Domestic Cat Breeds: A Guide for UK Pet Lovers

Have you always wanted a cat, but heard some breeds make better pets than others? Perhaps you’re eager to welcome a feline friend into your home but don’t know where to start. There are plenty of ways to learn about cats and find a breed that fits your lifestyle. The choice often depends on whether you want an indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor cat. Cats that spend time outdoors need to be tough and smart to survive. Smaller cats can be prey for birds and other wildlife, so they are best kept indoors. Mixed-breed cats, like tomcats, are great at surviving outdoors and are excellent mousers. Let’s explore a few popular breeds to help you decide which one might be right for you.

Siamese

The Siamese cat can be a fickle creature, often requiring a lot of attention when they deem it necessary. They tend to be very vocal, which can be a downside if you prefer a quieter pet. However, Siamese cats are known for their intelligence and social nature. They typically bond strongly with one person and can be very affectionate. Their striking appearance—often white with brown ears and blue eyes—is instantly recognisable. You might remember them from the film Lady and the Tramp. Siamese cats are generally very social and may become destructive if left alone for too long. They “talk” a lot, often with a meow that resembles a baby’s cry, signalling their need for attention.

Persian

The Persian cat breed is one of the oldest and most beloved. These long-haired cats are known for their beautiful, shiny coats and soft, friendly nature. However, they can be prone to health problems, such as allergies, and require regular grooming to maintain their coat. Persians enjoy a bit of playtime, especially in a social setting, but they are generally more laid-back compared to other breeds. They come in a variety of colours, including solid black, white, and mixes of white and brown. The Himalayan is a popular type of Persian with a distinctive look. Persians love having other cats around to play with and are known to enjoy a cosy lap.

Manx

The Manx cat is distinctive for its stubby tail or lack of tail. This breed can sometimes suffer from health issues due to improper cleaning and lack of tail protection, but they are still a popular choice. Manx cats are highly intelligent and playful, often compared to dogs in their ability to fetch toys. They are very social and depend on human care, making them unsuitable for homes where they will be left alone for long periods. Manx cats thrive in homes with children and other pets to keep them company.

British Shorthair

A favourite in the UK, the British Shorthair is known for its dense, plush coat and round face. They are generally easygoing, making them ideal for families and individuals alike. British Shorthairs are not overly demanding and can be quite independent, but they enjoy human companionship and are often very affectionate. Their coats come in a variety of colours, with the blue (grey) being particularly popular.

Bengal

For those looking for a more exotic pet, the Bengal cat offers a wild appearance with a domesticated temperament. Bengals are known for their striking spotted or marbled coat and their high energy levels. They love to play and need plenty of stimulation and exercise. Bengals are also very social and form strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent companions for active households.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a large, laid-back cat breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature. Ragdolls are often described as “puppy-like” because they follow their owners around the house and enjoy being held. They have beautiful blue eyes and semi-long fur, requiring regular grooming. Ragdolls are great for families with children due to their calm demeanor and love of human interaction.

These are just a few of the many cat breeds available. There are dozens of breeds to choose from, and finding the one that fits your lifestyle is important. Cats are social and intelligent creatures, each with their unique personality traits. Remember, the phrase “you do not own a cat; it owns you” often holds true. Happy cat hunting!

The Golden Retriever: A Lovable and Loyal Family Companion

Golden Retrievers are a popular breed of dog known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They were originally bred in Scotland during the mid-19th century for the purpose of retrieving waterfowl during hunting expeditions. Today, Golden Retrievers are used for a variety of purposes including as guide dogs for the blind, as search and rescue dogs, and as therapy dogs.

One of the defining characteristics of Golden Retrievers is their love of people. They are highly social dogs and thrive on interaction with their owners. They are also very loyal and make excellent family pets. Golden Retrievers are known to be patient with children and enjoy being around them, although it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children.

In addition to their friendly disposition, Golden Retrievers are also highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and excel in obedience and agility competitions. They are also known for their love of water and are excellent swimmers. Their water-repellent coat and webbed feet make them well-suited for retrieving objects from the water.

Golden Retrievers are a medium to large breed of dog, typically weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. They have a dense, double-layered coat that can be either straight or wavy. The coat can range in color from light to dark golden.

While Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer are all more common in Golden Retrievers than in other breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet and exercise routine can help prevent these issues.

The type of food that is recommended for a Golden Retriever dog can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. Generally, it is recommended to feed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for the dog’s life stage and meets their nutritional needs. Look for a dog food that contains high-quality sources of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Many dog owners prefer to feed their Golden Retrievers a diet that includes a mix of dry kibble and wet food, or they may choose to feed a raw or homemade diet. It’s important to work with a veterinarian or a qualified canine nutritionist to ensure that the dog’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional needs. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the dog’s weight and adjust their diet as needed to maintain a healthy body condition.

In conclusion, Golden Retrievers are friendly, loyal, intelligent, and athletic dogs that make excellent family pets. Their love of people and water, along with their trainability, have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

How To Teach A Dog To Play Dead? Simple Ways

Source – https://www.pexels.com/photo/optimistic-young-female-training-dog-in-nature-7210452/

Teaching your dog some new tricks is always fun. When your dog gets the hang of these, it can keep you and your friends entertained with its newly learned tricks.

