Innehållsförteckning för January 2023 från Your Dog

As we head into the darkest days of winter, it’s a good idea to focus on the positives and raise the spirits. No, it’s not all gloomy mornings and torrential downpours, a wet, filthy dog, and a load of muddy boots and equally muddy dog coats. Trainer and behaviourist Jackie Drakeford explains how winter dog walks can be fun for you and your dog (page 10), and has some ideas on how you can spice them up and make them more of a brain workout for your pet. Of course, keeping your dog looking‘respectable’ is always a challenge at this time of year, and now probably more than ever because of the additional pressures of rising costs. But Andrea McHugh has some great ideas on how you can keep your…

Research from Rover.com has revealed more than a third of owners have appointed‘dogparents’ should anything happen to them, while‘For the Love of Dogs’ host Paul O’Grady has been voted the nation’s favourite ‘dogfather’. In fact, according to the data, 35 per cent of owners have even specified details in their will or had a contract drawn up, so it’s legally binding. As well as being next of kin, the study showed the main roles and responsibilities of a‘dogparent’ include treating the pet like family (76 per cent), caring for them when they are sick (48 per cent), being a positive influence (35 per cent), and never forgetting their birthday (18 per cent). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (60 per cent), Golden Retrievers (56 per cent), and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (53 per…

At this time of year, it can seem like a long winter stretches out in front of you, and it’s all too easy for dog walks to become a chore. However, there are still fun things you can do, and ways to make walks with your dog both enjoyable and rewarding. Obviously, you need to be safe, so take sensible precautions. If any of you have pets who have issues with bright lights, some of these activities may not be for you, but there is still plenty you can do, either by making a shorter walk before and after work more interesting, or doing something extra special on your days off. Here are a few ideas on how to spice up your winter walks. TOP TIP! In rural areas, livestock…

ABOUT VICKY Holistic vet Vicky Payne BVetMed MRCVS is based in East Sussex, and qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2001. She uses a range of complementary therapies alongside conventional medicine and surgery. I recently read an article about how young vets feel about their jobs, and I was surprised that many of them reported feeling unfulfilled by the routine work of health checks, vaccinations, and other GP vet work. Although I have branched out into other areas of practice, I am at heart a GP vet and I gain the most satisfaction from helping pets and owners with quite ordinary problems. I also love supporting owners with ‘oldies’. The annual health check for dogs is always important, but becomes even more important as pets age. It is an…

Twelve months ago, Labrador Connie was too terrified to even walk through the door at the vet’s to start a new life free from fear and pain. Covered in deep bite wounds and trembling from head to toe, the five-year-old dog had just spent 10 days at White Cross Vets in St Helens, Lancashire, recovering from horrific injuries and mistreatment. Brought in by a member of the public who said they had found the diminutive fox red Labrador under a tree in a local park, Connie had clearly been used for baiting. Her gruesome injuries, which included savage bite marks, open wounds, and torn tissue, had shocked staff and reduced them to tears. Vet Cat Morley immediately drew up a treatment plan, funded by contributions from the practice’s emergency trust,…

Add a playful touch to your home this season with a Sophie Allport Christmas stocking, covered in festive dogs on a winter-teal-coloured background. This stocking will look lovely hanging by your fireplace or underneath the Christmas tree. As a special offer to Your Dog readers, when you purchase a stocking for £19.99, you’ll also get two free Christmas-themed dog toys, plus a LickiMat for your dog to enjoy. LickiMats are designed to entertain your dog and reduce stress and anxiety — and they’re perfect for treats like xylitol-free peanut butter and mashed banana! • To order, visit www.yourdog.co.uk/store/petshop More gifts available online!…

Living in a road with a canine-themed name could increase the value of your property by up to £32,000, according to research by energy comparison site SaveOnEnergy. A further study, by leading parcel delivery and courier service Evri, has found there are more than 660 UK street names inspired by our favourite breeds. The most popular is the Great Dane, with 457 of the country’s roads — including Dane Bank, Dane Close, and Dane Common — named after the German breed. In fact, larger dogs are more popular than smaller breeds, while London, Liverpool, and Leeds boast more canine-themed street names than anywhere else, reported Evri, which analysed a database of every street in Britain, along with the Kennel Club’s top 50 breeds. DOG DATA ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ (2009)…

