Thinking of Buying Your First Pet Puppy: Here’s 5 Tips to Create an Optimal Environment for Them

Puppy Visits

Image by Fran • @thisisfranpatel from Pixabay 

If you’re thinking of buying your first pet puppy, it’s essential to create an optimal environment for them. Puppies need plenty of exercise and room to run around, as well as a place to rest and relax. They also need plenty of socialization and interaction with their owners. This blog post will discuss five tips for creating an optimal environment for your new puppy!

Nutritious food and clean water.

Just like humans, puppies need nutritious food to grow and thrive. When choosing a food for your puppy, be sure to select a high-quality option that is rich in protein, fat, and essential nutrients. Puppies have high energy needs and require more calories than adult dogs. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about how much food your puppy needs and how often they should eat. Puppies also need access to clean water at all times. Be sure to fill their water bowl with fresh, clean water and empty it out daily. It’s also a good idea to invest in a water filter or purifier to ensure that your puppy is getting the best possible water.

A safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Puppies need a safe, comfortable place to sleep. A crate or dog bed is a great option for a puppy’s sleeping area. Puppies should not be allowed to sleep on human beds or furniture, as this can lead to behavioral problems. Be sure to place their bed in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot in your home. Also, provide them with a few toys or chew bones to keep them entertained and comfortable in their crate.

Plenty of toys and chew toys.

Puppies are full of energy and need plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Chew toys are especially important for puppies, as they help relieve teething pain and promote healthy gum development. If you’re looking for a reputable Online pet shop, Gladwells Pet & Country Stores has it all. Choose toys that are specifically designed for puppies, and avoid giving them adult dog toys, as these can be a choking hazard. Additionally, it’s important to rotate your puppy’s toys regularly to keep them from becoming bored.

Socialization and interaction with their owners.

Puppies need socialization and interaction with their owners to thrive. Set aside time each day to play with your puppy and provide them with the attention they crave. Puppies that are left alone for long periods of time can become bored and destructive. In addition to playing with your puppy, be sure to take them on walks and outings so they can explore the world and meet new people and other dogs. Scamps & Champs can visit your puppy while you are out at work or on a family day out. On our puppy visits we will feed your puppy, clean up any accidents, give fresh water and then have some play/cuddle time and reinforce any training that you are currently doing with your furry friend.

Proper vaccinations and health care.

Puppies need to be vaccinated to protect them against dangerous diseases. Consult with your veterinarian about which vaccines are right for your puppy and when they should receive them. Puppies also need routine deworming and regular check-ups. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet for their appointments and follow all of their recommendations.

If you’re thinking of buying a puppy, it’s important to create an optimal environment for them. Be sure to provide them with nutritious food and clean water, a safe and comfortable place to sleep, plenty of toys and chew toys, and socialization and interaction with their owners. By following these tips, you’ll set your puppy up for success!

Puppy Visiting Options in SE London

Puppy Visits - Scamps & Champs

The excitement of getting a puppy can sometimes be tinged with some anxiety about how to ensure the best care for your puppy when you are out for some or all of the day. Ensuring you have the best possible care for your new beloved pet is important, and an option which more and more pet owners are turning to is to use a Scamps and Champs South East London professional pet carer to undertake regular puppy visits.

Our pet carers are experienced with dogs and puppies (and absolutely love them!) and can visit your puppy for up to an hour (or longer if you need it) from 1 to 4 times a day, depending on your needs.

We offer 2 different levels of puppy visit and a puppy package.

Our Puppy Comfort Visits typically entail letting your puppy out to go to the toilet, feeding them, and importantly, giving them love and cuddles and playing with them.

Our Premium Puppy Visits entail all of the elements of the Puppy Comfort Visit plus we will reinforce any training which your puppy is receiving in basic commands, ensuring we know which methods and words you use, to ensure consistency. When your pup is old enough and able to venture outside, we will also take them for a short walk on each visit,  getting them used to toileting whilst out on walks and helping them with road safety, for example, ensuring they respond to commands to wait before going into the road.

Our Premium Puppy Package provides great value by giving you 11 visits for the price of 10, when you book in a block, and also includes a free gift.

We always ensure good communication with you so that we are always on the same page as you when it comes to your puppy’s care, and we will give you a report after each and every visit so that you know what has happened during the day.

