Thursday 2 January 2014

To Walk With Dogs - 2014. (7).


To Walk With Dogs
German Shepherd Dogs
C. K9. V. W. G.
The Community K9 Voluntary Walking Group. 

TITUS

Free:
Dog Socialization Therapy.

This Weeks Walk - Date: Sunday 6th July 2014  - at the Following:

Alver Valley Country Park

Alver Valley Country Park, Cherque Way, Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport, Hampshire. Nearest Post Code:   PO13 8FU

Click on this Link to see Meeting Point:  http://goo.gl/maps/y2eQ1

Meeting point at the roundabout car park,Cherque Way.


All meet at 10.30 for a 10.45am Start

There will be a diversion from our normal route on Sunday, just to make it a bit more interesting and to stop repetitiveness and boredom setting in. The Duration time of the walk will take 90 to about 110 minutes.

DIRECTIONS ARE:

Head towards FAREHAM - Coming from the east, go on to the A27 EASTERN WAY or if you are Coming from the west, go on to the A27 WESTERN WAY, this will bring you on to the FAREHAM TOWN ROUNDABOUT. 
Go on to the GOSPORT ROAD A32 following through the next roundabout, still on the A32  keeping to your right hand side, going on to NEWGATE LANE the B3385, as you pass the next roundabout you will also pass HMS COLLINGWOOD which is also to the right. Continue on until you come to the PEEL COMMON ROUNDABOUT - go straight on round following the B3385 on to BROOM WAY. 
As you come to the first set of traffic lights, bare to your left going into CHERQUE WAY. Just before the next roundabout the CAR PARK is on your left-hand side. YOU HAVE ARRIVED. 


NOTE:   If the walk has to be cancelled for some reason it will be posted on here at least 2 hours before the arranged walk. It won’t be cancelled if it is just raining!  So please check here first before you set off.

Please make sure your dog is wearing a suitable dog tag before the walk, by law this must have the owners address and telephone number on and preferably that the dog is chipped and neutered.

ON ARRIVAL: Dogs must be kept either in cars or walked away from the car park until the start of the walk. At times, it can be a fairly busy place and it doesn’t help our cause to have the dogs barking and bouncing about on their leads. It is up to us to make sure that our dogs are not seen in a bad light and to have a large amount of dogs in the car park barking at people and their dogs as they go past and is not acceptable and it’s not fair on the rest of us who spend a great deal of time and effort trying to improve how the public looks at dogs like ours.

Also, please be aware of us as a group when on the walk, sometimes the group get strung out, forgetting it is a dog socialization group walk, some walkers battle at times to keep up with the rest of the walkers and have their limitations, please make every effort to be as one or several small groups in close proximity to each other.  

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS:  Some dogs never get to be properly socialised and in the case of rescue or even a hand-me-down cast-off dogs earlier experiences may be mainly negative. Some dogs are left at home for several hours at a time, with the modern way of life that many families are out all day and this can lead to boredom and separation anxiety, Various aggression issues, over excitement, fears and phobias and rank issues which can result in barking and destructive behaviour. Lack of socialisation or nervousness can lead precipitate aggressive or inappropriate behaviour towards other dogs to towards people, at one time dogs were deemed in law to be entitled to retaliate against bad handling, teasing etc., and it was generally accepted that a dog was allowed "one bite", today dogs have to be whiter than white regardless of incitement, poor treatment and teasing.  

If not properly trained, your dog may be a problem element in your family. The biggest mistake most dog owners make is yelling at their dog or hitting them. Remember, your dog doesn’t always understand why he has been hit or being yelled at. Beating and shouting will simply increase the problem, you mustn't make them submit under the pressure of fear. Keep calm and be patient, identifying the source or the reason of your dogs unwanted behaviour is the key to the success story.

So please come and join us on one of our Socialization Therapy Walks. Come and meet new people and make new dog friends. If you have another dog that isn't a GSD, thats fine too, you can bring that one along as well. Great fun for all the family to enjoy.

DOG WASTE.  DO BAG IT AND BIN IT.

To Walk With Dogs Supporters: Please be aware that other dog walkers, joggers, horse-riders, and families may be situated in the same area, we do ask if owners can put dogs on their lead or make them sit to one side when people walking with or without dogs are on the same path to let them pass. Please keep this up, we have been praised on previous walks for stopping and allowing members of the public to pass with their dogs, so it is important we carry on doing this not just because it’s polite and something that should be done but because we ‘are’ responsible GSD owners and others.