BEST SPECIALIST FOOD WINNER: Burns Sensitive Dry Dog Food Range “Since our humble beginnings we have focused on a natural and holistic approach to pet food. While all our food is hypo-allergenic, Sensitive+ takes a boosted approach to allergies and intolerances. We want to ensure that every dog gets all the nutrients they need. Receiving this award is confirmation that the Sensitive+ range is as delicious and fulfilling as our Original!” Veterinary surgeon and business owner John Burns MBE. • www.burnspet.co.uk HIGHLY COMMENDED: Arden Grange Sensitive Grain-free Ocean White Fish & Potato; www.ardengrange.com Natural Instinct Natural Special Diet; www.naturalinstinct.com BEST DRY COMPLETE FOOD WINNER: Burns Original Adult and Senior “The Burns Original Adult & Senior is, and has consistently remained, our best-selling product and it’s an honour to see it named…

South African wildlife cameraman Danie Ferreira swapped the corporate world and his morning walks in Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park, with his terrier, Jessie, for the Arctic’s inhospitable terrain and Greenland Dogs, in a bid to follow in the footsteps of the great polar explorers. Danie’s stunning new photography book, ‘Out in the Cold’, chronicles his travels through Svalbard — an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole — the Canadian High Arctic, and Greenland, as well as expeditions to Antarctica, while paying homage to the brave sled dogs who helped to get him there and keep him safe. Along with up-close images, the book includes Danie’s reflections on the kinship he shared with these amazing dogs. “Before lying down like doughnuts in the snow, they have a…

“Have a chat with your groomer about how you might be able to cut costs slightly while maintaining your dog’s coat in good condition.” Keeping our dogs clean, sweet smelling, and tidy in winter is always a challenge. But this year we are also dealing with the additional pressure of mounting bills, which is making us wonder how we’ll find the money to pay for everything. As the owner of three white Maltese-crosses, plus a Border Collie, I know only too well how dirty everyone gets after walks — me included! A couple of my dogs also adore rolling in anything disgusting if they get the chance, so what can be done to make life easier? LAYER UP I love exploring nearby woodlands, and often travel by car to get…

If you visit Edinburgh, you’ll find it hard not to notice the huge edifice that stands in Princes Street Gardens. Completed in 1844, it is still the second largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer — in this case Sir Walter Scott. Sixty eight statues featuring characters from his books adorn it, including a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, named after a farmer in the novel ‘Guy Mannering’, a tale of smugglers, which sold out within the first 24 hours of publication. The only breed to be named after a fictional person, and to have its own tartan, the Dandie Dinmont rapidly became the fashionable dog to own thanks to the popularity of the book. Queen Victoria and artist Sir Edwin Landseer both loved the breed, and in later years…

OVER 300DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY ACROSS THE UK! BOLEHILL FARM COTTAGES — BAKEWELL, DERBYSHIRE Situated just two miles from the centre of Bakewell, Bolehill Farm Cottages consist of eight dog-friendly self-catering cottages lovingly converted from traditional farm buildings, and set within the heart of the Peak District National Park. • Membership offer: Your Dog members receive a five per cent discount when booking online or over the phone by speaking to Dan or Fay. PLAS NANTEOS MANSION — ABERYSTWYTH, CARDIGANSHIRE Plas Nanteos is a quintessential Grade 1 Georgian mansion set within 35 acres of grounds just three miles from the coastal town of Aberystwyth in mid Wales. Nanteos offers four dog-friendly bedrooms located in the Bakery Wing, which allow easy access to the outdoors and many walks. • Membership offer:…

Three inspirational disabled dogs have completed a 26-mile marathon to raise nearly £72,000 towards a new canine sanctuary and rehabilitation retreat in Greater Manchester. Affectionately known as‘the handicans’, Lollipop, Bran, and Odin achieved one mile a day for 26 days between them in aid of Dogs4Rescue. Found as a puppy in Ukraine, two-year-old Lollipop had to have both hind legs removed and now gets about on wheels, as does five-year-old Bran, whose back legs were paralysed after he was hit by a vehicle in Spain and left by the side of the road for five days. Two-year-old Odin bounced his way through the challenge, despite suffering involuntary tremors caused by cerebellar hypoplasia — a condition meaning he can’t stand or move normally. “The boys don’t know they are disabled,” explained…

