Gifts Made Personal – present for Zuki

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog pals,

Another day, another gift for little old me 😊

This morning a parcel arrived from Gifts Made Personal ; @gifts_made

Gifts Made Personal sell all sorts of lovely things for human folk including:

  • Travel Accessories – passport covers; luggage tags

  • Kitchen Accessories – plates; mugs; wooden spoons; aprons; chopping boards etc.

  • Stationary – pencil cases; notebooks etc.

  • Home Accessories – cushions; wall art etc.

  • Party Accessories – balloons; cake toppers

  • Other Accessories – lunch boxes; soft toys; baby vests AND LOTS MORE!


All the gifts can be personalized – some with photos and others with names making them really special presents to give to your friends and family.

However, I was more delighted to know that Gifts Made Personal have a section for pets! You can get Personalised dog bowls; pillows; bandanas all with your name on!

We went into the conservatory and Hum helped me open the boxes. The gifts were nicely wrapped in red tissue paper.

Inside one box was a pillow and a lovely pillow cover, with my name printed on it! It is about time I had my own pillow so everyone knows which is my seat!

In the other parcel was a really nice dog bowl again with my name on it and a picture of a dog that looks a lot like me.

I needed another bowl as the last one got broken – it was hand made and Hum stupidly put it in the dishwasher when it should have been hand washed ☹ However, my new bowl from Gifts Made Personal is properly solid and looks like it will withstand anything! Very good quality indeed Hum said. She didn’t think the pillow insert was as good quality as the dog bowl but said that it was fine for the price you pay.

You can get bowls and pillows with different dog breeds on them and if you can’t find your breed there are images that suit all (like my pillow). They may need to increase the breeds on offer as there were no ‘doodle’ dog images and there are a lot of us crossbreeds out there now!

Apart from that, I think Gifts Made Personal provides some lovely gifts for your humans to get us four-legs. And Hum said they are great value too!

SO I tried out my bowl with a drink of water and my pillow is now in pride of place on my favourite chair and I am a very happy little poochon indeed 😊 Thank you Gifts Made Personal.

Get your humans to check: https://www.giftsmadepersonal.co.uk/personalised-gifts/pet-gifts and you can have a great presents like I have had!

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Zuki’s 5th Birthday – Clumber Park & Central Bark

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog friends,

It’s my birthday! I am 5 years of age now – a proper grown up girl!

We celebrated on Sunday as on the first Sunday of every month there is a dog walk at Clumber Park which Hum and GlennDad thought I would enjoy. Human-folk and their doggies meet at the dog friendly Central Bark Café and walk round the lake at Clumber Park. Clumber Park NT

Central Bark is a trial dog friendly café at Clumber Park but they are looking to make it permanent as lots of people come to take their dogs walking in Clumber Park and really love having a café where they can get refreshment and where their dog is welcome.

And boy are we made welcome at Central Bark. Sarah who set it up and was doing the Lake Walk with us, has really thought it through well. There are pictures of Dogs on the walls; Pick and Mix Dog biscuits for the human folk to buy for us; a place near a sink with lots of dog bowls to fill with water for us; lots of stuff to purchase (mostly dog focused of course) and dog friendly frozen yoghurt too!!!

We met the other dogs coming on the walk – Minnie, Poppy and Asterix and Hum invited them to have dog friendly yoghurt and a bit of my tiny birthday cake after the walk.

The walk is really good – a lot of the time we could be off lead and enjoy running around. It is a quite a long walk round the lake at Clumber Park so make sure your humans are fit! Hum was pleased to see there are poo bins along the walk so you can keep the park clean.

Hum told everyone I didn’t like water so I jumped in the lake to show that she was wrong about that one 😉 Then Asterix thought the pond weed was grass and he ended up in the lake too 😉 Minnie decided to roll in something smelly that turned her white coat green and only Poppy was well behaved the whole way but possibly ‘cos she is going to have puppies and was being careful.

We had a great time! Part way round we stopped for a break and the humans had a picnic and we had some treats and a drink. The humans spoke about the lovely views and how great it was to have these walks.

