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Image courtesy of @kobebabybear Once you've decided to get your puppy, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget what a big impact your new arrival is about to have on your life. We pick up our puppy Nacho on 6th April and although we already have Archie, it's been almost 11 years since he was a puppy and we realised we'd forgotten how challenging those first few weeks/months were. We also realised just how much preparation is needed. If you have a dog already, you may be lucky enough to have things he can share (albeit reluctantly) with the new arrival and some things you can recycle (we still have every collar Archie ever wore). But there are some things you will still need to get before your puppy arrives at his forever home. Here are the main things you need to get organised and then you can relax and focus in on that excitement again. Set Up Insurance The minute the breeder hands over the pup to you, he is your responsibility so insurance needs to be set up in advance with that date as the policy start date. You will be extremely lucky if your dog doesn't have at least one major health problem or accident during their life and vet fees do not come cheap. Archie has had 2 fatty lumps removed in the last 2 years and each time that was over £700. He also spent 3 nights at the RVC when he was 3 as he had suspected meningitis. Luckily it wasn't but the bill was still over £2,000. We never wanted to find ourselves in a position where we had to think about the cost of taking care of any health issues Archie (and now Nacho) has and that is why we will always have insurance. And it's not just health issues you need to consider. Dogs are also very accident prone and if yours has an accident like being hit by a car, you may not just have a vets bill but also a claim for damage/injury to the car owner. All pet insurance policies include third party liability cover up to £2,000,000. We recommend you go for a Lifetime policy which is offered by all reputable companies like Waggel and Bought By Many. Image courtesy of @canecorsolondon Find a Vet You will need to register your pup with a vet as soon as possible and get him in for a full health check within his first 2 weeks home. The vet will also give you his vaccination schedule and tell you about flea and worming treatments. Many vets now have monthly payment plans which cover the cost of these treatments and consultations so you can budget throughout the year. Most people will choose the vets nearest to them which is wise in case of emergency or you may want to choose a vet recommended to you by a friend. You can also find a list of UK vets here. It is important to find a vet you trust and who you feel understands your dog. Buy the Essentials This could be a very long list depending on what you class as essential for your pup but let's put that diamond studded collar to one side for now and concentrate on the true essentials you should have before you collect your puppy. You will need: - 2 bowls - one for food and one for water. We recommend Hero bowls by Hownd. - A bed and/or crate - depending on where you decide your pup is going to sleep. Your pup may chew their first bed so probably wise not to spend too much on it. Toys and brain games - to begin with, just enough to keep him entertained. We recommend K9 Connectables. - Food - see our blog post "What Should I Feed My Dog" for suggestions. - Treats - small puppy treats for training. Visit Be Kind Treats for a selection of puppy treats. - Puppy Pads - for those inevitable accidents! (If you don't have a garden we recommend a Piddle Patch) - A brush - get your pup used to being brushed from an early age to avoid problems later. We recommend the Pet Teezer puppy brush. - Puppy Shampoo - bathing is another thing to get them used to as soon as possible. We recommend Playful Pup by Hownd. - Puppy Collar - we recommend you get your pup used to wearing a collar around the house before you go out walking. Be sure to remove it whenever your pup is left unsupervised in case it gets caught on something. To Crate or Not to Crate? That is the question! When I got my first dog 30 years ago (showing my age here), I had never heard of crate training but now it seems to be accepted as the way to go. It did work well with Archie and we will be doing it again with Nacho. If you are still undecided as to whether crate training is for you, look out for our upcoming blog about puppy training at home. Decide on Some House Rules You may want to keep your dog out of certain rooms in your house or not want them on your bed or sofa. For example I keep Archie out of the kitchen while cooking as I believe that is an accident waiting to happen! Whatever you decide for your own home, the key thing is to have everyone in your home on the same page. There is nothing more confusing for a pup to be encouraged on the sofa by one human, only to be told off by another. Image courtesy of @barneycockapooadventures Puppy Proof Your Home Your pup will be immediately inquisitive about his new surroundings when he arrives home and there are certain items you will need to protect from potential destruction and others you will need to remove for your pup's safety. If this is your first dog, check out this list of hazardous items some of which can be fatal to dogs. This is includes plants, food and chemicals. Puppies also love to chew, especially until the get their adult teeth (around 30 weeks old) so you will need to remove anything precious or potentially dangerous such as electric cables. Make sure your pup has plenty of interesting chew toys to keep him occupied and keep his eyes off your designer shoes! The PDSA have a full guide on puppy proofing your home here. Book Puppy Classes We highly recommend you take your pup along to classes even if you've had dogs for years and are confident in your training abilities. Puppy Classes will help you with basic training but they are also a great place for your pup to socialise with other dogs, humans and children. Good puppy classes with reputable trainers such as Lady and The Hound get booked up quickly so you will need to get your pup signed up in advance. Puppy classes are generally for pups up to 20 weeks old. We look forward to sharing our puppy journey with you. Please tell us in comments if there is a particular subject you think we should cover.

