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Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Welcome to the exciting world of Mantrailing and finding people with a dog!

Welcome to the exciting world of Mantrailing and finding people with a dog! 

Mantrailing is a K9 Search and Rescue specialty that is quickly becoming popular as a sport and recreation for all dogs to enjoy. 

Mantrailing dogs use the nose to scent discriminate one person from all other people to locate the one particular person.

A truly amazing fact about Mantrailing is how quickly most dogs’ take to this type of training and how quickly the dogs find people. Dogs love to use their nose to find people. The fun part of Mantrailing is that we follow the dog and allow the dog to lead the way! 

To Read how to Start Mantrailing, Step by Step..(click to the book's amazon page in all countries) 

You and your dog will be finding a person from the first day of training and beyond. 

The book is available worldwide and features dogs from Scotland and the USA . The link should change to your country, if not, email me to get a copy sent to you,,, contact@familydisasterdogs.com

Each training session uses a time tested and proven step by step method for solid reliable success on the trail. 

You will learn to read the dog and the dog will learn to tell you what they find. Both of you will have a great introduction to the exciting world of Mantrailing dogs.

Order Ebooks directly from me at my online book store, the author of Family Disaster Dogs book and Start Mantrailing book

Have fun with your dogs today!

A part of the book profits go to Response Rescue International to support their volunteer mission to find missing persons..


For much less than the cost of  one in-person class get the book and train to advance level ! 









Thursday, March 15, 2018

Pack A Bug-Out Bag For Your Dog Before It's Too Late





Let’s say that S is about to hit the F, which isn’t too hard to imagine with the Russians poisoning people in Britain, a world war of tax deals is about to erupt across the globe and Trump and that North Korean guy about to get together for a you-know-what measuring competition. That’s when having a survival kit and plan is going to come in handy like never before.

Of course, you’ve no doubt imagined this kind of situation before. We all have. We’ve all thought about what would happen if a) world war broke out again, b) an invasion took place or c) a zombie apocalypse broke out. You’d grab your bug-out bag, load the car with essential supplies and make sure you have everyone that means the world to you: significant lover, spouse, kids, siblings, parents, neighbours and maybe even friends.

But what about your dog?

What about that beloved pooch that has been by your side through thick and thin? The one that has been nothing but loyal. Don’t get us wrong, we know that you love your pet as much as anything else in this world, but have you ever thought about them when preparing for a world-changing disaster? Don’t worry - you’re not alone.

Now, when disaster strikes, there is a whole bunch of reactionary thought-processes and actions that are going to take place. There is so much to do in such a short period of time. However, nothing is possible without a bug-out bag. So, without further ado, we have pulled together a list of things you need to pack in your pet's bag should an all-out doomsday scenario come about. Hopefully, it won’t but, like we said, with the clock at two minutes to midnight, you never know.

1. Saddle Up

Depending on the size of your tail-wagger, the best thing you can do is invest in a bug-out bag that’s made for a dog, something they can wear, something like a saddlebag. You’re going to have enough to carry, so get a pack that will help your pooch carry their own supplies. Not only is this going to free you up, it will ensure you have something that quickly attaches to your pups back and. Let’s be honest, when SHTF, time is going to be of the essence.

2. Favorite Foods

We should have to tell you that food is going to be one of the most essential supplies your dog will need, but it’s well worth reinforcing this fact just in case. That said, there is more to packing your dog’s food than just shoving into their saddlebag; you need to think about the weight of it, how much storage space there is and how it is all distributed. The bottom line is: you need to make sure the weight is evenly distributed between both sides or else the bag could slip off, slide around or make it hard for your dog to move freely. Our advice: take what food and snacks you have and separate them into four or six piles and then put these in ziplock bags, placing an even number on either side of the saddlebag. If your dog’s food comes in cans, we recommend you empty it all into air-tight bags to make it lighter and easier to carry or, at the very least, remember to pack a can opener.


3. H20 Go, Go, Go


After the water is all done and dusted, you need to make sure you have plenty of water packed. Once again, the trick is to distribute the weight. It’s also worth assessing how strong your dog is so that you can assess how much they can carry. To give you a little tip, we would urge you to buy a couple of Camelbak-type water carriers, which will make it lighter and more comfortable. Of course, in order for your dog to be able to eat or drink anything, you are also going to have to bring a couple of bowls, preferably collapsible ones to make sure they don’t waste too much space.


4. Live On The Leash

If an apocalypse of any kind erupts, then it doesn’t matter how calm and collected your dog might be, panic will start to fill their senses, which is why you need to have a couple of leashes packed. But don’t just buy any leash, shop today for something that won’t break; something that’s made out of climbing rope or something. Like we said, you want something that can withstand a scared dog yanking on it. The other thing that is worth mentioning is the need for an extra collar and set of tags. You don’t want to run the risk of losing or breaking the only ones you have, not in this situation. Oh, and make sure you have practised certain obedience tricks. You will need them more than ever before.

5. Medication A Must

If your dog takes any medications, and we mean any, then you need to make sure these are included in your dog’s bug-out bag. That said, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the ones your dog takes on a regular basis. You should also bring along any that may come in handy when you are out surviving. We’re talking about flea and tick medication, dressing to assist with any wounds, and pain medication should the going get tough. It could also be worth investing in a doggy backpack in case you need to carry them at all, for whatever reason.

6. Comforting Is Key

This is a survival kit we’re talking about. It’s that bag of essentials you need to grab before you run because some disaster is coming. That means it is bound to be a pretty terrifying ordeal, even if just some of it is. As such, you need to consider these stresses and how you will keep your dog calm. Our advice: pack their favorite tidbits. Back the creature comforts that will help them stay relaxed. Dog treats, chew toys, blanket, brush, anything you can think of. This will make keeping them calm and relaxed a whole lot easier than just ssshing or whatnot.

