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Always Plan Ahead!
Before your trip, make sure your dog has proper identification tags with your contact information. If your dog wanders off in an unknown place then you will be more likely to find them quickly. Consider a tracker for their collar and make sure they are chipped. We all hear horror stories about dogs being found but with no way of tracing an owner as they are unchipped.
Additionally find out details of local vets in case of emergencies.
PAWFIT TRACKER
Pack essentials!
Nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding you have left the poop bags behind! Don't forget to bring your dog's essentials, including food and water, bowls, lead, collar with ID tag, bedding, toys, grooming supplies, poop bags, and any medications they may need.
Treat your dog to their very own travel bag! Our personalised bags have a 14 litre capacity - perfect for keeping all your dogs bits and bobs in one place!
(Obvious one!) Choose dog friendly accommodation
Research and book accommodation that welcomes dogs. Look for hotels, rentals, or campsites that offer pet-friendly amenities and have areas for dogs to exercise and relieve themselves.
Try this website for great ideas for places to stay and places to visit!
Keep your dog safe during travel
If travelling by car, ensure your dog is safely secured with a harness, crate, or pet barrier. Take regular breaks for wee breaks, water, and exercise.
Maintain routines
Stick to your dog's regular feeding, walking, and bedtime routines as much as possible to minimise stress. Bring familiar items like their bed or favorite toys to make them feel more at home.
Be mindful of your surroundings
Respect laws and local regulations regarding dogs. Dogs on the beach around Easter usually need a lead - most beaches do have a dog friendly section. Keep your dog under control and clean up any poos asap! (Tilly would ALWAYS embarrass us by pooing as soon as she hit the beach!) People on the beach who don't have dogs just do not understand!
We met the lovely people behind these poo bags at a dog show last year - great product and available in loads of colours.
Keep your dog cool and hydrated
Provide access to shade and fresh water, especially in warm weather. Avoid leaving your dog in hot cars or walking them on hot pavement to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Be prepared for emergencies
Pack a pet first aid kit with essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
Enjoy !
Make the most of your holiday! Nothing quite like the feeling of your dog enjoying their beach zoomies! Take loads of photos, relax, and savour the special moments you share with your furry friend!
Try one of our awesome bum bags - personalise or choose a design. Perfect for travels ! Proud to be featured in Countryfile!
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Summer Holidays are fast approaching many of you will be taking your dogs away with you. I know some of our best holidays have been taking Tilly to the beach with us! The pure joy of zoomies on the beach made it worth every penny! Travelling with your dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, taking your dog along can add an extra layer of fun to your adventures. However, it's important to be well-prepared to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey for both you and your pup. In this post, we'll share some essential tips and advice to help you make the most of your travels!
Plan Ahead: Before hitting the road, make sure to research and plan your trip accordingly. Consider dog-friendly accommodation, attractions, and restaurants along your route. Many hotels, holiday rentals, and even campsites now welcome dogs, so take advantage of these pet-friendly options.
Prepare a Doggy Travel Kit: Pack a dedicated travel bag for your dog. Include essentials such as food, treats, water, a lead, poo bags, medication (if applicable), toys, and a familiar blanket or bed. Having these items readily available will provide comfort and familiarity for your dog, no matter where you're staying.
Prioritise Safety: Ensure your dog's safety during travel by investing in a secure and comfortable dog crate or carrier. Secure the crate in the car using seat belts or other restraints. This not only prevents injury but also helps reduce anxiety during the journey.
Frequent Breaks and Exercise: Remember to take regular breaks during your trip to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and burn off some energy. Look for pet-friendly rest stops or parks along the way where your dog can safely roam and explore.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable: Maintain a comfortable environment for your dog throughout the journey. Avoid leaving them alone in a parked car, as temperatures can rise quickly, causing heatstroke or other health issues. Use sunshades, cracked windows, or air conditioning to regulate the temperature in the vehicle.Familiarise Your Dog with Travel: If your dog isn't accustomed to travelling, help them adjust by taking short trips beforehand. Gradually increase the duration of these trips to build their tolerance and reduce anxiety. This will also give you an opportunity to gauge your dog's response to different travel conditions.
ID Tags and Microchipping: Ensure your dog has proper identification, including a collar with up-to-date ID tags and make sure your dog is microchipped. In the unlikely event your dog gets lost, these identification methods greatly increase the chances of a happy reunion.
Research Local Veterinary Services: Before you embark on your trip, identify veterinary clinics and emergency services along your route and at your destination. Having this information readily available will provide peace of mind and ensure prompt medical attention if needed. Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful adventure filled with special memories. By planning ahead, prioritizing safety, and keeping your dog's comfort in mind, you can enjoy stress-free journeys together.
Remember to be patient, flexible, and attentive to your dog's needs throughout the trip. With proper preparation and a positive mindset, you and your furry friend are all set for an unforgettable travel experience. Happy travels!
Having a nervous dog can present unique challenges for pet parents. Whether your furry companion was born with an anxious temperament or experienced trauma in their past, understanding and addressing their nervousness is crucial to ensure their well-being. In this blog, we will explore the world of nervous dogs, delve into potential causes of their anxiety, and provide practical tips to help support and comfort your furry friend.
