Latest news with #Shelina
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
My dog ate the hamster I was looking after… and other tales of pet-sitting woe
As the summer holidays draw near, pet owners face the perennial question: who will look after the dogs, cats – and lizards – while they're away? Some splash out on luxury pet hotels, others check their sulky felines into the local cattery. But many of us turn to friends, neighbours or relatives for help. Whether that's wise is another matter. Professional pet sitters come with experience (and a price tag to match), but your teenage neighbour may be less well-versed in animal care – as these cautionary tales reveal… Our Staffordshire bull terrier ate the hamster in the night – Shelina, 37, digital creator My dog Louis was a Staffordshire bull terrier and a total softie. I had guinea pigs at the time and he was scared of them and the cat. So I wasn't worried when family friends asked me to look after their children's hamster while they were away. But the hamster's cage was fastened shut with a thin strip of Sellotape, which my younger sister idly fiddled with as we chatted. They also hadn't told us the Sellotape was there because the hamster regularly escaped. That night we went to bed, hamster safely in its cage – or so we thought. During the night, Louis let out one big 'woof!' He never barked, and it woke the whole house up. We went back to sleep but the hamster cage was wide open, and there was no hamster. We searched the entire house, beds, cupboards – but there was only one conclusion. Louis' big woof was followed by eating him. I was horrified – but when we told them, the parents' reply was, 'Oh thank God! That hamster's been a total pain.' My babysitter blew up – Caroline, 46, publicist We were looking after the rabbit from the children's nursery when we had to go out one evening and booked a babysitter. We had no idea she was allergic to fur – but she had a massive reaction, and her face swelled up to an unrecognisable size. The poor girl ended up in A&E. It turned out it wasn't the first time: she was an animal lover and couldn't resist picking the rabbit up, despite her medical history. I had to forage in a heatwave – Sophie, 30, pet sitter I'm a pet sitter, and I had one very tricky client with a tortoise, a chameleon and two fish-tanks. I had to go foraging greens for the tortoise in a heatwave because it would only eat fresh dandelions, so I was told. When I had to miss one evening, and my cover – a vet specialising in reptiles – had to stand in, the client was furious with me about disrupting her animals' routines, because apparently the chameleon's bedtime was strictly 7pm. The dog took my contraceptive pills – Emily, 33, behaviourist As a student, I used to house-sit. Once, I looked after a dog that broke through two stair gates, got upstairs, into a suitcase and ate a packet of contraceptive pills. Thankfully, I was on the kind that aren't toxic to dogs. Even so, it required an emergency vet visit and a long phone call to the poison centre to find this out. I stopped pet-sitting after that. The sitter wouldn't wake up – Natalie, 40, business owner We had a bit of a disaster on our first holiday after getting a dog. We'd booked a lovely pet sitter who already knew him, but the day before we were due to fly, she texted to say she couldn't do it – her own dog was in season. Instead, she promised her younger employee would stay at the house and look after him. By that point, we didn't really have a choice. On day two, the next-door neighbour texted to ask what was going on, as the dog had been barking for over an hour. It turned out the sitter had slept in and hadn't heard him barking to go out for a wee. Unbelievably, the same thing happened for the next two days. We were sitting by the pool in Lanzarote, trying to get hold of the business owner to go and wake her employee. Throughout the week, we were also getting regular WhatsApp photos of the dog's poo, as the sitter was worried he had a tummy issue. It looked fine to us, but eventually we agreed to a vet visit just to appease her – £80 later, we were told there was nothing wrong. The cat disappeared on day one – Jacqueline, 67, women's club founder We were living in Germany in military housing – and we volunteered to look after one of my then-husband's employees' cats. There was no information at the handover, it was just, 'here's the cat, see you in two weeks.' She was a beautiful, white, fluffy cat… and she disappeared on the first night. I was frantic. I got everyone in the flats involved in looking for her – every flat was checked, we walked miles searching, and drove down all the local roads. I was convinced she'd been cat-napped because she was so pretty, or even worse, run over and concealed. There was no sign of her, and for two weeks, I desperately ran through all the ways I might apologise. Then on the day her owners were due back, she wandered in through our patio doors. I was so relieved – until it transpired that she was pregnant. It must have happened when she was with us because the owners never let her out. Thankfully, she only had two kittens, and we took both of them. It was the least we could do. The cats staged a dirty protest – Jess, journalist I used to pet sit for various neighbours when I was a teenager, with a very fluffy and friendly rough collie and his two cat cohabitants amongst my clients. I dutifully