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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Everything You Need For Your New Cavalier King Charles Puppy
17.09.19 September 17, 2019 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Cavalier King Charles Puppy

Cavalier King Charles’ are known for their loving, lap dog nature. They love nothing more than a fuss and a sit on their owners lap. They also have a somewhat sporty aspect to their nature too, coming from their spaniel ancestors. When they’re not sitting on your lap being fussed, they will probably enjoy a run around the garden or on the beach. Some may well even like a game of throw and retrieve! If you’re getting a Cavalier King Charles puppy there are a few things to consider. Here we run down all the things you will need for your new furry friend.   Dog Crate We strongly recommend crate training all breeds of puppy as it really helps with all aspects of housetraining. It teaches them that it’s ok when you’re around all the time and will certainly help at bedtime, getting them into their nighttime routine efficiently. Your Cavalier King Charles will need a Medium 30” crate so that they can grow into it as an adult. We’d suggest setting up with a small puppy bed or piece of Vetbed in one side and a puppy pad in the other for nighttime. As he grows, you can then swap it out for a full size crate cushion and bumper set. Add a set of crate bowls and your puppy will have everything he needs to keep him comfortable at nighttime.   Collar, Harness and Lead A small sized collar is ideal for your pup, make sure it's super soft for puppies little necks. For lead training we absolutely recommend a harness as it gives much more support than a collar and will be much more comfortable with more surface area. In the initial stages of training your puppy on the lead they are probably going to pull a lot and a harness will prevent strain on their neck.    Dog Bowls Bowls come in all shapes and sizes. We'd suggest something small to begin with, so they are perfect for puppies and then we strongly recommend swapping to a spaniel bowl with sloping sides when they're older to help prevent their ears getting wet. You’ll also need bowls for their crate. Crate bowls are perfect for this as they attach really easily to the bars of your crate which will help prevent your pup from moving or spilling the contents.   Puppy Food A good quality puppy food is a must. Your breeder should give you a small amount of whatever they have been feeding your pup so you can keep their diet consistent. If you wish to change the food later on, do so gradually over a week or so. Water should also be left down all day.   Grooming Products Cavalier King Charles' have a semi long coat so a certain amount of grooming on a weekly basis will be essential. Use a soft slicker brush to get them used to grooming from a young age. You may find their long hair picks up dust and debris so a bath may be essential at times. Animology make a range of puppy shampoos that are perfect for sensitive pups. Try not to bathe more than once a week though, unless they’re really dirty. You can always use wipes in-between for smaller cleanups!   Puppy Toys All puppies love playtime! Playtime offers essential bonding time with you and aids in their development. Try to offer a variety of toys including something to chew, something to cuddle and something to chase. Pop a couple of toys in their crate if you to close them in so they don’t get bored, and keep some in their general living area. Giving them something to play with will stop boredom creeping and prevent any destructive behaviour on your home furnishings.   Other things you might like… A dog gate or puppy pen is a really practical idea to help section off a room. Containing your puppy in a safe space will be a must for at least the first few weeks whilst they are learning about their new environment. You could choose a dog gate for doorways if you wish to section a whole room, or you could choose a puppy pen which can be placed anywhere to give your pup a small specific space of their own. Remember to keep food and water down in their space and provide plenty of entertainment in the form of toys so they don’t get bored. We hope you've found our list helpful. If you have any questions about the products here or any other questions related to other items you're thinking of purchasing for your Cavalier King Charles puppy, please do get in touch; we're always happy to help! 

By Zac Girdlestone

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How To Crate Train Your New Puppy
03.09.19 September 03, 2019 Getting A Puppy Featured

