This is Ringo. He is an 8 month old Bernese Mountain Dog and a full time member of the Edmondson’s HQ office staff. Last week he made his debut at the biggest dog show in the world – Crufts. Show winning runs in Ringo’s blood, as his father and siblings all have strong track records of high placements in both Championship and Open shows. In fact, Ringo’s father earned so many points before the age of 18 months that he was awarded a Junior Warrant; a very prestigious award.
And we don’t mean to brag, but all these winners are fed and powered by our very own Edmondson’s Dog Food.
The world of dog shows can be quite confusing and long winded, so we thought we’d take a look at Ringo’s journey so far, as an example.
If you’ve ever watched or attended a dog show, you’ll probably have noticed that the dogs have quite unusual and lengthy names. This is their Kennel Club name, which is chosen by the breeder when the puppies are registered. It is used to distinguish the dogs from each other more easily during competitions. Ringo’s Kennel Club name is ‘Liskarn Can’t Buy Me Love’. ‘Liskarn’ is the name of the kennel he was bred in, also known as a ‘breeder signature’; all the dogs bred in this kennel will have ‘Liskarn’ in their Kennel Club name. We’ll carry on calling him Ringo!
Ringo training to stand with his handler.
In order to qualify for Crufts, Ringo needed to place either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a breed class at a Championship show during the last year, before the closing date of 24th January. As dogs are not allowed to show before they reach 6 months of age, there weren’t many opportunities for Ringo to enter shows in the time frame given. However, on 20th January he entered into the Minor Puppy Dog class for his breed at the Manchester Championship Show. The Minor Puppy class is for dogs aged between 6 and 9 months. He placed in 2nd, with positive feedback from the judge regarding his body shape. The winner of the class was slightly older and more developed. He was also calmer than Ringo, who was a little excited after an interaction with another dog before the judging began. Ringo’s owners were still thrilled with this result as it meant that he qualified for Crufts in his first ever show!
During February, Ringo entered two Open shows to gain a bit more experience with the show environment and being handled. These were the National Working and Pastoral Breeds Society Open Show and the Cheltenham & District Society Open Show. As Open shows tend to be smaller with fewer entries than Championship shows, there was no class for Minor Puppy Dog. Instead, Ringo entered into the Puppy class for his breed. Ringo placed 2nd in both shows, losing out each time to his sister, Harper (Kennel Club name ‘Liskarn Love of My Life’). Males (dogs) and females (bitches) are usually judged separately in the first rounds, with the winner of Best Puppy Dog eventually competing against Best Puppy Bitch for the title of Best Puppy in Breed.
Finally it was time for Crufts. The event ran from Thursday 10th March to Sunday 13th March at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Over the course of the 4 days, almost 20,000 dogs competed with the aim of achieving the world-class title of Crufts Best in Show.
Ringo entered the Minor Puppy Dog class for Bernese Mountain Dogs. His breed falls under the Working Dog category due to their history working as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps. The judges are primarily looking at characteristics that would allow the dog to perform the function for which the breed was bred, such as their overall appearance, temperament and build. Each breed has a different standard, which is why they must be judged independently of each other initially. Many judges specialise in certain breeds to enable them to focus on the specific characteristics required.
There was only one other entry in Ringo’s class, but Ringo was chosen as the winner. This meant that he could then progress to the Best Puppy Dog round, consisting of the winners of Best Minor Puppy Dog and Best Puppy Dog. Unfortunately Ringo was placed 2nd in this round, losing out again to the same dog as in the Manchester Championship Show. Despite this, winning his first class means that he has automatically qualified for Crufts 2023.
Ringo (right) competing in Best Puppy Dog at Crufts.
RINGO (Liskarn Can’t Buy Me Love)
Breeder: Liskarn Kennels
Sire: Jaybiem Modus Operandi JW
Handler: Miss L Bridges
Groomed by: For All Dogkind
Fed by: Edmondson’s Dog Food
Everybody loves Pancake Day! We can come up with all kinds of crazy topping combinations and they’re loads of fun to make, whether the pancakes end up on a plate or on the ceiling! But did you know that your dog can join in with these sweet treats too?
It’s important to be careful with the ingredients you use for your pooch’s pancakes, especially when it comes to the toppings. Many dogs can suffer from some degree of lactose intolerance, so you should swap out the milk in your normal recipe for water. You could always look for a vegan recipe if you need to be extra cautious.
We’ve found a lot of fancy recipes involving buckwheat flour, oats, polenta and even sweet potato, but for a basic straight forward dog-suitable pancake mix, all you need is:
Mix the ingredients into a batter exactly as you would with your own pancakes, fry for 30 seconds on each side, and serve! You can fry the pancakes in a small amount of vegetable oil if you like, as this can actually improve the shine on your dog’s coat. Feel free to pour the mixture into a squeezy bottle and get creative with your pancake designs too!