DOGS AND LIVESTOCK:
We recommend that you should exercise caution when bringing your dog on our walks, and that you should have adequate control over your dogs around livestock. A flexible lead would be recommended as this will allow your dog to explore, while it enables you to keep your dog safe.

Even if livestock are not present, dogs should be ‘under close control’ always, although this doesn’t necessarily mean on the lead. Dogs should be kept on a lead if owners cannot rely on their recall and their obedience. You mustn’t forget that dogs worrying livestock can be legally shot. On this part of there walk there’s a number of wild and domestic animals roaming free, be vigilant and dog safe.

OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY:  All dogs and owners welcome as usual, but we would ask that all owners please be in control of your own dog(s), the supervision of your own dog is your responsibility and that you have a duty of care to ensure that your dog/s are not causing a problem for others. When we meet and proceed  on our walk, the To Walk With Dogs will not tolerate, be held accountable or responsible for any accident, fight or unwarranted behaviour towards a member of the group or member of the public.

We welcome new supporters and dogs and positively urge them to come on the walk for there and their dogs benefit but we do expect owners to keep their dogs in check.

We all come on the walk to help socialize the dogs and have a natter with like minded people and have a good walk, but if you think your dog(s) maybe a bit snappy or over aggressive and show any signs of dominance to other dogs or you don’t know how your dog will react to other dogs we do ask that you muzzle it for your dogs and others safety, making sure the muzzle is the right size for your dog. Providing your dog has good recall, with your good judgement the dog can be off lead, this will give the freedom to interact and socialize better.

If your dog is unpredictable we ask that you either keep it on a lead or a  flexible lead or long line. Please be courteous and respect others by keeping an eye on your dog and being aware of what it’s doing, and take the appropriate action. We do not want to stop people or dogs coming on the walk but we will be left with no choice if a dog is a constant problem.

Walking a Puppy! 
If you ever wondered - How long should you walk a puppy for each day?
No organised walking at all until around 6 months, and then just gradually building up the muscle tone until by a year, provided they've remained sound, they are ready to go!

Puppies do not need to be walked for as long as adult dogs. Puppies can develop hip and joint problems when they are older if they are over walked as puppies. 

A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of your puppys life. To calculate a very general guideline for walking, walk the pup for 5 minutes for every month of its age. For example a 4 month old puppy will be 5 minutes X 4 months, which =  20 minutes.

Don't go out for longer as your pups bones are still growing and you can cause damage with too much formal exercise. 

For the rest of the time play games with your pup and give him things to stimulate his mind. 
If he's small enough or you are strong enough (!) you could carry him to places to add to his socialisation experiences. 

Don't forget training. Ensure its fun and in the context of play. Practise every day, several times a day for about 5 minutes at a time. Ensure your pup feels as though he is achieving and gets lots of praise. 

Big dogs, such as Goldens, GSDs etc often succumb to hip problems when older. Restricting the amount of formal exercise they get as a pup can help to prevent this.

IMPORTANT NOTICEWe will not be held liable for any cost, damages, expenses, claims and / or judgements that may arise or result from any harm or loss caused by any owner and / or their dog(s) whilst participating in any activity organized  by the (K9. V. W. G.) - To Walk With Dogs. You are responsible for your own dog(s).


"Adders - Safety Warning" -  From march all owners should be aware of Adders. 

Springtime sees the end of hibernation for the adder. So keep your eyes peeled while walking on the grassy fields, heaths and in the woods. 
The adder is the only British venomous snake, Unfortunately dogs are the animals most likely to be bitten due to their natural curiosity and need to stick their noses into everything!   Remember, there has been Dog fatalities through adder bites.  But adder bites are rarely fatal. Adders tend to live in areas of dense ground cover, where they can hide from natural predators, but they also need sunny spots for basking. (Adders need to warm their bodies before becoming active). Adders seem to prefer South facing slopes, in order to maximise their access to sunshine.

Adders are difficult to spot because they're extremely shy animals. Although they can't hear, they'll detect vibrations from you walking, and usually will quickly and smoothly slither into cover as soon as you get anywhere near. Adders are often only a foot or so away from deep cover, and they favour remaining in ground which matches their colouration, making them really difficult to spot.

To keep you and your pet safe follow these simple tips...

