PET TAXI SERVICE
We can take your pet to the vet, the groomer, boarding kennels or anywhere else they need to go and take them home again.
We have a specially modified, air conditioned van which is ventilated and kitted out with secure, lockable crates.
Paws 2 Play is run by animal lovers, and we know how stressful going to the vets can be for some pets. We not only provide safe transport, but we will also stay with your pet where possible and provide the same love and support that you would.
There is always a supply of tasty treats in the van for anyone who might appreciate them!
FOOD DELIVERY AND MAIL ORDER
Any of the products on our sister site www.click2treat.co.uk can be ordered with free home delivery. Just drop us an email at jo@paws2play.net and let us know what you would like delivered.
For existing dog walking customers, this can be dropped off when picking up the dog, and the bill added to your usual walking invoice.
We can also deliver any dog food you require to your door. We recommend food with no artificial colourings and flavourings (they can result in hyperactive behaviour and/or health problems) We can make deliveries of good quality dry food such as Burns or James Wellbeloved, and moist food such as Naturediet. We can also supply the ingredients needed for a raw diet.
Just let us know your preferred food and we can bring it to your door at a time that suits you. We can also set up regular deliveries to ensure you never run out. Again, for walking clients, food can be delivered and moved to wherever it's stored without you having to give it a second thought.
PET SITTING
We can come to your home to feed, cuddle and care for your pets while you are out.
Pet visits are available in either half or full hours, and we can arrange several throughout the day.
A half hour visit costs �7, and a full hour is �10. We can do all aspects of pet care in this time, from picking up mess in the garden, cleaning any accidents that may have occured in your abscence, bringing in mail, watering plants etc.
Pet visits are not suitable to replace your company for dogs during a holiday. Dogs are very social animals and don't do well isolated for 23 hours a day. Boarding kennels or a full time pet sitter are the best option in these circumstances.
SEPARATION ANXIETY TREATMENTSeparation anxiety is an increasingly common problem amongst dogs. As mentioned above, dogs are social animals designed to live in groups. They can become fearful and extremely distressed when separated from their owners.
The treatment for this is to gradually extend the period of time that the dog is left alone, only increasing it once the dog can cope with the current level. This is not always practical, as work and family commitments often mean you have to leave the house for longer than your dog can cope with. This can often put you back to square one.
Paws 2 Play can work with you to gradually build the length of time the dog is alone, starting with all day walks if appropriate, or frequent home visits.
This treatment works alongside the owners efforts and is not a replacement. A typical programme would be as follows:
STAGE ONE: 2 half hour home visits and 2 half hour walks spread throughout the day. Dog is left with an activity toy and/or chew to occupy them between visits.STAGE TWO: 2 half hour visits morning and afternoon, with 1 hour lunchtime walk. Activity toys provided.
STAGE THREE: 2 half hour walks morning and afternoon. Activity toys provided.
STAGE FOUR: 1 daily hour long walk.
So for stage one, if you left for work at 8.30 am, the first visit would be at 9.30-10am, followed by an 11.30am-12pm walk, followed by a 1.30-2pm visit, and finally a 3.30pm walk. This would mean the dog would not be alone for over 1 and a half hours, giving them time to adjust to those periods.
These would be at a reduced rate, and following a behavioural consultation to ensure it is the right course of action for the dog.
PUPPY SOCIALISATION
Normal dog walks are not suitable for young puppies who are still growing. Over exercising can damage their developing joints.
Because puppies are full of energy, they need to be worn out mentally, not physically. Socialisation is a great way to do this.
Puppies grow up much quicker than humans, and their critical socialisation period is up to 20 weeks. During that time they need to be exposed to as many different people, animals and places as possible. It is preferable that by this age, puppies will have encountered and had good experiences with everything they will come into contact with during their lives.
Unfortunately, puppies also go through a fear stage, where they have a natural fear and mistrust of novel things. It is vital therefore, that socialisation is handled well and they are not forced to face their fears.
Because there is so little time to socialise your puppy, let Paws 2 Play help. While you are at work I can pick up your puppy as for a normal walk, and gently introduce them to other animals, a variety of people and noises. It will involve going near roads, starting a distance away from quiet ones and then gradually getting close, and doing the same with busier roads. Also, taking them to places with lots of people such as supermarket car parks, and supervise their interaction with people of all ages to ensure they don't get frightened and learn that strange people are a good thing.
As your puppy grows older, they will be integrated with carefully chosen, friendly dogs to have supervised play and learn how to read other dogs body language and respond appropriately.
Please remember that socialisation is ongoing throughout a dogs life, and these should be used in addition to your own socialisation programme not in place of it.