What is kennel cough?

If you’ve ever considered leaving your dog in kennels while you are away or on holiday than you must have seen the term kennel cough come up. Although often not a serious condition, the virus is airborne and is highly contagious.

To give it its proper name, Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (bordetella) is an upper respiratory infection that affects only dogs. Symptoms usually appear after a within a week and can include a dry cough, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting and in very rare cases can result in a fever. It is even more likely to affect young puppies, older dogs and those with weak immune systems.

As it is spread very easily amongst dogs it is commonly picked up at kennels and shelters hence being commonly known as ‘kennel cough’. It’s important to take note of this when fostering dogs or adopting dogs from shelters, though many would delay the adoption process until the illness has passed.

There are vaccines available that should be administered after a dog enters a high risk situation such as a shelter to prevent symptoms developing. If you think your dog may already have kennel cough it is wise to keep your dog away from others during this time.

The infection will resolve by itself more often than not but it can be helped along with the use of antibiotics that are available from your local veterinary practice.

A great alternative to kennels is to use a dog boarding service. Here at Home From Home we find your dog the perfect carer to look after their needs whilst you’re away even if your dog requires specific medicines or treatment. We also invite you to have meeting together before hand so you can see if they are suitable for your dog. Get in touch with us today if you are looking for someone to take care of your pet whilst you’re away this autumn.

Dogs in hot cars – what should you do?

It has been a typical British summer again this year. Intense heat for a week and followed by a mix of warm and pleasant days along with the inescapable showers. As we have very few days of particularly hot weather there is confusion as to what to do when we see pets in a car on a hot day.
Is parking in the shade with the window open enough?

In short wherever possible, don’t travel with your dog on a hot day especially if you plan on making a stop.  Remember if you’re uncomfortably warm in the car, your dog will feel worse as it is incapable of sweating to cool itself down.

When it’s 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.[1] The Dogs Trust put together a powerful video showing how intense the heat in a car can get.

There are now more call outs to the AA and emergency services about dogs in locked cars than in previous year. This does not necessarily mean that this is happening more but only that bystanders are more likely to act and are aware of the dangers.

If you stumble upon a dog locked in a car on a hot day and you believe the dog is in distress you should try and get in contact with the owner i.e. ask to make a tannoy announcement. If this doesn't resolve the situation ring the emergency service or the RSPCA.

Try and establish how long the dog has been in the car by looking for a pay and display ticket or what kind of parking space the car is in. If the owner returns but you still feel the situation could have become dangerous you can still report the incident to the police.

If you decide that the right call of action is to free the dog yourself then you must be aware that without proper justification it could be classed as criminal damage and you may have to defend yourself in court.

To protect yourself inform the police of your actions, take images or footage of the situation and gather contact details of witnesses.

---

[1] http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars

Why do dogs eat grass?

There are plenty of animals that live off grass consumption and at times your dog may think they’re one of them. They are not alone in this assumption with many owners sharing their concerns as to why this may be the case. Are they bored, hungry or sick? You might be thinking.

There is no clear answer to this but rest assured this is a common occurrence and has even been observed in wild dogs.

Dogs that have eaten grass will soon vomit afterwards as they lack the enzymes that would usually break down and digest it. If problems persist it is always wise to take your dog to the vet to make sure it is nothing serious.

One theory as to why your dog may be tempted to starting treating itself to an extra meal is out of boredom. If you’re going to be out in the garden or a park for a long time, make sure your dog is mentally and physically stimulated by playing with toys, games and walking.

Another is that your dog may be sick or have a stomach irritation before hand and they think that eating grass will react in vomiting which in turn will ease their stomach.

One study found that dogs which regularly eat grass stopped the habit after switching to high fibre diet. This suggests that it could possibly be a sign that your dog is seeking a nutrition that they are not getting in their usual diet.

You may sometimes see your dog as the household vacuum cleaner and let’s face it they will at times hoover up anything they find on your kitchen floor. There’s always a possibility is that some dogs may just simply enjoy the taste of grass.

If your lawn has been treated with chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, always discourage your dog from grazing as they could possibly be toxic. As the summer is well and truly upon us, make sure that any garden party guests are also made aware to not let your dog graze or eat any scraps of BBQ food either.

If you’re going on holiday to some where even warmer this summer, make sure your dog is well cared for and looked after while you’re away. Our dog boarding services provide a one-on-one interaction with your dog ensuring that your dog can’t top up its grass diet while you’re away. Check to see if we are in your local area here – http://www.homefromhomedogboarding.com/

The bucket list for dogs

It’s a heartbreaking reality that as a dog owner you are likely to outlive your four legged friend. The average lifespan of a dog depends on the breed and background with the average being 13 years. However, this can vary dramatically such as Bulldogs who average 9 years and Chihuahuas that average 17.

