Uk lockdown and dogs

Currently the United Kingdom, along with several other countries around the world are on lockdown due to Covid-19 - Coronavirus.

As of a couple of days ago, we in the UK are only allowed to leave the house for essential shopping, to get medication, keyworkers only are allowed to work, all others must stay home. And we are allowed out once a day for exercise. We are to keep 2m away from others at all times when we do go outside for essentials. Even schools are shut for all but a few certain children to ensure key workers such as doctors, nurses, food shop workers, care staff, bin collectors etc are able to keep doing their jobs and keep the country running, and the most vunerable safe.

This means many people are working from home where they can. But the lockdown means we are unable to take the dogs on their regular group dog walks, to training classes, to the grooming parlour or even go to many parks as they are being locked to prevent people congrigating there and passing on Covid-19 (Coronavirus). This is to try and stop the spread of the virus which has claimed all too many lives already. At the moment it is a 3 week lockdown, and it will be reviewed after this time to see what the next step is for the country. This could be our normal for months if the infection rate does not slow down.

Blaize is rather shocked at the news.

I am classed as high risk as I have severe chronic health conditions including a condition which affects my breathing so am isolated with the dogs at home . Of course they are very pleased with this but it means no contact with the other dogs who are part of their pack (Spike, Yoda and their Aunty Claire) for at least 3 more weeks and they are certainly missing them.

Exercise and Toileting

Only being allowed out once a day for exercise is a major issue in many peoples eyes for their pets welfare. If you own animals which require tending to more than once a day such as horses, this seems to be allowed as its a welfare issue not to but we must maintain distance from other people at all times while doing this.

Many of us have dogs which are used to 2 or more walks a day which is obviously not allowed at this moment. My recommendation is to use your one outsing for exersize to walk the dog somewhere as secluded as possible, ideally somewhere they dont often go, or walk different routes where possible to allow your dogs nose and brain to get a good workout as well as their legs. This will tire them out mentally and help them settle while they are not able to have their regular walks and meet up with others. If you are not lucky enough to have a garden, you are still able to take your pooch out for the toilet outside of your one walk, but these must be kept to a quick pee and poo break then back home. No turning it into extra walks or you not only risk being fined, but more importantly there is always the risk of you picking up the virus. Remember there have been a large number of deaths of people who were believed to be totally healthy before, so please keep yourself and your family safe.

If you have a garden please take advantage of this and use it to let your dog out for their toilet breaks. Safety first. If not, particularly if you have small dogs or elderly dogs, its worth considering using puppy pads or newspaper over a waterproof mat. Many of our puppies were trained using them and in uncertain times like this, its better than them being caught short. You may even want to consider litter training them. For tiny breeds they can be taught to use a litter tray with litter pellets or soil in, or for slightly larger dogs, you can use the base of an indoor rabbit hutch to suit the dogs size. As unusual as it may sound, its actually fairly easy to litter train a dog, and across the world a lot of dogs living in flats and apartments are litter trained and it works great for them. I personally have Puppy Pads down at all times anyway as my elderly crossbreed doesnt always realise she needs to go until its too late to get her outside.

Keeping your pet busy and entertained

Whether you are working from home, isolated, or overwhelmed with work your pet will know things arent the same, and it can stress them out. The very best thing you can do is to keep their mind enterained. Previously I posted a blog about puzzle toys and keeping their mind active, which is ideal right now. I will post more puzzle games and toys you can buy or make to keep them busy and happy over the next few days. You should try and get them used to being alone part of the day even if you are home a lot at the moment to try and prevent seperation anxiety when everything goes back to normal after this crisis.

For now, different and interesting toys, training at home, and games are what your pet needs from you. A tired dog is a happy dog but as going out is not currently an option, tired out their mind. This is the perfect time to work on anything your pet is not great it, or to learn new skills and tricks. There are hundreds of videos on YouTube, and many trainers on Facebook who are running online classes, some free, some paid for, to give you plenty of ideas to keep your pet busy. Working hard with them will also strengthen your bond with your pet. 