Monday, December 11, 2017

New Pooch Care - A Kind & Loving Guide




Introducing a new dog to your home is an exciting time. Unveiling the puppy to your children and spouse will often result in excited emotions, happy smiles and maybe even a few glad tears. A puppy might give you a serious feeling of cuteness for a time, but it’s important that you know how to take care of it before you feel this. After all, the old saying is ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.’

Our guide should help you do this:



Buy The Right Equipment

You should purchase a select amount of products for your journey from the breeder and for when you bring them home. A nice and sizeable dog carrier, a blanket and food and water should be in your inventory already. Make sure your puppy has a nice bed to sleep in. Right now it’s unlikely you need a doggy cage, but you can buy one now if you deem necessary. Just be sure to find a size suitable for your animal. Purchasing a correctly fitting adjustable lead, as well as any medication your breeder or vet recommends.



Microchipping

In some countries such as the United Kingdom, it is now a legal must to microchip your dog. This allows for your dog to be registered. This can be used to identify your animal if it’s lost, and to register continual veterinary medical help it’s received. Your breeder will most likely have done this, but be sure to enquire just in case.


Homeproof

It’s important to set up your home in a suitable manner. Your little puppy will likely try and explore as much as possible, meaning that you need to gate access to certain rooms. Be sure to close the door to rooms you aren’t prepared for them to visit and potentially urinate in (it sometimes happens!) If you want to gate access to your staircase, consider purchasing small gates which prevent access.

Of course, if they’re too small to climb the stairs, this might not be a problem for now. Make sure there aren’t any sharp or blunt objects they could injure themselves on, and always figure out what the little puppy could climb on. They are energetic, and they will try to crawl over every square inch of space they can. Prepare for this.



Introduce Your Home

Visiting a new home is a big deal for a puppy. It’s important to show them the space at a gentle pace, as it will take them some time to adjust. Show them the sights, sounds and smells of each room, and make sure they are being carried or accompanied in a supportive manner. They will likely desire to sniff everything they can put their nose to, and it’s important you give them this time. If you have loud sounds such as a flight path overhead, it’s important you introduce this sound in the right way, so they can get used to it.

Introduce your home the best way you can, and the animal is sure to appreciate it. If things upset them for now, help them back to a room they are more comfortable with, and introduce them slowly. Little things can set them off that pose no danger, and it’s important to help them realize this. A computer in your office making whirring sounds, a coffee machine or a door closing might make a puppy seem worried and in need of shelter, but some things they must adapt to. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re okay.



Diet

Pooches will require different food depending on the breed, size and overall growth rate. Your breeder will likely recommend the best food possible, but if not then Google online depending on breed. You might be a complete vegan, but that doesn’t mean your dog won’t need some form of meat to enjoy their full nutritional advantages.

Also, be sure to research dog dietary supplements. This could be from high fibre foods for new puppies with bathroom issues, to full glucosamine for senior dogs. As they grow it’s important to chart the entire path of their nutritional need, so you can prepare and budget for it well in advance.



Introduction To The Gang

You might possess other pets. It’s important they are able to be introduced to the animal immediately. Carefully observe just in case the pets aren’t immediately friendly with one another. A small argument can lead to something bigger, so pull them away before this can develop. They might just have gotten off on the wrong foot for a silly reason hard to judge. Mostly though, your animals will get on fine, specifically if they see the family is accepting and loving them. Be sure to show your love to both animals in front of each other, as it shows they are now part of the unit.

Allow them both their own spaces initially. They will develop in connection. Ideally allow them to eat together, as this forms a sense of bonding and regularity in their schedule. We’re sure they’ll be friends in no time. You might also need to complete some form of socialized experience. Training a very young puppy often requires you introduce them to plenty of life experiences within and without your home.

It’s important they see stranger dogs and animals, as this prepares them for the world. A sheltered animal finds it difficult to leave the confines of your home, so be sure to take them on regular walks, any maybe even to a local trainer. This way they’ll meet all assortment of dogs in a controlled and looked after environment. This way they will understand the need to share space, perfect for becoming part of the family unit.

With these tips, you should have no trouble with your new puppy entering the household. Just make sure you treat it well. Most people consider their pets more as family members, and for good reason. We wish you the best of luck for your pets.


Featured Lesson

Use a Pet Dog to Find Lost and Missing Children, Seniors, Friends and Pets

Copyright  2024 Amber Higgins Use your dog to find Family and Friends, especially disabled and special needs loved ones. Even other pets! Th...

Author Amber Higgins and Washee

Author Amber Higgins and Washee
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Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links that I have reviewed and approved. Additionally links to products such as at Amazon are products I have personally used. Affiliate links means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. The proceeds earned are not much and used to keep this Family Disaster Dogs website free to the public. Thank you for your support.

Welcome UK and Worldwide Visitors

Welcome UK and worldwide visitors and friends to Family Disaster Dogs online! Although I'm an American author and dog professional the worldwide web has given me the opportunity to connect with some wonderful folks who have contributed pictures for my books. The "Start Mantrailing" book features RRI K9 North Scotland trained Search and Rescue Dog "Amber" on the cover and her teammates training in the book, plus American dogs using my training methods. A portion of sales of the Start Mantrailing book or copies were donated to RRI North Scotland. The children's picture book "My Puppy Can Find Me" has my daughter and bloodhound as illustrations by UK cartoonist Scotty King. You can find the books on Amazon UK or use the contact page to order from me. When you click the links will take you to your own county pages of this site.

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