Image courtesy of @the_life_of_claude The last 12 months has seen a huge rise in UK dog ownership with suggestions that the number of households with a dog has increased by 60% since 2019. The demand for puppies in the UK is now so high that there is officially a national shortage, with breeders reporting up to 50 enquiries per day from hopeful puppy parents to be. Dog charities are extremely concerned that this will result in an increase of abandoned dogs as people's lives start to return to normal and the dog no longer fits in with their routines. Here at Four Legged Foodies we are about to welcome a new puppy into our lives but before we even approached a breeder we gave it serious consideration, even though we already have a dog! In fact, we gave it the same amount as we did 11 years ago before we welcomed Archie into our lives. We look forward to sharing our new puppy journey with you but if you are considering getting a puppy yourself, we urge you to consider the following areas first. The same considerations can be applied to getting an older or rescue dog. So, are you ready for a puppy? Image courtesy of @thetedtimes Emotionally We believe this is the first thing every potential dog owner should consider. Dogs bring absolute joy to our lives but also quite a lot of stress and worry. If you've never had a dog before, let me run you through some of the things that can happen to cause you stress (these have all happened to me): A greedy pup almost chokes to death by wolfing down food too quickly, an inquisitive pup runs out of the front door to chase a cat, runs into a road chasing a squirrel, disappears on a walk because he found an abandoned sausage roll, eats chocolate and is rushed to the vet.... See what I mean? and that's just Archie, not to mention the numerous health issues you will face, the worry every time you have to leave him home alone, the threat (both real and imagined) of being attacked by other dogs....the list goes on. As an owner about to get a second dog, I have also had to consider that he has a lot to live up to in Archie - despite all the above incidents, he really is still the best dog ever! You may have recently lost a dog and are looking to get another and you need to prepare yourself that your new dog will be different, even if the same breed and you must try to not keep comparing them as this could affect your bond with the new pup. If you think you can handle all this because the benefits really do outweigh the potential worries (would I be getting another four legged foodie if that wasn't true?) then you are ready emotionally to get a puppy. Image courtesy of @barneycockapooadventures Physically I'm not going to sugar coat this, puppies are HARD WORK! Puppies sleep for around 18 hours per day, unfortunately those hours aren't always when you sleep! Until your pup learns to control their bladder and bowels, you will be up at least once in the night with them or face a mess the following morning! Crating your pup does not mean that they can go all night but I'll cover more of this in another blog! For the other 6 hours of the day you will be on constant watch for your puppy needing the toilet until they are trained, which will be around 6 months but longer for some pups. You will also be constantly running around trying to stop them causing mayhem in the house like chewing furniture, shoes etc. Then when you finally get out walking with your pup, you will start on recall training but even the smartest of dogs don't get this right every time. Pups just want to explore and play with other pups so there will be times when you have to chase after your dog. You may also need to think about any allergies you have or if you suffer from asthma as certain breeds will not be suitable for you. Owning a dog will always have some physical element as they need exercising so you will need to think about your own capabilities over the next 15 years or so. Obviously, you can always pay a dog walker if your health circumstances change but the levels of exercise required is worth considering when you decide on a breed. If you are up for all this and can't wait to get out there exercising with your dog, then you are ready physically to get a puppy. Image courtesy of @little_lu_pug Practically This is the topic of the moment as the increase in dog ownership is mostly down to our changes in working circumstances. With many of us currently working from home, we find ourselves in the perfect position to welcome a dog into our lives. But will this be a permanent change? What happens when you go back to the office? We had a gap between dogs of 7 years because we both worked long hours and we didn't want our dog to be left home alone all day. With our previous dogs, we had parents living nearby who took care of them all day but then we moved to London and not only had no family nearby but also lived in a flat with no outside space. We didn't get Archie until I changed my career and we moved to a garden flat. We have been lucky to find 3 rental properties where we can have Archie but there is still some stigma attached to dogs and not every landlord will allow it as they worry about damage and mess so be sure to check with yours before you go ahead and get a pup. Your home set up is another thing to consider. Is your house big enough for the breed you choose once they are full grown? Do you have a secure garden? Do you have stairs to access your property? Pups aren't good at stairs for their first few months so think about the size of dog you choose. A Golden Retriever can be up to 19 kilos by the time they are 4 months old! That's a lot to carry up and down stairs several times a day. Maybe you will be lucky enough to be allowed to take your dog to work with you. If so, is your dog up for travelling on public transport? Will you be able to carry your dog up station escalators? If