A Westie Wedding

Twenty five years ago my new husband and I pulled up in a white London taxi to the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich to begin an afternoon and evening of celebration and laughter for our wedding reception.  

Though it’s not far from my home, my visits since then to this historical London pub, with its beautiful floor to ceiling bay windows overlooking the River Thames, have been few and far between; the odd drink and meal, sparkly outfits and glitter beards (the hubbie, not me!) for a night of disco. 

But today I’m here for another reason altogether: I’m bringing a gorgeous little West Highland Terrier, Brie, who I got to know and love whilst pet sitting in the summer, to be in a glamorous photo shoot for a wedding magazine!

Sharon Valentine, the owner of Valentine Weddings, has this knack for thinking outside the box. I met Sharon only recently, when we discussed how her company and Scamps & Champs might collaborate; Sharon is a wedding planner, based in Blackheath in SE London, and I provide a wedding pet chaperone service so that dogs can play a full part in their owners’ weddings! Sharon spotted an opportunity and invited me to be involved in her new winter magazine. 

So here we are, Brie and I, possibly at the most glamorous job either of us have ever done! Brie is looking decidedly gorgeous, after being expertly groomed by Christine of Absolutely Animals in Lee, and me looking less glam in my standard doggie workwear. The room is buzzing with dress makers, cake makers, stylists, photographers, lighting assistants, florists, models, and Brie takes it all in her little stride.

I have a moment, remembering that night twenty five years ago, and then it’s time to dress Brie in her tuxedo (yes, I know) and she’s in the spotlight. For a little dog, she seems to have a wealth of life experience, and she is as placid and patient as ever as she is photographed a hundred times with the “bride” and “groom”. She really is the most brilliant pet model – that saying about never working with animals or children just doesn’t apply to her. When she’s not needed, I wander around the sunlit room with her and then she calmly lies down and falls asleep for a few minutes, maybe worn out by the stardom!

After a couple of hours, Brie’s part in the shoot is done. She changes out of her tux, we say goodbye to the glamorous entourage and she skips down the wide staircase, looking forward to going home to her brother Herbie. I don’t think fame will change her!

Scamps and Champs can help you make your wedding day even more special by allowing your treasured pet to play a part, looked after by one of our professional, friendly and experienced staff. Get in touch with us to find out more.


How To Stop Your Dog Barking When Left Alone

The incessant volleys of yips, woofs and whines of dogs when left alone can be a big problem for any dog owner and even the neighbours, except if you live in a detached house in the countryside. All dogs bark as way to communicate with their owners but a dog that barks continuously can cause so much trouble. To get your dog to stop barking when left alone, you have to first discover what triggers the reaction so you can address the situation effectively.

Here are some common reasons dogs bark:

  • Genetics
  • Attention seeking/demand
  • Alarm
  • Territorial
  • Frustration
  • Boredom
  • Fear
  • Play barking
  • Separation distress

Now that we’ve identified the factors that could be causing your dog to be especially vocal when left alone, here are some to tips to get them to stop.

1. Mask the sounds

Generally, most dogs bark when startled as a reaction to sounds they’re hearing. The solution here is to control the environment so you can limit their exposure to things that get their attention, and a good way to do that is to mask the noise with other sounds. For example, you could use a fan, a radio, a t.v. or a white noise machine to help your canine relax and lower their stress levels.

If you live in an apartment and share walls with others, covering up the sound of what’s going on outside can help keep your dog calm which in turns prevents frequent barking.

2. Use sight barriers

Another way to solve your dog’s barking problems via environmental management is to block your pooch’s sight-line to potential barking triggers. This solution is ideal for dogs that are territorial/alarm/defence barkers as it aids to prevent visual stimulation which can trigger your dog.

