Pet theft awareness day is approaching on February 14th. Our blog highlights how you can keep your pets safe and outlines the importance of ensuring your pets are appropriately identifiable in case of emergency.
Continue readingWe all know how much you love your pets! Many of us even admit to loving and spending time with our beloved pets more than humans! Therefore, at Scamps and Champs we want to make sure Valentines Day is a special occasion to remember, for all of the right reasons! Ensuring you can snuggle up with the lady or man in your life for the Pawfect Valentines Day!
Pets make the best Valentine’s date as you don’t need to buy them chocolates, they have no use for flowers, and in fact these gifts can be extremely dangerous for them. All they need is your unconditional love and affection. If you can’t keep your paws off each other – we want to make sure that you spend the day together safely. Here are our top five Valentine’s Day safety tops for you and your pets.
It is well known that chocolate is extremely toxic for dogs, however it is one of the most common gifts on Valentine’s Day and therefore means that there’s lots of chocolaty temptation around for their tongues! Make sure any chocolates are kept up high and out of reach even the fruity flavours. Also make sure that you don’t leave wrappers lying around as they may still have chocolate on them and in addition the foil or plastic can be harmful if consumed. If chocolate is consumed by dogs they can become extremely ill and in severe cases it can be fatal. If your dog consumes chocolate then
Sugar free sweets, sweetener and gum contains the toxic ingredient xylitol. If ingested xylitol can cause; vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and in severe cases liver failure. Therefore, skip the sweets this Valentine’s Day as love hearts, are far from loving for your purr-fect pets!
We know you love your pets with all of your heart, therefore jeopardising their safety is just not worth the risk. If your pets consume, chocolate, sweeteners or sweets, this can devastatingly cause them to go into cardiac arrest. Stay smart by learning how to perform CPR on your pets effectively, so that in the event of emergency you can save the life of your pet.
Believe it or not your beautiful Valentine’s Day floral arrangements can be harmful to your pets, the aroma produced by flowers can be an enticing scent for your pet. If they manage to nibble your beautiful bouquet the results can be disastrous, even just small amounts of toxic flowers can cause; vomiting and upset stomachs. Be additionally cautious if your floral arrangements contain lilies as these can be fatal if consumed by cats.
You may think that a cute puppy or kitten would make the most romantic gift of them all! However, it won’t be puppy love if you and your partner separate, or you move into a new home together which does not allow pets and your perfect pet ends up at the animal shelter. Bringing a living animal into your home needs careful consideration and is a life-long commitment that should not be taken lightly. Animals are not a choice that can be picked up and then thrown away, in accordance with your life style. Don’t buy an animal as a gift, take time to think about this life-altering commitment and talk it through with your partner thoroughly. Perhaps plan a date to visit an animal shelter or breeder together instead, once Valentine’s Day is over and spend Valentine’s Day together on a date talking things over.
We hope you have the most purr-fect Valentine’s Day with your pets, remember to stay safe and most of all give your animals the love and affection they deserve on this special day of the year.
Going away to celebrate Valentine’s Day and need your pets to be cared for? Take a look at Scamps and Champs pet care services.
Most of us would prefer to have our dogs with us at all times, however some circumstances such as travelling abroad, means that leaving our furry friends in the capable hands of dog-caring experts is the fairest option. Dog kennels are a viable solution for some owners, however for many of us we require a ‘home-from-home’ environment for our beloved dogs, who we class as one of the family. Our home boarding services match your dog’s personality and requirements to a suitable host family, who have experience of looking after animals and who have opted to be a canine carer specifically for our company, Scamps and Champs. You have the opportunity to meet your carer and the option to approve them, before leaving your dog in their capable hands. We guarantee that your pet will treated with the love, affection and respect that they deserve and that their normal routines, diet and medications, will be catered for. Read more about our home boarding services and check availability via our Scamps and Champs website.
