What Happens At A Scamps & Champs Meet & Greet

What Happens At A Scamps & Champs Meet & Greet

Free Meet & Greet at Your Home

The first thing that we do after you sign up for our services or enquire about our services, is come out to meet you and your pets at your home at a time that suits you.

You can take us through your pets usual routine and talk us through the information you have provided in your pet’s profile on our pet sitting software.   This way we can always be sure that we are providing pet care to your exact instructions.

You can show us where the pet food is kept, pet bowls, water bottles, leads and harnesses, favourite hiding places and anything else you think we might find useful.

We will be able to answer any questions you may have about our services and show you around the pet sitting software if required.

You can introduce us to your pets and talk through any habits or behaviours that you think we ought to know about and also any medications that need to be given.

We will bring our folder and show you our company insurance, references and DBS checks. For home boarding in Halifax, we will also show you our home boarding licence.

You can update/add additional information to your pets profile at any time, upload photographs of your pets and also upload vaccination records.

If you are interested in dog walking services, we would then arrange for the dog walker who will be walking your dog to pop round to meet you and collect a key so you can meet the person who will be coming into your home.    We do have a team of dog walkers so we will always provide cover if your regular dog walker is on holiday or off sick.

Contact Us

Interested in finding out more about Scamps & Champs Dog Walking & Pet Care and how we can help?  Call us on 0161 399 0317 or contact us through our online form on our website www.scampsandchamps.co.uk.


What are the health benefits of daily dog walks?

dog walking in bristol

Can man’s best friend make you healthier? The answer is most definitely Yes. Not only that but taking your dog for a walk not only improves your health, but also the health of your dog.

Public Health guidelines say that we should all take as many opportunities as we can throughout the day to be active. The more we do, the better it is for both our mental and physical health. So, if you have a dog to walk you are at an advantage as you have a planned activity scheduled into your day from the outset.

So, how exactly does walking your dog effect your health?

Walking is therapeutic by helping reduce your stress giving a positive psychological effect. This can lower your blood pressure. Increasing relaxation, walking can provide good thinking time and after a walk a solution to a problem may become clearer. Being outside is good mental stimulation for your dog too, reducing boredom and bad behaviour. He will have much needed quality time with you which strengthens your bond with him, and the feeling of companionship is good for both of you.

Walking your dog becomes a habit needing discipline. Those early morning walks before work can be hard on waking, but once out with your dog you feel a lot more energetic, positive and have a sense of accomplishment. Seeing the look on your dog’s face when you are getting ready to go for a walk makes it all worthwhile! Having to be responsible for caring for a dog is a good motivator and can help reduce depression and improve sense of well-being.

Having a dog to walk encourages you to go outside, and to explore your surrounding area. You may find walks in areas that you normally wouldn’t find if you didn’t have a dog to take out. You will have more exercise in the fresh air promoting better sleep.

Walking your dog is a free way to get fit, with no need to pay to join a gym to get fit. The physical benefits of dog walking are plentiful. It is good for your heart, muscles, joints and waistline! This also applies to your dog!

Walking your dog inevitably allows you, and him, to meet new people and quite often make new, long lasting friendships with other like-minded people. It is sociable, even if you don’t want to talk to someone your dog may think differently and you will find that you find yourself stopping, commenting or having a chat with other dog owners and their beloved pets.

If you have a dog but need help to walk him on the days you find it difficult to then get in touch with Scamps and Champs Bristol. We provide a professional dog walking service. We love walking dogs and will provide stimulating walks to ensure your dog is happy. We never pack walk and offer a flexible dog walking service to meet your individual requirements.

Get in touch with Scamps and Champs Bristol on 0161 399 0317 or bristol@scampsandchamps.co.uk

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.

Top 10 Summer Safety Tips for Your Dogs

summer tips, dog safety tips, dog walking

Whilst summer provides an abundance of outdoor opportunities for our canine companions, it also comes with additional risks. Hikes, swimming, holidays, picnics and exercising offer ample opportunities for us to take our beloved dogs out with us to enjoy the sunshine. At Scamps and Champs we definitely don’t want to suggest for one moment that this isn’t a fabulous idea! However, there are risks you can come upon in the summer months that as a responsible dog owner, it is good to be aware of so that preventative measures can be put in place and your dog’s safety ensured. Keep reading for our top 10 safety tips for your dog this summer:

  1. NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

It goes without saying that you should never leave your dog in a hot car during the summer. Temperatures can reach over 90 degrees in a car during hot days and so the fairest thing to do is leave your dog at home in the cool, however beautiful the day is and how tempting it is to take your dog out to enjoy it with you.

