Lords & Labradors Information Hub

The home of handy tips and advice dedicated to pet owners

  • How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed?
    28.02.24 February 28, 2024 FAQs Featured

    How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed?

    Did you know dogs spend 12 to 14 hours a day sleeping? That's a lot of time in bed so it's no surprise that their bed might be looking a little worse for wear. Dogs are creatures of comfort so making sure they have a a clean and supportive bed is essential for their overall well-being. In this guide, our Pet Experts explore the signs that indicate it's time to change your dog's bed and share expert tips on how to care for your canine's cherished sleeping spot. How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed? Determining how often to replace your dog's bed depends on several factors including the quality of the bed, your dog's size and activity level, and any specific health considerations. As a general guideline, it's advisable to replace your dog's bed every 1 to 3 years, or sooner if signs of wear and tear become noticeable. Signs It's Time to Change Your Dog's Bed: Visible Wear and Tear: Over time, your dog's bed may start showing signs of wear and tear, such as flattened cushions, lumps, or torn fabric. If you notice any significant damage, it's a clear indication that it's time to consider a replacement. Lingering Odours: Despite regular cleaning, dog beds can accumulate odours over time, especially if your furry friend enjoys outdoor adventures or has accidents indoors. Lingering smells that persist even after washing could signal the need for a new bed. Loss of Support: Just like humans, dogs require proper support for their joints and muscles, especially as they age or if they have existing health conditions. If your dog's bed no longer provides adequate support or has become too soft, it's time to invest in a new one to ensure their comfort and well-being. It might be worth investing in an orthopaedic dog bed if your dog’s breed is prone to joint issues. Allergies and Skin Irritations: Dogs can develop allergies or skin irritations from prolonged exposure to dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens that accumulate in their beds over time. If you notice your dog scratching more than usual or experiencing skin issues, a new bed with hypoallergenic materials may offer relief. Preference for Alternative Sleeping Spots: Dogs are creatures of habit, and if you notice your furry friend opting for alternative sleeping spots around the house instead of their bed, it could indicate that they're no longer comfortable or satisfied with their current sleeping arrangements. It’s worth looking at how your dog likes to sleep so you can get the best bed shape to suit their sleeping style, our Information Hub has a guide on how to choose the perfect dog bed for your dog. Top Ways to Care for Your Dog's Bed: Regular Washing: Establish a routine for washing your dog's bed to remove dirt, hair, and odour-causing bacteria. Most of our Lords & Labradors dog beds are machine washable, we have a handy guide on how to wash your dog’s bed here. Use a Removable Cover: Opt for dog beds with removable, machine-washable covers for easy cleaning. Having a spare cover on hand allows you to swap them out while one is being laundered, ensuring your pup always has a fresh and clean place to sleep. We also sell bamboo bed covers which are great for popping over your dog’s bed to help keep them clean especially after a muddy dog walk, they will act as an additional layer of defence against moisture and stains, extending the life of the bed! Vacuum and Spot Clean: In between washings, use a handheld vacuum or lint roller to remove hair and debris from the surface of the bed. Spot clean any stains or spills promptly to prevent them from setting into the fabric. Rotate and Fluff: Just like flipping a mattress, periodically rotate your dog's bed to distribute wear evenly and prevent premature sagging. Fluffing the bed's filling helps maintain its loft and support over time. Sun and Air Dry: On sunny days, take advantage of natural sunlight by airing out your dog's bed outdoors. Sunlight helps eliminate odours and kills bacteria, leaving the bed feeling fresh and revitalised. Inspect Regularly: Take time to inspect your dog's bed for any signs of damage, loose seams, or worn-out stuffing. Promptly address any issues to prevent further deterioration and ensure your pup's safety and comfort. By recognising the signs that it's time to change your dog's bed and implementing proper care and maintenance techniques, you can provide your furry friend with a clean, comfortable, and supportive sleeping environment. Remember, a happy and well-rested pup makes for a happier pet parent too! If you’re looking to upgrade your dog’s bed why not check out our collection of luxury dog beds? Bedding is our speciality, we design and craft all of our bedding here in our Lincolnshire workshop so you can be sure your dog will be getting the best sleep possible in one of our luxury dog beds.

    By Megan Willis

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  • The Importance Of Correct Nutrition For Dogs And Cats!
    29.01.24 January 29, 2024 Health Featured

    The Importance Of Correct Nutrition For Dogs And Cats!

    Ensuring optimal nutrition for our beloved pets is paramount for their overall health and well-being. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to understand the significance of providing nutritionally complete and balanced meals to our furry friends. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of dog and cat nutrition, exploring the importance of the right food choices, nutritionally complete homemade recipes, and the best commercial options available.   Understanding Dog and Cat Nutrition Your pet's nutrition plays a pivotal role in their vitality and longevity. Just like humans, dogs and cats require a balanced diet that fulfils their specific dietary needs. A well-rounded diet supports their immune system, maintains a healthy weight, and promotes optimal organ function. Pet food ranges from being more processed to being raw and rich in natural ingredients, finding the right fit for your pet is important!   Dog Food Nutrition Choosing the right dog food is a key aspect of canine care. With an abundance of options available, it's essential to prioritise nutritionally complete choices. To make an informed decision, consider using a dog food nutrition calculator and comparing different products. Look for the best nutritional dog food that meets your pet's unique requirements, taking into account factors such as breed, size, and age. Our favourite nutritionally rich dog foods are Orijen, Carnilove and Acana, they are all designed with your dogs nutrition in mind.     Dog Nutrition Facts and Guide Understanding dog nutrition facts is imperative for providing the best care. Refer to a dog food nutrition guide to navigate through the plethora of choices available in the market. Learn about your dog's daily nutritional requirements and make informed decisions that contribute to their overall health and happiness.   Cat Food Nutrition Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique nutritional requirements. The best cat food for nutrition considers their need for high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Explore dry cat food nutrition labels to ensure your feline friend receives a balanced diet that supports their specific dietary needs. For a cat food which is high in protein and great for fussy felines we love Carnilove, they all have at least 80% wild origin meat content and contain No grains, potatoes, GMO, soy, sugar, preservatives or colourants.   Daily Nutritional Requirements for Cats Cats require a carefully balanced diet to thrive. Knowing the daily nutritional requirements for cats is essential for choosing the right cat food. Consult with your vet to understand the specific needs of your cat, such as the importance of taurine and other essential nutrients crucial for their health. In conclusion, the importance of correct nutrition for dogs and cats cannot be overstated. Whether choosing commercial options or crafting homemade recipes, prioritising nutritionally complete meals is key to ensuring your pet's health and happiness. Stay informed about dog and cat nutrition, consult with professionals, and make choices that align with your pet's unique requirements. By providing the best nutritional dog food or cat food, you contribute to a longer, healthier life for your furry companions. Here at Lords & Labradors we have a large range of both cat and dog food so you can pick the best option for you and your pet

    By Megan Willis

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  • Dog Crate Sets & Crate Aftercare
    02.08.21 August 02, 2021 FAQs Featured