Recent adjustments to Animal Welfare Government Legislation (October 2018) has meant that home boarding services have had to alter, in order to align with the new regulations. The HMRC Department for Environment and Rural Affairs documentation on the ‘Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations’ can be viewed in full. Providing guidance for the statutory conditions required when providing home boarding services for dogs.
But what does the new legislation mean for home boarding business and dog owners wanting to use our services? Rest assured the guidance has been formulated to protect your much loved pups and ensure that they are accessing an elite, caring and safe environment, when home boarding with us. Every dog must have their own private room space when home boarding, where they can relax, sleep and retreat to when needed. Here are some additional reassuring facts regarding your dog’s required personal room, to put your mind at rest:
Home boarding carers will only be allowed to look after your dog if they hold at least a Level 2 in an OFQUAL regulated qualification, demonstrating that they have the education, knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:
Whilst regulation on this has yet to be finalised it would be assumed that this would mean your home board carer would have pet first aid as part of their qualification, in addition to a licence and experience of working in the animal care industry.
Home boarding carers will need to keep full policy and procedure documentation including; training for all staff members, cleaning regimes, monitoring and ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals and emergency procedures. Full records will need to be kept on; attendance, behaviour monitoring and documentation of familiarisation sessions.
All home boarding businesses will be assessed against welfare standards and given a star risk rating which will help inform you as to whether the home boarding setting is suitable for your dog. If businesses are assessed as a higher risk then they will subsequently receive a low rating, whereas if the business is assessed as a low risk they will receive a high rating. View further details regarding the home boarding star rating system.
Consent is required from you before home board carers can do the following things. Yes that is right, you are in control! You must be completely comfortable and provide written consent before carers can:
Overall it is evident that although the new legislation may initially appear daunting, it is designed to protect the welfare and safety of your beloved dogs. Ultimately providing both home boarding businesses and dog care professionals with the education and knowledge they need to ensure your dog’s safety and welfare during their stay. By providing you with complete control over what you give consent for your dogs to do during their stay, you can rest assured that you pups are provided with a uniquely tailored experience to suit their needs and personality. Finally, with their own personal rooms to enjoy whenever they wish, it ensures your pooches will be fully pampered during their relaxing home boarding holiday.
View full details of Scamps and Champs Home Boarding Services, check for availability and book in with us.
We would love to have your precious pet dog stay with us soon for their very own pup-tastic holiday!
Mental health affects one in four of us yet people are still afraid to talk to each other about it; usually due to insecurities, experiencing embarrassment and feeling worried about what others will think of them. This subsequently means that many of us suffer in isolation, which can often have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Time to Talk Day is all about bringing people together so that they feel comfortable to have ‘that’ conversation. Whether it’s with a cup of tea, a chat with a close friend or meeting up with a family member, the aim is to break the stigma of talking about mental health and raising awareness in the process. Here at Scamps and Champs we recognise that it isn’t just humans that suffer with mental health issues, our beloved dogs can too! Therefore, we aim to prompt the conversation with our followers regarding mental health for dogs, in order to inform you with what problems can look like and signs to look out for. By raising awareness and promoting an informed discussion regarding your dog’s mental health, we also hope to arm you with the details you need to support your furry friend on the road to recovery.
As we know mental health is just as real as physical health and can be completely debilitating if it isn’t treated correctly. Believe it or not our dogs can be affected by many of the same mental health issues us humans can from anxiety, depression, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, but how can mental health problems in our dogs be recognised and how can they be treated? People’s experiences impact who they are and how they choose to behave, it is the same with our four-legged friends. A positive experience can influence us to make excellent choices and model us into decent human beings, who have the ability to act and react in a well-rounded thought out way. However, a negative experience can cause stress and have a lasting detrimental impact on the way we chose to behave. Below we are going to cover the main mental health issues that can be experienced by dogs, explain how to identify each condition and then offer some advice on how to support your pawly pal back to health.
