Summer Sun and Dog Walking Fun

Dog, Walking, Summer

We all know that dog walking is a necessity for any of us that own one or multiple canine companions, however as the days get longer and the sunshine hours increase, there is definitely a lure to get outside walking with our dogs. But what can increasing our dog walking hours do for us and why should we get outside?

It is suggested, that on average we spend 90% of our time indoors, with millions of us working from home, in offices and in a variety of indoor environments. When we finish our days’ work, we are often exhausted and too tired to walk long distances, accompanied with the multiple other aspects of life and family that need incorporating into our routines.

Dog walking is fantastic in that it gets us out of the house once or twice a day, into the fresh air and daylight, accompanied of course by our furry best-friends. What nicer way is there to spend some ‘me time’ than with our dogs, walking around our local area. This is our time to switch off and mentally disconnect from life’s schedule, worries and stresses.

Of course dog walking is not only beneficial to us but our dogs absolutely love every second of it, it is the absolute highlight of their day! All those exciting sights and smells, the socialisation, the fresh air and best of all their special time with you. What is not to love about dog walking?

So what other benefits does dog walking have?

  • Strengthens Your Bond – Dog walking increases your bonding time with your dogs, through dog walking you are spending quality time with them.
  • Weight Control – Dog walking is excellent exercise and therefore will keep you both in shape and healthy.
  • Improves Socialisation – This is true not only for your dog but for you as well. You will meet other dog walkers and say hello to people. Dogs are excellent conversation starters for us humans and we love to chat about the breed and personalities of other dogs we meet.
  • Increases Physical and Mental Health – The vitamin D from the sunshine and the endorphins that are released from physical exercise, are all huge ‘feel good factors’ for our mental health. As well as the physical health benefits that can be experiences through dog walking.
  • Loneliness Decreases – Even if you say hello to people whilst you are dog walking and you never meet them again, it doesn’t matter. In fact even if you don’t say hello at all, just physically being around other people and by being outside, this can decrease loneliness and social anxieties.

So with all of the benefits of dog walking, why not challenge yourself this summer? If you normally walk your dogs once a day, why not walk them twice? If you normally walk one mile, why not try walking two? Increasing your dog walking hours can be beneficial not only for your dog, but for you as well. For your mental, physical and emotional health and in strengthening your bond with your dog.

Learn more about our Scamps and Champs Dog Walking Services via our Website.

Get in touch, ask us a question or check availability of our services using our online form.

Dog Home Boarding – Advice and Services in Halifax

Having a dog is great until you want to go away for a few days and then there is the dilemma of who is going to look after your dog and the even bigger dilemma of whether you trust them. If you live in and around the Halifax area we have the perfect solution for you.

At Scamps & Champs Halifax all our dog home  boarders are DBS checked and have gone through a rigorous selection process to ensure your dog is well looked after and has as much fun as you do when you are away and treat them as if they were their own.

A lot of thought goes in to matching each dog to one of our dog home boarders in and around the Halifax area. This matching process is very important to us as we want your dog to have the most enjoyable stay and you to have peace of mind in where you board your dog. All our dog home boarders are local and so you won’t have far to travel around the Halifax area. You will always know exactly where your dog is staying and you will also get to meet the dog home boarders before your dog(s) stay, so you can feel reassured your dog is going to be well looked after.

This is also the perfect solution for dogs that really struggle being boarded in a kennel environment. Some dog’s just don’t cope well with this, as they are so used to the comforts of being at home. You can rest assured they will receive all the usual home comforts they are used to if they stay with one of our trusted home boarders in Halifax, from frequent walks and lots of cuddles to sleeping on the sofa if that’s what your dog prefers.

We will take extra care to get to know you and your dog(s) prior to any dog home boarding booking, as here at Scamps and Champs Halifax we know the needs of each dog is different and knowing your dog is vital to making them comfortable during any dog home boarding stay. Our dog home boarders will keep their routine as normal as possible and will happily cater to any quirks they may have.

If you are going away and would like to use our dog home boarding service in and around the Halifax area please do get in touch and we will be happy to help.

Dog Walking in and Around Halifax

The local parks in Halifax are filled with dog owners who all want the best possible care for their dogs.