  • Protect Your Dog from Parasites

If you chose not to protect your dog then your dog can be at serious risk of; heart worm, Lyme disease and a lot of other serious diseases associated with the heat and parasites. So always protect your dog as prevention is far better than trying to treat a serious illness.

  • Keep Paws Cool

Pavements, stones and footpaths can become exceedingly hot when the sun is out and can very easily cause your dog’s paw pads to become burnt. This can be extremely painful for your dog and therefore keeping your dog inside whilst the heat of the day is at its peak, or opting for woodland walks can be necessary alternatives. If your dog appears to be over heating then put their paws in some cold water to cool their body temperature down.

  • Fresh Drinking Water at ALL Times

Dogs can sweat but only a small amount so they therefore need to pant to cool down, this means they need to drink a lot of water when the weather is warm. To avoid your dog getting heat stroke ensure cold, fresh water and shade are available at all times.

  • Pup Pool to Keep them Cool

Your garden can get very hot in the summer so why not provide your dogs with their very own kiddy pool to keep them cool! Who doesn’t love a cool dip in the summer!

  • Swimming Dangers

Whilst a quick dip in the river, ocean or a lake may seem like a great idea to cool your dog down, do not assume they can swim! Make sure your dog can’t jump into deep water when they are unattended, as if they can’t swim well they could drown. Make sure you are always there to supervise your dog in deep water.

  • Doggy Sunburn

Did you know that dogs can get sunburn too? Dogs can still get sunburn and it can be very painful, so keep them in the shade or ask your vet about pet sunscreen as it does exist. Do not assume sunscreen for humans will do the job, as this is not the case.

  • Keep the Lead On

When you go out for the day or on holiday, the temptation is there to let your dog off the lead to explore. However once in an unfamiliar environment this can be extremely disorientating for dogs and they can easily wonder off and get lost. If you are unsure at all about your dog’s recall then keep them on the lead or on a long line, where they can explore safely.

  • Watch their Weight

If your dog is overweight then this can cause them to struggle in the heat and make exercise and breathing more difficult. So after those winter months make sure your dog is the correct weight ready for the summer heat. If you are in any doubt ensure you visit your vet.

  1. Don’t Forget to Shut Windows

It’s tempting to keep all of your house windows open at night particularly when it is really hot outside. However, don’t leave them open too wide and don’t forget to close windows when you go out of the house. As your dogs may get curious and escape, putting them at risk of coming to harm or running away.

We hope you have enjoyed our preventative summer top ten tips for your dogs! We hope you all enjoy the fabulous summer months with your precious pooches in the great outdoors!

Scamps and Champs are one of the country’s leading Pet Care Service companies, we offer caring and reliable animal care for when you can’t be there. Check out our services and availability in your area. If we can assist you in anyway please do contact us.

Pet Safety Awareness – Foxtail Grass the Weed that can Kill Dogs!

The foxtail plant is a common weed-like long tall grass often found in large fields and countryside in the UK. The changeable British weather offers the perfect conditions for foxtail grass to flourish and set within rolling countryside conditions, this sounds like the ideal walking environment for our four-legged friends. WRONG! Foxtails in fact are one of the most dangerous plants that our animals can face during a walk, made even more harmful due to the fact that most people wouldn’t think twice about letting their dogs run around a field of long grass.

So what is so dangerous about this long-style grass with the fluffy-tail top? Well it is the ‘tail’ of the foxtail plant that causes the most hazardous symptoms, as foxtails travel and when they do they can become burrowed into your dog’s soft skin! The danger of the foxtail goes beyond simple skin irritations, it can cause serious infections for your dog. In addition, the seeds can move around whilst inside your dog, making the foxtail difficult to locate and remove. So what are the other dangers that fox tails can cause and what do you do if you suspect your dog may be at risk?