The most common form of anxiety identified within dogs is separation anxiety, this is where your dog absolutely hates being separated from its owner, particularly for extended periods of time. This could be due to spending too much time with the owner as a puppy and then circumstances altering, for example an owner obtaining a new job that takes them out of the home environment. However, separation anxiety can occur in dogs that have had a troubled start in life and therefore do not like to be left on their own, as they fear that something bad will happen to them.
Common signs that your dog has separation anxiety:
The solution is to seek professional help from a dog behaviour expert who can assist you in identifying why your dog has separation anxiety. Then work with them to find a solution that suits your dog’s individual needs. If you have a new puppy it is important that you create them a space they feel safe in such as a crate, bed or small room, which is their personal safe space of comfort. Then work on settling your puppy into its safe space each time that you go out and leave your puppy for short bursts of time, such as ten minutes to begin with whilst you go to the shop. Then gradually increase the time you leave them up to four hours, once they are old enough to hold the toilet and wait to go outside. Often leaving a speech radio station on such as BBC Radio 4 in the safe space, can assist in keeping them company and mask outside noises that may be initially frightening for your dog.
Depression can be experienced in dogs when an alteration of routine occurs. This can be in the form of a change in home environment, an alteration in food or walking routine or following the death of a fellow canine companion. Whereas in humans a ‘change of scene’ may be beneficial for depression, any change can actually be the trigger of depression in dogs.
Common signs that your dog has depression:
You can improve this by creating and maintaining a daily routine for your dogs, keeping their life aspects as consistent as possible. Taking your dogs out and exercising them efficiently in fields where they can enjoy the grass, mud and fresh air. If you have just experienced the death of another loved pet and your dog is showing signs of depression, give them as much love and attention as you can, support them through the difficult phase. If symptoms of depression persist then seek advice from your veterinary health professional as they may have further advice or your dog may have an underlying condition that needs treating medically.
Dogs are extremely sociable animals and enjoy lots of walks, cuddles and most importantly company. They require a lot of attention and tender loving care, just like we do! However, if dogs are not socialised properly as puppies or if they are bought up in isolation, they can develop social anxieties which are not usually associated with their breed. Thus, meaning that when you try and socialise your dog out in public and it is approached by another dog, your dog can become aggressive as it is frightened about what the other dog may do to it.
Common signs that your dog has social anxiety:
The best way to eliminate social anxiety is to commence training whilst your dog is young, by socialising your dog with other humans and dogs on a regular basis. This can cause an issue if you have adopted a dog or you have obtained an adult dog from a rescue shelter, as it will already have established negative behaviours within previous years. In this case it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a dog behaviourist or dog trainer, who can tailor support to your individual dog’s needs. In addition, you need to establish trust with your new furry friend, by spending as much time with them as you can and positively rewarding good behaviour with treats. This needs to include gradually introducing other dogs to your dog, commencing on a one-on-one basis and taking it slowly, monitoring your dog’s reactions and rewarding positive experiences with treats.
Post-Traumatic stress disorder occurs in dogs following a traumatic event, just as it does in humans. This can occur through mistreatment, physical violence or abuse, from humans or sometimes from other dogs. This can cause long-lasting mental health issues with crippling effects on a dog’s life, as triggers such as similar noises or places, can cause the dog to relive the trauma over and over again.
Common signs that a dog has post-traumatic stress disorder:
As with anxiety and depression, canine post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can cause your dog to act out more than usual or in un-characteristically for the individual dog. It is recommended that you seek immediate assistance from your veterinary doctor in order to see if medical assistance is required. Dog behaviour and training can assist you in addition moving forward and with the correct treatment for your dog CPTSD can subside within a couple of months.
Take a further look at our business Scamps and Champs and our full range of pet caring services available.
Let’s face it, as dog owners we are barking mad about our canine friends, with most of us viewing them firmly as one of the family. Therefore, with the February half-term holidays approaching you are likely to be seeking a well deserved break, with the entire family included. However, searching for accommodation and restaurants where your fur baby, and human children, are welcome in all areas can turn into a ruff ordeal! It will therefore come as no great surprise that some of the most dog welcoming destinations in the United Kingdom fall within our beautiful national parks, offering rolling countryside, stunning scenery and ample dog walking opportunities. Within these leash-worthy locations they don’t shy away from dog walkers, muddy paws or excited children, they embrace the outdoors and invite you inside with open arms. Here are our top three pawsome friendly holiday destinations and why we know they will be perfect for the whole family, fur sure!