How To Crate Train Your New Puppy

You’re super excited to be getting a new puppy, but also slightly anxious to get everything just right… don’t worry, it’s only natural! Everyone goes through the same thing in the lead up to introducing their pup to their new forever home. If you haven’t bought everything you’re going to need, check out our The Top 10 Puppy Essentials, where we detail everything you’re going to need to help settle in your new puppy. One of the main considerations is crate training your pup. Many people ask the question, “Do I need to crate train my puppy?” to which we advise yes! Crate training is a great way to help settle in nervous pups. It gives them a quiet place of their own; a comfortable and safe place to sleep at night. Used with a cover, it will help your puppy get into the night time routine quickly. Read on for our guide on how to crate train your puppy…   What Size Crate Do I Need For My Puppy? This will all depend on the breed of your puppy of course, but we do always suggest buying the crate in a size big enough for your pup to grow into as an adult. You can layout the crate slightly differently whilst they’re young and just swap out the bedding for a full size crate cushion as your puppy grows. If you’re unsure what crate size you might need, check our recommendations on our size calculator, or give us a call at +441790 720900. How Do I Set Up A Crate For A New Puppy You have a couple of choices here really, one with a divider and one without.   Option 1: Crate + Divider + Small Puppy Bed + Crate Bowls You can use a divider to make the space inside smaller whilst your puppy is young and use a cosy puppy bed. You will need to ensure they are taken outside to toilet every couple of hours, even through the night in this case. As your pup grows, you can remove the divider and swap the puppy bed for a full size cushion. Make sure you add crate bowls with food and water for when they're closed inside.   Option 2: Crate + Puppy Bed + Puppy Pad + Crate Bowls The second option, and the option we usually recommend, is to split the space into two halves with a piece of Vetbed or a cosy puppy bed in one side and a puppy pad in the other - no need for a divider. The puppy pad will allow you to close your puppy inside whilst ensuring any nighttime accidents don’t soil the bed. Some question whether this will encourage soiling in the crate, but it is really just for the first few weeks when your puppy can’t hold themselves at all. Dogs will naturally choose to toilet somewhere away from their den so they will soon learn to toilet outside as soon as they can hold themselves. Optional Extras:  We'd also suggest providing a cover to give extra privacy. Our covers have doors which can be rolled up and down to help your pup learn when night time is and get them into a bedtime routine quickly. You may also wish to add a bumper to the inside of the crate to fit around the puppy bed or vet bed… your puppy will love snuggling up in the corner with a cosy bumper.     How Should I Set Up the Crate Once my Puppy is Fully Toilet Trained? So your puppy is settled, sleeping through the night and holding themselves long enough to no longer need puppy pads? It may be time to switch up your crate set. Once your puppy is toilet trained, you won’t need a puppy pad in the crate any longer and you may wish to upgrade their bed to more refined style that you’re likely to keep for longer. If you’ve used a bumper and/or cover you could choose the matching full size crate cushion to create a beautiful bed. All of our cushions have a waterproof liner and detachable, washable covers so if they do have the odd accident it isn’t the end of the world.   How To Crate Train A Puppy 1. Introduce Your Puppy To The Crate When first introducing your puppy to the crate for the first time, keep the crate doors open. You want your puppy to form a positive association with the crate so take things at their pace, they may be hesitant to go in or stride right over to explore. If they are slightly more hesitant either use some of their food or some treats and make a trail leading up to the crate and inside it. If they are still hesitant to go in don’t force them, just keep repeating this step until they calmly go in. You could also try putting one of their toys inside for them to help encourage them. Don’t rush this stage, it could take a few minutes or a few days but it’s so important to start building positive associations with the crate rather than rushing them 2. Feed Them Their Meals In The Crate Once your puppy is comfortable in their crate, start putting their food bowl in their crate. For hesitant puppies put the bowl nearer the door and keep moving it further back as they become more confident with each meal. Your puppy will then become more comfortable eating in their crate, once they’re happily in there start closing the door at meal times. Initially you’ll want to open the door immediately after they finish eating and then start building up how long you keep the door shut after meal time. If your puppy begins to cry, don’t open the door until they stop crying as you don’t want to teach them that crying will get them out. Once they are calm open the door and give them some reassurance. 3. Build Up Keeping The Door Closed Slowly but surely you’ll want to build up the period of time that your puppy is in the crate for, start by being in the room and using commands such as ‘crate’ or ‘bed’ and praising them with treats every time they go in. Then start moving away from the crate and building up how long you’re away from them for. Eventually your puppy will be happy sleeping in their crate over night as well as for periods throughout the day.   If you have any more questions on crate training your puppy, why not chat to one of our pet experts? You can call them on (+44) 1790 720 900 or email them on sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk

By Zac Girdlestone

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The Best Interactive Cat Toys
27.08.19 August 27, 2019 Owning a Cat Featured