Transmission between pets and humans

There is no proof whatsoever that Covid-19 can be passed between pets or that pets can pass on this virus. While there have been a couple of cases of dogs apparently testing mildly positive for the virus, they were not actually infected themselves. It is believed that they had breathed in the virus and it was trapped in their nasal area when swabbed. Meaning that the virus was breathed in as their infected owners were breathing on them, not that they were infected. The current recommendation is to wash your hands as normal after touching your pet, but this is more to prevent you picking up or passing on something that can pass between them and us, not due to Covid-19.

Creative Feeding Part 1 - Fillable Rubber Toys and Boxes!

Dogs love to work their minds, and they love food. Mix the two and it makes a fantastic activity for your pet!

There are 3 main types of creative feeding games that we use for our dogs -

1. Fillable Rubber Toys and Boxes
2. Puzzle and Interactive Toys 
3. Scatter and Hide-and-seek Feeding

These three methods are all suitable for pets of all sizes and ages, but must be scaled up or down to make sure you use a safe sized toy or box for your pet. Too small a toy can be choked on by a larger dog, or too large a toy could get stuck on a smaller pets head or jaw, which may sound funny but could be extremely dangerous. Always make sure the size you choose is the right size for your pet, and is undamaged before giving it to them.

In part 1, I will focus on the fillable rubber toys and filled boxes.

Stuffed Rubber Toys and Filled Boxes

The most common stuffed rubber toy is a Kong. This is a pyramid shaped, rubber dog toy with an opening at the bottom, and a small opening at the top to ensure air flow for safety. You can get other brands but Kong is the most popular. They have several different types, but the main ones are -

• Puppy Kongs, which come in blue or pink, and are softer rubber to allow for chewing when puppies are teething. This is also perfect for dogs who enjoy working for their food but do not chew their toys.
• Senior Kongs, which are usually purple and also made of the softer rubber to make sure older dogs teeth and gums are not harmed, as some veteran dogs can have weakened teeth due to their age or health conditions. This is also ideal for light chewers.
• Red "Classic" Kongs, which are their main ones. It is made from tough red rubber, and comes in multiple sizes to suit different breeds. This is their oldest and most popular type for adult dogs. Most dogs find this is the ideal pick when choosing a fillable toy.
• Black "Extreme" Kongs, which are designed for adult dogs with powerful jaws and those who are strong chewers. These are ideal for breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and other powerful chewers. If you are worried your dog will chew their Kong, try the Black rather than going for the Red for that added toughness.

Puppy, Senior, Classic Red, Extreme Black.

Kongs come in a massive range of sizes from XS which is perfect for a Chihuahua puppy, all the way up to XXL for extra large breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes!

You can buy similar toys by other companies which should work as well, however I personally prefer Kong as they have been reliable for me for years. We had a red Kong that was still in excellent condition after 7 years of regular use and was only replaced as it was lost during a move.

Black Kong Extreme and Red Kongs - XS to XXL!

How to use Fillable Toys

Fillable toys are very simple - you stuff them with something yummy and put them down for your pet! You can buy specially made pastes and biscuits designed to be used with them but you can use just about anything!

I have used tuna, chunks of cooked chicken, cheese paste, grain-free biscuits, banana, peanut butter, raw mince, tripe, canned dog food, and all sorts of other yummy treats. I often use them to give my dogs their dinner, especially when they have their raw minces. All the different flavours make Kongs a real favourite as they never know what they will find in them next.

You can also freeze filled Kongs to make them last even longer, or as the perfect summer treat to keep your pet cool. Just remember whatever you put in them outside of their daily meals, to reduce their meals by the same amount calories wise, so you don't end up overfeeding.

Fillable Rubber Toy Alternative - Boxes!

A good alternative to filling a Kong or other rubber toy, is to find small cardboard boxes, put dry foods and treats inside, and re-seal so your dog has to get into the box to get to the treats. Most dogs decide to shred the box and make a big mess, but its a simple clean up and the dogs love it. When first attempting this, you should use strong smelling treats in a thin box so they can smell that there is something interesting in the box. 

Once they understand that this is a fun game, you can then use thicker boxes and food or treats that don't have such a strong scent. You can even stack boxes inside each other or use several boxes to make it more challenging and more fun for your pet. 

Boxes are not recommended for wet or raw foods as the food sticks to the cardboard and can be eaten by the dogs, but is pefect if you feed dry food (kibble) or for treats. It is excellent mental stimulation so an ideal game for when its cold and wet out! 