Teaching a dog to play dead may not be as important as teaching commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stand,’ ‘come,’ etc. However, it doesn’t mean you must skip teaching your dog these tricks. Teaching your dog to do tricks can be fun for both of you. 

Playing dead is a fun and popular trick you can teach your dog. Read on to learn how to teach a dog to play using simple ways.

How To Teach A Dog To Play Dead

Teaching a dog a particular trick is a step-by-step procedure. Sometimes several elements together make the entire trick easy and practical to teach your dog.

Teaching your dog to play dead also involves other elements. Firstly, your dog needs to be familiar with verbal commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stand,’ ‘come,’ etc.

It’s not practical to teach a dog tricks without first training it on several verbal commands. After that, you need to teach your dog how to lie down.

Teach Your Dog To Lie Down

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-puppy-lying-on-the-lawn-with-a-red-ball-11908220/

Before teaching your dog how to play dead, you must teach it how to lie down. Here is how you can teach your dog the ‘lie down command.

  • Bend head down.
  • Stretch to touch the belly to the ground.
  • Repeat the above.

Here are the steps to follow to teach your dog to lie down.

  1. Let your dog sit, place a treat between your fingers, and hold it above your dog’s nose. Slowly move your fingers towards the ground. Your dog will also bend towards the  ground. At this point, mark the clicker and praise and reward it with a treat.
  2. Repeat this five times.
  3. Ask your dog to sit again. Place a treat between your fingers, lower your hand straight down from its nose, and then pull it back towards yourself when your dog’s belly is on the ground with the clicker and reward it with the treat.
  4. Repeat this five times.
  5. Repeat the third step, this time without a treat in your hand. Reward it when its belly hits the ground. Repeat this five times.
  6. Now, use a command like ‘down’ and lower your empty palm to the ground. Once your  dog successfully lies down, mark the clicker, and reward. Repeat five times.
  7. Finally, avoid using your hand and only use the verbal command ‘down.’ If training is successful, and your dog will respond to your command within five seconds. Mark the  clicker  and reward it if it lies down.

Teach Your Dog To Play Dead

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sincere-woman-playing-with-border-collie-on-meadow-7210355/

Once your dog has learned how to lie down, you can teach it how to play dead. Do this on a soft  surface so that rolling over feels less scary for your dog. 

Here’s how you can teach your dog to play dead.

  1. Ask your dog to sit down. You’ll notice that your dog puts more weight on one side. Look  at which side it prefers to put its weight on and grab a treat.
  2. Hold the treat above your dog’s nose and move it diagonally. If your dog puts weight on the left hip, move the treat over its right shoulder.
  3. As your dog leans backward, mark the clicker and reward it. Repeat this five times.
  4. Repeat step two given above. This time mark the clicker and reward only after your dog is on its back. Repeat this at least five times.
  5. Practice step three with no treat in your hand. Mark the clicker and reward only after  your dog rolls onto its back. Repeat this at least five times.
  6. Make your hand into a gun shape and move it diagonally over your dog’s shoulder. Mark the clicker and reward your dog when it rolls on its back. Repeat this at least five times.
  7. Now, you need to add a verbal cue. Say the word ‘Bang’ when your dog is lying down and make your hand into a gun shape. Mark the clicker and reward your dog once it rolls   on its back. Repeat this until your dog is fully-trained on this trick.

Easy Tips & Tricks For Teaching A Dog To Play Dead

Some dogs like to play dead and stay in a lie-down position for a long time. Other dogs don’t   like to lie down for long.

If your dog doesn’t lie down for long and jumps up from this position more quickly when playing dead, you can train it to lie down for a long. Don’t give your dog the treat as soon as it lies down.

Wait a little while after it lies down, and then give it the treat. Repeat this by adding a few seconds each time.

Find a suitable place to teach your dog this trick. A comfortable place that has minimal to no   distractions is ideal for teaching your dog to play dead. Don’t choose a place like a park for this. Your dog will get distracted by other people and dogs in the park.

Ipetguides.com provides great resources for teaching and training your dog. They provide valuable information on how to take care of your dog best.

Issues And Proofing Behavior

If your dog already knows how to roll over, it will naturally be inclined to go all the way when you start to lure it to its side. If it is the case, take your clicker out to get the exact behavior you want.

Lure your dog into its side with a treat, click the clicker and give the treat to your dog. If it starts to roll over completely, move away for a moment. Your dog will realize it will not get the treat when it completely rolls over. So it will stop doing this.

If your dog ends up lying on the side and you have trouble getting it to follow the treat, you can help by physically moving it.

Slowly push your dog over onto its side. When your dog is in the correct position, click the clicker or tell it ‘good’ and offer a treat.

You need to slow down if your dog makes more than two to three mistakes in a row. Go back a step or two and practice. When your dog is repeatedly successful at one step, move on to teaching the next.

Patience and consistency are essential when teaching your dog how to play dead. Each dog has its own learning pace. 

Keep teaching sessions interesting and fun. If you feel your dog is getting bored, tired, and frustrated, stop and restart later. 

Always try to end sessions on a positive note. It could even be on any command that your dog is already familiar with, such as ‘sit’ or ‘down.’