The toppings we would use for our own pancakes are typically unsuitable for our canine friends as they can be high in sugars and fats. Peanut butter is one ingredient to be especially careful with; most peanut butters you can buy from supermarkets contain xylitol, a sugar substitute which can be toxic to dogs. It’s best to look out for a peanut butter designed especially for dogs if this is what you want to treat your pet to. Alternatively, you could top their pancakes with fruit such as bananas and berries, vegetables, or meat/fish pastes. You should always avoid chocolate, as this can be very dangerous to dogs even in small amounts.
Don’t forget: pancakes are high in carbohydrates and fat, and should only be fed in moderation or as an occasional treat. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy sharing the experience with your best friend!
Valentine’s Day has just been and gone, so we thought we’d take a look at the special relationship between humans and “man’s best friend”. Canines and humans have been closely linked for thousands of years, as far back as the age of hunter-gatherers, before farming even existed! Dogs were the first species to become domesticated, and have enjoyed a unique bond with us ever since.
It’s easy enough for us to show our pups that we love them; we pet them, reward them, cuddle them and speak to them in unnaturally high voices without caring how silly we sound. But how can we tell if they feel the same way about us? Dogs can’t use words to express their emotions, so they have to rely on body language instead.
EYE CONTACT
This is arguably the most important way of connecting with your dog. Eye contact with your dog causes oxytocin to be released in its brain – this is a hormone which is connected with bonding and forming relationships. The same hormone is released when mothers bond with their babies, so you can interpret a dog’s need for intense eye contact as them wanting to strengthen their bond with you.
JUMPING
Not all ways of showing affection are as appreciated as others. For example, a dog jumping up at you can be annoying and sometimes intimidating, but for the majority of dogs it is simply a way of getting closer to your face. This is often combined with a big wet kiss from them; puppies instinctively lick their mother’s face as a way of communication, so if your dog frequently does this to you, it should be taken as a compliment as it means they see you as their parent.
PHYSICAL CONTACT
You’re sitting on the sofa watching TV, and you feel a sudden weight against your legs or on your feet. You look down to see your dog leaning on you, gazing up into your face. Dogs use physical contact in the same way as humans; to express love and trust. Leaning can also be interpreted as a protective action, or as a desire for reassurance if your dog is feeling anxious. If they are coming to you to make them feel safer, then this is a sure sign of how important they think you are.
Another example of physical contact is the nose-nudge, widely referred to on the Internet as the “boop”. This is mostly seen as a request for attention, but can also be your pooch just letting you know they are there. If your dog nudges you with its nose and then tries to make eye contact or snuggles against you, it’s definitely a show of love rather than a demand for food or walkies.
You’ll often find that your dog will let out a heavy sigh when they cuddle up to you. This might sound like they’re a bit fed up, but it’s actually a sign that they are comfortable, content and relaxed around you.
STEALING YOUR CLOTHES
A favourite game of many dogs is stealing various items of clothing, notably shoes and socks. If they run away with them anytime you go near, then they probably just want to play and get some attention from you. However, if you find the clothes in your dog’s bed or with them while they sleep, it’s likely because they find your scent comforting and want to be around it. What could be more “scented” than shoes and socks?
BRINGING YOU TOYS
Does your dog have a habit of bringing their old, chewed up toys over to you? It might not always be for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Dogs are descended from wolves, and so are used to being part of a pack. Domesticated pet dogs see their owner as the leader of their pack, so will try to present their most prized possession (i.e. favourite battered toy) as something to share with you. This can also unfortunately be the case with dead birds and other animals. It is their instinct to provide for the pack and to please the pack leader, and bringing you “food” is the best way they know how to do this.
SMILING
Dogs really can smile just like humans! We’ve already covered how important the human face is to dogs, so it’s no surprise that they would try to mimic our facial expressions. Some people may find being presented with two pointy rows of dog teeth quite intimidating, but if they look like they’re grinning, they probably are! A wide, open and relaxed mouth combined with soft round eyes is a common display of happiness in canines.
THE TAIL WAG
Last, but not least; the good old tail wag. Easily the most recognisable way of a dog showing their affection to you. There’s nothing like coming home from work to a full body wriggle and wildly spinning tail greeting you at the door! Tail wags can convey various emotions depending on the body language they are combined with. While a stiff or drooping tail can indicate stress or aggression, a loose circling tail complete with rear end wiggles can only mean one thing: pure love for the person in front of them.
Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do, but that doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do for everyone. Bringing a pet into your home will always present new challenges and obstacles, even more so with adoption.
There are many wonderful benefits to adopting a dog, giving an older pet a new lease on life is a beautiful thing to do. By adopting a dog instead of buying one you could end up loving a breed you never expected to, you could also save money and ultimately save a life.
However, finding the right pet for you is not an easy process. In fact, almost 10 percent of adopted dogs are returned to the shelter, this is for a number of reasons but often because those adopting haven’t fully considered their decision, or weren’t able to get to know the dog prior to the adoption (for example, during the pandemic). Animal welfare organisation, PETA, shared that most animal shelter drop-offs made in January are unwanted Christmas gifts.
