I believe she deserves a medal purely for having the patience to sit all the Dogs down to photograph them. How on earth she managed to get a photo of Nelly sitting down I will never know. Well done Angelique and please see the fabulous pictures below.
Nelly PosingHudson as Cool as Ever !!
Animals In Need Foundation
If anyone has any updates on how much money was made for The Animals In Need Foundation or would like to send some of their pictures please feel free to comment or send the piccies.
I have just received this from amazon. They say that If you’re looking for the best dog magazine on the market they think they have found it. Dogs Monthly is definitely not your average Fido when it comes to doggy reads. Packed with tantalising articles, achievable training features and no nonsense advice it will warm the heart of every dog lover.
Amazon provide kindle editions in lots of their books and magazines. This is a kindle edition . Why not check out the 3 Months for free deal at amazon.co.uk or by clicking on my link on the sidebar.
What do you think? It is certainly a great read but is it the best? I would love to hear from subscribers of this magazine and others on which magazine is the best value for money.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, your furry best friend needs to be kept clean and have basic grooming carried out on him. Just a wash, trim, nails cut, teeth scrubbed and ears cleaned will make a massive difference to his quality of life. It is, however, very important you get a good quality groomer. Someone who is there to get as many dogs through the door for maximum profit isn’t going to give your loved one the attention and cut they deserve.
Million Hairs Dog Grooming Gibraltar
I have seen Dogs come from groomers that have been shaved to the skin and their owners in tears at the state of them. Therefore, I have written a Post on how to choose the best dog groomer.
Finding The Best Grooming Parlour
Before you decide on a Groomer and make an appointment there are a few checks you should carry out first. A good groomer will never turn down a visit from a potential client so:
Does it have a good reputation? – Check online to see what others have said about the company. Do they have a Facebook page with lots of comments? When you see a nicely groomed Dog in the street ask the owner where they got their Dog groomed and if they recommend them.
Is the Grooming Parlour clean and kept clean? – Hygiene is very important. It’s obvious there will be hairs and the groomer should keep on top of the mess. If there is urine and excrement then that is definitely a no no. There will be accidents but these should be cleaned up at the earliest opportunity. Does it smell clean? You can expect Dog smells but it should never small bad. Common sense will prevail when you first see the premises.
Is there good ventilation? –The business should not be stuffy as it should be a calming experience for your Dog. If you can’t breathe in there it is a bad sign. There should be good ventilation and if in warmer climate adequate air conditioning.
Where is the Grooming area? – If there is a reception area but the Grooming area is out the back in a no go area then alarm bell should start ringing. No Groomer should hide where they are doing their business and should be more than happy to show you where it all happens.
How are the staff? – Are the staff sociable and knowledgeable? You should be able to ask them anything in relation to the Grooming and they should be helpful and willing to show you that your loved ones are in good hands. Question them about the handling of Dogs, what happens if they are shy or aggressive etc. If they seem uninterested, unknowledgeable and unwilling to interact with you then steer well clear.
Where are the Dogs kept? – Where are they prior and after grooming? Do they have access to fresh water? If they are kept in cages this may scare them and cause anxiety to your loved ones. My wife certainly doen’t believe in cages in her business. It is far better to have an area cordoned off for the more difficult ones.
Is it The Best Groomer?
Just because the Grooming parlour is neat, tidy clean and welcoming it doesn’t mean the person doing the Grooming is the best. Speak to them first and ask them about specific styles and getting the right cut for your Dog. You should never be too shy to ask any question to the Groomer. Too many people have had bad experiences with greedy Groomers who just want to get as many Dogs through the door to make a quick buck and have left the Dogs scalped and trembling in fear. Check out the following:
Has the Groomer received training? – All Dog groomers should have received certified training and their business should be licensed and registered.
Does the Groomer produce the right cut? – It is far too easy for a Groomer to take short cuts and get the Dog done quickly. Insist on getting the right cut for your breed. (There is plenty of online information regarding Dog cuts). Ask how long it should take so you can gauge the attention he or she will get.