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-female-playing-with-lancashire-heeler-on-yoga-mat-4498191/

Why Should You Teach Your Dog To Play Dead

Teaching your dog to play dead may not be as essential as training them on the ‘sit’ or ‘come’  command. But, playing dead is a fun trick you can play with your dog.

It’s also a great way of entertaining your friends when they come to your house. You can show  them how much fun your furry friend could be.

Tricks like playing dead are a great way to engage with your dog and challenge them. You can  try teaching tricks when you have free time with your dog.

This type of teaching can benefit your dog’s physical and mental health. Learning tricks can help  a dog build stamina and muscle. It also increases their balance, flexibility, and concentration.

Dogs use the ‘playing dead’ trick on their owners to escape from any fiasco they would have created in their absence. Many dogs are known to play dead when they get caught doing  something which their owners dislike.

Wrap-Up

Playing dead with your dog is fun and is a challenge to your dog. Teaching your dog to play  dead is not hard if you follow the above tips.

It’s essential to make a note that not every dog is the same. Each dog has its own pace, and  you  mustn’t rush when teaching tricks.

If your dog seems to be bored or tired when teaching how to play dead, stop and continue at a  later time. Always end teaching sessions on a positive note.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Do Dogs Like To Play Dead?

Dogs love challenges, and learning to play dead is fun for the dog and its owner. Dogs also love to learn to play dead as they spend more time with their owners.

 Can Any Dog Learn To Play Dead?

Any dog can learn to play dead. However, if your dog is suffering from back pain or injury, then it  could be painful. So you should avoid teaching it to play dead in such instances.

 What Should I Do If My Dog Refuses To Play Dead?

Your dog may refuse to play dead for many reasons, such as stress, distractions, and lack of  motivation. If that’s the case, consider going slow on teaching.

How You Can Ease Your Senior Dog’s Arthritis Pain

Athritis in dogs

Have you noticed that your furry friend is having trouble getting up and down the stairs or seems to be limping when you are out for your daily walk? Could it be arthritis? It is quite possible.

One in five dogs suffers from canine arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Knowing the signs of canine arthritis will help you manage your pet’s condition. It is hard to see your best friend in pain, and knowing there are ways to decrease that pain can be helpful as a pet owner.

Read on to find out how you can manage your dog’s arthritis:

Breeds That Are Prone to Arthritis

Some dog breeds are more prone to arthritis than others. Below is a brief list indicating which areas of their body are usually the most affected by arthritis. This is not a comprehensive list but gives a general picture of those breeds that may be inflicted the most by arthritis.

  • Labradors (hips and elbows)
  • Springer Spaniels (hips and elbows)
  • German Shepherds (spine, hips, elbows)
  • Golden Retrievers (hips)
  • Rottweilers (hips and elbows)
  • Bernese mountain dogs (hips and elbows)

Labradoodle rescue sites indicate that 20% of all Labradoodles suffer from arthritis at some stage of their life. Moreover, Labradoodles, Labradors and Retrievers have a higher prevalence for Osteoarthritis, and thus their owners should manage their dog’s lifestyle accordingly.

Signs of Arthritis

What should you be on the lookout for when it comes to canine arthritis? Sometimes, we might not be able to see it, but our dog is struggling and in pain.

Let us look at some telltale signs of arthritis in dogs:

  • Your dog has difficulty getting up after taking a nap or lying down for sometime
  • Your dog can’t jump onto a bed, couch or go upstairs
  • Your dog’s rear limbs look narrow and wasted
  • Your dog feels reluctant to exercise or walk and run
  • Your dog seems to get worse when it is damp, or it rains

Experts recommend taking dogs to the vet when you notice the signs of arthritis. It is best to consult a vet as soon as the symptoms appear to identify and address the health issue asap.

A quick response can help you manage your dog’s arthritis in a better way.

How Your Veterinarian will Manage Arthritis in Dogs

There are several ways that your vet will diagnose and treat your dog’s arthritis. The first thing your vet will do is examine your dog thoroughly to see which joints are affected by arthritis.

They may do x-rays to pinpoint the exact limbs that are suffering from arthritis. They may also do blood tests to see if there are any underlying conditions associated with arthritis.

Treatments that your vet may suggest may include one or more of the following:

  • Cartilage protectors
  • Weight loss Program
  • Nutraceuticals (supplements)
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Joint supplements

How to Help a Dog with Arthritis at Home

You can manage your dog’s arthritis at home with some simple remedies. After visiting the vet and getting medical advice, you might have no choice but to create a system at home where you can keep your pet comfortable.

Here are some tried and tested ways:

·       Soft Bed

Offer a soft bed for your dog, which will make them more comfortable when lying down. You can purchase Orthopaedic dog beds that are made for arthritic dogs. Hard surfaces are not good for dogs with arthritis.

·       Slip-Free Floors

Install slip-free floors so your dog does not slip when trying to get up or lay down. Hardwood and tile floors will cause your dog to slip, which will aggravate their limbs. If you have some extra carpets, that will help your dog not slip.

·       Install Ramps

Install ramps that will help your pet go up and downstairs so that they do not have to climb up steps. Climbing up and down may further aggravate your dog’s limbs.

·       Massage

Massage your dog after consultation with your vet. This can help to make sure your dog’s limbs do not get stiff. You can even book a professional dog massage therapist for your dog.

