I met with some friends the other day and we were talking about Nooking.  Some of my friends did not know what Nooking was, and others did.

Nooking is a word given to dogs when they display a certain behaviour.  They will either carry blankets, or toys and they will either suck them, or bite down on the them, or nibble and paddle with their paws.

This is thought to act as comforting to the dog, a memory from when it was a puppy and paddled the mother's boobs to let down milk.  This behaviour is not a problem, and the dog enjoys the feeling. 

Some dogs do this behaviour at bedtime and use it to help them release stress, and go to sleep. 

Some people call it Nukking. 

It's not a bad behaviour and the dog is gaining comfort from the behaviour. 

​Rachel x

Sheringham Open show

Dalton 1st Puppy (Bracco), Best puppy in Breed, Group 1 puppy.

Maeve 2nd Puppy (Bracco)

​They are brother and sister. 🐾

Which Do I Prefer: Male or Female Dogs?
I’m asked this question time and time again, so I thought it would be helpful to write a blog about it.
The honest answer is that my preference depends very much on the breed.
With Vizslas, I would choose males every day of the week—and I’ll explain why. With French Bulldogs, however, I tend to prefer females. Braccos are different again. I would probably lean towards females, although I have one exceptional male Bracco called Geralt, and honestly, no dog can touch his awesomeness! That said, he was certainly a challenge when he was young.
Of course, every dog is an individual, and there are always exceptions. These are simply my personal experiences with the breeds I know and love.

Vizsla

So, why do I say I prefer male Vizslas?
I have always found male Vizslas easier to live with. If you are looking for a working gundog, females may often be keener and more driven. However, hormones can play a significant part in a female’s life, and that is not always helpful.
Male Vizslas often seem to housetrain more quickly. They tend to be keen to learn without having the same level of sensitivity that some females can show, which can make training feel more straightforward.
They are incredibly affectionate and will love you to the moon and back, but they can also learn to relax when needed. They have the energy you want, when you want it, but they also have a lovely ability to settle. Once trained, many will happily go off for a nap while you get on with your day.
There is no need to castrate a male simply because he has reached adolescence. Like human teenagers, young male dogs can go through a confusing stage during puberty. They may experience a second fear period and can temporarily become uncertain or distracted. However, if you support them calmly through this stage, they often mature into wonderfully steady dogs.
I have entire males living and running together, and they have a fantastic time. They enjoy one another’s company and, in my experience, there is no reason why males cannot live peacefully together.


Female Vizslas-I have some lovely female Vizslas, but I have found that it can take longer for them to mature into the easy, settled adults they eventually become.
Females can be more sensitive and may become reserved or hesitant. Sometimes they can pull back from training or simply decide that they would rather do something else. Many do not necessarily want an endlessly active lifestyle; they can prefer doing things on their own terms.
So, if you are a keen jogger or want a dog that is always ready to get up and go, I would generally suggest considering a male Vizsla.
One advantage of females is that they are usually smaller in the home.
Females can suffer with hormonal coat, where they loose fur and look bald down the side. Males generally do not get this, unless they have a hormonal imbalance.  Spaying is usually the way forward if your bitch has hormonal coats. 

It does not benefit any bitch to be bred from. Just getting that in, as the breed has risks in breeding, and I cant count on one hand the amount of bitches who have died after C Sections in Vizsla.  They are a sensitive breed.   Same applies to males it does not benefit them to have just one bitch to mate.  This is an old concept and their is no basis for it. 

However, hormones can have a significant effect. If you choose not to spay early, you may need to manage several seasons before making that decision. This can mean adjusting your routine, avoiding certain walks and dealing with bleeding and mood changes.
Some females also experience phantom pregnancies after a season. These can last for several weeks and may involve mood changes, milk production and signs of depression. It can be upsetting to see, particularly when you are waiting until the appropriate age for spaying.
It is also important to remember that Vizslas are a hunting breed. They are not usually shy about expressing themselves, and if they do not want to be jumped on or climbed over, they may react. This does not make them bad dogs; it simply means they need to be understood and respected.
Females can be absolutely wonderful once they reach five years and beyond and have properly calmed down.
Which Vizsla is right for you?In my experience, if you are an active family looking for a dog that is ready to get up and go, a male may suit you best.
If you have a quieter lifestyle and want a dog that is less demanding physically, a female may be the better choice.  
With a male, you generally do not have to put your life on hold because of seasons. With a female, you may need to make more adjustments at certain times of the year.