If you are considering bringing a dog into your family through the route of adoption here are some of the key things we urge you to consider:
Every dog has a unique personality – just like us humans, dogs are unique in their personalities, likes and dislikes. While there are commonalities between different breeds, a factor which can help you to decide the type of dog which best suits your lifestyle, it’s impossible to determine the exact personality of your new pet. This is especially important to take note of when adopting, as many of the dogs will have led a life prior to their time in the animal shelter, and prior to joining your family.
You may not bond immediately – if you can, we strongly suggest you meet the dog prior to signing any papers and bringing them home. Many adoptions made during the pandemic were done so at a time when face-to-face meetings were not allowed, which of course led to a strike in animals being returned to the shelter when they weren’t what the new owners expected them to be.
Bringing a new pet home can be stressful for all of the family, let alone the dog who is having to adapt and understand a new environment with new rules, smells and sounds to navigate. It’s likely that the dog will need time to adjust to the new situation, and so may you too. There will be a new routine to adjust to, and a new personality living in your space – don’t fret if your bond isn’t immediate, the love will come.
Lower your expectations – perhaps you’re expecting that you will bond with your new pet immediately, as stated above, that may not always be the case. You may expect your new pet to be as energetic as you are, and eager to accompany you on long countryside walks, or 5k runs; that may not be the case (especially during the initial transition phase). Unrealistic expectations can be really damaging to the adoption process, try to enter into it with a clear mind, and realistic expectations.
Having a pet is very time consuming – when you picture owning a dog, you may imagine peaceful dog walks, morning and evening feeds and sofa cuddles. It is that, and so much more. Your dog walks won’t always be peaceful, with bad weather to be expected, dog poop to be collected and your dog’s training all to be considered. Feeding time will not always be straightforward, with many pets preferring to empty their bowl of food onto the floor and lap it up from your cream carpet. The cuddles are always a welcome benefit, but many dogs are more affectionate and more clingy than others. You could have a pet who likes to keep themselves to themselves, or one who refuses to leave your side, much like a toddler who insists on watching you pee.
The breed and general health of your pet will determine how long their walks need to be, and in the initial stages of welcoming your new pet into your home you will need to spend a lot of time training them, making them feel comfortable, and expect to have to increase the amount of time you spend cleaning. Adopted dogs may require more training, and time, but we’re not sure there’s a better way to spend your time than earning the love of a dog.
It’s not free – while adopting a pet may be cheaper than buying one, it is by no means free. There will likely be initial adoption fees, as well as vet and food bills that you need to consider. Ensure you understand the expected (and unexpected) costs that come with owning a pet before you even visit a shelter. Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, it may not be free but the love you’ll receive will be priceless.
Did you adopt a dog? What do you wish you’d known before you did? Share your advice in the comments.
As much as we often treat our dogs like they are human members of our family, it’s worth remembering that there’s some crucial differences – especially when it comes to the household items that are toxic to your canine friend.
Most people, whether they’re pet parents or not, are aware that dogs cannot eat some human food (like chocolate) but the danger doesn’t end with foodstuff. It’s worth remembering that dogs interact with most items using their mouths, which puts them at a high risk of experiencing a bad reaction to toxic household items.
If you are a pet parent, planning to become one, or have frequent household visits from a family or friend’s pet, then making yourself aware of the dangers listed below is incredibly important.
Human Foods
Dogs are known to pounce on unattended meals, if you are eating or preparing a meal containing any of the below it is incredibly important to exercise extra precaution.
Many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, with a lot of fruits, veg and meat being acceptable and healthy for your pet. The raw food diet sees many dog owners defrosting raw meats and serving fresh fruits and vegetables to their pet- however this can pose it’s own risks. Edmondson’s Dog Food contains a mixture of meat and vegetables for a perfectly balanced, hypoallergenic diet.
Flowers & Plants
The petals and leaves of many popular household plants and flowers are extremely toxic to dogs – in fact, the list of plants and flowers your dog should avoid is extremely long. Some are only harmful if a big quantity is ingested, but others are fatal. If your dog eats a poisonous plant or flower the symptoms can include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, skin allergies, and seizures.
Be cautious of which flowers you send as gifts to friends and loved ones if they have pets, many flowers and plants are also poisonous to cats. Having a dog does not mean you necessarily have to give up plants and flowers for good, instead try these tips:
Pharmaceuticals
Having a pet in the home requires similar vigilance to having a toddler around, assume anything within reach will end up in their mouth. Both human and veterinary pharmaceuticals can be hazardous to your pet, especially when ingested in large quantities. Ensure these are kept out of sight, preferably in a closed cabinet.
