Gifts for dogs this Christmas

If your family is staying together this Christmas make sure your favourite four-legged friends have something to unwrap on the big day.  We can’t all have flying reindeer like Santa Claus but our loyal companions are special in their own way.

Home from Home Dog Boarding has provided a run-down of Christmas gift ideas for your pet whether you’re together or apart this year.

Friday 12 December is national Christmas jumper day and what’s to stop your dog from joining in with the fun? There are many on the market to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. Better yet, knitting patterns are available if you feel like presenting your pet with a home-made gift this year. Perhaps you could create matching sweaters for the entire family – dogs included.

If you really wanted a reindeer in the house to feel more festive, then there’s always the novelty route. Antlers and elf hats are widely available to make your pet look like they came straight from Santa’s grotto.

Of course there’s the walk. We might not want to leave our cosy homes but a good walk can work up the appetite for the inevitable Christmas dinner bellies we’ll all be wearing that day. A new toy will entertain your dog while you’re struggling to remember what it felt like to have fingers.

For many of us the best part of Christmas day is the dinner; roast turkey and all the trimmings. Our dogs should have a luxurious dinner too. We understand that pet food can be an expensive choice but 

Christmas only happens once a year so maybe spend a little extra on a special dinner for your pet. We’re sure they’ll know the difference.

Our idea of a treat is perhaps a box of chocolates or a cheeky sherry and luckily for us we can’t share these with our pooches. They would much rather have rawhide chews which can come in a variety of Christmas designs such as snowmen and penguins.

If you’re dog is with one of our dog carers this Christmas, make sure you pack them a present for them to open at Christmas. If they’re lucky maybe their carer has got them one as well!

Contact us today if you need to book for dog boarding over the Christmas holidays.

Img source: http://goo.gl/GGWRes

Halloween, Bonfire Night and your dog

We’re already in the midst of Autumn, with darker night’s drawing in and the cooler chill already present, before we know it our streets will be filled with spooktacular goings on, our homes furnished with festive treats and our skies illuminated with fireworks.

Halloween and Bonfire night are both a time of fun, frolics and festivities but while these may be fun moments for us, they aren't always for our canine companions with the chance of bringing some hazards and anxieties for your pooch.

In order to help you avoid Halloween howling and firework fears, Home From Home Dog Boarding have put together some hints and tips to keep your dog comfortable and safe at this time of year.

All Hallows Eve

Costumes

For many of us, Halloween is all about getting dressed up in something cute or scary ready to go out trick or treating. If you are hosting a Halloween party or planning on taking your pooch out trick or treating with the family this October 31^st then spare a few minutes for your pet before you pick out that costume.

Are they likely to be uncomfortable as this can cause agitation and anxiety? Some costumes may also have hanging attachments which can easily be removed by your dog so ensure that loose parts are secured to maximise safety and always read the packaging to ensure that your chosen costume is entirely animal friendly.

Decorations

Planning on putting up hanging ornaments or ghouslish decorations around your home? Many of these objects are hazardous and could easily obstruct a dog’s airway if swallowed. Small parts of costumes, candles and hanging decorations such as fake webs, party streamers and balloons can all be tempting things to play with for a dog.

Avoid any unwanted scares by keeping all of these firmly out of the easy reach of your dog.

Tricks and Treats

It is likely that you will be expecting some scary visitors so will have a trick and treat bowls lying about. Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning, vomiting and seizures so keep any treats out of the easy reach of your pooch.

Consider buying in some special dog specific chocolate treats so that he or she doesn't feel left out.

Pumpkins

We all love to carve a good pumpkin and pop in a candle to show off our spooky designs, but make sure that your dog can’t reach it.  Although relatively non-toxic, when ingested in large doses pumpkin can cause stomach upsets for dogs.

Guy Fawkes Night

Safe den

Many pets will not react well to the scares that unexpected fireworks can bring as loud noises can often bring on anxiety.

Preparation is the key, so ensuring that you have provided a safe space for your dog to hide behind to encourage the feeling of safety will help. Try and introduce this place before firework season with their blankets or beds and some comforting chews.

