Mark and Sally

OWNER  NAME  Joan, Mark and Paul

LIVES  Barrow

DOG NAME BREED AGE Sally Jack Russell 9months

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP? Yes

Suzie, was a Jack Russell, Maltese cross.  We got her when I was 9 or 10.  Until I was 24 (Mark) when she died.  She always had a bit of a weak heart, she was the litter runt.  She would have fits which got worse as she got older.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

We have cats for over twenty years.  Now my mam gets very worried, about Blackie a 19 yr cat, where the cats were, like If they were getting run over.  So with a dog we know where it is, plus it is company and we can take for a walk.

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG? Yes

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOG? 9 months

WHERE DID HE/SHE COME FROM WAS YOUR DOG A RESCUE?

A farm in Stainton. 

TELL ME ABOUT IT

Saw an advert in the Northwest Evening Mail with puppies for sale.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

I don’t know if there is such a thing as dangerous dogs.  I think it is when they are owned by someone who wants to be dangerous.  Like want a macho image.  There are dogs that are working dogs like security dogs that need to be but are under control.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

Pretty much.  She is much more boisterous than our old dog Suzie.  Although that was a long time ago.  She is very good.  Lots of positive points.

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOG?

Not many issues.  She is different from our other dog.  As she is younger she was mouthing and biting a lot but not so much now.  She has more sense of not to go to far.  She can be a bit destructive with furniture.  She was at the vets last week because her mouth was bleeding.  She had bit a big hole in the skirting in the kitchen.  She had a splinter in her mouth.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

Going to obedience classes with Elite K9’s Farah.  We have learnt the off command which is really helpful.  Sally came to expect a treat everytime though.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

We have a tortoise, we have had Tommy had for fifty years! He may have been 10 then!  We still don’t know if he is a boy or girl.  Sally was ok with him before hibernation but he is waking up now so don’t know how she will be now.

HOW DOES THE DOG SPEND HER DAY?

She often goes out for a walk in the morning when we get up.  I may take her round the block.  My brother will often take her up to the Abbey.  She will then have her breakfast.  She will then play with her toys and go in the garden and wander round.  Have a bit of a sleep.

In the afternoon take her out for another walk or a drive in the car if we go out.  When we are watching tv she will play with her toys from her cardboard box.  She will have her tea about 6pm and then go to bed about 9pm in her box with a blanket in the living room.  She would yelp if she needs anything but usually sleeps through.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

We take it in turns.  It depends on who is at work or available.  My mum can’t walk really far so that is limiting. 

WHAT IS HER FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?

I think it is playing with rope tug toys.  Running up and down with it. 

WHERE DOES SHE SLEEP?

In the living room.                                                                

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

She is friendly with everybody.  She probably is more so with me (Mark).

 TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

She loves going under the bed clothes and peeps her head out.  Plus she is always in the flower pots digging up the crocuses which drives Mam mad!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

I would advise them to get one.  You have to be patient with them.  They are very rewarding.  Think of the breed and where you live and what you can cope with.

Val and Jeff

OWNER  Val and Jeff

LIVES  Dolphinholme

FAMILY NAMES AND AGES Just me and husband Jeff

DOGS NAME BREED AGE

Beau – Border Collie x (poss with whippet?) – age 7 and Flash – Border Collie – age ... n/k – approx 6?

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

Yes – always.  We mostly had Boxers, but also had a Pekingese at one time, who came to us because he was a ‘biter’ and was going to be put down. 

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG

Couldn’t live in a house without a dog!

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG? Yes

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOG/S?

Beau came to us Jan 2005, Flash joined us Jan 2009

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM WAS YOUR DOG A RESCUE?

Both are rescues.  We got Beau, aged about 6 months, from Animal Care, Lancaster.  He had gone into rescue just a few days before Christmas – we were told that his previous ‘mum and dad’ had separated and neither could take him.  He had really only ever known love and cuddles and not had a tough time at all.  Was very scared in kennels though.