The Best Interactive Cat Toys

We all know how much cats love to play. Their natural instinct to hunt and chase means that anything that moves becomes their target! There are a whole host of cat toys out there, from catnip mice to dangly teaser toys, all designed for your cats love for chasing. All cats will appreciate a toy or two, but if you have an indoor cat or a particularly active playful cat, then you may like to offer them an array of various toys. Some of our favourite toys for cats are interactive and offer more than the average mouse toy or ball. Here we look at some of the best interactive cat toys we think your felines will love!   Cat Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are a great choice for cats, helping to keep them active and their brain stimulated. These can all be used with or without treats or food inside - offering a tasty reward for their efforts. Our favourites are the Catit Treat Ball, Play Treat Puzzle Game and Digger toys.    Cat Laser Toys Cats love to chase! Whether it’s a “mouse” or a feather, their natural hunting instinct always kicks in at the slightest sign of movement. A laser toy such as the Catit Laser Mouse is a great way for you and your kitten to enjoy playtime. Move the light around the floor (maybe a little up the Wall!) and watch as your cat plays for hours!   Catit Senses 2.0 - Multi-Sensory Cat Toys If you’re looking for the ultimate in sensory playtime fun for your cat or kitten, then the Catit Senses 2.0 range of toys is ideal. Every item is designed to appeal to one of your cats extraordinary senses; from scratching to chasing; massaging to eating. There are Circuits, consisting of covered tracks with balls inside that your cat will enjoy batting around and ‘hunting’; Scratching Accessories to sate their natural scratching desires; Food Puzzle Toys and a lounging Massage Centre for rest time. Each piece can be used as a stand-alone item or can be pieced together to create a super kitty playground! The circuit tracks are all sweeping and curving and can placed around most of the other items such as the scratch post and food tree. The great thing is that the items can be used in so many ways - you can keep changing the layout so that your cats will never get bored. Absolutely perfect for indoor cats who may need more toys than their outdoor cousins, but great for all cats to help keep them occupied in the house. If you have any questions about any of the products in this or any of our articles, please do get in touch. We're always happy to help and advise in any way we can!

By Megan Willis

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Everything You Need For Your New Labradoodle
21.08.19 August 21, 2019 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is becoming more and more popular with people looking for a loyal and loving pet. The Poodle x Labrador retriever mix was originally bred to encourage hypoallergenic fur and a loving nature. As with all crossbreeds though, their traits can vary somewhat as the puppies will inherit some genes and not others from the pool of their parents. This means not all puppies will be hypoallergenic and sizes will vary. Shopping for a Labradoodle can therefore be more tricky than buying for a  pedigree puppy as you can’t always be sure what personality your pup will have. Here we will discuss the items we’d suggest and the things to consider when choosing your Labradoodle puppy’s shopping list.     The basics: All dogs need pretty much the same basics. Use this checklist to make sure you have all the essentials covered: 1. Dog bowls for food and water 2. Dog Food - ask your breeder what food they’ve been fed as a puppy and continue the same diet for the first few months. Any changes to diet should be made slowly over a week or so. 3. Puppy Bed - we’d suggest a small puppy bed to put inside your crate for the first few weeks. Puppy beds are soft and washable so any accidents can be cleaned easily. You can then upgrade to a full size bed once they are fully toilet trained and have grown in size. You’ll have a better idea of how big they are going to be as an adult.     Labradoodle Dog Crate and Bedding The size of the puppies can vary depending on the poodle parent and whether they are a standard, miniature or toy breed. No breeder will be able to tell exactly how big the puppies will grow, but they can discuss the puppies lineage to gauge a good estimate. With this in mind the size of crate you will need will depend on this. If your pup’s parent was a miniature poodle a large 36” crate is likely to be a good size, but if the parent was a standard poodle then a 42” will probably be best. The same goes for the dog bed you choose. Speak to your breeder and find out about the size of the parents to try to help judge how big the pup will grow.   Labradoodle Grooming Products There are three coat types associated with Labradoodles: straight coats shed the most and are less desirable; silky wavy coats are low shedding; and curly coats are dense, thick and non-shedding. When you know what kind of fur your pup has, you can choose a suitable shampoo for bath time as well as a series of combs for grooming time. A drying coat in a suitable size will also be great for drying after bath time, and also trips out to the beach! Shorter coats will only need a brush twice a week, whilst longer coats may need more regular brushing and a trim every six weeks.   Walking Accessories Labradoodles tend be intelligent dogs and need a fair amount of activity to keep their brains occupied. A harness and lead is great for training your pup as the harness is comfortable for little pup’s and allows for greater control. It’s best to measure your pup (or get your breeder to do so) to get the perfect fit. It’s important the harness fits snuggly so they don’t wriggle out of it - you may need to size up as they grow. We love the Front Range harness and lead set by Ruffwear - a super durable, premium quality set designed to last.   Toys For a Labradoodle Poodles are considered the second most intelligent dog breed and Labradors are renowned for their learning skills, so these are traits your Labradoodle will likely inherit. Keeping your dog entertained even when at home will be important and offering a variety of toys will keep their minds active. Buy a selection and rotate them so they don’t get bored and make sure to have all different types including chew toys, soft toys and interactive toys. We hope our guide was helpful. Remember to speak to your breeder when selecting your pup to best gauge the traits your particular puppy is likely to have. If you have any questions about our article, please do get in touch. We always love to hear from you. Send us your pictures too - we can't get enough of your pets!!  

