Once there is a dog in the family holidays and trips away from home need a little more planning. Is the dog going with you? Will it be boarded for the duration? Perhaps it will go live with a family member or perhaps there will be a house sitter?
Then there is the added research of whether the place you are visiting is dog friendly whether it be family, a hotel or a holiday cottage? At present I am visiting deepest East Sussex and enjoying a weeks stay in a beautiful barn conversion in Broad Oak near Brede. Along with three friend I am working on my latest novel and enjoying the winter sun. Last year we were snowed in at Whitstable but that's another story.
I have two elderly dogs so what was I to do about them. My husband works full time and is away from home too many hours to leave them alone. It would not be fair on them to spend eight hours alone - it wouldn't be fair on my floors or their bladders either. They like to know we are close by even if they sleep many of the daylight hours.
They have their routine:
Doggy biscuits upon waking, cod liver oil pills straight afterwards. Sharing a biscuit with my elevenses and having their main meal mid afternoon. Then there is our walk around the garden at set times of the day - they are creatures of habit and I have to drop everything to go walk with them and watch as they sniff the grass, look to see if Mr Fox is around. Chase him off if he is spotted (there is no chance they will ever catch him but they enjoy the thrill of the chase) then come indoors for a drink from their bowl of fresh water - woe betide anyone no to have topped up the bowl at this important time. They know when my husband is due home just as they know that they are allowed some gravy on a handful of kibble as we eat our meal. Any deviation from their routine and we are in trouble. There will be a look, a sigh or they simply turn their backs on us and ignore us completely.
So what to do for the week I was to be away from home? It was simple, my husband took the week off to dog sit. Armed with a list detailing the oldies' routine (just in case he forgot an important time when a biscuit was due) I set off to write my latest tome.
With Internet contact I am able to catch up on what they've eaten, what has come out of the other end and how they've slept. I know their blankets have been laundered and they've shared their Dad's dinner on a few occasions. The one thing that has confused them is that Mum is missing and they go to the door waiting for my return. No doubt when I arrive with my book written and a suitcase full of dirty clothes they will give me the silent treatment for abandoning them for the week - after eating their biccy presents that is!
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Friday 4 November 2011
Whizz Bang Pop!
It's Friday evening, the night before Guy Fawkes night and already there is smoke in the air and the sound of rockets popping overhead. In years past I would have been worrying about my dogs and trying to take their attention away from the scary noises. This year with just Buster and Squidgey with us I realise that the dogs who hated the noise the most are now at Rainbow Bridge and safe from the stress.
What tips can I give you at this time of year?
1. Stay home with your dogs. Don't go out and leave them as fear can not only make them ill but you could come home to a lot of mess! In fact for a week either side of 5th November we never leave the dogs alone after dark.
2. Change their feeding routine and feed them later in the day. A dog with a full tummy sleeps.
3. Turn the TV a little louder and leave a radio on in each room. Close the curtains as dusk approaches and shut out the outside world.
4. Dogs will need to go out to relieve themselves. Encourage your dog to go into the garden as much as possible during the day and on their walk. Then later in the evening after the children have had their firework parties and before the pubs kick out for the next round of noise.
5. Go into the garden with your dog if they need to relieve themselves during the evening. Have a patio light turned on as your dog will be able to see his surrounding. It will make him feel safe.
6. A cuddle and a lot of fuss goes a long way to keeping your dog calm.
7. Try not to resort to sedatives as drugs could make your dog very unhappy.
8. If this is your first November 5th with your dog and it becomes obvious you have a problem plan ahead for next year. For example:
Have your dog get used to loud noises. There are CDs on the market that can be left on a low setting all day which will help your dog get used to the sudden bangs of the fireworks. I have found these very helpful but not when you have several dogs. One nervous dog can set the other off. You do need to have the CD for several months before the noisy night but start now and you will be ready for the New Year celebrations.
http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epetvetcare%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fOther_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml&WD=cd%20noise&PN=Other_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml%23a1_21422#a1_21422
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffusers are plug in units that release calms the dog by flooding the room with calming pheromones. Creating a safe atmosphere for the dog. Available from all good pet stores or online:
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-c-837_2/dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-dap-diffuser-p-6
Herbal products can be very helpful and Dorwest are one of the best companies to visit:
http://www.dorwest.com/Catalogue/Fireworks/Firework-Product-Pack-LARGE-FWPK-LRG
With lots of praise and no scolding you and your dog will survive firework night!