Flash was a very different kettle of fish.  Got him from Wolfwood rehoming centre – which is basically the pound – or, rather, the charity which runs the ‘pound’ – any dogs not reclaimed after their 7 days are up are signed over to the Wolfwood charity and they then look after them.  He had originally gone in there as a stray and was with them for nearly a year before they homed him on a local smallholding.  Flash was always a fearful dog – and very ‘worky’.  He started to do training to be a working sheepdog, but couldn’t cope with being shouted at, so his owners just chained him up and left him to his own devices.  One day, a chicken came too close and a bored, frustrated Flash killed it.  After several good hidings he was returned to Wolfwood, a broken dog – much more fearful than before and prepared to defend himself if he felt threatened.  Nearly a year later he was still there.  I had started to visit the centre to help exercise the dogs and saw how much Flash was like Beau in looks.  No-one else was showing any interest in him – he was severely underweight due to kennel stress.  I started to walk him and asking him to do very basic things like ‘sit’ and ‘paw’.  And I saw a little light go on in his head, as he realised someone was actually communicating with him.  The rest, as they say, is history.  He’s still very fearful and will only allow Jeff and myself to touch him really, but he’s a very different dog to the one who came to live with us.    

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever met any of the breeds which are actually banned in the UK.  I know that the Pit Bull is considered a dog of excellent temperament by many people in the USA. 

What I find upsetting and annoying is when people see other, perfectly legal breeds, and call them by the name of one of the banned breeds – eg people think that Staffordshire Bull Terriers and English Bull Terriers are Pit Bull Terriers and get hysterical, saying they are banned / should be muzzled etc.  All the Staffies and EBTs that I have met have been absolute cuddle monsters and I was brought up in a houseful of Boxers, so I love slobbery dogs!

I find the victimisation of certain breeds by the media disgraceful – it is the Staffy which seems to be getting it at the moment – a few years ago it was the Dobermann and i wonder which will be next – suspect the Husky or Malamute as these seem to be the next ‘status’ type dog.  

Equally disgraceful is the way in which the DDA is implemented – whereby a dog which has never harmed anyone and is not a threat, can be seized – and, it does not necessarily have to BE a banned breed – it just has to be that ‘type’!  It is ludicrous and cruel.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE? Yes

HAVE YOU HAD DOGS BEFORE?

All my life – have never been without a dog for more than about 10 days at any time.

TELL ME ABOUT THEM 

The dogs in the family when I was a child were usually Boxers, but we also had a Pekingese who we took in because he would have been put to sleep. 

First dog I remember was Ricky – a Boxer.  I just remember that he looked like Winston Churchill.   Then we got Butch – another Boxer boy.  He was beautiful but, sadly, he was killed on the road outside the house when he was only about 2. 

Another Boxer, Kim, came to us because his ‘mum and dad’ were having a baby and wanted rid of him.  I used to dress him up in my nurses uniform!  The Pekingese came along while we still had Kim and these two were best buddies.  The Peke lost an eye (in a fight with a Great Dane – the Peke started it!) and then lost his sight in the other eye, so was blind.  Totally undaunted though, he used to walk along with his head between the boxer’s back legs – using him as a guide dog!

After the Boxers, came ‘my’ first dog of my own – although I was still living at home.  This was Kai – a dog from a local farm.  His mum was a Springer Spaniel and dad was the Border Collie from the farm next door.  I got him on my 16^th birthday (1977) and he was with me until November 1990.  Stunning dog and incredibly dignified – but a dreadful thief!  He’d steal stuff – not only from worksurfaces etc – but also from other people’s kitchens if he could get in!  (This was in a rural street, in the days when dogs were allowed a bit more freedom than today!).  He never got caught either – or, at least, no-one ever complained about him.  And he’d bring his ‘spoils’ home – once he stole a pack of smoked salmon and we could not figure out who, in our street, could afford such luxuries!

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOG/S?