Every moment we have with our pets is important and must be treasured, like this dog owner did when he found out his dog had two inoperable tumours. Dog bucket lists are becoming increasingly popular for dog owners even though the experience may be more for yourself, there is no reason why this should detract from the thought of spending time with your dog.

We've come up with some ideas and activities you can do as part of your pet’s bucket list.

Road Trip
Just like the article that inspired this blog post, take your dog on a trip to places it’s never been before. Take a trip to Scotland and Wales and make it a cross country journey. If you’re going to be driving for long intervals why not check out our previous blog about preparing your dog for a car journey. 

Delicious Dinner
Spend some more time and money on your dog’s food. Maybe once a week buy a high quality organic meal that your dog can enjoy. If you’re really feeling adventurous you could try making and preparing home-made treats for your dog. There are plenty of recipes online for you to choose from. 

Swimming
Admittedly, this is not the easiest one to do if you live inland but if you are making a trip to a seaside resort, let your dog paddle in the sea or in the lake. Alternatively, on a warm day fill up a paddling pool with water, we’re sure your dog would like to spend the afternoon jumping in and out of it. 

Pamper session 
Whether you’re a fan of dog salons or not, it could be the treat your dog needs to relax from a simple trim to a complete makeover your dog is bound to come out feeling refreshed.

Of course, we know that you understand your dog better than we do and you shouldn't put pressure on them to take part in activities that they are unable to do.

If you have any more suggestions in what you have done or would like to do with your pets as they become older than share them with us here or on our Facebook page.

Preparing your dog for a long road trip

Summer is fast approaching, and as more and more of us choose to stay firmly seated in the UK during the summer months rather than fly abroad, our beloved pets can come with us.

In 2014, twenty eight per cent of dog owners took their dog on holiday with them. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a stay over somewhere, you must think careful about the journey and how your four legged friends will cope.

View image | gettyimages.com

Before you go:

Take your dog on a long walk before the journey even begins. If time is not on your side at least encourage a run round the garden whilst you’re doing last minute preparations.

If you’re considering using a crate or carrier, make sure your dog is content with being inside it before you go. Encourage your pet to enter the cage of its own free will and then practice locking the door and returning at intervals. This will help your dog adjust to being separated and learn to not fear being inside the cage or carrier.

It’s important that during this, your body language is positive from the very beginning to introducing the carrier, to checking up on your dog and talking to your dog as well.

Also make sure that there’s nothing that could cause any harm to your dog during transit. This could be choking hazards such as leads and collars to small items.

Bring along comforting toys so your dog is more relaxed such as a blanket or its favourite chewable toy.

On the road:

By containing your dog in the boot section of your car, either with a cage or harness, you will be less distracted. Less distractions cause for a safe journey. More importantly, in an emergency situation your dog is also safer the more secured they are into the car.

Dogs can get motion sickness, therefore you should take this into consideration before feeding your pet before a trip. If you feel that your dog could be hungry, take a break from the drive and feed your dog a snack and allow your dog to move around.

Make sure that your car is at a comfortable temperature and don’t leave your dog in the car unattended.

After the Trip:

Stretch your dog’s legs and your own. Go for a long walk and make sure your dog has a long enough opportunity to spend pent up energy. 

Why can't dogs eat chocolate?

Easter has been and gone and most of us have eaten our fair share of chocolate but there’s one member of the family who can’t join in the same way – our dogs. Of course there are alternatives including a chocolate that is safe for dogs and other pets to eat.

There is often a concern around Easter with pets and chocolate as it is often left in easy to reach places and at times there can be a large amount of chocolate sat in your home at once. But why is it that dogs and other animals can’t indulge on this treat like we do?

Well you might be interested to know that chocolate contains a toxic chemical known as Theobromine which can be poisonous to not just dogs but us as well.

However, processed chocolate has a reduced amount of this toxin than the pure Cocoa bean. This means that the chocolate we consume is safe but there is still a potential risk of serious side effects if consumed in high quantities.

Other animals however digest and process Theobromine at a much slower rate than we do and can easily consume enough chocolate to result in poisoning. The fat and sugar that’s found in most chocolates could also cause potential pancreatitis.

How to know if your dog has eaten chocolate:

Sometimes a lack of evidence is the clearest explanation. Did you have chocolate in an accessible place and it’s no longer there and no one else could have taken it? Safe to say, the dog probably got to it. There are various signs and symptoms that your dog may display if they have eaten too much chocolate:

• ·         vomiting
• ·         diarrhoea
• ·         dehydration
• ·         increased urination
• ·         hyperactive behaviour
• ·         whining
• ·         seizures
• ·         rapid heart rate
• ·         muscular spasms
• ·         excessive panting
• ·         digestive problems

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you are worried for your dog’s health.  Unfortunately, chocolate poisoning is life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

Always remember to keep chocolate and other toxic items in an unreachable, inaccessible location or lock it away. 