Scamps and Champs Halifax offers a premium dog walking service in Halifax and the surrounding areas. All our dog walkers are hand picked and are all fellow dog lovers. One of our team will come to your home and walk your dog/ dogs for you ensuring they have a fun and engaging walk out in the fresh air.

Scamps and Champs Halifax are here to help if you are unable to walk your dog for any reason, we offer a friendly, reliable and passionate service, which will be tailored to suite your dog’s needs.

Scamps and Champs Halifax will never ‘pack walk’ your dog as we fully understand how precious your dogs are to you. We believe in a caring service and treating each dog as if it was our own. We can offer you a flexible dog walking service which is tailored to your needs and more importantly your dogs.

We would never walk your dog off the lead unless we have your full consent and they show a solid recall.

We sign in at the start of each walk and out again once finished so you can see how long we have been walking for, the only times we would change this would be due to the weather conditions, if its too hot we would shorten the dog walk, again if its too cold we would again shorten the dog walk.

We also send a feedback report of each walk with pictures of your dog on their walk so you can see what they have been up to. You can make your dog walking bookings online with our quick and easy to use system anytime, anywhere.

For further information on our service check out the Scamps and Champs Halifax Website.

To check service availability or to make an enquiry please complete our Online Form.

Hay Fever and your Dog…

Are you dogs eyes streaming? Is your dog licking its paws? Are they itching with red sores?

Any of these symptoms are associated with allergies in your pets.  The summer season and the rising pollen count could mean that your pet is suffering with ‘hay fever’. 

Here at Chichester Scamps and Champs we love our Job! Especially in the summer months.  Our Dog walking service in Chichester is always looking at where we can walk your pooches.  However, in the spring and summer months we try to avoid rapeseed fields, long grass and forests as this can exacerbate allergies in your pets.

Instead, we try to stick to the beach, it is the summer after all!  We also recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening if possible.

Treating the allergy:

Hay fever or allergies in your pets can treated with medication, but we can also do a few things to maybe stop the effects before they begin.

Dog Hay fever is more commonly known as ‘Atopy’. The classic symptoms include:

  • Itchy skin, especially the paws, armpits, and groin.
  • Seasonal itch: The dog is fine over the winter, but life becomes a misery in the summer.
  • Thickened, greasy skin: This is a complication of the obsessive licking and scratching.
  • Rust coloured paws: This is saliva staining from all that licking with any itchy dog.

Causes of itchiness include:

  • Atopy, allergens may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin Parasites.
  • Fleas, mange mites, lice, and ticks are all common causes of itchiness.
  • Yeast overgrowth, a heavy bloom of yeast on the skin’s surface causes an intense itch (the doggie equivalent of athlete’s foot.)
  • Bacterial infections, these are also itch-inducing.

How Do I Treat My Dog’s Hay Fever?

  • Bathing: This washes allergens from the fur and reduces their triggering effect
  • Essential Fatty Acid supplements: This conditions the skin and makes it a better barrier.
  • Staying indoors: Reduces exposure to allergens Antihistamines: Sadly, the results are often disappointing in dogs.
  • Staying out of certain fields and maybe during some months walk somewhere else.

We hope that you have found this helpful.  These allergies are not only common in dogs but can appear in your cat or your smaller animals.  If you currently use our cat sitting service in Chichester or our pet sitting service, please let us know if we can help.

There are a number of local vets that will assist you if you are worried about your pet. Please find the links below.

Vets4Pets Chichester   Pet Doctors Chichester  Sanctuary Vets  Waterlooville Vets4Pets

Please share your thoughts and photo’s here.  If you think that Chichester Scamps and Champs could offer their many dog walking in Chichester and pet sitting service in Chichester please do get in touch.

Pet Sitting in Reigate

One of the great services Scamps and Champs Reigate offers to pet owners is Pet Sitting.

We cover the areas of Reigate, Redhill, Horley, Banstead, Dorking and surrounding villages and we offer our Pet Sitting services to you whilst you are away and can’t be home for any length of time.

Using a Scamps and Champs professional pet sitter in Reigate reaps benefits for both pets and you the owner.

Once you experience pet care in your home, you’ll never worry about being away from your pet again.