Chemicals
Sounds like a no-brainer, but even the smallest amount can cause issues. Dogs can lick up spillages on floors, or lick their paws after having walked through a dangerous substance which can have devastating consequences. In particular, watch out for the household chemicals below:
Miscellaneous Items
We’ll say it again, treat your dog like you would a toddler. Tidy up and store anything out of reach that they’re likely to put in their mouths (everything). Watch out for:
Summary
If in doubt, assume it’s toxic. Anything that isn’t designed for your dog is likely not good for them. Most of us refer to our dogs as our babies, and they should be treated as such – put dangerous items out of reach and use child locks and toddler gates for their safety.
Concerned your pet has ingested something that they shouldn’t? Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Just like us humans, for every different stage of their life your pet will require different levels of nutrition and care. Growing pups, like growing babies, need more nourishment to help their body cope with their rapid growth.
Each type of dog food is designed with different goals in mind, for the different age stages of your pet. Puppy, adult and senior dog food are targeted at the specific needs of each age range. Just as it is important to know when to make the switch from adult to senior food, it’s detrimental to understand how and why to feed your puppy age-specific food.
They Grow Fast – if you’ve had a puppy before, or have visited a friend’s pup you’ll know just how true this is. It feels like with each blink that you take, your puppy grows. In actual fact, puppies grow about 5-10% per day from 1 week of age to 8 weeks. Their growth rate will slow down from the 8 week mark, but they continue to grow for another 6 to 18 months. This, of course, varies for different breeds and according to their birth size.
The speed at which they are growing and learning means that their bodies need extra nourishment to help keep up with their constant changes. Because of this, puppies need to eat more in the way of protein (including higher concentrations of specific amino acids), fat, and certain minerals.
They Burn More Energy – puppies have a lot more get-up-and-go than older dogs. They will be expending a lot of physical and mental energy all day long. Growing and learning are exhausting, energy-burning activities. Food fuels our brains as well as our growth, we’re sure your parents told you this one when you were a child.
Puppy food tends to be much more calorific than food created for adults. Your puppy will need these extra calories to help them to grow and learn.
They Are At High Risk of Disease – this particularly applies to large breed puppies, they are at higher than average risk for developmental orthopedic diseases (e.g hip and elbow dysplasia). The overly rapid growth of larger breeds may determine which dogs develop these conditions and which do not.
Puppy food created for large breeds are slightly lower in fat, contain a little less calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio which aids these breeds in growing at a healthier rate. Puppies are also at risk for nutritional deficiencies if they eat a diet designed for adults, as it won’t contain all of the good stuff their bodies need.
When to switch puppies to adult dog food?
Your pup will be ready for the switch when they have reached approx. 80% of their expected adult size. This will happen at different times for different breeds – growth rate depends on many factors, including birth size and breed.
Small dogs will reach this point at around 9 or 10 months old, including: Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, and Toy Poodles. Medium sized dogs will be eating puppy food until they are about 12 months old, and large and giant breeds will remain on puppy food the longest, until they are 12-16 months old.
If you are ever uncertain, also consult your veterinarian.
It’s officially autumn and the nights are already getting darker. The fear of our dogs overheating or burning their paws on hot tarmac is now behind us for another year, but that fear is replaced by another concern – the safety of you and your dog when walking at nighttime.
Taking your dog out for some exercise when it’s dark means that both you and your dog are at a higher risk of accidental injury, loss, and encountering nocturnal wildlife. Not only are you both more likely to be of a lower visibility to passers by and vehicles, but the dangers in your surroundings will also be less noticeable.
Please read our tips and advice below to help keep you safe as the nights draw in:
Increase Your Visibility – visibility is what decreases when nighttime creeps in, so it’s important to do everything that you can to reclaim it for you and your dog. Often the colder weather can make the evening walks seem like more of a chore, but don’t just throw on a jacket and rush out to “get it done”, think carefully about what you and your dog are wearing.
We suggest investing in high-visibility clothing, or some reflective tape which can be attached to any clothing item or even your dog’s harness or lead. Additionally, you can purchase high visibility accessories such as reflective leads and harnesses, as well as light up collars and attachments. Using a standard torch or headlamp will also be beneficial if the route you have to walk is not well lit.
Plan Your Route – a necessary adjustment you may have to make now that the seasons are changing, is adapting the route that you take when walking your dog. Choose a route that is well-lit by lamp posts, and that both you and your dog know well. If your dog is familiar with your surroundings and the route they will be in a safer position should you get separated. It is also important to avoid dark alleyways where there could be dangers, such as broken glass.
If you have to walk on roads, always walk against the traffic so that you can see what is coming – and vehicles can see you too. Take extra caution when crossing, always double checking for cyclists who may not be using the correct high visibility equipment.
Buddy Up – it is always safest to travel in pairs, and no we don’t mean just you and your pet. If there’s nobody else in your household available to walk with you, invite a friend or neighbour. This could be a great opportunity for you and your dog to make a new friend.