Back at the Central Bark and Emily had put up some balloons for my birthday! Poppy put on a hat; Asterix a bow tie; I wore my special collar and Minnie had a bandana. Once we were all dolled up, GlennDad brought us all some frozen yoghurt and everyone wished me a Happy Birthday.

Sarah even gave me a load pf presents! Thank you, Sarah!!!!

Asterix is only young and his table manners aren’t great yet, but he thoroughly enjoyed the frozen yoghurt, while Minnie and Poppy attacked the little biscuit cake Hum had brought.

SO dog pals, I had a great birthday celebration and I can highly recommend Central Bark. Also do take your humans on the walk – 1st Sunday of the month – meet at 10.00 a.m. or every Wednesday morning again at 10.00 a.m.

Central Bark is now offering proper Dog Birthday Celebrations so you can have your Birthday ‘Pawty’ at Central Bark also – just get in touch with them and they will make all the arrangements! Enjoy!!!!

A well deserved HUGE high 5 paws for Central Bark!

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A dog owner’s guide to the countryside code – by Sean Whiting, Houghton Country

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

Spring has finally sprung and what’s better than a lovely spring walk in the countryside with man’s best friend? Sean Whiting, from equestrian and country specialists Houghton Country, has given us his expert advice on how you can respect the countryside and keep your dog safe this season.

Who doesn’t love a nice walk in the countryside? But, when you’re out with your dog this spring, it’s important that you be considerate of the area, so you can both stay safe and avoid causing any problems for other people. In this article I’ll be highlighting the parts of the all-important countryside code that are especially important for dog walkers.

Respect the area


When walking in the countryside, it’s important to be mindful of the area and the people living there. Always leave things, such as gates, as you find them. Farmers may keep gates closed to stop animals escaping, or they may leave them open to allow their animals to get to food and water. If you do see any animals, try not to interfere with them, even if they look like they might be in trouble. If this is the case, your first port of call should be to alert the farmer. If you can’t find them, you can call the RSPCA and notify them of the issue.

As with anywhere, always clean up after yourself and your dog. If you stop for lunch, take all your rubbish with you and put it in the bin when you find one.

Keep your dog under control


The countryside can provide some pleasant walks for both you and your dog, but it’s important to know where you can walk, and how to control your dog while you’re out. Always try to walk on paths, unless wider common land or open country, known as open access land, is available for you to walk on. These areas include mountains, moors, heaths, and downs that are privately owned or registered with the council as common land. You can use this handy tool to search for open access land in England.

When walking on open access land between 1st March and 31st July, you are required by law to keep your dog on a lead, because this is when birds are usually nesting. On public paths, you can take your dog off its lead as long as you can trust it to behave well and you can still keep close control should anything happen.

Don’t disrupt farm or wild animals and always keep dogs on leads when you’re near any. If an animal is spooked, don’t panic, but calmly leave the field as quickly and quietly as you can. If they start charging, let go of your dog’s lead and leave the area. It’s usually the dog that they see as a threat, and it can easily outrun livestock. But, as a rule of thumb, try to stay as far away from other animals as you can.

If you have to pass any horses with their riders, ask your dog to sit and wait patiently until they have passed by to avoid the horse getting spooked. And always remember to reward your dog with treats for behaving well around animals.

Plan ahead and stay safe


Pack things that you’re going to need on your walk, such as water, food and, poo bags. If you can, pack a portable water bowl for your dog, which can easily be folded up and put into your bag or backpack for when you need it. Or, as an alternative, you can get specially designed water bottles. If you can’t get access to either of these, a lot of pubs and shops leave out water bowls for thirsty dogs.

In Britain, our weather is hugely unpredictable, so you should always pack for a change in conditions. This doesn’t just mean packing coats in case it rains and hats and gloves in case it gets cold — you’ll also want to take reflective gear for both you and your dog to wear if it gets darks or misty, as this will ensure you’re still visible to motorists.

Try to stick to footpaths and make sure you follow signs so you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar area. If possible, try to take maps and guidebooks of the region with you.