You can work either male or female. Males you do not have seasons to worry about and lots of people prefer to work males. But in most breeds the keener dog is the female. 

Braccos

Male Braccos are like racehorses: big, majestic and incredibly loyal.
However, I have found that males can be more likely to run off during adolescence than females. Females often seem more biddable and trainable, whereas males can have shorter attention spans and may be more easily distracted.
That said, male Braccos are wonderfully affectionate and can be extremely devoted. They often want to be with their people all the time, which means they may not be ideal for homes where they will be left alone for long periods.
Females, on the other hand, often seem more independent. They can get on with life whatever is happening around them—even if that simply means spending the day relaxing in the garden. Overall, I have found my female Braccos easier than my males.
I have also heard people say that colour can influence temperament within the breed. In particular, I have been told that chestnut dogs with more white can be harder to manage. I am still undecided about whether there is any truth in that or whether it is simply an old wives’ tale. I would be interested to hear other people’s experiences.
One challenge with Bracco females is that they can experience phantom pregnancies after every season. This can mean milk production, mood changes and depression. Their seasons may also vary over time, sometimes becoming more frequent, which can make managing them more complicated.
As always, decisions about spaying and the timing of any procedure should be discussed carefully with your vet, taking the individual dog’s health, age and circumstances into account.


French Bulldogs

With French Bulldogs, I tend to prefer females.
Females can be opinionated and stubborn, but they are often easier to manage overall. Males, on the other hand, are usually loving, entertaining idiots who adore their people completely!
Male Frenchies can be a little more sensitive or tetchy with unfamiliar dogs. We also need to remember their heritage when considering their behaviour and how the breed was developed. They were bred from dogs with the courage and strength to barge, jump and hold onto cattle. Some French Bulldogs still possess a very strong character and are not simply the cute little faces looking up at us.
Males often love their humans more than life itself. They tend to follow you everywhere and want to be involved in everything you do.
Females can be a little more aloof and independent. They may follow you when they believe it benefits them, rather than simply because you have stood up and walked into another room! They often settle more easily and can be very content in their own company.
French Bulldog females should generally be spayed at an appropriate stage of maturity, following advice from your vet. In my experience, they do not tend to suffer from phantom pregnancies in the same way as Vizslas and Braccos.
My final thoughtsThere is no perfect answer when it comes to choosing between a male and a female dog. Breed, temperament, breeding, socialisation and the individual dog all play a part.
My preferences are based on my own experiences:

• Vizslas: I generally prefer males.
• Braccos: I usually find females easier, although Geralt is an extraordinary exception.
• French Bulldogs: I tend to prefer females, while males are often more affectionate and comical.

The most important thing is to choose the right individual dog for your lifestyle—not simply a particular sex. A good breeder should be able to help match you with a puppy whose temperament and energy levels suit your family.

If I was not a breeder I can safely say my house would be full of nothing but male Vizsla. Yes I really mean that. 

The Welsh Kennel club championship.

Congratulations Pop Soda Pop Canemammans 1st Puppy dog, Best puppy dog.  Group 2.

For those following what does all the above mean.  In dog shows we have two classes for puppies, minor puppies which is 6-9 months of age, then puppy class which is 6-12 months of age.  The winner of each class goes against each other for Best puppy dog.  Then at the end of the show, the Best puppy dog and the Best puppy bitch go against each other.  The winner is then Best puppy in Breed.  Then you go in the puppy group later in the day.  You go against the best Retriever puppy, spaniels, and all the Gundog puppies which is a very big group.   To get group 2 means Dalton was the 2nd best Gundog puppy in the show. Which is a fantastic achievement. 

Well done to his owners Linda Forbes and Ian Sladden.  Dalton is handled by Ian at dog shows. 