Nervous dogs may display various signs of anxiety, which can manifest differently in each individual. Some common signs include excessive barking, trembling, panting, pacing, hiding, destructive behavior, aggression, or withdrawal. Recognizing these signs is the first step in addressing your dog's anxiety.
a) Genetic Predisposition: Some dog breeds are more prone to nervousness due to their genetic makeup. Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, or Border Collies may have a higher likelihood of anxiety.
b) Traumatic Experiences: Dogs that have been through traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, or accidents may develop nervousness and fear-based behaviors as a result.
c) Lack of Socialization: Dogs that have not been adequately exposed to various environments, people, and other animals during their critical socialization period (typically between 3 to 14 weeks of age) may be more prone to anxiety.
d) Environmental Factors: Changes in the home environment, loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), new people or animals, or unfamiliar surroundings can trigger anxiety in dogs.
We have added a new range of t shirts to our shop - they are fantastic for warning other dog owners/ passerbys that your dog needs space. Ideal to avoid unnecessary stressful confrontations.
a) Safe Space: Designate a specific area in your home where your dog can retreat when they feel anxious. This space should be quiet, comfortable, and filled with their favorite toys, bedding, and familiar scents.
b) Consistent Routine: Establishing a predictable daily routine can provide a sense of security for your dog. Regular feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules can help reduce anxiety.
c) Reduce Noise: Loud noises can be distressing for nervous dogs. Minimize noise levels by closing windows during thunderstorms or providing white noise (e.g., soothing music) to create a more calming atmosphere.
a) Counter-Conditioning: Gradual exposure to feared stimuli, paired with positive reinforcement (such as treats or praise), can help desensitize your dog to anxiety-inducing situations.
b) Obedience Training: Teaching your dog basic obedience commands can enhance their confidence and establish a stronger bond between you. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for anxious dogs.
c) Avoid Punishment: Punishment-based training methods can escalate anxiety in nervous dogs. Instead, focus on rewarding desired behaviors and redirecting or ignoring unwanted behaviors.
a) Veterinary Consultation: If your dog's anxiety is severe or significantly impairs their quality of life, consult with a veterinarian. They can assess your dog's overall health, provide behavior modification advice, and discuss the potential use of anti-anxiety medications if necessary.
b) Professional Dog Trainer or Behaviorist: Enlist the help of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist experienced in working with anxious dogs. They can offer specialized guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs.
Living with a nervous dog requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to their unique needs. By creating a calm environment, employing positive reinforcement techniques, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your furry friend overcome their anxiety and lead a happier, more confident life. Remember, each dog is an individual, so finding the right approach may take time and experimentation. With love and support, you can make a significant difference!
]]>DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES IN SOMERSET
As some of you know, Jess & Tilly headquarters is in Somerset - Wells to be exact and although we live in central Somerset, the beaches are not too far away. I'm sure fellow dog owners will agree, the beach is one of our favourite places to visit with our dogs. Out of season you can often have the whole beach almost to yourself. Of the many beaches around the British coast only a relatively small proportion allow dogs all year round but the good news is that the vast majority of beaches welcome responsible dog owners outside of the summer (1 October to 30 April).
Now the weather is finally improving and we are able to take more trips out, we decided to research which beaches are dog friendly in Somerset during the Summer months, to help you decide where to go with your beloved pooch. Some beaches do introduce a ban on dogs throughout the summer months (which came into force on May 1st) but there are still plenty of beaches across Somerset that will allow you to take your dog freely onto them without any issues.
My husband and two small girls (at the time!) and I were all keen for a dog to join our household. We already had four chickens, two guinea pigs, several fish and a hedgehog! We felt we were at the right stage in our lives to welcome a dog and we absolutely wanted to give a rescue dog a second chance.
It just so happened, that soon after that conversation, on a trip to the pet shop, we spotted an ad that had been pinned up by the local pet rescue centre with a photo of a rather shell shocked, scruffy looking dog!
We all went to meet her - her name was Tilly, she was almost a year old and she was beautiful. She was a deerhound greyhound cross. All gangly legs and fur! She tolerated us but wouldn't really look at any of us properly. We walked with her and her keeper and found out a little more info about her past.
When you take on a rescue dog, you never fully know their history and maybe what they have been through. You may be lucky and the dog you take on can be perfectly well adjusted. Many though need lots of time, patience and understanding.
We all fell in love with Tilly and ended up bringing her home once we had been through all the usual checks - we had a home visit, Tilly came and visited twice and we visited her several times. We had to sign a contract that we would have her sterilised - quite a common policy we discovered.
Day 1 - Tilly came home with us!
Tilly was impeccably behaved for about 2 days when she came to live with us and then she started to steal food from the kitchen counter and even off our plates! Apart from that she was perfect and we couldn't believe our luck.
Then she got ill. Very ill. We still don't know what was wrong with her - I think she was hugely stressed from going to 3 different homes and being taken back to the rescue before coming home with us. Naively we hadn't got round to organising pet insurance and in the first month of having her we had to pay out almost £2000. So my advice is...take out pet insurance as soon as you can!