We play these games very often with our dogs and teach them to any new fosters that come in. We even fill boxes with vegetables and hay for our rabbits, so if you have other small pets you can try this game with them too!

Shelby with her favourite Kong

Keeping cool - How to keep your pet cool when its hot out.

Summer is on its way here! Beach trips, picnics, barbecues. Lots of fun to be had in the sun.

However it also poses several risks which we all need to be aware of. Today I am focusing on brachycephalic breeds and their unique needs in extremes of weather.

Picture credit: Google.co.uk

Brachycephalic (short or flattened nosed) breeds like some pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, boxers, and other similar breeds with short muzzles have a harder time taking in enough air in the warmer weather so special care should be taken with them to ensure they are kept cool and calm at all times in hot weather. Darker coloured dogs and elderly or ill dogs are also at higher risk than young, pale coloured, healthy dogs.

Pippi - Pug cross Chihuahua

My own Pippi is a pug mix. She does not have a flattened nose but still struggles in the heat, partly due to her breed, partly due to her age as she is at least 16 years old, and her other health problems. In summer we have to make sure she has access to cool (not ice cold) water at all times, we use cooling coats and cool mats to lay on, or a wet towel to lay on to keep herself cool. She loves to lay in the sun so she has to be monitored closely at all times to make sure shes not getting too warm. We force her to come inside or into the shade regularly, and keep her inside during the hottest part of the day.

No dog has died from missing or delaying a walk, but sadly many have from being walked when it is too hot. If you must take your dog out, ensure the walks are short as possible to allow them to relieve themselves but not run about, make sure they walk on the grass, are kept in the shade and have plenty of water on hand at all times.

If your dog shows any sign of overheating or dehydration, please get them immediately to the vets. It is better safe than sorry!

Trick Dog Training - Do More With Your Dog

Trick Time!

Our beautiful little chihuahua Maisie has been working hard all year on her new favourite type of training. She has been adding Trick Dog to her list of abilities!

So far, Maisie has passed her Novice, Intermediate and Advanced titles, and is 1 trick away from passing her Expert title. We will be working towards her Champion title soon.

She is earning her titles at Fun Trick Dog Training classes, run by Kathleen Tepperies. If you are in East Sussex, I highly recommend joining up through her! She is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and knows how to help you get the very best out of your dog. In her Trick classes, you work towards to Do More With Your Dog titles.

Trick Training is a lot of fun. You work together with your dog to learn new skills, strengthening the bond between you. Most dogs love learning new things, and love spending time with their owners, so combining the two makes this a very fun and interesting thing to do with your dog! 

Because there are so many different tricks you can learn, there is something for all dogs, no matter how big or small they are, even puppies and senior dogs can learn new things. It's a fantastic way to keep your pet active as well as providing mental stimulation.

Some of the tricks Maisie now knows are - 

• Spin (Novice)
• Crawl (Novice)
• Roll out a carpet with nose (Novice)
• Barrel Racing (Intermediate)
• Opening the Door (Intermediate)
• Back-up (Advanced)
• Double Balance Beam (Advanced)
• Ringing a Bell (Advanced)
• Peanut Rolling (Expert)
• Box Search Game (Expert)

And so many more too! These are just a few examples of what she has learned over the past 12 months, and your dog can too. 

These tricks are so much fun for Maisie to perform, and she loves her classes too. Make sure to pay your pet well in treats and praise, and they will enjoy their training sessions even more. 

This is a PDF list of the different tricks for all the different levels, and books and DVDs you can get to help you towards them. Check it out if you are interested in earning any of these titles with your pet!

Preparing a foster dog for his new home!

If you are fostering a dog, there is much more to it than just finding another home to go to. This is some of the things we do to make sure the dog is ready for their new home.

• Vet Care - We make sure the dogs health is ok. In some dogs, there is nothing needed to be done, in others there may be health conditions that need treating, they may need their teeth cleaned or need some extractions, and they will be spayed or neutered if this hasn't already been done.
  
• Micro-chipping - If the dog comes to the charity without a microchip then they will be micro-chipped. If they already have a chip then their details will be updated.
  
• Training - Many dogs come with some training but we try and make sure all the dogs we foster know the basics at least. Learning to Sit, Wait, Walk on a lead, Give back a toy/chew etc. This ensures that when they go to their new home they know what is being asked of them, and also allows them to bond with their new family through the training.
  
