Lords & Labradors Information Hub

The home of handy tips and advice dedicated to pet owners

New Puppy Crate Beds
31.03.20 March 31, 2020 Product Spotlight Featured

New Puppy Crate Beds

We are excited to introduce our new puppy crate beds - a half size crate bed, designed with puppy crate training in mind. We have created bespoke custom half cushions in the past, for customers who wanted a small cushion for one side of their crate in a fabric that matched their crate cover - Well now we have added them to our main collection for everyone!   A Cosy Puppy Bed with Sherpa Topper Our Puppy Crate Beds are super soft and snuggly, featuring a sherpa fleece top with padded sides offering the ultimate in comfort for your puppy. Your pup will love curling up in the corner whether it's for their afternoon snooze or at bedtime. The beds come in a range of our printed cotton fabrics so you can match it to your chosen crate cover and bumper too.    The Perfect Puppy Bed for Crate Training  The cushions come in five sizes to fit one half of our deluxe crates. Simply pop them in one half of your crate and you will have room for a puppy pad and water bowl in the other -  the ideal nighttime set-up for crate training new puppies. The beds come in a choice of our L&L fabrics so you can match your new puppy cushion to a crate cover. The beds aren’t just designed for crates either, they can be used anywhere in the house. The compact size means they’ll fit under your desk whilst you’re working from home, or anywhere else your dog or puppy might want to relax!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Working From Home With Your Pet
25.03.20 March 25, 2020 Owning a Dog Featured

Working From Home With Your Pet

In a time when it is easy to become stressed thinking about the Covid-19 situation we find ourselves in, there are positives to be taken from it too. For many of us the extra time we are now spending at home will mean more time with our family and our pets. Working from home may seem like a challenge initially, but having more valuable time with our pets is great in many ways, not least for our mental wellbeing. Here we look at the benefits of working at home with our pets and then take a look at some ideas for your home office set-up.   Positives of Working From Home With Your Pet The number one positive here is our happiness and I think we can all agree that our pets make us happy. Having more time to spend with them means more cuddles, more playtime together and more quality bonding time in general. You may well be working for a big proportion of the day, but being at home means your breaks can be spent with other family members, including your cats, dogs and other family pets. The current situation brings with it many challenges. As the news changes daily, so too, do our daily routines. For most people we are now living a life of isolation from the outside world, so finding ways to lift our mood and stress levels is important. Having a pet is proven to reduce stress levels, so when you feel like your home office is getting a little too much, take 5 minutes out to play with your dog or cat. It’ll be just the break you need! When we’re happier and feel fulfilled we work more effectively. Being at home and around loved ones more may just make you more productive in your work. The ability to take a break when you need it, socialise with your cat or dog and set your own timetable will mean you will probably work harder when you do sit down at your desk. This is the most important isn’t it?! Being able to give Bella or Felix a cuddle whenever you want is nothing but a positive thing. A hug makes us all feel better, especially in times of uncertainty. Having your pet around more, just means extra time for fuss. It’s also a good opportunity to get out for more dog walks. If you’re social isolating at the same time, it might just be a walk and a run for your dog in the garden. If you’re social distancing, we are still allowed a daily exercise, so its the perfect time to get out for a walk - try to do it at quieter times when social distancing is easier. Your daily walk will further decrease stress levels, help your fitness levels and offer valuable bonding time with your dog. If you live with other family members, they will be able to take your dog out on their exercise breaks too - might just give you an hour to yourself for that conference call!  Going to work for most of us means some kind of commute. By working at home you’ll be saving time as your desk is merely meters away! This time could be spent doing something much more fun and productive, like grooming Fido or playing fetch in the garden.      Tips for Your Home Office Set-up If working from home is completely new for you, you might wonder how best to set up your home office. Here we’ve come up with some ideas to help balance your home and work environment including your pets. Find a place for your pet in your work space - whilst it’s important to set boundaries and you don’t want your dog distracting you every five minutes, having them close will be good for you and them. Bringing a bed into your home office is one way of allowing them to be close without sitting on your lap. Choose the place that suits your individual pet - it might be under or by your desk, or it might be in the corner if you have a larger dog. Section off an area of the room if needed - every pet is different, so making the room work for you both is important. Sectioning off a corner of your home office with a puppy pen for instance, might just be the best solution for you and your dog. This way they can see you and have your company, whilst still giving you your work space. Provide your dog with toys - Making sure they have things to keep them occupied whilst your working is important. The last thing you want is for boredom to set in. A couple of toys in and around their bed will hopefully give them something to do during working hours. Just remember, there are no hard and fast rules in this situation. It’s all about adapting your home environment to work for you and your family. We’d love to hear how you’ve set up your home office. How did you set up your office and how do you manage to balance work with time with your pets?

