Your Pets Daily - dogs

Five ways to help your dog on Bonfire Night

LS93 — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:41:13 +0000

Bonfire Night can be highly stressful for dogs and owners alike. To make matters worse, firework displays don’t just take place on one day - they can be spread across a period of about a week. The effects of this can lead to some dogs becoming frightened and unhappy, and can impact on training.

The good news, according to Danny Nelis-Rouse, co-owner and managing director at interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff, is there are quick and simple ways to minimise the stress caused to your dog during fireworks season.

Five ways to help your dog on Bonfire Night

Go for an early walk “Now the darker nights have set in, many of us will be opting for earlier walks than usual and this can be a particularly good idea around Bonfire Night. “It’s important that dogs are indoors where they are safe and secure before any fireworks start. If you do walk in the dark on Bonfire Night, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a lead.”
Act normal “Your dog will react to your body language, and if you seem worried, it will make them feel worse. Stay calm, behave as normally as possible and follow your dog’s lead. “If your dog is giving off nervous energy or you need to redirect their attention, consider reaching for your dog’s favourite toy. Play can both provide distraction and help your dog form positive associations with the noise.”
Use distraction techniques “Close your curtains or blinds to limit the flashes and explosions, and reduce the stimulation your dog is exposed to. Keeping the television or radio on in the background to drown out some of the noise and provide a sense of normality too. “Don’t underestimate the power of play either! Interactive toys like Tug-E-Nuff’s The Clam are brilliant for helping to keep your dog distracted whilst building positive associations to the bangs on fireworks night.”
Provide a den “Your dog might want to hide away under a bed or in a crate with a blanket draped over the top to feel more secure and you shouldn’t try to coax them out before they are ready. “If you don’t have a space like this for your dog to go to, you can try setting up a cosy area in the quietest area of the house - remember to do this before fireworks night, so your dog has time to get used to it.”
Create positive associations “Helping your dog overcome a fear of loud noises like fireworks is something that takes time, so think about putting a long-term plan in place to gradually introduce loud noises to your dog in a way that builds their confidence. “For example, introduce noises slowly and initially at a very low volume, and match tolerating them with a calming reward. You won’t see instant results, but if you put the effort in, you should notice a big difference by the time Bonfire Night comes round.”

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In the dog house: Eight in 10 dog owners struggling with bad behaviours, according to new survey

LS93 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:11:08 +0000

Dealing with a disobedient, unruly or excitable dog? You’re not the only one.

A new survey conducted by interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff has revealed that eight in 10 dog owners are struggling with problem behaviours.

Almost half (46%) of owners say they’d like to improve their dog’s recall - with seven in 10 admitting it’s a challenge to get their dog to come when called.

Four in 10 say they find it difficult to get their dog to walk nicely on a lead and display calm behaviour.

Rounding out the list of the five most common problem behaviours is overexcitement (34%) and reactivity (32%).

When it comes to trying to overcome problem behaviours, a third of owners admit they feel unsure, confused or completely lost when it comes to training their dog.

And, it seems training is made harder for owners who have dogs with certain personality traits.

Two thirds of owners say staying focused or wanting to train is a challenge for their dog, whilst four in ten reveal their dog’s own nerves, anxiety or lack of confidence sometimes makes training more difficult.

Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director at Tug-E-Nuff, comments: “From running off and not coming when called, to stealing food off the table, behavioural problems are common in lots of dogs.

“They can be frustrating to live with, and make going out and about a chore. They can also stand in the way of successful training. But, the good news is that there’s one trick that can be the key to easily changing behaviour for the better and that’s play.

“Play is absolutely essential, but it’s often overlooked. When we say play, we don’t just mean throwing a ball every now and again; we mean engaged, intense bursts of play with your dog that gets them fired up and raring to go.”

Danny explains that once a dog falls in love with play, it becomes the perfect reward for good behaviour, so owners can use it as part of positive reinforcement training. What’s more, a well-stimulated dog is less likely to display destructive behavioural traits.

Indeed, four in 10 owners declare that playing with a Tug-E-Nuff toy helped tackle training or behaviour issues with their dog, and half (51%) say it had a positive impact on their dog’s recall specifically.