What tips can I give you at this time of year?
1. Stay home with your dogs. Don't go out and leave them as fear can not only make them ill but you could come home to a lot of mess! In fact for a week either side of 5th November we never leave the dogs alone after dark.
2. Change their feeding routine and feed them later in the day. A dog with a full tummy sleeps.
3. Turn the TV a little louder and leave a radio on in each room. Close the curtains as dusk approaches and shut out the outside world.
4. Dogs will need to go out to relieve themselves. Encourage your dog to go into the garden as much as possible during the day and on their walk. Then later in the evening after the children have had their firework parties and before the pubs kick out for the next round of noise.
5. Go into the garden with your dog if they need to relieve themselves during the evening. Have a patio light turned on as your dog will be able to see his surrounding. It will make him feel safe.
6. A cuddle and a lot of fuss goes a long way to keeping your dog calm.
7. Try not to resort to sedatives as drugs could make your dog very unhappy.
8. If this is your first November 5th with your dog and it becomes obvious you have a problem plan ahead for next year. For example:
Have your dog get used to loud noises. There are CDs on the market that can be left on a low setting all day which will help your dog get used to the sudden bangs of the fireworks. I have found these very helpful but not when you have several dogs. One nervous dog can set the other off. You do need to have the CD for several months before the noisy night but start now and you will be ready for the New Year celebrations.
http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epetvetcare%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fOther_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml&WD=cd%20noise&PN=Other_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml%23a1_21422#a1_21422
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffusers are plug in units that release calms the dog by flooding the room with calming pheromones. Creating a safe atmosphere for the dog. Available from all good pet stores or online:
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-c-837_2/dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-dap-diffuser-p-6
Herbal products can be very helpful and Dorwest are one of the best companies to visit:
http://www.dorwest.com/Catalogue/Fireworks/Firework-Product-Pack-LARGE-FWPK-LRG
With lots of praise and no scolding you and your dog will survive firework night!
Friday 28 October 2011
Halloween Pumpkin Munchies
Are you wondering what to do with the flesh of the pumpkin when making Halloween Lanterns? There is only so much soup one can make. How about making dog biscuits? It's very simply and they can be shared amongst dog owning friends who come trick or treating on the 31st.
PUMPKIN MUNCHIES
Ingredients:
3 mugs plain flour
3 eggs
I small jar apple sauce
2 Tablespoons of black treacle
2 Mugs of chopped pumpkin flesh
1 tspn ground nutmeg
1 tspn ground cinnamon
1 tspn ground ginger
1 mug of water
To Make:
Heat the oven to 200 degrees Centigrade
1. Place the flour nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger into a large mixing bowl and stir together.
2. Put the pumpkin flesh, eggs and apple sauce into a food provessor and blitz until smooth.
3. Add this mix to the flour along with the black treacle and stir well together.
4. Add enough water to make a firm dough.
5. Roll out on a floured board to about half inch in thickness (a quarter inch if you prefer smaller biscuits for smaller dogs).
6. Using fancy cutters cut to shape and prick with a fork.
7. Place onto a non stick tray and bake in the centre of the oven for 15 - 20 minutes until quite firm.
8. Leave to cool and then store in an airtight container.
Dogs and Pop Stars!
Have you seen the latest offering from the fantastic Will Young? Not only a great song but dogs as well, what more can we ask for?
Well done Will for making a video that shows pedigree dogs in such a good light. Perhaps he could give some pointers to the producer of Pedigree Dogs Exposed?
If you are wondering who owns the performing dog it belongs to the well known Mary Rae.