Benefits to your pets include:

  • Staying at home in their safe, secure environment
  • Being surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds
  • Following their regular diet and exercise routine
  • Having play time
  • Receiving love and personal attention
  • Having someone responsible in case of an emergency
  • Removing the stress and trauma of travel or an unfamiliar environment
  • Helping to ensure good health (no exposure to other animals’ illness or parasites)

    Benefits to you include:

  • Knowing that your pet is in caring, loving hands
  • Having the confidence that the pet sitter can deal with other issues – such as grooming, vet visits,           
  • Removing the stress and inconvenience of having to transport and leave your pet
  • Not having to impose on family, friends or neighbours
  • Feeling your home is more secure (with someone staying or going in and out several times a day)

I am sure you can see from above the clear benefits to your pets and you of having a pet sitter in Reigate and for your peace of mind all of Scamps and Champs pet sitters in Reigate are not only passionate animal lovers but are all DBS checked. Scamps and Champs Reigate pet sitters are also members NarpsUK – National Association of Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers is dedicated to promoting professionalism and ethical standards within the pet sitting industry who expect all members to be responsible and dedicated to the welfare of the pets they are servicing.

So if you want complete peace of mind in knowing your pets are being lovingly cared for whilst your house is also being kept secure please do get I contact with Scamps and Champs Reigate to discuss how we can help. Please also call me about dog walking in Reigate, cat sitting in Reigate, dog home boarding in Reigate as well.

For more information check out the Scamps and Champs Reigate website.

To get in touch, check availability or to ask us a question simply complete our online form.

Dog Walking Services this Summer in Dartford

Now the weather is starting to improve you are probably looking forward to getting out and about walking your dog and also looking forward to less cleaning up of mud at the end of each walk – unless your dog loves to go for a splash of course! There are plenty of parks and lovely walks to explore with your dog in and around Dartford, but sometimes you just can’t find the time to get out and about walking your dog and that is where Scamps & Champs Dartford comes in!

If you are struggling to find the time to get out and walk your dog or just find it difficult to get out and about then Scamps & Champs Dartford can help you. We offer a reliable dog walking service with a caring team of dog lovers who are all fully insured and police checked. All of our team are local to Dartford, experienced with walking dogs and will treat your dog as if they were their own on each walk.

An added bonus is that here at Scamps & Champs Dartford we never pack walk dogs. All of our group walks are for a maximum of 4 dogs with each dog being individually matched based on their temperament and size. This gives a more enjoyable walk for the dog and also allows you to relax knowing they are in safe hands on every walk.

Scamps & Champs Dartford offer both half hour walks and hour long walks depending on your dog’s requirements. This excludes pick up and drop off time so your dog gets to experience the full time in the park having fun on every walk. We also take your dog to a variety of parks in and around the Dartford area to keep their routine varied and enjoyable for them.

If your dog is not great with other dogs or maybe just a bit nervous of company then we also have the option of solo walks which gives you the confidence that they are getting one on one attention during every walk.   

Scamps & Champs Dartford take the time to get to know you and your dog to try and offer the best service and most enjoyable walk for your dog, so we offer a free home visit to understand your requirements and any special quirks your dog may have prior to any walks.

If you are at work all day or just don’t feel like your dog is getting the attention they deserve please do get in touch with Scamps & Champs Dartford and we would be happy to take them out for a much deserved walk when you can’t be there!

Check our service availability, ask us a question or simply get in touch using our online form.

Thinking about getting your first Puppy? Is time and work an issue? Let Scamps and Champs Chichester ‘Take Care when You’re Not There’

One of the many issues when getting a new puppy is leaving them all alone!  This could be because of work commitments, kids having to go to school or you having to go shopping. Why not let one of our puppy visiting team take the strain.

What your puppy needs at this early stage of their life and how can we assist you.

Our reliable, fully trained and DBS checked puppy visiting team from Chichester are there to help.  We can come into your home and help keep a regular eye on your new family member. Your Puppies routine and welfare is our top priority. We can visit your puppy as frequently as you need us too and tailor our professional service to suit you.

Routine

Routine is vital at this early stage of your puppy’s life. It is important that they have three meals a day, at the same time every day. Sleep and play routines are also important, as well as positive reinforcement when they do something great!

  • Our Puppy visitor will feed your puppy and make sure they have fresh water and anything else you have asked us to do.

Toilet Training

This is one of the reasons that feeding on a regular basis and at the same time is key. Puppies need taking outside, to the same spot very soon after eating. Having this routine in place is what will help your puppy to become housetrained quickly and easily. 