The benefits to your puppy in having a Scamps and Champs professional pet carer are clear; your puppy will receive, love, care and attention whilst you are out, they will get used to being looked after by another adult, who brings with them experience of looking after other dogs and puppies and can often help you with difficult challenges with your dog.

And as your dog gets older we can transition to providing you with a dog walking service, overnight pet sitting if you are away or possibly home boarding.

We have thorough procedures for only ensuring that we provide only the best staff to look after your treasured pets and to come into your home.  We interview staff thoroughly, and, once they have demonstrated their motivation, experience and reliability, we obtain references for the previous 2 years and ensure that the pet carer has an up to date DBS (police) check. Our pet carers are also fully insured whilst working for Scamps and Champs South East London.

You will meet your pet carer before agreeing to go ahead, so that you feel confident about the puppy visit service we will provide. At this meeting you can tell us all about your requirements, including the type and number of visits you would like, and the routines and quirks of your puppy.

During the puppy visit service, we keep in close contact with our pet carer to ensure that everything is going as planned and we are on hand to provide back up or help if needed.

The prices for Scamps and Champs South East London puppy visits are as follows

 30 minute visits60 minute visits
Puppy Comfort Visits£10.00£17.00
Premium Puppy Visits£12.50£22.00
Premium Puppy Package – pay for 10 visits in a block and get 11th visit free£125.00£220.00

For a detailed quotation, please contact us for further information. Scamps & Champs South East London currently provide puppy visit services in South East London and  Bromley. 

Scamps and Champs are members of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters and the Pet Industry Federation. Contact Scamps & Champs via our online form, to check availability and make a booking. Learn more about our puppy visit service by visiting the Scamps & Champs Website.

August 2020

A Few Tips On Raising Your Puppy

A few tips on raising your new puppy

It’s a fact that during the lockdown period 1000’s of new puppies were welcomed into homes up and down the country.  So here at Cardiff Scamps and Champs we’ve put together a few tips to help get your pup off to a flying start.

Vets

As you will no doubt be aware, there have been restrictions on vets  during the pandemic, meaning that by law they have only been able to  deal with emergencies.  However, things are slowly returning to normal  and hopefully they will be back to doing all the ordinary things as  well as the emergency stuff. If you have not already done so, it is  imperative that you get your puppy registered, health checked and all  vaccines sorted. Give your vet a ring today and get them booked in.  Your vet will give you good advice on worming, de-fleeing and lots of  other issues.

Food

Puppies have specific nutritional needs in order to fuel good growth  and development, and this means they require a good balanced diet.   Puppies generally come in a great variety of sizes from the teeny tiny  to the “looks full grown” variety, so be sure to thoroughly check all  the ingredients on the various ranges of puppy foods on the market,  and make sure your pup is eating a food designed for their body size  and shape and the body size and shape they will quickly grow into – if  in doubt, your vet may be able to give you some information.

Toys & teething

If you have been on the receiving end, you will realise your puppy has  needle-sharp little teeth, but these will soon be replaced by adult  teeth that can shred your best shoes or furniture in seconds. When  teething, pups will chew just about anything so it may just save you a  small fortune if you think ahead and get them some well made chew toys  or appropriate chewing treats.  Now will also be a good time to think  of their oral hygiene, as tooth decay and gum disease can cause  serious health issues, especially if your pup has heart problems, and  may leave you with a hefty vet bill.  So talk to your vet about  getting a suitable toothpaste and brush and get your little one used  to a daily brushing routine.

Socialisation

Everyone panics about getting their puppy socialised but unless your  pup has had all of its full range of vaccinations, it will need to be  kept separate from other dogs to prevent serious diseases from being  picked up. Once vaccinations are completed, start getting your pup out  to meet others, whether at a puppy party or just meeting other peoples  pups – always be aware that your pup is still a baby and though they  jump and bounce about in a cute way, this may not always be  appreciated by other dogs, so make sure your pups meetings are always  safe. Dogs are pack animals and they will love making friends, but  they may not yet have learned the variety of signs, signals and social  behaviour necessary, so never let them to run up to other dogs, and  always be able to get them out of harms way if necessary.

Training

There is no time like the present to start with the “not on the couch”  and “bedtime” commands, and then progress slowly to more complicated  stuff like “sit”, “stay” and the recall routine. Take your time,  remember that all pups will learn at different rates just like we do.  Always be kind and gentle and always reward your pup when it completes  the desired behaviour.  You could join a puppy training class as this  will also aid with your pup’s socialisation skills. When your pup has  learned the good behaviour and acquired new skills,  keep that going,  because they’ll soon be teenagers and will behave like it – and that’s  a whole other experience!