• Socialization - If the dog isn't socialized with other dogs, with people etc then they will be taken out and socialized with as many people and friendly dogs and animals as possible. Even if the dog is well socialized this is all done to ensure they keep it up.
  
• Grooming - Every dog needs grooming of some sort. Their nails are clipped, they are given a bath, dried, and combed through if they have a long coat. If they are a breed who needs it, they will also be clipped to keep their coat short and in manageable condition. If the dog comes in with a matted coat, this will all be shaved off as matting is very painful for them and can also cause sores, cuts and infection of the skin, and harbor parasites such as fleas and more. If we can get the dog used to grooming and handling, then it makes things much easier for new owners or a professional groomer if you use one.
  
• New Items - Any dog I foster is given a new collar or harness, lead, blanket or bed, and toys. This makes sure they go to their new home with familiar items with their own scent on. This helps the transition and is less stressful for them.

These are the main things that a foster carer has to do for each dog in their care. No matter how long the dog is with us, how well they are, or what special needs they have, they always have the very best of care as if they are one of my own pack. 

Crufts 2017!

Maisie had a fantastic time at the Worlds Biggest Dog Show. She got lots of cuddles, New toys, treats and grooming items, and loved being center of attention and meeting so many of her fans. (Photo above is from 2016 - My favourite one of her there!)

We went along on Toy and Utility Day, where there were lots of other Toy Breed dogs, as well as Utility breeds, Flyball and Agility dogs, and of course lots of PAT dogs and other dogs with very special jobs! 

Both varieties of Chinese Crested compete together in the same classes. The Powder Puff has a long flowing coat, and the Hairless has just small amounts of hair on its body. Otherwise, they are judged against the same breed standard.

We watched several breeds being shown including Standard Poodles, Shih tzus, Chihuahuas (both Longcoats and Smoothcoats), and Dalmations. Maisie got a little jealous that she wasn't able to go in the ring when she saw others of her breed, but she was there to work, not to show.

She spent most of the afternoon meeting some of her fans, shopping, sampling new treats and food, and taking lots of photos! When it came to home time she was exhausted, and slept almost all the way home (a full 5 hours travel!) on her new Vet Bed. It was such a fun day and Maisie still gets excited if she hears the word "Crufts" so I think she wants to go back next year too!

Another surprise foster dog!

Today we had another little dog come to us as an emergency foster case.

This sweet little long legged Jack Russell Terrier is called Mutley. He is about 9 years old and the poor baby was found alone with his human dad, who had sadly passed on suddenly.

His body is in fairly good condition however his nails were extremely overgrown to the point of his toes being damaged from the length of them and for how long he must have had them like this. This photo doesn't show off how bad they actually are, his nails were snapping, breaking, and generally in poor condition, along with being extremely overgrown. This would take years to get to this point and shows he hasn't been walked properly in a very long time either. They have of course been clipped now and he is already much more comfortable. We hope there wont be any long lasting effects from this.

His teeth are in awful condition. Not only do they have an extreme build-up of tarter, but he also has such inflamed gums that the slightest touch makes them bleed. This would be extremely painful for him too. This little dog has been suffering for a long while sadly. He was clearly well loved but didn't have the all care he needed.

We have been told he has an esophagus (throat) problem that means he can only eat mushed up food, but he has managed a couple of tiny bites of chicken without any sign of a problem, so maybe the issue is not as bad as we were told. His vet check will tell us more details.

Mutley will be booked in to have a dental, neutering, and if needed, any other veterinary care he requires. Once this has been done and he has had a proper assessment, he will be available for adoption through the rescue.

Crufts is coming!

Very excited - Crufts 2017 is coming! 

Maisie has received her Crufts pass so she get go and review it for us again for both Pretty Pooches and for her Instagram account Maisies Adventures (@MaisiesAdventures) - We are all very excited to be back at the worlds biggest dog show!

Last year we went and had a lot of fun shopping, meeting some lovely people, talking to some of the exhibitors, and generally having an amazing time. Pretty Pooches aims to go every year, and Maisie loves all the attention she gets there too. Our lovely friend Claire is coming too which just makes it even better!