A nice countryside walk can be great when accompanied by your dog. By following my advice to keep your dog under control and respect the area, your stroll with your pooch will be hassle-free.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6305″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki’s day out with the family at Dinosaur Escape, Adventure Golf

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi there my dog pals,

On Saturday, I got the family invited to the dog friendly Dinosaur Escape, Adventure Golf in Northolt, only about 8 miles from our Houseboat.

Dinosaur Escape is one of 4 Adventure Golf sites around the Greater London area run by Adventure Experience and all of them allow us four-legs to join the family for a great day out!

So, dog friends – what should you and your family expect? Well, we were met by the lovely Michelle who had invited me and the family to check it out. We doggies need to be kept on our leads at all times but are made most welcome and there are bowls of water waiting for us. Your humans are also advised to bring poo bags just in case of little accidents.

Well, the humans were given putters and different coloured golf balls and Glenn took charge of the score card so off we went.

The Dinosaur Escape golf course contains a full 18 holes of educational adventure perfect for friends, family and pets. But watch out! You’ll also have to contend with near life-size dinosaurs that move and roar, a breathtaking waterfall and lagoon. You’ll have to deal with a bloodthirsty T-Rex or Spinosaurus and navigate through the jungle past the Stegosaurus and Triceratops to complete the course.

The idea is for the human-folk to get their ball into a hole on the course but there are slopes, bumps, Dinosaur bones, water and other obstacles for them to negotiate! Little ‘M’ (Hum’s granddaughter) was REALLY good at this game but poor old Hum really struggled and did rubbish shots 😉

Aurelia and Glenn-Dad got something called a ‘hole-in-one’ which apparently is when they hit the ball into the hole in only one shot! Impressive!!! Tom did well too and little ‘E’ had loads of fun getting her ball to float through the water tunnel on the course.

I was a good girl and said ‘hello’ to the dinosaurs even the big scary one that moved its head and roared a lot. I also sat and watched while the family played the game and didn’t chase the balls or go in the water and certainly did not do wee wees or poo poos on the course! There is plenty of real grass around should you need the toilet at any time however.

Dinosaur Escape also has a party room so you can have your birthday party there with your friends and the party cost includes an hour of Adventure Golf.

For us pooches, there is a jar of dog treats at the end which I was able to partake of as I had been such a good girl.

Dinosaur Escape really was lots of fun for all so grab your humans and go enjoy a great day out!!!!

For more information visit: https://www.adventureexperience.co.uk/

The only thing missing is an indoor dog friendly bit of the cafe so we can have a snack with the family even if it rains.

Zuki xx[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6286″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

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Zuki is the Ring Bearer at our Wedding at Hodsock Priory

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi again my dog pals,

Hum & Glenn got married in February at the dog friendly Hodsock Priory and as I had brought them together in the first place, I had a very special role as the ring bearer! @HodsockPriory

Now dog peeps, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT role as those rings seal the marriage so I had to be extra careful with them!

I spent the night before the wedding with Glenn Glenn at Blyth Travelodge where us four legs are allowed to stay with our humans in the bedroom. @TravelodgeUK

On the morning, I was collected by Katie from Wags & Weddings who was to look after me for the day. @WagsandWeddings

She took me to Hodsock Priory and boy is that a splendid place! I had been before to check it out with Hum and Glenn so knew what to expect but other folks at the wedding were super impressed. It is an Elizabethan building and apparently Henry VIII stayed there so it has history!

It is also famous for snowdrops so Hum & Glenn had themed the wedding on these little flowers which were all over the grounds and the humans again thought that was beautiful.

When we got to Hodsock, Katie took me into the library which is one of the rooms where we doggies are allowed. We chilled out there and Katie put my pretty collar on which had ribbon and silk flowers and a little bag to hold those special rings in 😊 I did look amazing although I say so myself! Very regal and beautiful.

When Hum was ready in her big dress she came to see if I was OK and then set off in a horse and carriage to the entrance of Hodsock. I got to sit in the carriage which was fun although I would really have liked to play chase with the horses.