Separation

If your puppy arrived during lockdown they’ll think that you being at  home all day is how the world is. So, you going back to work will not  only disrupt their regular routine but could create separation  anxiety.  If you’re in work all day and are not lucky enough to have a  job where you can nip back home, then give serious consideration to  getting someone in to break the day up for your pup. It will allow  them to get a much needed drink and something to eat and continue with  their toilet routine. It will also provide a chance to stretch their  little legs with a short walk or some good quality playtime.  It is  imperative that you do not leave your pup alone for long hours, as  this will lead to unavoidable soiling and cause serious issues with  ongoing training leading to stress and potential behavioural problems  that may take a long time to settle.

Here at Scamps and Champs Cardiff, we know the importance of raising  and training your puppy to become a happy and well balanced adult. 

We  offer specialised puppy packages, puppy visits and puppy day care to  help you return to work with confidence in the knowledge that your pup  is being cared for, and receiving ongoing training and enrichment in a  safe environment.

We are Fully Insured, Police Cleared and Licensed. We are also open 7  days per week – 10% discounts and other benefits available as a  welcome to our services.

SCAMPS AND CHAMPS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW OFFERING A  FULL RANGE OF ORGANIC AND SPECIALISED DRY AND SEMI MOIST FOODS FOR  PUPS/KITTENS THROUGH TO ADULTS – please enquire at: Tel: 0333 200 5827 Email : cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk

When You’ve Got To Go, You’ve Got To Go – Toilet Training For Your Pup

Puppy Visits

Unless you are very lucky, it is unlikely that your pup is fully toilet trained when you first get him/her home, so setting up a good regime from the outset will pay dividends.

If you have another dog at home to show your pup the ropes, then toilet training will happen much quicker as the new pup will soon find the area that has been established by the other dog and will quickly follow the toilet signposts.

If you don’t have another doggie at home to help out then the aim will be; not so much as to forbid the use of one area but to encourage the use of another more appropriate area. Here are a few tips that may help.

DO THIS:

Firstly, decide on an area where you want your pup to toilet Set up a regime where you take your pup out to this chosen place; First thing In The Morning, After Feeding, After Naps, In between Meals and Last Thing At Night – always use this area so that they can recognise their own scent.

Make sure that you keep to regular feeding times to get your pup into a routine As soon as your pup has eaten it will need to toilet shortly afterwards, so carry it outside and get it to sit in the “chosen” area

– don’t worry if your pup doesn’t “get it” right away.  It’s ok if your pup plays about at first, it will soon do it’s duty so be patient.

The moment your pup starts to go, start praising by making lots of “Good Dog/ Good Baby” type comments in an excited and slightly high tone, this is the signal that tells your pup he/she is doing the right thing.

Reinforce these desired actions each time because your pup may occasionally forget – it’s an exciting world with lots to learn!

Limit your pups access to just one or two areas where you can keep an eye on them Crate your pup when you can’t give them supervision – they are less likely to toilet in an area where they sleep or feed.

Ensure you take your pup out regularly

Stay consistent

If your pup has an “accident” indoors always use a specialised cleaning product to clean the area thoroughly as any lingering smell may draw your pup back time and again.

DON’T DO THIS:

Never rub your pup’s nose in any mess – it’s unlikely that your pup will connect the crime with the punishment and instead your pup will become frightened – this will then lead to serious toilet training problems.

Never Ever shout at or punish your pup if it has had an accident.  If you discover a mess it is too late to rectify the situation so say nothing – it may make you feel better to get the frustration out of your system but it will only serve to confuse and frighten the pup and set up problems with toilet training.

Don’t wait for your pup to signal that he/she needs the toilet, most pups don’t learn to signal in this way until they learn to “hold” – much like you when you went from nappies to potty to using the big toilet.

Don’t put papers down in the hope that your pup will use these instead of your floors – this will only send the message to your pup that its ok to do it on the papers, and may make it impossible to break the association.

Don’t leave your pup for hours on end and then blame it if it makes a mess.

Don’t use bleach to clean up after your pup – it’s always best to use specialised cleaning products available at your local pet store.

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR PUP IS A BABY – HANDLE WITH CARE AND LOVE, THERE IS NO PLACE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!