She got better - this isn't a sad story! We were just so happy that she was ok.
One of my favourite memories of the early days with Tilly was taking her down to Saunton Sands in Devon where she discovered the beach for the first time. There was so much joy in that dog on that day! I've never seen a dog run and zoom so hard and for so long!
Tilly is still a nervous girl and she is only truly happy when she is with myself or my husband. She hates to be alone and we try to avoid that happening. Luckily we work from home so she is spoiled by the fact there is usually either one of us with her. If she is left alone she will always make a protest of some sort - usually nicking food from somewhere; the teenagers bedrooms or the recycling bin. She's never grown out of that and we always forget!
Fast forwarding on - 10 years later! Tilly is still one of the best things that has ever happened to our family. She has brought us so much happiness and fun. I hope we have returned the favour. Over the years there have been vet visits and expenses but having her in our lives outweigh any of the worries and issues we have had along the way.
Our once small girls, are now young women beginning lives of their own. All the pets from the early days have long since gone and it is now just Tilly and the two of us. She is a lot slower now, shorter daily walks and more napping but that kind of suits us all.
My business partner and I run Jess & Tilly together - it is our celebration of dogs and our love for them which was inspired by Jess the cockapoo and my Tilly. A love of dogs is something we share with all our customers. It is a bond like no other - dog lovers just understand.
So if you are considering adoption, my personal view is there is nothing as rewarding or as joyful as sharing your life with a rescue dog. Do your research thoroughly and I would also say make sure you have the time and the patience to give your dog the life it deserves. It will need a forever home, its not always easy but the best thing you can do!
https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/adopting-a-dog
https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/advice/bringing-home-a-rescue-dog/
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/getting-a-dog
]]>As avid music festival goers - Glastonbury Festival is only about 5 miles from Jess & Tilly headquarters, we thought it was time to investigate the Dog Festivals which are popping up all around the country!
Festivals used to be only for humans but it seems that our dogs have caught on and also want to enjoy the fun!
As the world has opened up post covid there seem to be lots of doggy events taking place and we have compiled a list. Something for every type of dog lover!
Here are some of Britain’s festivals for dogs this Spring and Summer!
Get your paws on a ticket now!
A fun interactive day out with plenty for the pooches to do with Have-a-go agility & Hoopers, Temptation Alley, Canine Olympics, Dog Displays, Doggy Photobooth as well as talks and workshops from dog behaviourists, trainers and groomers, among other attractions.
The Big Bark will also be raising funds for local pet charities and good causes, with a charity fun dog show and scurry.
The event, which is focussed on supporting ethical dog-related businesses and promoting healthy attitudes and positive training methods among dog owners, will play host to more than 30 exhibitors from around the Southwest promoting their products and services.
The pooches will even have their own doggy cafe & a doggy tea party (bookable online) with party games & hats!
This fantastic dog festival, presented by 'Many Pets' pet insurance, will be taking place at seven different locations this year. Attractions include
For more info visit https://www.dog-fest.co.uk
How about this one!
If you love music and don't want to leave your dog behind then this one is for you! This fun-packed event has been created with dogs in mind and will see some of the UK’s best tribute bands!
Dog Lovers Festival 2022 is the ultimate dog friendly festival set in the glorious Derbyshire Countryside. Voted by The Daily Telegraph as one of the top ten dog events in the U.K and voted by the Daily Star as one of the best dog friendly festivals in the UK and nominated for Dog friendly awards best day out, this fun packed tribute festival is like no other.
There is a fun packed adventure for the dogs with agility, scurry run, obedience training, lure chasing, steeplechase, hide and seek, doggie dip, scent work and lots of tips and advice from dog groups and specialists.With a fantastic range of dog related stalls selling all manner of doggy products, there is all sorts to do at Dog Lovers 2022.https://www.dogloversfestival.org
Woofstock is taking a break in 2022 but will be back next year!
Woofstock 2023 is a weekend festival held at Powderham Castle Powderham Estate EX6 8JQ. The family-friendly two-day event promises lots of fun activities for dogs, not to mention live music, police displays and a shopping village full of doggy-related stalls.
THE COOLEST DOG SHOW IN TOWN is back for a special Jubilee edition on the 4th and 5th June 2022 at Broadlands Park, Romsey. The ultimate day out for you and your dog!
Dogstival 2022 will take place from 4-5 June at the Broadlands Estate in Romsey, in the New Forest. Adult day tickets start from £9. For more information or to book,
visit https://dogstival.co.uk/news
Whether you are walking a dachshund or a doberman, a labrador or a lurcher we have something for you!
This is a very robust dog walking waist bag - Large 3 litre capacity with enough room for dog treats, poop bags, phone, keys and even a water bottle, this is not your average bum bag! Adjustable webbing belt with secure clip closure and a main zip compartment and front zip pocket. Only £16.00!
This is the smallest bag we have - it is our go to bag to keep all your dog walking essentials in one place, easy to grab and go! It is spacious enough to hold your phone and keys too. Multiple zip compartments and a key hook. This costs £15.00.
We also make lots of other doggy products - why not find something for you too!