TAEL

Hello friends!

It's been a busy few weeks of training but I'm very excited to share with you that I'm going to be running the Echo's Women's Mini Marathon right here in Cork in two weeks time! You might remember that I ran it last year to raise funds for West Cork Animal Welfare in memory of my beautiful doggy friend, Sam. Well together we raised a huge amount which went to helping lots of animals in need.

This year I'm doing it again but for another charity in memory of another beautiful soul who sadly left us this year. We lost our cat, Gus, to heart failure back in April and it was a traumatic experience, to say the least. When life deals you sh*tty cards it can be really hard to know what to do, but for me, running really helped me get out of my head for a bit.

That's why, this year, I'm raising funds for Cat Action Trust Cork, the charity which brought Gus and his sister, Niska, into our lives. They do such incredible work for cats in need all over the county. I'd be so grateful if you could donate even the price of a cup of coffee to this wonderful cause.

I've set myself the big, maybe overly ambitious goal, of beating last year's time by ten minutes... But don't worry, my coach, Forrest (pictured above), is a Paralympic gold medalist so I think I'll be fine 😂

If you're seeing this on Instagram, you can find the donation link in my bio.
And if you're seeing this on Facebook, you can use this link - idonate.ie/fundraiser/Gus.

Thank you ❤️🐾

Getting our steps in! 👣🐾

Remember to stop and smell the flowers 💐

A PSA brought to you by Forrest, Maisie, Bella & Mimi

Hello friends!

I could tell you where I've been the past few months (do you have an hour? 😅) orrrr... I could just show you these cuties that have been keeping me company instead! Enjoy! 💕

L-R: Bella ☁️, Hagrid 🩰, TJ 😎, Forrest 🏃🏼, Molly & Mimi 🥎, Mr B 🎩 , Maisie 🧸, Niska 👑 & Fern 🦄

Sending all the love and positive vibes Maisie's way for her leg surgery tomorrow 🤞❤️ Maisie's mum has done such a great job in getting Maisie ready for a smooth recovery by getting her a buggy so she can still get some fresh air, and a crate so she's not moving about too much post op. We've been working to desensitise her to both so she can comfortably relax in them, and we've also worked on getting her used to wearing a cone. We'll be incorporating lots of recovery-friendly enrichment activities over the next few weeks to keep that mind active while giving the body the rest it needs.

Happy from the girls! 👅

Wahoooo! It's Friday 🎉

New boy Rex would like to share with you that I'm now taking on a limited number of new walking clients in the following areas:

⛳ Douglas
🌳 Mount Oval & Rochestown
⚓ Passage West
⛴️ Cobh

Your dog will get a fun-filled hour of sniffing, games, training support and physical exercise during our walk, and you will get a pupdate following our walk detailing all the fun we got up to with photos and videos 📸 You'll also get peace of mind that your dog is in the capable hands of an insured, experienced professional who keeps up to date on the latest best practices in the animal behaviour and training world 🧠 Suitable for all dogs including reactive dogs, intact dogs, dogs with health conditions and disabilities, elderly dogs and puppies. Sounds good? Drop me a DM to book or find out more! 📩

It's wet. It's squelchy. But if your doggo wants a walk, a walk is what they shall get! Swipe to the end to see Maisie practising her smooches for Valentine's Day! 💞

I sure hope everyone is wrapped up warm! ❄️ Today's walkies were of the frosty variety buy I don't think the girls minded!

Cats needed! 🐈

As part of my Applied Diploma in Animal Behaviour Management, I am conducting a research project on the effects of catnip on a particular aspect of feline behaviour. Every feline participant will receive some free catnip in the post and the ten minute "experiment" can be carried out from the comfort of your home with the help of a video camera/phone. The study will then be published online at a later date for you to read. If you would like to be a part of this project, you'll need:

- a cat who reacts to catnip
- a video camera or phone
- to comment below indicating your interest

Feline research is miles behind doggy research so please share to help make this study a good one!

Yes, all puppies are cute, but have you seeeeen Billy? 😍 Billy the lurcher recently found his forever home here in Cork and is on track to stealing all the hearts he can get his paws on! We're setting Billy up for success in his new home with his two older (and much smaller!) siblings by implementing proper management and fun training games. Who said learning had to be boring? 😁

A huge congratulations to Darren .cork for winning the award of Best Specialist Pet Service for his adventure park on Saturday night at 🥳

Darren and I first met back in 2021 while both enrolled on a dog training course. Since then I've watched Darren go from strength to strength, gaining his certs, becoming specialised in dog aggression, and even opening his own award-winning adventure park 😉 I don't think I'll ever forget the opening day where we rustled up a whole herd of greyhounds to test it out!