Don’t forget, Scamps & Champs can help with puppy visits to assist with toilet training when you go back to work. We come in, let the pup into the garden, feed the pup, clean up any accidents, refresh water and have some play/training/cuddle time before we leave. Contact your local branch for details.

The ‘New Normal’ for Lockdown Puppies

The ‘New Normal’ For Lockdown Puppies

Time in Lockdown

Many families will have used the additional time at home to settle a new furry addition into their lives, a puppy. The elongated periods of time spent in doors have provided an ideal setting, to introduce a new pet to the family, in order to gain familiarity with surroundings, build relationships with family members, implement routines and commence puppy training.

Throughout the last few weeks we have seen significant shifts in lockdown rules and regulations within the United Kingdom. As a result of this many people are keen to transition to a ‘new normal’ including routines such as returning to work and visiting close family and friends.  

When you put the excitement and eagerness to find a new normality aside, you must take a moment to consider the impact that this huge shift in routine will have on your puppy. The contrasting change to you and your household not being present as often, could cause your puppy to become anxious and disrupt them from their existing routines.

Helping your puppy overcome any anxiety is extremely important but preventing it from occurring in the first place is even better. Scamps & Champs Chichester can help by providing regular puppy visits and dog walks and we can even start now before you go back to work!

How Our Puppy Sitting Services Can Help

If you like many others are planning to return to work, but you have a puppy that you’re worried about leaving at home. Our puppy sitting services at Scamps & Champs Chichester are here to help the transition run smoothly.

A puppy will be familiarising itself with their new home so it’s important to keep them in that environment until they are used to going elsewhere and work up to any alterations in routine gradually. At Scamps and Champs Chichester we can visit your puppy in the comfort of your own home, fuss them, let them out to the toilet, feed them, keep them company and provide short walks if your puppy has had their second vaccination.

When we look after your beloved puppy, we will ensure that all of your pet’s usual routines are maintained, with additional loving companionship included. This will benefit your puppy and help them stay relaxed, ultimately maintaining familiar routines and reducing anxiety. Having Scamps and Champs Chichester to look after your puppy can assist their well-being, routines and social skills, which are all crucial elements of a puppy’s initial training. It also offers peace of mind to you and reassures you that whilst you go back to work, your puppy still has company and fun at home.

How Our Dog Walking Services Can Reduce Puppy Anxiety

Exercise is essential for any pet and a vital part of their daily exercise, especially a young pup. Maintaining your puppy’s daily walks is so important. Scamps and Champs Chichester offer and deliver a premium dog walking service.

One of our animal care experts can come to your home and walk your dog for you. We ensure they have an engaging, fun and stimulating walk out in the fresh air, impacting them positively.

Walking your puppy is so important, especially if they are showing signs of anxiety due to lockdown and the current lifting of lockdown. Walking your puppy daily is crucial because, when your dog is exercised efficiently, they are simply healthier and happier.

If you are at all worried about leaving your pets whilst you return to work Scamps and Champs Chichester can come and check on your pets whilst you are out for additional piece of mind. If you have purchased a ‘lockdown puppy’ whilst you have been off work and home all of the time, you may also like to consider our Puppy Sitting Service. If you have any questions or queries don’t hesitate to contact Scamps & Champs Chichester for further support and advice by emailing chichester@scampsandchamps.co.uk, calling our Branch Manager Sarah Young on 07931 526514 or contacting us via our Facebook Page.

Exiting Lockdown & Anxious Animals

How the New Lift in Lockdown Rules Could Cause Anxiety for Your Pets

Loosening Lockdown Rules

Following the latest Government announcement signifying further loosening of lockdown regulations, there are signs that we could be transitioning into a ‘new normal’ imminently. Whilst this news comes as a great relief to many of us who have been separated from loved ones for almost three months, we need to take a moment to consider that this may not be such good news for our beloved pets. Scamps & Champs Chichester would like to highlight the main concerns we may be facing in the up and coming weeks with our anxious pets and how you can assist a smooth transition for your pets, as you begin to leave your house for longer periods of time.

Jackpot Joy

Many of us have been completely quarantined at home for medical reasons, with little or no contact with the outside world for elongated periods of time. Whatever your circumstances are one thing is certain, you have probably been at home with your pets a great deal through this unprecedented period.

