Keith and Rhonda Irwin with their perfectly behaved dogs at the new dog ranch at Shantemon, Cavan.

Who let the dogs out at the Cavan Dog Ranch

There is a new dog ranch in Cavan town designed to teach dogs good social skills and good behaviour and they can also learn how to be pack leaders. For those who are sad at leaving their pets at the ranch while they are on holidays, they can access a link on the internet and watch their 'loved one' playing with other canines. The Dog Ranch Day Camp is a cage-free environment and has been proven to teach dogs how to play in an appropriate manner with people and other dogs, as well as to learn to have more confidence in themselves. Running, playing and getting exercise is a fantastic way to keep your dog in good physical condition. It took a couple from Ballinteer in County Dublin to come down to the Shantemon on the outskirts of Cavan town and fall in love with the area to show us how dogs should socialise. Keith and Rhonda Irwin told The Anglo-Celt this week that they sold up in Dublin and moved to Cavan and have never looked back since and their lives have been transformed by the friendly Cavan natives. Keith used to be a taxi driver in Dublin and Rhonda was a modern dance teacher and trained in London Studio and frequently worked as a modern dancer in the UK. Now the couple are dancing to a different tune in the lakes and vales of Cavan and putting their love of dogs to good effect by establishing the Dog Ranch. Both of them stress that while it is important to have your dog in good physical condition, mental health is something that many dogs lack due to being cooped up at home. Many families now have two income households, leaving their dog at home for countless hours without attention. Dogs become bored, depressed and experience the same emotions that people do. Feeling neglected can lead a dog to lose trust in its owner, become unruly or lash out. Other behavioural problems are due to a dog being left alone for too long include barking, whining, digging, howling, chewing and general destruction. This happens due to the dog's increased stress level when isolated and can develop into separation anxiety. Day Camp for your dog is one of the best ways to teach your dog good socialisation skills and eliminate owner absent behaviour problems. Dogs who attend Doggie Day Camp are transformed into a calmer and more easily controlled pet. About the dog ranch The Dog Ranch in a quiet country setting is a real 'home away from home'. They provide supervised play and socialisation in a safe indoor and outdoor play environment. The indoor area is equipped with a special rubber floor with lots of toys and agility accessories to play with and stimulate your dog's mind. The outdoor area is fenced in for your dog's safety. A typical day for your dog will include plenty of exercise, games, social interaction and play with dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes, treats included and rest periods - And of course not forgetting plenty of love and attention! Dogs will be fully supervised at all times, and good behaviour and manners between the dogs is positively encouraged and taught. Facilities allow dogs to be divided into two groups if needed, big dogs and little dogs, and we also have a small puppy nursery area to cater for your little one. The Dog Ranch also offers a 'Bed & Biscuit' service. While you are away, rest assured your beloved dog will be well cared for and looked after. As Keith and Rhonda live on the property, their guests can take comfort in knowing they are only howl away. Whether you are at work or on holidays, just to put your mind at ease, as they have set up a 'Dog and Bone' service. All you need is access to the internet, then just log on to the link and you can see your dog playing and having fun. The Dog Ranch is based at Shantemon Cavan and the Day Camp is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. All dogs for their health and safety must have up-to-date vaccination cards including kennel cough and males must be neutered.