By Zac Girdlestone

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Should Dogs Wear Clothes?
24.03.20 March 24, 2020 Owning a Dog Featured

Should Dogs Wear Clothes?

In the modern world of selfies and Instagram stories, it perhaps shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the sight of dogs and pups of all sizes parading around in their very own coats, winter sweaters and doggy boots is becoming increasingly more common. This trend has led to a broader range of dog clothing items available on the market, alongside constant question marks over whether or not it’s deemed ethically and morally acceptable to give your dog their own wardrobe. In this blog, we investigate whether it’s ethical to dress up your dog, ask if dog coats are actually an essential item for dog owners and discover why your dog might genuinely enjoy wearing clothes.   Why Does My Dog Like Wearing Clothes? Believe it or not, it’s not completely unheard of for your furry friend to feel more relaxed in clothing. It’s often assumed that owners are only dressing up their dog for their own benefit, but it’s perfectly plausible that it’s actually to benefit their little bundle of joy instead. If your dog appears to be happier or more at ease when they’re wearing clothes, there’s likely to be an underlying reason for this. Reasons why your dog may be happy wearing clothes include: Warmth - Whether it’s for winter walks or simply for feeling comfortable around the house, it could be the case that your dog simply requires a little extra warmth. Although this is something that can be common in short-haired dogs, this can also apply to dogs with long hair. However, it’s important to be wary of doing this with all dogs regardless of their hair length, as they can overheat if they exercise in clothing or are in the same piece of clothing for too long Relaxation - You may assume that stress and anxiety only affect humans, but dogs need to feel relaxed to the same degree as we do. It’s been suggested that wearing clothes can make dogs feel more positive and at ease. Anti-anxiety dog coats are the solution to this. These coats are specially designed to feel like a gentle hug around your dog and can act to calm them down and decrease feelings of anxiety, particularly during periods of loud background noise, such as Bonfire Night, New Years Eve and even when you just want to use the vacuum cleaner. Attention - It’s upsetting to think that your dog would ever begin to feel like they’re not getting enough attention, but if they’ve associated dressing up with seeing more fuss from humans, it could be something they thrive on. Dogs may enjoy being dressed up for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and other celebrations throughout the year, however, you may be less inclined to do this at other times. This could result in your doggo feeling less special when they are not in costume, missing the extra attention they may have received.   Do Dogs Need Coats? If you’re interested in dressing up your dog or not, you may be tempted to put a coat on them during winter. This is sometimes differentiated from other cases of dressing your dog up, as it may be more necessary if they’re short-haired and express signs of struggling through the weather during colder months of the year. Depending on the climate in which you live, as temperatures drop, there may eventually be a point where it’s unfair or unsafe for your dog to be out in the cold for too long. It’s at this point that they need to wear a coat. You may also look at decreasing the time they spend on walks and choosing warmer times of the day to take them out as extra measures if they continue to show signs of unhappiness in the cold.   When Should A Dog Wear A Coat? For a lot of long-haired breeds, there shouldn’t be a problem with them walking without a coat in cold weather as long as it doesn’t drop below freezing. Short-haired breeds are more likely to need a coat at different times of the year, as they may even feel cold during the spring or autumn months. Although you’ll need to be more wary of your dog getting cold if it has short hair, this doesn’t mean that it always needs to wear a coat when outdoors, as this could lead to  dangerous overheating during the summer. Every dog is different, so it would be advisable to keep a close eye on your dog and monitor how they react to the changing weather. If they show clear signs of being cold such as shivering or acting hesitant around going outside, it may be best to try out a coat during walks until the weather returns to being a more reasonable temperature. The overall consensus for your dog wearing any item of clothing is that it’s perfectly fine as long as it doesn’t upset or harm them in any way. Of course, if they require additional heat, comfort or relaxation, you may even be helping your furry friend by putting a coat on them or dressing them in another item of clothing.