Aside from the obvious concerns, your pets have probably perceived your new extended time at home as a great comfort accompanied with additional fuss and food! In fact, they probably think they have struck gold right now by having you and your entire family home 24/7! Furthermore, with your desperation to get outside and enjoy a burst of fresh air and exercise, it is very possible that as a dog owner you have been taking your canine companion for extra walkies too! Jackpot!

An Alteration in Routine

Without our commute to work, the school run, trips out in the evenings and at weekends, not only have we significantly shifted our daily routine but so have our pets. Whereas we would probably leave the house and our pets at least twice a day and possibly for several hours at a time during busy periods, we may now only be leaving the house to walk our dogs. In short, some of our pets may be by our sides throughout the entire day without us even realising it.

Anxiety in Our Animals

As humans we often become anxious during significant changes in our lives and it is no different for our pets. In their minds they have become used to our company, everyone being at home and all of the additional benefits that come with this. Therefore if we suddenly go back to work and begin leaving them they could become extremely anxious, upset and even distressed. So the important question is; how can we avoid this happening?

Scamps & Champs Chichester are here to help you by providing pet visits where we can come and check that your pets are okay, change their water, feed them and let them outside for some fresh air. We also provide a dog walking service where we can come and collect your dog and take them for a walk, so if you are self-isolating or going back to work and unable to walk your dog then we are here to help. At Scamps & Champs Chichester we are keen to provide you with accurate, up-to-date advice so this week we spoke to Hannah’s Hounds Dog Training who provided us with expert tips on how to reduce anxiety in your pets’ behaviour, in the up and coming weeks.

Tips for Reducing Pet Anxiety

  • Start Now – Start leaving your pets for short periods of time now, whilst you are still self-isolating. Put them into their safe space so they know you are leaving the house. You could even just go out of the room and upstairs so that they think you’re going out, then you are still close by to help if they become distressed. When you do eventually start going out you can do this in small steps too, by heading out the front door and sitting in the car or walking down your drive to be close by.
  • Build It Up – If your pet is really struggling with separation anxiety then just start small by just walking out of a gate or the front door and coming back inside.You can then build on this gradually by leaving the room for two minutes, then next time five minutes and build up to the time you would usually be out for. Start by just leaving the room and pretending to go out, until you are certain that your pets are settled and content with you going out of the house properly. If your pet gets overly distressed, you may need to contact a professional dog behaviourist for help.
  • Safe Space and Triggers – Always leave your pets in their safe space. Be consistent with where you leave them, when you leave them and the signs you provide to your pets as you leave. Perhaps you give the same cue, say the same words or turn on the same radio station as you leave. Keep the message consistent so that they recognise the signs that you are leaving the house and they know what is about to happen, this will help reduce anxiety.
  • Treats, Toys & Time – Throughout the day when you are home, keep your pets engaged and active at several points during the day. Have activities planned such as a Kong toy or lick mat, where they have to work for their food and treats. Keep their minds and bodies engaged and active throughout points during your day, so that when you do leave they are ready to slow down and have a break whilst you are out.
  • Exercise – Keep your pets well exercised with plenty of fresh air where possible, so that when you do leave the house they are tired and happy to have some down time in their safe space. When you do leave you could also use a chew toy or treat to keep them occupied whilst you leave them for their settle period of rest. This will help reduce anxiety and keep them calm.
  • Lockdown Puppies – If you have bought home a new puppy during lockdown then it is very possible that they have never been left. Make sure you are incorporating all of the above advice within your professional puppy training even before lockdown ends. Start now, leaving your puppy is often an aspect of training that gets forgotten. If you are unsure about this then contact a professional dog trainer.

If you are at all worried about leaving your pets whilst you return to work Scamps and Champs Chichester can come and check on your pets whilst you are out for additional piece of mind. If you have purchased a ‘lockdown puppy’ whilst you have been off work and home all of the time, you may also like to consider our Puppy Sitting Service. If you have any questions or queries don’t hesitate to contact Scamps & Champs Chichester for further support and advice by emailing chichester@scampsandchamps.co.uk, calling our Branch Manager Sarah Young on 07931 526514 or contacting us via our Facebook Page.

How do you prepare your dog for when you go back to work after lockdown?

Once the coronavirus lockdown ends you may no longer work from, home resulting in a new routine for your dogs. This new routine may mean leaving your dog for longer periods of time than they are used to. Dogs are naturally very sociable animals and some may find being left alone very hard and you may notice a change in their behaviour. Some dogs may develop separation anxiety. What is separation anxiety and how can it be prevented?