Agree on a price beforehand – This is very important on your first visit. You don’t want to return to the Parlour to be told your Dog is awkward and has taken longer than expected, so you are going to be charged more.
How is their personality? – Some Dogs find it quite stressful visiting a Groomer. How is the Groomer’s demeanor? Can they handle a stressed and anxious Dog? Do they treat their clients like their own Dogs? Once you have found the right person and you become a regular, your Dog will settle in far quicker the more you visit.
Before And After The Appointment
Between appointments you should regularly brush your Dog. This helps look after their coat and you can also check for lumps and bumps that shouldn’t be there. It will also alert you to any fleas or ticks he may have picked up. Another important note is if he has too many knots due to not being brushed he Groomer may have no alternative but to cut them out, therefore ruining their style.
On the day of the appointment give your Dog a good walk beforehand. This will tire him out and he is likely to be calmer at the Groomers. It will also ensure he has been to the toilet. There is nothing worse for a Groomer than to have a client turn up and immediately “go to the toilet”over the freshly mopped floor.
Give you contact details to the Groomer just in case there are any problems or they just may want to contact you to ensure they are carrying out your wishes. They may also need to call you if there is a delay in the cut so you do not turn up early and have to wait. it is all part of the customer service. Also, some Dogs tend to “show off” if their owner is present.
After the appointment, speak to the Groomer about how your loved one behaved. Did he seem stressed? Was he shy? Did he behave? You can also ask for advice on how to look after your Dogs coat, and do they have any tips on which grooming products to buy.
Conclusion
So as you can see when you are looking for a Groomer it is not as simple as picking up a Yellow Pages and calling the first available Dog groomer. You best friend needs to go somewhere he feels safe, loved and comfortable. Take a bit of time and ensure your Dog will be in the best hands possible. At the end of the day your Dog will be happy and you will have peace of mind.
Please see some Grooming information available from Amazon.co.uk
As always please feel free to leave any comments or questions.
It’s that time of year when we all get festive and want to enjoy ourselves over Christmas. There are office parties, kiddies parties and all sorts of wonderful events happening. Outside, we have Christmas Lights, Carol Singers and Christmas Markets. There is shopping to do and of course the buying of presents.
Just because we are going to be busy, busy, over the festive period it, doesn’t mean your furry friend should miss out. In fact, it’s his Christmas as much as yours, so you should be enjoying it together. I have therefore put together my top 10 tips on celebrating Christmas with your Dog.
Include Your Dog in Your Christmas Outings
Whether you are shopping in the Hight Street, or stomping through the fields looking for a real Christmas Tree, take your furry friend with you. Dogs love nothing more than being outside and being with you. When my wife and I are shopping in town we always take our little one’s with us. If shops do not allow Dogs, then you can take it in turns to stay outside. It really isn’t a sacrifice and your Dog will be far happier than being stuck at home waiting for your return.
Get Silly and Dress Them Up
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but dressing your Dog up certainly brings a smile to most peoples faces. There are hundreds of outfits you can buy which will make cracking photos of your festive season. Below you will see a picture of my Nessa who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. This photo brings back so many happy memories which makes it completely worth it. I know she looks grumpy in the photo but she really was such a happy Dog.
Our Nessa full of Christmas Joy !!!
Always remember how to choose outfits for your Dog. Make sure they are a good fit and they don’t get stressed out wearing them. They should not be wearing it for too long anyway. For further info and fitting please check my previous article at Do Dogs Need to Wear Coats andjumpers?
Go Christmas Caroling
If you are lucky enough to be able to go Christmas Caroling then when not take your best friend with you? Just think of the entertainment value !!! I’m sure my Hudson would love it, but little Nelly would be an absolute nightmare. Her yapping is enough to put any seasoned carol Singer in their place. However, she does sound better than me lol.
On the serious side, if you are out in colder climates in the evening don’t forget that its not only your warmth you need to think about but your Dogs too. The above link applies as well.