you are committed to creating the right environment for your dog, you will have many years of absolute pleasure and there are always solutions if your circumstances change such as hiring a dog walker or using doggie daycare. Which brings us on to the next topic. Image courtesy of @ladybalieythecavalier Financially After the initial cost of buying your pup, the average cost of taking care of him is £2,000 per year. So over an average lifetime of 13 years that's £26,000!! And if you're a super pampered pooch like Archie and his pals it will be considerably more. There are some obvious costs such as food, insurance, vets fees and things like beds, collars, toys etc but there are also costs you may not have considered if this is your first dog. As we looked at earlier, your situation could change and you may need to hire a dog walker which will be around £15 per day. Daycare is around £25 per day. If your dog needs professional grooming that will set you back at least £200 per year. What about when you go away? if you don't have family or friends to step in, you will have to pay for dog boarding or kennels, which will add at least £140 to the cost of a 7 day holiday. If your dog has behavioural issues, you may need to hire a professional trainer. Puppy classes cost around £150 for a few week's course but one to one training can cost over £100 per session. If you're crazy enough (like us) to get a second dog, then obviously that's all doubled! Financial reasons are one of the most common given for owners having to rehome their dogs so it is best to have a good idea of what's in store. If you think you are in a good position financially and, like us, you agree that a dog is worth every penny, then YOU ARE READY FOR A PUPPY. Stay tuned as we guide you through our puppy journey together and hopefully provide useful information for fellow puppy owners. Here is a sneak preview of our new pup Nacho who arrives home on April 6th.

One of the first things you will think about when you pick up your puppy will be what you should be feeding him. If you've been a dog owner as long as I have, you will remember the days when we only had to decide which flavour Pedigree Chum to choose and the excitement when new brands like Cesar (or Mr.Dog as it was called to begin with) started appearing on the shelves. One thing that was constant until quite recently, was that the pet food market was dominated by large multi-national companies. Both the examples above are affiliate companies of Mars. Today's dog owner not only has a greater selection of food to choose from but also an ever increasing number of small, independent pet business from whom to buy it. The sheer amount of choice can be mind blowing to the new dog owner who may worry that the wrong choice could effect their dog's well being. So how do you decide what to choose for your dog? You may ask a friend what they feed their dog? Ask your breeder or vet for recommendations. But everyone has their own ideas and will claim what they feed is the best and you are left still scratching your head. In reality, most of us find our way through trial and error and rarely will a dog eat exactly the same food his whole life. Archie is 11 in April and is currently on his 4th brand. My suggestion is to first determine what type of eater your dog is, which can take a little time and can also change with age, after that do your own research to choose a type of food and brand that also fits in with your lifestyle and budget. What type of eater is your dog? Your pup will most likely fall into one of three groups when it comes to food: The Foodie - like Archie, if your dog is a foodie they will eat ANYTHING. This can bring it's own problems but when it comes to choosing their food, the world is your oyster (Archie hasn't tried them yet but give him time)! The Fusspot - a fussy eater can be very frustrating and worrying. I have known dogs to refuse to eat for up to 4 days! Sometimes it can be just a case of finding what they like and then sticking to that forever. More often with a fusspot, you will find they like their food one minute then refuse to touch it the next. All you can do, is keep trying to encourage them to eat but you may have to accept that you have to offer them a variety throughout their lives. Require a special diet - dogs, like humans, can suffer from food allergies and other medical conditions that require a special diet such as pancreatitis.* The most common allergen in dogs is related to grains, so gluten, wheat, barley etc. Luckily there is a large selection of grain free dog food available and you can find something to suit most intolerances. You should always seek advice from your vet if you suspect any intolerances or medical conditions.* Once you have determined what type of eater your dog is, you can move on to deciding what to feed. Here are some pros and cons of the main food types and our favourite companies from which to get them. Wet Food and Kibble - Edgard & Cooper Wet Food and Kibble has come a long way in recent years and you can now find something to suit most dogs requirements including grain free, organic and low calorie. Some people don't like wet food because it can have a strong smell which can linger on your dog's mouth. Kibble remains the nation's favourite as it is easy to store, with long shelf life and is good value for money. It used to be thought that the crunchy biscuits were good for teeth but this has been challenged recently as kibble can remain between dogs teeth, causing plaque and bad breath. It is therefore recommended that you brush your dog's teeth daily when feeding kibble. All Edgard & Cooper wet food and kibble is made from good quality, fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. They don't use any processed meat or ground up bones and their food is slow-baked to lock in goodness and flavour. They have