Dogs & the Family

Children and Dogs

“Every child should have a dog” S.Green

Dogs are often wonderful for children – in terms of their learning, development and taking responsibility. It is now proven that dogs can help children to learn and that they lower stress levels. A dog can become a child’s confidante, protector and best friend. Dogs teach children about responsibilities and taking care of others.

Both dog and child need to learn to co-exist together, and to do so, children have to learn about dog language and behaviour, and dogs need to have their own space and to not feel threatened by the child.

Services Include:

Working with children to understand dogs (their behaviour, language and needs)
Working with parents to protect child and dog
Working with children who are afraid of dogs
Working with dogs who dislike children
Getting a new dog with children in the family
Having a new baby with dogs in the family

Dogs and Cats

My belief is that most dogs and cats can live together very well. They can certainly learn to share the same space and be tolerant of each other, but many can build strong relationships and attachments.

Services Include:

Getting a new puppy/dog socialised with cats (whether or not you own any cats).
Getting a new cat when you already have a dog.
Dealing with dogs and cats that don’t get on within a household.
Dealing with chasing (any other animal members of the family!)

Cat testing for Dogs:

When you already own a cat(s) and are planning to get a new dog, it is useful to make sure the dog is ok with cats. I do this for local fosterers before the dog goes to their new ‘forever’ home. I use my ‘dog friendly’ cats to carry out these tests in a safe and controlled environment.

Assessing the dog and their reaction to cats.
Testing the dog’s suitability to being homed with cats.
Giving new owners an informed first impression of what to expect from their new prospective dog in regards to cats.