  • Our puppy visitor will make sure your puppy goes to his usual toileting area, following your house-training routine.  We will change all bedding where necessary and make sure all puppy areas are clean.

Toys & Fun

It is also important that puppies have companionship and somebody to offer comfort, as they commonly suffer from separation anxiety at this early stage in their life.

Take a look in your local pet shop and purchase some toys that will make your puppies life more interesting.

  • Our puppy visitor will make sure your puppy gets some fresh air in the garden with plenty of toy time and cuddles.  We will also make sure that we offer some positive reinforcement and treats when earned. We will also send a photo of your contented puppy for your piece of mind.

Collar & Lead – hurt to have them

Your puppy won’t be able to go out on the lead straightaway, but it doesn’t hurt have them wearing one for short periods of time. It can also be a good idea to get them used to the lead around the house, before eventually going for their first walk.

  • Our puppy visitor will be happy to introduce some collar and lead time while taking care of your puppy.  We also offer dog walking services and are happy, once your puppy is allowed outside, to offer gentle walks.

We hope that this information is useful.  If you would like to find out more about the pet sitting and dog walking services that Scamps & Champs Chichester can offer, please do get in touch here.

To Check Availability of our Pet Care Services in Your Local Area Complete Our Online Form

Horse Sitting Services Introduced at Scamps and Champs

We are excited to announce that some of our branches are now able to provide horse care services.

Having passionate and experienced horse owners within the Scamps and Champs group made us aware that it’s not just dog, cats and small animals that require caring for while owners are struggling for time during the days, recovering from illness or surgery, or away on holidays; but that horse owners have the same problems when it comes to the care of their horses.

We are delighted that some of our branches are now able to now offer a solution for horse owners.

Whether it’s mucking out, feeding, turning out and rug changes, or bringing in and grooming we have experienced people available to provide these horse care services.

Contact your local branch to find out whether they have an equine team available.

Whether horse owners are away on holiday or struggling for time during the week, our experienced equine teams are there to help.

Our horse sitting services will be provided by suitably experienced people, who have many years of being a horse owner and who may have worked on various yards and have experience of handling many types of horses. We will ensure each horse and pony is cared for by the right person with matching experiences to suit the individual needs of the horse or pony.

Horse care in Fareham is headed up by Jessicca our Fareham branch owner. Jess has worked for many years as a Freelance Groom, including work with a Grand Prix Show Jumper and Polo Ponies. Jess also used to break youngsters and also play Polocrosse. To find out more about Horse Care in Fareham Contact Jess Here

We also have an experienced equine team within our Halifax branch. Contact Katie our branch owner to find out more

Keep an eye on our Services page for further details about our horse care services.

Chichester and West Sussex is Full of Dog Friendly Places to go Dog Walking!

West Sussex is a county with lots of natural beauty and if you looking for spectacular views over the South Downs National Park, while out dog walking then you’re in the right place. Whether you want a short or long walk its worth going into the Sussex country side just for the views.  

The choice for you and your pets is endless and walkies has never been so enjoyable.  From the South Downs to some great National Trust gardens – there’s plenty of choice. So let’s start with some super dog friendly walks that your best friends will love.

Whether you’re walking your own family pet or own a dog walking and pet sitting business in Chichester or the surrounding area then you’re in luck. Why not visit:

West Wittering

  • Beautiful beach
  • Long or short work with a swim and some fish and chips.
  • Parking is £6 for all day.

Petworth Park

  • Lovely walk with beautiful views.
  • You can do short walk or longer walks.
  • Great for families too.
  • Parking £3 unless you’re a national trust member.

Midhurst Way at Cowdray Park

  • Woolbeding Estate is a hidden countryside gem, situated in the South Downs National Park near historic Midhurst.
  • The walk starts in the heart of Midhurst and takes in the beauty of Woolbeding Parkland. Follow the River Rother, edged with ancient trees. Pass a plantation of whispering poplars and hear the sounds of the weir before returning to Midhurst’s main street.
  • The walk may be started at either Benbow Pond or The Cowdray Farm Shop & Café.

The Duke of Cumberland Pub Walk at Henley

  • This is a charming woodland circular walk from an absolutely delightful

Hamlet hidden in the woods.

  • The pub is tiny and full of character with old framed deeds on the walls and other icons

from a line of tenant publicans with fishing and other country interests.