·       Exercise

Try and make sure you make time to exercise every day. It is important that a dog with arthritis gets out and moves so that its limbs and muscles do not get stiff.

·       Groom More

Because an older dog that suffers from arthritis cannot groom himself or herself in hard-to-reach areas, it is important to support them. You should make more time to groom your dog if they suffer from arthritis.

Natural Pain Relief for Arthritis – CBD Oil  

Recently some new natural pain relief options for canine arthritis have come out. Some vets are prescribing them. One of them that has gained considerable popularity is CBD oil.

CBD oil is derived from Cannabis, and Hemp has been found to help with arthritis pain. Because of limited regulation of CBD oil, it may be difficult to predict concentration, purity, potential benefits, or side effects. Therefore, more research and trials are needed to know the side effects and potential benefits of the oil. If it is something you would like to try, then you would need to talk to your vet first.

FAQ’s

It can be confusing when trying to keep your dog comfortable when they have arthritis. Below are some common questions and answers you might have when trying to manage canine arthritis.

Should You Continue Exercising Your Pet?

Yes, you should. It is recommended that your arthritic dog should get at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily.

Can I Diagnose Arthritis at Home?

No. It is recommended that you visit your vet, who will perform a complete examination and tests to accurately diagnose arthritis in your dog.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

Age, weight, and breed are all factors that can cause arthritis. Genetics plays an important role as well as lifestyle factors. Your dog’s exercise and diet will impact the development of arthritis.

How effective is Arthritic Treatment in Dogs?

After visiting your vet, simple changes in your dog’s diet and exercise routine can help to manage pain. Your vet may prescribe additional medication that will help to control the development of arthritis.

Easing a Senior Dog’s Arthritis with a Few Simple Tips

From the above, it is clear that with a few simple steps, you can manage your dog’s arthritis. After diagnosis, you will better understand what your dog’s needs are. Managing pain and making changes in your dog’s diet and exercise will help to make sure that their condition improves and they are not in pain

Get the most out of playtime!

Cat playtime

If you have got a lil’ fluffy kitten jumping around your house, you sure know how difficult it is to contain that much energy.

Cats may seem inactive but they are not, especially when they’re kittens. They require regular play sessions. These work to engage them mentally, as well as provide much-needed exercise to their body. By creating the right outlet for your pet, you will be able to engage with your cat and learn more about them and their fancies. Playing with them will also enable the development of trust and the strengthening of the beautiful bond that you two share. 

Additionally, in the event where you might have to be out of town for a couple of days, keeping your cat-sitter updated on your pet’s favorite games can help them while away the time. That is until you are back to resume the activities of engaging with your pet. 

Why is Play Important 

Research conducted revealed that at least one hour of play on a regular basis can increase the healthy lifespan of a cat by as much as four hours! Spending time stimulating and interacting with your pet can also improve their mental health and lessen anxiety significantly, even in cats with Down Syndrome. 

Cats need to play just as kids do. It allows them to deal considerably with boredom and build trust with any other people in the family, or even with other cats at home. Did you know that a whopping 59% of all adopted cats in the US are placed in the “overweight” category?

Engaging in regular playtime can create a habit of exercise which is crucial to your cat’s livelihood and can help them cut back on the additional fat gains. Another fact that needs to be kept in mind is that play is a part of a kitten’s natural biology. Regular play stimulates the prey-stalking instincts that a cat has, which helps them remain fit as well as stimulated.  

How to Play with Your Cat 

Discovering how your cat prefers spending its playtime can be an exciting experience for you as well! It is often the part that most cat owners enjoy after a long day at work – watching their pet play with their favorite toys or interacting with them for stimulation. 

There is nothing that could be more stress-busting than spending some time with someone who wants nothing more than for you to relax and have fun. Playtime can also be a good time to learn more about your cat, and for them to learn more about you. 

Remember, however, to play in moderation. Excessive activity can cause your pet to get stressed, angry, or agitated. Over-stimulation can cause them to simply walk away. Shorter play sessions, on the other hand, are more suited to them. Consider four sessions of 10-minute duration every day. Keep in mind, however, that every cat is unique and they have their own requirements for stimulation. 

What Can You Play? 

Read on to discover what games you can play with your pet. Try a combination of these different activities, spread out across the day to figure out what suits your feline friend best. 

  1. Hide and Seek 

A classic favorite of all felines! Choose one of your pet’s toys, probably the one that they mostly play with, and hide it under a blanket. Maybe consider attaching a string to it so you can wiggle the toy, causing the kitten to lay a laser-sharp focus on the movement before jumping over it and claiming it. 

  1. Fetch 

A game that has been attributed mostly to a cat’s canine counterpart, not many know that felines actually enjoy playing fetch. Or if not fetch, they definitely do enjoy chasing after and catching a ball that you may have thrown for them. Ball toys are among the most preferred toys for cats because they stimulate the unexpected and quick movements of prey. 

Adding a bell to the toy can work to catch your kitten’s attention, arousing their natural instincts to chase after the object causing the noise. 

  1. Walking 

Another often unrecognized activity is that cats can actually be trained to walk on leashes. Many enjoy the activity of exploring the outdoors and putting it on a leash can help keep it safe from any other animals, cars, or from the potential of getting lost. Walking together can also be a great exercise that you both can engage in together, starting the day the right way or ending it on a good note. 