By Zac Girdlestone

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Everything You Need For Your New Ragdoll Kitten
13.08.19 August 13, 2019 Cat Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Ragdoll Kitten

The easy-going, loving nature of the Ragdoll Breed makes them a very popular pet. Their distinctive pointed coat and vivid blue  eyes make them arguably one of the most beautful breeds.  Whilst they can be independent at times, they tend to be sociable cats who are as good with other animals in the household as they are with their human family members. If you’ve never owned a Ragdoll before (perhaps you’ve never owned a cat at all?!), you may be wondering how best to look after them. Whilst they have many of the same needs as a normal cat, there are a few things that Ragdolls like and need in particular. Here we take a look at everything you need for your Ragdoll Cat and give a few tips on how to look after them:   Everything in a Size Large! Ragdoll Cats are one of the largest domestic breeds and with this in mind, you should aim to buy your cat’s accessories in a size large. A large litter box that allows them to move around in comfortably and a large cat bed that they can stretch out on. Also consider a fairly tall scratch post - cats like to stretch out their muscles as they scratch so giving them a tall post will allow them to stretch out their bodies. Finally, a roomy carrier for those necessary trips to the vet. Cosy Cat Bed Litter Tray Tall Scratch Post Pet Carrier   Ragdoll Cat Grooming Ragdolls are known for their distinctive good looks. The typical Ragdoll has a siamese-like pointed coat and has semi-long, fine hair. They don’t need as much grooming as a other longhaired breeds such as Persians, but they do need a moderate amount, a couple of times a week. Ensuring you have the right grooming tools is essential for keeping your cat’s coat healthy, knot-free and shiny. Ensure you have a range oc combs and brushes to enable you to keep their coats tangle free and smooth. Grooming is a really good way to bond with your kitten. Start from the first week you get them home so it becomes normal to them and always brush them when they are relaxed, with gentle strokes. A good grooming regime will help stop shedding and hairballs developing too.   Ragdoll Cat Toys Whilst Ragdolls have a more laid-back temperament compared to other feline breeds, they still like to hunt and play like other cats. Provide your cat with a series of cat balls or mice and perhaps a wand teaser toy. Playtime will offer bonding time and exercise and will help your cat sate their desire to “chase their prey”. Ragdoll Cats are famously intelligent and will benefit from interactive toys too. The Catit Senses 2.0 range is ideal for Ragdolls, offering stimulating playtime. From puzzle toys that offer a tasty treat as a prize, to scratch and massage accessories; your cat is sure to love the Catit Senses 2.0 range.   Indoor or Outdoor Cat? One of the most important considerations is whether they should be indoor or outdoor cats. Whilst there is a strong argument that cats, no matter the breed, should be able to live outdoors to aid their natural instinct to roam and hunt, you should definitely consider whether this is the best idea for your Ragdoll. The Ragdoll breed is known for their loving temperament - one of the things that makes them so desirable. This also makes them rather trusting in nature; they are not likely to defend themselves against other cats, making them more susceptible to disease and parasites.  Many people choose to keep their pedigree cats indoors and as long as you provide them with the accessories and furniture they need, they will live a happy and healthy life. Read our recent Indoor Cat Care Guide here.

By Zac Girdlestone

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The Best Pet Travel Accessories - How To Travel With Your Cats And Dogs
06.08.19 August 06, 2019 Product Spotlight Featured