“Our goal is to bring change, enrichment and positivity to dogs’ lives through the power of play, and, at the same time, improve the bond between a human and their dog, so it’s great to hear that our toys are helping so many owners achieve this,” adds Danny.

Owners struggling with a training issue or wanting to learn more about how play can help tackle their dog’s problem behaviours can boost their knowledge by taking Tug-E-Nuff’s Power of Play online course, or three-minute Toy Quest Quiz to receive a personalised play plan for their pooch.

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One in ten UK dogs have been taught to urinate in the toilet, dog owners claim

Madge Lowe — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:33:31 +0000

From shaking paws to urinating in the toilet, barking mad Brits reveal the top 10 most ‘human like’ things their dogs can do.

A poll of 2,000 Dog UK owners by Peamutt Butter unearthed the weird and wonderful tricks they have taught their fur babies. Half of those polled revealed they can ‘shake hands’ with their dog, while 43% watch TV with their pooch.

Amusingly one in 10 Brits confessed their dog knows how to urinate in the toilet, with a similar number (9%) able to flush the loo when they are finished.

Others claimed man’s best friend can laugh (bark) at their jokes (12%) and dance around the room with them (16%).

The research marks the launch of Peamutt Balls, a new on-the go treat for dogs – so good the manufacturer warns dog owners may ‘sneak a bite’.

Sally Addenbrook, from Peamutt Butter, said: “Within our research we found a bizarre number of people (45%) confessed to eating their dogs treats when out on a walk with their pup. Taking a bag of our new Peamutt Balls – delicious, pocket-sized treats will satisfy those peanut butter cravings – for your dogs that is…

“From using the toilet to pushing a pram, Britian’s nutty dog owners really take the notion of man’s best friend to a new level. Our treats help to support and nurture that bond.”

Barking mad Brits reveal the top ten most ‘human-like’ things people claim their dog can do:

Shake hands (51%)
Ask for a treat (47%)
Watch television (43%)
Dance around the room (16%)
Laugh (Bark) at my jokes (12%)
Ring the doorbell (12%)
Urinate in the toilet (10%)
Sing along to the radio (8%)
Open a jar of food (5%)
Push the pram (3%)

Peamutt Balls are designed to be a tasty snack or training treat for your four-legged friend; packed full of protein and contain healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E.

Made from dog peanut butter, the balls contain additional peanuts, chia seeds and apple puree. The balls are also grain, gluten and palm oil free. Peamutt Balls are the perfect incentive treat for agility or training classes.

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Is fetch over? New research reveals THIS is actually your dog’s favourite game to play

LS93 — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:14:15 +0000

Fetch might be a game that rings down the centuries, but it appears it’s no longer a pooch’s favourite way to play.

A new survey conducted by interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff has crowned tug of war as the number one game between dogs and their owners.

Eight in 10 owners declare tug of war is their dog’s favourite game, compared to six in 10 who say fetch gets their pooch most excited.

Rounding out the top three games enjoyed by dogs and their owners is ‘find it’ games (54%).

Chase games are also popular, with one third of dog owners declaring these their dog’s favourite way to play.

Beyond this, it appears dog owners are getting very creative when it comes to playing with their pooches, citing piggy in the middle, herding games and even an obstacle course of toys as ways they play with their pooches.

Almost half (46%) of dog owners also take part in dog sports or activities with their dogs - in particular, agility (19%), scentwork (18%), mantrailing (5%), hoopers (5%) and even surfing (1%).

Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director at Tug-E-Nuff, commented: “It’s great to hear that dog owners are keen to find more ways to have more fun with their dogs.

“Interactive play in particular can bring real change, enrichment and positivity to dogs’ lives, and help overcome training and behaviour problems as well as improve the bond an owner has with their dog.”

Nine in 10 owners play regularly with their dogs, according to the poll, and say that play boosts their dog’s happiness (58%) and motivation (44%), and has a positive impact on the bond they share with their dog (43%).

Dog owners who want to add more tail-wagging fun to their dog’s life can boost their knowledge by taking Tug-E-Nuff’s Power of Play online course, or three-minute Toy Quest Quiz to receive a personalised play plan for their pooch.

