Social Paws

Social Paws Helen Motteram BSc (Hons) pet behaviourist and Tristan Motteram IMDT accredited dog trainer and coach. Dogs 🐶 Cats 🐱 Birds 🐦‍⬛ Training for excitable dogs!

Specialising with anxious/shy or rescue dogs.

1-2-1 training and behavioural support in Cheltenham & Gloucestershire. Behavioural support specialising in anxious, nervous dogs. Puppy training and socialisation (1-2-1). Free discovery call on request

Manager and founder: Helen Motteram
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.socialpawscheltenham.co.uk

TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING NEW YEAR'S EVE 🎆🎆🎆New year's eve is seen as a time of celebration...But when it...
31/12/2024

TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING NEW YEAR'S EVE 🎆🎆🎆

New year's eve is seen as a time of celebration...

But when it comes to anxious dogs or pets in general FIREWORKS SUCK!

If you have a rescue dog or a dog who has experienced a recent trauma, they may be particularly sensitive, as too small animals and birds 🐕🐤🐁

So here's a few tips to be prepared this weekend to help keep your best friend safe and calm:

1. Provide a safe place

If you have a quiet room, or crate your dog feels safe in, turn down the lights, provide them with their favourite blanket and help get them relaxed a few hours prior to the night drawing in. Remember if your dog does not want to be confined to one space leave the crate open and drape with a sheet or blanket.

Cats may benefit from a small desk to hide under and small animals may need to be brought in from their outside hutch.

2. Early walks

Some people think it's ok to let fireworks off before dark. It's advised not to take your dog for a walk after midday and remember if your dog has already experienced fireworks in a particular area going back to the same area may bring back the anxiety.

3. Keep inside

Make sure your dog has toileted earlier and where possible bring cats and small animals inside. Rabbits are particularly vulnerable. Get your cats in nice and early, settling them in and providing multiple litter trays.

4. Enrichment

Provide your pet with an alternative outlet to keep anxiety at bay. A nice filled Kong or puzzle game, perhaps a simple game of 'find it' throwing a tasty treat on the floor. Be prepared to spend more time with them and supervise.

5. Music

Music can help block out some of the noise and certain types have been proven to have a calming effect. You can also turn up the TV.

6. Reassure

It's ok to pet and reassure your dog. If you can stay in on fireworks night to keep your dog or pets company or have a friend or family member pet sit.

Further support

I always advise seeking further advice from a behaviourist working closely with a vet. They will work with you on a behavioural modification programme and in certain cases vets can recommend drugs/therapy/holistic remedies to help calm your dog.

Preparation/management and control is the key and remember fireworks can have an effect on your pet's behaviour for many days after.

Thanks for reading,
Helen Motteram, BSc

DOGS CAN CONTINUE TO FEEL TIRED, STRESSED AND CONFUSED EVEN AFTER THE FESTIVITIES ❤️🐶Stress can soon tire the body and a...
28/12/2024

DOGS CAN CONTINUE TO FEEL TIRED, STRESSED AND CONFUSED EVEN AFTER THE FESTIVITIES ❤️🐶

Stress can soon tire the body and affect behaviour this can last for days...

I really enjoy Christmas - spending time with family and friends. But even I get tired, stressed and confused.

Now let's imagine our pet friends - boxes out, visitors, humans rushing around, all these tempting smells, all these new strange 'gifts' in the house 🎉🎁👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The festivities may be ending, but for our dogs, in fact all our pets, the added stress, the excitement or the confusion can last for days.

🐾 Let's talk about stress

When Fido’s body is placed under stress Hormones are released called glucocorticoids and a ‘feedback loop’ is created.

That means once the hormones are released and reach a particular concentration level, these hormones will – at the same time – stop the factors that stimulate its release, and this helps the body to regulate itself (Hanne, 2015).

However, when a dog is placed under prolonged stress, for example the hustle and bustle of the festive period this feedback loop can break down.

So what happens next?

When a dog is not given enough time to recover from the triggers or get away from what is causing the stress while the body may learn to ‘cope’, at a certain point, the body will start to tire and exhaustion can set in (Hanne, 2015).

Just imagine how long the build up to Christmas lasts, for some families it starts at the end of November! Given the added stressful events - halloween, bonfire night. It all becomes far too much 👻⚠️🔥

A dog that faces prolonged periods of stress is likely to encounter various physiological and psychological problems.

Many which can result in behavioural issues, or a sudden change in character.

This can include:

– High blood pressure
– Chronic diarrhoea
– Frequent urination
(Often I get extra enquiries in January about this)
– Mood change including an increase in aggressive behaviours
– Interference with learning and memory (which often looks like a confused dog).