I sat and watched the show live all the way in Norfolk.  It's a long journey to Wales, and we have done it in the past, but we have not done welsh shows very often unless we can stay over. 

What Do I Know About Cryptorchidism?Speaking to someone with a toy breed I thought it a good idea to tell you about this subject. 

Cryptorchidism is the term used when one or both testicles of a male dog have not descended into the scrotum. A dog may have one retained testicle, known as unilateral cryptorchidism, or both testicles may be retained.
The first thing to remember is not to panic. At eight weeks of age, some puppies are still immature and their testicles can be difficult to locate. In some cases, they descend as the puppy grows. However, most testicles that are going to descend will do so by around six months of age. Occasionally, descent can happen later, by 12–18 months, but after then it is unlikely that a retained testicle will come down naturally.
If you are concerned, ask your vet to check your puppy regularly rather than rushing into a decision. Sometimes a testicle is present but difficult to feel, particularly if it is positioned high in the groin or just inside the abdomen. Your vet may be able to locate it by examination, and an ultrasound can sometimes help.
What happens if the testicle remains retained?If a testicle has not descended, castration is usually recommended because a retained testicle has a higher risk of developing problems later in life, including testicular cancer and torsion. The operation is more involved than a routine castration. Instead of making a small incision in the scrotum, the vet may need to make an incision in the groin or abdomen to locate and remove the retained testicle.
Dogs still produce hormones while they are growing, and these hormones are important for normal bone, muscle and physical development. For that reason, the ideal timing of surgery should be discussed with your vet and considered on an individual basis. In some dogs, owners and vets may choose to wait until the dog is physically mature, while in others earlier surgery may be advised if they suspect torsion could occur. There is no single correct age for every dog. But I highly advise waiting. 

In one case I did for a behaviour consult a small breed of dog with retained testicles developed aggressive behaviour. The owner linked it to the retained testicle.  I did beg to differ.  So I asked for a vet health check to make sure.  The vet did not think it was directly the cause of a retained testicle, nor did I.  Although the dog had some hair loss and this has been linked to retained testicles.  So the dog was booked in for castration around 2 years of age.  Each case has to be taken individually with veterinary guidance.  But I would always add that you need to see an experienced vet, not someone who has really little knowledge. 

Many owners choose to castrate their male dogs eventually, so cryptorchidism does not necessarily create a serious long-term problem. Retained testicle surgery is generally well tolerated, and most dogs recover very well, although recovery may be slightly longer than after a routine castration.
It is also worth checking your insurance policy, as some companies do not cover castration or procedures considered to be related to a congenital condition. Always ask your vet for a detailed estimate, and you may wish to compare prices between reputable, independent veterinary practices.

Is it hereditary ? Not necessarily, as it can be just one of those things that the dog didn't develop as it should have done.  There are some cases in some breeds where they would link a hereditary element. But it's hard to prove either way.  I would suggest if a dog produced this in puppies to use a different parent next time to try and avoid the repeat.  But this may not always be possible. 


Have I seen it myself?Yes. I have seen cryptorchidism in both a French Bulldog and one Vizsla years ago, and in neither case did the retained testicles descend. However, I have also seen testicles appear later than expected more times than I can count.  I noted the sire (Which I did not own), had produced it in his offspring before.  So I did not repeat the mating.  Although there were no signs of it being hereditary, I thought it wise to try and breed by avoidance next time.  The following litter a year later all males had 2 testicles descended. 
I once took a young dog to a vet who was unable to locate the testicles and was convinced that they were not present. I turned the dog over and pointed them out. The vet insisted that they were not testicles, while I remained certain that they were. Needless to say, I did not return to that practice! As the following week they were down waving at me ha ha.  It is perfectly normal for an 8 week old Vizsla puppy to not have testicles present and it is neither issue or problem to worry about. 
The important message is to have your puppy checked properly and monitored over time. Do not panic at eight weeks, but do not ignore the issue if the testicles have still not descended as the dog matures. Your vet can advise you on examination, monitoring, possible imaging and the most appropriate timing for surgery.