It was then time for Hum to enter the ceremony room. Hum’s son Jack and his friends played music and I walked Hum down the aisle! I had a lead that said ‘I Do Too’ in diamante as I am sure Glenn really wanted to marry me as well. I was a good girl apart from getting little distracted by all the people! At least I didn’t do a wee wee on the grass aisle though 😉

Hum’s other son Ben took me at the end of the aisle and got the rings out of the little bag ready for the wedding vows. Well, I am pleased to report that all went well, there were no objections and Hum and Glenn are officially married. I actually witnessed them signing the register thing but they didn’t let me put my paw print on it – said it wasn’t legal or somethink.

After the ceremony, we went to have photos taken and I was fine at first but got tired after a while and found that jumping in the lake meant that I didn’t need to pose for any more photos and Katie could take me to Ben’s room for a rest! There is one dog friendly bedroom at Hodsock Priory in the Courtyard and that was where I was to stay with Ben as Glenn & Hum were in the Honeymoon Suite where for some reason no dogs are allowed ☹

After a short rest and clean up, Katie brought me back in and I was allowed to sit with Hum and my now ‘Glenn Dad’ for the speeches. This was because everyone referred to me so much as I was so instrumental in the whole affair!

Hum had also had little mini felt versions of me made to go on all the tables! That is how special I am – a centerpiece no less 😊

When the speeches were over and the humans were having their dindins, I went back to the room with Katie and had a long and well deserved sleep. It had all been a really exciting but exhausting day for a little dog like me but I was well happy to see Hum & Glenn Dad tie the knot and glad they chose Hodsock as it really is super dog friendly!

If any of your human-folk let you take part in their wedding, do please post your photos on our FB page! Have Dog Can Travel

Lots of love,

Zuki xx

Photographs by Red 5 Studios[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6266″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

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Guest Post – Dog Friendly Wedding Venues

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Dog Friendly Wedding Venues

We knew it was on the cards – our owners have decided to get hitched! Amongst much tail wagging and wriggling and pushing and shoving, it dawned on us – would we be able to go along for more than the ride? We love a good wedding as much as the next dog – but not all venues want to deal with the occasional muddy paw print. Our owners undertook some much needed research and have come up with a few spectacular wedding venues that are sure to be a bit hit with humans and dogs alike! Here are three wedding venues that we loved!

Highfield Park – Heckfield, Hampshire @HighfieldParkH

https://www.havedogcantravel.com/site/highfield-park-dog-friendly-wedding-venue-hampshire/

Highfield Park can surpass the expectations of any well behaved dog! Staff are kind and welcoming, and you’ll be escorted over to the Fir Tree Court Bedrooms, which is where dogs and owners sleep when they visit the Hotel. There is a small booking fee for canines – and it’s worth every penny. Dogs can enjoy the gardens and grounds, and will be able to keep an eye on things when you go inside to the Rotherwick Lounge. When your dog is ready to take a mid afternoon nap, you can accompany them or, if you want to do your own thing for a bit, the Hotel provides large, comfortable cages – so they remain safe in your room while owners relax with other humans. The menus are superb and the dogs have the pick of meals too! Highfield Park has a dedicated Wedding team who will ensure that all the nitty gritty details have been attended to, leaving the Bride and Groom and dogs to have a fantastic wedding party in fabulous surroundings.

When considering hiring entertainment for a wedding the team at Highfield Park, like many other experienced pet friendly venues, are able to advise you with some helpful top tips about how your dog can be involved during the ceremony if not the evening reception

Hallmark Hotel, Stratford upon Avon @HallmarkHotels

https://www.havedogcantravel.com/site/hallmark-hotel-the-welcombe-stratford-upon-avon/

Our second recommendation is a Hallmark Hotel – which offers the Pawfect Pet Package for visiting doggies! If you’re lucky enough to have a beloved friend with four legs – they’ll love the Hallmark Hotel in Stratford upon Avon and there are 12 dog friendly rooms available to book in a variety of sizes – everything from a standard room to a grand suite with a four poster bed – how’s that for luxury! The rooms are on the ground floor for ease of access and you can take two dogs per room. Depending on the size of your dog, the hotel will ensure that the space you have will be suitable for you and your pet. Each and every dog is welcomed to the hotel with their own card and gift pack – ready and waiting for them in their owners room. Their welcome pack contains scrumptious doggy edibles and a food bowl and mat to keep things tidy and a good sized bottle of still water. After all, travelling is thirsty work!