For outdoors, you can cut off visual access by using private fencing or privacy hedges in the garden.     If your dog stays indoors, you can leave the curtains closed or close the blinds. Alternatively, you can use place removable plastic films which allows light in but make the windows opaque. Be sure to place the window film a few inches above your dog’s line of sight to reduce the chances of visual stimulation.

3. Use treats and toys

As you leave the house, give your dog a chew-toy that has your scent on it to keep him busy. This can help distract your pooch as you leave and also keep him calm since the toy has your scent on it. The toy could be a stuffed Kong toy or a safe chew bone stuffed with cheese spread or peanut butter (without xylitol), but what counts is that the toys will keep their mouth occupied with something aside from barking.    Interactive treat toys are also a great way of keeping their minds busy.

Similarly, give your dog treats as a way of rewarding him for not barking. If he hears a noise from outside or doesn’t bark when you’re out of sight, praise him and give him a treat. Rewarding your dog is an excellent way of getting him to associate his refusal to react with something positive.

4. Create a quiet zone

A dog that suffers from separation anxiety shouldn’t be allowed to move freely at home, so create a quiet zone for them in the house where they can be when you aren’t at home. Ideally, the spot should be the quietest part of the house like a back bedroom, utility room or space. You can include a dog crate with comfortable bedding for them, and don’t forget to leave some food and water for them too.

5. Uses exercises

Some dog breeds like retrievers, pointers, setters and collies were originally used to work all day and they tend to become restless if they’re under-exercised. They need to be kept busy or they might resort to barking due to boredom. Experiment with different dog exercises to discover the ones that come close to tiring your pooch out. A panting, utterly exhausted dog will be too tired out to waste his remaining energy barking.

6.  Hire A Dog Walker

Hire a dog walker if you are out at work all day to tire your dog out and to break up his day.

All in All

If you have applied all the tips above and still can’t seem to get your dog to stop barking, you might need extra help from a dog trainer/behaviourist.   Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get in touch with your local Scamps and Champs Branch here to discuss your pets needs.

How Much Does Pet Sitting Cost?

If you want your beloved pets to experience in-home pet sitting while you’re away, hiring an experienced and professional pet sitter is the way to go.    Our team of professional pet sitters are dedicated animal lovers who will lavish love and attention to your best friends, just like you do.   

Our overnight pet sitting services start from as little as £28.00 for an overnight stay from approximately teatime until around 7.30am the following morning but the rates may go higher depending on the services you want to request for your pet.  Our overnight pet sitting service includes a morning and evening walk for dogs if required, feeding and of course lots of attention and cuddles.

Benefits of pet sitting as opposed to dog home boarding or kennels and catteries

Wondering why at home pet sitting is a better option to consider as opposed to putting your pets in kennels or catteries or dog home boarding? Here are some reasons:

Less stress

Taking your furry friend to somewhere new is likely going to stress your pets since they’re not used to the environment. Pets can get accustomed to being at home and that includes sights, sounds and smells such that leaving an environment they’ve always known can make them anxious.  Choosing at-home pet sitting for your pets makes it easy for them to feel safe and secure even when you’re out of town.

No extra travel for you

If you decide to take your furry friends to a dog home boarder, kennel or cattery, it means you have to drop your pets off and pick them up again when you return. The extra travel can cause a lot of stress and loss of valuable time you could have spent doing other things.  When you choose pet sitting, you don’t have to worry about taking them to the dog home boarder, kennel or cattery or picking them up again when you’re back in town.

No travel trauma for your pets

Some pets dislike travelling regardless of how comfortable you try to make the trip for them.    Hiring a pet sitter to stay with your pets can be less stressful for them than travelling with them.

Pet sitting experience and insurance

Hiring a pet sitter means you’re requesting the services of a professional who has vast  experience with pets and is fully insured. What this means is that you can rest knowing that your pets are in the care of someone who is a huge animal lover and would know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Additional services/Security for your home

Apart from caring for your pets, pet sitters can help keep the house clean, water the plants, bring in the mail and newspapers, and put out recycle bins, all giving your home that lived-in look.