Flash is the one with issues – he’s very defensive and very suspicious of people’s motives until he gets to know them very well. 

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

We have used only positive, reward based methods to try and counter condition him to situations – and a happy confident Beau has also done wonders for Flashie’s confidence, as he has seen how much Beau loves people and playing

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS? No

HOW DOES THE DOGS SPEND THEIR DAY?

Mostly with me – I work part time.  We spend a lot of time walking around the countryside here, or down on the estuary

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

Hubby does the first, short (early) walk about 6.30am on weekdays.  I do the 2 longer walks during the week.  At weekends we both go out for long walks – often taking a picnic, when the weather’s ok!


WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?  

Beau is ball-obsessed!  Flash loves to run and leap over things!  He also LOVES to learn things – tricks etc – and we often do little sessions in the garden.  They both love activity toys too – things which work their collie brains

WHERE DOES THEY SLEEP

Wherever they want!  Beau sometimes takes himself off to the spare bedroom and sleeps in there.  Flash prefers to be in our room.            

WHO IS THE DOGS MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

Beau is a daddy’s boy – Flash tends to stay close to me

WHAT TIME DO THEY SPEND IN THE HOME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS?

I spend a lot of time with the dogs – during the week it’s just me and them for most of the time.  Evenings and weekends, it’s both me and hubby who play / walk them.  Beau travels really badly, so if we go away for weekends or on holidays, he tends to stay behind with friends on their farm – but Flashie comes with us to our holiday cottages.  It’s also very good for him to have a bit of time away from Beau, as it helps him to gain confidence to do stuff on his own and not just hide behind or get pushed out by Beau. 

TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

Jeff works at Myerscough College and, when we just had Beau, he used to go to work with Jeff and spend his days in the Animal Care offices, being spoiled by the students – and, occasionally, used as a ‘tool’ in classes / assessments.  One day, there was a student being assessed on basic dog handling.  Her assessor was also being assessed by another assessor.  All the student had to do was open a crate, put a leash on the dog in the crate, bring the dog out and take it for a short walk.  They decided to use Beau as he is so people orientated. 

The student opened the crate, put a leash on Beau ... but Beau took one look at the assessor with her clipboard – and the assessor’s assessor with HER clipboard ... and refused to come out of the crate!

The student tugged and tugged to no avail.  She failed her assessment.  But the assessor also failed HER assessment too, for not stepping in and helping the student before Beau got more upset! 

Very embarrassing but also very funny!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Be very sure that you want a dog.  A dog is not a toy and not a disposable item.  He/she will live (hopefully) for at least 12 years.  You must be prepared to commit to him or her and to understand that he / she will impact heavily on your family lives.  He is an animal who is trying to make sense of living in a world built by us, for us.  You have invited him into your home, therefore it is right and proper that you make him welcome.  He will be a devoted friend but - He will make a degree of mess.  He will probably cause some damage.  He needs to learn what you want him to do – he’s not born ‘knowing’ what ‘Sit’ or ‘Stay’ means.  Shouting will frighten him – he’s not out to dominate the world, just to understand what you want.  Make learning fun for him.  He will need exercising every day.  As well as that, he needs company and mental stimulation.  His food costs money and he will, over the course of his life have accidents and illnesses which will cost more money.  He may have behavioural problems – most of which can be helped – but they take time and expert knowledge – and patience. He must be kept safe from harm and not allowed to stray.

Cody and Kaiser

OWNER    Lisa and Mike

LIVES  Barrow-in-Furness

FAMILY NAMES AND AGES Nathan 21, Tyler 18, Will 11, Iris 8,

DOGS NAME BREED AGE Cody and Kaiser

Jack Russell X Siberian Husky 5 months

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

Yes.  We had an old English Sheepdog when I was 6. He was called Henry.  He lived until about 12.  Then we had Misty when I was 11, she was a Collie Cross, she lived until she was 13. 

