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Have
Dog, Will Travel
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Top Tips For Making Your Holiday A Dog-Friendly Success
Due to poor exchange rates and the continued effects of
the recession, Brits are increasingly holidaying right
here in the UK. That’s great news for dog lovers – for
they can save on prohibitive kennel costs and bring
their dogs along on holiday too!
Obviously, not all holiday parks will welcome your four
legged friends with open arms. So how do you find a
great place to spend your precious holiday time that
will keep those tails wagging too? Simple – let dog
friendly UK holiday experts www.bestholidayparks.co.uk
do the work for you.
It’s a one-stop shop to finding the
best holiday park deals with the right facilities - in
your ideal location. So don’t waste countless hours on
hundreds of websites – find everything you need in one
place in a fraction of the time!
It’s not just finding the perfect dog-friendly UK
holiday which Best Holiday Parks can help you with: -
they’ve also put together an essential list of tips to
help you and your pets holiday in perfect bliss!
1.Holidays
can be stressful times –and that goes for dogs too! Make
the journey to your holiday spot as relaxed as possible
for your pet, with frequent stops for toilet breaks and
water. If your dog is a nervous traveller or suffers
from motion sickness, speak to your vet about whether
they can help.
2.Remember
that your dog will be just as excited as you when
arriving at your destination – so don’t leave them
forgotten in the car whilst you unpack. Elect a member
of the family to take your dog for a short walk whilst
the rest of you unload luggage, so they’ll de-stress
after their long trip.
3.Make
sure your dog knows where to do their business – and
that’s not in your holiday home! First things first –
take them to the toilet area and praise them well after
they go to the loo. Remember, it’s a confusing time for
your pet, so make it as easy as possible for them to
understand.
4.Accidents
can happen – and we don’t just mean weeing in the wrong
place. Ensure you come equipped with a first aid kit for
animals and humans,so that you can deal with any cuts,
bumps or minor accidents. Ask your holiday venue for
details of the local vet and keep these to hand – it’s
best to be prepared should the worst happen.
5.Be
respectful of other holidaymakers. Keep your dog on the
lead in public places at all times, and take some of
your dog’s toys and their own basket to help them settle
in and reduce any crying or barking at night or when
left alone. A happy dog leads to happy neighbours – and
a great holiday!
6.It
sounds obvious – but holidaymakers forget all too often
to pack the dog food! Most dogs don’t react well to a
sudden change in diet, so if you can’t get hold of your
usual dog food, you might be in for a nasty shock. Pack
enough dog food to get you through your holiday – or
research where
you can buy your dog’s favourite dinner nearby before
you go!
7.Many
dog-friendly venues have great access to wonderful
walking areas,which your dog will thoroughly enjoy –
after all, it’s their holiday too! Bear in mind that
wonderful walks often lead to muddy dogs – so remember
to pack old towels and dog shampoo to make sure that the
dirt stays outside, not all over your holiday
apartment’s carpets and walls!
8.Very
importantly – wherever your dog goes, make sure you
clean up what he’s left behind. Holiday parks are a
family environment and as such need to be clean and safe
for children. If you keep a poo bag in your pocket at
all times, you’ll never be caught out.
9.Remember
that your dog might be restricted to access certain
areas in holiday parks, such as restaurants and public
bathroom areas. Find out the rules when you arrive and
make sure you let the entire family know – and again,
you’ll keep your holidaymaker neighbours happy.
10.Before
you leave, take time to check that you haven’t left too
much of your dog behind! Whilst your holiday park is dog
friendly, leaving pawprints and mounds of hair
everywhere isn’t friendly at all. By making the effort
to leave your holiday rental presentable, you’ll be
doing a service for dog owners everywhere – by helping
to promote responsible ‘holiday dog owners’ and
therefore helping to ensure even more great holiday
destinations become dog-friendly in the future.
So now you know the top tips of taking your dog on
holiday – what are you waiting for?
Get online with Best
Holiday Parks to find your perfect UK holiday, where
your dog can enjoy a change of scene and fresh country
air just as much as the rest of the family – and you can
luxuriate in a well-earned holiday without missing the
company of your very best friend! |
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All About Dogs
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Dogs are very popular pet animals; there are
approximately eight million dogs kept as pets in the UK.