    Dog Crate Sets & Crate Aftercare

    Crate training is an important part of settling in a new puppy. A crate provides a safe, quiet space for your pup and will help them to get used to their nighttime routine and with toilet training. A dog crate can be made into a cosy den that will be loved by your new four-legged friend for a lifetime. In this article we will explain the best crate set-up for puppies, how to change the set-up as they grow up and also how to look after your crate and crate bedding.   How To Make The Perfect Crate Set-Up For A Puppy Crate training your puppy will have lots of advantages, helping them to settle and feel safe in their home as well getting them into a consistent bedtime routine. The perfect crate for a puppy will feel safe, warm and cosy. It’s important that it’s inviting so that they feel compelled to use it. With this in mind we’d suggest the following items:  Crate Cover [product]Crates in their basic form can be rather draughty and a little bit unsightly! A crate cover will not only make the crate look stylish, but it will make the crate feel cosy inside. Our crate covers feature roll down doors which can be lowered when it’s time for bed. Puppy will soon learn when they should be sleeping (doors rolled down) and when it’s time to get up (doors rolled up). Our crate covers come in a range of fabrics which have been designed to match your home and they're all machine washable, making them brilliant for puppies!    Cosy & Calming Puppy Crate Bed [product] Our cosy and calming beds have been designed with crate training in mind. Each size is made to fill exactly one half of the corresponding crate size. So if you have a small crate for a Chihuahua for example, the small bed will fit in exactly one half of the crate. This then leaves room for a puppy pad in the other half along with a  bowl for water. They come in a range of our printed cotton fabrics and feature a reversible cushion pad inside - one side covered in super plush sherpa!   Puppy Pads Whilst we don’t want to encourage puppies to pee in the crate, it’s also important to note that they can’t hold themselves for very long at all. Whilst you will be able to take them outside at regular intervals during the day, this may not be the case at night. When you put them to bed, putting a puppy pad in one half of the crate will help to stop any accidents from dirtying their bed or crate tray. Crate Bowls Puppies will need access to water at all times and a crate bowl is a brilliant accessory as it can be fastened to the crate walls. This will ensure it doesn’t get tipped over or knocked like a standard bowl might. The Perfect Crate Set-Up For An Adult Dog As your dog becomes toilet trained and they begin to need the full space of the crate for their bed, you will need to consider swapping out the puppy accessories for their proper adult bed. At Lords & Labradors we specialise in crate bedding that will make your dog’s den look stunning as well as super comfortable inside. Crate Cushion Our crate cushions are designed to fit our crates perfectly. They come in a range of fabulous fabric designs from luxurious tweeds to printed cottons. There really is something to suit every taste and home.   Crate Bumper Crate walls aren’t the most comfortable things to snuggle up to, and if your dog likes to curl in the corner of their bed, they will need something other than metal bars! That’s where our fabulous bumpers come in. They sit around the edge of the crate cushion and create a spongey layer of warmth around the walls. Perfect for snuggling up in the corner when nap time calls!   Crate Cover Our crate covers are perfect for setting a routine with your dog, when the doors are rolled down it will signal to them it's time to sleep. Our crate covers are fully lined to help keep light out and come in matching fabrics to our bumpers and cushions to you can be sure crate will look stylish!   Crate Set Aftercare and How To Clean A Crate With a little love and care your crate set will last a long time. Here we detail how to look after your crate set: The Crate - The crate is made of sturdy metal and is really easy to keep clean. Our crates are easy to wipe clean and the tray is removable so you can get into the corners properly.  It’s really important to make sure the crate is completely dry before setting back up and allowing your pet back in, we recommend drying your crate to avoid any rusting.  Lords & Labradors Cushion & Bumper Covers - For our bedding from our core collection you will be able to remove the covers on the cushions and bumpers. Turn the cover inside out and machine wash on a 20 degree gentle cycle. Allow the covers to air dry (do not tumble dry). Once dry return the inner cushion to the cover. Essentials Plush Collection Bumpers & Cushions - Our bumpers and cushions from the Essentials Plush Collection don't have removable covers, we recommend spot washing your essentials plush bumpers and cushions.  Lords & Labradors Crate Covers - Our crate covers are all machine washable on a 20 degree gentle cycle, apart from our oil cloth crate covers. After washing, we recommend air drying your crate cover over your crate to help keep it in shape and to make sure it doesn't shrink. A cool iron on the reverse of the cotton fabrics is fine if necessary, but often they won’t even need that. Our tweeds and Savanna fabrics are super fast drying and they will come out of the spin almost dry. Just give them an air and they’ll be ready to use again in no time at all! Cushion and bumper inners - The cushion and bumper inners are protected by waterproof interlinings, so won’t need washing. This will preserve the inner fillings. The waterproof liners are wipe clean. If they become soiled, simply wipe down with a mild pet-safe detergent and they’ll be as good as new again. Cosy and Calm Puppy Bed - Our puppy beds are fully machine washable. You can put the whole bed in the machine and wash on a 20° cycle. When removed, simply shake and plump the cushion back into shape and leave to air dry. Follow these simple steps and your crate sets will last and look stunning for years to come!

    By Zac Girdlestone

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  • How To Travel With A Dog In A Car
    06.02.23 February 06, 2023 Owning a Dog Featured

    How To Travel With A Dog In A Car

    We’re getting to that time of year again where we’re travelling more with our pets to the beach, staycations and even trips to a different location for a long walk. No matter how long the journey - even if it’s a trip to the local vets - you should ensure your dog is properly restrained and safe to travel. Here in the UK it’s the law when travelling by car your dog needs to be restrained. In this blog, we breakdown how to travel safely with your pet.   What Is The Law With Dogs In Cars? The Highway Code states in their Rules about Animals, when in a vehicle, dogs are to be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you should need to stop quickly. If you were in an accident caused by your dog distracting you whilst you were driving, this could be considered as ‘dangerous driving’. It’s also good to check your insurance policy, as car insurance providers may require you to restrain your pet.   Is It The Law To Restrain A Dog In A Car? It is the law to restrain your dog when travelling in your car. So as fun as it is for your pooch to sit with their head out of the window, they must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you and potentially hurt either you or themselves. When it comes to where your dog should be when travelling, although there are no laws against your dog travelling in the footwell of the car, unfortunately they would not be properly restrained and if you did have an accident, you may be prosecuted for ‘dangerous driving’. When choosing where your dog should be properly restrained, no matter what method you choose, your dog should not sit in the front seat - securing them in the boot or back seat behind a front seat is considered a safer option.   How To Secure A Dog In The Car There are many safety products you can choose from, which can help with travelling safely in the car. It’s most important you choose a solution that’s suitable and comfortable for your pooch, and it has been installed and executed correctly to ensure the safety of your pet. Here at Lords & Labradors, we’d recommend the following for safe travel.   Dog Carriers Our pet carriers come in different sizes and weights which will vary for the suitability for you and your dog. It’s a lighter option to our metal crates and are easily packed away if you’re staying away from home. Carriers are great when travelling by car and when taking your dog from the car into a safe place to let them out and stretch  their legs. They keep your pooch safe and settled whilst travelling.   Travel Harnesses Our pet-friendly harnesses come in a variety of sizes, suitable to your dogs breed and size. Travel harnesses are easy to fit onto your dog and it’s quick to clip them into place. They’re specially designed to prevent your dog from moving around whilst in the car, all whilst keeping your pet safe and comfortably restrained.   Travel Crates Crating your dog keeps them safe & secure - using a crate to transport your pet has the added benefit if they’re already used to being crated at home. If your dog is used to being crated, often when travelling they’ll feel safer and their surroundings will reduce any anxiety your dog may have around travelling.   How Long Can A Dog Travel In A Car Being stuck in the car can be hard for your dog! Not only will your dog need regular toilet breaks, they’ll also need to stretch their legs and get some of their energy out. When stopping for your dog to toilet and stretch their legs, you could also give them some food and water to avoid any spillages whilst travelling. Ideally you should try to keep to your dogs routine where possible (even when travelling) - every 2 to 4 hours for about 15 to 30 minutes is a good guide to follow, however you’ll know what is best for your dog and how they travel. If you’re planning a lengthy trip, try to go on few shorter journeys to see how your dog is likely to react.