By Johanna Buitelaar-Warden

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Top Dog Friendly Events - Festivals & Shows
17.03.20 March 17, 2020 Travel Featured

Top Dog Friendly Events - Festivals & Shows

We recently shared some of the top Dog Friendly Activity based events coming up in 2020. This week we thought we’d share some of the top festival style events coming up, for those of you who like a slightly more relaxed day out. We’ve scoured the UK for what we think will be the most fun days out for all the family - dogs included!   Dogstival - 16th - 17th May - Pylewell, New Forest Park Dogstival really is a fun festival for the whole family with a whole variety of activities going on over two days. Set in the beautiful Pylewell Park in the New Forest it has open fields, woodland trails and even a beach to explore! Activities over the two days include have-a-go activities for you and your dog to get involved with, and expert talks and demonstrations. There is also a great range of food and drink when it’s time for lunch or a snack. There are a number of ticket options so you can spend just the day or come for the whole weekend. If you fancy making a mini holiday of it why not try doggy glamping?! Head over to the Dogstival website for more information about the event     All About Dogs, Various Locations and Dates from April until September All About Dogs have a number of Shows running throughout the year around the Country including Hylands Park in Chelmsford, the Norfolk Showground and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, amongst others. Each one has its own character, but what is common across them all is the fun you’ll have visiting. There is all sorts to do including main arena displays, have-a-go activities and plenty of shopping. Check out the All About Dogs website for more information about each event.   Goodwoof, - May 24th-25th 2020 - Goodwood House, Sussex Goodwood is an exciting new event taking place over the bank holiday weekend in May. It promises to be a wonderful day our for all the family, canines included. The ultimate celebration of dogs will have all kinds of things going on  including activities, talks and workshops. One of the highlights of the show will be the celebratory Parade of the Spaniel, led by the Ducke of Richmond, as well as the presentation of the Dickin Medal; the highest honour awarded to an animal for military service.  A special occasion not to be missed. To find our more about the show and to book tickets, head over to the Goodwoof website here.   Woofstock Festival - 17th-19th August -Dartmouth, Devon If you’ve always wanted to take your dog to a music festival then Woofstock is just for you. Set over three days, there is a great line-up of musical acts as well as some great canine activities and demonstrations. Woofstock was voted the Best Day Out for 2017 in the Dog Friendly Awards, it was a finalist in the 2018 awards and was nominated in 2019. Woofstock was also listed in the Sunday Telegraph as one of the top 10 niche festivals in the UK. To find out more, peruse the Woodstock website  where you’ll find more about the schedule and links to buy tickets.   The Good Life Experience - 10-13th September 2020 - Flintshire, Wales This festival isn’t all about dogs, but dogs are wholly welcomed and will play a big part in the 2020 event. This festival is all about fun, discovery and adventure. There’ll be crafting, fairground rides, workshops, campfires and even a dog diving competition! There really is something for all the family. To learn more, take a look at The Good Life Experience website for more information about what’s on and to book tickets.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Prepare Your Pet For Spring
03.03.20 March 03, 2020 Health Featured