Health concerns

When pets are in a group setting like a cattery or a kennels, your pets are at risk of coming home with an illness they contracted from other pets.  That could result in pains for your furry friend and a visit to the vet which may cost a lot. On the other hand, your pets are less likely to fall ill when being cared for in their own home and even if they do, you can rest assured that they will receive personalised care from the pet sitter.

Personalised care

Pets in a kennel or cattery don’t always receive personalised care and this might negatively affect your pets but a pet sitter who stays with your pets can care for your pet exactly as per your instructions, leaving you with no doubt that your pets are in safe hands.  You will receive daily feedback emails with photographs of how your pets are doing for your peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your holiday, worry free.

Scamps & Champs pet sitters look after your pets as we would our own.

To find out more about our pet sitting service, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Why Hire a Dog Walker?

Are you considering hiring a dog walker, but not sure it is worth it or not sure you should trust anyone with your dog? Scamps & Champs Dartford have considered the benefits of hiring a dog walker below to help you make the right decision.

If you are at work during the day and not able to be around for your dog, hiring a dog walker can ensure they have the company they require and also allow them to socialise if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs. Scamps & Champs Dartford will carefully match your dog to other dogs based on temperament and size and we only walk a maximum of 4 dogs – So no pack walking! This ensures your dog is able to socialise safely and play with dogs of a similar temperament, which helps their development and all round happiness. However, if your dog does not like the company of others we also offer solo walks where your dog can have the sole attention of the dog walker and get the human company they need to remain happy!

If you are unable to get out and about to walk you dog for whatever reason, hiring a dog walker allows your dog to get the exercise they require. Scamps & Champs Dartford offer both half hour and hour walks depending on the requirements of your dog. We know that some dogs are happy with just a half hour walk on the lead, but some require a full hour of chasing a ball to get the required level of exercise they need to keep them healthy and happy. This is why we always meet with you first to assess your dogs specific requirements prior to commencing any dog walking.

Not knowing who to trust with your dog is another important factor to take in to consideration and is another benefit of using Scamps & Champs Dartford. All of our team are police checked and fully insured. They are all dog lovers with plenty of experience with a variety of breeds and temperaments and they will treat you dog with the love and attention they deserve. This is another important reason why Scamps & Champs Dartford offer a free no obligation meeting to get to know your requirements. This meeting also allows you to meet us and feel reassured about leaving your dog with us.

If after reading the above you are interesting in finding out more information about hiring a dog walker please do get in touch with us at Scamps & Champs Dartford and we would be more than happy to discuss your requirements.

Is your Dog Home Boarder Licenced?

It was a great step forward last week when I could finally apply for a Reigate Home Boarders licence with Reigate and Banstead council, believe me it has been a long and arduous task and I am sure I am not alone.

At Scamps and Champs we are championing the right, just and appropriate way your animals are looked after which is why we are adhering to all the Defra Regulations which went into effect from October 2018.

I have been slowly building an animal loving team to provide Reigate dog walking, cat feeding and pet sitting services and am know looking for the right people to become host families for our Reigate Dog Home Boarding.

Lots of people will know me from walking the various popular local places with my dogs over the years. When I talk to people of my hopes in slowly building a respected local pet care name, under the Scamps and Champs brand, I am surprised at how few are aware of the new regulations and therefore may be unwittingly leaving their dogs with an unlicensed person therefore, leaving themselves at risk as there will be no insurance in place should anything happen not something I would personally be happy with.

At Scamps and Champs Reigate you can rest assured that your dog will be being looked after by a host family where they have been fully vetted by ourselves and fit the new regulations but I think most importantly will have fabulous 1 on 1 care as we will only be boarding dogs from the same family. Your dogs will not be boarded with any other families’ dogs.

As a potential customer you will be given the chance to meet your Reigate Dog Home Boarder to see where your loved ones will be staying to give you complete peace of mind while you are away.