  1. Scratching 

If there’s one thing your feline loves – it is putting their claws to good use and keeping them in shape! You can help them with this by installing a scratching post in your house (the taller it is, the more your cat will enjoy it). 

  1. Train It! 

Cats are curious creatures, and more than willing to learn but only if they are interested. You can begin the training by having some treats reading and let it sniff it. Issue a command and wait to see if your cat responds. If it does respond, regard it with a treat and repeat the command around 5-10 times. Giving it a treat every time it responds will reinforce the behavior and voila! Your kitten has learned a new trick! 

  1. Sing with your Cat 

Cats are very vocal animals and have no problems engaging in actual conversation with you. So the next time it meows at you responds in the same pitch and tone. We can bet it will give you a retort. As long as you keep echoing its noises, it will keep being vocally engaged with you. 

  1. Laser Pointers 

Use a laser pointer to grab your kitten’s attention and have it running around the room, chasing the target it has fixated upon. This can make for a pretty entertaining activity for you as well. 

Remember that your cat is going to have its own preferences for location, time of the day, movement, noise, scent, and size of the toys you use. Regularly playing with it can allow you to understand what it most prefers, allowing you to make the most of your playtime together! 

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

How much exercise does my dog need?

All dogs need regular exercises to stay happy and healthy. It’s just as important as regular veterinary care, quality food and loving care in that it affects their health and behavior. If you’re like most dog lovers, you want the best for your dog but the question that’s often hard to answer is “How much exercise does a dog really need every day?”

What happen’s if my dog doesn’t get enough exercise?

Many dog owners see to it that their canine companions exercise regularly but what if your dog has not been getting enough exercise? The goal isn’t just to get your pooch out and about; rather it is to ensure that they get the amount of physical activity needed to tone their muscles, stimulate their brain, promote good behavior, increase socialization and encourage their body and metabolism to function well.

If a dog doesn’t get enough physical activity, the following problems can occur:

  • Destructive behaviors like chewing, eliminating in the house, increased aggression etc.
  • Disinterest in human company, which could be a sign of depression
  • Hyperactivity when they’re on a walk
  • Excessive barking
  • Weight gain and joint issues

How much exercise does a dog need daily?

The amount of exercise a dog needs varies as there are a few factors to consider such as age, breed and health. Dogs have different exercise needs but experts generally recommend that dogs should get between 30 minutes and 2 hours of exercises each day. So how do you figure out the amount of physical activity your dog needs? Here are a few standard guidelines you can follow.

Exercising a puppy

Generally, puppies have a lot of energy that needs to be discharged, which explains why they tend to get injured easily. You probably have seen your puppy race madly around the house a few times only to collapse into a puppy pile, preferably in your laps.

Because they are very energetic,   it is recommended to exercise your puppy both mentally and physically however, the exercises should be broken into different short bursts that include walks and play sessions as they are too young to take a really long walk.

Since puppies are quite young, you might want to keep the exercises short until your puppy gets used to them. For instance, you can start with 10 minutes three times a day and increase the amount of time as your pup gets used to it.    A rule of thumb for puppies is 5 minutes of exercise for each month of age twice a day.

Exercising an adult dog

An adult dog can also be energetic but the amount of exercise required varies based on breeds. Some dog breeds require more exercises than others. For instance, larger and giant breeds are typically strong and have good stamina if they’re in good health. However, some larger breeds like Greyhounds aren’t as active as others and, therefore, require a little less amount of physical activity.

For medium breeds, they are also energetic and require lots of physical exercises. If your dog is a medium sized terrier such as Staffies, you may need to devote extra time to exercising them.

Some smaller breeds don’t require as much exercise compared to the larger ones and can do well with one hour of exercise per day. Some breeds like poodles and terriers can take on extra time of physical activity.

Exercising a senior dog

Your senior dog may not be as active like before due to age and possible health issues that may limit how active they can be. They tend to slow down or rest often during exercises, so it’s important to keep this in mind so you don’t push your aging dog too much.

However, you still need to exercise your senior dog as it can help keep their joints, ligaments, and muscles strong and supple. It can be hard to figure out how much exercise your dog needs but as the owner, you know your dog best, meaning you should be able to determine how much exercises your dog can handle or if in doubt, check with your dogs usual veterinarian.

Wrap-up

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor exercises that can help your dog stay healthy and fit but it’s essential to keep in mind their age, breed and health when deciding how much time to devote to exercising them.    Mental stimulation is equally important so also spend time on training and enrichment activities.

If you need any help with walking your dog then don’t hesitate to contact us on 0333 200 5827 or email info@scampsandchamps.co.uk

Whу Dо Dоgѕ Burу Bоnеѕ And Othеr Items

Why do dogs bury bones

Have you еvеr gіvеn your dоg a bone оnlу tо watch him head tо the couch or оutѕіdе in the gаrdеn tо burу іt? Mаnу dоgѕ lіkе tо hіdе things іn ѕаfе places, аnd оftеn, dоgѕ are predisposed tо burу іtеmѕ thаt bеlоng tо them, and ѕоmеtіmеѕ іtеmѕ that do nоt.

Discover six reasons why thіѕ bеhаvіоr оссurѕ, аnd hоw or іf уоu should stop it.