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Tug-E-Nuff launches new interactive dog toy

LS93 — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 08:48:48 +0000

Tug-E-Nuff has expanded its range of interactive dog toys with the launch of a new Faux Fur Pocket Bungee Squeaker.

The Faux Fur Pocket Bungee Squeaker is available in three colourways, and features a shock absorbing bungee handle to eliminate jarring, a puncture-proof squeaker and an ultra durable soft faux bite area.

The new toy is also pocket-sized for taking out and about, and using for on-the-spot interactive play.

Tug-E-Nuff’s Managing Director Danny Nelis-Rouse commented: “This supreme squeaky dog toy ticks all the boxes for play-shy dogs, excitable dogs, and dogs who need some help finding their focus and ignoring distractions.

“Like all Tug-E-Nuff toys, it’s made to last and help build the bond between a dog and their owner - whether it’s used for hiding, retrieving, training or, best of all, playing. We’re looking forward to seeing this toy in action and can’t wait to hear what consumers think of it.”

The Faux Fur Pocket Bungee Squeaker has an RRP starting at £20.95 and is available to buy online at tug-e-nuff.com.

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The UK’s most popular dog breeds revealed - did your pooch make the list?

LS93 — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:35:26 +0000

Dog owners in the UK share their lives with over 129 different breeds.

Now, a new survey conducted by interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff has revealed which are the nation’s favourite.

The poll of 1,200 dog owners found the Labrador Retriever currently holds the crown as the UK’s favourite dog, thanks to its intelligence, enthusiasm and friendliness.

Coming in second is the high energy Border Collie, whilst the active, clever and often very sociable English Cocker Spaniel holds third place.

The cockapoo remains popular among Brits, with the breed being named the nation’s fourth most popular pooch.

Rounding out the top five most popular dog breeds in the UK right now is the Golden Retriever, which continues to steal hearts with its loyal and joyously playful nature.

Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director at Tug-E-Nuff, commented: “Dog owners share their lives with so many different breeds, from rare breeds such as Schipperke, through to popular breeds we all recognise like Retrievers, Collies and Spaniels.

“All dogs are individuals and have their own personalities that we fall in love with. At the same time, different breeds tend to also have certain characteristics that help define that particular breed and things that make them tick - particularly when it comes to play.”

Nine in 10 owners play regularly with their dogs, according to the poll, and declare that play boosts their dog’s happiness (58%) and motivation (44%), and has a positive impact on the bond they share with their dog (43%).

“It’s great to hear that so many owners are regularly engaging their dogs and discovering the power of interactive play, but it’s important to remember that a dog’s play style and favourite toys will vary depending on their beed,” added Danny.

“Labrador Retrievers, for example, were traditionally bred to retrieve game and return it, so they have a desire to fetch and carry their toys - meaning they’re most likely to enjoy playing with something similar to Tug-E-Nuff’s The Clam - a versatile treat dispensing toy to throw, hide, find, fetch and tug.

“Collies, however, are natural herders, and they need significant physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. A chaser toy - especially one made with sheepskin - will be a bit hit with this breed.”

Owners can find the perfect toy match for their breed by taking Tug-E-Nuff’s Toy Quest - an online quiz which recommends a dog’s new favourite toy in minutes.

TOP 10 DOG BREEDS IN THE UK, ACCORDING TO TUG-E-NUFF’S POWER OF PLAY SURVEY, ARE:

#1 - Labrador Retriever

#2 - Border Collie

#3 - English Cocker Spaniel

#4 - Cockapoo

#5 - Golden Retriever

#6 - German Shepherd Dog

#7 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

#8 - Springer Spaniel

#9 - Jack Russell Terrier

#10 - Labradoodle

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Flea season: How to spot early warning signs of the insects in your home

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Brits are being warned to look out for fleas this month as the blood-sucking insects could invade millions of homes.

The experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are helping homeowners identify whether or not their homes are infested with fleas with eight common warning signs.

With temperatures starting to dip, many Brits will be turning their heating on to cope with the colder conditions. This can result in clusters of fleas invading homes across the country, as the tiny insects thrive in warm and humid conditions.

The early warning signs of fleas in homes include tiny specs on the carpet, itchy bumps on the skin and pets scratching themselves more than usual.

