SOUND AS A HOUND

NEWS NEWS NEWS

Our News letters will now be featured on this site and will updated regulary. So please check in now and then for news on services, promotions, pricing, top tips and recipes for your dog, and if you have any questions or suggestions then we would love to hear from you.

FOODS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO YOUR DOG

• Chocolate: The darker it is the more dangerous it is.
• Onions: These destroy red blood cells.
• Grapes/Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
• Tomatoes: Contain tomaine/atropine, the list is horribly endless on what it can cause, none pretty.
• Nutmeg, Macadamia/Walnuts.
• Cooked bones: Can splinter and tear internal organs, opt for raw or hide chews.
  
  
                        Charlie, Simon, Sylvia, Rojo Trufflepig   
                                                                            & our little helpers xx.
  

Why not bake your dog a treat for being so good.
If you have doggie recipes that you would like to share then please follow the link on the contact us page. We are always happy to recieve new recipes and ideas, and hope your dogs enjoys eating them as much as we enjoy baking 'em.

In a large bowl pour hot water over oil, stir in powdered milk and egg. Add flour gradually. Knead for afew mins and roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for approx 50 mins, allow to cool, these bics will dry out to a very crisp crunch.

 BASIC DOG GROOMING TIPS.
Grooming  your pet should play an important part in its life. Not only does it contribute to their physiological and pysychological health, but helps form a bond between owner and dog. We hope you find the following tips helpful.

COAT
You should aim to brush out your dogs coat each day, this way you would have at least groomed him twice that week !! This helps keep the coat in good condition by removing dirt and tangles, keeping the skin clean and free from irritants. Its best to start grooming from an early age but this cant always be possible. Proceed slowly but firmly giving lots of praise, building up your grooming time each occasion.

NAILS
Trim their nails approx every 4-6 weeks. You will need  nail clippers designed for dogs and you should also have a jar of bood clotting powder at hand just in case.
1) Get your dog to sit beside you. Place one  hand on his paw and gently pull it forward. If your dog doesnt like to be handled in this way then try again giving praise and treats.
2) Gradually shorten nail, making sure not to cut through the quick ( part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves) This can be extremely painful for the dog. If you are unsure dont cut beyond the point at which the nail begins to curve downward. If you are not feeling confident, dont proceed as your dog will probably sense it and will more than likely pull away.
3) If you do cut through the quick then DONT panic. Put clotting powder on some dampened cotton wool and press against the bleeding nail for afew minutes.
4) Dont forget the Dewclaw, located on the inside of each front leg above the paw. Please note that some dogs also have them on rear inside leg and some dogs dont have any. These nails tend to be forgotten about and this can cause them to get so long that they grow back on themselves, which is extremely painful. Dewclaws need regular checking as these nails are easily caught on things and can be ripped off.

EARS
Ear infections can be painful and can lead to permanent hearing loss. Problem signs are : redness, head shaking, brown/black skin, and odour.
1) Check your dogs ears approx x2 times per month. The skin should be pale pink with no or little odour.
2) To clean your dogs ears then use dampened cotton wool with pet safe ear cleaner and wipe the ear opening DO NOT probe into ear canal. Some breeds such as poodles and spaniels need the hair removing from the ear canal this should be done by a professional. There are numerous ear cleaning products but the best will also kill ear mites which live in your dogs ear canal and cause them to shake their heads.

TEETH
Your pets teeth should be cleaned at least once a week with a pet toothpaste DO NOT use one containing flouride. Use a small soft bristled brush. A nice raw bone will also help scrape away tartar ( dont give your dog a cooked bone as these will splinter and could cause damage to the intestines)

BATHING
1) Place a rubber mat under your pet to stop slipping.
2) Put cotton balls inside your pets ears to prevent water from entering.
3) Use a spray hose if possible.
4) Keep the spray nozzle close to the skin and use luke warm water. Never spary him in the face, use a flannel for this area.
5) Use a pet safe shampoo tailoured for that specific breed where possible. Work shampoo into the body, be sure to clean rectum, behind ears, between toes and under chin. Avoid getting shampoo in their eyes, ears and mouth.
6) Rinse shampoo thoroughly.
7) Towel dry and finish with a blast of the hair dryer on very low heat to avoid burns.

*If you would like more information on breed specific grooming, or equipment advice then please follow the link on the contact us page. We are always happy to give you advice or discuss new trends with fellow groomers.*

Training your dog a new trick is a great way to keep your buddy mentally stimulated.
Heres afew tips to get you started:
1) Training should be done in a quiet area without distractions.
2) It should be a positive experience for your dog, so dont be shy when you are giving out praise.
3) Dont train for longer than 5 minutes, but do repeat regulary.
4) Use a unique hand signal for that particular command as this will help reinforce it.
5) Do finish training before you or your dog gets frustrated.

DOG TRICK N03.

HANDS UP.

• Get you dog to sit in front of you.
• Hold a treat just above his nose and as he reaches for it move it over his head. Your dog will rise and lean back to follow the treats, praise and reward him.
• Slowly increase distance he has to rise before he gets the treat and eventually his paws will lift off the ground.
• Start to introduce the command 'Hands up'.