Inѕtіnсt  

This behavior mау hаvе dеvеlореd duе to ѕtrоng survival іnѕtіnсtѕ inherited from the dоmеѕtісаtеd dоgѕ’ wild ancestors оf wіld dоgѕ and the grау wоlf. Fооd wаѕ not аlwауѕ thе еаѕіеѕt tо соmе bу аnd to mаkе the mоѕt оf thе fооd thеу had; thеѕе wіld dоgѕ wоuld often burу thе еxсеѕѕ in thе grоund nеаr their dens. The soil acts аѕ a nаturаl rеfrіgеrаtоr bу kееріng thе mеаl away frоm dіrесt ѕunlіght, аnd the temperature of thе earth decreases wіth thе dерth оf the hоlе, kееріng food frеѕhеr lоngеr, ѕо thе animal саn rеtrіеvе іt lаtеr when nourishment is scarce.

Dоgѕ mау bury аnуthіng they consider vаluаblе, whісh dоеѕ not juѕt іnсludе fооd. Thіѕ is due tо thеіr nаturаl instinct to kеер valuable thіngѕ ѕаfе аnd рrоtесtеd.

You аrе gіvіng thеm tоо muсh

The оthеr ѕіdе оf the instinct tо burу thіngѕ hаѕ nothing tо dо with fear of starvation оr рrоtесtіng thеіr fооd from рrеdаtоrѕ. If уоu’rе overly gеnеrоuѕ with уоur роосh іn tеrmѕ оf toys or trеаtѕ, burying thеm is a wау fоr thеm tо ѕау, “Cооl, I wіll save thіѕ.” Sоmеtіmеѕ they mау еvеn wаnt tо bury іtеmѕ bесаuѕе thеу аrе too good fоr thеm tо еаt аll аt once thеу wаnt tо save thеm ѕо thеу саn enjoy thеm again lаtеr.

Breed

Thеrе аrе several breeds thаt are mоrе predisposed tо dіggіng аnd burying than оthеrѕ. A few оf thеѕе breeds are Terriers, Dachshunds, Bеаglеѕ, Bаѕѕеt Hоundѕ, аnd Mіnіаturе Sсhnаuzеrѕ. Cаrіn Tеrrіеrѕ, fоr іnѕtаnсе, wеrе оrіgіnаllу bred to сhаѕе аnd hunt ѕmаll gаmе, аnd they have mаіntаіnеd thеіr еxсеllеnt dіggіng skills and thеіr instinct tо ѕеаrсh.

Sіnсе these breeds аrе brеd ѕресіfісаllу tо dіg, thеу may also hаvе a hеіghtеnеd dеѕіrе tо ѕаvе their resources, and thеrеfоrе are mоrе lіkеlу tо burу bones. Thіѕ іѕ normal behavior fоr thеm. Rеmеmbеr, rеgаrdlеѕѕ оf a dog’s brееd; аll dоgѕ hаvе the роtеntіаl tо dіg.

Boredom

Dogs nееd ѕtіmulаtіоn аnd оutlеtѕ fоr their еnеrgу every dау, аnd whеn humаnѕ dо nоt рrоvіdе іt fоr thеm, thеу will find thеіr wауѕ to occupy thеmѕеlvеѕ. An example may bе the fun gаmе оf stealing a tv rеmоtе and burying іt tо gеt уоur аttеntіоn (аn attention-seeking bеhаvіоr) аnd to аdd some vаrіеtу tо their rоutіnеѕ.

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Anxiety

Stress аnd anxiety саn рlау a раrt іn thіѕ bеhаvіоr as wеll. Sоmе dоgѕ thаt are fееlіng аnxіоuѕ mау burу іtеmѕ to саlm themselves since dіggіng is a ѕеlf-ѕооthіng bеhаvіоr. If a dоg does not fееl ѕаfе at thе moment оr іn the area they аrе fеd іn; they may burу thеіr fооd tо еаt in a mоrе comfortable рlасе оr tіmе. Yоu mау аlѕо ѕее mоrе оf this bеhаvіоr іn multі-dоg hоuѕеhоldѕ, or among dоgѕ thаt grеw uр іn ѕіtuаtіоnѕ where thеу hаd ѕсаrсе rеѕоurсеѕ, ѕuсh аѕ in a рuрру mіll.

Thіѕ behavior may іmрrоvе оnсе your dоg fееlѕ safe and is fеd оn a соnѕіѕtеnt ѕсhеdulе. Stіll, if not, it is ѕuggеѕtеd to seek advice frоm уоur vеtеrіnаrіаn аnd bеhаvіоr рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ.

Tоо Mаnу Rеѕоurсеѕ

Sіnсе уоu knоw nоw thаt уоur dоg’ѕ urgе tо burу hіѕ bоnеѕ соmеѕ frоm an іnѕtіnсt tо ѕаvе ѕurрluѕ rеѕоurсеѕ, уоu can help сurb this behavior bу making thоѕе resources more ѕсаrсе, thus saving your gаrdеn.

 Fоr еxаmрlе, іf уоur dоg tеndѕ to burу hіѕ tоуѕ, give hіm juѕt оnе оr twо аt a tіmе. You саn rotate tоуѕ wееklу tо kеер уоur dоg’ѕ іntеrеѕt аnd fеnd off boredom. Also, аvоіd gіvіng him a bоnе right after hе eats, when his ѕtоmасh іѕ аlrеаdу full.