The Best Pet Travel Accessories - How To Travel With Your Cats And Dogs

Whether it’s a quick visit to the Vet or a longer adventure; a ten minute trip to town or a long road trip on holiday, travelling safely with your pet is a must. It is a legal requirement to ensure your pet is secure when travelling in the car for both your pet’s and your safety. Here we take a look at various types of travel accessory so you can make an informed decision as to which is the best for you. Our Must Have Travel Accessories Car Crate Slanted crates have been popular for small-medium sized for a while and we have now introduced car crates in larger sizes for dogs up to the size of a Labrador too! The Trixie Friends on Tour crates are premium, sturdy metal crates and come in single and double versions.   Car Seatbelts A car seatbelt is a great option if you want to travel with your dog in the main part of the car with you. They are ideal for larger dogs who are too big for a car crate. Use in conjunction with a well fitting harness and make sure it isn’t too long; you don’t want your dog to be able to move around too much. The length should be just comfortable enough for them to sit and lay without it pulling.   Small Breed Dog and Cat Carriers If you have a smaller dog or a cat and are looking for a convenient carrier, there are a number of new additions to our range. We have some super cute, futuristic looking designs in bright contemporary colours - perfect for toy dog breeds and your feline friends! There are also some practical designs from Trixie which will make trips to the vet a breeze!   Feeding on the go We have some great new accessories from KONG and Mobile Dog Gear that will make feeding and watering your pets on the go super easy. Travel bowls and water cups with pop up bowls can be stored easily in travel bags and used as when needed on longer journeys. If you’re looking for the ultimate travel set, you will love the new sets from Mobile Dog Gear. The sets come in different sizes and designs, and include everything you need for various types of trip. Great for all the adventuring dogs out there!  However long the journey, whatever the mode of transport, we have it covered. We've highlighted just a few of the newest travel accessories, but there are even more over in the Travel Section of our website.

By Megan Willis

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Indoor Cat Care Guide - Top Tips for Looking After Your Indoor Cat
30.07.19 July 30, 2019 Owning a Cat Featured

Indoor Cat Care Guide - Top Tips for Looking After Your Indoor Cat

When most people think of cats, they think of neighbourhood felines who can be seen climbing trees and stalking their territory. But not all felines are outdoor cats; if you have a pedigree cat it’s likely they live solely indoors with you. Even though their daily environment is different, they will have similar needs to their outdoor cousins that will need to be considered. If you're about to be the owner of a new indoor kitten there are some extra things to think about when preparing your home for their arrival. Read on to discover our Top Tips for Looking After Your Indoor Cat:   Kitten And Cat Essentials The absolute essentials are pretty much the same for all cats, both indoor and outdoor. Here’s a handy shopping tick list for those preparing for the arrival of a new kitten: Litter tray and litter Bed Food and water bowls Wet and dry food Toys for stimulation When preparing for an indoor cat though, you’ll need to think about replicating some of the things an outdoor cat will do and experience inside.   Keep Your Indoor Cat Active Indoor cats are naturally less active than their outdoor cousins simply due to the differences in environment. Those roaming outdoors will likely be chasing and climbing on a daily basis and have access to a wide area of land. It’s really important that you replicate this activity and provide your indoor cat with equipment that will encourage exercise. A good quality cat tree in a size as large as you have room for is a must. The more platforms and features it has the better, as you’ll want to encourage as much exercise as possible. Tall, floor-to-ceiling options are great for breeds such as Bengals who are naturally more active; they will love climbing their indoor territory. For those with limited space, wall mounted platforms and accessories are a great option, giving your feline the room to climb without taking up any floorspace. Think about how many cats you have too; if you have a multi-cat household you will need to provide extra climbing space and activities. The more cats, the more climbing apparatus needed!   Encourage Scratching In The Right Places! Scratching is natural and healthy for cats. It keeps their claws sharp and allows them to shed the dead husks from the nail. Whilst you definitely don’t want your felines scratching your precious furniture, you do need to provide them with somewhere to sate their scratching needs. A scratch post, pad or wall mount is a must. Your cat’s tree will almost definitely have scratch posts and pads built into it, but you could provide other scratching items around the house too. A cardboard scratcher is a great accessory. If you buy it in a large enough size, your cat will probably enjoy lounging on it when not scratching it! You could also try a hanging scratch pad which simply hang on door handles (but can be hooked on to anything stable)   Keep Your Indoor Cat Stimulated It’s important to ensure your indoor cat doesn’t get bored. As well as a place to climb, provide them with toys and accessories to help keep their mind stimulated. Catnip toys are a great choice to encourage their hunting abilities and teaser wand toys will provide playtime with you - perfect bonding time. The important thing is to offer a range of toys and activities around the home that will encourage climbing, running, hunting and chasing. All these things will keep your cat active, exercised and healthy. We love the Catit Senses 2.0 range of accessories in particular. Designed to appeal to every one of your cat’s unique senses, the toys and accessories can be used separately or put together to create the ultimate stimulating experience. The range includes  activity tracks with chasing balls, scratch accessories, a cat grass garden and stimulating food games. Choose A Good Quality, Specially Formulated Cat Food Cats who live indoors are likely to have more hairballs than their outdoor cousins, put on weight more easily and have different energy requirements. Choose a dry cat food that has been specially formulated for Indoor Cats. These recipes have been formulated specifically for your indoor cats needs. You could speak to your breeder or Vet if you’re unsure which is best for your specific cat.   Give Them A Taste Of The Outdoors In A Safe Way You could still allow your cat to experience the great outdoors without setting them free completely. If trained from kittenhood, cats can be taken out on a harness and lead and walked around the garden. If you think your cat will hate the idea, you could provide them with an outdoor cat enclosure, rather like a giant rabbit hutch. If you choose this idea, remember to provide all the things you would indoors (toys, scratching accessories and food etc) and make sure you check up on them often. If these options aren’t suitable for you, it may be that you leave a spot on a windowsill for your cat to perch safely and open a window slightly - your cat will be able to feel the fresh air and experience the sights and smells of the great outdoors from the safety of their home.    We hope our handy Indoor Cat Care Guide comes in useful. When preparing your cat’s indoor environment think about your home in particular and what will and won’t work for you. As long as all the needs of your cat are covered in some way, you’ll have happy, healthy cat in your care. If you have any questions, do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Let us know what your cat does and doesn’t enjoy and send us your pictures - we always enjoy seeing your furry bundles of joy; canine, feline and other pets!