Anyone else coming along - if so let us know what you are looking forward to most! Are you competing? Let me know and feel free to post a photo of your dog getting ready! 

Foster dog - Update! And new foster bunnies!

Foster Dog Update! 

This is the update I have been waiting to write. Very pleased to say the lovely little dog we were fostering has been adopted by a lovely family and is now living with a wonderful family, including a very sweet Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is her new best friend! 

She has now been settled happily in her new home for several weeks and I get updates on her progress. She is doing very well, and her training is being continued. We couldn't ask for a better home for such an adorable little dog. 

Since a few weeks ago I also have been fostering 2 rabbits. They belong to a family member who is currently unable to care for them so we now have 4 little rabbits hopping about! 

Fearful Pets and how to help

Fearful pets and ways to help!

One of a pets main fears are fireworks, storms and other loud noises. Around this time of year there are so many people using fireworks its unbelievable. Even throughout the day some people are letting them off and so many pets are terrified of them, so here are some tips to make things easier on them, and some suggestions to help them ready for new year!

For when there are fireworks, storms or other scary noises going on - 

Create a safe den for your pets to hide in. It should be somewhere indoors and should be comfortable and dark, ideally with plenty of normal household noises to drown out some of the noise outside.

Some suggestions for dens - 

• Crate covered with blankets.
• A table with sheets draped over.
• An unused cupboard.
• A wardrobe or closet.

If possible these should be available before any expected events that you know will scare your dog. A crate is especially good for keeping up all the time as you can leave the door open and use it as a bed or put their toys in there. If this if for a cat, then putting a cardboard box in there is a great way of getting your pet to use it.

Drowning out the noise -

• Turn on the radio or television.
• Play some music.
• Leave on a video or DVD.
• Sing along to songs.
• Play a game with your children.

These things are all helpful to try and calm your pet during and after fearful events, and can be combined with herbal/natural remedies and homeopathic aids such as Adaptil plug-ins, Calming collars, and pet shop calming tablets. There are also coats available which work along the same lines of acupressure, pressing on certain points along the dogs body which has a relaxing effect (available to buy here).  If none of these remedies work then it may be worth speaking to your vet about a sedative. Being asleep is better than being extremely stressed but of course these medications have risks.

Preventing and training out fears!

Prevention is always better than a cure, so if you have a young pet exposing them to everything slowly and confidently is much better than trying to calm them after they are afraid. This isnt always possible though but there are ways to simulate these situations before they experience it in real life.

To expose them to "scary" sounds without frightening them, or to re-train your pet to not be afraid of these sounds, the best thing to let them hear the sounds very quietly in a safe place. Using this method in combination with treats or toys turns a scary situation in to an exciting one for your pet! 

I highly recommend the CLIX Noises and Sounds DVD - it exposes your pet to the noises, while you either feed them treats or give them toys to make it fun. You start off very slowly with the sound down low, and over the days and weeks you slowly increase the volume until it can be played loudly without fear. This is similar to the way clicker training works, the noise makes your pet think they will get a treat or a toy, so therefor the noise they hear is now a positive one. 

I hope this helps your pets not to be so afraid, or prevents your young animal from developing the fear. These tips are all things that have helped my pets over the years, and I would love to hear of any more tips and tricks to make things easier. Feel free to comments and I will add any new advice to my list :) 

Foster Dogs

This is just a short post to introduce our two new (temporary) family members. We are fostering two adorable little dogs. A Chihuahua/Jack Russel mix named Vida and a Yorkie/Jack Russel mix named Penny. They lost their home in a fire and were sleeping rough with their human mum. Their mum was able to find a friend to stay with but they couldn't have the dogs there so she needed to find somewhere for her babies to go.

They came to us to be loved and spoilt while their mum gets back on her feet and finds somewhere for them all to go. They have fitted into our pack very quickly and they are lovely! We love having them here with us. If you have the time and space, I would highly recommend fostering for your local rescue - It is extremely rewarding and can make the world of difference to these sweet dogs!

Grooming - Bathing

Bathing your dog at home

This is a very simple Bathing tutorial for dogs, to give you a basic idea on how to prepare and then bath your dog properly at home. Of course if you have a dog which requires clipping, hand stripping, specific styling or scissoring, then I would highly recommend getting someone experienced in your breed to teach you, or even ask a groomer if they have a class to teach you to maintain your dogs coat between grooms. Many groomers would be very happy to teach you this maintenance as it benefits your dog. If they cannot help then they may be able to give you the details of someone who can.