Here is a link to the video:
http://vimeo.com/31028061
Wouldn't it be great if Take That made a record set in the show ring?
Well done Will for making a video that shows pedigree dogs in such a good light. Perhaps he could give some pointers to the producer of Pedigree Dogs Exposed?
If you are wondering who owns the performing dog it belongs to the well known Mary Rae.
Here is a link to the video:
http://vimeo.com/31028061
Wouldn't it be great if Take That made a record set in the show ring?
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Saving a dog's life
Do you know how to administer CPR to your dog if he should collapse? To be honest I didn't until I spotted the following YouTube film circulated via a friend in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Perhaps it is something that should be taught at dog training classes?
Curiosity led me back to YouTube to see if there were any other films that could help us learn how to save a dog's life. The following footage of a Boxer dog being resuscitated is amazing and yes I shed a tear or two as I watched it.
Perhaps it is something that should be taught at dog training classes?
Curiosity led me back to YouTube to see if there were any other films that could help us learn how to save a dog's life. The following footage of a Boxer dog being resuscitated is amazing and yes I shed a tear or two as I watched it.
Monday 17 October 2011
This is so wrong!
At a time when there is so much anti dog news in the media many of us are fighting to show that pedigree dogs are healthy and not the mutants they are perceived to be by ex RSPCA vets and BBC television producers.
We are trying to educate the public that dogs are not bred to be carried in handbags or used as toys and fashion accessories.
So what was happening only streets away from where I lived this past weekend? No other that a group of silly people trimming and spraying dogs a multitude of colours to compete for British Dog Creative Stylist of the Year. The dogs, mainly poodles stood for hours on grooming tables while they were teased into designs such a My Little Pony, Bertie Bassett and a Welsh Dragon.
What impression does this give the anti dog brigade? Surely it is bordering on cruelty? I don't think the poor dogs were taken outside for exercise all day as they were most certainly not noticed on nearby parkland or recreation areas by myself or other dog walking friends.
It seems this is an American past time - it had to be didn't it! No sensible Brit would be so cruel, would they?
Here is the link to the 'news story' in the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2048225/Dog-Creative-Stylist-Year-hits-Britain-show.html
We are trying to educate the public that dogs are not bred to be carried in handbags or used as toys and fashion accessories.
So what was happening only streets away from where I lived this past weekend? No other that a group of silly people trimming and spraying dogs a multitude of colours to compete for British Dog Creative Stylist of the Year. The dogs, mainly poodles stood for hours on grooming tables while they were teased into designs such a My Little Pony, Bertie Bassett and a Welsh Dragon.
What impression does this give the anti dog brigade? Surely it is bordering on cruelty? I don't think the poor dogs were taken outside for exercise all day as they were most certainly not noticed on nearby parkland or recreation areas by myself or other dog walking friends.
It seems this is an American past time - it had to be didn't it! No sensible Brit would be so cruel, would they?
The event organised by a Gravesend dog groomer was won by a a dog that was trimmed, tweaked, sprayed, styled and adorned to look like a Welsh Dragon. Lets hope he got the chance to breathe flames over the organiser of such a cruel and silly event. Dog groomers should stick to bathing and blow drying dogs and leave the food colouring for baking cakes.
Here is the link to the 'news story' in the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2048225/Dog-Creative-Stylist-Year-hits-Britain-show.html
Sunday 16 October 2011
Find a Decent Breeder
Where would you buy a puppy? I ask this as there are some strange people and strange places that sell puppies. Sadly, dog breeding can be a money making venture for many people who do not care for the breed or dogs in general. We all know about the puppy farms and yes they do still exist. But visit any town and you will spot advertisements showing puppies for sales. Where? In newsagent's windows.
Since writing, A New Puppy in the Family (How To Books) I've started my own crusade to stop newsagents selling advertisements to puppy breeders. Granted some may well be pet owners who have bred and litter but still it shows little regard for dogs in general if they advertise in such places amongst second hand pushchairs, old cars and massage and escort services.