Finally if you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming one of my host families please do get in touch for an informal discussion.

Please do get in touch for all your Reigate pet care needs and hopefully we can help you out.

Will You Visit My Cat Every Other Day?

The answer to this question is no and the reasons why we don’t do every other day cat visits are below.

Cats in general can be very independent, they give and receive affection on their terms, play only when they feel like it, if at all but as independent as they may seem they still need supervision.

Some people think that leaving their cat alone with only a pet visit every other day and an automatic cat feeder will be okay.

A cat left home alone for more than a day at a time could lead to tragedy.  To ensure your cats safety, Scamps & Champs does not offer every other day cat visits for the following reasons:-

Your Cat Could Get Ill

Cats can become very unwell, very quickly as we have experienced.   Swift action can be taken by your pet sitter to take your cats to the vets for emergency treatment.   A visit 48 hours later may well be too late.

Your Cat May Become Injured

Accidents can and do happen.  A cat left unsupervised for more than 24 hours increases the risk of an injury.  Your cat could injure themselves after the pet sitter has visited but would then have to wait 48 hours for her to return causing them unnecessary pain and suffering before being able to get them veterinary treatment.

The Automatic Pet Feeder May Malfunction

Again this something we have experienced where an automatic pet feeder has not opened at the time it was scheduled to.   Your cat would be extremely hungry having to wait 48 hours for their next meal.

Your Cat Could Become Trapped

Another of our experiences. We arrived at a client’s house and the cat didn’t come to greet us as she normally did.  After hunting all around the house, we discovered that the cleaner had locked her in a bedroom.   Imagine we hadn’t found her for another 48 hours, we would have had an extremely distressed, very hungry and thirsty cat, not to mention the damage done to the client’s bedroom.  A daily visit by a professional pet sitter will ensure your cat remains safe.

Your Cat Could Run Out Of Water

We have visited cats where they have managed to upturn their water dish. Even the sturdiest of bowls can be flipped over. Your cat would have no access to fresh water for 48 hours.

We have had lots of different experiences over the last eight years and because of what we have learned, we will not offer pet visits every other day for the safety of your cats.   Leaving your cats home alone without a pet visit every day to check on them just doesn’t make sense when you consider the potential risks.Scamps & Champs daily cat visitswill ensure the safety of your pet and provide them with care, love and attention while you are away providing you with peace of mind. To ask us a question, make an enquiry or booking, simply compl

Looking After Your Dog Whilst Working Full-Time?

BLEEP – the alarm rattles you out of bed, as you groggily pull on your workwear. While you’re getting ready for another long, coffee-filled morning at work, your pet looks up at you with shining eyes: ‘Where are you going?’ they seem to say, ears perked, nose snuffling around the breakfast leftovers…

It’s heartbreaking to leave our dogs in the house for eight, nine or ten-plus hours at a time. They aren’t built for it, and neither are we. Isn’t there a way to ensure your pooch has company when you’re gone?

Follow Scamps and Champs down several options for looking after a home-alone pet:

Ensure they have everything they need

Before leaving for work, it’s important to care for their thirsts, appetites and sense of comfort until you return. Fill up the water and biscuit bowls. Then prep the doggie bed with soft, warm blankets, and leave any rooms open that you don’t mind your pet wandering between (conservatory, kitchen hallway etc.) with a favourite toy.

Some dogs are fine with being left outdoors when the weather permits. Just remember that they need to have topped-up food and water, guarded by a secure gate, fence or paddock.

Make a schedule for coming back halfway through the day

Anyone can reasonably think that eight or more hours is too long – we’d go a little mad ourselves in that time, without anything to distract us! To keep your pooch stimulated, why not see if you can head back home, on a lunch break, for a brisk 20-minute walk around the neighbourhood?

