Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från Your Dog

When it comes to the nation’s favourite dog breed, Labradors still top the table, according to the UK’s biggest survey of dog owners, Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey. Earlier this year, Dogs Trust asked dog lovers across the UK to tell them about their pets, and over 244,000 people responded, revealing information about almost 350,000 dogs. The results showed that Labradors remain the number one choice for UK dog lovers, closely followed by Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos. Other breeds making the top 10 include Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The National Dog Survey revealed the dog names loved by the nation as well as the most popular breed. Taking the top spot for female dogs was Poppy, followed by Bella and Luna, with Alfie, Charlie and Milo…

A former resident of Dogs Trust Manchester has walked 1,000 miles and raised thousands of pounds for Dogs Trust. After being found wandering the streets alone in April 2022, two-year-old Collie Cross, Toby, was taken in by Dogs Trust Manchester in Denton. He was soon to be adopted by dog-lover Kate Badger, who felt he could be her ideal walking buddy, and having been proved right, they decided to set off on a 1,000-mile adventure to raise as much money as possible for dogs still waiting for their special someone to come along and welcome them into their family. Ten months later, Kate and Toby have completed the challenge, clocking up their 1,000th mile where their story began — at Dog Trust Manchester — and raising £2,185. Kate, a piano…

As part of my quest to discover and do more with my dogs, beyond just the local walks, I decided to book what I thought would be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Land of Lights, held at Gulliver’s in Milton Keynes, was on my radar last year, but didn’t get round to booking it. When I learned they were hosting a dog-friendly evening, I jumped at the chance. It promised a perfect night walk and a new, exciting experience for our dog. Land of Lights is exactly as it sounds. It offers a long walk around the park, adorned with an excellent display of fairy tales, dinosaurs, creatures, and colours, all brilliantly illuminated. On this icy cold winter’s evening, fortunately free from rain, it seemed set to be a…

When former primary school teacher Libby Bowles adopted Pip the Podenco Andaluz, she soon realised he would make the perfect companion for children to read to. She had witnessed the power of therapy dogs in her own school and was keen to get involved first hand. “It’s had really profound effects on reading abilities and the children love being with Pip. It brings so much happiness, positivity and joy,” said Libby. After speaking to Pets as Therapy (PAT) at DogFest she signed up to the charity and had Pip assessed. PAT also took care of DBS checks and insurance. “You have to wait until you’ve had the dog for six months and then you can get assessed. You are sent a list of what you need to be able to…

TOTO Toto, the small, but spirited Cairn Terrier from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, is more than just Dorothy’s loyal companion — he’s a symbol of unwavering loyalty and courage. Despite his size, Toto fearlessly faces challenges alongside Dorothy, proving that bravery comes in all packages. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a catalyst for the adventure, setting the journey in motion by causing trouble with Miss Gulch. Toto’s presence adds heart and humour to the iconic tale, reinforcing the idea that true friends, regardless of their size or species, play an integral role in our most magical adventures. HACHIKO Hachiko, the epitome of loyalty, was an Akita dog in 1920s Japan, known for his unwavering devotion to his owner. Even after Professor Hidesaburo Ueno’s death, Hachiko continued to wait for…

Your Dog: Tell us what a typical day for a charity/rescue worker and the dogs looks like… Kevin: My day usually starts with preparing a few social media posts to engage our followers. This will always be a mixture of showing day to day life at the rehoming centre, but also showcasing the dogs who are looking for their forever homes. I would join some of the canine carers on the sessions with the dogs so I can capture great content showing the dogs at their best. This really helps the potential adopters to get a better idea of the dog’s personality and can ultimately speed up the time taken for the dogs to find their forever homes. There are always a few website profiles to write up for new…