Nic Shacklock from Online-bedrooms.co.uk said: "As we get further into the autumn season we want to warn people not to be surprised if their homes are invaded by packs of fleas. They don't just latch onto pets, they can also give us nasty bites that'll have us itching uncontrollably. Some early warning signs that indicate your home is infested by fleas include excessive scratching from pets and and small, red splashes appearing on bedding. If you find fleas in your home, we advise using baking soda as well as a solvent of lemons, white vinegar and water on areas where they've been present."

Here are eight early warning signs that fleas are in your home:

Red itchy bumps

If you notice red, itchy bumps on your body it's likely fleas have either been biting you throughout the day or have been lurking in the covers at night. Or if you have a four-legged friend at home, they may have latched onto your skin.

Excessive scratching from pets

The most common warning sign of fleas is pets scratching themselves. Make sure to regularly check their fur and take off their collar to get a proper look.

Dark speckles on the carpet

Fleas like to attach to carpet fibres and can bury themselves deep in the material. If you have a lightly coloured carpet and notice dark speckles dotted around, you could have an infestation on your hands.

Flea eggs

Look out for tiny white flea eggs which may be dotted around the house. If you find flea larvae in carpets it may be a sign of newly hatched eggs.

Pets avoiding their beds

If your dog or cat starts to avoid sleeping in their bed or looks physically uncomfortable, it might be due to fleas attaching to the material.

Red splashes on bedding

Fleas can be difficult to spot at times, but if you notice unusual red splashes of blood on your bedding it may be that one of the insects has been squished. This could indicate that your bed is harbouring the tiny critters.

Jumping fleas

While small in size, fleas that jump can be easier to spot. If you see black spots leaping in the air, it's likely to be fleas rather than tiny flies floating around the house.

Bald patches on your pets

If you notice missing fur and bald patches appearing on your pets' skin, it may be an indicator that fleas have latched onto them. The excessive scratching can be a cause of this so make sure to put a comb through their fur to detect any signs of the critters.

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Winter adventures: How to include your dog on festive days out

Katie Court — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:47:32 +0000

There's so much for families to enjoy in the run up to Christmas, from exploring the Christmas markets and sampling delicious festive food and drink, to having seasonal film nights. But to make sure the whole family gets to enjoy this time of year, why not find some ways for your dog to get involved in the celebrations too? Our pets love spending time with us at any time of year, but they're sure to enjoy it even more around the Christmas period when spirits are high and the whole family is together.

And the good news is that there are plenty of fun and safe ways for our dog to get involved in the festive period. To give you some inspiration, the pet care experts Webbox are here to share their advice for including your pet in festive days out.

Find fun activities to include them in

While the weather is a lot more chilly and damp now, you shouldn't let this prevent you from enjoying festive days out. There are lots of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors this time of year, and plenty of options for you to include your dog in as well. If you prefer real Christmas trees, one fun activity for the whole family is going to pick one out together. Your pet will get to experience lots of natural, fresh smells and they can help you find the perfect festive addition to your living room this Christmas.

If your family enjoys getting crafty, you can also go on a hunt to find natural materials for crafting your own Christmas wreath, such as pinecones, holly, and mistletoe. Just remember to keep an eye on your dog so you can make sure they're not eating anything they shouldn't be.

While there are plenty of outdoor activities for your pet to enjoy, make sure that they're all suitable for your dog, as they may find some overwhelming or stressful. For example, you may want to avoid bringing them to loud and crowded outdoor festive markets.

Look for the best winter walks near you

We're fortunate to have lots of picturesque walking routes to enjoy in every season in the UK. And as going on walks is no doubt one of your dog's favourite activities, it makes sense to include them in your family adventures too. So, do some research to find some of the best dog-friendly winter walking routes near you.

A good place to look is on the National Trust website, as dogs are usually always welcome in the outdoor walking routes and sometimes inside the facilities too. You may enjoy a brisk walk along the coast as well, as most beaches are dog-friendly after September 30th.

Whichever walking route you choose, make sure that it's an appropriate one for the whole family. For example, you may want to avoid particularly muddy areas with dogs, and if you're taking little ones on the walk, you may need to check that it is a pushchair accessible route and that there are changing facilities nearby.