Darren, I'm so proud of you and how far you've come. Keep smashing it! 💪

🐈‍ Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside The Box? 🐈

Living with a cat who urinates outside the litter box can be very unpleasant and stressful. But fear not! As with all behaviour challenges, there has to be a cause driving it. Figuring out the “why” is the first step to tackling the issue. Here are some factors to consider if your cat is peeing outside the box:

🩺 Health. This is point number one for a reason: before you do anything else, get thyself to a vet! So many medical conditions can lead to inappropriate urination, and only a vet can diagnose and treat them effectively.

🚽 The box. Maybe there's an issue with the box type, amount, or location. Litter box liners can be a big turn-off for many cats too.

🧻 Substrate. Litter comes in many forms, and your cat likely has a preference, whether that’s wood pellets, clay, sawdust, sand, clumping, non-clumping… the list goes on!

🏡 Something has changed. Changes in routine or family circumstances, the addition of a new pet, or moving to a new house can cause stress, leading to urinating outside the box.

🐾 Territory. Other cats lurking about outside can prompt your cat to mark their territory. This may be the case even if you don’t see other cats outside, if they’re there you can bet your cat will be the first to know!

Struggling with inappropriate urination and not sure what to do? Get in touch to book a 1-to-1 consultation, where we can explore the issue together and take proactive steps to find a sustainable solution 📩

🐾 Spotlight On Designer Deformities 🐾

Selectively breeding companion animals for their looks can be detrimental to their health. Many are familiar with certain dog breeds who come with elevated risks when it comes to their health. However, these pale in comparison to the Scottish Fold who comes with a 100% guarantee of debilitating health issues due to osteochondrodysplasia. There's no cure and the severity of this disease has led to their breeding being banned in multiple jurisdictions. Experts have suggested the best course of action is to let the genetic mutation die out with the breed. When choosing a companion animal to share your home with, remember: we have the power to make compassionate choices. Animals are here with us, not for us.

Maisie and I love our morning walks in the local woods. This week we're really noticing the change in seasons 🍂🍁

🌊 Group Reactivity Classes: Flooding Central 🌊

Have you ever seen those training videos on social media of reactive dogs being marched around in a circle or right past each other and not reacting at all? You might think the dogs are learning so much to be able to cope with their big emotions but unfortunately, a closer inspection reveals something more sinister…

🌊 Flooding is the name of the game here. Imagine your furry friend being being forced to walk right past other dogs, overwhelmed by the sea of unfamiliar faces. This prolonged, everything-at-once exposure therapy forces your dog to face their fears with no escape and ultimately shut down.

🧯 Unfortunately, many organisers of these classes prioritise suppressing reactive behaviour over understanding how our dogs truly feel. This goes hand-in-hand with the endorsement of aversive tools like slip leads, prong collar and shock collars. But do these quick fixes really work?

❌ In short, no. Such high levels of stress quickly push our dogs into a state of exhaustion and learned helplessness. It may look like success, but it's not a long-term solution.

🐕 What happens after the flood? Your now anxious pup might lash out, sensitised and traumatised by the experience, and often when you least expect it. The true cost of these classes becomes apparent over time.

💡 Instead of opting for impressive-looking reactivity classes, consider a 1-to-1 session with a force-free behaviour consultant who will tailor a gentle, effective, and humane approach to your dog's specific needs, helping them build confidence and overcome their fears, one step at a time. We must collectively start treating our beloved companion animals with the respect and compassion they deserve.

❓ Have you ever sought help for reactive behaviours? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!

FOUND Blackpool Retail Park

This cute light-coloured pigeon (henceforth known as Perry) landed on our balcony at around lunchtime today. Perry has two rings on their feet - one blue and one yellow. They're naturally a bit wary of us so we haven't tried to catch them to read the code on the blue ring, although you can see some of the digits in the photos. Perry's safe here with us and likely just needs a rest. We've put out two little cardboard houses with shredded newspaper, some sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, smooshed blueberries, and there's plenty of water out there too. We're high up so no fear of predators either.

Perry is welcome to stay with us as long as they like but if you recognise them please get in touch so you can be reunited.

Munster lost and found pet helpline

Thank you so much to everyone who shared, liked or donated to the recent fundraiser for West Cork Animal Welfare Group Ltd. Together we raised €690 which will be able to help so many animals in need ❤️

One such animal in need was Sam. Sam suffered immeasurably, chained up in a shed, abused and neglected until he was rescued by WCAWG at nine years old. Nine years of abuse would surely cultivate fear and distrust in anyone, but not Sam. He knew the hands of his rescuers and, later, his forever family were not the same hands that had abused him. He needed that second chance, and by god did he get it. The love his family had, and still has, for him was palpable from the moment I met them. They made sure he knew he would never have to want for anything ever again. I always joke that if I ever get reincarnated as a dog I’d want to go live with Sam’s family. His passing has left a big hole in many of our hearts but he’ll never be forgotten.

