Friday 26 December 2014

Merry Christmas



A late late-whoops!

Slobbers 

Sunday 14 December 2014

A cold day up the Fells




Brrr!

Slobbers 

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Sultry Sana


He makes for some good photos!

Slobbers 

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Dog Health

Did you know that it is only 5 weeks until Christmas this year. Comes up quick doesn't it? This is the time of year that our humans eat, drink and be merry. They also seem get a big rounder round the edges too!
Being healthy and in shape is really important for humans,  but it is also incredibly important for us doggies too- a healthy dog will live a longer, better life than an unhealthy one.

Physical
Lets face it, us dogs love getting out into the great outdoors. Be it walking, running, swimming, jogging, chasing a ball, chasing squirrels etc; dogs just love to be out doing something and physical simulation contributes greatly to our over all health. BUT it is not the end all or be all of dog health, we need other things too.
Mental 
Dogs need their a good work our for their minds as well as their bodies. You can do this in the shape of interactive toys, such as kongs and food puzzles. But training sessions are the main way to tire our big old brains out.
You can work on basic obedience or  learn new tricks in a few short (no more than 15 minutes a session) each day, bur remember to keep it enjoyable for both parties!

Parasites, Internal and External
Worms, fleas and ticks, YUCK! Make sure your humans keep your treatments up to date, the last thing we want are any of these disgusting little creatures.
First Aid 
Because life always has it's little emergencies it is good to be prepared with your very own dog first aid kit for those minor scrapes.
Joint health & Supplements 
Regular readers are probably well aware of Dante's constant joint pain and without his glucosamine supplements he would have a very poor quality of life indeed. Supplements can help dogs with all kinds of ailments and some just give them a healthy boost!
Teeth, eyes and ears 
They don't do doggy dentures, so it is important to keep our pearly whites gleaming! You can condition your dog to enjoy getting their teeth brushed, or there are plenty of alternatives such as chews or rope toys that promote good dental health. Similarly keeping your dogs ears and eyes clean of debris through the use of wipes gives you a very happy and healthy hound!

Slobbers 

Saturday 15 November 2014

Happy Birthday Baird!


We love you to the moon and back.

<3 

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Sunset over Coniston, Beacon Fell


Sunday 28 September 2014

Baird



Looking so very grown up  now, where did the time go?

Thursday 18 September 2014

Oh I do love to be beside the seaside!

Taking photos is always easy when you have a ridiculously photogenic model! 



Wednesday 17 September 2014

Dante

 

He is always smiling!

Slobbers 

Monday 8 September 2014

Dog Beds

After a long hard day of running, sniffing, rolling and other general dog stuff, it is always nice to come home and stretch your paws out on your very own bed.
In Baird's case, all of the beds!
We have a selection of dog beds in our house, but they come in all shapes and sizes. 
Swell Pets do a fantastic range on their website.

A few tips for picking and placing a dog bed
Consider the size and shape 
A bed that fits a big Great Dane like me isn't going to be the same size as one for a smaller breed of dog. 

Consider the material of the bed
Do you need a soft fleecy bed or a rugged durable one? Baird has a habit of dragging his bed round in his mouth...

Consider the placement of your bed
For example we sleep on our bed right next to Mums, try to keep the bed away from draughts in winter and hot spots in summer!

Make sure your dogs bed is a positive thing! 
Never send your dog to their bed as a punishment, your four legged friend thrives on a nice safe spot to call their own, some where they want to be. Always associate their bed with positive things.


Teaching doggies like us to 'Settle' or 'Go lie down' on their bed is a very valuable tool in your human's doggy command dictionary. Settle can be used for a number of different reasons, to help your dog relax, to place your dog on their bed when visitors come round etc.

Hope everyone has a great week

Slobbers

Monday 25 August 2014

My Sana.

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever—in case I need him. And I expect I will—as I always have. He is just my dog.

Gene Hill


Saturday 16 August 2014

Family


Monday 14 July 2014

Sampson & Baird


Hey readers, 
Sana here, now I am very used to being the boss of my 'little' brother Baird, but the past few months he seems to not only become heavier but taller than me too- that doesn't seem fair does it?
Ah well, I'm still the boss around here.

Slobbers 

Wednesday 9 July 2014

Wordless Wednesday, Beacon Fell




Wednesday 2 July 2014

It's a tough life..

..for some!