The stunning Lake District welcomes your four-legged friend with open arms, offering endless outdoor opportunities and dining options for the whole family! The Lake District is renowned for being one of the most welcoming holiday destinations for our dogs, not only due to the endless Wainwrights that can be explored up on the fells, but within the tourist attractions too. From the Windermere Lake Cruises, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Ullswater Steamers and the Ravenglass Railway in Eskdale, you are not short of thrilling day trips where your pup-pal can be fully involved in your adventures. In addition, you are spoilt for choice with dog friendly restaurants and bars, that won’t blink an eye at your muddy walking boots or mucky mutt. Fancy a fabulous forest walk? Then look no further than the gorgeous deep green forests of Whinlatter and Grizedale where the trees appear to reach the sky. There are ample adventure playground opportunities for children and most importantly your dog can run freely around the forest footpaths.
For more information see Lake District dog friendly; accommodation, places to eat, pet etiquette and a dogs in Cumbria guide.
Every year millions of canine visitors flock to the Yorkshire Dales with their owners in the hope of finding hound friendly hotels, pup-tastic pubs and glorious countryside walks. Dogs in the Dales are embraced and greeted by many shops and pubs, who have bowls of water outside their establishments ready for your thirsty pals. Indeed some restaurants go even further in their attempt to satisfy the needs of your furry friend by offering a delicious doggy menu in addition to their standard menu, meaning you can all eat together at the end of a long days walking. You are also spoilt for choice with dog friendly attractions around the Dales including; Richmond Castle, Parcevall Gardens, Markenfield Hall, Ingleborough Cave, Harrogate Paintball Centre, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Skipton Boat Trips, to name just a few!
For further essential information take a look at dogs in the Dales.
Dog friendly Derbyshire is packed full of places to stay and things to do with your pawsome pups. Dogs are well and truly welcome in the Peak District with numerous café’s, bars and restaurants classifying themselves as dog friendly. You can’t walk far without noticing the array of signs above shop doors proudly informing you that ‘dogs are welcome.’ Ensuring there are no awkward moments where you stand outside with the dog, whilst the rest of the family enter the shop for a browse. You can explore the Monsal Trail or perhaps Monsal Head and walk down into Mondal Dale, with the whole family, letting your dog run freely in the beautiful countryside. Grinlow Woods and Bakewell also offer numerous outdoor opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the beauty of the Peak District. You can end the day perfectly in one of the many dog friendly hotels where you can all enjoy relaxing together, at the end of a wonderful day in one of the most beautiful national parks in England, with your dog by your side.
Check out this useful overview of dog friendly accommodation in the pet friendly Peak District.
Are we fur’ real? Well, yes we are! Our dogs are part of our family and therefore finding the perfect accommodation, eating establishments and attractions, where everyone can enjoy the entire holiday together is pawsible. It is all down to location and all available on our doorstep, if you just know where to look. You and your precious pups never need to be separated again and you can look forward to many hound-friendly holidays together in the future. Happy February Half-Term!
Unable to take your dog away this time? View Scamps and Champs full range of pet care services, availability and booking details.
As a dog owner there are laws we have to follow – do you know what they are?
Poop
As a dog owner you are required to clean up after you dog.
The Dog Fouling Act of 2016 places responsibility on the ‘person in charge of the dog at the time of the fouling’ and all Scamps and Champs dog walkers take this very seriously.
Under the Clean Neighborhoods and Environment Act 2005, local authorities have the power to make Dog Control Orders in relation to public land.
Which means that, not cleaning up after your dog is an offence, punishable by a fine at level 3, which is £1000.