  • There are no nettles on this walk but you need stout sensible shoes or

boots.

  • Your dog will love this walk too.
  • The walk begins at the car park beside the Duke of Cumberland pub in

Henley W.Sussex, off the A286 between Haslemere and Midhurst,

Postcode GU27 3HQ.

Benbow Pond

  • Benbow Pond is a circular walk of approximately one mile and starts at the pond,
  • The Queen Elizabeth Oak, and the Cowdray QE2 Jubilee Lime Avenue before returning to the start point.

The Folly, Slindon

  • Great walk, beautiful in spring and summer when the bluebells are in full bloom.
  • Mostly uphill but some lovely circular routes. Beautiful views all year round of the local area.
  • Park in the layby at the bottom and then use the bridleway to access a network of paths to explore.

Bersted Brooks

  • Bested Brooks is a 19 hectare site comprising 3 fields alongside the north-east bank of the Aldingbourne Rife, between the road bridges in Rowan Way & Shripney Lane in North Bersted, Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

If that isn’t enough then why not try these:

Dog Friendly places to rest and eat

We at Scamps and Champs now assume that you and your fully exercised dog are now ready for some refreshment and a sit down.  Walkies is fun but the pub at the end of the line is a welcome break.  Why not try these:

  • Highdown Tea Rooms allow dogs and even stocks doggy ice cream!
  • The Black Rabbit in Arundel. Why don’t you relax before undertaking a thirty minute walk with your dog from the train station to the pub to grab a drink before heading off to explore the beauty of this historic market town.
  • Berties of Arundel is the one stop for a slice of cake and a bowl of water after a lengthy walk.
  • The Worlds End and The Swallows Return pub & restaurants both welcome dog
  • The Bluebird café in Ferring is right on the beach front and is the perfect place for group or solo walking with your pets. 

We hope that you enjoy the walk, pubs and pet friendly places across the West Sussex countryside.  Please share your photo’s here and if you think that Chichester Scamps and Champs could offer their many dog-walking and pet-sitting service please do get in touch.

Dog Walking and Pet Care Services in Halifax

Dog walking in Halifax is becoming increasingly popular with pet owners in Halifax. Pet owners in Halifax are becoming increasingly reliant on dog walkers to walk their dogs while they are at work. Dog walkers in Halifax are becoming more visible in the parks and other popular dog walking areas. Dog walkers in Halifax sometimes walk the dogs in their care in groups or on solo walks.

Other increasingly popular Pet Care Services are:

Dog Sitting in Halifax – pet owners are becoming more reliant on Dog sitting in Halifax. Not wanting to put their beloved dog/s into the kennels, they choose to use the Dog sitting in Halifax service. Dog sitting in Halifax ensures your dog/s gets all the care it needs at home rather than being in kennels.

Cat Sitting in Halifax – pet owners again are becoming more reliant on Cat sitting in Halifax. Not wanting to put their beloved cat/s into the cattery, they choose the Cat sitting in Halifax service. Cat sitting in Halifax ensures your beloved cat/s received all the care it needs at home rather than in a cattery.

Overnight Pet Sitting in Halifax – pet owners are finding this option a popular choice. Overnight pet sitting in Halifax again means the pet owner doesn’t have to put their beloved pet into the kennels or cattery. The overnight pet sitting service in Halifax also helps keep your house safe. Overnight pet sitting in Halifax means there is someone at your property overnight. Caring for your pet and your home at the same time./

Dog Home Boarding in Halifax – is also becoming one of the most popular choices for pet owners in Halifax. Whilst you yourself enjoy a holiday the Dog Home Boarding in Halifax service means your dog also gets a holiday with one of our experienced Dog Home Boarding in Halifax host families who have plenty of experience of Dog Home Boarding in Halifax.  

All of the pet care services we offer are carried out by one of our professional insured and DBS checked members of the team. We want your pet to feel safe with us whether it be for dog walking in Halifax, dog sitting in Halifax, cat sitting in Halifax, overnight pet sitting in Halifax or dog home boarding in Halifax. Your pets care is our priority. Near or far, big or small, whatever you pet we care for all.

To learn more about our pet care services visit our Scamps and Champs Halifax webpage.

To check availability, ask us a question or to make a booking simply complete our online enquiry form.