Always Use A Lead – even if you usually trust your dog to walk off-lead in the daylight hours, that doesn’t mean you should at night time. In the dark they are more likely to get spooked, run off, and are even at a higher risk of being stolen.
Dress For The Weather – as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”, the same applies when walking your dog. It’s important that you both stay visible and warm. For humans we suggest a lightweight, reflective vest that can be worn over the top of your warm winter coat. If your dog will succumb to wearing one, a waterproof coat can be highly effective at keeping them safe and warm.
Stay Alert – you could do everything that we have suggested above, but if you do not stay alert to potential dangers you and your dog will still be at risk. Whether walking in the daytime or at night, ditching the headphones could be one of the best things that you do for your safety. Listening for potential risks is just as important as looking for them, and when your eyesight is obscured by the night it’s sensible to rely on your other senses to keep you safe.
Evening walks can be nerve-wracking and even scary, but with the right precaution and safety equipment you and your dog will be owning the night.
Nobody likes to admit that they are getting old. Least of all, their pets. It’s understandable, in what feels like a short period of time, you have watched your dog go from bouncing, stumbling puppy to a brisk, healthy adult.
Dogs in their autumnal years live just as rich, fulfilling and happy lives as puppies. Part of that is making sure they are healthy. A nutritious diet, the right amount of exercise and plenty of tender loving care will ensure your dog’s lasting health and happiness.
Part of supporting your dog as it ages is knowing when to switch its dog food from adult dog food to senior dog food. Just like older humans, older dogs have different dietary requirements as they age. Since they are less active, they don’t need as many calories as younger dogs, and they may require softer foods as their teeth wear out.
Don’t despair though, switching your senior dog to appropriate food will only lengthen his lifespan, and improve his health, so the two of you get more happy times together.
Spotting the Signs…
The main reason why it is important to keep tabs on how aged your dogs are, is for their own welfare. You can better care for someone when you know what is wrong with them. They say a dog becomes senior around the age of 9, but this varies, not only from breed to breed, but from dog to dog.
Ageing is something that is partly genetic and partly environmental. Dogs that get plenty of exercise and great diets throughout their youth are more likely to age gracefully than those with poorer starts in life.
How to Tell Your Dog is Ageing
Some of the signs of old age are listed below. If you find your dog is displaying these behaviours, it may be time to switch them onto a senior dog food formula.
General Care for Senior Dogs
We wrote a blog already about caring for your senior dog. Give it a read for an in-depth explanation of how you can ensure your dog’s older years are spent as happily and healthily as possible.
Older dogs will require more frequent vet visits. Take him to the vet if any of the symptoms of age are worrying you, because they can also be indicators that something may not be right.
The best quality of life for your senior dog
One of the saddest facts of dog-ownership is their short lifespans. With dogs generally not living past 15, and having an average lifespan of 12, caring for them as they reach their golden years is an unavoidable fact of loving them.
Looking after an elderly dog can be equal parts sad and frustrating. Common issues involve mobility, eyesight, hearing and organ trouble. This can lead to bathroom accidents, unprecedented aggression and weight gain.
However, your faithful old dog needn’t be miserable. You can help them live out their autumn years in the most dignified and comfortable way. One important thing to note is the age at which dogs are medically considered senior is breed-dependent. Small breeds are considered elderly by the age of 10 or 11, mediums at 8-10, and giants at 5-6. Genetics and your dog’s lifestyle can also impact upon the speed at which they age.
How to care for your elderly dog
1. Food
Older dogs do require a different type of care to younger ones. With slower metabolisms, weaker teeth and smaller energy requirements, it is important that you feed them on a different kind of food. Food for senior dogs is lower in calories and fat. Ours has added L-Carnitine, which helps them to maintain a healthy weight and promotes lean muscle development.
If your dog has a medical condition, consult a vet to see if there is anything you should avoid. Our dog food is hypoallergenic and grain-free, making it safe for consumption by dogs with wheat intolerances.
2. Exercise
It is important that you keep your dog moving and exercising. Fresh air will do them a world of good, and being active will keep them at a healthy weight. Be gentle though, as your old dog may have a lower stamina than they used to!
3. Regular check-ups at the vet
Your dog will be more likely to develop health problems in later life. You should therefore be proactive and ensure that you keep on top of your dog’s health. Ideally, you should visit the vet once every six months.
4. Dental health
A lot of dogs’ teeth are neglected by their owners, which can lead to mouth infections, gingivitis, or tooth loss. You should wash your dog’s teeth every day and give them dental treats. You should also get their teeth professionally cleaned, once a year. It’ll be nicer for everyone that way: No smelly dog breath!
5. Grooming
As your dog ages, you may find that its coat becomes lack-lustre and brittle. You should brush and groom your dog every day to avoid the build up of dead skin and hair.
6. Be accommodating
Life is harder for an old dog. If they lack mobility in their hips, it can be tricky to walk on some kinds of flooring. If they are blind or deaf, they may also struggle to navigate the house. Put things in place to make life easier for your dogs, such as carpets on hardwood floors, and easily accessible bedding.