There are 157 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens to explore, but dogs with little legs need not be daunted, since there is a handy Dog Walkers Map supplied by the Hotel. You can pick and choose routes to suit your dogs energy levels and there is also a nature reserve next to the Hotel, so you won’t be short of places to explore. When it’s time to have some rest and recouperation, you’ll be pleased to know that animals are welcome in the Hotel bar/lounge area and you can order them a special treat or drink (non-alcoholic of course!) from the delicious menu options.

This gorgeous hotel blends traditional and modern styles – making it perfect for a Wedding. The sweeping views, terraced walkways, romantic staircases overlooking beautiful gardens are picture perfect and the in-house Wedding Team will be delighted to help you achieve a wedding that everyone loves, including the dogs!

Bovey Castle – Dartmoor, Devon

https://www.boveycastle.com

Set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, this five-starred hotel is stunning, with incredible views, superb eateries and stylish rooms. It’s the perfect setting for a Wedding – with a variety of rooms suitable for ceremonies and celebratory meals. There is a magnificent raised terrace, with sweeping views across the gardens and grounds, right over to the moors. When it comes to bedrooms, there are plenty of options- from cosy singles to luxury lodge houses suitable for groups. Whether your wedding is an intimate affair or an extravagant party – Bovey Castle can rise to the occasion! The ceremony rooms have a timeless elegance, and a summer wedding allows for receptions on the raised terrace – perfect for a night of dancing!

For an additional £25.00 per night per dog, your canine chum can be accommodated in the lap of luxury. Visiting hounds are provided with scrumptious meals, tasty treats, dog coats to help combat the Dartmoor mists and super comfortable dog beds. Dogs can visit many of the public rooms with their owners – but are respectfully requested to give the lounge containing an aged Parrot a wide berth. Dogs can keep their eye on their owners at one of the excellent dining options and when it’s time to repair to the well stocked bar – your pooch can take a well earned rest in your own room. Everyone benefits from a spot of exercise and that’s easy to achieve at Bovey Castle. You’ll be provided with a map, which contains all the information responsible dog owners needs to know – so everyone gets to enjoy the gorgeous grounds, whether they have dogs or not!

While your dog has a rest, you can enjoy the luxury spa, the beautiful indoor pool, the tucked away Cider Barn where you can sample local alcoholic treats, or afternoon tea in the grand drawing room. You are your dog will be be treated like royalty – and there is nowhere quite like in the South West.

Nick[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6262″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Guest Post – How to Travel with Your Dog by Train

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my dog pals,

As I am sure you are aware, I am a very well traveled little dog and have had several lovely train journeys. However, if your humans are new to taking you on this form of transport, George Moss, a professional freelance writer has sent me this article to share with you!

Taking your dog on the train can be a bit of an ordeal as you need to think about the wellbeing of your little companion as well as other passengers. Still, whether you need to undertake a crucial train trip with your dog in tow or you’re trying to save the planet on your daily commute, there’re a few tips you can utilise to make the whole process that little bit easier for everyone.

But what are these tips? Is traveling with your dog on a train as easy as it sounds, or is this event doomed to be disastrous forever? Well, there’s only one way to find out!

Therefore, here’s how to travel with your dog by train.

The Right Train

Some trains welcome dogs, others have outright banned them. Without getting into which rules are justified and which others aren’t, it’s down to you to accept the situation and go from there. Consequently, you need to do your research and find out which trains will accommodate you and your best buddy!

For example, ThamesLink will take you both to where you need to go, accepting dogs and eliminating a lot of the fuss that comes with travelling with one – being allowed onto a train in the first place. Ensure there’s no shocking surprises or refusal of service on the day of travel by getting on the right train, and things will, obviously, go a lot smoother for you!

Hygiene and Behaviour

Make sure that your dog is clean and its paws, too. It’s advised to go for a little walk before the train but make sure they’re all clean and ready for travel before you hop aboard the train.