went every day to water plants and feed the animals, and after a week or so took the opportunity to snoop around the house – just a little. To my horror, the cats had taken it upon themselves to defecate all over the bed of the master bedroom – and had seemingly spread it around. Unfortunately, this act of protest had clearly happened early on in my care of them, and was fully set in. The response of a 15-year-old with very little laundry experience? Call my mother, obviously – who came straight to the rescue. The owners were never the wiser (I think). Never let the dog roll – Bharati, 45, sustainable accessories brand owner I used to look after a friend's two dogs regularly; a Jack Russell and a Pekinese. On one occasion, the weather was good and I decided to take them to a new park to have a good run around. The Jack Russell absolutely loved it, rolling around and running everywhere. When we returned though, I noticed he was scratching more than usual and I knew something wasn't right. I tried to call my friend to get the details for her vet but it kept going to voicemail. So I booked an appointment with the closest vet I could find – £130 later, it turned out the dog had caught fox mange. Incompetence nearly killed the cat – Colm, 28, radio producer My ex-girlfriend was obsessed with her Persian cat, and when she went away for a few days, she asked me to look after her as she didn't trust strangers. She had bought a very expensive food system which meant the cat could trigger her own dinners, and showed me how it worked – I just had to refill it. I filled it up the first morning, then I had to go away unexpectedly overnight. Luckily, I calculated there would be enough food until I got back. It wasn't until I turned up again that I discovered I hadn't flicked the switch, and the poor cat had been unable to access her dinners. When I opened the kitchen door, the cat was lying by her impenetrable food bowl, and I was overcome with horror. I didn't confess, but I still feel terrible about it.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Dog trainer warns UK Cockapoo lovers to be wary of 5 things before adopting
A dog trainer has urged anyone considering adopting a Cockapoo to make five considerations before bringing the cute breed into your home Dogs are a man and woman's best friend, they have been for years and that will never likely change. But there's a lot to think when adopting a dog for the first time. There's the obvious ones: do I have enough time to dedicate to my dog? Will they slot into my family life? Will we commit to walking our dog daily? Dogs are needy animals that require love, care, nourishment, stimulation and affection for a happy and fulfilled life. One breed that has tipped the ranks of popularity in recent years is the Cockapoo, a cross-breed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They are a delight to look at, with their fluffy coats, beady eyes, and tonnes of energy. According to the Royal Veterinary College, Cockapoos and French Bulldogs are officially the UK's most popular puppies. The PDSA also says Cockapoos have obtained the fifth position for the top overall breed in the UK. While absolutely adorable to be around, many owners can underestimate just how much work a Cockerpoo is, according to dog trainer and behaviourist Shelina Duke from With The Flo. She said: 'Cockapoos are a joy, funny, bright and full of character. But they're not toys or accessories. They need real training, real enrichment and real commitment.' She has listed five considerations to mull over before adopting a Cockerpoo, from handling to characteristics and even to the amount of fluff these bundles of cuteness shed. They're not easy to handle Believe it or not, Cockapoos are at the top of the list for first-time owners. But their behaviour isn't as cute as their looks, according to Shelina. She explained: 'They're incredibly intelligent and full of energy. If you don't give them enough stimulation, they'll find their own fun, and it's usually the destructive kind.' It's hard to keep up with the fluffiness Everyone loves a 'hypoallergenic' dog, but their curly coat requires a lot of work - and it's quite time-consuming. 'Some cockapoos shed, some don't, but all of them need brushing, trimming and regular professional grooming. I've seen so many dogs have to be shaved due to painful matting,' she added. They get very attached easily Cockapoos are very affectionate, but that comes with a catch you should be aware of - when left alone, they can struggle a lot. Shelina said: 'Without early independence training, they're prone to separation anxiety, which is stressful for both the dog and the owner.' Dog training is important It's always rewarding when your dog listens to your commands. Taking care of your dog isn't only taking them for walks, but also training them mentally! 'They come from two working breeds, so their brands need a workout. Tricks, agility, scent work, anything that gives them purpose helps prevent boredom and bad behaviour,' she commented. Cockapoos are friendly, but it takes time Dogs aren't naturally sociable. They need to get used to certain environments and see the same faces in order to fully express themselves. Shelina added: 'They need proper exposure to people, places and other dogs from a young age. Without it, they can become nervous or even reactive. It's all about getting the foundations right early on.'