The Dog Control Order may also relate to; keeping dogs on leads, exclusion of dogs from land and also the number of dogs which a person may take on to any land.
Control
We are talking about leads, collars and muzzles.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is a criminal offence for a dog to be on a designated road (i.e. public road) without being help on a lead. The exceptions are for dogs proved to be kept for driving or tending sheep or cattle.
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires every dog while on a public highway or in a public place to wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on it or on a ID badge attached to the collar.
Exceptions to that legislation are:
The Countryside Code for dog owners
The Protection of Livestock Act 1953 states that it is legal for a farmer to shoot a dog that is worrying his livestock.
The livestock act covers cows, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, geese and goats. The Act does not cover domestic pets such as cats or wild game birds. The Act applies to any person who is walking or in control of a dog whether they are the owner or not.
The public right of way applies only to the footpath through the field, not to the whole field and so does not give people the right to wander the wider area.
Third party liability insurance is not a legal requirement but should advisable in case your dog causes damage or runs out in the road and cause a road traffic accident.
Third party liability is usually covered in all basic pet insurance policies.
Microchipping
Since April 2016 dog owners in UK are legally required to microchip their dog by 8 weeks old. The exception is that dogs bred for working purposes, eg gun dogs, which must be chipped by the time they are 12 weeks old.
It is important to keep your contact details and address up to date on the microchip database so that if you dog goes missing or stolen he can be traced back to you.
If you move home or change your number, be sure to update your details.
Restraining your dog to travel in the car
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:
‘When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly: A seat belt, harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars’.
A dog guard separating the dog in the boot of the car to passengers in the front and back seat is an fairly simple solution to restraining your dog while traveling.
Using a dog harness which attaches to the cars existing seatbelt fittings or a dog crate are other possible solutions.
Our Scamps and Champs Dartford branch of has just opened and is now ready to provide a range of pet care services in Dartford. Once council approved, they will also be providing dog home boarding. Keep up to date with the branch news via their Facebook page which you can follow HERE.
“I am looking forward to running the branch alongside my soppy staffie Kenny.
I have spent my career to date working in accountancy but my passion has always been for animals and I am now looking to turn to this passion and provide a much needed pet care service to Dartford and the surrounding area.
I have always been an animal lover. From a very young age I have been around animals of all sizes and shapes. Our very first pet was a hamster and from that point there was always a variety of animals around the house including fish, lizards, gerbils, rabbits, cats and dogs. We would often go out with no intention of adding to the household pets, however we would come across a deserving animal and wouldn’t be able to walk away, instead ending up coming home with a new addition.
I am very excited to bring quality pet care to Dartford and the surrounding area so your pets can get the same amount of love and attention in your absence as they would usually get.
As a pet owner I completely understand the dilemma you face when you are unable to be around for your pet. It is very difficult to find someone you can trust to look after your best friend.
We are fully insured, police checked and members of NARPS UK, The National Association for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, which is the UK’s most respected organisation. We will be offering a number of pet care services including dog walking, pet sitting, cat sitting, dog home boarding, pet visits and dog wedding chaperone services covering Dartford, Crayford, Greenhithe, Gravesend, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Welling, Belvedere, Erith, Swanley and Orpington.
You can be sure that if you chose to use our services your pet will be well looked after by a professional and reliable team with plenty of experience of animals big or small.
We will get to know your pet before offering any service to ensure a stress free and tailored experience.
Your pet will be treated as if they were our own with lots of love. For additional peace of mind we will also provide you with regular updates and photos to keep you updated on your pet.
If you are interested in using any of our services please do get in touch HERE!”
Reigate must be one of the most dog populated towns in the UK if visiting Priory Park is anything to go by. As the nights lighten, evening dog walking in Reigate will start to increase. Priory Park is just outside the main town of Reigate and is great for dog walking and you can walk straight into it from Morrison’s Supermarket car park. Once there you can’t help but notice the sense of family, community and Reigate dog lovers!!