    By Megan Willis

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  • The Top 10 Puppy Essentials
    13.01.23 January 13, 2023 Getting A Puppy Featured

    The Top 10 Puppy Essentials

    You may be preparing for the all important ‘Gotcha Day’, the day celebrated by all dog parents as the day you brought your pup home. Taking your puppy home for the first time is exciting, especially if you have prepared for their arrival. Puppy shopping can be so much fun, but also overwhelming if you’re a new pet parent, or if you’ve not had a puppy for a few years. There will be some things you do need to buy for necessity and some things that are worth buying for your new pup. Here at Lords & Labradors we’ve put together the 10 puppy essentials you’ll need to get your new puppy settled.   Our Top 10 Items To Buy For Your New Puppy 1) What crate to buy? Firstly, if you’ve decided to crate train your puppy, you’ll need a crate that will see you through from puppyhood to adulthood. You’ll need a crate the appropriate size so you can fit a puppy bed at one end and a puppy training pad the other incase they need to toilet when left in their crate. It also gives your pup enough room to stretch, play and sleep if crated during the daytime. Depending on your training methods, you may want to place the crate somewhere the puppy can be near to you, but also not directly in a high traffic area of your home. Remember the crate is your puppy’s den, so discourage any children from climbing inside.   2) Where should my puppy sleep? We recommend a puppy bed that’s easy for your pup to get in and gives them enough support and comfort whilst they sleep. Our Cosy & Calm Puppy Box Beds have been carefully designed with your puppy in mind. The beds are super squishy and soft, and have the most comfortable sides for your pup to snuggle right into. If you have chosen to crate train your pup, our vet bed is really popular, as it’s cosy, comfortable, robust and relatively puppy proof - it’s easily washed and dried too. It can be used with or without our Cosy & Calm puppy box bed.   3) What will my new puppy eat? It’s recommended you initially use the same food that your puppy comes home with, in order to avoid any tummy upset during their first few days with you. Once your puppy has settled, you can gradually introduce a new food to their diet. It’s good to check the food guidelines of the food you choose to feed your pup, as often they’ll give you the correct guidelines on how to introduce the new food to your pup. Make sure you have a clean bowl for water and a clean bowl for food, you can opt for a slanted water bowl if you have a spaniel breed to reduce your dogs ears from getting soaked in their water.   4) Puppy Toilet Training Top of your list should be a reliable pack of puppy training pads, not only are they great for training your young pup, but they are invaluable when travelling (pop in the bottom of their carrier/crate to catch any travel sickness or accidental toilet trips). You can also use them to absorb muddy, wet paws after your pup has had a play in puddles!   5) How to settle my new puppy at night When settling your new puppy at night, our heart beat sheep will be your puppy's new best friend. The heart beat sheep features a beating heart inside that mimics the beat of Mum's heart. They're designed to offer comfort and calm to new puppies who may feel nervous in their new home; they help to stop separation anxiety too. Alongside the heart beat sheep, you could pop in a heat pad under your dogs bed/cushion to keep them warm and to mimic the feeling of having siblings/mum near. Both the heat and the heart beat sheep will provide comfort for your puppy, especially whilst they are settling in and adjusting overnight.     6) How to keep your new puppy entertained Toys will provide something to chew on for your pup, which you’ll find are essential if you want to avoid your puppy chewing on your furniture. Choose a variety of textures, styles and sizes to keep your puppy engaged and interested. You may want to keep a toy box so your pup can choose what they’d like to play with, or keep a few toys in rotation so your puppy doesn’t get bored with them. You can also buy toys you can fill with treats or their food. If you want/need to leave your puppy - remember to build this up slowly, and don’t leave your new puppy for a long period of time - you could try freezing a peanut butter filled KONG (remember to use doggy/puppy friendly peanut butter). Freezing the toy will take them longer to work through and will give some relief to their sore teething gums and teeth.     7) Does my new puppy need a collar? You may want to purchase your dogs collar before they arrive home with you, however it’s advised to purchase the correct size collar for your puppy, which you may have to wait until they’re here to measure them properly. It is a legal requirement to have a tag with your details on incase your puppy gets lost or strays away, but it’s advised not to add your puppy’s name to the tag.   8) How will I get my new puppy home? Collecting your puppy to take them home is really exciting, but it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have a suitable carrier/crate to store them in safely for the journey. It’s important your dog is restrained as it is the law to keep your puppy properly restrained whilst driving. In your carrier, you may want to pop in a blanket that smells like home and a scent blanket that smells like their mum and litter mates. It’s also good to have some puppy training pads to hand incase of any car sickness or accidental toilet trips.     9) When to start training my new puppy? You can start with bonding and training your puppy almost straight away, get some high quality, puppy training treats (make sure to check the guidelines), and enjoy teaching them new tricks - you’ll be amazed at how quick they learn!   10) When do I start grooming my puppy? It’s recommend that even if your pup won’t require grooming at first, you should regularly brush them to get them used to being groomed and handled. Choose a simple, soft brush and/or comb for the first couple of months. There will be a time you will need to wash your puppy, make sure you’re not using human shampoo as this will upset your puppy's PH levels and may not be compatible with your puppy flea treatment. It’s best to invest in a puppy shampoo that you can use when and if you need to bathe your puppy. We have our own puppy grooming set in our Petplex collection called the 'Puppy Purifier' it has a shampoo and a cologne to help keep your puppy smelling fresh.

    By Megan Willis

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Top Winter Weather Tips For Pets
23.01.23 January 23, 2023 Health Featured

Top Winter Weather Tips For Pets

Here in the UK we're officially in a cold snap, with forecasters predicting a blanket of 'freezing fog' to cover most of the UK. Snow and other winter weather can look pretty; no one can doubt the beauty of a hoar frost or a landscape dusted in white. But it’s also extremely cold and slippery at times, and it can bring some hazards and challenges for pet owners. Here we give our top tips for cat and dog owners to help you and your four-legged friends get through the rest of the winter season safely and in good health.   Top 10 At Home Winter Weather Tips Keep your pets active indoors - If you get an extremely cold snap, you may find dog walks are reduced to the bare minimum and cats won’t go out as much. It’s really important to keep your pets active indoors on these occasions. Toys and interactive games will help to keep both their minds and bodies active. Our article, ‘Things to do With Your Dog at Home’ has some great ideas if you’re struggling to find things to keep them interested. You could also browse our toys for cats and toys for dogs where you can find all kinds of fun activities for them to keep them entertained in the house.  We love a snuffle mat for dogs to keep them busy and the catit circuits are great for keeping your cats active! Consider keeping your outdoor cat inside - Many cats, even those that usually go outdoors, will choose to stay in the warm during cold weather snaps, especially snowy conditions. But if you have an outdoor cat that still likes to roam outside, even when it gets frosty, make sure they have places that they can easily get to in terms of shelter, food and water. If in doubt, we’d suggest keeping your cat indoors, even if it does make them a bit grumpy. Provide them with plenty of stimulation in the house such as interactive toys and a good cat scratch post or tree. Don't forget to provide them with a cat litter tray in the house. Many think it unnecessary for an outdoor cat to have a litter tray, but when adverse weather keeps your feline indoors, they'll need somewhere to toilet.  Keep an eye on your pet's diet and food intake - If you do find yourselves stuck indoors more, you may want to keep an eye on your cat's or dog’s diet and make adjustments if needed. Less activity can easily lead to weight gain, so consider reducing portion size if you think it necessary.  Stock up on balms and nourishing products - Dogs, just like humans, can experience dry skin and hair in the colder months. Exposure to adverse weather and low temperatures can leave your dog with cracked skin and a dull coat. Stock up on some nourishing grooming products and help keep their skin and coat in tip-top conditions. Natural paw and nose balms will keep flaky skin at bay whilst there are a number of sensitive, nourishing shampoos that you could choose from to keep their coat looking shiny. Remember to brush them daily to distribute the natural oils in their coat, which will really help too. Jumpers for tiny dogs, dogs with fine hair and senior dogs - In winter, it’s all about keeping our little ones as warm and cosy as possible. Tiny dogs, those with short coats and older dogs sometimes need help to retain their body heat, even indoors. A dog jumper isn’t just a style choice, but can be a really practical option for those dogs who find it hard to keep warm on their own in the coldest months. You may want to layer a coat over the top if you take them outside. Groom with caution! - Don’t over groom dogs with thicker or longer hair to the point that your dog can’t keep warm. Whilst it’s really important to keep a good dog grooming regime going through winter, it’s also essential that you don’t rid them of their natural insulation. Keeping their coats brushed and tangle free is an absolute must to deter matts from developing. You may think that a good trim will help too, so that it doesn’t gather as much dirt, but try not to over trim as their winter coat is there to keep them warm. Prepare more than one bed around the house - There’s nothing cosier than an extra blanket in winter and our pets can benefit from them too! You may want to consider swapping out your dog’s or cat’s regular bed for a faux fur or sherpa option, or maybe consider adding a cosy blanket. It’s important to give your pets sleeping options; a couple of beds with varying layers or textures so that they can move if they start to get too hot or too cold. Prevent poisoning and protect the whole household - Antifreeze is widely used in winter, but it is crucial that you take care with it around animals. Make sure that any spills or dribbles are wiped clean and never leave the bottle where your dog or cat could get to it as it is seriously toxic to pets; even causing death in some cases. Make sure this and any other toxic products are kept locked away out of their reach and ensure you clean up after use. Check your car in the morning -  Cats that do venture out in the Winter may well find your warm car welcoming and find shelter in it. They can easily climb up into wheels to take shelter from cold, frost or snow, and could be severely injured or even killed if you start the car with them in it. When you go out to your car, bang the bonnet before you get in as a precaution. Check on your pets with joint pain - Just like us, pets with joint pain can often suffer more during cold weather. Check to see if their movements seem different to normal, it may be worth checking with your vet if they have any advice on joint supplements that may help keep them pain-free during this cold snap   Winter Dog Walking Tips Wrap up on dog walks - The most important thing when the weather becomes colder is to ensure that your dog is kept warm. This goes for indoors and outdoors. It’s important that dogs get some fresh air, especially if the bad weather is extended. You can’t keep them indoors forever! Keep walks short and ensure they have a suitable dog coat; one that fits well and suits the climate. Check for snow between their toes - Snow and ice is uncomfortably cold for humans and pets alike. Snow can turn to ice quite quickly in the coldest conditions which can get caught in your dog’s paws and cause pain and soreness. After a dog walk always check your pet’s paws and dry them down thoroughly to help keep the skin healthy. Beware of snow salt and grit - Another reason to check your dog’s paws is for snow salt, and grit used to deter frost on pavements and roads. This can be toxic to dogs and cause inflammation and soreness to paw pads. Always wipe down your dog’s paws immediately after a winter walk. If your dog is particularly sensitive then consider some snow booties to help protect them on walks. Be safe in low light - Winter brings with it shorter daylight hours. Even if the weather is fine, you may find that you end up walking in low light levels. Ensure you are visible with fluorescent colours and reflectors. We have a number of safety accessories that may be suitable in our walking accessories collection as well as a range of dog coats that have reflector panels. We particularly love the Orbiloc Dog Safety Light at this time of year as it can be attached to any of your accessories including your lead, collar or dog harness. Winter can seem like a long season, with short daylight hours and adverse weather, but you and your pets can still enjoy and make the most of it. Indoor games and activities can be really fun for you both and don't forget how pretty winter can be too. It won't be long before Spring makes an appearance and the landscape begins to bloom again. Until then, enjoy some cuddles on the sofa with your cats and dogs and try to stay happy and safe!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
20.01.23 January 20, 2023 Owning a Dog Featured