There are many different breeds and varieties of dog,
varying in size, body shape and personality. The UK
Kennel Club currently recognises two hundred and nine
breeds of dog. The majority of dogs in the UK are
pedigrees.Typically, dogs live for thirteen years, but
many may live for much longer.
Dog factfile
It is generally accepted that the common ancestor of the
domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is the wolf .
Domestication of the dog began around 15,000 years ago
and during this process, humans selected for
particularly desirable traits such as coat colour and
leg length.This selection process has resulted in over
400 different breeds of dog ; 209 are recognised by the
UK Kennel Club.Looking at the world from a dog’s point of view can help
you to understand your pet better, so check out our top
ten dog facts!
1.Dogs have highly developed senses
Dogs have an incredibly well-developed sense of smell,
far superior to humans .At certain frequencies, dogs can
detect sounds up to four times quieter than humans can
hear . Dogs can also hear in ultrasound, which is sound
with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human
hearing .Dogs can see better than humans in dark and dim
light.
2. Dogs are diverse
Dogs are extremely diverse in both size and shape . For
example, there is over a 110-fold difference in weight
between the Chihuahua (1kg) and the St Bernard (115kg) .
3. Dogs use a range of methods to communicate
Communication is very important in helping dogs form and
maintain social groups. To transmit scent information,
dogs use urine, faeces and secretions from special scent
glands .Dogs produce a range of sounds, often in complex
combinations, including whines, whimpers, growls, barks
and howls.
Many dogs can use their body, face, tail, ears
and limbs to communicate with other dogs .
4. Dogs are athletic
The fastest recorded speed for a greyhound is 42 miles
per hour, similar to that of a mounted racehorse, which
can reach speeds of around 43 miles per hour !
5. Dogs are naturally inquisitive
Dogs actively seek information about their surroundings
and will spend much time investigating and
exploring.Feral dogs will naturally roam for great
distances in search of food. |
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Sixtyplusurfers Competition
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Win a
HALTI®
Headcollar for
your Dog
HALTI® Headcollar
– Stops Pulling
The HALTI® is the world’s
favourite headcollar because it
has been designed to combine
maximum steering efficiency and
control with unequalled comfort
for the dog. The HALTI® is
simple to fit and easy to use. A
unique feature of the HALTI, is
that it has an on/off muzzling
action, allowing you to close a
dog’s jaws whilst allowing him
the freedom to pant, there are
no metal parts in contact with
the dog’s skin. The HALTI® is
available in six sizes for
optimum fit and a choice of four
colours.
HALTI® Training
Lead
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This multi-function HALTI® Lead
was designed by Dr Roger Mugford
to control, guide and tether a
dog in a variety of situations.
It can be used as an everyday
lead or a specialist training
tool. Two metres long and
double-ended, the HALTI® lead
provides flexibility; a short
lead for heelwork or obedience
training, a longer lead for
recall and distance work.
When used in conjunction with a
HALTI® or a HALTI® Harness, this
lead can also provide a vital
double-lead system; particularly
useful for managing
over-boisterous, aggressive or
otherwise troublesome dogs.
We’ve teamed up with The Company
of Animals to offer one
lucky reader the chance to win
a
HALTI
Headcollar + HALTI Training
Lead, and for the five runners
up a HALTI Training Lead.
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For more information about the
HALTI® Headcollar
go to:
www.companyofanimals.co.uk
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us what does the
HALTI®
Headcollar do?
a) Stops
traffic
b) Stops pulling
c) Stops barking
d) Stops jumping up
To Enter the Competition
Tell us what
what does the
HALTI® Headcollar do?
Then send in your answer,
together with your full name,
breed of dog, postal address and
telephone number by clicking on
the special internet link
given in blue below:
www.companyofanimals.co.uk
Terms and Conditions
1.
Please let us know if you do not
wish to receive any further
correspondence from The Company
of Animals.
2.
The competition is open to both
our UK and overseas readers.
3.
We do not accept automated
entries
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Mountain Paws For The
Great Outdoors
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Calling all dog lovers! If your
dog enjoys the great outdoors,
whether it's just a short walk
or a week long camping trip,
then look no further for all
your doggy travel goodies.
Simply Hike the camping
equipment store has just
introduced Mountain Paws pet
products to their extensive
range.