Inspired by Crufts?

Are you a regular watcher or attendee of Crufts? There’s nothing more rewarding then spending time training your dog.

The agility course is always one of the most memorable parts of dog competitions. It’s not just about whether they can complete the obstacles but how they respond to the trainers commands as well.

Your aim might not be to compete at Crufts 2016 but there are a frequent agility tests in village / town shows and festivals in your local area. There may also be dog agility courses in your area if you are interested in participating in competitions.

The first stage is to encourage your dog to jump before tackling any other obstacle. You will need to stay stocked on treats as well of course.  You will find that your dog will love trying to understand how to get the reward.

In competitions your dog must be off lead and have no form on incentives to finish the tasks and obstacles.  It is just your voice, gestures and body language that will help provide guidance and motivation to complete the course.

Also courses must be complex enough that the dog cannot complete the course in order without the aid of its trainer so the obstacles are strategically placed. As such, the dog may have to do u-turns and go back on itself that it would otherwise not do.

Some of the most common tasks are, hurdles, tire jumps, pause boxes, tunnels, dog walk, A frame, see-saw and more.

Ideally your dog should also be obedient and able to follow simple commands first which can help bring control to your whole training session.

Whether you’re looking to train your dog in order to compete or looking to spend some time in the garden with your pet, you and your dog can have fun completing little obstacles at home.

The Dog Days

We have all heard of the phrase ‘dog days’ and more recently because of Florence and the Machines hit song ‘The dog days are over’. But what are dog days?

Dog days refers to the sultry days of summer and are used to describe frequently those that occur in July and August as these are our hottest months.

It is thought that the term originated during the Roman period where the brightest star in the summer sky (Sirius) was visible. This star is part of the Canis Major constellation AKA Large Dog constellation.

In general it is believed that hot tiresome days are called dog days as when it is particularly hot, dogs are described as being lethargic and inactive or quite possibly the opposite as being mad.
So what can you do to keep your dog cool during hot days?

1. Keep your dog’s water bowl full.

This may seem obvious but it’s important that your dog always has access to water. If you are going out without your dog then make sure that there are multiple bowls available or maybe just a larger bowl than usual.

2. Cool bath.

Make sure your dog has the ability to cool its body quickly by providing access to a water bath. If you have a garden it may be possible to leave the sprinkler on or if you have a small outdoor area whether a balcony or courtyard you can fill a large tub with water.

3. Remember to give your dog a haircut.

Trimming the fur on your dog before it begins to get too hot is ideal for help them cool down. We wouldn’t wear our winter clothes during summer so neither should your dog.

4. Lay a damp towel down.

Use a damp towel to help cool your dog, whether it is placed on the ground to cool their paws or wrapped around them to cool their body. Dogs cool from the bottom up so a cool towel on the floor is a great idea.

Pay special attention to your dog during the dog days of summer and call your vet if you are worried about your dog’s responses.

 At Home for Home dog boarding, we vet all our dog carers to see if they meet our requirements so you know that when you use our service your dog is getting the best care possible no matter the weather.

Health benefits of caring for your dog

New Year is often a time when people think about their health and resolutions whether it’s to go to the gym or start a diet. But what’s often overlooked is the health benefit of having a dog in your home.

These benefits go far beyond what may first spring to mind such as going outside and walking, but this is still the most obvious way of how caring for our dogs leads to caring for our bodies and health. The daily walk with your dog is crucial for its level of exercise but did you know that walking just 15 minutes every day can extend your life by as much as 3 years.[1]

Something you might not have thought about is what owning a dog can do for your social life. Whether you've met people out on your dog walk or sparked up a conversation with fellow dog lovers, your dog opens up your world to other people with similar interests.

There’s a good reason why our beloved dogs are known as man’s best friend and that’s because they provide companionship like other pets and animals may not do as well. This companionship is often overlooked as a health benefit but it is more noticeable with people who spend a lot of time on their own or the elderly. Dogs can fill an emptiness with love and purpose that without could have negative health effects on the vulnerable.

Dog ownership obviously brings with it a large amount of responsibility and commitments. You don’t necessarily have to own a dog to gain these benefits as many charities are often looking for puppy walkers or dog foster families.

Here at Home from Home Dog Boarding, our carers welcome dogs into their homes when their owners go away. In addition to the health benefits of having dogs around, our carers provide 24/7 care for your dog as if it was their own.

---

[1] http://www.bupa.com.au/health-and-wellness/infographics/walking

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.