Keep to the paths - snakes tend to live in the undergrowth
Use a short lead on heathland in summer - part of your Open Access responsibilities
If you encounter an adder - leave it alone - give it the opportunity to escape to safety. Here's a helpful leaflet Dogs & Adders Leaflet for dog owners.  The leaflet gives good advice on identifying adders and what to do if your pet does get bitten.  You can also find some tips on  First Aid for Dogs page.
So enjoy your walks and REMEMBER that bites are rarely fatal but must be treated quickly  by a vet.

Here's some adder facts...
Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  It is an offence to kill, harm or injure them, and to sell or trade them in any way.
Females grow larger than males.  Link:  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Adder



Our walks are held every sunday at different locations.

A Pet's Ten Commandments:
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years… Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old – remember, you too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
©  Stan Rawlinson 1993.

To find out more about the GSD. Click on this Link:  http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com

K9 Lessons Dog Training, Click on this Link:   http://dogtraininginhampshire.co.uk/index.html 

ARDEN GRANGE DRY DOG FOOD - From:  www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk






























Snapshots from Sunday walk 29th June 2014, at Hook-With-Warsash Local Nature Reserve.




















































Snapshots from Sunday walk 22nd June 2014, Testwood Lakes and the Boardwalk at Lower Test reed beds.











































































































Snapshots from Sunday walk 15th June 2014, at Stanley Park to Gilkicker Point, Gosport.












































































Snapshots from Sunday walk 8th June 2014, at Thatchers Copse, Titchfield.






















































Snapshots from Sunday Walk 1st June 2014, at the M.O.D. Training Camp, Gosport.








































Snapshots from Sunday walk 25th May 2014, at Harting Down's, The South Down Way’s.































































































Snapshots from Sunday 18th May 2014, at West Woods, Weston, Southampton.
























































Snapshots from Sunday 11th May 2014, at Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport.























































Snapshots from Sunday 04th May 2014, on Harting Downs part of the South Downs Way.
















































































Snapshots from Sunday 27th April 2014, at The Downs, Portsdown Hill Road.




























Snapshots from Sunday 20th April 2014, at Alver Valley Country Park, Gosport.







































































Snapshots from Sunday 13th April 2014, Gosport Stanley Park to Gilkicker.


































































Snapshots from Sunday 6th April 2014, at the M.O.D. Training Ground, Gosport.








































































Snapshots from Sunday 30th March 2014, at Stansted Forest.





















































Snapshots from Sunday 23rd March 2014, at Alver Valley Country Park.































































































Snapshots from Sunday 16th March 2014, at Harting Downs.




























































































Snapshots from Sunday 09th March 2014, Thatcher Copse, Chilling Coastal Area.
















































































Snapshots from Sunday 2nd March 2014, Butser Hill.






































































Snapshots from Sunday 23rd February 2014 at M.O.D. Training Camp, Gosport.
















































































Snapshots from Sunday 16th February at Alver Valley Country Park.


























































 Snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 9th February 2014, from Stanley Park to Gilkicker.























































Some quick snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 2nd February 2014, Hook-With-Warsash Local Nature Reserve.


































































Some quick snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 26th January 2014, at Testwood Lakes.
It was a rainy wet soggy walk but as always our sheps love the mud and water. 












K9 Lessons Dog Training, Click on this Link:   http://dogtraininginhampshire.co.uk/index.html 

Martingale Headcollar.
Phone: 07910 606088  /  01§256 844421
Email:  phoenixdts@aol.com

Some quick snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 19th Jan 2014, The Common, Southampton.
















































Some quick snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 12th Jan 2014, M.O.D. Training Camp, Gosport.





































































K9 Lessons Dog Training, Click on this Link:   http://dogtraininginhampshire.co.uk/index.html 


Some quick snapshots of our previous walk - Sunday 5th January 2014, Alver Valley Country Park. 


















































































K9 Lessons Dog Training, Click on this Link:   http://dogtraininginhampshire.co.uk/index.html 


 Sorry no pics this time from Tiron, only one pic on behalf of emma - 1st January 2014
A THANK YOU NOTE: 
I would like to thank everyone who turned-up for the new years day Dog Walk, and was most surprised to see as many walkers and their dogs, especially considering we walked along the sea front in howling gales and torrential rain, I thought I would be walking alone with Titus, there where eleven walkers and twelve dogs, and not forgetting it’s all for the dogs benefit to help to get them socialized, so thanks again everyone for making a great effort. 


TITUS

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