By Zac Girdlestone

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How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer
23.07.19 July 23, 2019 Health Featured

How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

We all love a little summer sunshine. Days by the beach and a paddle in the sea are a summer-holiday-must! Whilst it’s great to get outdoors when the weather is fine, it’s also important to take note of the heat and stay safe - both for you and your pets. Here in Britain, we’re having a mini heatwave next week, so we thought we’d look at ways to keep your pet cool this Summer…   Top 6 Ways To Keep Your Pet Cool 1. Stay Indoors We might love making the most of the warm weather outdoors but it can be super dangerous for our four-legged friends. On hot days make sure to keep your dogs cool indoors to prevent heatstroke. Heatstroke is life-threatening and is brought on by a sudden rise in body temperature, find out the key warning signs in our heatstroke blog, spotting the signs early and seeking treatment quickly can massively increase survival chances. Don’t forget about your smallest pets in the Summer. If you have small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs who live outside, it may be a good idea to bring them inside on the hottest days if you can. If you can’t bring them inside try to move the hutch into a shaded area and reposition it as the shade moves throughout the day. You could drape damp towels over the cage to help regulate the temperature inside the cage.   2. Offer Plenty of Water Keeping hydrated in Summer is high on the priority list. Put down a few different bowls of water in various places around the house and garden (wherever your pet is allowed to roam) so they have access to as much fresh drinking water as possible. Keep it in the shade so it stays cool and fresh as long as possible and don't forget to top up and change it regularly.   3. Be Careful of Hot Pavements On the hottest days, walk your dog in the morning and evening when pavements are cooler. Hot pavements in the hottest part of the day can cause serious damage to pup’s paws. If you’re unsure whether to take them out or not, test the ground with your hand; if it’s hot to touch, then it’s too hot for your dog. If you do take them out make sure to keep the walk short so they don't overheat and make sure to take a travel water bowl with you so your dog can have a drink on the way! Temperature Recommendation 16-19 Degrees Generally safe to walk your dog. Take note if your dog is obese or a flat-faced breed  20 - 23 degrees Rigorous exercise in this heat could lead to heatstroke 24 - 27 degrees  Extreme caution must be taken. Obese or flat-faced dogs would be at risk in these temperatures. 28 degrees upwards All dog breeds would be susceptible to heatstroke at these temperature 4. Go For a Swim You could provide your dog with a paddling pool placed in a shaded spot. A dip in cool water will help regulate their body temperature. Equally, a walk on the beach (again, not during the hottest part of the day) and a paddle will help cool them down and avoid possible dehydration.   5. Never Leave Your Pet in Hot Cars This should be obvious, but just in case - never leave your pet in the car in warm weather. The temperature in a car can rise so rapidly and it can take only a short time for animals to die in an over-hot car. If you see animals locked in a car on a hot day you should report them immediately.   6. Sun Protection Short-haired and fair-skinned pets need sun protection. It’s best to keep them out of the sun, but on days where they’ll definitely be out in it for a short time, make sure to use a pet-safe sunscreen. Pay close attention to noses too!   How to Keep a Dog Cool at Night Your dog is unlikely to develop heatstroke at night but on particularly muggy evenings they may feel as uncomfortable and restless as you do. There are a few things you can try to keep your precious pooch as cool as possible:  Keep sunlight out of your room - try shutting the curtains and blinds to prevent your house from heating up during the day Try freezing treats or a Kong toy for your dog to play with before bed to help cool them down Get a slightly damp towel for your dog to lay on or a cooling mat - this will help to keep them cool Keep your windows open at night Get cool air moving by directing a fan toward your dog - this will help to cool down your dog's coat where heat often gets trapped Put their bed or crate in the coolest room in your house - usually tiled rooms are cool Make sure they have access to cool, fresh water at night so they don't become dehydrated and can cool themselves down   Our Cooling Products We have a whole range of products designed to keep your pet cool during the hottest months. The range includes cooling coats, mats and cooling toys which are all ideal on a hot day and can be delivered the next day.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Let’s Throw A Puppy Party! - Celebrating Your Pup’s Birthday In Style
17.07.19 July 17, 2019 Featured