If your dog is also prone to getting up to mischief, perhaps bring along their favourite chew toy. This will keep them busy, quiet and occupied, and make them less likely to chew the seats and tables if your pup is committed to wreaking havoc at times or tends to get bored on train journeys. Don’t forget a little treat if they behave well!

Clear the Aisles

You probably know that trains have very tight walkaways. There’s generally room for a single file line as people form an orderly queue to get to their seats. When rush-hour is striking, frankly, it can be stressful for you and your little companion to fit in small spaces. Consequently, you should do your best to keep you and your dog clear of that walkway that runs through the centre of the carriages. If your dog is small, taking it on your lap will help it feeling calm and reassured and if it’s bigger, make a little space for it in between your feet for a few strokes and to avoid taking too much space.

Consider avoiding rush-hour trips all together to avoid passengers accidentally walking on little paws and so on, plus you could get super off peak tickets and have a more relaxed journey. If the time you travel isn’t something you can control, perhaps consider standing with your dog in a more open area near, for example, the toilet areas or the compartment areas between carriages. This will give you and your dog some room, while also allowing people to pass you by easily (and perhaps stop for a pat or two). Be aware of the space you’re both taking up, adjust and make room accordingly to accommodate to the wellbeing of your four-legged friend and other passengers.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6242″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Guest Post – Training Yourself 101: Tips For How To Become A Great Dog Parent

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

The lovely Emma Cook sent Hum & me this article which should help your humans if they are new dog parents 🙂

If you’re a new dog parent, get ready for one of the most fun, rewarding responsibilities of your life. Having a dog, to some, can simply seem like unnecessary work. However, many pet parents realize that having a furry friend to spend your days with is priceless and worth any and all of the work that goes into it. If you’ve never owned a dog before, recognize that you’re going to want to train yourself alongside training your pup—here are a few tips to get started.

Learn about dog psychology


First and foremost, it’s important to realize that your dog is not human. They do not think like humans and they do not learn like humans. Puppies do not have the same needs as babies so don’t treat them like a human baby. Learning how dog’s operate at a psychological level will help you understand why your pup acts certain ways and will help you read their behavior. There are many aspects of dog psychology, and understanding how they operate at a deeper level will be critical to communicating your wants and training them effectively.

Prepare your home


If you don’t dog proof your home, chances are you’re going to regret it. Don’t wait for something to go wrong to prepare your home for a puppy. If you leave your shoes in the living room, expect them to get chewed. Dogs need boundaries and limitations—consider investing in a few baby gates to block off certain areas, such as rooms with breakables.

Stay patient with them


Training a dog to do what you ask of them takes time. The worst thing you can do is get angry with your dog during the learning process. It’s important to remain calm and present yourself as the “pack leader” in your dog’s eyes. A calm, authoritative presence is the best way to instill good behavior in your pup.

Expose your pup to new things


Allowing your dog to see new places, people, dogs, sights, and sounds will ensure that they’re comfortable with new people and experiences. Many dogs grow up with anxiety simply because they went so long without experiencing new things. If your dog never sees other dogs, there’s a higher chance of aggression or anxiety.

Make sure their needs are met


At the very least, you need to make sure they’re getting the right amount of food, water, exercise, and stimulation. If you work everyday, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter a few days a week. If you work in an office job, consider asking your boss if you can bring them to work a few days a week. Whatever you choose to do, try to make sure they’re getting a balance of activity throughout the week. Additionally, make sure they’re seeing a vet regularly and have all of the necessary vaccinations.

Reduce health risks


Make sure that you take time to confront anything that might be a health risk in your home. For those who leave their pup at home during the day, make sure that your HVAC system works properly and that you have clean air filters. A dirty, clogged air filter can overheat and/or damage your HVAC system and lead to expensive electric bills. Keep in mind that once you get a dog, you’ll actually need to replace your air filters more frequently, especially if your pup has a furry coat. Replacing your air filter is also majorly important for those pet owners with allergies or asthma, as dirty air filters damage the air quality of your home and fill it with dangerous pollutants.