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

Living where we do it is a lifestyle thing.  I like dogs.  I love any animal and would have a farm.  Mike is away a lot so it company.

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG?

Mike was a bit unsure because of the commitment.  He would not be without them now.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOGS?

I have had Cody for 3 months and Kaiser for 3 weeks.

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM? WAS YOUR DOG A RESCUE? TELL ME ABOUT IT

Cody was on Facebook , the lady had got a full time job and could not him what he needed.  I wanted Kaiser, who is Cody’s brother, but the lady who had him had an autistic child and did not take to him.  She was asking too much for him.  I left it and then a friend Lara got in touch with me to ask me if I would be interested in taking Cody’s brother, he was advertised on preloved.  So I got in touch.  He was in Morecambe.  Then when and got him the next day.  We went though a little process of meeting him gradually.  It went fine.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

I don’t blame the dogs for anything.  I think it is to do with the owners and how they are brought up.  It is like children I suppose, how you bring them up is how they will turn out.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

I think it is better.  They are my babies.

HAVE YOU HAD DOGS BEFORE?

We had two Border Collies.  Tess and Bob, they were siblings from the Kennels.  Initially only interested in Tess but the Kennels asked if we could take Bob too as he was so distressed.  Unfortunately he got knocked over in a country lane.  He was paralysed and had to be put to sleep.  Tess pined for Bob as they had been together for three years so we got Toby for her as company.  He came from a farm in Ulverston.  He was only five weeks old when we got him.  He was too young to take him but the farmer was getting rid of them. 

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOGS?

Later on Toby was a bit loopy and I think that was because he left his mum too young.  They got on for the first 6 to 8 months.  Tess would then ignore him after a while.  He would growl at her all the time.  They would start fighting alot.  They had to be separated as they were bad together.  I decided to rehome Toby.  While doing this somebody wanted Tess.  So I felt it best for her to go.  Then Toby got a nice home with lots of space to run.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?  

Took Toby to Norman for dog training.  He was also neutered.  Tried crate training.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

3 cats.  Harvey, a tabby who is 3 years old.  Felix who is one in April.  Milo who was recused from a house I went too.  Who is 8 months.

HOW DO THE DOGS SPEND THEIR DAY?

Mike goes to work and lets them up.  They rest by the bed until I ready to get up.  Then they have their breakfast.  Then out for a walk as early as possible.  Most days they get a 5 mile walk.  Then when back they chill out.  After their nap they follow me around while I do chores.  If I go out in the car I usually take them with me.  I don’t leave them on their own often.  They have three small meals a day.  Breakfast about 9am, lunch about 2pm and then 6pm for tea.  They don’t have any human food.  So they don’t beg and leave us alone.  They go when we go.  Let them out for the toilet and then lock them in the kitchen where their beds are.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

Me (Lisa), Mike works shifts.

WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?

Play fighting with each other.

WHERE DOES THEY SLEEP?

In their beds in the kitchen.                                                

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

Friendly with everybody but mainly me (Lisa).

WHAT TIME DOES THEY SPEND IN THE HOME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS?

When Iris is here they are with her.  She has a way with animals.  She will sit petting them while watching tv. 

TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

Cody and Felix (the cat) used to have boxing matches.  It was so funny we filmed it and sent it to you been framed.  At the time cody was the same size as the cat!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Research the breed.  Borrow a dog to try it out.  Need to be aware of the commitment needed.  It is not fair on the dog if you cannot give what they need.  There is much more involved then the petting.  If you are prepared to put the time in then they are worth it.

Paulyn and Oscar

NAME    Paulyn Whetstone
BUSINESS NAME   Scruffy2Fluffy
JOB   Groomer
LIVES/WORKS   In Barrow
DOG    Oscar, King Charles 2 years old

WHAT DOES YOUR WORK ENTAIL?

I run a grooming salon which deals with all breeds of dog and all temperments! We specialise in nervous and naughty doggies. We also groom cats, rabbits, horses, etc.

