Shropshire dog kennels helped by students

Harper Adams University College students have recently been helping a dog shelter in Telford by helping to exercise and walk the animals as a part of their study programme. The students, who are in their first year of the college have been visiting the kennels once a week where they look after several puppies and dogs who are waiting to find new homes.

The visit of the kennel makes up the practical element of their course and the lecturer, Louise Buckley, is hoping that this kind of practical work will become a permanent part of the timetable in future years. Ms Buckley has been volunteering in the area since earlier this year and she said, “this is one of the practical elements of the students most enjoy and we have even seen some students go back in their own time to care for the dogs.”

“It’s really encouraging that they are willing to give up their time to help and even bring their friends along.”

As well as the first years, two final year students are also hoping to help the shelter by using Hilbrae as a base for their dissertation research.

Sue Wilkinson, 42, is investigating how ‘clicker’ training can be used to resolve behavioural problems in dogs from rescue centres.

She said: “The ‘clicker’ uses positive reinforcement techniques by marking good behaviour. So for example, if you get a dog to sit, you use the clicker and then immediately give a treat. They then associate the clicker with something positive.

“I hope that I can help some dogs here at Hilbrae to become better behaved, so that they are more rehome-able and more appealing to prospective owners.”

21-year-old Nicola Cook from Boston, Lincolnshire, is hoping to find out if family situation affects the choice of dog from rescue centres.

She is sending out questionnaires to the public and will feedback the findings to Hilbrae so that they can improve their dog to potential owner matching.

Nicola said: “Hopefully my research will reduce the amount of dogs that are brought back to kennels, because this does happen a lot.

“I’m mostly interested in training dogs, but chose to work with the public for my dissertation to try and help the many dogs that need new homes.”

Hilbrae is always looking for donations of food and old textiles suitable for bedding, as well as volunteers and walkers.

Never purchase any puppy unless they have a health guarantee for a minimum of one year and there should also be a certification of good health from a vet. This certificate should say the puppy has received all its necessary vaccinations. You may also want to speak to the vet in order to verify the information about the puppy. While it is important to receive a good price it is more important to have a healthy puppy because sick puppies cost money.

When you are training the puppy take them outside as soon as they eat and place them in the dirt. They will get used to the surface and do not let the puppy leave the area until they relieve themselves on the dirt. It will take time but the puppy will learn and in the summer the dog should be outside as much as possible helping it get used to being outside.

You can also get a kitty litter box and fill it with dirt and keep it in the house. If the dog starts to get restless then they want to relief themselves in the dirt. Do not hit the puppy if they make an error, raise you voice and that will be enough for them to get the message. If the puppy is healthy then they will naturally be more obedient. Feed the dog only nutritious dog food and give the dog lots of room for exercise.

Dogs’ behaviour is very dependent upon how they are trained. Even the top breeds will not behave correctly if they are trained poorly. For children the best breeds to have in the house are Beagles, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. Poodles in particular can be trained very easily.

For older children a Terrier is ideal as well as a Pug. Terriers can be aggressive so it is best they are only with older children and not toddlers. St. Bernard’s and Mastiffs are great dogs since they are very obedient but not suitable for young kids since their large size could cause injury inadvertently.

Dos are highly intelligent, bright animals, who are simply to adorable to pet. Dog is man’s best friend since times immemorial, and is the best company possible you could ever want. Today, breaded dogs are a big demand in the dog market, and in this process, the helpless little rescue dogs at the animal shelter are suffering big time. They crave for your attention, yearn for your loving pat, and will be completely devoted to you throughout their lives!

Paddy Paws

There are thousands o dogs which are rescued through all of the special rescue program available in most of the countries. These dogs are happy healthy dogs, unlike the common misconception that they are injured, sic or old. These loving animals will crave for you and plead you with imploring eyes to adopt them. They have been put up for adoption only for reasons like the owner’s incapability to take care of them, or the circumstantial compatibility issues that arise. Sometimes, there are also graver issues like animal abuse, where the earlier owner of the dog beat him up or thrashed him in frustration. These owners are usually unsympathetic creatures who refuse or avoid feeding the poor animal, and simply make it suffer.

Benefits Of Adopting A Rescue Dog

The main part of the adoption is about the commitment you can make to the animal. This helpless little buddy is going o be totally dependant on you, and only if you are willing to take up that kind of responsibility towards the animal, should you think of taking it home. Other than this, you surely won’t regret you decision, as there are several pleasures and benefits in adopting a rescue dog, the first one being that h is already a grown up dog, and it is always harder to raise a puppy.

Home A Pup

You should gain a clear perspective about the rescue dog’s nature and temperament. Sometimes, it is a tough job, however, your dog will surely respond to kindness and affection. You should start training the dog, not quite harshly, but lovingly yet firmly since day one. This way he’ll learn the rules of the house, and what to do and what not to! There are numerous types of dogs, of different breeds, temperaments, looks at the rescue shelter. You should make the right choice, which you’ll be responsible towards in the coming years. Besides, you’ll save a dog’s life by giving him a home!

There are many online rescued dogs, which you can browse through and select finally. You adopted pet pal from the rescue program, does need a few tender words, and affection which he will eventually bask in and get well acquainted to his surroundings. You should always treat your hairy fellow with firmness, love, understanding, and patience, and he’ll soon be a big bounding dog you can share a great bond with. Once you adopt a rescued dog, what you get in return is simply priceless!