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

The art of napping is something dogs seem to have down to a tee! But you may be wondering why your dog sleeps so much? And is it normal? Rest assured it’s completely normal for dogs to sleep all the time and the reason behind it is adorable.   Why Does My Dog Sleep All The Time? Throughout the day dog’s brains have activity happening all day, this can become quite disorganised. When dogs sleep, they are reprocessing their memories from the day, in their sleep, they organise them and store the important memories and discard the rest. All that sleep also gives your dog’s body time to repair itself, plenty of sleep helps keep their immune system in check. Just like us, if a dog hasn’t had enough sleep, they’re more prone to illnesses and infections so their beauty sleep is crucial!   How Many Hours A Day Do Dogs Sleep For? It’s quite normal for a dog to spend around 50% of their day asleep, around 12-14 hours a day. On top of this they’re likely to spend another 30% of their day chilling, awake, and just hanging out – that’s 80% of their day not doing too much! How much your adult dog sleeps will be influenced by their size, large dogs need more sleep than small dogs – it takes way more energy for them to move their bodies around so they just need more sleep to recover! Puppies sleep even more than adult dogs, on average 18-20 hours a day. It’s so important for puppies to get so much rest as their bodies are growing so quickly, they need to use their energy on growing during downtime. Puppies have an on/off switch when it comes to sleep, which is why you’ll see them wired with the zoomies one second and then they crash out and burn the next – it’s hard work growing so much!   Do Dogs Dream? Experts believe that dogs do dream. Adult dogs have a sleep cycle with periods of REM sleep which is similar to humans. Their periods of REM last around 20 minutes and this is when they are having their doggy dreams. Signs of REM are whimpering, muted woofs, running and twitching in their sleep – so next time you see your dog’s paws twitching in their sleep you’ll know it’s because they’re dreaming away. Dogs spend around 25% of their sleeping time in REM sleep, the rest of the time is quiet sleep. In REM cycles your dog’s brain will be as busy and as active as when they are awake – on average a dog experiences around 23 sleep-wake cycles a night.   How Many Hours Do Dogs Sleep At Night? This will all depend on your routine but on average they will sleep for around 9 hours a night. Puppies will take time to adjust to your routine when they first get home but with crate training, they will quickly adjust and be able to sleep through.   Why Has My Dog Stopped Sleeping? Had the perfect sleep routine nailed and now it’s no longer working? There can be several reasons your dog may have stopped sleeping. We’ve listed a few of the common ones below but if you’re concerned, we always recommend speaking to your vet!   A change in routine - Has either your or your dog’s routine changed? Maybe they are on their own more in the day or their walks aren’t tiring them out as much as they used to. Your dog may just need a little time to adjust, try taking them on longer walks or stimulating them with enrichment activities to try to wear them. Pain - When dogs are in pain, they can often be restless and irritable, you’ll see this a lot with puppies when they are teething. If you are concerned that your dog may be in pain we recommend speaking to your vet! A change in diet - Some foods suit our pets more than others, if your dog has recently switched foods and is now struggling to sleep it may be because they’re struggling to digest their new food or they may just need a little time to get used to it. Underlying health conditions - Underlying health conditions may affect your dog's sleep pattern, if you’ve noticed a big prolonged change in their sleep routine it may be wise to consult your vet!  How To Get The Perfect Sleep Why not upgrade your dog’s sleeping arrangements to ensure their sound slumbers continue? Bedding is our specialty here at Lords and Labradors and we design and handcraft it all with your dog’s comfort in mind. Whether they prefer a crate set, high wall, or box bed – we’ve got them covered. We also have matching blankets for the ultimate comfy nap experience.

By Megan Willis

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How To Clean Dog Bowls
16.01.23 January 16, 2023 FAQs Featured

How To Clean Dog Bowls

Food hygiene is really important when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our pets. Making sure your dog’s and cat's food bowls are clean will ensure the food tastes fresh and also stop any build-up of bacteria which could cause health problems such as vomiting. In this blog post we take a look at how often you should wash your pet bowls and dishes as well as how to clean them. Read on for our top tips about keeping your pet feeding bowls clean.   How Often Should You Wash Dog Bowls? [product]Ideally, you should clean your dog’s bowls after each mealtime. It’s okay if you forget every once in a while, but we should really to do our best to keep on top of keeping them clean. Pet bowls can easily build up with germs which can lead to health problems for your dog or cat such as tummy upsets and vomiting. When your pet eats directly from their bowl, bacteria from your pet’s mouth is transferred to any leftovers which can then flourish in the bowl. The longer this is left the more germ ridden the bowl will become. One study actually found that pet bowls are one of the dirtiest things in most homes, coming 4th on a list of top germ-infested items in the home. To stop this happening, we need to ensure they’re cleaned regularly, and that your pet is eating from a clean bowl or dish.   What To Clean Dog Bowls With Your dog’s bowls should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a separate dish cloth or sponge to the one that is used for your other washing up. You should take care to lather and clean thoroughly and then rinse really well. Make sure all the soap has been rinsed fully before drying, ready to use again. It is essential that any food remnants or crumbs are scrubbed from the bowl as it is this food debris which is most likely to carry germs and bacteria.   Is It Safe To Wash Dog Bowls In The Dishwasher? Dog bowls are often safe to be washed in the dishwasher and there should be a mark saying so on the packaging of your particular bowl. Generally, it’s just plastic bowls that aren’t suitable as they could melt in the heat. [product]At Lords & Labradors we have a variety of dishwasher safe dog bowls that are really simple to keep clean. There is a whole range of melamine bowls by Tarhong which have the practicality and break-resistance of plastic, whilst being dishwasher friendly. They come in a fabulous range of designs too with something to suit every taste. [product]We also love the ceramic dog bowls by Scruffs which can be washed in the dishwasher. These bowls have been designed with your dogs in mind, they have versions for flat-faced dogs and long eared dogs. Why Wash Dog Bowls Separately? It’s important to wash your pet bowls separately from your own dishes, to stop any cross contamination. All kinds of bacteria can flourish in pet bowls including salmonella. If this bacteria is transferred on to any of your dishes or kitchen surfaces it can cause illness in humans as well as your pets. Ensuring that bowls are properly cleaned and that no food remnants remain on the dishes is imperative for the health of the whole household.