This walk starts by the very dog friendly, “pistachios in the park” café , you can’t miss the big glass round building, but more about this later!
This great dog walking in Reigate starts at the front of the café, if you look straight ahead you can see the beacon. This is lit on special occasions, the last one being to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1 a few months back. Slightly to the left of the beacon you will see a big opening, head to this. Once here you will see a handy dog poo bin if needed. Now go straight up and you will notice the ground becoming sandy, in a while you will be joining the Greensand Way!
At the top of this hill you will see a bench where you and your dog can take a rest as you will soon be heading up again! From here, with your back to the park, you have 2 options going right, you will see an opening between the trees this is the Greensand Way which can get muddy or you can walk just a few feet more and take a more stable path but both will take you to the top of the park and you will see a monument explaining how some posh folk bequeathed the park to the common folk!
From here keep walking along and to your left you will see fantastic views over towards Gatwick Airport and Sussex beyond to the South Downs and, after a nice walk for a few hundred yards, you will come to a big opening on the right with views over Reigate onto the North Downs way, there are a couple of benches and again some handy poo bins (see how catered they are for the hounds), why not take in the scenery!
From here keep walking straight on and you will see another poo bin, you should bear right here and down the hill. Once at the bottom turn left and after a few yards you will see a set of steep steps down. Put the dog(s) on their leads and head down and cross over down the road opposite. If you look to your right you will see a windmill in the distance, you are heading to that. I would keep the dogs on the lead for now as you head down the road and past some stables * (see below) and once you have walked past some houses on your right and one on your left, head on.
You will cross over a stream where your dogs can have a welcome cool off it its hot! After this keep walking you will come to a bit of an opening and there are 3 paths you want to take the one straight up the hill and you will be going along an old drovers way watch out for horses! Keep walking up and then down this path and you will soon see the back of a building which is the Skimmington Castle Pub, probably the most dog friendly pub in the world if you want stop off, but, there will be more about this with Rob and his team in another article!
Walk round the front of this pub and past the front door you will see a path which goes between the pub and a cottage this again is the greensand way. Keep walking up here, it is well covered by trees, a few yards up you may hear a parrot, this is the old nursery, which has been sold now but, the parrot in its cage was still there a couple of weeks ago! It is said that Sir Winston’s Churchill’s parrot resided here on its last years. To your left you will see a walled garden this used to be the country home of the Film Mogul Arthur Rank (remember the big Gong?) Lots of movie stars from time gone by would spend time here. Keep walking and at the end you will see a lovely cottage, turn right here down the greensand way. Once at the bottom put the dogs on leads then head up the drive and cross the road.
You can now head up the sandy path and this will take you to the back of the Golf Club. Walk round the front and you will be afforded some of the best views in Surrey, you can walk round and have a look at the old windmill I told you about earlier which is now used as a church. Basically you can spend some time walking around this heathland but, beware of golfers. I will be talking more about other walks around here another time.
By now you should think about heading back just retrace your steps above.
At the stables, I mentioned earlier (*) you can go up again if you are feeling fit or take the flatter route to your left. You will have to open the big five bar gate but, remember to close it! You will now be walking between fields with horses in so be aware. At the end of this path is an allotment. Put your dogs on leads again and head over the road back into Priory Park.
Be aware you are now coming into the back of the park where there is a big pond just in case your dogs are prone to chase ducks! Walk around the paths or over the fields back towards Pistachios café where you started. Once here Gabby and the team will be able to tempt you with all sorts of delights, your hounds can go inside if it’s a wet day or plenty of spaces to sit outside if nice. It is a wonderful café and spot and Gabby is great! I have said I will put a link to her café here https://pistachiosinthepark.org.uk/priory-park/ .
I hope you enjoy this read and Reigate dog walking. Come back for more dog and pet friendly articles coming soon.
Best wishes Simon and the Team of Reigate Scamps and Champs.
