Behaviour is communication, but are you listening?

Standing in the hall and trying to wriggle out of boots heavy with mud, it was frustrating to have a huge dog head shoving against my hip.

I carried on getting my boots off, then got distracted by an incoming phone call.

Two minutes later, still standing in my hall, I realised Laird was still rubbing one side of his face against me.

Rub, stop, look up.

Rub, stop look up.

Finally it sank in that this really wasn’t normal for Laird.



I mean, sometimes he likes to share his beard but that’s more of a scrubbing both sides of his face against anything he can reach!

Stepping away to get a better look at Laird’s face – and I found a dratted burdock seed head thoroughly matted into his beard.



Bless his little heart for standing patiently while I worked it out, and for being so persistent about telling me he needed my help!

So, next time your dog does something that annoys you or even just seems out of the ordinary – pay attention.

Maybe your dog is barking because they’re frustrated, or excited, or worried – the barking is the communication attempt. Our job is to figure out the message, and help our dog feel more relaxed, calmer or safer – not just stop the barking.

Happy frosty walks and hope you avoid the evil burdock seeds this week!

Morag and the beasts
 

What’s going on in WCC Land?

Half day workshops to learn new games to play with your dog before the winter really sets in,  all are morning sessions at the Paw Park near Sand Hutton

• Saturday 1st December: Gun Dog Games with Clare ONE SPACE)
• Saturday 8th December: "That's not a sheep!" Herding Breed Games with Morag FULL
• Saturday 15th December: Terrier-tastic Training Games for your little hunter! with Morag  FOUR SPACES

*just click the links to see more information or book your space 

Xmas Snifftacular

Wed 19^th December 7.15pm at Yorkshire Museum of Farming
Get your special invite here – limited numbers and only 8 spaces left….£15 per family
Take me to the Snifftacular!
 

Social Cani-Run (approx. 5k)

Sunday 2^nd Dec 8.30am, meet at carpark outside coach entrance for Beningbrough Hall
To download directions click here
 

Last Sunday Social & Sports Club of 2018!

Our last Sunday Social of 2018 (16 December) is fast approaching and we thought we'd do something a bit different for this session, a group social walk

We'll be setting off from the usual place for a 3.5 mile(ish) route at approx 2.15pm. There is a bit of a hill to walk up (and back down at the end!) and probably a fair amount of mud so come dressed appropriately! 

After the walk there will be hot drinks and mince pies. Dogs can be showered off with an outdoor heated shower before you pop them back in your car too. 

Dogs will need to be happy walking with other dogs and all dogs will be kept on leads. 

As usual, let us know if you can make it, we don't want to set off without anyone!

I'm coming for the Xmas Social walk

CaniCross - an introduction

Cani-cross is the sport of running off-road with your dog. And it really is the best feeling in the world!

Using a waist-belt for the human partner is essential to avoid injury. The waist-belt should be fitted to sit low on the hips rather than pulling through the lower back/kidney regions. Integral bungees can reduce impact from sudden pulling.

A strong bungee line connects dog to human – this needs to be robust and around 2 metres long for most activities (but shorter for ParkRun).

 

The harnesses used for Cani-cross are different to normal ‘walking’ harnesses due to the design around the chest (allows free movement of the shoulders) and the attachment point being further down the spine (to give a better angle when the dog pulls). 

It is a fantastic way to keep you and your dog fit whilst enjoying the great outdoors together.

It provides a physical workout for your dog and the use of directional commands will help him to learn to use his brain and build up his confidence.

Based in Yorkshire? 

Well Connected Canine offer starter lessons, equipment fitting, advice and group classes! 



Join our Facebook Group and sign up for the FREE Sunday CaniRun Social events https://www.facebook.com/groups/140034202734285/

Useful Kit Links	Useful Contacts
http://www.sassdogequipment.co.uk/dog-harnesses/ http://www.kisi.co.uk/ http://www.snowpawstore.com/ http://www.k9trailtime.com/ http://www.cani-fit.com/	http://www.canicross.org.uk/ http://www.canix.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/canicross.trailrunners https://www.facebook.com/Yorkshire.CaniCross
Find out more about choosing the right harness here: https://k9trailtime.wordpress.com/2015/12/29/how-to-choose-a-harness-for-your-dog/

 

Canicross Yorkshire Resources (updated 21 Feb 2019)

To get priority notification of new workshop and event dates, make sure you have signed up to our mailing list: http://www.wellconnectedcanine.co.uk/events/canicross/

A few folk were asking for resources and links so here they are....

General resources

Running vests/packs we have used and loved, but there are lots to choose from! Kalenji is a decent low cost brand to check out too.

• Ultimate Direction PB ADVENTURE VEST 3.0
• UltrAspire Backpack/Race Vest: Omega

Poo bag carriers -Dicky Bags!

lots of colours and sizes to choose from http://www.dickybag.com/

Usually the best place to buy kit online is K9TrailTime

https://www.k9trailtime.com/

Other kit suppliers

http://www.runnersretreat.biz/
http://www.sassdogequipment.co.uk/dog-har…/h-back-harnesses/
http://www.kisi.co.uk/index.php/vmchk.html
http://www.snowpawstore.com/
http://www.cani-fit.com/

Canine physio therapist

Hannah Theakston - we love her! http://www.theakstonphysiotherapyservices.co.uk 

Our Yorkshire Canisports FaceBook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140034202734285/

Look for second hand canicross kit here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/822924167720043/

More training?

Want to repeat a workshop, or move up a level? We never repeat any session exactly so you're guaranteed to come away having learned something new every time!

Weekly classes: Tuesdays @ 7pm

• Weekly Canicross classes start in various locations around York, with a specific skill focus for each week.

You DON'T have to be super fit or running far to join in, but you WILL need a headtorch!

get all the information on classes here: https://wellconnectedcanine.blogspot.com/2019/01/canicross-classes-jan-march-2019.html

CaniRun Social  Sundays 8.30am

An alternative to Parkrun - a regular loop approx 5k, run with dogs in harness up to 3 dogs per person

Meet at the free car park and run with a friendly group of people and dogs - this is not a guided run so do make sure you have all the kit you need and directions!

January 2019 - currently we're meeting at Allerthorpe Woods - all the information you need is here

You MUST have a suitable harness, bungee and waist belt. Carry water for your dog, and remember to pick up all poo!