🐾 So let's talk about trigger stacking

I compare trigger stacking to a kettle, one which doesn't automatically switch off and then eventually has to boil over 🔥🔥🔥

The interactions our dog has has had over the festive period including visitors, strange gifts, a change in routine may prolong stress.

Trigger stacking is defined as ‘Stress accumulating due to exposure of multiple triggers, either simultaneously or close enough in time that the dog’s reactivity has not returned to normal' (Grisha Stewart, BAT 2.0).

This can have an effect on their behaviour especially on walks..

Your dog seems out of character? 🤔

Pulling on lead when they are usually calm?

They've never once barked at next door neighbour's cat 🐱🐱🐱 but today they did?

🐾 Let's talk about cortisol (a stress hormone)

Cortisol typically takes around 60 minutes to drop its level of concentration by half (Weirzman, et al). But when a dog is faced by lots of stimuli that he is sensitive to the negative feedback loop breaks down, cortisol continues to be released and up to four times as much cortisol as normal can be present.

This can take several days to dissipate. Way after the festivities have ended.

Go back to the boiling kettle analogy and consider what could be happening inside the dog’s body and mind...

The events which he or she finds stressful in the same week as other stressors, what seems worrying behaviour is likely to escalate – making the period after Christmas a very confusing time.

🐾 What can you do to help?

Give your dog time to decompress, to calm down, shorter walks with minimal stressors. Increase enrichment inside instead and minimise visitors for the next few days.

Remember they aren't being naughty or bad, they are often just overwhelmed.

Manage the environment, prepare, a good routine and structure.

Just think how you feel. Bloated, tired, confused.

Now think about your dog.

Just slow things down for the next few days. Your dog will thank you.

Thanks for reading,
Helen Motteram BSc (Hons)

Today Tristan drove with Gail to pick up her new pup ❤️As you may know we see Willow, Bramble and of course Gail as part...
27/12/2024

Today Tristan drove with Gail to pick up her new pup ❤️

As you may know we see Willow, Bramble and of course Gail as part of the Social Paws family.

This new addition will be a warm welcome especially by Willow, who's playful and younger.

Gail is so proud 🥰

23/12/2024

5 years ago I started the festive season with an incredible opportunity!

I absolutely loved being on BBC Breakfast talking all about how to reduce pet stress at Christmas. Thanks to Rachel Spencer and all my blogging ❤️

December the 21st - it's ok to cut a walk short Let's face it, sometimes things don't go to plan. Walks can become overw...
21/12/2024

December the 21st - it's ok to cut a walk short

Let's face it, sometimes things don't go to plan. Walks can become overwhelming, perhaps too many squirrels or the park is full with other dogs.

Don't give yourself or your best friend unnecessary stress, it's ok to just go home ❤️

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

December the 20th - come rain, snow or shine make the walk about your best friend! It's like a dog's daily social media ...
20/12/2024

December the 20th - come rain, snow or shine make the walk about your best friend!

It's like a dog's daily social media and the act of sniffing I so fulfilling.

I always say who's walk is it anyway? Make sure it's enjoyable for both of you! ❤️

So next time you see a lamppost, give your dog a few minutes to check their notifications 🐕

Helen & Tristan,

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

Ready for my Christmas lunch meet up! 🐶🎅
19/12/2024

Ready for my Christmas lunch meet up! 🐶🎅

A little bit of a different one today, December the 19th - check in on our wild animals friendsAs we also run a bird res...
19/12/2024

A little bit of a different one today, December the 19th - check in on our wild animals friends

As we also run a bird rescue Russell's Rescue, I thought this would be a really useful tip. It's so simple to provide food to our wild animal friends and make sure they've got access to fresh water.

If you see a wild animal huddled up, not moving or unusually ok around humans, they may be in trouble!

Get them to safety and seek help from your local rescue or rescue friendly vets ❤️

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

December the 18th - check in on other pet guardiansDecember can be an overwhelming time and sometimes our friends need m...
18/12/2024

December the 18th - check in on other pet guardians

December can be an overwhelming time and sometimes our friends need more support and in general it's the perfect time to catch up. Just a phone call, walk together or coffee and chat makes all the difference!

We are looking forward to meeting up with our pet friends Willow and Bramble tonight (isn't Willow gorgeous). Oh and of course the amazing Gail their pet guardian.

Christmas is a time to be with loved ones, so let's make it happen 🐾❤️

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

Tongue out Tuesday 😅Training walks with Nelly ❤️
17/12/2024

Tongue out Tuesday 😅

Training walks with Nelly ❤️

December the 17th - keep presents away from your pets 🎁Many gifts can contain items that may be dangerous for our pets, ...
17/12/2024

December the 17th - keep presents away from your pets 🎁

Many gifts can contain items that may be dangerous for our pets, particularly chocolate. And imagine how tempting it must be!

Keep them out of paws reach and supervise your pets around presents and decorations.