Scotsman
7 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Five things you probably didn't know about cockapoos
They're the lovable teddy bears of the dog world, bouncy, curly, and always ready for a cuddle. But in Scotland, where cockapoos have become a firm family favourite, one expert is warning that these clever dogs are often misunderstood. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Shelina Duke, an award-winning dog trainer and behaviourist who specialises in poodles and poodle mixes, has worked with thousands of owners across the country. She says many people are drawn in by the breed's cute looks but are unprepared for what cockapoos truly need to thrive. 'Cockapoos are a joy, funny, bright and full of character,' says Shelina. 'But they're not toys or accessories. They need real training, real enrichment and real commitment.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So before you get swayed by the Instagram cuteness or fluffy curls, here are five surprising facts every cockapoo owner, or would-be owner, should know, straight from the expert. Cockapoos can be misunderstood - Animal News Agency 1. They're Not Low-Maintenance, At All Despite their cuddly looks, cockapoos are not the easygoing lap dogs many imagine. 'People often think cockapoos are a great 'first dog'. But they're incredibly intelligent and high-energy,' says Shelina. 'Without mental stimulation, they'll make their own fun, and that can mean chewing, barking or bouncing off the walls.' 2. That Fluffy Coat Takes Serious Work You've heard they're 'hypoallergenic', but that doesn't mean hassle-free. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Some cockapoos shed, some don't, it depends on genetics. But all of them need regular grooming. I've had clients shocked when they've had to shave their dog because of matting. That coat needs brushing, trimming and professional care.' 3. Separation Anxiety Is a Real Risk Cockapoos are what trainers call 'Velcro dogs', they want to be where you are, all the time. 'They're so people-focused, which is lovely, until you leave the house. Without proper training, many develop separation anxiety. Start independence-building early, even if it's just short time apart in another room.' 4. They Need a Job (Yes, Tricks Count) Bored cockapoos = mischief. But give them a task and they shine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'They were bred from two working breeds. Teaching them tricks, agility, or even scent games gives them purpose, and helps avoid behaviour issues. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.' 5. They Still Need Proper Socialising Don't let the friendly face fool you, socialisation doesn't come pre-installed. 'People assume cockapoos are naturally sociable, but without proper exposure to different environments, people and dogs, they can become nervous or reactive. The early weeks are vital.' Whether you've had your cockapoo for years or are thinking of bringing one home, Shelina's message is clear: love the breed for what it really is, not just how it looks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'They're bright, loyal and full of fun. But they need structure, training, and above all, understanding. Get that right, and you'll have the best companion you could ask for.'
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Is your dog a narcissist? How Scottish owners can spot if their pup is addicted to attention
They demand cuddles during Zoom calls, bark the second you pick up your phone, and perform tricks nobody asked for, sound familiar? Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As more of us Scottish folk treat our dogs like members of the family, a curious new challenge is emerging: dogs who act like divas. Experts say some pets may be developing a real dependence on human attention, and it's not always healthy. While dogs aren't narcissists in the way humans are, excessive attention-seeking can point to deeper issues around security, stimulation and training. Left unchecked, it can lead to behavioural problems, frustration, and a very clingy canine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Enter Shelina Duke, an ethical dog trainer who's helped thousands of pet owners navigate the quirks of modern dog behaviour through her award-winning platform, Go With The Flo. A former teacher who swapped the classroom for the canine world, Shelina combines sharp observational skills with a science-based, compassionate approach to training. Shelina Duke is offering this advice to dog owners with a diva pup - Animal News Agency Shelina says. 'Dogs aren't ego-driven so can't be classed as a narcissist in the human sense of the word, but some definitely act like the main character! Often, it's because we've unintentionally reinforced that behaviour. Luckily, we can help them reset.' She added: 'Dogs are naturally social, and many thrive on connection, but when that need tips into dependence, it's time to help them rebalance. It's not about giving less love. It's about helping them feel calm and confident in their own fur.' Below, Shelina shares four tell tale signs your dog might be addicted to attention, and how to gently bring things back into balance. 1. They perform on cue, even when there was no cue Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Is your dog addicted to attention? - Animal News Agency If your dog spins, barks, or does a full sit-stay-rollover routine just to catch your eye, they might be relying on antics to get affection. 'It's sweet, and clever, but it shows your dog may not know how else to engage with you,' says Shelina. What to do: Reward calm, quiet moments rather than flashy stunts. Over time, this helps your dog learn that just being with you is enough. 2. They interrupt everything (including your Zoom calls) A dog poses in a mirror Your dog waits until you're on a work call to squeak their toy or climb onto your lap? That's no coincidence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Dogs notice patterns. If you react to their interruptions during busy moments, they'll repeat it. It's learned, not manipulative.' What to do: Teach a 'settle' cue using a mat or blanket, and build positive associations with staying there. Enrichment toys can also provide quiet distraction. 3. They get jealous when you show affection to others Some dogs insert themselves between you and your partner, children, or other pets. Sound familiar? 'This is what I call 'affection guarding'. It's not vanity, it's about emotional reassurance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What to do: Show your dog that love isn't a limited resource. Pet another animal or person while giving your dog praise or a treat, so they link it with positive feelings. 4. They sulk when ignored A dramatic flop onto the floor. A long, mournful sigh. The cold shoulder. Some dogs really know how to lay on the guilt. 'These Oscar-worthy moments often come from frustration. If a dog expects constant attention, being ignored can feel really tough.'