By Megan Willis

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The Top 10 Puppy Essentials
13.01.23 January 13, 2023 Getting A Puppy Featured

The Top 10 Puppy Essentials

You may be preparing for the all important ‘Gotcha Day’, the day celebrated by all dog parents as the day you brought your pup home. Taking your puppy home for the first time is exciting, especially if you have prepared for their arrival. Puppy shopping can be so much fun, but also overwhelming if you’re a new pet parent, or if you’ve not had a puppy for a few years. There will be some things you do need to buy for necessity and some things that are worth buying for your new pup. Here at Lords & Labradors we’ve put together the 10 puppy essentials you’ll need to get your new puppy settled.   Our Top 10 Items To Buy For Your New Puppy 1) What crate to buy? Firstly, if you’ve decided to crate train your puppy, you’ll need a crate that will see you through from puppyhood to adulthood. You’ll need a crate the appropriate size so you can fit a puppy bed at one end and a puppy training pad the other incase they need to toilet when left in their crate. It also gives your pup enough room to stretch, play and sleep if crated during the daytime. Depending on your training methods, you may want to place the crate somewhere the puppy can be near to you, but also not directly in a high traffic area of your home. Remember the crate is your puppy’s den, so discourage any children from climbing inside.   2) Where should my puppy sleep? We recommend a puppy bed that’s easy for your pup to get in and gives them enough support and comfort whilst they sleep. Our Cosy & Calm Puppy Box Beds have been carefully designed with your puppy in mind. The beds are super squishy and soft, and have the most comfortable sides for your pup to snuggle right into. If you have chosen to crate train your pup, our vet bed is really popular, as it’s cosy, comfortable, robust and relatively puppy proof - it’s easily washed and dried too. It can be used with or without our Cosy & Calm puppy box bed.   3) What will my new puppy eat? It’s recommended you initially use the same food that your puppy comes home with, in order to avoid any tummy upset during their first few days with you. Once your puppy has settled, you can gradually introduce a new food to their diet. It’s good to check the food guidelines of the food you choose to feed your pup, as often they’ll give you the correct guidelines on how to introduce the new food to your pup. Make sure you have a clean bowl for water and a clean bowl for food, you can opt for a slanted water bowl if you have a spaniel breed to reduce your dogs ears from getting soaked in their water.   4) Puppy Toilet Training Top of your list should be a reliable pack of puppy training pads, not only are they great for training your young pup, but they are invaluable when travelling (pop in the bottom of their carrier/crate to catch any travel sickness or accidental toilet trips). You can also use them to absorb muddy, wet paws after your pup has had a play in puddles!   5) How to settle my new puppy at night When settling your new puppy at night, our heart beat sheep will be your puppy's new best friend. The heart beat sheep features a beating heart inside that mimics the beat of Mum's heart. They're designed to offer comfort and calm to new puppies who may feel nervous in their new home; they help to stop separation anxiety too. Alongside the heart beat sheep, you could pop in a heat pad under your dogs bed/cushion to keep them warm and to mimic the feeling of having siblings/mum near. Both the heat and the heart beat sheep will provide comfort for your puppy, especially whilst they are settling in and adjusting overnight.     6) How to keep your new puppy entertained Toys will provide something to chew on for your pup, which you’ll find are essential if you want to avoid your puppy chewing on your furniture. Choose a variety of textures, styles and sizes to keep your puppy engaged and interested. You may want to keep a toy box so your pup can choose what they’d like to play with, or keep a few toys in rotation so your puppy doesn’t get bored with them. You can also buy toys you can fill with treats or their food. If you want/need to leave your puppy - remember to build this up slowly, and don’t leave your new puppy for a long period of time - you could try freezing a peanut butter filled KONG (remember to use doggy/puppy friendly peanut butter). Freezing the toy will take them longer to work through and will give some relief to their sore teething gums and teeth.     7) Does my new puppy need a collar? You may want to purchase your dogs collar before they arrive home with you, however it’s advised to purchase the correct size collar for your puppy, which you may have to wait until they’re here to measure them properly. It is a legal requirement to have a tag with your details on incase your puppy gets lost or strays away, but it’s advised not to add your puppy’s name to the tag.   8) How will I get my new puppy home? Collecting your puppy to take them home is really exciting, but it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have a suitable carrier/crate to store them in safely for the journey. It’s important your dog is restrained as it is the law to keep your puppy properly restrained whilst driving. In your carrier, you may want to pop in a blanket that smells like home and a scent blanket that smells like their mum and litter mates. It’s also good to have some puppy training pads to hand incase of any car sickness or accidental toilet trips.     9) When to start training my new puppy? You can start with bonding and training your puppy almost straight away, get some high quality, puppy training treats (make sure to check the guidelines), and enjoy teaching them new tricks - you’ll be amazed at how quick they learn!   10) When do I start grooming my puppy? It’s recommend that even if your pup won’t require grooming at first, you should regularly brush them to get them used to being groomed and handled. Choose a simple, soft brush and/or comb for the first couple of months. There will be a time you will need to wash your puppy, make sure you’re not using human shampoo as this will upset your puppy's PH levels and may not be compatible with your puppy flea treatment. It’s best to invest in a puppy shampoo that you can use when and if you need to bathe your puppy. We have our own puppy grooming set in our Petplex collection called the 'Puppy Purifier' it has a shampoo and a cologne to help keep your puppy smelling fresh.

By Megan Willis

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Dog Coat Size Guide
10.01.23 January 10, 2023 FAQs Featured

