Author Archive
Dog First Aid
I am just organising my Canine First Aid update for this year. It is certainly a good idea to learn what to do in case your dog is ill or has an accident and there are lots of companies and websites who offer courses.
Happy snaps!
It's such good fun to photograph dogs, but the challenge is to capture them when they're moving or ask them to pose. I really enjoy sending photos to dogs' owners to let them know that they are having a good time!
Brushing and combing!
A lot of dogs moult throughout the year and so grooming them not only removes that hair but also any other twigs, grass or other bits and pieces. Once a dog has learnt that grooming can be relaxing it is a lovely way to further build your relationship with each other.
Autumn is on its way
After some days that were just too hot, I must say it's nice to see the relief of some rain and cooler weather. While a lot of dogs love to sunbathe, there is something just as rewarding for them to splosh through muddy puddles and wet grass! They don't always like the clean water they're washed in afterwards though!
Keeping clean!
Some dogs love the dirty, smelly things they find on a walk but then really don't want to be washed or brushed. Their breed traits might be telling them to hunt, chase or roll so it's good to see them behaving naturally but it can be 'interesting' to clean them afterwards!
Dogs like holidays too!
Just like us, most dogs like routine in their day-to-day lives so that they feel settled and confident. But, every now and then, a change of scene can capture their imagination. Whether that is with their family or when they stay with me, it's always fun and interesting to see how they behave in new surroundings. Giving a dog new things to sniff, new toys to play with and places to walk is so good for their health and wellbeing.
Keep up to date
It's useful to keep up to date with new ideas in the doggy world. There are so many ways of learning about developments in topics such as dog health, behaviour, social life, equipment and accessories; online videos and courses, magazines or information from pet shops and Vets' surgeries. Just pick what interests you and you're bound to find something useful.
Fun dogs
There is not much to beat watching a dog having fun...I can't help but feel happy as well! Running around on a favourite walk, visiting a cafe with you, sniffing out treats in toys, cardboard tubes or snuffle mats or just lying down in the garden to sniff the air or watch the birds. We humans must remember to take time to enjoy these lovely moments along with our doggy friends!
Warm weather doggy treats
As well as making sure plenty of clean water is available, I keep a damp cloth in the fridge and most dogs enjoy having their coats cooled down with it. Cool mats are a great help too, it's always funny to see a dog sprawled out on them in the shade. And walks in the early morning and late evening are usually cooler as well.
Summer officially begins!
After a warm spring, we are now officially in summer. I'll continue to keep my stocks of ice cubes up to add to dog water bowls and make sure the paddling pool is at hand for those dogs who like to splash about! And there are some lovely, shady areas in the New Forest where our dogs can have a good time exploring while keeping cool.
My charges
I offer an affordable dog boarding service, and will give you a discounted rate for entrusting more than one dog to my care. 1st dog per day: £20 day care/£25 holiday ...