Prepare Your Pet For Spring

It’s safe to say we can hardly wait for Spring! Winter has its charm; romantic in its bleakness, but there’s nothing quite like the dawning of Spring. Daffodils blooming, lambs in the fields and longer daylight hours… sigh! But fear not, the transition into Spring is upon us. With this in mind, there are a few things that pet owners should consider with the changing of the seasons. The warmer climate will bring with it some changes in our pets which may affect how we look after them. Here we look at a few ways you can prepare your pets for Spring…   Pet Grooming As the weather gets warmer our cats and dogs will begin to shed their winter coats to make way for their new sleek fur. This potentially, depending o the breed of your pet, means lots of shedding. Most breeds will shed somewhat, but especially longhaired breeds. Be prepared to hoover it regularly and also increase their grooming routine. A daily brush will hopefully keep shedding to a minimum and also keep knots and tangles at bay. Even shorthaired will benefit from a regular brush. It not only detangles hair, but also provides a good massage and stimulates blood flow. Not to mention that’s it’s great bonding time for you both too. Depending on your pet’s temperament, you may wish to give them a bath every now and then too.  Use a gentle pet shampoo for the wash and then dry with a drying towel or mitts.   Seasonal Allergies in Pets Like humans, animals too can suffer from seasonal allergies. These cause similar symptoms to those humans would suffer, such as runny noses, watery eyes and itching. It’s best to speak to your vet about the best preventative method for your particular pet, but a regular wash may help remove airborne allergens that may become attached to your pet; and increasing Omega-3 fatty acids in their Diet could also help.   Fleas, Ticks and other Pests The warmer weather will bring with it the emergence of biting flies, mosquitos and other pests. They are not just an annoyance but can also cause illnesses in our pets, so keeping them at bay is essential. There are many options for flea and tick prevention. Again we’d suggest speaking to your vet about the best solutions for your particular pet.   Beware of Poisons The most common poisons are plant based. We’ve talked about the types of flowers and plants that can be poisonous to our pets in previous articles, so make sure you are aware of those and keep your pet away for them as best you can. Foods such as onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate and salt can also be toxic to pets. Be aware and keep your pet safe coming into the Spring.   Make Your Pet is Microchipped We’d suggest you get all cats and dogs microchipped. Any animal that goes outside should be microchipped just in case they get lost, but we’d even suggest chipping indoor cats just to be on the safe side. That open window might just entice them to explore further in the warmer months. An ID tag on a collar is a good addition for someone to quickly locate a lost pet’s home, but a microchip is the safest, most secure option.

By Megan Willis

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Which Dog Matches Your Star Sign?
28.02.20 February 28, 2020 Owning a Dog Featured

Which Dog Matches Your Star Sign?

If you’ve made the decision to get a dog but don’t know what breed to get, you’re not alone. After all, there are so many to choose from and narrowing it down to just one can be quite difficult. You have to take many things into consideration, from what size dog is best for your home, whether you want a puppy or adult, how much exercise the dog requires and whether to get a pedigree or crossbreed.  Not only that, but getting a dog is going to take up a lot of your time and you need to ensure that your new furry-friend will be an ideal match for you and your lifestyle. Remember, when you get a dog, you’re making a big commitment - one that will hopefully last for many years. Naturally, you’ll want to form the best relationship possible with your four-legged companion.  Each dog is unique and different, so it’s important to remember that they will all have their own personality. While you may find one type of dog particularly cuter than another, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that breed’s temperament is a good match for you. This is why it’s important to ensure that you have done enough research into the breed of dog you’re considering before committing.  People and dogs have certain characteristics that align to help make for the perfect match. We have created a fun interactive that looks at the traits of each star sign and the role they may play in helping you find a pooch that would make the ideal companion. Find your zodiac below to reveal which type of doggo is perfect for you. Let us know if you agree with your dog match using the hashtag #YourDogDestiny and don’t forget to tag us on social.   

By Johanna Buitelaar-Warden

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Top Dog Friendly Events - Fitness & Activity Events for Dogs
25.02.20 February 25, 2020 Travel Featured