Let’s Throw A Puppy Party! - Celebrating Your Pup’s Birthday In Style

Is it your pup’s birthday? Perhaps you’d like to celebrate another occasion - puppy Christmas or Halloween party anyone?! Whatever the occasion we have some great ideas for throwing the party of your puppy’s dreams. Puppy parties aren’t just a great way to have fun, but also offer a good way for your pup to socialise with other dogs.    Puppy Party Treats First things first; food! A party is all about the food and the treats right?! We have a range of quality, tasty dog treats and cakes that will make your pup’s celebration feast the best ever. Choose from one of the delicious cakes from Barking Bakery, or why not treat your pup to a personalised cake from Molly’s Patisserie? That’s sure to make their day. We also have smaller bone shaped treats, bottles of Woof & Brew Posh Pooch Rose and White Wine, dog lollipops and Barking Bakery Pupcorn - what more could your canine guests ask for?!   Puppy Party Decorations A party isn’t complete without party decorations and our canine themed decorations will add the perfect amount of sparkle and pizzazz to your celebrations. We have birthday themed packs or more general "Woof" celebration styles for other party occasions, so whatever the soiree is for, your venue will look positively .   Puppy Party Fashion Last but certainly not least, your puppy needs to look the part! We have some fabulous dog costumes to ensure your pup looks the part at their big event. Available in various colours, they will certainly stand out from the crowd in one of these sets.   Socialising Your Puppy Socialising your puppy in the first few months is a really important part of their development and training. Your pup’s brain will grow up to 10 times from birth to 4 months old and introducing them to smells and other senses  will help them learn what is safe and what’s not; and also who is part of the family. Some Vet’s and local dog training groups throw puppy parties (casual social gatherings rather then the celebratory kind!), which can be a great way for you to introduce your pup to other canine friends, especially if you don’t have any other dog owners in your friendship/family circle. These are often for pup’s between 3-12 weeks old and are a great way to initially teach your pup how to socialise. We’d suggest attending small gatherings like this first and then once your pup is comfortable around different people and animals and is well on their training journey, think about a celebratory party - Puppy’s first Birthday is the perfect occasion! Have you thrown a puppy party? How did you celebrate? We’d love to hear about your pup’s big day and see pictures! If you have any questions about this or any other topic, do get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

By Megan Willis

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Top Ten Things To Get For Your New Puppy
09.07.19 July 09, 2019 Featured