Older dogs also should not climb stairs, so ensure they have all they need on one level and try to avoid them going up and down.
Most importantly: Treasure every moment
It is a disgraceful, yet common, occurrence for people to send their aged dogs to shelters. This is often due to the fact that the owner failed to consider the fact that their pet may require extra attention as they grow older, when they first bought a puppy. Caring for elderly dogs takes a wealth of patience, empathy and altruism, that is not possessed by everyone.
Old dogs sent to shelters are most frequently euthanised, and they will spend their last few days heartbroken, anxious and lonely. An old dog needs their owner to be close by. Spoil your dog, give them all of the treats and affection in the world, give them amazing experiences and make your last memories with the ones that you can cherish forever.
When the time to say goodbye does come, all you can do is make sure that you have allowed your dog to live a good life. To your dog, you are everything: They are entirely dependent on you for their existence. With this in mind, do not let them down.
Before purchasing a puppy, think about the entire lifespan of your dog. Understanding the level of commitment required when raising a dog can be the difference between a happy and rewarding relationship, and abuse and neglect.
Dealing with anxious or reactive dogs
A reactive dog can cause both embarrassment to the owner and also danger to their surroundings. Reactive can mean that your dog may start lunging towards whatever they feel threatened by, they may snap, bite, bark or growl. It is important to ensure that your dog is comfortable, calm and happy in public spaces for their own wellbeing and that their behaviour does not cause anxiety to others.
Reactivity in dogs is often caused by anxiety resulting from trauma. Most reactive dogs will have certain triggers, such as being touched on the head, men’s boots, feeling ‘crowded’ or simply seeing another dog not on the lead. Other forms of reactivity are a sort of hypervigilance and dogs can be set off by too many visual stimuli, through windows for instance, or simply frustration at being on a lead. Some tips to mitigate your dog’s anxious reactivity are below.
Reactivity also comes from a lack of engagement with the handler/owner. If your dog does not find you interesting, that is when they will look at the outside world. When you first buy a puppy, you should be exposing them to a variety of different environments and sounds. This will allow them to become desensitized to that environment, fireworks being a good example.
Keeping focused is key: Always look at what your dog is doing. Keep some loose dog kibble in your pocket for rewards, so you can ensure that good behaviour is encouraged.
If a dog finds their handler to be the best thing in the world, then they will not be bothered about other people, other dogs or random noises when out in public, as they will only be focused on one thing: You, the handler.
Remove the source of the stress
Keep your dog shielded from their triggers. Allow them the opportunity to purge the stress from their system and return to a state of peace.
Be proactive
When walking your dog, always keep your wits about you. Know what is ahead and behind, and act before it is too late. Be engaging with your dog all the way, and do not wait until it has become too late to act.
Understand your dog’s body language signals
Educate yourself on your dog’s modes of physical communication. Observe them while they are relaxed, playing and anxious and become fluent in what they are trying to say.
Soothe your dog and make them feel safe
Be a source of safety and comfort to your dog. Let them feel heard and speak to them and engage with them constantly as you sense them approaching their trigger threshold. Allow friends to give your dog a bit of tasty dog kibble to get them at ease around them.
NEVER chance anything
If you are not certain that your dog will be calm about meeting a new person, then wait until you are sure to introduce them. If you are introducing them to new people, don’t let strangers fuss over or pet the dog, until the dog is perfectly calm and is behaving with restraint. It is important your dog understands that no barking and lunging means that they are a good dog, which means they receive fuss and treats.
Gradually desensitise them to their triggers
Once you have understood what triggers your dog, compile a list of them, with the most severe ones prioritised over the less severe ones. Work through that list, gradually and expose them in a controlled manner to each trigger, soothing and praising, and then positively reinforcing, by offering the dog their favourite treat or dog kibble. Whatever your dog loves the most, combine it with a trigger. Eventually, they will begin to associate the trigger with a positive, and will not be as stressed by it.
Be empathetic towards your dog
Remember your dog is not choosing to act in this way: they are simply responding to stress hormones and sensory overstimulation. Do not punish your dog for being anxious or reactive, but instead learn their signals and keep them under their trigger threshold, and ensure that they do not associate an already traumatic experience with more trauma, such as being shouted at or hit. This will only cause your dog to shut down and become miserable and aggressive.
The dog must look to you always
If you teach your dog that they can trust you and to look at you for reassurance, when confronted by a trigger, you will prevent their immediate knee-jerk reactions from kicking in. You should teach your dog to look at you from an early age. The constant engagement will help prevent reactivity.
We hope this guide is helpful to you. Having a dog that is reactive is challenging, and it is important that owners of these dogs really put in the time and dedication to ensuring they have the best possible quality of life. It can be so rewarding to see dogs growing out of their shells and becoming more open. Always consult a trainer or a vet if you have further concerns.
