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

So you have decided what breed of dog you want, you have found a breeder (see yesterday's post), you are thinking about whether you want a boy or a girl, and if there is a particular colour you are looking for. And now you are on your way to see the pups for the first time. REMEMBER - pups give off pheromones like babies. It’s a special scent that says ‘love me’ ‘take me home’ ‘you can’t leave without me’. I’m not kidding, they really do. So you must prepare yourself to say n

When you're finding the right breeder there is a lot to consider, but hopefully this post will help! Here are some questions that you can ask a breeder even before you see the pups: How old is the mum? How many litters has she had, when did she have her first litter? If mum is under 2 years old, or was when she had her first litter, it is a big no. The mum needs to be over 2 to have given her body time to mature. You could also ask is it their (the human's) first litter they

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

This week I am dedicating it as Puppy Week! So to kick things off, I want to share with you my insights into owning and caring for puppies, of all shapes and sizes. The two on the above photos are Willow and Barney. They are two of our current dogs. Willow is a cross poodle/bichon/cavalier and Barney is a collie. By time either of these dogs came into our lives, I thought I knew a lot about dogs. I'd cared for puppies, I had trained them and I had lived with them. We made a p

I love puppies. They really are one of the best things about my job. I even love their smell! And no, I am not being odd (though I know many may disagree) they let off a pheromone just like human babies do, leaving us helpless to their power; I always tell people, do not go and see a litter of puppies unless you really are genuine because before you know it you will be bringing one home. Sadly, they don’t stay puppies for very long and before we know it we have a little monst

Last week we went on an adventure with Ren and Chester. We took a bus ride to Hyde town centre! Ok, it doesn't sound that exciting but let me tell you, the most simple things in life can well and truly provide you with so much joy. This little adventure certainly did me and Vicky with these two little pupstars. We decided that even though we might not go on buses very often, we would go on a bus ride to the local town centre. This not only provides our dogs with a new experie

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

My plan for this next puppy diary was about names, but today Ren and Chester went out on a adventure together and I just couldn't wait to post! Me and Chester's mum, Vicky, decided that we would get these two pupstars out and about together on adventures, socialising, visiting dog friendly venues, experiencing and learning the world, and most importantly having lots and lots of fun together! Chester is a very gorgeous Cocker Spaniel who is a few weeks younger than Ren and for

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

As I sit here, totally and utterly distracted by Ren. It's not difficult if I am honest. She fascinates me. Obviously having a new puppy is very distracting. You would think I would be used to it by now what with my own dogs and my clients’ puppies, but no, each one grabs me just as much as the last one. And Ren is no exception. I find myself just staring at her – if she could talk she would tell me to stop! I watch her learning all the new things, see her sniffing the air ta