Top Ten Things To Get For Your New Puppy

One our most asked questions is, "I'm Getting a New Puppy; What do I need?!". Here at Lords and Labradors we know it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out exactly what you do need for your puppy, so we've put together our top 10 puppy essentials to make your life that little bit easier! 1. Dog Crate Crate training is a must for most new puppy parents. We’d suggest buying a crate big enough for your puppy to grow into as an adult, why not take a look at our blog which will help you figure out what size of crate is right for your dog? To begin with we recommend sectioning off the crate with a puppy bed, such as our Cosy and Calming Puppy Crate Beds, in one side and a puppy pad or a piece of vet bed on the other. Once your puppy is toilet trained you can then upgrade their crate with one of our luxury crate sets or a crate cushion to make the perfect den for them to snuggle up in.   2. Cosy and Calming Puppy Bed A small and cosy puppy bed that is washable is ideal for the first few months. As mentioned above, we've designed our Cosy and Calming Puppy Crate Beds with your puppies first few months at home in mind. They work as both a standalone bed and as a crate bed, so however you're choosing to train your puppy these are a great choice. They're designed to cocoon your puppy to help them feel safe and secure in their new home and are handcrafted here in our Lincolnshire based workshop so you can be sure they are of the highest quality. Now all there is to decide is which fabric to get!  Another great choice is our Grow With Me Beds, these are stand alone beds which have a removable snuggle ring inside for when your puppy grows, and a pocket for a snuggle heat pad. They're made from the softest teddy fleece and its high sides are great for making your puppy feel secure. Still not sure which bed is the right fit? Explore our puppy bed page to take a closer look at our range, our customer care team are always happy to help advise you on your puppies perfect fit!   3. Puppy Bowls and Food Your new puppy will be full of energy and will be constantly growing so choosing the right diet is essential! Often your breeder will provide you with a small amount of the food they're already on to keep you going for the first few days. If you plan to change it at any point make sure you do this gradually so their stomach doesn't become overwhelmed. Slowly introduce the new food bit by bit (mixed with their previous food) until they are fully transitioned. Check out our puppy food collection which has been specially formulated to provide your pooch with all the vitamins and minerals they will need for the best start in life. You'll also need bowls, we’d suggest two main bowls; one each for food and water. Having a travel bowl or two for when you’re out and about is a great idea. Here at Lords and Labradors we stock a wide range of bowls so why not take a look?   4. Puppy Blanket We have designed a puppy scent blanket to be given to your breeder before you collect your pup so it can be left with your pup and their mum in the first weeks. Then when you bring your pup home with the blanket, they’ll have the scent of mum to remind them of home - a great way to help settle nervous puppies in their new surroundings. Shop our Puppy blankets and comforters here! We also recommend getting a larger blanket for your puppy to snuggle up in, they will miss the warmth of their mum and siblings for the first few days so a snuggly blanket will be perfect for keeping them warm. Why not treat them to the ultimate luxury and get their blanket personalised? All of our blankets can be customised and embroidered with your furry friends name, these also make great presents if any of your friends or family are getting a puppy!   5. Car Seat  It's now a legal requirement to secure your dog when travelling in the car so a car seat or safety tether are essential for gotcha day and trips to the vet! Either a booster or safety tether can be a great option, usually smaller breeds suit the car booster seats better and larger breeds will use a safety tether with a travel bed or cushion. Our Sleepeze beds are perfect if you're looking for your dog to travel in the boot of your car, they have a handy travel handle and come in three sizes!   6. Puppy Chew Toys  Puppies are like little land sharks! Their teeth are super sharp and whilst they are teething they will want to be into everything, so a range of chew toys is essential! Plenty of toys will help keep them stimulated and stop them chewing anything they shouldn't, we've put together our favourite teething toys here. We love the durable toys from KONG, their puppy toy is great for filling with their wet food or treats to keep them busy! Shop the full KONG range here    7. Puppy Pads Puppy pads will be an essential part of your puppy’s training. They won’t be able to hold themselves in the first few weeks so a place for them inside to toilet when you don’t quite manage getting them outside in time is a necessity. They're also great of putting down in your puppies crate incase of any accidents.   8. Puppy Pens and Gates You will ideally want to give your puppies a dedicated area or room for the first few weeks rather than give them the run of the house. A pet gate or puppy pen is ideal to help section off the area. Just remember to provide all the things they need in the puppy’s space to keep them occupied, and of course a puppy pad in case of any accidents. Our range of wooden gates and pens are perfect for this, they look more like part of your home than traditional metal pens and gates.   9. Puppy Soft Toys Playtime is an important part of a puppy’s development. A soft toy is a nice choice to offer snuggles at bedtime as well as fun during playtime. The Heart Beat Sheep is a delightful option with a beating heart to mimic the feeling of mum. Your nervous pup is sure to settle down whilst snuggled to him. The KONG Cozie toys are also great, they come in a small size which is perfect for puppies to snuggle and play with!   10. Puppy Walking Sets You will want to purchase a suitable walking set ready for training your pup on the lead, you won't be able to talk them for walks until they're fully vaccinated but it's a good idea to get them used to their harness, collar and lead in the house and garden before this. The options include a slip lead which is simple to slip on and off your pup’s head; a mini collar and lead set if you wish to sometimes keep their collar on; or a harness and lead set – a harness is more comfortable and offers more control when first training your dog on the lead. Why not take a look at our beginers guide to teaching your dog how to walk in a harness to help you get started? Our puppy walking collection has been curated with all of our favourite puppy walk essentials  We hope you found our Top Ten List helpful. Even if you don't go for our specific choices, hopefully we've given you a handy checklist so you don't forget anything when preparing for your new puppy. If you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help as much as we can.  Also, don't forget to check out our Puppy Essential Packs which contain variations of many of the things on this list in one handy starter pack - a great way to buy a bundle of puppy products all in one place. You can also check out our Puppy Essentials Collection which has been carefully curated with our favourite puppy products for you to shop!

By Zac Girdlestone

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