During these periods, try to wear the dog out as much as you can, either through walking, a Frisbee session, or tugs of war with a rope. That’ll tire them out until the evening; they might make a habit of falling asleep, only rousing when you walk through the door again.

Embrace professional dog sitting

Many people, however, aren’t able to flex their schedules, or make it to and from the workplace in a short span of time. Long commutes, single living and/or tough bosses can make caring for your dog a hardship in the week… That is unless you take on a dog sitting service like ours.

Scamps & Champs offer dependable carers who will turn up several times a day (if required) for a dog sitting experience like no other. We take on only the warmest, most capable pet lovers, so you’re guaranteed a fine friend in lieu of your own presence. Every dog gets their own dedicated sitter, and an updated feedback report every time we turn up at your doorstep. You’ll be aware of what happened in the day, how your dog was behaving, and anything else crucial to your peace of mind.

See what dog sitting can do for your home-bound hound – we’re very happy to have a chat, as Scamps & Champs continue to help hundreds of full-time workers in the UK. The stark choice of ‘dog’ or ‘career’ shouldn’t be drawn so deeply in the sand… With us on your side, we can rub it out altogether.

Contact us if you would like to enquire, make a booking or ask us a question about our services, via our online enquiry form.

Our Favourite Toys for Home Alone Dogs

dog toys in stockport, dog walking in stockport,

We often hear that owning a dog is like having an eternal toddler at your beck and call. Why, you ask? Because they’re obsessed with fun, games and entertainment. A pooch never tires of the stuff you buy to amuse it, even when you aren’t personally on the other end of the rope, so to speak…

This is doubly important when we leave a dog at home, as they need to keep themselves active – both mentally and physically – until you return. Scamps and Champs done some sniffing around, and come up with a list of top canine toys to fill the void:

Benebone Flavoured Chews

USA brand Benebone is a big name for quirky chew toys, and they’ve amassed a range of gourmet flavours that include peanut butter, bacon and rotisserie chicken. The lip-smacking treat has been designed to resemble a wishbone, so pups and adult dogs can gnaw on it easily. Any pets heavier than 70lb, though, are off the cards for Benebone toys.

KONG Rubber Ball Extreme

Round objects seem to be the absolute, heavenly peak of a pooch’s sense of play. The KONG Rubber Ball Extreme has a ridiculous bounce capability, whilst remaining 100% puncture resistant. Your furry pal can knock it about at their whim, chasing it through the backyard, living room or kitchen. ‘Small’ measurements are 2.5” high, whilst the ‘Medium/Large’ option adds another half an inch, catering for variously sized breeds.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

We’re back in KONG’s playground, as they prove once more why they’re a solid brand for pet-centric games. Basically, the Classic version of their accessory is shaped like a triple-layered dollop of cream, built from red rubber. When dropped on the ground, it’ll boing unpredictably from one spot to the next – that’s what the unusual design is for! Dogs can’t fail to be delighted by this, making the KONG Classic a highlight on our list.

Our Pets IQ Treat Ball  

For a short stay on their own through the day, the Our Pets IQ Treat Ball is a perfect, tongue-frothing blend of smarts and physical pleasure. A dog can only gain access to the biscuits within if they roll the toy in a certain way; steadily, they’ll drop out, ready to be snaffled up. Owners can raise the difficulty when they think it’s become too by-the-numbers. Overall, an ideal choice for the brainy hound.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Now this is a special case of paw-tastic pastimes… The Hide-A-Squirrel Toy emits a squeak when dogs wrap their mouth around the belly, lending comfort and stimulation in periods of stress. There are several of these plush squirrels to buy at once; what’s more, they live in a furry tree trunk, requiring a dog to hunt them through the storage holes. The Ginormous Hide, as its’ known, features five woodland critters to pile on top of each other.

Together, these are excellent distractions for a home alone dog – the kind, we may add, who would benefit hugely from a pet sitting service like Scamps & Champs. We can visit your pooch several times a day and/or week, or stay at their side through a whole holiday. Just get in touch with your requirements, and we can add a real pair of hands to their new toy chest.