Top Dog Friendly Events - Fitness & Activity Events for Dogs

Spring is just around the corner and we’ve already started to add events to our Spring/Summer calendar. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love a good day out for all the family, including your canine family members. There are a whole array of dog friendly events going on throughout the year - some festivals, some activity based, some exhibitions. Here we take a look at some of the outdoorsy, activity based events in particular; events perfect for fitness and outdoor loving dogs. So if your dog loves a physical challenge, best put one of these in the diary. And don’t worry, not all of these are for the fittest dogs and people, there are some more relaxed dog walking events too!   The Great British Dog Walk - Various Places around the UK throughout the Year An event for all the family, The Great British Dog Walk is the perfect way to get out and about in a picturesque part of the country whilst raising money for charity. There will be a dog walk to suit everyone with walks planned throughout the year, some with dog agility courses, shows and games. Head to the Great British Dog Walk website to find your nearest walk and sign up.   Wag-a-Tail Trail - 5th April, Sheffield This is an organised guided walk around a beautiful wooded part of Yorkshire. You will be guided by Eastern Moors and Longshaw rangers around some hidden gem locations. Every dog that takes part will get their very own goody bag to take home! Go to the Eventbrite website here for more information and to book tickets.   Muddy Dog Challenge - Various dates and Locations If you and your dog like a physical challenge, then why not try the Muddy Dog Challenge?! You can choose either a 2.5km or 5km obstacle run and you can choose to run either with or without your dog. It’s for a great charity too; you’ll be raising money for Battersea who provide care for thousands of dogs and cats every year. You can find out more information and book your place here at the Muddy Dog website.   Muddy Dog Trek - Various Dates and Locations Another Battersea event, the trek involves a 10km or 20km walk through the South Downs or Cotswolds. The Muddy Dog Trek is for those who like an extra long walk in the rambling British countryside. It won’t be suitable for all dogs, but is the perfect event for those who like an adventure. You’ll get a t-shirt and bandana for your efforts as well as a glass of bubbles and medal and rosette at the finish line. Take a look at the Battersea website here for more information and to book your place.   Maverick Dog Friendly Races - Various Dates and Locations Maverick run a number of different challenge style events including one especially for dogs. This is perfect for those who love to get active in the great outdoors. There are a number of dog friendly races taking place around the country on various dates, so check out the website here to find out more information. So which might you decide to take part in? Don’t forget, like humans, dog’s will need to work their stamina up to the more intensive challenges. Steadily increase the length of your walks on a regular basis and you’ll be ready for that 10km in no time! If you’re not sure whether a certain event is right for you and your dog, you could always have a little chat with your vet to get their advice.

By Megan Willis

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Pet Dental Awareness Month
18.02.20 February 18, 2020 Health Featured

Pet Dental Awareness Month

February is Pet Dental Awareness Month. Dental disease in cats and dogs is more common than one might think. Oral problems aren’t just a cosmetic issue, but if left untreated can cause serious health problems. With a little care and regular check-ups you should be able to keep on top of any issues that may arise. Here we look at ways to spot signs of decay and how to prevent any problems occurring:   How To Spot Signs Of Tooth Decay In Dogs And Cats The main way to tell if your cat or dog have dental issues is their breath. Bad breath is a sign that something isn’t quite right. In this case, book them in for a check-up to be on the safe side. Other signs include bleeding gums, discoloured teeth and pawing at the mouth.   How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth It’s really important to check and care for your pet’s teeth as best you can. If you have a willing pet, regular brushing is the best way to prevent tooth decay and other oral problems. It’s a good idea to start young as they’re much more likely to be accepting of the routine than an older dog. Make sure your dog is relaxed and calm. Start slow, try touching your dog’s mouth and exposing the teeth first to see how they react. You might need to do just this for a few times before going in with the toothbrush. Let your dog lick some toothpaste from your finger, so they get used to the texture and flavour. Once they seem happy, you can use a soft toothbrush to carefully brush their teeth. Don’t forget to go all the way to the gemlike and to massage gently. Brushing in small circles is ideal moving slowly around the mouth. Focus on the outside of the teeth. You can try to get the inside, but if your dog clenches their teeth, don’t worry too much. Your dog’s rough tongue will help clean this area. Talk to your dog through the process, keeping them as calm and relaxed as possible. Give them a good pat afterwards and maybe their favourite treat!     Other Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay If you have pet who is unwilling to have their teeth brushed, there other ways to help prevent problems. Dental toys, dental chews and  dry food. Whilst these aren’t as effective as regular brushing, there are a range of products to help keep teeth and gums healthy. Look for chew toys, treats and foods that are specifically designed for oral care.   Regular Vet Check-Ups Your vet should check over your pets teeth as part of their regular check-up, but if you have any specific concerns ask if they can do a thorough check-up.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Everything You Need For Your New Persian Kitten
11.02.20 February 11, 2020 Cat Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Persian Kitten