3 Ways You Can Improve Your Dog’s Dental Health
Smelly breath isn’t – and shouldn’t be – commonplace for your dog. Although it’s unlikely that their breath will ever be a particularly pleasant smell, like any living creature, if it smells actively terrible, then something is wrong.
Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for your dog’s general health and wellbeing. Toothache isn’t something restricted to humans only. Below are some tips on ways you can keep those teeth shiny, sharp and in tip-top shape.
1 Brush Those Teeth!
Just like us, tooth brushing should form a part of a dog’s daily grooming routine. If introduced at puppy age, it will become an easy task. If it’s an older dog you are dealing with, it will take some more coaxing, patience and treats.
Some things to know:
2 Grain-Free is Best
Did you know that grain-free dog food is the most beneficial type of food for dog dental health? Dry dog food that is high in gluten and grains leaves a starchy film on canine teeth, which eats away at tooth enamel, causing longer-term damage.
Grain-free dry dog kibble doesn’t leave that residue on your dog’s teeth, which makes for better dental health, and a happier dog.
3 Dental Toys Go Down a Treat
A problem leading to poor dog dental health is plaque build-up. Treating your dog to dental toys, which are typically made from sturdy rubber, is one way to knock that plaque off. Chewing on hard toys also stimulates saliva production, which helps to protect the gums and teeth.
The Most Important Thing…
Stay on top of your dog’s dental health. Check their teeth and gums regularly for colour, smell and texture. If you notice anything untoward, then don’t chance it: Take them to the vet. A common problem is items, like bone shards, lodged in the back of the mouth. This can cause infections, pain and unholy smells, so do keep an eye on any changes.
Top Five Dog Walking Ideas for the End of Lockdown
It’s been a gruelling year of lockdowns and social isolation. Now, for the third (and hopefully final) time, the UK is entering its hopeful roadmap out of lockdown. As of April 12th, pub gardens were allowed to open, and people can meet in groups of six, as long as they are outdoors.
Although we’ve been allowed out to exercise, the rules have probably meant some pretty same walks. For those who love adventuring and exploring with their dogs, it’s time to start thinking of exciting dog walk ideas again, just as the sun is beginning to come back.
Using an OS map of your local area, find a place you’ve never been before. Does it have a funny place name? A historically significant monument? Are there rumours of ghosts? It doesn’t matter – as long as it captures your intrigue, you should head there with your dog.
The beauty of something like this is you won’t know what to expect. It’s a great way of breaking your old routine and trying something new. You might not love every place you try, but you may find new haunts for you and your dog.
Rivers are mysterious places. They travel from the mountains to the sea. Following the course of a river can be incredibly soothing: Just lose yourself in the sound of flowing water. There are lots of riverside paths in the UK that you can explore with your dog. If you’re feeling brave, you can even go for a dip!
Whether you live in the countryside or a town, there will likely be areas of woodland. In rural areas, you can try following those elusive signs that point to “woodland” and have an explore. Dogs love it in the woods because of all the sticks!
The woodland is also a fantastic place to go and unwind in nature. Listen to the birds, the wind rustling the leaves and watch the bluebells grow over the next couple of weeks.
With the rule of six now in effect, call up some of your friends and meet them for a socially distanced walk! If they have dogs too, it will be great playtime for your dog. As dogs are highly social creatures, regular interactions with other humans and animals are important.
You can even bring along some dog food and make it a doggy lunch date!
As the weather starts to warm up, why not visit the seaside? If you don’t live at the seaside, you can make a day of it! Pack some lunch, and some dog food, and head to the beach. Your dog will have an amazing time bouncing around in the waves, making friends with all the fish.
The sea air is also really healthy, and being in that environment will do wonders for clearing out the cobwebs from your brain.
Wherever you go on your walk, make sure you give your dog a healthy and delicious meal of dog food. Good food means your dog will live longer, happier and healthier.
Also, remember to clean up after yourselves: Don’t leave litter or dog poo bags around the countryside!
In our positions as doggy care-givers, we are responsible for ensuring that their diets are both satisfying and healthy: This means feeding them high-quality food. After all, if you ate the same thing three times a day, every day of your life, you’d want it to be something delicious and healthy too. Dogs will thrive best, live the longest and be the happiest on high-quality food.
Similar to us, dogs have different needs and food sensitivities. Your dog may merely seem fussy but they may also have allergies or intolerances, which can cause skin irritation, stomach problems and vomiting. It can be tricky to pinpoint what exactly has caused the allergic reaction, but by removing the risk of it being food, you are reducing the likelihood of a continuing reaction.
This is where we come in. With over 50% meat in all 18 varieties, each of our hypoallergenic dog food recipes has been specially optimised to deliver nutrition tailored to your dog’s health needs, no matter their age, breed or lifestyle. We cater to puppies, adults, seniors, small-breeds and, some of our recipes cater to dogs following the 80/20 diet. We created these recipes because we are all genuine animal-lovers who want to give dogs the lives and meals they deserve.