If уоur dоg ѕееmѕ tо enjoy the hide-and-seek аѕресt оf burying, уоu саn turn іt іntо a trісk whеrе he “burіеѕ” a toy оr bоnе on cue іn a pile оf blankets оr ріllоwѕ. Thеn gіvе him a signal to retrieve.

The Newfoundland Dog Breed

Newfoundland Dog Breed

The Newfoundland is a lаrgе dog of іmmеnѕе ѕtrеngth. It іѕ ѕаіd tо bе еvеn stronger thаn ѕuсh dоgѕ аѕ thе Grеаt Dаnе аnd English Mаѕtіff. Thе Nеwfоundlаnd dоg mеаѕurеѕ 27 to 29 іnсhеѕ аt thе wіthеrѕ, wіth thе bitch 2 іnсhеѕ less. The mаlе wіll wеіgh 130 tо 150 (оr mоrе) pounds wіth thе female wеіghіng 100 to 120 роundѕ.

The Newfoundland hаѕ a lоng, hеаvу, wаtеr-рrооf соаt thаt іѕ uѕuаllу blасk, but ѕоmеtіmеѕ brоwn or grey. Thе fееt оf this dоg are webbed, tо аіd in swimming, аѕ іt іѕ a dоg thаt lоvеѕ the water. The Newfoundland uѕuаllу lіvеѕ fоr оnlу 8 to 10 years. Newfoundland hаd its bеgіnnіngѕ іn Nеwfоundlаnd, Cаnаdа. It is believed tо be descended frоm аn іndіgеnоuѕ dоg, thе St. John’s Water Dog, аnd the blасk bеаr dog thаt the Vіkіngѕ brоught to thе New Wоrld with them.

It іѕ knоwn, thаt whatever іtѕ еаrlу аnсеѕtrу, it dіd сrоѕѕ wіth Mаѕtіffѕ brоught оvеr bу fishermen frоm Portugal. Uѕеd to hеlр the fіѕhеrmеn, thе Newfoundland wоuld haul іn hеаvу nеtѕ аnd help brіng bоаtѕ to ѕhоrе. Thіѕ dog has excelled in rеѕсuіng people frоm the wаtеr аnd іѕ powerful еnоugh tо ѕwіm іn hеаvу tіdеѕ and hіgh wаvеѕ. Thе Lеwіѕ and Clark Expedition wеrе accompanied bу Lеwіѕ’ Nеwfоundlаnd, Seaman.

In tеrmѕ оf temperament, Nеwfоundlаnd іѕ juѕtlу famous nоt only for іtѕ ѕtrеngth but аlѕо fоr іtѕ lоvіng аnd gentle dіѕроѕіtіоn. Thіѕ is a calm dog thаt іѕ quiet in the hоuѕе. Thе Nеwfоundlаnd іѕ vеrу gооd wіth children, аlthоugh ѕоmе саrе ѕhоuld bе exercised bесаuѕе оf the dog’s grеаt ѕіzе.

It іѕ vеrу loyal аnd dеvоtеd tо іtѕ family and іѕ еаѕу to train. Thіѕ dоg іѕ nоt lіkеlу tо initiate a biting аttасk wіth аn intruder but wіll content іtѕеlf wіthhоldіng thе реrѕоn or роѕіtіоnіng іtѕеlf bеtwееn thе intruder and іtѕ family. Thіѕ is a Mаѕtіff brееd сhаrасtеrіѕtіс. The Newfoundland wіll gеt аlоng wіthоut problems wіth оthеr hоuѕеhоld dogs оr оthеr pets.

The Newfoundland саn bе subject tо hір аnd еlbоw dуѕрlаѕіа. Thіѕ breed can also develop bladder stones, whісh wіll uѕuаllу have tо bе removed ѕurgісаllу. The mоѕt ѕеrіоuѕ hеаlth problem іѕ ѕubvаlvulаr aortic stenosis, a ѕеrіоuѕ hеаrt соndіtіоn thаt can affect even уоung dogs. As wіth mоѕt lаrgе dоgѕ, the Nеwfоundlаnd саn bе ѕtrісkеn with blоаt. A quiet tіmе аftеr ѕmаll mеаlѕ саn help рrеvеnt this, but іf it dоеѕ оссur, thе dоg must be tаkеn tо a vеtеrіnаrіаn іmmеdіаtеlу tо save іtѕ lіfе.

Aѕ part оf grооmіng activities, the thick соаt of thе Nеwfоundlаnd muѕt bе саrеfullу brushed every week. Durіng thе spring ѕhеd, thе hеаvу undercoat must be bruѕhеd out. The vоlumе оf hair рrоduсеd wіll оftеn bе astounding, аlmоѕt tаkіng uр as muсh ѕрасе аѕ the dog itself. Thе dоg ѕhоuld nоt bе shampooed аѕ thіѕ mіght remove the oils that contribute tо thе wаtеrрrооf соаt.