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

December the 16th - time with your best friend is so important Life is so short and so precious, so make the most of eve...
16/12/2024

December the 16th - time with your best friend is so important

Life is so short and so precious, so make the most of every moment ❤️

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

December the 15th: Remember that some dogs may not want to venture out, particularly if they aren't familiar or happy wi...
15/12/2024

December the 15th: Remember that some dogs may not want to venture out, particularly if they aren't familiar or happy with the colder temperatures 🥶🌡

Shorten walks or avoid if they are really struggling, avoid icy areas and dog coats may be needed🧣🐕‍🦺🧥

Of course there's always that one goof ball that enjoys the snow or cold, but remember: all dogs are individuals and cope differently 🐶☃️

Thanks for reading,
Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

Social Paws Advent Calendar December the 14th - GIVE YOUR DOG A JOB TO DO OR AN OUTLETHere at Social Paws we like to cre...
14/12/2024

Social Paws Advent Calendar December the 14th - GIVE YOUR DOG A JOB TO DO OR AN OUTLET

Here at Social Paws we like to create a positive association with visitors but also keep the dog occupied with a job or outlet.

This help refocus the mind and keep your dog calm and happy.

We use cone work - simply place treats under cones (you can get adult exercise type ones from Amazon) as people arrive.

The dog engages with the person, then disengages going back to the cone to find their favourite treats!

The dog learns:

People = good stuff
Cones = good stuff is on it's way and a nice outlet

People & cones = HEY PRESTO!

Kongs (as featured) are also a great toy. Fill three quarters with biscuits and seal off the opening with meat, kong paste or squeezy cheese.

Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

A huge happy birthday to our Founder of Social Paws, Helen 🎂🥳🐾💕
13/12/2024

A huge happy birthday to our Founder of Social Paws, Helen 🎂🥳🐾💕

Social Paws Advent Calendar 12th of December- provide a safe space 💕Christmas can be a very overwhelming time of the yea...
12/12/2024

Social Paws Advent Calendar 12th of December- provide a safe space 💕

Christmas can be a very overwhelming time of the year.

With an increase in visitors and general hustle and bustle it's important to give your pets a safe space.

A safe space is their own special area away from all of the above. Just like sometimes us humans like our own private space or quiet time.

Thanks for reading,
Helen & Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

Social Paws Advent Calendar December the 11th - you are doing incredibly well, despite what you may sometimes think We s...
11/12/2024

Social Paws Advent Calendar December the 11th - you are doing incredibly well, despite what you may sometimes think

We spend so much time worrying about our dog's behaviour and what we look like sometimes we forget the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Yes there are bad days, struggles but think how far you've come 💕

Remember Christmas is a stressful time. We can't expect miracles and to get everything right.

Be nice to yourself and your dog. What better gift this Christmas 🎁

Thanks for reading,
Helen and Tristan

'A family business where kindness speaks volumes'

Social Paws Advent Calender the 10th of December - signs that your dog may be stressed or becoming more anxiousDogs can ...
10/12/2024

Social Paws Advent Calender the 10th of December - signs that your dog may be stressed or becoming more anxious

Dogs can give subtle signs that they are stressed and to us humans it’s not always obvious.

These can include showing the whites of their eyes, yawning, sneezing, licking their lips or leaning away from us.

Remember these often go unnoticed and are context specific, if your dog is licking their lips before a meal this often means they are anticipating the yummy food. Whilst if they are licking their lips as Aunty Alice bends down to stroke them - this may mean they are nervous or finding this a little overwhelming.

I mean if I had a giant hand come towards me I didn't know, I may be a bit startled!

Remember if your dog is showing any warning signs, help give them space, find a quiet safe area and remind others to not approach.

Helen and Tristan

'A family business, where kindness speaks volumes'

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Charlton Kings
Cheltenham
GL538DD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Videos

Well done Lucho! ❤️🐾🐶 #dogtraining #dogwalking #Cheltenham #dachshund #kindness

Success story with Pimpa... Visiting the local dog café and walking confidently through Cheltenham town! #dogtraining #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #Cheltenham

Good girl Willow, so much more confident on her walks! #dogwalking #dogtraining #Cheltenham

It was an absolute pleasure to help get some of the rescue dogs out of their kennels at Simba Rescue Centre in Cyprus... Many don't get walked for days, some weeks. But most are very human friendly and food motivated. They rely heavily on volunteers ❤️ Plus we did a 'sniffari' before something that dogs love (like us checking our their daily social media). It was so nice walking along the dusty paths, investigating some follieage and taking in a bit of sunshine too! 🌞

Helping my friend Gail with Bramble and Willow today 🥰 We had a nice walk around Pittville Park then popped in the Dog Friendly café. The staff loved them both! 🐾

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