One thing you really must remember is that all animals are different and have different coat types and requirements, so you need to select the right shampoo and conditioner for your pets coat and skin to prevent drying the skin out, causing reactions, or even to help with any existing conditions.

You will need -

• Towels
• Ear cleaner
• Non-slip mat
• Dog nail clippers
• Cotton wool balls
• Combs and Brushes 
• Bath or Sink with shower attachment
• Good quality dog shampoo that is suitable for your pets coat
• Good quality dog conditioner (unless you have a harsh coated breed)
• Optional - Dryer, if not then just use towels and allow your dog to air dry

First off, make sure you have all items to hand in the bathroom, with the door shut to keep your dog in. Animals who don't want to be bathed are excellent at escaping so you may want to also have your dog on a collar and lead. A very small dog could also be bathed in a sink but you must make sure you have shower attachment or you will not be able to rinse the shampoo out properly.

Non-slip mats are ideal. They can be bought cheaply.

Put the non-slip mat in the bath or sink, lay towels on the floor, and choose your combs and begin brushing out the coat, removing as many tangles and debris as possible before your dog goes in the water. If a tangled coat gets wet it can mat up so it is much better to remove them before bathing.

Once you can run a fine toothed comb all the way through to the skin, all over your dogs body, it is time to move on to the bathing. With the non-slip mat in the bottom of the bath, take the shower and warm the water to just above body temperature. If it feels too warm when tested on your elbow as you would do for a baby, then it is too warm for your pup. If your dog isn't fond of bathing then, if possible, they should be tethered safely in the bath.

Wetting the coat down before the shampooing.

With the shower head held around 2cm from the dogs skin, wet the entire coat, working from the neck all the way down the back. Remember to soak the chest, stomach and legs too. Lastly, gently wet the dogs head. Once he is thoroughly wet all the way through, it is time to start shampooing.

Which shampoo you should choose depends on the dogs skin and coat. I recommend the Pet Head range as they are very high quality and they all smell lovely. If your dog has a pale coloured coat that needs brightening, try the Pet Head White Party shampoo. If you need something more gentle then try the Pet Head Puppy Fun shampoo. If your dog has itchy skin, then try the Pet Head Lifes In Itch shampoo. The Pet Head range are all gentle enough to use on puppies and older dogs too. My personal favourite is the Pet Head Feeling Flaky shampoo, as it leaves the dogs coats very soft, cleans brilliantly and smells amazing.

Some of the Pet Head range - They also do cat shampoo

I must add that I do not get paid or get any sort of benefits to advertise them or anything, it is just my personal recommendation. Throughout the years they have always been top quality at an affordable price. All of my dog have used it including my rescue girl who has severe allergies (never had a reaction to the Pet Head range), and so have my show dogs, and their results speak for themselves!

Work the shampoo through the whole coat, being very careful around the face not to get it in your pets eyes or ears. Let it sit there for a couple of minutes, then wash it out. Repeat the wash and rinse to make sure the coat is clean. Then re-rinse the coat to make sure there is no shampoo left in the coat at all, as any left in could cause the dogs skin irritation.

If your dog is a terrier or other breed which requires a harsh coat, then skip this step. If not then it is time to move on to the conditioner. I always use the Pet Head Furtastic Creme Rinse for my dogs as it leaves their coats beautifully soft and silky. As you did with the shampoo, work it right into the coat all the way through the body. Let it sit in the coat for up to 5 minutes. While it is working, massage your dog all over to make sure you work it fully in and check your dog over for any abnormal lumps, bumps, or other problems. When the coat is wet you can usually see and feel the skin easier and its a perfect time to give your dog a good massage too. Its great for them and they love it too. Once the conditioner has done its job it's time to wash it out. Once again, make sure you rinse it all out. When you think you have got it all out, rinse the coat again just in case there is any still in there that has been missed.