With more and more people opting
to stay at home this summer,
it's been apparent that more
pets are being taken along for
the ride, increasing the demand
in dog travel accessories. So,
with this in mind,
www.simplyhike.co.uk have taken
on the fantastic Mountain Paws
range because they realise it's
not just humans that enjoy a
good outdoor
adventure, but dogs too.
This Mountain Paws collection is
designed to make yours and your
pets trip as hassle free and fun
as possible. It includes
essentials like dog collars and
dog leads , doggy water bottles,
quick-drying towels for those
wet and muddy days and foldable
dog bowls to keep your pet well
hydrated; as well as a fun range
of dog toys to keep them
entertained for hours on end.
Mountain Paws realise how much
we care for our pets and
appreciate that safety and
enjoyment are the most important
factors when it comes to
producing quality dog
accessories; so you can be
reassured that their range of
products are safe, tough and
above all, fun pieces of kit
that will really last.
You will find a variety of sizes
when it comes to the dog leads,
collars and bowls so you can be
sure to find the right size,
suitable for your canine
companion. The Mountain Paws dog
bows are fantastic, because when
you're finished with them they
can easily be wiped clean and
packed down into your rucksack,
making them ideal for everyday
walks as well as long trips;
plus when you get home you can
throw them in the washing
machine with your other dirty
laundry and they will come out
as good as new.
Worried about your furry friend
running off at the campsite and
causing havoc amongst the other
guests? Well, don't. Mountain
Paws have really thought of
everything so you don't have to.
Their 'Stay' system simply
screws deep into the grass or
mud and allows you to attach
your dog lead to
the other end, providing a
secure attachment to stop your
pet from running off and getting
into any mischief.
So if you're thinking of taking
your dog on your next trip,
whether it be a summers day walk
through the fields and across
the mountains, a trip to the
beach, a week away at a
campsite, or even on a long car
journey, then make sure you have
all your furry mate essentials
like your dog bowls and leads
before you go.
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More About Dogs
Dogs are omnivores
Dogs eat both meat and plant food, so are called
omnivores .Dogs' teeth are adapted to this diet. Whilst dogs do
have teeth designed for tearing meat, compared to other
carnivores dogs have more molars, which are used for
crushing and grinding plant food.
Dogs are highly social
Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they will
also form strong social bonds to humans, becoming very
attached to particular individual.
Dogs are intelligent
Dogs can learn the names of their toys. For example
Rico, a border collie, has learnt the names of 200 toys
and can reliably fetch the correct toy when asked to.
Rico’s word learning ability is better than that of a
chimpanzee !
Dogs are playful
Dogs use special signals to show they want to play. When
inviting others to play, a dog crouches on its
forelimbs, remains standing on its hindlimbs and may
wag its tail or bark. This behaviour is called the ‘play
bow’. |
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Burn’s Dog’s
Day
Out - 2010
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A day of fun and activities for
dogs and their families
Sunday 19th September
Pembrey Country Park,
Carmarthenshire SA14 0EJ
Entry to the Country Park £4.00
per vehicle - Free parking.
Please click
here to register your interest in
Burns’ Dogs’ Day Out 2010 and
keep up to date with all the new
developments as they happen.
NEW for 2010
The Burns Dog Jog
Your dog will benefit from some
gentle exercise before it takes
part in the Dogs’ Day activities
so why not join in with our Dog
Jog and help raise money for
Hounds for Heroes?
The pretty,
2.5km (1.5mile) course is level
and free of traffic and you
don’t have to run it! You are
welcome to walk, stroll, amble,
jog or even roll along in a
wheelchair.
The mass start is
at 9am and everyone who
completes the course will
receive a commemorative medal
(including the dogs).
All the proceeds from the Burns’
Dog Jog will go to Hounds
for Heroes for
their Pups on Parade appeal.
This new charity aims to provide
specially trained assistance
dogs for ex-military and
emergency service personal who
have been injured in the course
of their duties.
Entries will be taken on the day
up to 8.45am but you can save
yourself a little money and enter
in advance!
Please note that for safety all
dogs must be kept on lead during
the Dog Jog. The event will be
limited to 1000 human entrants
on first come first served
basis.
