Terrier Interaction

If you own a terrier, you’ll realize that his idea of fun is tugging and digging games since these types of activities help make his life worthwhile. His thought process doesn't need the thrill of the chase as much as the thrill of the kill. Regardless of how much you may not like his instinctive need to search, dig out, and eliminate the nearby small mammal population, by putting it under your control as well as offering him or her far more socially acceptable outlets for his hard-wired behaviours, you can stop him going self-employed and getting his kicks for real. More often than not this means making them their own digging pit and hiding toys and treats in it so he or she gets to seek out things. There are various rope dog toys that you can buy, some for throwing and tugging and others for chewing. Taking out interesting tug toys, such as Kong dog toys, on walks and taking part in those stalking, hunting, tugging games that make terriers’ eyes illuminate with joy can make their life so satisfying. Some people will tell you not to play tugging games with dogs such as terriers that are predatory but this is denying your dog their character. It is important nevertheless that you teach your dog a trusted and firm ‘leave’ since by doing this not only are you keeping in control of your tugging games (which helps you bond even more) but you are also showing him or her self-control. Tugging toys are also great for distracting your dog from anything he may otherwise be reactive to (such as other dogs, squirrels, cyclists and joggers) since what you are doing will help keep his concentration and is considerably more interesting to him. An active dog is a happy dog so it is very important to share as much of your time as you can with them by stimulating their minds by playing games and giving them lots of walks.

Garden Wildlife in Winter

As we sit comfortably indoors this winter, it’s well worth sparing a thought for our garden birds. Extreme winters, as recently experienced in the UK, can be quite a real test of survival abilities for many of our more common bird types such as blackbirds, tits, robins and sparrows. On a single frosty winters night, birds may use up an amazing 10% of their total bodyweight just trying to keep warm. Because of this they have to feed properly every day just to replace their reserves for the wintry night ahead. Prolonged frosty periods may result in a high death rate in birds.With some water, wildbird food and protection, gardens can become a haven for birds and other wild animals. Make sure a supply of fresh water is made available every day and, should the temperature be particularly low, use warm water. Throughout the cold winter weather birds require high energy (fatty) foods to maintain their fat reserves in order to survive the frosty nights so a bird table filled with a high nutrient seed mix will be very welcome indeed. In addition a variety of household leftovers such as cooked potato, pastry and bread crumbs, cheese and soft fruit will also be much appreciated as will suspended bird feeders containing sunflower rich blends or nuts without salt.
Bird tables and bird feeders need to be placed where birds are at ease and able to feed undisturbed and well away from fencing and walls where cats could easily catch them unaware as they feed.

'Tis the Season for Diets!

During the festive period many of us tend to indulge in foods which are higher in calories than the norm and more often than not we spoil our dogs just that bit more. Some dogs, just like humans, put on those extra pounds very easily so it is vitally important that, once the festive period has passed, a low calorie diet and fitness regime is put into action. There are numerous low calorie dog foods and lighter treats on the market that your four legged friend will enjoy just as much and who ultimately will benefit enormously.

Arden Grange Light contains the best ingredients and has properties that can help convert fat into energy leading to a lean body mass. These are naturally hypo-allergenic diets and contain no artificial flavourings or preservatives and exclude preservatives, gluten, wheat, beef and soya products.

A new light kibble from James Wellbeloved has been developed to help reduce weight in obese dogs as it contains high levels of fibre and fewer calories together with Glucosamine for healthy joints and Taurine for the heart. The James Wellbeloved Light kibble is available in either Turkey or Lamb (both with rice) and comes in 1.5kg and 12.5kg bags.

All dogs love a treat and a number of natural treats such as Pet Munchies are naturally low in fat and made from real meat and fish classed as ‘human-grade’. Again, there are no additives or preservatives and these dog treats come in six varieties.

As an extra aid to your dogs weight loss why not tries ‘Slimmin Tonic’ from Pooch & Mutt?  It is designed to be used with a healthy diet and fitness regime and is simply added to your dogs food. Slimmin Tonic helps increase your dog’s metabolic rate and therefore helps burn fat, suppresses the appetite and helps build muscle.

All of the above may be found at the online pet shop supermarket of Home Pet Shop.