Have a plan for travel


If you’re planning any trips, make sure you have a plan for your dog. Whether it means traveling with them, hiring a babysitter, or bringing them to a boarder, you want to make sure that you’re considering your new puppy in your plans. If you’re traveling with your pup, make sure you’re remembering to give them food, water, and bathroom stops.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6235″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

5 UK Beaches That Are Pawfect For Spring Walkies

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

Away Resorts sent me this post to share with you and your Humans.

Everyone loves a trip to the beach in the summer, except dog owners. Visiting beaches with dogs during peak season can be problematic for everyone – other visitors, owners and their canine companions.

The best beaches are often over crowded, which can leave some dogs feeling nervous. Or, pooches who are people lovers may find themselves in the faces of those who don’t appreciate it.

Another issue of the summer season is the temperature. Every year social media feeds are bombarded with pet lovers warning of the dangers the heat poses for dogs, and a wide-open space with little cover like a beach could result in an expensive trip to the vets.

But dogs shouldn’t be denied the miles of sand to run across or the cool water to leap through. This is why many dog owners opt to take their four legged friend to the beaches off peak during the spring time. The UK often boasts warm weather in the spring which although pleasant, is not sweltering hot.

Unsure where to go? Here is a list of five UK beaches that are idyllic for dogs this spring.

  1. Fraisthorpe Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire


There are no dog restrictions at what has been dubbed one of God’s County’s most treasured beaches, Fraisthorpe.

It forms part of Bridlington Bay and stretches for miles southward, all the way to Humber Estuary. The beach is flat and sandy, perfect for dogs that love to run but also kind on geriatric hounds who may struggle with hilly landscapes and hard surfaces.

In the summer you are likely to come across horse riders, kite surfers and fisherman, but in the spring the beach is much quieter. This gives your dog plenty of room and freedom to play off the lead

If you head about three miles from the North side to the main section of beach you will find a range of seaside classics such a fresh mini doughnuts and fish and chips shops.

Close to the beach owners will come across The Cow Shed. A dog-friendly café that serves fresh locally sourced food -they will even offer refreshments for dogs too. It’s a great place to take in the views and to stop and recharge before continuing your walk.

The largest and nearest town is Bridlington, about four miles to the north of the beach. But there is also pay and display parking available at Auburn Farm, close to the beach.

  1. Ballycastle Beach, Antrim, Northern Ireland


Ballycastle beach is a fairly small beach, measuring at a very manageable 1.2km in length. It is still a popular one, however, as it’s situated on the Causeway Coast route of Antrim. The beach runs from the pier at Ballycastle Marina to popular fishing spot, Pans Rock.

Dogs are allowed to roam freely during the springtime, invited to explore the mixed terrain of sand and shingle, which should keep their paws busy.

Ballycastle Marina boasts being one of only two blue flag marinas in Northern Ireland. This international award is given as a quality mark for cleanliness, safety and meeting high environmental standards. This means owners are taking their pooches to a safe and clean environment, without worry of harmful water or piles of litter.

You can also use Ballycastle beach as a starting point to walk to the mysterious Giant’s Causeway. This geological wonder is made up of 40,000 basalt columns created by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. Dogs are welcome on the rocky terrain but must be kept on their leads, for the safety of everyone.

Ballycastle town centre is only five minutes away. A promenade is also located at the western side where dogs are also welcome.

3. Carradale Beach, Strathclyde, Scotland

Carradale Bay on the Kintyre Peninsula offers dogs a wide sweeping sandy beach that stretches towards Carradale Point, making it the perfect environment for walkies. It’s a gently sloping beach that is well sheltered from any bitter westerly winds.

The beach is approximately one mile long and has been labelled one of the best beaches in Kintyre, offering shallow waters for swimming and white sand. But despite this high-status it’s rarely crowded, particularly out of season. This makes it the perfect location for dogs, and owners that like to avoid hustle and bustle associated with popular seaside towns.

Carradale beach, which is located near Cambeltown, is set against a picturesque backdrop of mountains and flower meadows, taking you a world away from more urban coastlines.

Owners will need to be wary how far they walk though, if they end up walking all the way to Carradale Point, dogs will need to be places on their leads to make sure they avoid the wild goats that wander the nature reserve.

As well as the wild goats, some owners may also get a kick out of spotting some marine wildlife, from minke whales to the rare basking sharks, both of which have been spotted on this coast.