Whіlе іt is said that thе саlm аnd gеntlе Nеwfоundlаnd can lіvе іn аn араrtmеnt, thе ѕіzе of thе dоg and thе fасt that it рrеfеrѕ соld tеmреrаturеѕ ѕhоuld рrоvоkе thought. This dоg wіll рrоbаblу bе bеѕt ѕuіtеd to living іn a hоuѕе wіth a уаrd. While nоt thе mоѕt active dog, thе nеwfоund land nееdѕ dаіlу еxеrсіѕе due to іtѕ асtіvе nаturе.

Thіѕ dоg bоndѕ strongly wіth іtѕ humаn frіеndѕ аnd dоеѕ best and is hарріеѕt whеn wіth іtѕ family. A family thаt еnjоуѕ оutdооr асtіvіtіеѕ, еѕресіаllу thоѕе іnvоlvіng water wіll probably bе thе bеѕt оwnеrѕ fоr thіѕ dog. Fіѕhеrmеn or hunters оr people еngаgеd іn winter ѕроrtѕ will fіnd thіѕ dоg a perfect соmраnіоn. The Newfoundland dog breed іѕ еxtrеmеlу capable of bringing drowning vісtіmѕ оntо shore quickly аnd easily.

Finally, Newfoundland hоldѕ thе rесоrd for rеѕсuіng thе mоѕt people from drоwnіng іn a ѕіnglе day, in thе еаrlу раrt of thе 20th сеnturу 92 реорlе wеrе saved frоm a ѕіnkіng ѕhір durіng a ѕnоw ѕtоrm. Thе реорlе оn bоаrd threw a rope іntо the wаtеr which was rеtrіеvеd bу thе dоg аnd taken tо ѕhоrе. Once thе rоре hаd bееn ѕесurеd оn a buoy the ѕtrісkеn crews wеrе аblе to uѕе іt tо fіnd thеіr wау tо shore. Newfoundland’s are rеnоwnеd fоr thеіr gеntlе tеmреrаmеnt and wіllіngnеѕѕ tо рlеаѕе nаturе.

If you own a Newfoundland Dog, we would love to see some photo’s.

What is Puppy Socialisation?

Puppy Socialisation Bristol

Socialisation is the activity of introducing your puppy to other animals, adults, children, different environments, sounds, smells, and also different events. Introducing your puppy to new encounters in a safe and positive way is an essential part of raising them!

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Best Dog Walks In Derby.

Best Dog Walks In Derby

Derby is a lovely place to visit and has plenty of history to explore. Derby has some pet friendly hotels and there are plenty of parks for you and your best friend to enjoy dog walking in and around Derby.

There are picturesque country parks and lots of open green spaces. Some areas even have parks, nature reserves and playgrounds so lots to keep the whole family entertained. Many parks have rules about when to keep dogs on lead so be mindful of these when visiting and don’t forget to take a drink for your best friend!

Poppy Wood

Poppy Wood is one of the best places for dog walks in Derby. With plenty of trails and lots of dog friendly grassy woodland, you will be sure of a great dog friendly walk. There are some enclosed areas for off lead fun for your dog.

There are also picnic tables dotted around so you can always enjoy a picnic with your best furry friend.

Elvaston Castle Country Park

Elvaston Castle Country Park is a dog friendly site, but they do ask that dogs are kept on leads in central courtyard areas. There are some dog tie up points near the information centre and in the courtyard if needed. The park is free to enter however there is a charge to park your car. Elvaston Castle Country Park is in walking distance of Alvaston and Borrowash.

Marketon Park

Being close to the centre of Derby, Marketon Park offers lots of open spaces, paths and areas to explore with your dog. As with other parks, please be mindful of letting your dog off lead if they like to chase wildlife.

There are also lots of childrens play areas at the park but dogs aren’t allowed in these areas. Marketon Park is very popular when the weather is nice, so bear that in mind when planning your visit.

Mercia Marina

This a great starting place to access the canal paths for some lovely walks with your dog. There are also some planned circular walks listed on their website. After your walk, there are plenty of places to eat and drink along the marina. Added bonus!

Darley Park

Darley Park is a very beautiful park and it is situated within walking distance of Derby City Centre. The park includes some nice open spaces for your dog to have chance for a good run and play. The park also hosts access to the River Derwent if your dog loves a dip in the water.

Chaddesden Park

A lovely spot to take your dog for some exercise, plenty of open space and there is even a stream for your dog to have a splash around in, great for those warm summer days.

Best Dog Walks In Derby

Foremark Reservior

Lots of lovely paths here to explore with your dog, you can even have a walk on the sandy “beach” areas. Dogs must be kept on a lead here so bear that in mind if your dog loves off lead play.

It can get crowded here on sunny days, so best to go early if you can. There is a small shop selling drinks and ice creams too.

Monsal Trail

This trail is about 20km long and takes in some spectacular scenery along the way. Being an old railway track, this route is great for those needing a nice flat walk. The trail is popular with horses and cyclists so best to keep your dog on their lead.

Plus this trail is near Bakewell with all its lovely charm and tasty cakes from the local bakeries.

Allestree Park

Allestree Park is the largest open space on Derby so lots of space for your dog to have a great time. Parking is free here too so an added bonus if it isn’t within walking distance.

If you would like to find out more about dog walking & pet care services in Derby, contact our Derby branch on derby@scampsandchamps.co.uk and one of our team will be back in touch with you as soon as possible.