• PAW-LITICAL PUP PABLO VOTED TOP DOG IN WESTMINSTER DOG OF THE YEAR West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pablo, have been crowned winners of the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award in the 2022 Westminster Dog of the Year competition. Nine-month-old Pablo beat 25 paw-litical opponents, pipping MPs Nadia Whittome with Hattie and Peter Gibson’s Clemmie to the title, renamed to commemorate dedicated dog-lover Sir David. Run by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the annual event provides an opportunity for MPs to engage with canine experts while encouraging open dialogue on dog welfare issues. • GLOBAL DOG HEALTH INNOVATORS HONOURED Congratulations to the winners of the prestigious 2022 International Canine Health Awards. Sierra Latshaw received the Undergraduate Student Inspiration Award for her…

• IBIZA: Nobu Hotel in Ibiza Bay has teamed up with local dogs’ home Sa Coma to celebrate becoming the first hotel in the Balearic Islands to offer a personalised treatment for canines in its spa. Costing 45 euros, the treatment is available to dogs belonging to locals and guests and features Charlie & Co Naturals, a luxurious range of 100 per cent natural dog grooming products. Dogs receive a moisturising paw massage, relaxing facial, full body treatment, and delicious doggy latte at the end. The hotel is not only fundraising to improve the facilities at Sa Coma but offers a 20 per cent discount at the spa to anyone who adopts a dog from the rescue. • FINLAND: Two-year-old Labradors Pico, Pai, Terri, Uke, and Reina have become the…

Send us a picture and tell us all about your dog; share your views on what’s happening in the dog world and the ups and downs of dog ownership; what do you think of our features and content and what would you like to see more of? This is the place to be if you want to reach out to other Your Dog readers and the magazine team to share your love of everything dog. Get in touch! All change! I’d love to hear from other readers about their experiences of ageing in their dogs. My much-loved 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Arthur, underwent major surgery at the beginning of last year for a variety of conditions and problems. He’s now physically much better, although recovery took some time, but it’s mainly…

1 GO SHORTER “It’s not a good idea to try to save money by making your dog’s current hair cut last a few weeks longer,” said Anna. “By doing this you may increase the risk of the dog needing a total shave down due to the coat matting badly. A better alternative is to start taking the coat shorter in winter. Shorter coats are much easier to rinse and towel dry. Thankfully, most dogs live inside and although we probably won’t be having the heating on as much this year, they will still dry off much quicker if their coats are shorter.” 2 USE YOUR BRUSH “We can’t stress this enough, but all year round, not just in the winter, it’s really important to brush your dog regularly in between…

CLEAN AND GLEAM! Body care and home fragrance brand The Somerset Toiletry Company has expanded into the pet sector with its luxury Doggy Styling collection. Containing pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera, and vitamin E, the range features four mild, pH-balanced formulations to nourish and maintain a healthy coat. The Olive & Walnut Conditioning Dog Shampoo boasts deodorising and conditioning properties to leave your dog clean and smelling fresh. Baby Powder Conditioning Puppy Shampoo is ideal for cleaning, deodorising, and conditioning the delicate skin of puppies aged over six weeks. The vitamin-enriched Tutti Frutti Rinse Free Deodorising Dog Spray helps to reduce odour and is perfect for keeping your dog’s coat clean, fresh, and healthy in-between washes. Finally, the Aloe Vera Rinse Free Dog Shampoo is just the job for removing dirt…

SPONSORED BY THE EXPERT PANEL TOP TIP! Don’t forget the lead is a good management tool in the house too, for example when guests visit. TRAINING LEADING THE WAY Q How do I go about lead training my puppy? Melissa Fox, West Midlands. TONY SAYS: A lead is a great management tool we all use for our dogs. It prevents them from running into danger, and walking a dog on a lead is a joint activity. But why do we assume a puppy wants a 6ft rope attached to him? We have to teach a puppy slowly that these pieces of equipment are OK, and allow him to get used to them. Start as early as possible by putting a collar and tag on your puppy. Do this at mealtimes…

HOW TO GET YOUR PET ON THESE PAGES! It couldn’t be easier — simply email your high-resolution images to gallery@yourdog.co.uk, including your dog’s name, breed, and address, and your daytime telephone number. Alternatively, you can share your images on social media at www.facebook.com/yourdogmagazine Please note, we don’t accept pics of dogs playing with sticks or wearing extreme clothing.…