As a breeder I feel qualified to make decisions on health issues that occur and give advice to other breeders also.  I feel that although we cannot help these issues when they appear we can try and breed by avoidance in future just in case there is a hereditary element.   For me I changed bloodlines over the years not because of the U.Testicle, but it's just the way life took me in a different direction.

I hope this information helps someone. 

​xRx

I have just added to our website a page on insurance and my thoughts.  I have added this in day to day care page.  I did think maybe I should put it in the puppy section. But to be honest it's day to day info that you need to be aware of.  

I hope this helps new people looking for insurance.  

Important Information for Owners Feeding Years Dog FoodIf you are currently feeding your dog Years dog food, please check the company’s website and the relevant official recall information for the latest updates.


There have been reports from dog owners of dogs developing eye-related symptoms, including dry eye and increased blinking. Some owners have said that veterinary ophthalmologists are investigating a possible association with specific products. However, the cause of any individual dog’s symptoms can only be determined by a qualified veterinary professional.


One Silvestre owner has described her dog becoming unwell and requiring several veterinary and specialist appointments. She has been advised that the food may be a contributing factor. This is an individual case, and owners should seek veterinary advice rather than relying on social media reports.


If your dog is showing signs such as excessive blinking, squinting, redness, discharge, rubbing at the eyes or any change in eye appearance, please contact your vet promptly. Take details of the food your dog has been eating and mention the published recall information. Your vet can advise whether a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is appropriate and recommend suitable treatment or ongoing management.


The number of owners discussing similar concerns online appears to have increased significantly, and a Facebook support group has reportedly grown from around 100 to more than 1,600 members in just a few days. This highlights how concerned many owners are, although online reports should not be treated as confirmed medical evidence.


We feel very sorry for all the affected dogs and their owners and hope they receive the appropriate care and support. We also understand that Years appears to have acted after concerns were brought to its attention and is removing the relevant product. Please refer to the company’s official statements and any advice issued by the appropriate authorities for confirmed information.

We at Silvestre have never recommended years dog food as a go too as we like raw feeding first.  

​Rachel

PRA-cord1 (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cord1 type), also known as cone-rod dystrophy 4, is an inherited genetic eye disease in dogs that causes the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina, eventually leading to vision loss and blindness

I have just seen that there is now a DNA test for Vizsla for PRA 1 Cord. I have sent off for my first DNA test kit which will be done and we will get a result in 2 weeks.  Then I will do the next dog.

This is why our puppies are little more money than some other breeders. Because we are devoted to the health of our puppies so that they live happier and healthier lives,  

​Taking that extra step for you and for us and for the breed xx

Eye health is important in every breed of dog. Dogs with flatter faces and shorter noses can be more prone to eye injuries because their eyes are more exposed. However, any dog can develop an eye problem or ulcer.

Eye ulcers can be caused by a number of things, including:

• Sand or grit blowing into the eye, particularly at the beach 
• Rubbing the eye after something has irritated it 
• Scratches or injuries caused by objects 
• Accidental knocks from another dog 
• Eyelashes or abnormal hairs rubbing against the surface of the eye

Some eye conditions can also be inherited. For example, distichiasis occurs when extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid and rub against the eye, potentially causing irritation or ulcers. There are also a number of inherited or breed-associated conditions that can affect eye health.  We do not see Distichasis in Vizsla or Bracco, but it is seen in the breed Weimaraner. 

Some eye conditions seen across the breeds we own include:

• PRA, including PRA1/CORD1 
• Entropion 
• Juvenile entropion 
• Ectropion 
• Glaucoma 
• Cherry eye 
• Hereditary cataracts 
• Uveitis
• Dry eye
• Old age Cateracts

This is why responsible breeders arrange eye examinations and appropriate health testing before breeding. The aim is to identify eye disease and avoid breeding from affected animals wherever possible.

Caring for Your Dog’s Eyes - If you notice redness, watering, discharge, swelling, cloudiness, squinting, rubbing, or any change in your dog’s eye, please contact your vet as soon as possible. Eye problems can worsen quickly, and only a veterinary examination can determine whether there is an ulcer, injury, infection, dry eye, or an underlying inherited condition.  But I would say go to an eye specialist.  Make sure you have insurance in place and request a referral.  We have some fantastic eye specialists in the UK.  Who knows eye health inside out and can not just diagnose but can treat eyes with great success. 