We are all familiar with the distinct looks of the Persian breed; their large round eyes and dense long fur being the two main features. Generally a quiet breed, they are extremely popular pets and suit an indoor lifestyle. They tend to be very close to their owners, the epitome of a lap cat, and also tend to be friendly towards strangers. This agreeable personality and cute good looks mean they are the 3rd and 5th most popular cat breeds in the USA and UK respectively. Here we take a closer look at the Persian and consider all the things you’ll need if you’re thinking of making a Persian your next pet!   The History of the Persian Breed There's no doubt about it, Persians are one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds. It is not fully clear when Persians first appeared, but the first documented ancestor of this long-haired cat was in Italy in 1620. Recent research has found that present day Persians are in fact descended from cats bred in Western Europe rather than their Near Eastern cousins. Today there are two main types of Persian: the traditional or Doll-face and the Peke-face and ultra type. The Doll-Face is essentially the most traditional of the breed, without the extreme features of the more recently developed, flat-faced peke-face and ultra types. In general the former are more popular amongst pet owners and the latter more favoured by those who show their cats.   What Should I Get for My Persian Kitten? So you’ve decided to get a Persian? Congratulations are in order! If you're not sure what to buy for them though, we're here to help. Like most cats, the essentials are pretty much the same, but there is one really important factor when it comes to Persians: Grooming! They needs lots of grooming!  Take a look at our shopping list here where we make our recommendations for this beautiful breed: Large Size Litter Tray - A large sized hooded cat litter tray is ideal to give them the room and privacy to toilet in comfort. It’s highly likely they will be indoor pets, so giving them a space to toilet in peace is a must.  Velvet Cat Bed - Persians tend to live very steady lifestyles and will be happy mainly lying around and snoozing. A cat bed that is soft and plump will ensure they have somewhere to sleep and nap when they please. Our Luxury velvet cushions are perfect as they have the good looks your Persian deserves as well as the cosy comfort!  Prescribed Diet - When planning your Persian cat’s diet you should take into consideration their typically less active lifestyle and their plush coat. Feeding a good quality food that is low in fat is often the best option and if you can find a food that promotes a healthy coat even better! If you’re unsure of where to start, it’s always a good idea to chat to your breeder and your vet. Of course cat’s are all individuals, so things like flavour may come down to your cat’s personal taste too. Food and Water Bowl - You will need at least two bowls; one for water and one for food, a third if you're going to feed both wet and dry food. There are a number of gorgeous bowls in our shop. Which you choose will come down to personal preference. Scratch Tree - As we’ve mentioned before, Persian’s tend to lead a less active lifestyle than many other breeds. With this in mind, offering as much opportunity to exercise and scratch indoors is a must. A tall scratch post with platform is advisable so they have somewhere to sate their scratching needs as well as lounge. Grooming Kit - Getting the right grooming kit for Persian cats is a must. The catit longhair grooming kit is ideal as it has all the tools necessary to keep your cat’s coat in tip top condition. Persians have a fine topcoat with a very dense undercoat and ensuring you take care of the hair from root to tip is imperative. There are many guides on how to groom cats and the Catit kit itself comes with some great information. It might be worth taking your cat to a professional groomer once a month too,  just to keep on top of it properly. A daily brush at least, is essential. Cat Shampoo - You may find brushing isn’t quite enough and choose to bathe your cat as well. It shouldn’t need to be done more than once a month (unless you plan to show your cat) and if you begin bathing whilst they are a kitten they should soon get used to the routine. Animology make a great quality cat shampoo called ‘Feline Great’. This shampoo is 100% pet safe and will promote a healthy coat. Don’t forget to dry them off well so they don’t get cold.  Cat Toys -  Provide your cat with a variety of cat toys so they don’t get bored. Persian cats generally lead very happy lives indoors, but this doesn’t mean they don’t ever get bored. Provide them with an environment that will stimulate their minds. As well as a scratch post give them a couple of teaser toys and some catnip mice to bat about. They may not be as playful or energetic as some other breeds, but they will definitely appreciate some fun activities around their home. If you have any questions about our article, please do get in touch. We love to hear from you and will be happy to help in any way we can. And on another note, don't forget to send us your pictures. We love to see pictures of your four legged friends!  