Foxtails
Foxtail Safety Tips – Credit Red and Howling

Foxtail Risks and Symptoms

  • Feet – Foxtails love to become stuck in the tender skin in between your dog’s toes. If your dog begins limping, appears to have a swollen foot or begins licking excessively in this area, check in between their toes for foxtails.
  • Ears – Foxtails can become deeply embedded into the ear canal and if your dog is displaying the following symptoms then you will need to visit your veterinary practice. If your dog begins vigorously shaking their head or scratching their ear incessantly, then they could have a foxtail in there.
  • Eyes – If your dog has a red eye, appears to have swelling of the eye or is itching around the eye area, they could have a foxtail stuck in there. In this instance you will need to visit a professional vet so that they can examine your dog’s eye thoroughly and remove it.
  • Nose – Foxtails can become lodged up inside the nasal passage and the seeds can then disperse inside the nose. If your dog is sneezing a lot or if you see discharge coming from the nose, they may have a Foxtail stuck in there.
  • Genitals – Foxtails can become lodged in this area too, so if your dog seems to be in great discomfort in this area contact your veterinary practice for an appointment.

Dogs with long coats and long ears are particularly prone to getting foxtails lodged within them. So what can you do to prevent this from happening to your dog? May to December is foxtail season, so perhaps consider cutting your dog’s fur short during the warmer months, so that any foreign objects can be spotted quickly.  Examine your dog’s body on a regular basis to check for anything that shouldn’t be there. Check your dog’s paw pads and in between the toes and also your dog’s nostrils. If you notice a foxtail up your dog’s nose you can use a pair of tweezers and gently attempt to remove it, if it doesn’t come lose DO NOT LEAVE IT!

Foxtails can become lodged in your dog’s brain, lungs and spine and cause them serious damage and in severe cases it can cause death. If you are in any doubt avoid fields with long grass and if you think your dog has a foxtail stuck in them and you cannot remove it, then seek professional veterinary assistance immediately.

Scamps and Champs are one of the country’s leading Pet Care Service companies, we offer caring and reliable animal care for when you can’t be there. Check out our services and availability in your area. If we can assist you in anyway please do contact us.

Send Your Dog on Holiday this Summer!

As summer approaches it is time to start planning our family holidays and whilst we always endeavour to take our precious pooches with us, this is not always possible. Particularly when we chose to holiday abroad. Until now we have had to either rely on a family member to take care of our furry-friends or place them into the local dog kennels for a week or two. But is this the fairest option for your beloved dogs?

We know that you are a huge animal lover and that you only want the very best for your pets!  So why settle for traditional kennels when your pampered pooch could be going on their very own holiday? – Find out more about dog home boarding here

For some, finding a kennel for your pet can be the easiest and quickest option. But is it always the best?

Taking an animal out of its environment and placing it in a kennel can be really distressing and scary for them!

Kennels can be extremely noisy places. Your dog will be kept in an enclosed and often caged environment with no company or home comforts. It can be a breeding zone for parasites and fleas which can be harmful to your dog. 

In addition, dog kennels often pack walk dogs as they simply don’t have the staff ratio or time to take your dog on the usual scenic one-on-one walk that they are used to. 

So what is another alternative? Here at Scamps and Champs we recommend dog home boarding, which our Halifax branch offers. Here are 3 super important reasons why you should choose dog boarding holidays over a traditional dog kennel:

1) Your pet will be staying in a family home 

Your dog will be staying in a home-from-home family environment with other animal lovers. Where they will be safe, cared for and loved. 

2) They will have 24/7 company

24/7 care means they will be able to maintain their usual routine including; meal times, toilet trips and walks. They will also have loads of love care and attention in a caring friendly environment. 

3) They will be comfortable and cosy

Your dog can take their own cosy bed which smells of home ensuring they can get the best night’s sleep snuggled up with their home comforts. They will be warm and will always have access to the home they are staying in without being confined in one space. They can roam freely and thoroughly enjoy their dog home boarding home and family. 

Check availability for your dogs holiday here

Did you know that Scamps and Champs Dog Home Boarding Holidays  offer a fresh new perspective on dog care and place your pet best friend at the centre of its notion.

 Providing your canine companion with the following luxuries:

  • You select exactly which home boarding family you would like your dog to home board with.
  • You and your dog get to meet your home boarding host family to ensure that everyone gets along and that you are all happy.
  • You dog will be staying in a family home whilst you are away, providing a home-from-home environment.
  • Dog home boarding allows your dog to remain in their usual routine, including walks and meal times.
  • Your dog will always have company with a home boarding family.