ELEVATE YOUR DOG’S COMFORT WITH SCRUFFS BLANKETS Indulge your beloved pets in the lap of luxury with Scruffs blankets, where every thread weaves a tale of comfort and style. Meticulously crafted from sumptuously soft materials, Scruffs blankets provide a haven of warmth for your furry companions, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Whether snuggled up on a chilly evening or lounging in the sun, our blankets redefine pet cosiness. Embrace the epitome of design and functionality with Scruffs – where every blanket is a testament to our commitment to enhancing your pet’s comfort and your home’s aesthetic. Elevate their relaxation, elevate your space with Scruffs blankets. ● Available to buy at www.petslovescruffs.com/collections/blankets-throws BARBOUR QUILTED DOG BED This stylish slumber bed is crafted with a robust waxed cotton outer and a…

Research by Cliverton, specialist insurance supplier for animal related trades, found that almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of owners surveyed said the emotional upset at the loss was greater than that experienced when a family member dies. And so deep is the trauma that 47 per cent said it would deter them from buying a dog in the future. “Unlike humans, dogs never let you down,” said Lynne Fisher, Associate Director at Cliverton. “Through good times and bad times, they are there by your side. “The bond between dogs and owners is extremely strong – ‘companionship’ was cited as the main reason for getting a dog – so the depth of feeling experienced when they die is totally understandable.” The survey also found that 79 per cent of owners said…

* Check before travel. NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY FEBRUARY 20, 2024. National Love Your Pet Day is held on February 20 each year and is a day to show your pets how much they mean to you, and to really reflect on the impact they have on our lives. As always, the best way to show our dogs how much they mean to us is giving them our quality time – a game of fetch, a nice long walk… they’ll love having your undivided attention! PUG MEETUP AND YOGA CLASS FEBRUARY 7, 2024. Ever heard of DOGA (dog yoga?), well, it’s a practise of yoga as exercise, but with the addition of pet dogs… and this class is for Pugs and their owners! This class will be hosted by…

Think dog! Think like a dog rather than like a human. We can put ourselves into their place, but they can’t do the same with us – they can only think like dogs. It’s fun for us to explore how our dogs’ minds might be working if we present them with certain situations, and it makes our shared experiences much more upbeat. Promoting the attitude in the dog of “that was nice – shall we do that again?” creates such a good bond between us, as well as a willing partner for trying anything new. Creature comforts Physical comfort creates a happy, co-operative dog. If we’d like our furry companions to stay off the furniture or only go on it when invited, then supplying the deepest, softest dog bed provides…

Dogs exhibit a wide range of eye colours, including brown, blue, amber, and even heterochromia (two different coloured eyes) — wow! Dogs have a reflective layer behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum, enhancing their low-light vision. This adaptation allows them to see better in dim light conditions, making them effective hunters and night-time navigators. Dogs use eye contact to communicate with humans and other dogs. A soft, sustained gaze often signifies affection and trust, while averted eyes can indicate submission or anxiety. Dogs have a third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane or ‘haw’, which helps protect and moisten their eyes. Contrary to popular belief, dogs have limited colour vision, seeing the world in shades of blue and yellow. The myth that dogs see only in black and white…

How to draw a dog…

The Grey Wolf, scientifically known as Canis lupus, is a majestic and highly adaptable creature that roams diverse landscapes across the Northern Hemisphere. Renowned for its intelligence, social structure, and formidable hunting prowess, the grey wolf holds a significant place in both ecological systems and human folklore. Physical characteristics: The grey wolf is an impressive specimen. Its fur is typically a mix of grey shades, though it can range from nearly white to black. Well-muscled and streamlined, it possesses a robust build tailored for endurance and agility. The keen senses of the grey wolf are a marvel; acute hearing, sharp eyesight, and a powerful sense of smell make it a formidable predator. Habitat: Grey wolves have a rich history and are believed to have originated in Eurasia, with their ancestral…

Another vet’s diary that starts, “When I first qualified, things were different…” makes me sound like I must be about to hit retirement age, but that date is still a long way in the future. It’s just that the pace of change in veterinary medicine and surgery in the past 20 or so years has been extremely rapid. When I first qualified, there were only a small number of veterinary hospitals, and when pets needed complicated procedures, we often had to refer them to the nearest vet school, which could be several hours’ drive away. Today, we are lucky enough to have many great referral centres, as well as vet schools and a huge number of vets holding advanced qualifications working in general practice, too. WHAT IS A REFERRAL VET?…