Calming

There are many herbal medications available when Bonfire night fireworks are in full swing and produce a pheromone which can relax dogs. If your dog is naturally more prone to anxiety then consult your vet prior to purchasing or administering any form of medication.

Dog walks

It is a good idea to take your dog for a long walk, while it is still like, prior to the fireworks starting. This will not only tire your dog out but ensure that they are more tired out and less likely to get worked up – perhaps, if you’re lucky they will even sleep through them.

Home From Home Dog Boarding provide comprehensive dog caring, dog sitting services while you are away from home and will carefully match your pet to our network of carers across the UK.

To find out more about our dog boarding service please click here or contact us today to discuss your requirements.

Top viral dogs

They’ve been man’s best friend for more than 30,000 years and our extended furry family members that we all love no matter how big or small, but they still have the capacity to surprise us, learning new things every day and adapting to changes very quickly.

Dogs, they are the heart of a home and family and can be the subject of many memories. More recently such adaptations, funny moments and their surprises have been documented with the arrival of viral videos.

Here, we at Home From Home take a look at some of our top picks of Dogs that have gone viral.

#1 Spider Dog



In advance of Halloween, one man and his dog, in Poland, decided to roam the streets scaring the wits out of strangers. Dressed as a giant tarantula, Sylwester Wardega’s dog Chica, has managed to gain more than 80 million views online since his video was first posted at the beginning of this month and amassed a huge two million views in just 24 hours. 

#2 Fenton

Taking place in Richmond Park, London, one Labrador called Fenton decides to take a very close interest in the deer of the park, scaring his owner as he chases the creatures out of the park and onto the road.

A cameraman is innocently filming the majestic deer of the park until the lens catches the commotion of the deer being chased followed by a dog and then his owner shouting the dog’s name followed by ‘Jesus Christ’ – causing drivers to stop on the busy road, Fenton just keeps running.

#3 Mishka

Featuring talking Husky, Mishka who tells her owners that she loves them, this clip gives dog owners world-wide that little bit of hope that dogs really can understand us and love us too! The prized pooch went on to have her own Facebook page building up her own celebrity following with further hit Youtube videos featuring her speaking sentences, saying ‘Good Morning’ and releasing her own song.

#4 Huskies crawling

What’s cuter, a baby? A crawling baby? Or a baby crawling, accompanied by crawling huskies? The answer lies in the clip above. Featuring two Siberian huskies mimicking a baby, this clip walks the line between adorable and silly. But with a combination of two very cute creatures it is the perfect viral video.

#5 Portland pug

Pushing her Nintendog stuffed Pug puppies, Jenny a pug from Portland has become an internet viral hit as she pushes a toy stroller around her hometown of Portland, Oregon, USA. Amassing more than one million hits this clip borders on the absurd, but has turned her into an internet hit with her own Twitter and web page.

#6 Well trained dog?

Three-year-old trained Border Collie, Jumpy became a viral hit after performing 25 different tricks in two minutes but in this clip he returned playing ball with his owner, showcasing an excellent amount of discipline and restraint.

Communicating the overwhelming amount of trust that Jumpy has in his owner as well as a smart ability to remember and recall. We think Jump could be a contender for one of the most well trained dogs around.

#7 Dolphin impressions

Bruce the 18-month-old Boston Terrier changed the perception of dogs being known for fetch and cuddles, perfecting the art of imitation when he couldn’t contain his excitement after spotting another dog across the road. It’s unlikely that the impression was intentional but how uncanny is it?

#8 Sprinkler excitement

This bulldog cannot get enough of his garden sprinkler, even going as far as to take a tumble to reach the water shoot. But that doesn’t stop the confused pooch, who can’t decide if he is excited or scared by it, and continues to jump and run in any attempt to catch the water shoot.

Why not share your pups video’s with us?

For all your dog boarding or dog sitting needs, contact Home From Home Boarding Dog Boarding who offer warm, caring, loving homes for your dog while you are away so that you have peace of mind that they are happy. 

Going beyond ‘fetch’ – fun games to play with your dog

Whilst owning a dog can be a lot of hard work, it is often time well invested to see the growth of your valued extended furry family member over the years.  Much like children, coming up with new ways to keep your pooch entertained can be a difficult feat but at Home from Home we are here to inspire you, because there are countless ways that you can entertain your canine without having to resort to a game of Fetch!