The best bit is if you send your Dog on Holiday with us you are in complete control of who they stay with and where they stay. It’s just like selecting their very own holiday destination!

Then all you need to do is start packing your Dog’s suitcase and all look forward to your summer holiday break! 

Contact us to check availability and make an enquiry via our online form.

Dog home boarding is available from our Halifax branch only. In Stockport we offer cat visits and pet sitting in your own home. Call 0161 399 0317 to check what we can do for your dates.

Cats Love Company – Why Overnight Cat Sitting Counts!

Overnight Cat Sitting, Cat Sitting, Pet Care Services

f you are going away for a night or two it may seem like a viable option to leave your cat being checked on by a neighbour or friend, or you may go for an extreme minimal approach leaving an automated cat feeder in charge! Cats spend 70% of their life sleeping and appear to be extremely independent creatures. However, don’t be fooled into believing that cats don’t require and love company, whilst you are away.

So if you can get your neighbour to check on your cats, or if you have decided to opt for Scamps and Champs Cat Sitting Service, why the need to opt for Overnight Cat Sitting? Doesn’t this seem a tad excessive? Let us share with you what Overnight Cat Sitting has to offer and you can then determine if Overnight Cat Sitting counts, as a Cat Care option for you!

The benefits of Overnight Cat Sitting explained:

  • Overnight Cat Sitting offers around the clock care for your cat, when you can’t be there. Providing 24/7 company, cuddles and food for your feline friend.
  • Our Scamps and Champs animal care expert can also look after your house for you whilst you are gone, providing you with home security and peace of mind whilst you are away.
  • Home services include; bringing in your post, watering your plants, closing curtains at night and the generic safety of having someone home.
  • We can commence Overnight Cat Sitting from 5.30pm – 7.30pm when suits you and you receive 12 whole hours of Overnight care for your cat.
  • You cat’s individual needs will be catered for during your Overnight Cat Sitting booking, including meal times, diet, water, medication and litter tray change. We can also let your cat outside and bring them back in, in keeping with their usual routine.
  • A GPS tracker is provided to ensure that you can see you are receiving the service you have requested.
  • You will also be sent photograph updates via email so you can see what your cat has been up to and that they are being cared for to the highest standard.

We think it’s evident that any cat lover who wants the highest level of care for their cat, needs to count Overnight Cat Sitting as an option. Whether it be for one night or more, our Overnight Cat Sitting Service offers you peace of mind that both your cat and home are being looked after the entire duration of your break. So that you can enjoy your holiday, knowing that your cat is in their usual routine, at home, being cared for with cuddles and company.

Want to know more about our Overnight Cat Sitting service? To check availability, make a booking or to ask us a question simply complete our online form.

How to Choose A Dog Walker

Dog Walker, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Dog Home Boarding, Dog Sitting,

Ask friends for recommendations

Ask your friends/colleagues if they use a dog walker and ask whether they are happy with them and get their contact details.

Use Instagram/Facebook

Instagram and Facebook are great places to see what kind of experience your dog will be getting. Most dog walking companies will have their own Facebook & Instagram accounts.   Instead of taking the dog walking company’s word for it, you’ll be able to scroll through their pages and see where your dog goes, what kinds of dogs your dog is playing with and how dirty your dog is getting.

You should also be upfront with your potential dog walker if your dog has any particular quirks. Does your dog not get along with certain breeds? Is your dog scared by loud noises? It’s important for you to be honest with the potential walker to ensure the best care for your dog.

Are you insured?

There are a number of Insurance companies who deal specifically with pet care related businesses and offer cover that includes Public Liability, Key Cover, Care, Custody and Control and Employers Liability (if the company has staff members). Do not be afraid to ask to see their insurance certificate.

Do you have a pet contract, terms and conditions and references?

You should be asked to sign a contract to clarify the walker’s responsibilities as well as your own.  Ask to see references/reviews.

Are they DBS checked?   The dog walker will most likely hold a key to your home so trust is essential.

Will the same person walk my dog every day? Consistency is good for your dog and will enable your dog to build a relationship with the same person.

Do you arrange cover for when my usual dog walker is on holiday or sick?

How many dogs do you walk at a time? It’s common for walkers to take more than one dog out at a time, and that can help keep the costs down for you. But the more dogs, the less attention given to your dog. This can be an issue for dogs with special needs or more timid dogs.

How much time do you guarantee on the walk?