The fantastic circular route of Mam Tor is a great choice for you and your dog if you’re visiting the Peak District. There’s much to explore in the area – such as the lovely villages of Hope and Castleton, with its show caverns, Lose Hill, Back Tor, Hollins Cross and the peak of Mam Tor. When you look up towards the peaks from the villages down below, it’ll feel as though you’re going to have quite a climb ahead of you, but it’s only 476 metres up to the summit of Lose Hill. Lose Hill offers stunning panoramic views encompassing Mam Tor, the Hope Valley, and the Edale valleys. Despite its closeness to Mam Tor, Lose Hill tends to attract fewer visitors, promising a tranquil escape and a chance to…

Blickling Estate Norfolk Enjoy a beautiful day out for all the family at Blickling Estate, Norfolk. Blickling’s parkland is the perfect place to take your dog for a long walk. They’ve recently created a new pawprint rating system, which should make it easier for you to establish just how dog-friendly it is. With a ‘three pawprints’ rating, you’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. There’ll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences. Whilst dogs aren’t allowed inside the house or gardens, there is four-miles worth of beautiful walks within the stunning grounds. They are welcome in the parkland, woodland and across the wider estate, and dogs on short leads are welcome in the farmyard, bookshop, front…

THE HIDEAWAY, NORTHUMBERLAND The Hideaway is a stunning two-bedroom ground-floor apartment located in the heart of the medieval village of Warkworth in Morpeth, Northumberland. Recently renovated by Coastal Cottages Northumbria, this is a perfect little bolthole that has been beautifully decorated and has all mod cons, plus the rare addition of a fabulous private garden area. Dogs are welcome at the Hideaway, although due to the lease on the property, a maximum of two dogs are allowed. The Hideaway provides a perfect base for an early get-away and has the magnificent Warkworth Castle on its doorstep, which is surrounded by clouds of beautiful daffodils during the spring. Dogs on lead are welcome at Warkworth Castle, and it is well worth a visit to take in the sight of thousands of…

Research shows petting a dog can reduce stress hormones in humans, so it is little surprise that 2023 saw online searches for emotional support animals rocket by 58% and the phrase #therapypet tagged on TikTok more than 5.6 million times. Charities have also seen growing demand for therapy dogs, with organisations like Pets As Therapy having a waiting list of 4,300 establishments. Therapy dogs are generally used for visiting schools, prisons, hospitals and care homes to give comfort to vulnerable children and adults. “It’s so moving watching a child react when you have a dog with you. Particularly when the child is in so much pain and struggling,” said Josephine Segal, co-founder of Spread A Smile, which works with hospitalised children nationwide. “It takes away any distraction from all of…

Ingredients: ● 1 cup plain Greek yogurt● 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)● 1 tablespoon honey (optional) Instructions ● Combine the ingredients ent in a bowl, mixing them well. ● Spoon the mixture into a mold tray – any shape or size you prefer! ● Place them in the freezer until they are solid. ● Give your dog one of the yummy treats to enjoy! Teach your dog to turn or spin! Teaching your dog to turn or spin around can be a fun, and, engaging trick that strengthens your bond. Follow these simple steps: Step 1: Begin the training in a quiet and distraction-free environment. This will help your dog focus on the task at hand. Step 2: Grab some small, tasty treats your dog loves. These will be used…

We speak to Lorna Cowan about Pets As Therapy dog Lacee, and how she has helped a young boy overcome his fear of dogs. Q Tell us a little bit about Lake… Lake is a caring and loving 10-year-old boy, with two sisters and a brother. He’s in Year 6 at Ludham Primary School in Norfolk and plays football for Ormesby Youth FC U12s. Q When did Lake first meet Lacee, the Pets As Therapy dog? And what difference has she made to Lake’s life? Lake met Lacee in 2022 at an October half-term community event. At first he was too scared to even enter the room, due to a phobia he has developed following a vicious attack by a dog. With some encouragement he met Wendy, a PAT volunteer, and her…