Not only are these activities fun for your pup but they also allow room for bonding and confidence boosting between both dog and owner, which in turn can shape your dog into a model citizen, challenging their energy into constructive activities.

However, first and foremost it is vital to ensure that some clear ground rules are established which ensure consistency so that your pet can retain confidence in you throughout gameplay.

1.       Remember to have regular breaks during playtime with your dog – this not only allows your pup to regain focus but will prevent them from getting over excited.

2.       Play sessions should be short, motivating and rewarding – it is important to stop playing before your dog gets bored so that he/she will always want more from you.

3.       Keep games varied to ensure maximum excitement for your pooch.

So now you’ve got some clear rules in order – it’s time to play. Here are FIVE suggestions for fun games to play to keep your pup entertained while building bonds.

Simon Says

A great game for those pooches who already know the basic instructions of ‘sit’ ,‘stay’ and ‘roll’ this game incorporates exactly the same rules as the childhood games but this time with a bag of treats.

Grab some treats and put your dogs knowledge to the test checking his/her ability to understand one command after the other.

Make sure you mix and match your commands for variety and to keep your dog on his toes.

Note: Remember to reward your dog when he gets the command right – there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing how proud your dog is when getting a command correct.

Tug of war

While this may seem a fairly basic game it can be an extremely beneficial method by which your dog can release in built aggression while learning the basic commands of ‘get it’ and ‘let go.’

Try to teach your pooch to only grab the toy on your say so, the method of doing this involves rewarding him/her while the toy remains on the ground. Once they have grasped this command then move on to the order of ‘get it.’

To initiate the game your dog must learn how to let go, which is possibly one of the hardest commands your dog can learn to grasp.

Consider no-mark utterances such as ‘uh-oh’ when your dog makes a mistake.

Note: It is vital at the initial stages of the game to initiate control as owner to prevent biting – consider alternatives for over excitable dogs.

Hide and Seek

Once again using the rules of the childhood game, this game can use treats, toys or you.  just place your dog in another room and command him/her to ‘stay’ then hide yourself, the treat or toy in another room.

Once the item or you are situated in a good hiding place that will challenge your pup, call your dog.

Reward him/her enthusiastically with treats and praise, as this game uses both your dog’s brains and senses so they will need extra encouragement.

Note: Ensuring that your dog clearly obeys the ‘stay’ command is key to the success of this game.

Dog Basketball

Believe it or not, ball games with dogs don’t just have to involve catch or soccer – basketball can be incorporated too, whether indoor or outdoor.

All you need for this one is an empty laundry basket or bucket and your dog’s favourite ball.

Stimulate the action that you would like your dog to perform by dropping the ball into the basket or bucket and saying ‘drop’ – do it enough times for your dog to understand, but be patient.

Then pass the ball to your pup and command your pup to ‘drop’ the ball.

Each time he/she drops the ball successfully into the basket or bucket, reward them enthusiastically. While it may take them some time to pick up that the ‘’drop’’ command means dropping the ball into the basket or bucket, it can be a really fulfilling game once your dog picks it up.

Note: Make sure your dog is paying close attention to your command when you undertake the motion of ‘drop.’

Dog Sports

For dogs who are more human focused than dog focused, dog sports can be an excellent method of stimulating your pets, these can include dog agility courses with obstacles (similar to those seen on Crufts), frisbee dog activities which can involve more jumping than the usual game of fetch and fly ball which see’s teams of dogs race against one another to release a box of tennis balls.

 These sports provide excellent ways of focusing joint activity whilst promoting socialising with other dogs and the environments around them.

Note: Choose the right sport based on your dogs own temperament and ability.

With our home dog boarding service at Home to Home, we think of your pet as a member of your family and as such should be treated that way.

That’s why with all of our carers, your pooch will receive one on one attention from our carers and their family just like your dog is their own. This will incorporate the same routines that you regularly undertake with your pet including walking, feeding, sleeping and playing.

To find out more about our dog boarding services from rates through to availability, please contact us.

Are You Considering Becoming a Dog Boarder?

