FAQs
We always welcome questions, debate, discussion and even new ideas. Learning to understand and facilitate our dog's needs can a challenging and sometimes overwhelming process- that's why we're always on hand to offer support wherever we can. We've answered some of our most common queries below but you're always welcome to drop us a message or pop in for a chat at our brand new shop and behaviour centre in Stewarton.
BEHAVIOUR
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WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR COACHING APPOINTMENTS?
For assessments we always come to you. Seeing your dog in their day to day environment gives us a true picture of their behaviour, their triggers and their comforts. For everything else, it's very much dependant on the nature of the training. We try to be as flexible as possible, to offer the most effective experience possible for you an your dog so if you have a specific preference for location, simply let us know.
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO "FIX" MY DOG'S BEHAVIOUR?
When it comes to canine behaviours, there are no quick fixes. Affecting lasting change takes time and understanding. The length of time it takes for behaviour coaching to take effect varies from person to person, dog to dog. We'll always try to give you a realistic expectation of what to expect in terms of timelines, but whatever the case you'll have our support for as long as you need it.
The more time you can commit to training between appointments, the more ground we can cover. Complex issues- reactivity, trauma etc- usually take longer to resolve where basic training can be accomplished fairly quickly. Most of our clients graduate in 4-8 sessions but that is by no means a hard and fast rule.
WHAT IS COMPASSIONATE COACHING?
When you train with force, you compound stress and suffocate behaviours into submission. It's unpleasant for our dogs and can lead to unpredictable behaviours, including sudden aggression, further down the line. Compassionate coaching is both holistic and scientific. Here at the Dog and Hound we use our knowledge of canine physiology, neurochemistry and psychology to create bespoke coaching plans which accommodate your dog's individual background, temperament and breed history. By getting to the root of your dog's behaviour, we can be targeted and specific in our support.
NUTRITION
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WHAT IS A SPECIES APPROPRIATE DIET?
As children we learn that cows eat grass, birds eat worms, dogs eat bones. Why? Because when it comes to diet the simplest, most fundamental answer is usually the best one. Species appropriate feeding is about stripping back decades of additive, preservative and chemical driven production and returning to a time when dogs ate natural foods based on the dietary needs of the canine digestive system.
ISN'T A RAW FOOD DIET DANGEROUS?
Raw feeding requires the same common sense preparation practices that we apply to our kitchens when preparing food for ourselves. Wipe down surfaces, store raw meat at the bottom of your fridge, do not keep or feed raw food beyond its expiration date and have separate cutting boards/utensils for different types of food.
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In terms of digestion, we cook food to bring bacteria down to a level which our stomachs can manage. Dogs literally have far stronger stomachs than us, which is what allows them to break down bone with ease. Our raw food is kept at -16 degrees celsius for at least two weeks prior to reaching us to manage bacteria levels safely and allow the food to be transported and stored until it is needed. In fact, in countries where both raw and dry food has been subjected to the same health and safety legislation the recall rate among dry foods is higher by 750%.