Dog Coat Size Guide

During the colder days of the year, dogs could struggle to keep warm. It’s not just short-haired breeds that feel the cold; if your dog is small, lean, recovering from an illness or injury or growing old, they may also need protection from the elements. If you have a dog breed that is from a warm climate, they too may struggle in the winter. On the coldest days, even long-haired and larger dogs will benefit from additional heat, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or the temperature drops below zero. If you want to keep your furry friend warm, dry and cosy, a Winter dog coat is the ideal solution. Owners are now able to consider different items from an extensive selection of dog clothing, but when it comes to taking your dog for a walk, dog coats tick all the boxes. When picking out the perfect coat for your dog it's important to consider the size and whether or not it will suit the unique shape of your dog. If it’s too big, it could be difficult to keep on and it could potentially hinder your dog’s movement, and if it’s too small, it could be too tight and uncomfortable. The best way to avoid any issues with the sizing of the coat is to check that the measurements are right for your dog.   How To Size A Dog Coat To gauge what size dog coat you’ll need, measure the length of your dog's top line.  To do this, measure from the nape of dog’s neck where their collar sits to the base of their tail. When you do this, make sure that your dog is standing straight and try to prevent them from moving around too much or it could lead to an inaccurate reading. A useful tip for measuring your dog is to keep a note of the measurement in centimetres and inches as clothing can be labelled in either format. Dog coats are usually marked as small, medium, large, extra large or extra extra large so always check the size guide to gauge what each of these measure - brands will vary so a medium tin one brand may not have the same measurements as a medium in another. Here’s a rough guide to dog clothing sizes by breed: Small Miniature Dachshund, Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu Medium French Bulldog, Beagle, Standard Dachshund, Border Terrier Large Cockapoo, Cocker/Springer Spaniel, Bulldog Extra Large Labrador, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, English Bull Terrier Extra Extra Large  German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, German Pointer   How To Measure A Dog For A Winter Coat Just like with the winter coat you might wear on colder days, a dog’s winter coat is created to keep heat inside and combat the elements. For any dog coat, you’ll need three key measurements. These are: The body or top line- As previously mentioned, the main measurement is from the collar to the tail. The chest - For your dog’s chest, measure their girth just behind their front legs. The neck - Measuring around your dog’s neck is as easy as putting their collar on. Just measure around their neck, leaving the same gap as you’d leave for their actual collars (about two fingers worth of space). You could even use their collar for this if they’re becoming restless, as it is a useful guideline for assessing the ideal collar of the coat. Just make sure it’s slightly larger or their coat collar could end up getting stuck on their actual collar.  You won't need this measurement for all dog coats as many are adjustable. If you are having a coat made to measure you may want to give this measurement as additional information when you order. This will be helpful if you have a particularly stocky or slender dog.  For some coats or fleeces you may need the length of your dog legs, this starts from the top of their legs all the way down to just above their paw. After taking your dog's measurements, note them down and refer to them when it comes to picking out your dog’s new coat. If your dog measures in-between sizes, it would be advisable to pick the larger option, as it will prevent your dog from becoming uncomfortable,, and allows for your dogs harness to fit underneath if desired. If you have any questions we have a team of pet experts ready and waiting to help you, you can either email in on sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk or call us on 01790 720900

By Megan Willis

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Clumping vs Non-Clumping Cat Litter
10.01.23 January 10, 2023 Owning a Cat Featured

Clumping vs Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Bringing your new kitten or cat into your world can be exciting, but when you look at what you need to get for your new feline, it’s hard to know what is best, especially when it comes to cat litter, and knowing what actually is the difference between clumping cat litter and non-clumping cat litter? And which you should choose for your newest member.  In this article, we discuss the difference between each litter and the options that may suit you best.    [product] What Is The Best Cat Litter? With so many different types of cat litter on the market, choosing the best one for your cat can be overwhelming - especially if you’re welcoming a new cat into your home. It’s good to know different types of litter suit different cats and suit your home and lifestyle too. There isn’t one superior cat litter, it all comes down to preference for both you and your cat.    Is Clumping Cat Litter Better Than Non Clumping Cat Litter? Put simply, clumping is the term used to describe litter that has been developed to be much more absorbent than standard litter as it forms clumps when coming into contact with liquid. Non-clumping cat litter is where the litter particles do not clump together despite being soaked in liquid. It’s good to remember cats do not toilet ‘tidily’. The majority of cats will move the litter around the tray (and sometimes outside of it!) which means when non-clumping litter is used, all of the soiled particles are mixed up with the clean particles of litter. The difference with clumping litter is all of the soiled particles are clumped together and can be removed very easily.  [product] How Does Non-Clumping Cat Litter Work? The benefit of non-clumping cat litter is often, it is low maintenance. You won’t have to worry about constantly checking for waste to remove as non-clumping litter can stay in the box for up to a week. Non-clumping litter is often a lot less dusty than a clumping cat litter which is a great benefit for cats (and owners) that suffer with asthma.  [product] How Does Clumping Cat Litter Work? Clumping cat litters are designed so that urine can be removed easily from the box without having to totally empty the entire box. Once the litter is clumped together, it can be easily scooped out of the litter tray, leaving only clean litter in the box. With clumping litter, odour is trapped inside the clumps, whereas non-clumping litters can’t contain the smell nearly as well.  There is no clear answer to which litter is best, clumping or non-clumping. And the choice is a personal decision that depends on yours and your cats needs. Many cats prefer clumping litter because it’s easier for them to push aside, but some cats prefer a non clumping clay litter.  Choosing the litter that your cat prefers makes it less likely that your cat will avoid the litter tray and find elsewhere to toilet. 

By Laura Rudd

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How To Clicker Train A Puppy
09.01.23 January 09, 2023 Top Tips Featured

How To Clicker Train A Puppy

For those of you aware of Pavlov’s dog, you can understand why classical conditioning is an effective training mechanism. Replace Pavlov’s bell with a clicker and use dog treats as a reward for good behaviour and you’re left with the premise of clicker training. Clicker training is a reward-based training method in which a clicker notifies your dog that they have done the right thing. A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound. This device is used to form an association with a reward, such as a dog treat or a toy - Police scent dogs will often work for a tennis ball. Whereas at first a reward is always given after a click, over time your dog will eventually begin to interpret the click as a reward in itself for showing positive behaviour. While many people question why they should use a clicker at all instead of a reward, a clicker lets your dog know exactly when they’ve shown the right behaviour, helping them to learn at a faster rate than more traditional training methods. For instance, when you reward your dog with a treat for responding to a sitting command, they have done other things such as stand up by the time they receive their treat. As a result, they can get confused, as they may have misinterpreted the reward for standing instead of sitting. The sound of a click should be implemented while your dog is showing good behaviour, not afterwards. Unlike the traditional method mentioned above, a clicker can mark the exact moment your pet has responded correctly to a command.   When To Start Clicker Training A Puppy You can start to train your puppy as early as eight weeks, however, you should note that the time it takes to train your puppy could depend on their age, temperament, gender and breed. It’s important to not get frustrated if your puppy isn’t learning the commands as quickly as you hoped, for it’s all about repetition and patience. Rely on the positive reinforcement of the clicker and treat and eventually, your puppy will begin to pick things up.   How To Start Clicker Training A Puppy Remember that when it comes to clicker training, timing is everything - click at the exact moment your dog responds correctly to your demand. Also, if the treat you are offering is food, you should cut down the amount of food they consume daily so that they don’t put on weight, you can even use some of their dry food to help them with their training. With that in mind, implement the following steps to clicker-train your puppy: Before starting the training process, you need to teach your dog that the click means a reward. Simply take your dog somewhere quiet (without any distractions), press down the clicker just once and give them a reward immediately after. Do not click if your dog is showing discouraging behaviour. Repeat this process for a few days, in bouts of around two minutes a few times throughout the day. Continue this step until they look at you as if to expect a reward immediately after you click, now you can start to teach them new tricks! Once your dog has associated a click with a reward, you can move on to some basic training. Start with a simple command like sitting down. Hold the thing that motivates your four-legged friend, whether that’s a treat or dog toy, and move it back over your dog’s head slowly. This method is called lying and should make your dog sit back instinctively. Press your clicker as soon as their bottom touches the floor so they become aware of the command they are being rewarded for. Give them their reward immediately after the click.  Once you have succeeded in luring your dog to sit down, add the word ‘sit’ and continue the training with a reward. Each time you lure your dog, say ‘sit’ in a loud but affirmative tone and as you did in Step Two, click and give your dog their treat as soon as their bottom touches the floor. After you have practised this a few times throughout the day, try and command them by saying ‘sit’ without the lure and see if they have learnt the association. Continue doing these exercises in short bursts of up to 10 minutes, although younger puppies may need shorter training sessions. Eventually, your dog will learn to automatically sit when they hear the ‘sit’ command. Once you are confident your dog has learnt to sit properly, start to reduce the number of times you reward your dog with a treat after the click. By now, the click will have become a reward in itself and you won’t need to acknowledge their good behaviour with a treat every time. There you have it - the simple process of click training.    Top Clicker Training Tips Timing is key! - Make sure to click as soon as your dog performs the command so they associate the click with what they've just done Reward every time - when they first start training rewarding every time is key, as they get more advanced you can begin to gamble with treats but to start with consistency is key. Studies have shown the key difference between professional dog trainers and your average pet owners is the number of treats and rewards, professional dog trainers tend to give their dogs many more treats when practising commands with them. Word Association - Saying 'sit' or 'down' won't mean anything to your dog to start with, it will take them time to begin associating the words with the action Keep the treats small - treats are great but you don't want your dog to put on loads of weight either, reducing their food intake or using their dry food as a treat is a great way to reward them and keep their calorie intake down End on a positive note - to keep training fun for both you and your pet make sure to end every session on a positive so even if they haven't quite gotten the hang of everything you've done that day they still go away feeling happy  Phase the treats out - once your pup has mastered a trick start slowly phasing the treats out, they will begin to associate the sound of the click as a reward and won't need the treat every time   How Does Clicker Training Help? Teaching your dog to sit using a clicker is just one example of a command they can learn. There are other behaviours that can be taught with this method and many other training accessories available for your puppy. However, teach your dog only one or two commands at a time and don’t move on until they are fully confident with them. Other examples include: Look - training your dog to look at you. Stay - asking your dog to stay in the same place without moving. Paw - opening your hand and ask your dog to place his paw in it. Lie down - luring your pet into a lying position. Roll over - encouraging your dog to roll over from a lying position Drop - getting your dog to drop something from its mouth. Leave it - getting your dog to move away from something they're about to pick up  Bed - getting your dog on their bed Heel - getting your dog to walk in line with your heel Clicker training provides an easy and efficient way to reward positive behaviours in your dog. Keep in mind that it will take time and keep the sessions short so that it’s an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.