We also offer a home boarding service for dogs, where they are welcomed into our family home and treated like our own with lots of walks and cuddles.

 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS WORK?

We opened in March 2011 and have gone from strength to strength

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK WITH DOGS? WHY?

Yes I've always loved animals and its always been a dream to work for myself doing a job I love.

DOES YOUR DOG WORK WITH YOU?

Yes.

WHAT DOES HE DO? 

He knows when we have a nervous dog in and sits on the table with it calming it down.


TELL ME YOUR DOGS STORY

We got Oscar from a breeder in Blackpool at 10 weeks old, unfortunatly Oscar got attacked by a Staffie on the beach in June 2011 and his left eye came out. I rushed him to the vets and had it put back in but he has lost the sight in it. Thankfully this hasn't effected his temperment and is still the most loving dog I've ever met.
 

 WHAT ISSUES HAS YOUR DOG HAD?

He's not keen on Staffie's which is understandable

HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

We have put Oscar first in not accepting Staffies for our home boarding


WHAT KIND OF DOGS (OTHER THAN YOUR OWN) DO YOU WORK WITH IN YOUR JOB?

 Anything from a mini Yorkie to a Great Dane!
 

GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF A DAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Morning walkies with our boarders and daycare doggies, then stables to do my lovely youngster Red, home for a brew! Grooming from 11am till 2pm then afternoon walkies, grooming till 5pm then final daycare walkies and return them home. Back up the stables and if we're busy grooming till 7pm. Crash out with a cheeky glass of white, then Bed!
 

 WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THINKING OF GETTING A DOG FOR THE FIRST TIME?

 Research your breed, ask other owners and remember its a long term commintment!

 P.S get a hairy breed thats in need of a good groomer!

Contact Scruffy2Fluffy on 01229 830676/07736935931 or email: paulyn.whetstone@gmail.com

website:  fluffy2scruffy.co.uk

Rufus and Otis

OWNER NAME  Steph & Steve

LIVES  Barrow

DOG/S NAME BREED AGE ? Rufus & Otis, Pugs, both nearly 3

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

No we were not allowed to have animals.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

We met a gorgeous Pug puppy that we loved, so we read about the breed, & decided we wanted one.

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG?

Yes

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOGS?

 Nearly 3 years

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?

We got them from the breeder.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

I do worry about my dogs being attacked, but I think that the dog’s behaviour is mostly down to it’s owner.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

It’s better, I didn’t know how clever dogs could be, and how much personality they would have.

HAVE YOU HAD DOGS BEFORE?

We had Minnie before these two. Never had a dog before Minnie. We got her from a breeder four years ago, she had a few health problems, & died from a brain disease when she was only 16 months.

TELL ME ABOUT HER 

She was a gorgeous tiny little Pug, full of energy, mad, & the most she ever weighed was five kilos.

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOGS?

We have some issues with Otis pulling, & trying to chase cars, & snapping at other dogs.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

Have tried the usual corrections that people recommend. We have just done some training with Farah, from Elite K9’s, which has hopefully helped.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

No

HOW DOES THE DOG SPEND THEIR DAY?

In the crate for 4 hours in the morning while I’m at work, then a walk, lunch, play, sleep, tea, sleep & bed.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

 I usually walk them.

WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?  

Going to the beach or field, but a walk anywhere. They also get very excited about going to Granny’s!

WHERE DOES THEY SLEEP?

In our bed.                                                                            

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

Friendly with absolutely everyone in typical Pug manner, but follow Steve around the most when he’s home.

 WHAT TIME DOES HE/SHE SPEND IN THE HOME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS?

Always in the home with us, like to cuddle on the settee if not eating or walking.

TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOGS

There are lots, but my favourite at the moment is when Otis pinched a treat out of the cupboard, took it to Rufus & then went back for his own. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Research the breed that would fit in best with the family. Health problems etc. If getting from a breeder, make sure it’s a reputable one.  Obviously there are lots of rescue dogs that need homes too.