I'm sure I will visit this subject often in later blogs but for now will stick to one shop window in a typical English town. It happens to be the town where I live, not large town but for some a den for back yard breeders.
Last week I spotted FIVE adverts showing puppies for sale. Not one was well written and some were laughable if it had not been for the fact there were dogs lives at stake. Something I have noticed is that these ignorant puppy sellers use terms such as, 'good with children' and 'good temperaments' as if this is a selling tool. I make a point of always ringing the advertisers and it is upsetting to know that such ignorant people are profiting from breeding pedigree dogs with no knowledge of health testing for the parents of the puppies or indeed registration documents, feeding guides, insurance or back up help in the years to follow.
One advertisement was for Chihuahua puppies selling at £1100 each. The silly woman who spoke to me openly admitted that she had one bitch that her dog had accidentally mated. Then, two other bitches were given to her, both in season and her rampant dog 'got at them' so she was left with lots of puppies. This virile dog had broken out of his cage to managed to service four bitches - four? She suddenly mentioned another bitch but I have no idea where that one come from.
The puppies where five weeks old and she was letting them go now as long as we paid cash as the were, 'driving her up the bloody wall.'
I did ask her a few questions trying hard not to give her a piece of my mind:
Insurance:
No, never heard of it!
Vaccinations:
Too young!
Feeding guide and food samples:
No (she laughed) but when you come to buy the puppy she would 'tell' me what they were eating.
Kennel Club registration:
She hasn't bothered as most of the parents are not registered.
Pedigrees:
Yes, if I wanted one - sigh!
Health inspection:
Yes at two weeks when she almost lost them as she didn't know what she was doing - her words!
Back up help/guarantee:
She'd never heard of such a thing and openly laughed. When they leave her home she didn't want to hear of them again as she'd never wanted the litters to begin with.
Why didn't she terminate then?
You can't do that to a dog - she was shocked I'd even mentioned this!
I asked why the puppies were being sold for £1100 each? It was because she needed the money to have them all 'spaded' (sic) as she reckoned she never wanted any more?
I used the word 'breeder' when speaking to her and she was horrified that I'd called her such a thing. I asked why and it appeared shed's seen a TV documentary about how breeders were horrible people and she wasn't one of them and did want to be called such a name. After all hadn't she stated the mother could be seen and that the puppies had good temperaments?
So, thanks to that awful BBC documentary called, Pedigree Dogs Exposed where blatant lies were told about dog breeders (labelled as show breeders) ignorant people are moving away from advice from the likes of the Kennel Club and reputable breed clubs (this breeder didn't like them either).
I expected to meet ignorance when speaking to people like this woman but I was horrified at her attitude and lack of understanding the needs of a small puppy. Time to stop all puppy sales apart from through the Kennel Club and registered breed clubs.
On, I reported this lady to her local council as she was breeding without a licence. I intend to find out what the RSPCA are doing about such adverts as well.
For any reader who is lookoing for a pupy please visit the Kennel Club website:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
Since writing, A New Puppy in the Family (How To Books) I've started my own crusade to stop newsagents selling advertisements to puppy breeders. Granted some may well be pet owners who have bred and litter but still it shows little regard for dogs in general if they advertise in such places amongst second hand pushchairs, old cars and massage and escort services.
I'm sure I will visit this subject often in later blogs but for now will stick to one shop window in a typical English town. It happens to be the town where I live, not large town but for some a den for back yard breeders.
Last week I spotted FIVE adverts showing puppies for sale. Not one was well written and some were laughable if it had not been for the fact there were dogs lives at stake. Something I have noticed is that these ignorant puppy sellers use terms such as, 'good with children' and 'good temperaments' as if this is a selling tool. I make a point of always ringing the advertisers and it is upsetting to know that such ignorant people are profiting from breeding pedigree dogs with no knowledge of health testing for the parents of the puppies or indeed registration documents, feeding guides, insurance or back up help in the years to follow.