The selfless people who work in animal rescue are the unsung heroes of our country. It’s a job very few are cut out for, but those who do it work tirelessly to improve the lives of the forgotten, the unwanted, and the abused. I urge you, if you are looking to add to your family, please consider adoption. It will change your life and the life of your new family member far more than you can ever imagine ❤️

✨ Enrichment: What's The Hype? ✨

Discover the power of enrichment! You may have heard that enrichment is beneficial to our pets, but do you know why? Let's find out 👇

💙 It helps combat anxiety and depression leading to a happier, more fulfilled life.

🦮 Watch as your pet becomes more confident in everyday life.

🧠 It enhances learning, memory, and keeps those mental gears turning.

😌 It promotes relaxation and optimism, bringing a sense of tranquility and calm.

🤯 It keeps boredom at bay, preventing destructive behaviours.

🤗 Strengthen your trust, communication and bond with each other.

🌍 Enrichment goes way beyond food toys. It's a holistic approach to pet well-being.

👍 It's a necessary foundation in any training or behaviour modification plan.

Struggling to fit enrichment into your busy life? Not to worry! Stay tuned as TAEL has some very exciting announcements on the horizon! Make sure you're following to be the first to know! 🎊

🚫 The Problem With Prong Collars 🚫

🐾 Don't be fooled by the hype! Prong collars may seem like a quick fix, but they pose serious risks to your furry friend. Here's the lowdown:

1️⃣ Physical Danger: These harsh tools cause pain. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t “work”. They can cause a variety of physical injuries from burst blood vessels and bruised necks to permanent nerve damage and thyroid dysfunction.

2️⃣ Psychological Danger: Prong collars shatter a dog’s trust and confidence, leading to anxiety and fear. Prongs have also been shown to diminish learning ability and increase stress.

3️⃣ Ineffectiveness: They don't tackle the root cause of behaviour issues. Instead, they mask problems and create negative associations which can result in behaviour problems such as generalised anxiety, aggression and reactivity that didn’t even exist in the first place.

Choose compassion over cruelty. The science is clear; there is no place in our society for aversive tools in animal training. Remember to quiz your trainer or behaviour consultant on their methods and preferred tools before booking a session.

Well done, Shera!! 🥳🥰

365 days of being in rescue 😭 Sonny has been at West Cork Animal Welfare Group Ltd. for a whole year and I really don't know why! He is an absolute darling and, like all the other beautiful souls at the rescue, deserves the very best in life. Sonny and the wonderful shelter staff have been working on lowering his stress levels and building up his confidence to increase his chances of adoption.

I will be offering his future adopters ongoing behaviour support *free of charge* with a plethora of enrichment ideas to keep this busy boy's mind active. If you think you have a Sonny-shaped space on your sofa please reach out to West Cork Animal Welfare Group Ltd. ❤️

PS it's my birthday tomorrow and would LOVE if you could share this post far and wide to get Sonny his forever home as a lil birthday pressie for me. Thank yooou!

Post lickimat nap incoming 😴

Next month I'm going to be heading down to .c.a.w.g with Mr TAEL to deliver some goodies to the lovely shelter cats and dogs 🐈🐕

WCAWG has kindly given me a list of bits they are currently looking for in case anyone would like to make a donation to them. If you have some goodies you'd like to donate, you can drop them to me at Blackpool Retail Park before I head down during my week off towards the end of next month 🥳

If you'd rather Revolut over a monetary donation for me to put towards buying some treats and toys for them, you can do so by clicking the link in my bio and choosing Revolut Payment and I'll send you some pics and a receipt of what your donation has gone towards ☺️

Fantastic Frank's Testimonial! 😻

Frank's mum came to me having tried so many different things to get Frank's inappropriate urination and spraying under control. And they were all great things too!

So here's what we focused on:

😸 Creating appropriate outlets for Frank's natural scent marking behaviour (that didn't involve spraying or weeing everywhere)
😸 Building a DIY litter box which Frank took to straight away
😸 Recognising stress and incorporating stress reduction techniques

Frank's mum was on the ball with sending me updates with photos and videos which helped us pinpoint a big contributing factor in his stress 🐈

Dealing with litter box issues and not sure what to try next? Pop me a DM and let's get the ball rolling!

The learning never stops! Next week I'm taking part in the challenge with and I can't wait! 🤩

Handsome boy alert! This cute chappie is JJ 😍 He joined Maisie and I for his first walk yesterday and had an absolute blast! JJ is hoping to lose a few pounds so what better way than by having fun with friends? 🌳🏞️

Happy International Cat Day! 🐈

May your floofy baby's day be filled with oodles of catnip, chicken and catnaps ❤️

"One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home" - Pam Brown

Lunch and a mini photoshoot with Pixie 💕

She's such a charmer she managed to convince the kind couple sitting next to us to give her some wedges 😂