Give them a Christmas treat

Christmas is a time for treating ourselves and our loved ones, and that goes for our pets too. So, don't forget to treat your dog this festive season on their days out. If you treat the whole family to warming hot chocolates, make sure to include your dog as well by bringing an extra special bag of treats with you on your walks. You can get dog treats in festive flavours, like turkey and cranberry, or even have a go at making your own festive dog biscuits if you want to try some Christmas baking.

You can make the wintry walk even more fun by giving them a festive themed outdoor toy to enjoy on Christmas walks too. As well as making it more enjoyable for your pet, throwing a festive squeaky ball on your dog walks is great for keeping your pet active and healthy.

Keep them safe outdoors

No matter which activity you decide on doing or where you choose to walk, keeping your pet safe should be your main priority. Fortunately, as long as you take the appropriate precautions, this shouldn't be too difficult for you and the family. One important thing to bear in mind when having outdoor adventures with your dog is the weather. While they do have coats which can keep them warmer than humans, it's important to make sure your dog isn't too cold. Invest in a dog jumper so they can enjoy the outdoors without becoming chilly, and dog booties can prevent their paws from becoming too cold on the icy ground.

If you choose to feed your pet any Christmas treats on your festive day out, you should also make sure that they are dog-friendly. Avoid feeding them treats with onions, leeks, garlic, and raisins in, as these are poisonous for pets. If you aren't sure of the exact ingredients, always air on the side of caution — even when they give you those puppy dog eyes!

"The festive period is a time for the whole family to come together, including our beloved pets. If you have fun days out planned with loved ones in the run up to Christmas, don't forget to involve your dog so they can share in the festive spirit too. Your pet is sure to love winter walks, and it's a great way to keep them active in the colder months too.

"To make sure that they're able to enjoy everything that the festive season has to offer, keep your pet safe and in good health. Try to keep them from catching a chill by dressing them in a dog jumper or jacket on cold trips out, and make sure that they follow a balanced diet by not overloading them with Christmas treats."

Michael Haigh from Webbox

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Christmas Safety: How to fire-proof, dog-proof and stain-proof your home

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:19:59 +0000

With Christmas being justsix weeks away, GTSE.co.uk wanted to discover the best ways to have a safe and damage-free Christmas when putting up your decorations, eating Christmas dinner and hanging lights both indoors and outdoors.

Using their expert knowledge on cable ties, widespread research and speaking with Lindsay Arliss, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Wood Green, GTSE.co.uk compiled six tips to avoid damage when decking the halls this Christmas.

1. Regularly water your tree(s) sat near Christmas lights

One of the main reasons for Christmas fires is people using high-voltage bulbs for their Christmas lights next to dried leaves from their Christmas tree(s). So, make sure you give your tree(s) a nice drink of water over the festive period and spray the leaves using a water spritzer.

2. Use cable ties and clips to avoid damaging your walls

Over the festive period, you’ll likely be hanging seasonal decorations around the home. But it’s important to use tools that don’t damage your walls in the process. So, use the following:

Self-adhesive cable clips: These help you to hook hanging decorations up really easily.
Self-adhesive cable ties: For hanging bulky decorations on your walls, being sturdy enough to hold them in place.

As well as…

Double-sided tape: This is an effective solution for lighter items, but remember it’ll struggle to hold up heavier decorations.
Washi tape: This peels off very easily, and doesn’t damage your decorations (or walls).

3. Attach ribbons to your staircase

Part of decorating for Christmas involves sticking your Christmas cards up on the walls. But, this involves using a lot of tack, which can leave marks on your walls and surfaces. Instead, use ribbons to hang up your Christmas cards against your hallway banister. This avoids washing down tack in the new year! Simply:

Use craft glue and apply this to the ribbon itself.
Place your Christmas cards in a vertical position against the glue, all the way down to the length of the ribbon.
Lay this newly created ‘bunting’ on a surface and allow it to cool.
Next, wrap the ribbon around your hallway banister and tie it together. Viola!