One advertisement was for Chihuahua puppies selling at £1100 each. The silly woman who spoke to me openly admitted that she had one bitch that her dog had accidentally mated. Then, two other bitches were given to her, both in season and her rampant dog 'got at them' so she was left with lots of puppies. This virile dog had broken out of his cage to managed to service four bitches - four? She suddenly mentioned another bitch but I have no idea where that one come from.
The puppies where five weeks old and she was letting them go now as long as we paid cash as the were, 'driving her up the bloody wall.'
I did ask her a few questions trying hard not to give her a piece of my mind:
Insurance:
No, never heard of it!
Vaccinations:
Too young!
Feeding guide and food samples:
No (she laughed) but when you come to buy the puppy she would 'tell' me what they were eating.
Kennel Club registration:
She hasn't bothered as most of the parents are not registered.
Pedigrees:
Yes, if I wanted one - sigh!
Health inspection:
Yes at two weeks when she almost lost them as she didn't know what she was doing - her words!
Back up help/guarantee:
She'd never heard of such a thing and openly laughed. When they leave her home she didn't want to hear of them again as she'd never wanted the litters to begin with.
Why didn't she terminate then?
You can't do that to a dog - she was shocked I'd even mentioned this!
I asked why the puppies were being sold for £1100 each? It was because she needed the money to have them all 'spaded' (sic) as she reckoned she never wanted any more?
I used the word 'breeder' when speaking to her and she was horrified that I'd called her such a thing. I asked why and it appeared shed's seen a TV documentary about how breeders were horrible people and she wasn't one of them and did want to be called such a name. After all hadn't she stated the mother could be seen and that the puppies had good temperaments?
So, thanks to that awful BBC documentary called, Pedigree Dogs Exposed where blatant lies were told about dog breeders (labelled as show breeders) ignorant people are moving away from advice from the likes of the Kennel Club and reputable breed clubs (this breeder didn't like them either).
I expected to meet ignorance when speaking to people like this woman but I was horrified at her attitude and lack of understanding the needs of a small puppy. Time to stop all puppy sales apart from through the Kennel Club and registered breed clubs.
On, I reported this lady to her local council as she was breeding without a licence. I intend to find out what the RSPCA are doing about such adverts as well.
For any reader who is lookoing for a pupy please visit the Kennel Club website:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
Saturday 15 October 2011
Let's Get Baking!
Have you seen the price of dog biscuits lately? I know times are hard but we can't deprive our four legged friends of their treats can we? So why not bake your own dog biscuits? You'll get more biscuits for your money and your dogs will love you even more as they wait, noses twitching for their special treats to cool fresh from the oven.
I'm a great believer in baking without the need to weigh ingredients. Yes I know we have to do this sometimes but would your dog be any the wiser if you didn't weigh each egg or delicately grate a carrot? The enjoyment of baking for a dog comes with the sound of licking lips and the wagging of a tail as they enjoy the results of a special baking session.
I wrote Canine Cuisine in 2010 as a bit of light relief after my other book, Showing Your Dog, A Beginner's Guide. The idea was to cram as many recipes for dogs treats and dinners between the covers as possible. I managed just over 100. I wanted the book to appeal to young and old owners and not just to those who were master bakers. Many measurements are given in mugs rather than cups as I like the idea of making larger batches of treats so that our days are spent out with our dogs and not stuck in the kitchen. When I've worked out how to link to Amazon I'll leave the appropriate buttons to push in case you would like to purchase a copy of the book. It's available as a Kindle download as well, how modern is that? Until then here is one of my favourite recipes. This is a great recipe for children to follow, what could be more fun than cooking for their own dog?
Ingredients
I'm a great believer in baking without the need to weigh ingredients. Yes I know we have to do this sometimes but would your dog be any the wiser if you didn't weigh each egg or delicately grate a carrot? The enjoyment of baking for a dog comes with the sound of licking lips and the wagging of a tail as they enjoy the results of a special baking session.