You may have come across the term “dog boarding” and wondered what it actually referred to.

Essentially, dog boarding is when a person temporarily “adopts” a dog as their own while the owner is away; maybe on a business trip, on holiday, or if they are poorly.

Whereas kennels are often avoided because animals can become restless there, argue with other dogs, and get less exercise as there are so many dogs to look after - a dog boar

der looks after a pet as if it is their own. Dog boarders take care of pets in their own house; feeding them, playing with them, and nurturing them. This is why dog boarding is considered such an attractive alternative to kennels.

Pet owners use dog home boarding companies such as Home From Home because we are dedicated to only putting dogs into the homes of people who are experienced and trustworthy with a great love of dogs.

By putting your pet in the hands of a Home from Home dog carer you can feel completely relaxed while you and your dog are separated, knowing that they are being lovingly looked after.

While there are many obvious benefits to the owner (and pet), what are the advantages for somebody who chooses to become a dog carer?

Temporary Relationship

It might be that you have loved owning a dog in the past but are not in a position to have the responsibility of one at present. In other words you might be passionate about dogs and even miss the love, fun, and affection that they bring. However, you may often be away from home or do not have the finances to meet veterinary costs etc.

By becoming a dog boarder you can experience the joy of having a pet again with the responsibilities of feeding, walking, and caring for it - but without the long-term commitment of owning one.

Earn Money

Dog boarding is a pleasant way to earn money from home. If you are fully retired you might want to earn some extra money for doing something that you really enjoy. Looking after a dog in your own home is a fun job for which earning an income will seem like an added bonus.

Social Life

Other than the relationship between owner and pet, many dog owners enjoy the friendships that being a dog walker brings. Getting out in the open air is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people who share your love of animals.

Exercise

As well as affection, every dog has the more practical requirement of exercise. Looking after a pet means regular walks in the open air to keep them fit. Dog walking is a brilliant exercise for you. Most of the time you will not even realise that you are doing exercise; you will be too busy having fun playing catch or running around with your new friend. Dog walking burns a lot of calories so you will notice a difference in your personal fitness.

Family Trial

If you have young children then they will probably have already asked you if they can have a pet. It is natural for children to want to have something that they can love and play with. One of the reasons that parents hesitate to give their child a pet is the fear that children will get bored or reject the responsibility that comes with having one.

The dogs at Home from Home are house-trained, calm, non-aggressive pets. Boarding is an opportunity for your children to understand the reality of owning an animal.

They will learn that animals need to be looked after carefully. Children can learn the responsibilities that come with pets such as remembering when they need feeding and taking them out for exercise even when you are not really in the mood.

Many parents consider dog boarding a good way of trialling whether a new pet is suitable for the family and teaching children life lessons about responsibility. It might be a sad moment, but it is also a way for them to learn how to say goodbye to a pet when the boarding comes to an end.

Home from Home was set up in 1996 and was the first dog boarding agency in the UK. We are based throughout London, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and provide 24-hour support to all of our carers.

If you think that you would like to become a carer please complete the application form, or if you have any questions please contact us on 01932 568 584.

Why Dog Boarding Is Nicer for your Dog than Dog Kennels

It is that time of year again when we pack up our things and go on holiday for a stint in the sun. You might just be going away for a week to Europe to lounge by the pool, or you might be on a 3-week tour of the States or the Far East. Wherever you are heading, if you are a dog owner then you will be very much aware of the dilemma that faces everybody: what do we do with our dog? 

If you do not have any friends or family who are able to look after your pet then there are two main options available to you: dog kennels or dog boarding. Dog kennels are probably the better known of these alternatives. A dog kennels is usually a place where lots of dogs stay over the period that you are away. Dog boarding is when your pet stays with somebody who looks after your pet in their own home.

Dog kennels are a lot more common than dog boarding and they are often represented in very different ways. Some dog kennels consider themselves to be the higher end of the spectrum and market themselves as luxury “doggy hotels” where dogs are pampered while their owners are away. However this is not a very accurate description of a dog’s experience in a kennel.