Have you got your big day this year? If so, firstly, congratulations! And secondly, being a pet lover have you thought about having your pet at your wedding too? Maybe it crossed your mind, but you didn’t think it was possible. Well we are here to tell you…it is. You CAN have your beloved pet with you on your special day.
This service is increasingly popular for British ceremonies and we are here to tell you more.
So there’s no need to cock your ears at the mention of a ‘pet chaperone’, because we’re going to share four key benefits of booking with Scamps & Champs. Again, we’re taking aim at weddings here, where we throw dogs a bone instead of a bouquet…
1. Your pooch doesn’t miss out!
Yes, the first and most important ability of a pet chaperone is to get your dog ready for a role in the wedding. We can take it to a salon for a makeover, or dress it in an outfit you’ll adore when it’s trotting down the aisle.
Whether that’s a mini tuxedo, a skirt or something more unique, our pet experts know how to prep and calm your dog for their performance. So, not only will you ensure they don’t miss out on your special day; they’ll become a highlight of the occasion!
2. Constant play and entertainment
Dogs are like toddlers – shunt them to the sidelines, and they’re bound to pine for a bit of company. That’s why a pet chaperone is on-hand to wear your canine out when it’s seeking attention.
Weddings can be sleek, formal affairs; the last thing you want is for Fido to cause a fuss through the day. Rest easy, though, because we’re able to bring an arsenal of toys and games with us, stealing away somewhere to give your dog the focus it needs.
3. Complementary travel arrangements
Weddings are a madcap time for getting people in one place, at the hour you’ve chosen, without any issues. If a pet is also due for an appearance, then you shouldn’t be fretting over whether they’ll make it with blankets, biscuits etc. in tow.
Scamps & Champs will ensure there’s no hitch in the travel plan. Just tell us where to go: we’ll pick the dog up from your house or a neighbour’s, take them to the venue, and bring them back to any pre-agreed location. If necessary, we’ll also facilitate dog boarding to give you a few days’ peace as the newly-married couple.
4. Unlimited contact before the wedding date…
Is there anything we should be aware of? Dietary requirements, allergies, the best way to find the second front-door key? Our pet chaperone will be available via text, email or voice call to learn what your furry pal likes and requires.
Take this opportunity to let us know what the themes, structure, room layout etc. of the wedding will be. The more you give us, the better we can adapt our services!
Phew – it’s exciting to even think of what a pet-friendly ceremony is like, never mind explaining how we go about it… To discover the Scamps & Champs difference for yourself, and land an excellent pet chaperone, contact our team with your ideas.
Getting a new puppy can be such an exciting time.
Your puppy will normally be around 8 to 12 weeks old when they leave their Mum and litter mates. Puppies should never leave their Mums under the age of 8 weeks. Your puppy will be very curious and excited.
Introduce the pup to his new home gradually so allocate them a small space to start with, like your kitchen for example to help them feel more comfortable.
A puppy crate can be a safe space for your pup and help tremendously with toilet training.
Put in their favourite toys and blankets.
Always remove their collar when in the crate for safety reasons.
Keep the door to the crate open when you are in the house and he can go in and out when he pleases.
Creating a daily routine for your pup straight away will be really beneficial as dogs like routine. Feeding them and nap/bedtime at the same time each day will make toilet training so much easier for both of you.
Be patient and consistent and never scold your puppy.
Keep some treats near the back door and always praise and reward when your puppy gets it right.
Clean up any accidents but don’t acknowledge them.
In the beginning take the puppy outside every hour or so and encourage sniffing and running around. Take the pup in the garden immediately after waking, after every meal time and before bed.
Make puppy’s last meal at least three hours before bedtime.
If you see you pup start to sniff and crouch then immediately take them outside.
Give lots of praise and rewards and toilet training will become easy.
Good luck!
If you have a pup and would like it letting out and stimulating while you are out at work, our team can help. We offer puppy visits to help break up their day while you are out at work. This can help with toilet training, socialization and also use up some of their energy so they may sleep better through the night. Get in touch with your local branch HERE to discuss your puppies need further.