Bake Some Doggy Christmas Treats
There’s nothing better than a warm kitchen with the aroma of baked goodies. (Even if it is liver treats for your loved one’s ha-ha). It is much more fun baking your own treats than buying them off the shelf. However, if you haven’t the time then off the shelf will still keep your furry friend happy. At the end of the day it is Christmas and he deserves it.
If you are having visitors over or are going visiting then make sure your Christmas pooch has had plenty of exercise. After you have opened all your presents, and your furry friend has run amok in the hoards of wrapping paper, take him outside for some more Christmas mayhem. Play fetch or have a good run around. Your visitors will appreciate it more if he is relaxed, and not running around the house like a maniac because of the intrusion.
Sleep Time
It can be very exciting for your Dog on Christmas day. With all the hustle and bustle of opening presents, going for a run around, having visitors and skillfully begging scraps of Turkey, it can all be too overwhelming for him. Some Dogs can keep going all day, but many will need a place to have a lie down and a rest. If your house is full of people, make sure there is an area put aside with his food, water and bed, so that he can get away from it all and have a well deserved Christmas nap.
Buy Some Christmas Gifts For You Best Friend
If you are anything like us then you will spend more time with your furry friend than you do anyone else. Surely then they should receive gifts from us to show them we care !!! It takes a Dog takes quite some time to grow to love a person and to trust them 100%. Surely that should be celebrated. Anyway, since your last Christmas shopping spree I’m sure their toys are starting to look a bit rough round the edges or they have lost their squeak lol. Go on. TREAT Them.
Christmas Dangers
We all want to enjoy ourselves over Christmas but we must be aware of the dangers that are ever present. That last thing we need is our loved one to get hurt or injured over the festive period. Here is a guide to some dangers:
Christmas Dinner – I know it’s Christmas and our furry friends deserve a treat, but too much can seriously injure them. Remember, during the rest of the year your Dog is on quite a controlled diet. Whether it’s too many home baked, or bought treats, these can really upset their digestive system. If everyone is sat around the table is dropping Turkey tit bits then this over indulgence can really make them sick. Just use common sense and keep an eye on them AND your guests !!!!
Poisons – There is a vast array of food and drinks that can poison your Dog. These are certainly in abundance at Christmas time. For example: Chocolate, Raisins, Holly and Ivy in decorations, Alcohol, Batteries (God forbid your loved one swallows one), Unbaked bread dough, Coffee, Blue Cheese, Garlic chives and onion found in stuffing, and Macadamia nuts.
Snow Globes – Some imported versions can contain antifreeze. Deadly to Dogs, Cats and us.
Candles – Yes they are very pretty and make a nice and cosy atmosphere but can also be deadly. If you leave candles on in an unoccupied room your Dog could brush against them and knock them over. Also, if they are inquisitive they could burn their nose or burn their paws.
Fairy lights and Tinsel – Dogs are very curious, so be careful if they go anywhere near the Christmas decorations. A chew through the fairy lights will electrocute them, and a swallowed piece of tinsel can cause a serious blockage in your Dog’s stomach.
Conclusion
It is only a few weeks until Christmas, and most people are already making plans, and getting ready for the festive period. I hope you have enjoyed my article on how to enjoy Christmas with your Dog. Common sense goes a long way to helping your enjoy the festive season, and I hope none of the dangers I have mentioned raise their ugly heads and spoil your special time.
Now is also a great time for Shopping. Black Friday starts tomorrow at amazon.co.uk where you can but lots of great presents, not only for your furry best friend but for your family and friends too.
Please see below some best Christmas dog gifts I have sourced from amazon.co.uk.
Also, does anyone remember my Post regarding amazon.co.uk or amazon.com? Well if you do you will know you can save a fortune by checking out deals on both sites.
Therefore below we also have some amazon.com deals too to wet your appetite.
Alternatively why not take them away for a festive break care of booking.com. There are plenty of Christmas bargains to be had there too.