What is separation anxiety?

Your dog may become distressed when you are preparing to leave home, or after you have left. He may start pacing, trembling, whining, drooling or panting. He may bark far more than usual or start howling. He may start digging at carpets or chewing furniture, such as table legs, or show other signs of destructive behaviour such as raiding the rubbish bin, or may have toileting accidents in the house. This may be in response to boredom, being left alone, or from being separated from one particular person.

This behaviour can be upsetting, so how can you prepare your dog for your return to work?

Although dogs should not be left on their own for too long the earlier actions are taken the better by spending some time away from your dog during the day, even whilst in the same house. This is particularly important for dogs that have been bought or adopted during lockdown, especially puppies, as they may have had no experience of being separated from their owner. Dogs who have been in rescue or have been rehomed several times can sometimes struggle with being left, especially in the first few weeks of being rehomed. This is probably due to a variety of factors, including the stresses experienced while in kennels and learning to adapt to a new home.

Start by leaving you dog alone for just a few seconds and then move onto minutes and a couple of hours. Take your time if your dog shows any sign of distress. If being left alone is too much for your dog you could start by being in the same room but avoiding eye contact and then move on to being the other side of a stair gate, being in another room and then finally out of sight and earshot. Give plenty of praise and rewards such as treats and toys. Being relaxed during this process will help not make a big deal out of it and the aim is that your dog feels relaxed and comfortable when left on their own for some part of the day. Being left at home should be fun!

As well as building on controlled periods of time alone giving your dog something to do will help reduce their anxiety when they are left alone and help them develop positive associations with being alone. Using food and enrichment toys such as Kong’s, appropriate chew toys, lick mats and slow feeders to keep him occupied. Provide your dog’s usual meal or healthy fillers such as cooked chicken, vegetables or peanut butter.

How to prevent possible triggers from causing anxiety?

You can desensitise your dog to any signs that you are leaving the house. Try opening and closing doors without leaving, picking up and putting down car keys throughout the day, picking up and moving shoes and bags or putting on a coat and walking around with it before removing it.

Do not use punishment as this will not work and will cause more harm

Any punishment given on returning home won’t help stop the problem. Dogs associate punishment with what they are doing at that moment in time and so a dog will not link the telling off with their actions before their owner came home, even if they are taken over to ‘the scene of the crime’. It is not that they cannot remember what happened; they just won’t be able to make a connection between the punishment and something they did hours ago.

If punished your dog will not only be feeling anxious about being left, but will also be worried about you returning, which can make any symptoms much, much worse.

Scamps and Champs provide puppy visits and a dog walking service whilst following the latest government and DEFRA advice. Get in touch to discuss your individual needs.

Puppy Visits In Halifax

Puppy Visits

Getting a puppy is a long-time commitment that requires a lot of thought. Especially if you work. That’s where Scamps and Champs Halifax can help.

We provide a Puppy visiting service with which we can work together on. You tell us what you need during the Puppy visit and we will provide it. So you have piece of mind whilst you are at work knowing your new fluffy bundle is being cared for by a reliable trusted Scamps and Champs Halifax team member.

Most Puppy Visits are booked for 30 minute intervals, in which we take out for toilet breaks, provide clean water and food, play with puppy and provide anything else should it be required. 1 hour bookings can also be made if required.

Scamps and Champs Halifax staff are fully insured, DBS checked and some have a certificate in canine first aid.

Getting a puppy is not an easy decision but we are there to help ease the decision and be on hand throughout the day whilst you are at work.

Scamps and Champs Halifax cover most areas of Calderdale.

Please do get in touch if you would like more information on halifax@scampsandchamps.co.uk or find us on Facebook and send us a message.

How To Crate Train Your New Puppy

How To Train Your Puppy - Scamps & Champs

Knowing hоw to сrаtе train уоur puppy effectively wіll hеlр tо resolve mаnу оf thе рrоblеmѕ that can occur durіng thе grоwіng up рrосеѕѕ from рuрру to аdult dog. Crаtе trаіnіng is роѕѕіblу thе most effective mеthоd оf toilet trаіnіng, аѕ wеll as еnѕurіng that thе сrаtе is safe fоr your рuрру.

Stаrtіng сrаtе training early wіll pay dividends bу rеmоvіng mаnу of thе рrоblеmѕ that can аrіѕе in the futurе аnd іѕ bаѕеd on the fасt that a рuрру’ѕ natural іnѕtіnсt іѕ nоt to ѕоіl whеrе it еаtѕ аnd ѕlеерѕ.

