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.

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[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.