Amy Hatcher answers some of our reader’s queries about their pets.

Q: I have had my dog 6 years and he has never been away from me. I am very worried about leaving him but have just started a new job so I will need to either a employ a dog walker or use your facility. What are the differences between Doodley Dogs and a Dog walker?

A: It depends what kind of life style you lead as to which would be more suitable. Doodley dogs can offer a full day or just a few hours where your dog will be out of your house and socialising. It is a safe environment where we know each and every dog. Your dog may find being walked by a stranger stressful and a dog walker is unable to control the surrounding environment as they walk. I think both are a great way of giving your dog a good quality of life.

Q: I have a really small dog that finds other dogs, particularly big dogs very frightening. Would she have to be isolated or do you have an area just for small dogs like my poppy?

A: We pride ourselves on being able to take every dog- all shapes and sizes and genders. It is really important that your dog mixes with dogs of all sizes and not just small dogs but we can start this off gently by placing your dog in an appropriate pack and then gently introducing larger dogs.

Q: My dog won't sleep at night and constantly whines and barks unless he is allowed in my bedroom. help!

A: Dogs are our friends and we have them for their company but the behaviour you describe is known as passive dominance where your dog seeks to obtain control of you and the most comfortable position for sleeping. You need to inform your neighbours of the situation and then try ignoring your dogs protests for 5 nights in a row. If it is impossible to ignore then leave it 10 minutes longer before you go down each time. Do not let him in your bedroom. Each time you do you are in for several more nights of noise when you try to shut him out again.

Amy Hatcher: Canine Behaviourist & Dog Obedience Trainer • Telephone 07775 766040 • www.amyhatcher.com • www.doodleydogs.co.uk

If you have any queries about your pet for Amy Hatcher please email us at info@barawood.co.uk - We will print her response next month.

Return To News Page