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GM News - December 2025

 
Gentle Modern School of Dog
                                      Training logo
 

 

We've made it through another year!  Thank you for being with us.
We hope the following tips will get you through the festive season safely and happily.
Best festive wishes
Amanda, David, & Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training
 

Summer Holiday Top Tips

In whatever form your Christmas/New Year break is going to take, we hope something in the following is helpful :-)

Travelling with your dog 
Checklist
  • Microchip info up-to-date
  • Mealtime food and treats, and medicine to last the whole trip
  • Two leads, Harness, Dog ID tag, Dog seatbelt - check all are in good condition
  • Crate/bedding, favourite toys and comfort items
  • Insulated water bottles and bowls for water and food
  • First Aid Kit
  • Where is Veterinary assistance at your destination?
Resources
Preparing for a Safe Camping Trip with Your Dog by Leah Eichner for Australian Dog Lover
The Dangers of Summer for Dogs by Louise Hawkins for Petzyo - looks at state-specific risks

Dog Staying Home 
Resources
How to Prepare Your Dog for the Boarding Kennel by Stephanie Colman and Nancy Kerns
How to Be the Perfect Pet-Sitting Client by Carol Lea Benjamin, Fear Free Homes

Everyone Staying Home
Think: Doggy paddle pool in the shade, fans, lots of water bowls, indoor play, Easy Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

Anywhere/Everywhere - Heat
  • Plan walks to avoid hottest parts of day and areas without shade.  Manage exertion carefully.  Special caution for overweight, flat-faced, old and young dogs.
  • Take water for your dog and yourself.
  • Touch the back of your hand to the footpath, road surface, etc. Hot?  Definitely too hot for dog feet.
  • Dogs can be sunburnt
Going Swimming/Paddling? - Consider:
  • Snakes love water.  
  • Avoid stagnant water, strong currents, harmful algae (e.g. blue-green).  Check for rocks and debris.  
  • Natural shade unlikely at the beach.  Check tide times.  
  • Is your dog a competent swimmer?  
  • Water intoxication
  • Call it quits before your dog is fatigued
 

Body Language

Susan Garrett has a wealth of helpful resources on her YouTube channel, her DogsThat podcast and her blog.  Check out Susan's Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions on YouTube (22.30 mins) 
 

Your rewards for reading to the end . . .

'Hobby dogging': Germany's viral trend of pretending to walk a dog 
"Hobby dogging — essentially dog training without dogs — follows in the wake of "hobby horsing," a previous trend that saw children (and a surprising number of adults) gallop through obstacle courses on stick horses.  . . .  you can even get professional guidance in walking your imaginary dog."

2,397 golden retrievers in an Argentina park
 

"Santa
says

what!?!"

 
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