Althоugh early сrаtе trаіnіng іѕ rесоmmеndеd, note that puppies less thаn twelve weeks оld have very little blаddеr control, ѕо соnѕіdеr thіѕ. Puрріеѕ younger thаn nіnе weeks hаvе even lеѕѕ and need thе tоіlеt mоrе frеԛuеntlу, ѕо it is nоt аdvіѕаblе tо сrаtе trаіn аt such аn early аgе. Thе minimum recommended аgе fоr crate trаіnіng fоr the mаjоrіtу оf puppies іѕ tеn weeks.

Sіnсе a рuрру will carry out toilet functions soon after іt аwаkеnѕ frоm sleep or eats a mеаl, a ѕсhеdulе саn be рlаnnеd around these реrіоdѕ. Bу dоіng thіѕ, the trаіnіng саn bе organized mоrе еаѕіlу.

Bеfоrе you crate train уоur рuрру, уоu ѕhоuld ensure that thе crate іѕ оf thе соrrесt proportions fоr уоur рuрру.

7-Stерѕ Plаn As Tо Hоw You Саn Crate Trаіn Уоur Рuрру

Crate trаіnіng is an attempt to hоuѕеtrаіn your рuрру bу temporarily confining him іn a сrаtе. Bесаuѕе реtѕ dо not lіkе tо urіnаtе оr dеfесаtе in the рlасе whеrе thеу are rеѕtіng, thеу bеgіn tо dеvеlор bladder and bоwеl соntrоl. Thеn, thеу аrе lеt outside tо urinate, and thе сусlе continues frоm thеrе. Here іѕ thе 7-Stер Prосеѕѕ you need to follow.

  1. Intrоduсе Your Puppy tо the Crate

The only wау tо crate trаіn your puppy is fіrѕt tо fаmіlіаrіzе your рuрру wіth thе сrаtе. This саn bе dоnе bу putting a ѕоft blаnkеt inside. Thеn, ореn thе door аnd begin еnсоurаgіng your рuрру tо enter. Yоu саn uѕе trеаtѕ tо lurе him іnѕіdе. After hе hаѕ been іnѕіdе a few tіmеѕ, you саn gіvе hіm a dоg bone оr toy to рlау with whіlе сlоѕіng thе dооr on the саgе fоr a ѕhоrt tіmе.   Ensure the crate is a safe, warm, comfortable space that your puppy will enjoy.

  • Start wіth Shоrt Pеrіоdѕ

Hаvіng bееn introduced tо thе crate, іt’ѕ now time to bеgіn іnсrеаѕіng уоur dоg’ѕ tіmе іn thе сrаtе. Bеgіn with ѕmаll periods of 15 mіnutеѕ and gradually іnсrеаѕе to 30 minutes аnd bеуоnd.

  • Prаіѕе and Rеwаrd Puрру

Whеn the рuрру hаѕ bееn good аnd has not urinated іn thе сrаtе, рrаіѕе hіm аnd rеwаrd hіm wіth a treat.   Thіѕ роѕіtіvе reinforcement wіll, оvеr tіmе, tеасh hіm whаt іѕ аnd whаt іѕ nоt ассерtаblе. He wіll then bеgіn tо асt in thаt роѕіtіvе mаnnеr mоrе оftеn іn аn attempt to receive уоur praise аnd, оf соurѕе, thе rеwаrdіng trеаtѕ. Yоu now wаnt to tаkе nоtе of thаt tо hеlр уоu better рrеdісt when уоur dоg nееdѕ to urіnаtе.

  • Let Puрру Outѕіdе Onсе Pеr Hоur

Aftеr уоur pooch hаѕ gotten mоrе comfortable wіth the сrаtе, еxtеnd hіѕ сrаtе time tо оnе-hоur segments. After one hоur оf being іn thе сrаtе wіthоut urinating, take уоur рuрру оutѕіdе fоr fоur tо fіvе minutes. If hе urіnаtеѕ оutѕіdе іn that period, rеwаrd hіm with a treat аnd your praise. If уоur рuрру dоеѕ not urіnаtе оutѕіdе іn those five mіnutеѕ, put him back іn thе crate until thе next time you fееl hе has the nееd tо urinate.