Slobbers


Loughrigg Fell at sunset

Trying to make the most of the light nights, hiking up Loughrigg fell around 9pm this evening.
Slobbers








Saturday 28 June 2014

Hiking with your dog

Hello everyone.
We are back from out blogging break, thanks to everyone who wished Dante happy birthday, he had a brilliant day doing all his favourite things.
As some of you may know we are lucky enough to live a stones through away from the Lake District National Park here in England.  That means we go for lots of long sometimes hard walks with Mum.

Mum, Baird, Sana & Daisy Boo enjoying Stickle Pike 
Here are some top tips when your going to be out and about with your best four legged friend.
Match the walk to BOTH your fitness levels. 
There is no point in starting off on a 4 hour walk if you physically cannot do it! Your furry friend will also keep walking even when they are tired, they can't really tell you when they want to go home. Start off slow, then increase the distance and difficulty of your walks in time.
Sana & Daisy Boo can take on much longer walks than Baird, who at 19 months is still rather restricted on how far he can go. 
Water, water, water!
Make sure that you have plenty of water for you and your hiking buddy no matter the weather. Also bring any snacks and food depending on the length of your walk
Wear appropriate clothing
Check the weather forecast before you go, pack waterproofs for you and your pooch if necessary. STURDY footwear is a must.
Know your route
Take a map and let someone know where you are going and the time you are expected to be back.
Watch for live stock
Especially during lambing season. Be respectful of all live stock and keep your dog on the lead and under strict control.
What? I won't' chase them Mum- honest!
Emergency first aid kit
It is always hand to bring a small first aid kit which can include, gauze bandages, anitseptic cream, tweezers, plasters etc. Make sure your dogs collar has up to date identification tags on, incase they get lost. 

Insurance
Pet insurance can be a great investment, be prepared for the unexpected. If you insure your dog you can have peace of mind, just in case the unfortunate happens while out hiking, A broken leg can cost a few thousand pounds to fix alone. If you invest in insurance you will not have to worry about unexpected vet bills. 

Most of all
have fun! Enjoy the time with just you, your best friend and the great outdoors. 


Friday 30 May 2014

Happy Birthday Dante!


Happy 6th birthday my best boy.

I know your legs are slowly fading you and your body can't keep up with all the things you want to do, you are a young soul unlucky enough to have a body of a dog beyond your years, but you still remain the most carefree and kind soul I have ever met.

You teach me the meaning of positivity and I hope I get to share many more wonderful years with you.
Mumma loves you Dante Alamante 

Sunday 11 May 2014

Hello!



Sorry we haven't stopped by all your blogs in a while- we will be catching up soon!

Slobbers

Guest Post- Healthy Human Food Your Dog Can Eat



It is just possible that you and your dog share the same taste in movies, places to run, places to sleep and that you both love that same blanket and usually try to steal it from one another. However, when it comes to snacks, although they will try and take your food, you need to put that to a stop because you just might be hurting your dear pet. Dogs have different digestive systems than we do. They cannot process the food in the same manner as humans, so it is important that you have a very good knowledge about which food you can and which you cannot share. Here they are, divided into a couple of groups:

Friday 2 May 2014

Baird, 18 months on





My baby boy Baird has matured into a fantastic young dog!

Friday 25 April 2014

Happy Birthday Sana


Can't believe that you are 3 already, it feels like both a lifetime and a fleeting moment that you have been with me.
You are not a dog, You are my best friend, my partner, my shadow, my son.
I have a connection with you like no other and I love you with all my heart, for each second of every day. 
Happy Birthday my baby boy, Sampson Amadeus, you make my world whole <3


Tuesday 15 April 2014

Lakeland Sana



Sana enjoying the fells near Coniston last summer.

Bring on the good weather!

Slobbers 

Monday 14 April 2014

Guest Post- Dog Allergies

First off thanks to all who wished Daisy Boo a happy birthday!


Just like humans, dogs can get allergies as well. Also, just like with the human allergies, the symptoms can be confused with the symptoms of other conditions. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you know all about the most common allergies and that you take care of your dog in the best possible way. The three most common allergies that dogs can get are food allergies, flea allergies and contact allergies and reactions. The last thing is similar to dermatitis with humans. Here is what actually happens when your dog has some of these allergies, how they manifest and what is the best way to prevent them or treat them.

Friday 4 April 2014

Happy Birthday Daisy Boo!

Four today, Happy Birthday to my special one of a kind little girl.

We love you more than we can ever say. <3



Tuesday 1 April 2014

Spring Family Photo