Half a mile from the beach visitors can find the village and fishing harbour of Carradale, offering facilities such as parking, as well as dog-friendly places to eat and stay.

  1. Ogmore-by-Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales


Although this beach is famous for the Annual Sausage Dog Walk, all breeds of dogs are welcome on Ogmore-by-Sea Beach in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Just east of the main beach there are small coves, allowing adventurous pups to sniff around on varying terrain in a more secluded setting. You will also come across large caves, giving the braver pooches the opportunity to investigate – perfect for inquisitive pups.

If your dog is a furry ball of energy and isn’t easily tired by walks, try walking to the beach from the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes. This route will allow you to pass by the Ogmore Castle and then follow the Glamorgan Coastal Path to Ogmore-by-Sea, visiting the Hardy and Southerndown bays.

At low tide you can splash through the River Ogmore, which runs into the sea over the beach, but dog owners are advised to be cautious of the current, which can be quite strong in some areas.

There is plenty of parking thanks to a large car park which can be accessed via the B4524. The beach offers access to toilets, for the humans of course.

This beach boasts being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK so make sure you take plenty of bags to pick up after your dogs.

  1. Yaverland Beach, Isle of Wight


Yaverland is a village on the Isle of Wight, just north of Sandown on Sandown Bay. Widely considered one of the best beaches on the Isle of Wight, it is dog friendly all year round – ideal for canine chums.

A wide, expansive sandy beach, this is perfect for dogs that love to run and play in the surf, there are also lots of rockpools and cliff faces on either side to intrigue your furry family members.

Not that the beach doesn’t have plenty to offer for its human visitors too, it’s part of the ‘dino coast line’ and as such Holotype fossils have been discovered here of Yaverlandia, a specific genus of dinosaur.

If an active day of water sports if more your thing, Yaverland beach has excellent swing waters, not to mention catamaran, dingy sailing, kite surfing and surfing – the sea is sectioned so there are safe bathing areas for everyone.

The beach has facilities such as a café and green energy public restrooms, however it is blissfully free of the usual seaside chaos and shops.

If however, you need somewhere to call home whilst you are visiting, Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight holiday park, is dog friendly, including all levels of accommodation. The park is only a mere seven minute drive from Yaverland Beach or for the energetic few, less than an hour’s walk.

For more info please follow this link:

https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/whitecliff-bay/

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Dog Friendly Hovercraft Offer!!! Wow!!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

Half price hovercraft travel for dog owners (dogs always go free)

To demonstrate their dog-friendly approach, Hovertravel is dedicating a weekend in March to encouraging dog owners to try the fastest ferry across the Solent. All dogs always travel free on Hovertravel and for Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March, adult dog owners can also benefit from half price Day Return tickets.

Hovertravel connects Southsea in Portsmouth with Ryde on the Isle of Wight in just ten minutes and dogs stay with their owners throughout the journey. Our current fleet are much quieter than our previous craft, so there is less noise to disturb dogs or their owners and water bowls are available in both our terminals.

Loretta Lale, Head of Commercial at Hovertravel, adds: “We welcome all well-behaved dogs on our hovercraft and we are using this weekend offer to show just how easy and simple Hovertravel is for dogs and their owners. The Isle of Wight has superb walking opportunities, from a straightforward stroll along the sand at Appley Beach to a strenuous scramble up Culver Down where the dog-friendly Culver Haven Inn even offers a free dog biscuit for all customers.”

Customers can only book this offer in Hovertravel’s terminals at Southsea and Ryde on the day of travel with a dog present. For more details on this offer and information on dog friendly hotels and beaches please visit https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/Dog-Friendly-Island/index.php

 

The small print:

  • Offer is only valid to book in terminals with a dog present on the day of travel.

  • Valid for travel on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th March 2019 only.

  • 50% discount applies to standard adult ticket fares only.

  • One dog is only permitted to bring one chosen adult to redeem 50% discount.

  • Discount not available to be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or special offer.

  • Subject to Hovertravel Terms & Conditions. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

  • Offer is non-refundable and non-transferable and is subject to availability.


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