By Zac Girdlestone

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How To Crate Train A Dog
10.02.20 February 10, 2020 Owning a Dog Featured

How To Crate Train A Dog

The idea of crate training your bundle of joy can seem daunting at first, but it’s not as tedious as you may think. All you need is patience and perseverance. Crates can be used in numerous ways for different purposes, such as teaching dogs and puppies bladder control and encouraging obedience. When training your dog, you want them to see the crate not as a punishment, but as their den, bed and safe place.      There are several different crate training processes. It can take weeks or even months to train your pet properly, with factors such as age, temperament and former experiences all affecting how quickly they are able to progress. Adult dogs and puppies can be trained in the same way, although generally, puppies tend to pick things up faster.  Disobedient dogs can ruin your furniture, chew your shoes and rummage through your bins, causing you a lot of stress and costing you money as a result. Crate training is designed to counteract this kind of behaviour. In this blog, you’ll find out exactly what crate training is, how to do it and why it’s so important.   What Is Crate Training? Crate training describes the process of teaching a dog to relax in a crate. It takes time for dogs to feel comfortable in an unusual environment, so several training methods can be practised to speed the process along.  If a dog is forced into a crate without proper training, they will feel trapped and associate it with fear instead of security. That’s why crate training relies on positive reinforcement, such as using dog treats and toys to strengthen the notion of the crate being a pleasant space.  This particular kind of training should be implemented in small steps. This is where patience comes in. Your dog may be reluctant at first, so it’s all about repetition and positivity, offering lots of praise and love throughout.   How To Crate Train A Dog First and foremost, you should ensure that the cage is large enough to accommodate your dog. If they can stand up and turn around in it comfortably, it should be fine. To make it as appealing as possible, soften it with cushions and blankets to create the perfect snuggle spot for your furry companion. Once your crate is all set up in a convenient area like the living room, you can start the training procedure by enacting the following steps: Introducing your dog to the crate - When presenting the crate to your dog for the first time, make sure that the door is securely open. It can usually be fastened to the side of the cage to prevent it from closing on your dog abruptly. Your dog might go straight in and explore or be extremely cautious and hesitant.  If this is the case, drop a trail of food treats leading up to the cage, inside the door and in the middle of it. Don’t force them in if they’re refusing to enter, just keep dropping the treats inside the cage until they calmly go in. If food isn’t working, throw their favourite toy inside. This process could take anywhere from several minutes to a couple of days, so just keep on persisting.  Feed your dog meals in the crate - When your dog willingly goes in the crate to collect their treats, place their food dish inside and towards the back of the crate. If they’re still slightly reluctant, place their dish near the crate door and push the dish further back in the crate every time you feed them. After your dog becomes accustomed to eating their meal in the crate, you should close the door while they are having their food. The first time you do this, open the door immediately after they finish their food. From then on, try leaving the door closed for a bit longer each time after they’ve finished eating. If your dog begins to whine and cry, don’t open the door until they stop, or they’ll learn that’s how to get out.  Close the door for longer periods of time - As you reach a point where your dog is eating regularly in the crate and remains undeterred by the door closing, start confining them in for short periods of time while you’re in the same room. You should repeat commands to enter, such as “crate” or “bed”, in a friendly tone and praise them with a treat every time they go in. Practice sitting near the cage at first, then move to other parts of the house for short bursts of time. After this, return to the same spot and let them out of the cage after a few minutes. Do this several times throughout the day, each time increasing the duration of your absence. Once you’ve reached 30 minutes with no disturbances, you can leave them when you’re out of the house for short periods, as well as letting them sleep there during the night.     Why Is Crate Training Important? Crate training provides dogs with a sense of comfort and security. Dogs are den animals after all. They instinctively seek out confined spaces to find a shelter for themselves. Crate training is beneficial because it means that the crate will become a dog’s safe haven.  It’s recommended to crate train dogs from a young age. Crates encourage bladder control as dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping quarters, which in turn helps to establish a routine. You can personally enjoy peace of mind when leaving the house, knowing that your dog is safe and happy within their cage. Crates are also the ideal solution for confining your dog at times when they may be feeling overexcited or confused, such as having lots of guests in the house. They can be taken into cars for a safe way to travel with your dog too, as well as giving you the opportunity to take them to places where they may not be allowed out. The perfect resting place for dogs, a crate can have a profoundly positive effect on both yours and your pet’s life when used humanely and correctly. 

By Johanna Buitelaar-Warden

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