable around people and dogs when we brought her home. She still isn’t 100% sure about some things but she has come a long way, and is the main reason I encourage adopting dogs from a shelter (which I will talk about lots in my posts!)
Max is my mums dog, and he’s a very mischievous little Shih Tzu! Although he can be cheeky, he has ‘a look’ which usually gets him out of trouble!
I have recently moved in with Sam, a great big white German Shepherd. He’s a rescue dog too, adopted as a puppy from Hull Animal Welfare Trust by my boyfriend and his family. He’s definitely the biggest dog I know, but also one of the softest!
And last but not least there’s Oscar, a boisterous black Labrador who is owned by my dad and his partner. I have never met a dog that loves his football as much as he does!
So those are my canine companions, making my blogging experience complete with waggy tails, wet noses and muddy paws x
DogTailsBlog 