Shop Blog
All the latest news and views straight from the shop floor.
Congratulations on your new puppy! You are about to embark upon a fabulous journey, and no one can blame you for wanting to buy lots of shiny new things for the new arrival. The first few days with a puppy can be a bit stressful, so it does help to have all the supplies you need to hand.
Sadly, many puppy shopping lists are created by pet accessory companies (or indeed by pet shops!) and are designed to make you spend as much of your hard earned cash as possible.
This one is different. It’s designed to make sure that you get all the important things that you need while saving you money at the same time.
If you don’t live near our shop, please by all means print this list and take it with you wherever you decide to go – just don’t let a pushy salesperson make you buy more than you need!
Ready? Set? Let’s buy some toys!
The top toys we recommend to every new puppy person are:
- A Kong (for crate time, and “brain training” time),
- A Nylabone (for safe chewing and general play)
- One soft toy (for cuddles)
- One “Ragger” rope toy or similar (for chewing, or learning to retrieve)
Four toys might sound a bit mean, but by giving your puppy lots of things, you are actually making it harder for him to distinguish what items you want him to play with (YAH KONG!) and those you don’t (YAH REMOTE CONTROL!). You also don’t know what your puppy would “like” to play with yet, so by giving him just a few things you will get to know his likes and dislikes much quicker than by bombarding him with stuff he couldn’t care less about.
For example, my James HATES Nylabones with a passion– he really doesn’t see the point. But loves his Kong, so if I have to leave him I give him his Kong as I know that will keep him busy. If I left him with a Nylabone, then chances are it would be a case of “bye bye Mr. Sofa”.
A few other things to consider when selecting toys.
- Make sure they are the right shape and size for your puppy, with the rule of thumb being if you think it’s too big, it’s probably the right size (within reason!).
- Check that all the stitching is secure and won’t easily come away. There are literally hundreds of types of toys out there, and all are of varying quality. Some of the cheaper rope toys may unravel too quickly, or some types of plastic toys may shred and pose choking hazards. Keep your wits about you, and watch puppy like a hawk with any new toy.
- If at all possible, try and avoid squeaky toys as these can encourage puppy to mouth or bite down on objects too hard, making it more difficult to “untrain” this behaviour if directed at humans.
Puppies need toys, but they don’t need their own toy box, nor should toys be used in place of one on one attention. Remember, the best thing you can give your dog is your time.
Comming soon in Part Two: To Crate or Not To Crate? Cutting through the myths, and what to look for when purchasing your first crate.
The recent spell of warm weather has encouraged our local Adder population to emerge from their winter hiding places.
The only venomous snake in the UK, the Common European Adder (Vipera berus) is not considered to be a particularly dangerous snake to people, but dogs are relatively frequent victims of Adder bites due to their nature of exploring undergrowth and their general inquisitiveness.
Adder bites often occur when a dog is out on a walk and exploring areas where snakes are basking in the sun. This makes them likely to disturb the snakes, either accidentally or due to their investigative actions. Dogs are frequently bitten on the face and limbs but bites can occur on any part of the body.
If your pet is bitten by an adder (or you suspect that it may have been) you should seek prompt veterinary attention. Do not attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet as these procedures are ineffective and may even cause further harm to your pet. Inform you vet that you suspect it may be an Adder bite as not all veterinary surgeries keep anti-venom in stock and you may be directed to go to a different surgery.
Please also remember, that the Adder is a protected species under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and as such it is against the law to disturb or harm the Adder in any way.
Already we have heard of one dog rushed to the vets after a bite, so keep your eyes peeled for this doggie hazard.
Hopefully I won’t jinx anything by saying that spring has finally sprung in Haslemere! After the horrors of Winter 2010, I expect you are all getting out and enjoying the beautiful weather with your pets, but there are already reports of accidents so please keep the following Spring Tips in mind:
1. Outdoor activities mean opening and closing doors more frequently. Be sure that you know where your pets are at all times. This is especially true for birds!
2. Time for a spring-clean? Please keep those household cleansers and chemicals out of your pets' reach. Or better yet, make your own natural alternatives as explained at All Eco Green and Beautiful
3. Some common types of houseplants and outdoor bushes, flowers and shrubs can be poisonous to your pets. TheASPCA have a great list , but it’s always a good idea to check with your vet if you’re not sure.
4. Speaking of gardening, use special care when applying fertilizers and lawn chemicals (see above for natural alternatives), and avoid mulch like the plague. Aside from causing blockages if eaten, some mulches contain cocoa bark which can be fatal to dogs if consumed in large quantities.
5. Warmer weather means BBQs, but all those yummy meat smells can create dangerous temptations! Be sure to keep your pets away from hot grills, and dispose of any cooked meat bones responsibly. NEVER give your dog or cat beer or any other form of alcoholic drink.
6. Longer days means longer walks and often in new or un familiar places. Make sure your dog has an up to date ID tag, and that his/her microchip is still in place and working. Keep your mobile with you at all times, and tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Bring a First Aid Kit with you.
6. And finally - we say it every year but every year we hear of dogs dying so please - NEVER EVER EVER leave your dog in the car.
While I'm against this practice in any kind of weather, it is particularly true at this time of the year. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security by leaving the windows open, or parking in the shade. This will not prevent heat stroke and may even encourage the theft of your beloved pet.
Be safe, be happy, and bring on the SUN!
Have a Go At Rally-O, the Fun New Dog Sport that's Sweeping the UK!
Rally is a fantastic new sport just introduced to this country from the USA. It's probably best described as a cross between traditional competition obedience and agility, but is marked more like working trials or the KC Good Citizens test.
The idea is that ALL dogs and ALL owners can do it - no matter what breed, skill level, talent, or disability a dog or owner may have
You may have read about Rally in Your Dog Magazine, and thought - "That sounds like great fun - I'd like to have a go at that!".
Well now you can!
APDT UK Trainers Tina and Ingrid Elias of Wagtails Canine College are offering a series of one day workshops designed to introduce new comers to the joy of Rally, and one of them is happening right here in Haslemere.
Sunday 23rd May at Haslemere Hall, Bridge Road Haslemere, Surrey
£40 for dog and handler, £20 for spectator
The workshop will run from 10AM - 4PM with refreshments and lunch also included in the price.
Places are limited so for more information, or to book your place please contact Tina on 01428648767 or 07798634222 or see their website.
Booking forms will also be available from the shop, as well as The Haslemere Hall.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Claire
PS - In case you missed it the first time around, have a look at my Blog about Rally.
It’s rare for a dog to go through its entire life without obtaining a cut or two along the way. Thankfully, most injuries are minor, but serious accidents can occur.
The best way to prepare yourself for any event is to have a fully stocked Doggy First Aid Kit in your car at all times. Putting one together is quite simple as all of the essential items listed below can be found at your local chemist or pet shop.
- 1 pair of latex gloves
- 1 pair of stainless steel scissors
- 1 large blanket/vetbed (to act as a stretcher, keep it in the boot at all times!)
- Pressure bandages
- Self stick pet bandage tape
- Tick remover
- 1 pair of tweezers
- Canine anti-bacterial ointment and/or lotion
- Canine blood stop powder
- Canine blood stop cotton buds
- Ant-itch wipes
- Anti chew spray ( suitable for use on pet bandages)
- Muzzle
- First Aid Booklet – to read BEFORE an emergency arises
Always have your mobile handy when out with your dog, and keep your vet’s emergency clinic number stored alongside their regular practice number.
Remember, if you don’t know what to do in case of an emergency – DON’T DO ANYTHING AT ALL – until you have spoken to a veterinary professional.