By Megan Willis

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The Complete Dog Crate Guide
09.01.23 January 09, 2023 FAQs Featured

The Complete Dog Crate Guide

Some of the questions we are most frequently asked are related to crate training new puppies; Do I need to crate train my puppy? What size dog crate do I need for my new puppy? Are dog crates cruel?... This guide is for those who have asked any one of those questions, or any other question related to crate training. Our guide will cover all the reasons to strongly consider crating your puppy; what size crate you might need depending on your puppy’s breed; and how to make the crate an inviting place for your puppy.   What To Use A Dog Crate For There are a number of benefits to crate training: Crates offer a safe, quiet place for nervous pups in their new environment. Crates help with toilet training. Crates help teach your pup their bedtime routine quickly and efficiently. Crates make a great bed and private space for adult dogs, mimicking the “den” like home their canine ancestors would have lived in. When you first your new puppy home, they will likely be nervous of everything. Whilst they probably came in to contact with all sorts of noises from birth, everything will seem new again when you bring them home. Crates, when used correctly, will offer your pup a calm safe space of their own. It should become their little den where they can go to relax, as well as when you need to contain them for a short time. The crate will also help get them into a routine, helping teach them when it’s time for bed. As your puppy grows into an adult dog, the crate will become their quiet spot – somewhere for them to enjoy some quiet time and a nap… and maybe a chew on their favourite dog toy! What NOT to use crates for: Punishment and long-term confinement. This may seem obvious, but crates should never be used as a form of punishment. Rather, they should be seen as a safe space that they can retreat to when they want to relax and get away from the rest of the household. Then if you do need to close your puppy inside for a short time, they will feel relaxed and probably just go to sleep! The last thing you want is for your pup to be nervous of the crate which could lead to destructive behaviour due to stress.        Different Kinds Of Crate Dog crates fall into three main categories; Metal crates, wooden crates and travel crates. Metal Crates   [product] The most popular type of crate as they are less expensive than wooden crates and can easily be folded flat for practical storage when not in use. Some may not like the look of the somewhat cage-like metal crates, but when teamed with a fabric cover and bedding set, they become a really cosy den for your dog. We have both traditional metal crates and our new sliding door crate which is perfect for saving space. Wooden Crates [product] For those looking for something more substantial, our wooden crates are perfect. They are great if you’re looking for a dual-purpose piece of furniture as they suit a range of interior décor styles and make lovely end tables.   Travel Crate  Travel safety is of utmost importance and restraining your dog when travelling in the car is now a legal requirement. A travel crate is a really practical option for most people as they sit simply in the boot and can fold flat when not in use. They are also needed for travel by sea and air – again, another reason to train your pup in a crate whilst young.   How To Find The Perfect Size Dog Crate Are you wondering what size dog crate to get? We always suggest choosing a big enough crate for your puppy to grow into as an adult dog. This means you won’t have the expense of upgrading to a larger size later on and your dog won’t have to part with the den that has been their favourite private place for as long as they can remember! When they are fully grown, they should have plenty of head room in the crate - about 3-4” of space, as well as be able to move and turn around freely. The worst thing would be for your dog to be cramped inside. Dog crates come in a number of different sizes, the most common being 24”, 30”, 36”, 42” and 48” in length. Different brands may vary slightly, but most will offer these most common size options. These are our size recommendations for each size of crate*: 24" Crate (S) Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and similar breeds 30" Crate (M) Westie, Beagle, Standard and Miniature Dachshunds, French Bulldog, Border Terrier and similar 36" Crate (L)  Cockapoo, Springer Spaniel, Bulldog and similar breeds 42" Crate (XL) Labrador, Dalmatian, Labradoodle, English Bull Terrier and similar breeds 48" Crate (XXL) Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and similar breeds *These are our general breed size recommendations. When selecting your crate speak to your breeder to find out what crate size they think will be most suitable. Not every dog of a particular breed is the same size. You might have or be expecting a particularly large Frenchie or a very dainty Cockapoo – use our recommendations as a guide and use this with your breeder’s knowledge of the litter for a more accurate size recommendation.   How To Make A Dog Crate More Comfortable Crates in their purest form are not the most enticing looking things. One of the first things you will want to do is make the dog crate look inviting. When your puppy is young, you’ll probably add a cosy puppy bed and a blanket as well as a cover to help make it feel more private and comfortable. As your pup grows up a full-size crate cushion is the ideal choice. Our own brand crate bedding has been designed to make your dog’s crate the most comfortable den ever. We make cushions, bumpers and covers in a whole variety of fabrics to suit every taste. Cushions – Our crate cushions are deeply filled with hollow fibre filling to ensure supreme comfort. The handmade covers are detachable and washable making them super practical. There is also a removable waterproof liner so accidents won’t permeate the inner cushion. Bumpers – Our bumpers have been designed to create a cosy wall of softness to the inside of your dog’s crate. Sitting around the edge of the cushion, they are perfect for dogs and puppies who like to snuggle up in the corner of their crate. They also look beautiful too! Covers – Our crate covers are practical and stylish. Our crate covers are handmade in our workshop and turn your bare, draughty crate into a beautiful pet den. They come in a range of fabric choices and feature roll-up doors to help get your pup in their bedtime routine.   How To Make The Perfect Puppy Crate The crate set-up will be slightly different for a puppy to the crate set-up for an adult dog. If you buy a size suitable for your pup as an adult as we recommend, we’d then suggest the following items to use inside: Puppy Bed Vet Bed Puppy pad Water bowls Crate Cover Blanket/Snuggle Toy Chew Toy Our preferred layout is to pop a piece of Vetbed on the base of the crate then a puppy bed on top in one half; then pop a puppy pad in the other half. Your puppy won’t be able to hold themselves in the first couple of weeks that they’re home so a puppy pad will ensure accidents are easily cleaned. Remember to add in a bowl for water for when your pup is closed inside and a chew toy to help prevent them from nibbling their bed! When your puppy grows and is fully toilet trained you can swap out the puppy essentials for a full crate set; a cushion, bumper and cover. Our crate sets offer optimum den comfort whilst looking super stylish too! Explore our crate bedding range.

