Let's talk about everyone's favourite topic - potty training! Here's what you need to know: Ditch the Puppy Pads: Controversial, I know!...

Are you thinking of getting a puppy? If you are definitely going for it, or if it's something you've been thinking about for a while, make sure you follow my posts this coming week as we are going to be talking all about puppies! https://calendly.com/thecambridgedoglodge/initial_guidance_session https://calendly.com/thecambridgedoglodge/one-off-puppy-guidance

Dog Owners, Let's Talk About Extension Leads We've all seen them, and maybe you've used one - those retractable dog leads that seem so convenient. But as a pet expert and safety advocate, I want to share some important information about why these leads might not be the best choice for your furry friend. The Hidden Dangers of Extension Leads: Lack of Control: Ever tried to grip one of these handles tightly? It's not easy, especially if your dog decides to bolt. If it slips o

We all know losing a pet is hard. It is a huge loss especially when they are integral part of the family. It does not have to be a dog or cat, it can be something smaller such as a hamster or a bird, a reptile or a fish. All our pets play important roles in our every day lives, and it is not until we lose them, that we feel the space they leave behind. I remember after our old Golden Retriever, PoppyW died, I would take a huge step into the kitchen like I was stepping over an

Ok, before I continue I want to point out this will be a very photo heavy post because these two are so photogenic and we had fun! And I want to share the views. Also, that me and Vicky had stated only a few days before we would NEVER go on a cruise. But then we went on one. Ok, it's not a cruise cruise, but it was still a cruise. We needed another adventure to go on with the puppies and low and behold there was canal boat trips being advertised for the school holidays that w

This weekend saw the very first breed show for Ren and for me. In all the years of taking care of dogs, I had never taken part in a breed show. So lets just say I was feeling well out of my comfort on the lead up to Saturday. Ren and me had been attending ring craft classes to learn what was expected, and to also make sure Ren was ok walking in a ring and being touched by a stranger/judge. Because after all it is about me and Ren doing something nice and fun together and if R

It has been a really busy couple of weeks and I have not managed to do a blog. I thought it was about time I got back on the blog wagon again and there’s no better way to start than to tell you about the lovely walk we had on Monday. Id arranged a walk with my gorgeous friend Nicola and her lovely cavapoo Dolly, a couple of weeks ago. We have not seen each other for a little while so it was a pleasure to get together with our 4-legged friends for a walk. Nicola is the founder

For the past 6 weeks, Ren and I have attended a puppy class. Despite having dogs all my life (and I mean right from when I was a baby, not just as an adult) I have never attended a puppy class. So I decided when we knew we would be gaining a new addition to our family, that I would take her to a puppy class. It was easier to do because my good friend and colleague Scott Foley, ran a class, so I asked him if had any space. Even we hadn't had that access to a class, we would ha

On Sunday we had a lovely visit with Ren's mum (Bitz) and Nanna (Kea) and their owner Chanette. Ren as you can imagine went absolutely bonkers when she saw Chanette! Jumping all over her, giving her kisses, and weeing all over her shoes! The plan is to show Ren so Chanette came over to help with some training (well, that is what the excuse was she used). Ren loves learning new things and thankfully she understands quite quick what we ask her to do. Kooikers are a working dog

I couldn't resist using this photo first - I might even print it off for the wall! Today I took Ren out with her big sister Barney. I think Barney has been feeling a little confused about Ren and how she changes the dynamics of the house. She has been displaying some odd behaviours that are not like her, which is to be expected. It is a big change for the house. I realised last night I needed to do some direct work with her. I started on a walk with her and Ren this morning.

Yesterday me and Ren met up with Chester and Vicky again. We went for a walk along the canal and then onto a field for some off lead fun. Chester walks along the canal all the time like a pro! Though he wasn't too keen on walking (hey, those legs are only little!) unless Ren walked in front to give a little bit of encouragement. But it was all new to Ren and her ninja feels kicked in: her ears were twitching, her eyes were darting all over, she was showing her anxiety. It was

I am a little late talking about this one: going out for a walk for the first time! It’s been a few weeks but I’ve got cute photos, so I know you wont complain. Ren had been out and about and had visits, to people’s houses, met new dogs and people, but she had been on her first walk officially until after her last vaccinations. It was still quite cold so on went her little jacket and harness and off we went along the street. It must have been so strange for her because she ha

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a very happy new year that brings you joy, peace and rest. And what better to start the year of blogs, than with a toilet training blog! Yeah! So where do we start… We have had Ren a month now. She is well and truly part of the family. For a nearly 14-week-old puppy, you would really think she had been with us a very long time. We have been doing lots of training with her and the main thing so far has been toilet, or potty training as I like to

I have a confession to make; I didn’t take Ren to the vets. I used the excuse that I was working, Ben wasn’t so [he could. But really, I didn’t want to be the one to take her for THAT new experience. It was naughty of me really. I could have made sure I was there, but I didn’t. I was worried about her being upset and setting off her siren! But you know what she took it in her stride… We have a bag of all little harnesses and leads so rather than buy her a new one (Ren is alre

So here we are at that time again – the run up to Bonfire night. Exciting times for most people of all ages ( I used to love Bonfire night!) but it is becoming increasing clear just how difficult it is for many of our pets. Last year I did a part one with ideas for helping our pets with the lead up to Christmas and New Year and I thought I would get onto it sooner as we have under 4 weeks till the big nights itself and it really does kick off! There’s nothing better than bein

Yes I know, its not bonfire night any more so I am little late to the party. But I have been a little preoccupied with terrified animals myself. Hopefully then we can prepare for next bonfire night, and Christmas and New Year where it has become a bit of a fashion to let fireworks off then too. Dont get me wrong, I used to be a very big fan of fireworks and bonfire night. When I was a little girl, we had a dog called Mutley. He was a chocolate brown staffie cross with medium