Although human and dog eye drops are usually the same, you should consult a veterinarn for advice before you use any product. You do not wish to use something harmful.  If you speak to your vet you maybe able to buy the same product they wish to sell you at half the price online.
I realise money is tight for everyone.  

Juvenile Entropion
Some breeds, including the Bracco Italiano, can develop juvenile entropion. This is when the eyelid rolls slightly inward, allowing the lashes to irritate the eye. In young dogs, the shape of the head and eyelids can change as they mature, and mild cases may improve as the dog develops.  In most cases they just rectify themselves. Faces change shape.  Adult entropion is something quite different as the head has already changed and yet the eye lids still roll inwards.  In some breeds this just does not correct itself. 

Most eye issues correct themselves in time with the correct lubricants.  We carry in our first aid kit eye wash for dogs, so we can wash out any grit in the eye.  I remember once going to the beach and the wind was blowing and our dog got grit in the eye and he was squinting. So a quick wash out made the dog feel much better. 

Allergies - These can cause skin around the eyes to swell, from house hold or pollen allergies.  If you give your pet piraton antihistamine this can help your dogs eyes.  Talk to your vet if you suspect allergies are causing eye irritation.  Pollen can cause irritation just like it can for us Hay fever.  Dogs run through grasses which trigger pollen release.  If this is the problem stop your dog running through long grasses. 

A Recent Case Involving Dry Eye in a VizslaI wanted to share a recent case involving a Vizsla. His owner contacted us after he developed dry eye, and after discussing the situation, she decided that seeking advice from a veterinary ophthalmology specialist would be the best course of action.
Dry eye is not something we commonly see in our dogs. However, the specialist noticed a possible pattern: they had seen several dogs from different breeds with similar symptoms, and all of the dogs had been fed the same food.
This does not prove that the food is responsible, and there could be other factors involved. However, because the same issue has appeared in several breeds being fed the same product, the specialists are now investigating further. It is important not to speculate about the cause until the investigation has been completed.
Some members of our group, and owners elsewhere, have also been using the same food, so we are encouraging everyone to change brand. 
I am aware of the food brand, but I will not name it publicly while investigations are ongoing, as it would be inappropriate to make unconfirmed claims.  Once I know further I may share this info with some holistic vets because they have a direct interest in science and especially food issues. 
I’m very grateful that Silvestre’s owner sought specialist advice and that the possible connection was identified. This situation is a reminder that even a condition as familiar as dry eye can have a range of possible causes, and that specialist veterinary input can be extremely valuable when several similar cases appear.









​

Did you know that there is no qualification for behaviourists.  But you learn through mentors and you can achieve diplomas after attending courses.  

I was lucky that not only did I have a good starting teacher I was then lucky to be mentored by Sophia Taylor.  She has taught me such a lot about dogs and how to correct behaviours. 

I have a gift with animals, and I mean all animals, and ive had it since a child.  You are either born naturally able to help, or you can be born to be a big bully and this is where some of these trainers end up at. 

We have a problem thats happening in the UK.  People are setting up being behaviourists because they can, and yet they have zero training to give you.  Harsh methods being used.

I found out yesterday two different organisations and both have made me feel sick to the core.  Both deals with all dogs but especially Vizsla.  One is taking on rescue dogs and shocking them.  The other is taking on owners dogs and charging ridiculous money, and pushing dogs through pain to react.  Neither is correct for our Vizsla.   On social media some are fabulous at presenting themselves, and it all sounds fantastic.  But what is really going on. I ask myself.?  Be careful who you let handle your dog, and who you let push your dogs boundaries.  

The lesson here is be very careful where you go for help.

I can do remote work for you by video calling.  If you are in Norfolk and Suffolk area I can recommend 121 and training classes.  But you can be now anywhere in the world and I can indeed help you with a lot of basics.  

I am reasonable priced to help dogs and owners.   Contact me now for help with your dog.