Fun Dog Show
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Judged by Robert Alleyne from
BBC’s “Dog Borstal”
Robert has agreed to judge our
fun dog show again. There is a
class to suit everyone and all
the entry money goes towards
animal welfare charities.
Entries on the day only £1 per
class to be paid in the ring.
Rosettes for 1st to 6th place
plus specials.
11.30 Wonderful Waggers (waggiest
tail)
11.50 Shining Example (best
condition)
12.10 Golden Oldies – dogs
to be aged 10 years or
over
12.30 Best Trick
12.50 Best Rescue
13.10 Scruffiest Hound
13.30 Robert’s Choice – open
to any dog not
placed in any of
the other classes.
Timings are approximate and
subject to change.
Agility Show
Organised by Swansea Vale
Agility Club. Please visit www.agilitynet.co.uk for
more information. Entries in
advance only
Have-A-Go
Activities
All activities are £1 a go and
are payable in the ring on the
day.
The Dog Olympic Games with the
Tailwagger Club of Leeds - Party
games for dogs and their owners
Party games for
dogs and their owners
- Musical Mats
- Longest Catch
- The Great Sausage Challenge
- Lucky Dip
Free Training and
Behaviour Advice
Have you got a naughty hound?
Are you interested doing more
than just basic training with
your dog but are not sure where
to begin? Come and get some
free advice from the friendly
professional Trainers and
Behaviourists in our marquee.
Displays
We have a full programme of
displays in our main arena as
well as other displays and
demonstrations around the
showground.
For more information
Visit:
www.burnspet.co.uk
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Owners Needed for
Hundreds of Cats
and Kittens
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RSPCA animal shelters throughout
England and Wales are inundated
with cats and kittens in
desperate need of new homes.
Many of the charity’s rehoming
centres are completely full of
felines who have been recklessly
dumped by their owners or
rescued by RSPCA
inspectors.
Although this time of
year is the peak birthing season
for cats, lots of centres are
looking after more cats and
kittens than they ever have
before.
Since the beginning of 2009, an
average of 21 cats have been
taken in every single day at our
16 regional centres with other
independent branches and
shelters suffering a similar
plight.
Many of the animals are
being kept in private boarding
or in foster homes as the RSPCA
centres are simply too full. New
owners are desperately needed to
provide permanent, loving homes
for them.
The RSPCA Central and North
East London branch is currently
looking after more than 100 cats
and kittens which has hit centre
staff both emotionally and
financially.Branch spokesperson
Christine Kerridge said: “So
many people are letting their
cats get pregnant without giving
any thought to how they will
find good homes for the kittens.
“We are left to pick up the
pieces. We really need new
owners to come forward to give a
second chance to the many
delightful cats who are without
a permanent home through no
fault of their own.”
The Enfield and District branch
is looking after around 90 cats
and kittens - which is more than
it has had in at any one time
over the last 35 years. Enfield
branch secretary Margaret Marden
said: “It’s really dreadful at
the moment, this is the worst I
have ever seen the situation.
It’s so hard for us to see all
these beautiful cats and kittens
without the homes they deserve.”
The Putney Animal Hospital is
bursting at the seams with cats
who have been involved in road
traffic accidents, abandoned or
suffered a variety of injuries.
But with rehoming centres full
to capacity, many animals are
spending more time at the
hospital or with foster carers
while they wait for new homes.
The Little Valley Animal Shelter
in Exeter is currently looking
after 42 cats despite only
having space for 32 and they are
still getting regular requests
from the public and RSPCA
inspectors to accommodate even
more.Seven-year-old Amber has been at
Little Valley for over a year.
She was overweight when she was
rescued by an RSPCA inspector
but after a strict diet she is
back down to an ideal size for
her age and breed.
Five kittens were thrown out
like rubbish in two separate
incidents in Birmingham earlier
this month. Four kittens were
found abandoned in a cardboard
box outside a block of flats and
a 12-week-old kitten was found
in the bin shute room at another
block of flats the following
day. They are all currently in
RSPCA care while they recover
from their ordeal and new homes
are found.
The RSPCA is urging people
considering getting a cat or a
kitten to avoid answering ads in
newspapers or visiting pet
shops, but to take home a rescue
animal which desperately needs a
new home.The RSPCA recommends
that cats should be neutered to
prevent unwanted pregnancies
from occurring.
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September
2010 