Unfortunately a lot of dog kennels simply provide a small, isolated room for your dog to sit down, eat, and sleep. A common complaint regarding kennels is that the dog often misses out on regular exercise and general socialisation. Some dogs are absolutely fine in this environment but other owners report that their pets do not respond well to this decline in exercise.

A particular problem for rescue dogs, being put temporarily in this sort of environment can rouse old anxieties that owners have worked hard to eliminate. Pets that are used to living in a family home where they are loved and shown a lot of affection may find it especially difficult to adjust to a new atmosphere where they are treated the same as everybody else and maybe not be given the level of attention that they are used to.

Dog boarding is a modern, popular alternative to kennels because your dog is placed into a loving home until you return from your trip. Home from Home ensure that all of the dog boarders who work with them have had enough experience with dogs that they will be capable of looking after yours with a lot of love. The boarders are not allowed to have any cats or dogs of their own which means that there is nobody there for your pet to clash with. 

 

More importantly it means that the person “adopting” your dog for the period is able to dedicate all of their time to your pet. Whereas a kennel might contain lots of dogs all of who compete for the attention of the people in charge; the person (or family) who your pet is boarding with will only be looking after your dog.

If you are interested in becoming a dog boarder or if you would like to arrange to have your dog looked after in time for your holiday, call Home from Home on 01932 568584.

Is Leaving Your Dog with a Dog Sitter a Good Idea?

Although going on holiday is incredibly exciting, for dog-owners it can also be a time of year when we fret over how best to look after our pets while we’re away. If none of your friends can look after them, or you don’t have any family with enough experience of caring for animals, what can you do? Dog sitting is a popular option whereby somebody who has experience cares for your dog while you are away.

What is dog sitting? It is essentially a service where you pay somebody to “adopt” your pet on a temporary basis. The dog sitter welcomes your dog into their home and looks after them when you can’t. This might be while you are on holiday, a business trip, or refurbishing your home for example. It is a brilliant service for anybody who needs to briefly leave their pet but wants to ensure that they are in safe hands.

To truly ensure that your dog will be happy in his temporary new home there are several things that you can do before you leave. It is recommended that you leave your pet with an item that he is familiar with to keep him calm. Aside from his favourite toys, this tends to refer to something such as an old sock or blanket that he likes to play with; he will know that the smell is familiar to him and therefore be calm.

Make sure that your dog sitter understands what your pet’s routine is.  The best thing for dogs is to have a routine that they are used to. Maintaining this routine while you are away will keep them settled. Before you go away tell your sitter what this routine is (you can provide them with a written copy to refer to as well). This should include your pet’s feeding schedule, how regularly you check their water bowl, when and where they go for walks, how long the walks are, and any behavioural issues your pet might have. If your dog needs to take any medicine, explain their condition and how often the medicine is needed.

As part of our dog sitting services Home from Home ensure that our carers are never away from their home for more than 4 hours at a time. It is also necessary that they have a secure garden where your dog will be safe, and that the carers do not have any cats or dogs of their own. They are not allowed to have any preschool children. We are very careful about who we use as carers but we always insist that the owner meets the carer before the care begins anyway. This way both parties can exchange questions so that everybody is fully prepared and happy with the arrangement.

So in answer to the question in the title: yes, leaving your dog with a dog sitter is a very good idea. Home from Home was established in 1996. If you would like to find more information about our services please visit our website at http://www.homefromhomedogboarding.com/

So what is Dog Boarding?

The idea of Dog Boarding has only just begun to take off, as dog owners want to take longer holidays but also want better care for their animals. Rather than just leaving them at a dog kennel where they are less likely to receive as much human contact, staying in a dog boarding center means that they receive the very best treatment. Staff members at boarding centres will feed your pet, provide exercise for them, and will follow any personal instructions that you may have given, making sure that they are getting the care and attention that they need.

There are many options available to you if you were to choose a boarding centre, whether you want to drop your animals off while you go on holiday, or even when you are at work or engaged in other matters.

For Home from Home Dog Boarding you will need to provide your dog with everything that you would supply if a friend was caring for your dog. For example you will need to bring:

• Food
• Bedding & towels
• Bowls
• Toys 

      Or anything that smells like home such as sweaters, this is to make sure that your dog remains calm and cheerful so it is not aggravated in any way.