4.Avoid using decorations that are harmful to your dog

If you have a dog, consider the types of decorations you choose carefully, as most plastic or metal items can pose a danger if consumed. So, avoid the following Christmas decorations:

Decorative glitter or ribbons – Instead, opt for plain brown paper or cardboard. They’ll have just as much fun tearing open the package, and it’s much safer!
Berries from sprigs of holly or mistletoe – These can be toxic for dogs, so we recommend you decorate with artificial versions.

5. Use extra materials under the base of your tree

Placing your tree on top of a sturdy piece of plywood.
If you have hardwood flooring, place a non-skid mat underneath your Christmas tree stand (to avoid scratching).

6.Use this magic concoction to remove gravy spills

Christmas dinner spills are likely to happen, especially with gravy. If this happens, once you’ve mopped up as much gravy as you can, attend to the remaining staining by:

Sprinkling baking soda or corn-starch over the affected area.
Leave this to stand for around 15 minutes, before vacuuming the area.
If there’s any marking left over, mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water.
Then, blot the stain with a white cloth. Voila!

To conclude, Kirstie Batty, Head of Merchandising at GTSE says: “Although the festive season can bring a lot of joy, it can also be a busy period and manic for many. Avoiding any damages or safety issues gives families peace of mind when enjoying Christmas and we hope our advice inspires people to keep themselves and their pets happy throughout. “

For further tips on how to keep your home damage-free this Christmas, visit: https://gtse.co.uk/blog/how-to-guarantee-a-damagefree-christmas

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10 expert tips to improve you and your pets wellbeing on walks

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:57:21 +0000

TURNING YOUR DAILY DOG WALKS INTO PART OF YOU AND YOUR PETS WELLBEING ROUTINE

Walkies and workouts: expert shares top tips how to make winter walks more fun for you and your pet

It can often be easy to forget about all the health and social benefits dog owners reap from walking their furry companions regularly. A regular walk is not only vitally important for your pet's health but is also a great opportunity for the owner to clear their head and get in some steps too!

To mark the end of Walk your Dog month, Bella & Duke's Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer, lists her top 10 tips for making your walks one of the most beneficial parts of the day:

1. Remove distractions – put away your mobile phone when out walking and make it about you and your dog. You get the best connection and fun when you are not distracted.

2. Try different locations – variety is truly the spice of life. It can be mentally draining doing the same walk day in, day out so let your dog decide whether to go left or right, live in the moment.

3. Keep yourself and your furry friend active and warm when out and about – nothing makes you want to get inside quicker than a cold frosty day, so wrap up and ensure your dog is on the move. If they have less hair, like Whippets and Grey Hounds, then it may be beneficial to pop a coat on them if they accept clothing or make their walk shorter.

4. Opportunities for sniffing & enrichment – engage your dog's brain by encouraging them to sniff or play with toys on your walk. It's also a fun way for the owner to keep engaged and feel connected with their pet.

5. Get plenty of rest – if you and your pet are feeling particularly tired and can't bear the thought of stepping out into the cold, that's absolutely fine. Have a rest day with short trips out to do the necessaries.

6. Influencing your dog – your body language influences your dog, if you find yourself often worrying about crossing paths with other dogs that could aggravate your own pet. Try looking for a different route where you are sure to have more control over.

7. Taking care of your dog post-walkies – paws can often get clogged up with snow and grit during the winter months, so regularly check when you are out and about as they will become sore if left. Your dog will also get colder quicker.

8. Take in your surroundings – enjoy the quieter hours of the day and take in your surroundings. Start foraging for wild foods such as raspberries to share with your dog. Get them back to nature and help them do what comes naturally to them. Soon you'll find your dog plucking berries off the branches themselves!

9. Keeping stimulated - similar to humans, when dogs don't get enough mental and physical stimulation they will get bored or even depressed. It's important you're engaging with your pet and exploring new places for them to smell.

10. Picking walking times – if possible, leave your walks until a little later when hopefully the sun is up or at least the temperature has gone up a notch or two. To keep spirits high, try take the opportunity when there is a break in the weather.

Caroline Spencer, Natural Canine Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: "Walking your pet should be fun for both you and your dog. It's how we often start and finish our days and can have a positive impact on the direction of our day. It has long been proven that walking has a number of benefits for wellbeing and it needn't be monotonous, take time to enjoy yourself and your dog will thank you for it!"

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