What happens during a Scamps & Champs puppy visit?

Would you love to get a puppy but are out at work all day? Scamps & Champs puppy visits can help.

I think any animal lover would agree that there is nothing as cute as a young puppy. The puppy breath, the floppy ears and those adorable puppy eyes. Proper care, training and routine is so important. Scamps & Champs puppy visits are typically two to three times a day, around three to fours apart, depending on the age of the little one.

When we arrive, the first thing we do is take the puppy outside for a toilet break. Lots of praise will be given when the pup toilets outside and any accidents cleaned up.

We will then feed the puppy based on your instructions and then back out again into the garden.

Depending on your requests, most of our time will be spent outside. We will have plenty of playtime and most importantly lots of cuddles.

Afterwards, hopefully your puppy will be tired out and ready for a nap. A lot of puppy owners use a crate so back in the crate the pup will go with a treat if we have the owner’s permission. Some owners like us to give a filled puppy kong to keep the pup busy in-between our visits.

Once the pup has been fully vaccinated then we can start to incorporate a short 5 to 10 minute walk and build this up very gradually. It helps with getting the puppy used to having the lead/harness put on. 

To find out more about our puppy visits, give us a call on 0161 399 0317 or contact us through our website.

Pet Sitting VS. Dog Home Boarding: The Great Debate

We’re never thrilled about leaving our pooches behind, but certain situations, like holidays abroad, dictate we must. When you can’t take your dog along for the ride, there are generally two courses of action available: pet sitting or dog home boarding.

But which option is best for our furry friends? We’re going to throw you a couple of bones, if we may, as we gauge the benefits and drawbacks of both choices…

Dog home boarding – Pros

Dog home boarding is a popular alternative to kennels, giving you peace of mind that your pup is being cared for in a comfortable environment, whether that’s a friend’s house, or that of a professional dog sitter.

It’s ideal for dogs who have had bad experiences with kennels in the past, struggle with socialising, or simply require a few home comforts – especially older animals. With dog home boarding, your pet can be taken for regular walks, plied with cuddles, kept safe and healthy, and enjoy some companionship for the days ahead.

Most top-tier services (like us!) ensure you’re totally comfortable with the boarding experience beforehand; only when you’ve had a chance to meet the carer do we ask for a deposit.

Cons

While dog home boarding may sound like a luxury escape for your pooch, it’s not suited to every animal. For starters, if your dog isn’t toilet trained, or struggles with basic obedience, you could lose your deposit in the event of an incident at your carer’s home.

Plus, even though home boarding is a much nicer alternative to kennels, it can still place a lot of stress on animals with a nervous temperament, or those who are sick or injured.

Pet sitting – Pros

Most dogs take a while to adapt to a new place; they like to sniff, sleep and feel their way around a territory. With pet sitting, a committed carer will turn up at your door – armed with treats, toys, or just an overnight bag – and stay in your home for a prescribed amount of time.

By staying dry, fed and loved in a space they recognise, any dog will be calmer, mediating their separation anxiety. The pet sitter can have as much or as little influence on the day-to-day routine of your pooch as desired: merely popping over to walk them and filling up their biscuit bowl, perhaps, or camping over for a week or two. They can even water the plants…

Cons

Depending on the levels of service you ask for, pet sitting can be pricier than dog home boarding; after all, we’re asking someone to (potentially) spend every minute with your furry pal. It also requires a much greater degree of trust; while this shouldn’t be a problem with a reputable service, like ours, some people feel uncomfortable giving strangers free roam of their home.

There isn’t a single answer to what’s preferable here; it all comes down to your personality and, of course, the needs of the Main Mutt in question. Still can’t decide on the way forward? Contact Scamps & Champs Today, or delve into our range of pet care services, each of which can be tailored to you.