I wrote Canine Cuisine in 2010 as a bit of light relief after my other book, Showing Your Dog, A Beginner's Guide. The idea was to cram as many recipes for dogs treats and dinners between the covers as possible. I managed just over 100. I wanted the book to appeal to young and old owners and not just to those who were master bakers. Many measurements are given in mugs rather than cups as I like the idea of making larger batches of treats so that our days are spent out with our dogs and not stuck in the kitchen. When I've worked out how to link to Amazon I'll leave the appropriate buttons to push in case you would like to purchase a copy of the book. It's available as a Kindle download as well, how modern is that? Until then here is one of my favourite recipes. This is a great recipe for children to follow, what could be more fun than cooking for their own dog?
GARLIC KISSES
Ingredients
500g plain flour
2 tablespoons garlic granules
250g lard
Cold water
To make
Set oven to 220 c Gas mark 7
Place the flour into a large bowl and stir in the garlic granules.
Cube the lard and add to the flour.
Using your fingers blend in the fat until the mix resembles very fine breadcrumbs.
Add enough water to make a stiff dough.
Turn out onto a floured board and knead well to remove any air pockets.
Roll out to a depth of a quarter inch.
Using a sharp knife cut into strips approximately half an inch by six inches.
Pierce each straw several times with a fork to prevent them rising too much.
Cross each end of the strip over and carefully tie in a half knot,
Place onto a greased baking tray.
Bake in the middle of the oven and check after 15 minutes. The straws should be golden brown and crispy, Check that the knotted part is cooked thoroughly.
Turn out onto a cooling tray and sprinkle on a little more of the garlic granules.
When cold store in an airtight container.
Tip: Adjust the size of biscuit to the size of the dog and don't feed too many to the dog at one time. These are not meant to be a meal replacement.
Another tip: Supervise children around sharp knives. If blood drops into the mix it won't bother the dog but parents are bound to complain if their beloved loses a digit or two and I can't afford to be sued!
Goodbye Dear Friend
So, full of good resolutions to cram my blog with interesting chat I set it up and vanish for two months! I'd like to say that I was off doing madly interesting things but dogs and life got in the way as usual.
What's happened in your life since last we met? Sadly we lost our Molly (Paddipaws Pavlova) on 24th September. Molly was almost eleven and the most loyal and devoted Old English Sheepdog you are likely to meet - unless you meet another OES that is. Her trip to Rainbow Bridge was more of a gentle flutter than a big leap and she took her journey with us holding her paw and stroking her beautiful head. There will never be another dog just like Molly and she leaves a big gap in our lives. We still have Buster (Paddipaws Pagliacci) and Squidgey, (Paddipaws Piaf) who are as happy as ever and looking forward to their 13th birthdays early in 2012.
Molly's ashes are by my desk along with eight beech caskets containing the ashes of other much missed Bobtails and one Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Oscar who have left us over the past twenty years.
What's happened in your life since last we met? Sadly we lost our Molly (Paddipaws Pavlova) on 24th September. Molly was almost eleven and the most loyal and devoted Old English Sheepdog you are likely to meet - unless you meet another OES that is. Her trip to Rainbow Bridge was more of a gentle flutter than a big leap and she took her journey with us holding her paw and stroking her beautiful head. There will never be another dog just like Molly and she leaves a big gap in our lives. We still have Buster (Paddipaws Pagliacci) and Squidgey, (Paddipaws Piaf) who are as happy as ever and looking forward to their 13th birthdays early in 2012.
Molly's ashes are by my desk along with eight beech caskets containing the ashes of other much missed Bobtails and one Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Oscar who have left us over the past twenty years.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Day One
Welcome to my new blog about puppies, it coincides with the launch of my latest book A NEW PUPPY IN THE FAMILY. The book is full of handy hints and information for those contemplating the purchase of a puppy and also families who already own a dog. I called on friends and colleagues to supply me with comments on their experiences of owning puppies whether pedigree, cross breed or rescue and these are spread throughout the book.
Feel free to browse and comment.
Elaine
Feel free to browse and comment.
Elaine
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