What is Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is made without artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Our dog food is free from grain and other common allergens, made instead with sweet potato, vegetables and high levels of meat, meaning it will be high in vitamins and amino acids, making it tasty as well as nutritious! Even the most sensitive of dogs will love our food.
Feeding your dog a high-quality hypoallergenic diet has the potential to eliminate a variety of health issues including: colitis, blocked anal glands, obesity, ear infections, heart problems, indigestion and dermatitis. After switching to a new food, the changes can take between 10 and 12 weeks to take place. Consult a vet if you have further concerns after this period.
When switching to Edmondson’s dog food, make sure you do this gradually over the course of a week to ensure that they can get used to the new diet.
It is no secret that the most enriched and happy dogs are the ones eating the healthiest diets. For most dogs, this means a diet that is high in protein and low in grain-based carbohydrates. A lot of dogs have allergies to grain, and so may appear “fussy” around mealtimes, when the food is actually putting them into a state of gastric distress!
As more scientific research on canine wellbeing has emerged, it has become ever more popular to “raw feed” dogs. This means giving them a diet consisting mainly of raw meat and vegetables, to ensure that they are in peak health. However, raw-feeding is not without its pitfalls: some meat prepared for human consumption may be processed in a way which could irritate a dog; An owner putting together their dog’s meal plan may not know the precise proportions of different food groups to feed it, and therefore end up actually giving it an unbalanced diet; and third, there is a logistic pitfall of storing the raw food in a way that avoids cross-contamination, mess, and hassle. In steps 80/20 dog food!
Our 80/20 dog food is a high meat content based kibble, gently steamed at 90 degrees, consisting of 80% meat, and 20% fruits and vegetables, which has lots of the health benefits of raw diets. Your dog will be getting tonnes of meaty goodness, and none of the unhealthy grain-fillers found in some brands. As well as that, however, our team of experienced nutritionists have ensured that the formulas in our products are perfectly nutritionally balanced. They are also easy to store, and far more cost-effective. The absence of grain in our 80/20 dog kibble ensures that dogs with intolerances and sensitivities will be able to eat it, and love it. Over 95% of “fussy” pooches have loved our food!
Our 80/20 dog food comes in three flavours, including chicken, turkey and fish; duck, pork, turkey and beef; and fish. Each flavour is made with roughly 60% freshly prepared ingredients and they are supplemented by sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, seaweed, apple, among other fruits and vegetables. Grain-free, and hypo-allergenic, you will also be reducing the risk of skin irritation, blockages, colitis and diarrhea. This will ensure that your dog is happy, well-fed and as healthy as possible.
If you are unsure of whether the 80/20 diet is right for your dog, don’t be afraid to consult a vet for advice.
Small-breed dogs are sky-rocketing in popularity in the UK. With a highly urbanised population, who tend to have smaller living spaces, often in rented or temporary properties, we are seeing an increase in smaller, and easier to transport, pups. In 2012, small-breed dogs made up 48% of all dogs in the UK. This increased to 55% by 2017: Where previously the Labrador was Britain’s most popular pet dog, that spot now belongs to the French Bulldog.
What does this mean?
Most obviously, a Chihuahua will be eating significantly less than a Great Dane. Small-breed dogs require a lot less food. However, owning a small dog does not mean you should simply feed it a smaller portion of food of the same food you would give to your big dog! The dietary needs of a smaller dog are more complex than that. In order to understand what they should eat, we must first think about their anatomy.
Smaller dogs mean smaller mouths and stomachs, and higher surface areas. This means that not only will your dog require a smaller kibble size, due to larger pieces being a choking hazard, but due to their larger surface areas, they have higher metabolic rates than large dogs: this means they burn calories a lot faster. Their food should therefore be denser in both calories and nutrients. Due to their small stomachs meaning they can’t eat large portions, it is important that they are fed specially formulated dog food that hits all of their requirements, even with the smaller portions. This way, your pet will feel satisfied and happy after their meals, and minimise their risks of indigestion, choking and malnourishment.
How can we help?
Our Grain-Free Small Breed dog food recipes have been specially formulated with a higher level of protein and fat compared to our standard adult recipes. This will ensure that the calorific needs of your dog are catered to, even with the necessary smaller portion sizes.
Our recipes are freshly prepared, high quality and highly digestible. High digestibility is especially important for small-breeds to ensure ease of digestion in their tiny tummies. And of course, all recipes have a smaller kibble size to keep small mouths happy. In fact, our high meat small breed dog food is perfect for even the fussiest of dogs: Did you know that 95% of dogs, who won’t eat anything else, will love this? It’s definitely hard to blame them, with our three amazing, hypoallergenic flavours.
We may be on lockdown but you can still order 24/7 via our website. (link in bio)
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All of our products contain no wheat, gluten, rice or grains. Contact us for more information on making a switch to Edmondson’s 🐶