Make sure the time quoted e.g. a 60 minute walk should be 60 minutes out having fun.   The journey time shouldn’t be included.

Will you come out to meet me and my dog beforehand?

Most professional Dog Walkers will arrange to meet you and your dog beforehand to discuss all your requirements. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and for your dog and the walker to start building a relationship.

If you would like any more information on our services, or on Dog Walking in general, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 612 3811.

To check availability or to book Scamps and Champs Dog Walking Services in your local area simply complete our online form.

Cat Sitting High Maintenance or Low Maintenance?

People often decide to get a cat as they don’t have time for a dog and they are out all day, but is this hypothesis correct? People often think that cats don’t need much attention or care and that they simply need a meal providing twice a day, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whilst it’s true that cats don’t need walking daily and they are able to go to the toilet inside using a litter tray, this does not subsequently mean that cats are ‘low maintenance.’

Often cat owners will go away for a night or two, or even on holiday and leave there cats alone with a large bowl of food and water and assume that their feline friend will be alright. Cat sitting in this instance seems pretty straight forward! However, this assumption neglects to identify the sensitive creatures that cats are and how much they crave fuss and attention.

Whilst it is true that cats are extremely territorial and prefer to be at home, it is fair to say the ultimate cat combination, is to be at home with company. If this company can’t be you and you are away then you need a cat sitter. A cat sitter can come into the comfort of your own home and ensure your cat is fed at regular intervals, has fresh water and cat litter, let outside for fresh air if required and best of all have a thorough friendly fussing.

Scamps and Champs cat sitters are all DBS checked providing you with reassurance in allowing them into your home to cat sit for you. They all have experience in animal care and most of them have pets (often multiple) of their own, so they know exactly how you feel going away and leaving your cat at home with a sitter. All of our staff are really friendly and caring and thoroughly enjoy looking after your pets for you.

Hiring one of our cat sitters means you have the peace of mind of having your cat and your home checked on simultaneously and most importantly your loving high-maintenance kitty will have everything they could possibly need, whilst remaining the king of their own castle, whilst their humans are on holiday!

To check availability of our cat sitting services in your local area, to ask us a question or make a booking please complete our online form.

Dog Home Boarding Holidays – The Latest Trend to Rival Traditional Dog Kennels

dog home boarding, pet sitting, dog walking,

As summer approaches it is time to start planning our family holidays and whilst we always endeavour to take our precious pooches with us, this is not always possible. Particularly when we chose to holiday abroad. Until now we have had to either rely on a family member to take care of our furry-friends or place them into the local dog kennels for a week or two.

However, there is a new canine camp in town ready to rival the traditional set up of dog kennels! Dog home boarding holidays’ offer a fresh new perspective on dog care and place your pet best friend at the centre of its notion. It is now not merely suggested that you are taking off on your jolly holidays and having to find a ‘space’ for your dogs to go whilst you are away, completely fitting in around your plans! Now it is suggested that in fact your dog can go on their own holiday break, leaving your plans rendered almost insignificant!

Your dog is likely to be at the centre of your family life, in fact many of us admit to preferring dogs to humans! So it feels only right that your dog gets to go on their very own home boarding holiday and that it’s as big an event as our own planned break! Dog home boarding offers many benefits to that of traditional kennels such as:

  • You select exactly which home boarding family you would like your dog to home board with.
  • You and your dog get to meet your home boarding host family to ensure that everyone gets along and that you are all happy.
  • You dog will be staying in a family home whilst you are away, providing a home-from-home environment.
  • Dog home boarding allows your dog to remain in their usual routine, including walks and meal times.
  • Your dog will always have company with a home boarding family.

Our Halifax branch offers dog home boarding holidays. The best bit is if you send your Dog on Holiday with us you are in complete control of who they stay with and where they stay. It’s just like selecting their very own holiday destination!

For your peace of mind all of our dog home boarding families are DBS checked. In addition, unless your dog is crate trained and you wish them to sleep in a crate, Scamps and Champs will NEVER use crates or cages for our dog home boarding holidays.

So if you love your dog and you would love to book them their very own Dog Home Boarding Holiday get in touch with Scamps and Champs via our online enquiry form.

Dog home boarding is available from our Halifax branch only. In Stockport we offer cat visits and pet sitting in your own home. Call 0161 399 0317 to check what we can do for your dates.