HANDLING

Grass Seeds

Did you know this time of year (June onwards UK) is grass seed season?

Grass seeds or grass darts can find their way into your pet's coat, particularly the paws or ears, and get stuck! Often meaning a trip to the Vets! What does this have to do with handling? Well, the more used to being handled your puppy or dog is, the more likely you are to be able to avoid a painful experience with the grass seed!

In the last few weeks, TWO of Pooch Paws students have had grass seeds in their ears! As their owners have followed the ‘Handling’ training provided by Pooch Paws both dogs avoided having sedation. They both sat still and allowed the veterinarian to retrieve the grass seed. To add even more to this, both dogs did not have their owners with them due to COVID restrictions. An amazing achievement I would say and a testament to their dedication to applying their training.

OK, so now we have given you one really good reason to enforce a positive handling experience, how do you start? Well, you're in the right place! Puppy classes will have a focus on getting your puppy used to being handled along with learning how to be your best housemate and obedience. Check out our upcoming classes to join us in the next 6-week class!

Struggling with an older dog? No problem! Everyone has to start somewhere! if your dog hates his toes touched or a face examination by the Vet is just not happening! We can help! Drop us a message to get started today!

Here are some additional tips on how to try and prevent grass seeds. Grass seeds migrating to ears is bad luck unfortunately but as you will see from the photos, dogs with long ears are generally presented more in practice.

1) Clip the fur between the pads of your pet's feet short so you can see the skin
2) keep ears clean so you can see into the ear
3) After every walk check:
- EACH toe on every foot
- check inside the ears
- check the eyes
- check all other nooks and cranny's
4) Dogs with a thick coat may need to be groomed twice per day
5) Dogs with a thick coat may need some of their coat clipped short to ensure you can check under the legs and all essential areas
6) Keep beards clean and tangle-free

Berni Black RVN, assistant trainer Pooch Paws