By Megan Willis

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How To Get A Cat To Use Their Bed
05.01.23 January 05, 2023 Owning a Cat Featured

How To Get A Cat To Use Their Bed

For many cats, their bed represents their very own happy place within your home - an ideal place to sleep and relax throughout the day. Some cats, however, simply won’t take to their bed and may even opt for the box it came in. Whether your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed or was never fond of it at all, our blog will identify potential causes and offer effective tips to get them sleeping soundly in their cat bed once again.   Why won’t my cat sleep in their bed? Cats are particular animals and often want things to be just right, and as their bed is such a significant item in their life, it’s important that it meets their lofty standards. However, there could be a number of reasons why they’re refusing to sleep in their bed. Below, we’ve outlined some common causes: 1. Comfort - Humans and many animal breeds choose their beds based on the sponginess of the surface, the softness of the material and the overall feeling of comfort. Cats are different and sometimes find too much comfort to be unpleasant. For example, if a bed is super soft, it may suit a dog, but a cat may prefer a harder surface such as wood flooring and window shelves. 2. Location - You may choose to put a cat bed where you want it or based on the design of your home, but you should really think more about where your cat may want it. Cats are particular about the location of their bed and, more often than not, would prefer to sleep on the floor in a good location than on their bed in a bad one. 3. Smell -  As cats possess twice the amount of scent receptors in their nose as humans, smell plays an important role in how they perceive the things around them. Many cat owners are confused when their cat sticks their nose up at a brand new bed, but as it doesn’t smell like the things they’re used to - i.e. their home or owners - it can end up feeling unfamiliar.   Why has my cat stopped sleeping in their bed? If your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed, you may be wondering what caused the change. You should first consider if anything you’ve done recently could have put them off using it. For instance, if you’ve recently washed their bed, you may have thought you were cleaning away fur and eradicating any nasty odour, but you were in fact removing the scent that makes your cat feel cosy and at home. Alternatively, you may have moved your cat’s bed to somewhere they’re unhappy with, or you may have given them too much comfort by adding a new blanket or extra cushions. Other potential causes include feeling too hot or cold at certain points in the year, more of an emphasis on asserting their territory through a new animal coming into the home, a natural change of preference as they grow or a general desire to sleep elsewhere.   How to train your cat to sleep in their bed In an effort to help anyone that is having trouble getting their cat to sleep in their bed, we’ve provided a few tips to bear in mind below: 1. Consider the best bed for your cat - You should pick a bed that would suit your cat, choosing a tougher bed if they tend to sleep on hard surfaces or a softer bed if they’re more likely to sprawl out on the sofa. If your cat likes privacy, an igloo bed may be more suitable than an open bed, or they may simply prefer to have their bed in a more secluded area of the home. Not only is it difficult to choose the best bed for your cat, but it may be the case that they change their preferences as they get older. In order to keep your cat sleeping soundly in their bed, keep tabs on their behaviour and adapt to their preferences with beds that are more suitable. 2. Deter them from alternative sleeping spots - Cats often sleep in peculiar locations such as in laundry baskets, baths, in drawers and on top of hard-to-reach items of furniture. It may sound cruel, but by limiting their ability to reach these areas, you should be able to get your cat to sleep in the correct place. You could even place harmless deterrents in these areas such as tin foil and formulated sprays or close off certain areas of your home. By doing this, your cat should see their bed as being the more suitable place to sleep. 3. Lead them to bed - Primarily using treats, you can communicate to your cat that their bed belongs to them and should be used whenever they need to sleep. All you need to do is lure your cat to the bed using treats, encourage them to move into the bed and then keep a treat in your hand above their head until they sit down. Then, when they’re sitting correctly, give them the treat and lots of praise as a reward. Although this approach is best suited to kittens that are still learning how to behave, many older cats are likely to respond to treats too, so you could use this as a way of getting your adult cat to sleep in their bed or get used to a new bed. If, however, your cat isn’t fond of treats, you may decide to use their favourite cat toy or catnip as an alternative. 4. Pick the right spot - Working out the preferred place for your cat’s bed may be the difference between them using it or sleeping elsewhere. You can determine the correct place by monitoring where your cat often sleeps. However, while this is likely to help find the best place to put your cat’s bed, you should always bear in mind that your cat may change their preferred location in the future and the bed may eventually need to be moved elsewhere.

By Megan Willis

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The Best Dog Drying Coats
04.01.23 January 04, 2023 Product Spotlight Featured

The Best Dog Drying Coats

If you're anything like us, you'll be kick-starting your year with plenty of fresh winter dog walks - the perfect way to start that new year health kick as well as celebrate national walk your dog month! But we know how much of a struggle trying to dry your dog after a wet walk can be - this is where drying coats come in! Drying coats are a practical addition to your dog's range of accessories. Not only are they handy after a wet walk, but they are also great to pack in the car when you’re on your travels. Perfect to dry and warm your dog after a bath or a run on the beach. There are loads of drying coats to choose from here at Lords & Labradors, from our own luxury bamboo drying range to plenty of high-quality options from like-minded brands. Here, we look at our range of dog-drying coats. Ones that will be perfect for wicking moisture away after wet walks!   Choosing The Right Drying Coat For Your Dog Finding the right drying coat for your four-legged friend can be tricky. There are a few things to think about when getting a drying coat, material, size, ease of putting on, colour and comfort!    Drying Coat Sizing Size is most important as the drying coat should fit close rather like a horse blanket. This allows the coat to soak up moisture and simultaneously keep wet pets warm. To gauge the size needed, measure your dog’s top line from the collar to the base of their tail and then cross-reference with the size chart of the relevant drying coat. A lot of drying coats are super adjustable so getting a snug fit should be easy! We've put the size guide below for our Lords & Labradors Bamboo drying coats to help you find the ideal fit. Still not sure? Why not contact us and our expert customer care team can help you find the perfect drying coat.  Size Back Length Weight Recommended Breeds XS 26-36 cm 5-8 kg Teacup breeds, small puppies, toy breeds S 35-42 cm 8-10 kg Pugs, Chihuahuas, Terriers M 41-50 cm 10-20 kg Spaniels, Cockapoos, Border Collies L 57-68 cm 20-30 kg Boxers, Labradors, Dalmatians XL 64 -73 cm 30-40 kg Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Sheppards   Drying Coat Attachment Style  When choosing the right coat for you and your dog think about how it goes on your dog and how it attaches. Various brands will have different designs and attachments. Some come with velcro fastenings, others tie on, some are step-in and others slide over your dog's head, so definitely think about how easy it will be to put it on your dog.   Lords & Labradors Bamboo Drying Range Our bamboo drying range was designed and tested here in our Lincolnshire workshop, with both practicality and style in mind. The range has three key products - drying coats, mitts and cushion covers, so you're sure to find the perfect combination for drying your dog. Our drying range is all made from a bamboo fabric which is super soft and is double-layered which is perfect for drawing moisture out of your dog's fur. We picked four stylish colours, Navy, Fir, Gunmetal, and Mole, for our drying range.  We designed our coats to be adjustable, they have velcro belly and neck bands so you can get a secure fit, and they also have a shake-resistant hood! They dry your dog in minutes while keeping them comfortable, and you'll be pleased to know it's machine washable! Our coats come in five sizes so will fit tiny chihuahuas as well as big German shepherds!  The mitts are great for dogs who love to wrestle when you try to put their drying coat on! They're made from the same luxurious bamboo as the coats, you can simply rub down your dog with the absorbent mitts and go. The final piece of our drying collection is our cushion covers. These are designed to slip over your dogs cushion, perfect for protecting them against muddy paw prints. These are ideal for if you've driven to the beach or for a muddy walk to slip over your dog's cushion in the car. The cover easily comes on and off and is machine washable, making it perfect for pet mess protection. Drying Bags Henry Wag's drying bags are great for dogs who hate having something slipped over their head. They're designed simply for your dog to step in and then both have a zip and velcro to fasten your dog in with. However, if your dog is slightly more lively, a traditional drying coat which leaves their legs free may be better so they can still move about whilst wearing it.    Drying Robes The Harbour Hounds drying coats come in stylish stripes and feature a cosy turtle neck which is perfect for keeping them snuggly and can even be pulled up as a hood. The drying coats fasten with poppers so are easy to pop on and off. They're made from 100% cotton, which quickly dries and traps body heat so are perfect for keeping warm after the beach, bathtime or a walk. Harbour Hounds makes their drying coat in an eco-friendly factory so you can be sure it's kind to the planet as well as your pup! Whichever drying coat your choose, we're sure your four-legged friend will love it. Be sure to tag us in any pictures over on our Instagram, we love to see you on your adventures and enjoying our L&L products!

By Megan Willis

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