Drying off in a towel

Shorter coat being dried with a dryer

Next it is time to get your dog out of the bath and start drying. If your dog has a very short coat then simply rub him down with a towel to absorb the worse of the water and leave him to dry off naturally. If your dog has longer hair you can use this method, but I would recommend using a dryer. Be careful if using a human hair dryer that it is not too hot. It needs to just be warm enough to dry him off, and you must keep it moving so as not to heat up one area too much. If possible, a blaster dryer is the best option but it can be rather expensive. If you have several dogs or a dog with an especially long or thick coat then it will be essential if you want to dry your dog off properly and prevent them getting chilled in the colder months.

Drying while combing.

To properly dry off your dog with a dryer, use a comb along with it. Use your grooming tools to comb through the coat as you dry it, combing with the lay of the coat to flatten it down, or brushing it against the lay of the coat to fluff it up, it all depends on what your dog requires. Once you have done this throughout the whole coat then the bathing process is finished.

The final steps are simple but essential. Use some ear cleaning fluid on a ball of cotton wool to gently wipe the inside of the ear leathers, making sure not to push it into the ear canal. Then repeat with the other ear. Next use some clean water on a cotton wool ball to gently wipe the dogs eyes.

Where to cut when clipping your dogs nails.

Next move on to the nails. Some dogs nails are kept naturally short with just their normal walks on concrete, but most will need their nails trimming. You must be careful to avoid the quick (the vein that runs through the nail). This looks pink or red, and can be hard to see. If you are unsure then just trim a small amount off at a time. Dark nails can be very hard to see the quick but if you shine a torch through the nail after trimming the end off, you can usually see where you need to clip. Remember to check your dogs dew claws too. Even if your dogs nails wear down naturally, if they have dew claws then these will need to be trimmed. By trimming the nails after a bath, they are softer and easier to clip.

This is really all you need to know for doing a basic bath and groom. If you have any questions feel free to ask - I would love to see photos of your pups being bathed too! Feel free to post them here, on Pretty Pooches Canine Coutures facebook page, or on Instagram and tag @MaisiesAdventures 

Spotlight on Grooming!

As some of you may know, before opening Pretty Pooches Canine Couture, I was lucky enough to study at one of the top Animal Care colleges in the UK. It was there that I fell in love with Dog Grooming and after I finished my National Diploma in Animal Management (Care) course, I went on to learn to properly groom, only stopping due to an injury that has left me unable to take on the workload of a professional groomer.

I have groomed pet dog, working dogs, and show dogs. Cats, Rabbits and Guinea pigs too. I have even done a little creative grooming! While I may not be able to do this for a living, I always love to help out others wanting to learn all about Dog Grooming, whether is is just for your own dog at home or working towards grooming as a career.

This series of post are a basic "How To" - Feel free to ask if you have a specific breed that you would like advice on grooming. Grooming is a fantastic way to bond with your pet while giving them a thorough health check at the same time. If you know your pet very well it means any health issues can be spotted much quicker and treated easier, it could even save your pets life.

Insta-great!

Maisie has almost 2500 followers now on her Instagram account @MaisiesAdventures and she is so proud! Thank you so much to all of her fans. Such a big goal for a tiny dog!

Maisie looks so cute with this new filter, so she decided to get a new hairdo! How cute! 

Chihuahuas - The smallest dogs with the biggest personality!

Someone recently challanged me to describe the Chihuahua breed in just one sentence. To me I can only sum them up in one way -

"Chihuahuas - The smallest breed with the biggest personality!"

Every chihuahua I have ever met has had an amazing personality, and been extremely loyal to their families. There seems to be some difference between the two coat types personalities, and I find the smoothcoats are much more feisty than the longcoats, who in my experience are generally more laid back. 

The UK breed standard calls for the breed to be up to 6lb, with 4lb to 6lb preferred for the show ring. Pet chihuahuas (as in those not in the shown) can be a larger but they are all still very small dogs. In the UK show ring and for Kennel Club registration, the two coat types are designated as different breeds. The longcoats and smoothcoats are not shown together, and if bred together, their puppies are not eligible to be registered with the KC. 

These are two examples of some of the top winning show chihuahuas. Both are fantastic examples of the breed, and as you can see, both are very very cute! 

This is the smoothcoat Best Of Breed winner from Crufts 2015,
KC name CH SUNDOWNER PLAY MISTY FOR ME AT DACHIDAS. 