  • Grаduаllу Increase Time

Aѕ уоur рuрру bеgіnѕ tо gаіn соmfоrtаbіlіtу wіth the сrаtе, уоu can еxtеnd hіѕ tіmе in the cage. But, уоu wіll ѕtіll wаnt to lеt him оutѕіdе оnсе реr hour when роѕѕіblе.

  • Overnight

If уоu аrе in nееd for your рuрру tо ѕlеер in the crate overnight, уоu wіll want tо do a few thіngѕ. First, рlасе thе сrаtе іn your rооm. Then, assuming hе іѕ already ассuѕtоmеd tо thе сrаtе, еnсоurаgе уоur puppy to gо іnѕіdе. Aftеr a fеw nіghtѕ оf hіm ѕlееріng іn thе сrаtе іn your room, уоu саn begin placing the crate in оthеr rооmѕ whеrе you mіght оthеrwіѕе рrеfеr.

  • Praise аnd Reward Puрру

Yеѕ, here іt іѕ again. Prаіѕе and rеwаrd your рuрру. Yоur рuрру gеnuіnеlу wаntѕ to please уоu as hе dеѕіrеѕ уоur praise, attention, аnd treats. Your consistent роѕіtіvе rеіnfоrсеmеnt of gооd bеhаvіоr when hоuѕеtrаіnіng will еnсоurаgе еvеn mоrе роѕіtіvе bеhаvіоr.  

Nоw уоu аrе rеаdу tо tасklе the сrаtе training рrосеѕѕ.

If you need any help with puppy visits while you are out at work, then don’t hesitate to contact us on 0333 200 5827 or email info@scampsandchamps.co.uk. We can visit your puppy, feed them, let them out into the garden, clean up any accidents and then have some play/cuddle/training time.

Using a Puppy Visiting Service in London

The excitement of getting a puppy can sometimes be tinged with some anxiety about how to ensure the best care for your puppy when you are out for some or all of the day. Ensuring you have the best possible care for your new beloved pet is important, and an option which more and more pet owners are turning to is to use a Scamps and Champs South East London professional pet carer to undertake regular puppy visits.

Our pet carers are experienced with dogs and puppies (and absolutely love them!) and can offer you a bespoke puppy visit service, visiting your dog for up to an hour (or longer if you need it) from 1 to 4 times a day, depending on your needs.  When your puppy is very young, the visits will typically entail letting your puppy out to go to the toilet, feeding them, and importantly, giving them love and cuddles, playing with them and helping to train them according to your wishes, ensuring we know which methods and words you use, to ensure consistency. We ensure good communication with you so that we are always on the same page as you when it comes to your puppy’s care, and we will give you a report after each and every visit so that you know what has happened during the day.

As your puppy develops, the puppy visits develop with them, and your pet carer will take your puppy out for short walks, helping to socialise them with the outside world and other dogs, getting them used to toileting whilst out on walks and helping to train them in road safety, for example, ensuring they respond to commands to wait before going into the road.

The benefits to your puppy in having a Scamps and Champs professional pet carer are clear; your puppy will receive, love, care and attention whilst you are out, they will get used to being looked after by another adult, who brings with them experience of looking after other dogs and puppies and can often help you with difficult challenges with your dog.

And as your dog gets older we can transition to providing you with a dog walking service, overnight pet sitting if you are away or possibly home boarding.

We have thorough procedures for only ensuring that we provide only the best staff to look after your treasured pets and to come into your home.  We interview staff thoroughly, and, once they have demonstrated their motivation, experience and reliability, we obtain references for the previous 2 years and ensure that the pet carer has an up to date DBS (police) check. Our pet carers are also fully insured whilst working for Scamps and Champs South East London.

You will meet your pet carer before agreeing to go ahead, so that you feel confident about the puppy visit service we will provide. At this meeting you can tell us all about your requirements, including the number of visits you would like, and the routines and quirks of your puppy.

During the puppy visit service, we keep in close contact with our pet carer to ensure that everything is going as planned and we are on hand to provide back up or help if needed.

The price for Scamps and Champs South East London puppy visits starts at £10 for a 30 minute visit for 1 dog.

For a detailed quotation, please contact us for further information. Scamps & Champs South East London currently provide puppy visit services in South East London and  Bromley. 

Scamps and Champs South East London are members of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters and the Pet Industry Federation. Contact Scamps & Champs via our online form, to check availability and make a booking. Learn more about our puppy visit service  by visiting the Scamps & Champs Website.