Most pet owners consider their dogs to be members of the family, and prefer to send them to a dog boarding centre, rather than a grim kennel facility. 

At Home from Home you will be given a personal a carer for your dog. We would like you to meet our carers, we insist upon it. Because unlike other boarding centres, we want you to meet our carers you book with us to make sure that everyone is happy. However If you are unhappy about the carer there is always an opportunity to change carer.

If you are unsure about anything or want to find out more about us, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01932 568584.

How do Costs Compare between Boarding Kennels and Home Boarding?

Due to the innovative service that we provide at Home from Home you might expect the costs to be considerably higher than a standard Dog kennels, but in-fact, despite the enhanced services we provide, the difference in costs are not significant, and in many cases we are considerably cheaper than some kennels.

A simple search of Google will show that there is a wide range of potential costs for putting your Dog in a Kennels, but in general costs seem to range between £10 and £50 a day. The highest standard boarding kennels or luxury dog hotels can often be higher still.

Some Kennels will also charge extra to give your dog heating or change the pricing dependent on the size or breed of dog.

At Home from Home we charge on a daily basis for your dog starting at £24 a day for 1 dog. If you want to Home more than one dog we also apply discounts for extra dogs, the discount for 5 dogs is nearly 50%.

We even have a handy tool on our website that will help you work out how much it will cost to board your dog - http://www.homefromhomedogboarding.com/how-much-will-it-cost. (Note: These costs are correct at time of posting and may have changed since this article was written, always check our Costs page for latest pricing.)

In addition, there are no hidden costs or extra fees to pay for our service, we do not charge a registration fee or mandate that we transport your dog to and from our carer's home for an additional charge as other agencies sometimes do.

The time that you leave or collect your dog doesn’t affect the costs either; we believe in giving you flexibility, so we charge by the calendar date and not by 24 hour periods, this means that you can drop your dog off earlier or later in the day to match flight times (although we ask that you organise this with your carer in advance). If you need to arrange transport for your pooch we can organise a collection and delivery service for a small additional charge.

Payment for using us is simple, there is a non-refundable deposit that must be paid once you confirm your booking this will also guarantee the carer that has been selected for your dog. This can be paid over the telephone by debit or credit card. You pay the balance directly to the carer when you deliver your dog, payment can be by cash or cheque depending on the preference of the carer.

Obviously like everything you “get what you pay for” – so if you want your dog to go to a Home where they will be treated like one of the family, with their own home comforts and without the stress of kennels but at a price that fits your budget then why not try Home Dog-boarding via Home From Home.

How old do you think your dog is?

For many years it was always thought that to work out the age of your Dog you just multiplied the age of the dog in Human years by seven. So if you had a Dachsund who was three years old, he was actually 21 in “Dog Years”. But more recently scientists and researchers have been working to decide if calculating the age of a dog can be as arbitrary as just multiplying by 7.

After a number of years of research the statistics showed that smaller dogs actually age faster in their early years (the first two “human years”) than medium or larger dogs. However, after the first two years the breed of the dog had more influence than the size. 

They therefore created a new calculation that works on the size and breed to give a “truer” reflection than just 7 times the human years. 

To summarise the calculation they worked out that on average a “small” dog such as a Dachshund or Border Terrier would age by 12.5 years per human year, for the first two years. “Medium” dogs such as Spaniels or Retrievers would age by 10.5 years per human year for the first two years, and “Large” dogs such as German Shepherd or Boxer would age by 9 years per human year.

From the third year on, it is the breed that dictated how quickly the dog aged and the difference per breed could be quite broad, for example a Miniature Dachshund may only age by 4.32 years for each subsequent year but a Bulldog would age by 13.42 years per human year.

Therefore, a six year old Dachshund would actually be 42 in dog years (interestingly the same as if you had still used the 6 times 7 calculation), but a Boxer would be 53.

Back in May last year, the BBC Magazine did a series of interesting articles on this very subject and they even created a Dog Calculator that allows you to choose your dog breed and put in its age in human years and it will tell you how “old” you dog is.

So why not let us know how old you thought your Dog was, and how old they are based on this new calculation formula?