This is the longcoat Best Of Breed winner at Crufts 2014, KC name CH/IR CH X-TRA SPECIAL FOR HELENA OF EUROPEAN FRIENDSHIP NETH JUN CH, AN CH 13.

You can see from the photos that the two are very similar, although some people say there are differences in the body shape of the two breeds. The smoothcoat and longcoat breed standards are almost identical, with the exception of the coat details. They may be tiny but the chihuahuas are very good at walking into the show ring and showing off! That 'look at me' behaviour is one of the traits that the chihuahuas seem to always have! They usually love attention, and the show ring is the perfect place for them to show off.

When it comes to attention, some chihuahuas are fantastic with children. My own longcoat chihuahuas are very close to my little nephew Jack, and my tricolour Shelby is his biggest fan. Maisie loves everyone, and is a close second. Pictured here are Maisie, my longcoat chihuahua, and Pippi, a rescued Chihuahua/Pug mix. Jack was roughly 18 months old here.

They really are an amazing breed, and most people can't just have one. My pack of 8 is proof of that! If you have any questions about the breed, or general dog questions, please ask and I will answer them as soon as possible!

Crufts Review

This update is long overdue but here it is - our Crufts review! So sorry for the delay for anyone that has been waiting for this, but we have been extremely busy.

Maisie and I had a fantastic time at Crufts 2016, and bought home lots of goodies. We were given a press pass and a special dog plaza pass so we were able to go into the press office and take a photo in front of the Crufts background! As you can see, Maisie thought it was great!

Maisie extremely happy to be at Crufts!

We arrived at almost 12.30pm after a 4 hour train journey. It was exhausting just getting there but Maisie loved meeting all the new people on her journey. She made friends with several people at every stop along the way, and slept in between curled up on my lap. Thankfully there was a tea trolley on the train so I was able to get a cup of tea on the way!

Maisie and I at Crufts

 Just outside we spotted this banner and a lovely lady offered to take a photo of us (Thank you!). Sadly a teenage boy decided to try and throw himself through the banner from the back as Maisie was sitting by it and scared her. Its a pity someone would try and destroy someone elses property and scare a small dog just because they can. Thankfully, Maisie was ok after a couple of minutes and the teenager embaressed himself in front of his friends. Thats what you get for trying to show off!

Some beautiful longcoat chihuahuas in the ring.

The main breed we were looking to see was the Chihuahua. Maisie got to say hello to lots of her relatives and we had so much fun talking to their owners. I wish I could have stopped and cuddled every single one, but we had to keep going. Lots more dogs to see, lots of stalls to visit, and lots of Maisies fans to meet!

One of the adorable smoothcoat chihuahuas. Loved this ladies jumper too!

The Cavaliers in the ring.

We went on Toy and Utility day so there were a lot of small dogs around. Some of our favourites were the sweet little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the Chinese Cresteds. Both breeds are so different but both are such lovely breeds. It was great seeing the difference between the hairless and powderpuff cresties while being shown in the same class.

Powderpuff and Hairless cresties in the ring.

A lovely Bichon after its class. Beautifully groomed!

Maisie wasnt too happy that I wouldnt let her go in the ring too. She loves showing!

Some Chinese Cresteds in their matching onesies. Arent they adorable! 

Maisie made a new friend. She had to have a cuddle with her.

A stunning Boston Terrier. This dog was being shown from overseas. People travel from all over the world to show at Crufts, and this little pup really had the wow factor for me.

Meeting the amazing Victoria Stilwell.

 We were very lucky to be able to meet celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell too. Victoria is such a lovely lady too. She was more than happy to talk to everyone and pose for photos with her fans. I was so pleased to get the chance to see her and have a quick chat about dogs and training. Even though she was very busy, she was so friendly and made the time to talk to everyone. I love this lady!

Very sleepy after a long day.

Maisie was exhausted after such a long day, but she loved it. Of course, she had to sleep on her new vet bed after eating lots of treats we picked up from the stalls. She was also very lucky and won a years supply of food while she was there. So proud of her!

Hopefully we will be invited back this coming year. Maisie wants to say a big thank you to all of her fans, friends, and everyone who gave her so much attention throughout the day. She also wants me to book her a hotel so she can go on more than one day next year, but we will have to see if I can make that wish come true. But even if not, she knows she will be spoilt rotten.