a good range of flavours available which is all grain-free and also have an organic range. Plus some tasty treats too! If you decide to try Edgard & Cooper for your dog, you can get 20% off you first order with code FOURLEGGEDFOODIES. Raw Food - Bella & Duke The raw food diet started to grow in popularity around ten years ago (although it has been around much longer) and since then it has continued to grow as dog owners strive to find the perfect diet. Raw food for dogs is one of the oldest diets, but when it became more difficult to source raw meat from the local butchers, an alternative source was required. Owners report a variety of benefits of feeding raw food including improved skin and coat, better bowel movements and increased energy. Some owners are wary of handling raw meat and it can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans to have in the house. Even some meat eaters can be put off by offal and chicken feet! Bella & Duke food contains 80% raw minced meat mixed with raw vegetables, and other natural ingredients such as herring oil and turmeric. They have a range of flavours and menus to suit every dog from puppies to working dogs and even a superfood range with natural anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants. All their food arrives frozen and is well packaged but if you are still put off by its appearance or if you have limited freezer space we recommend trying Bella & Duke Raw Dry Food which has all the same nutrients but is then freeze dried and can be stored in a cupboard. They also have a variety of raw treats. If you would like to try a raw food diet, order here and a 50% discount will automatically be applied at checkout once you have completed your dog's details. Fresh Food - Butternut Box The most pampered of pooches get their owners to cook for them every day which is all well and good but who has the time for that? The freshly prepared dog food by subscription is the latest addition to the pet food market and in the UK started with Butternut Box in 2016. Now you can get homecooked food delivered to your door without spending hours in the kitchen - it's like Deliveroo for dogs! They currently have 6 flavours and you can choose your preferences when you complete your details. The food arrives frozen and needs to be stored in the freezer, defrosting what you need each day. The only negative we can think of to this food is if you have a lack of freezer space. If so, you can arrange to have smaller, more frequent deliveries and once defrosted, it will keep in the fridge unopened for up to 7 days. A range of treats are also available. if you'd like to try Butternut Box you can order here and get 50% off your first 2 boxes.(Discount automatically applied).

Made in UK Day on March 9th celebrates all the wonderful business who manufacture their products right here on British soil. By buying a Made in UK product you are not only supporting British craftmanship, saving essential skills and boosting our economy, you are also lowering your carbon footprint. Lots to feel good about then! So why not get your pooch involved too by treating him to a new bed by the wonderful DogCo. DogCo was started in 2020 by Caroline (the brains behind Dog Atelier Hugo & Otto) in a quest to bring British made luxury at affordable prices to the dog bed market. Caroline has created 4 collections inspired by her travels whilst working for British Airways. Each collection; Ireland, Scotland, Kent and Cornwall showcases beds that are inspired by the natural beauty of those regions, like the sand of the Cornish coves, the heather of the Scottish Highlands and the cherry farms of Kent. See all the collections on their website and follow them @dogco.uk Each DogCo bed is made using quality fabrics such as Irish linen, gingham and velvet to provide your dog with the upmost comfort and ensure he gets the best snoozes. The variety of their designs from cushion beds to scooped front and even cosy crate sets means they really do have a bed to suit every dog. DogCo support other small UK businesses in the making of their beds and are accredited by Made in Britain®

One positive outcome of the pandemic is that many families have been able to get the dog they long desired but which their working patterns prevented. With many people finding themselves now working from home and able to spend more time with the newest addition to the family, the UK has seen an explosion of puppy ownership. Lockdown has been great for the whole family to be together at home, to walk together and generally bond with their new pup. But what about training? We strongly believe that every new puppy owner, whether experienced or not, should go along to puppy classes but these haven't been able to go ahead for some months now. Fear not new doggie parents! You can still get that essential early training online with our friends at Lady and the Hound. Imogen runs Puppy School, puppy socialisation and canine coaching courses in Richmond, Hampton, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge which will start to resume in April but in the meantime you don't need to miss out on this key stage of your puppies development. All you need is a computer which supports Zoom, a bit of space in your house and some high value treats and Imogen will guide you through the training. Puppy School This a six-week course with up to 8 puppies in the class and each session lasts for one hour. Online Puppy School is for pups of all ages (physical classes have an age limit of 20 weeks) and aims to provide you and your pup with some basic commands such as come, sit, wait, leave it. The classes also help owners get ahead of any potential bad habits before they become a problem, such as jumping up at people, play biting, pulling on lead. Training your pup should be taken seriously but that doesn't mean it can't be fun too! Imogen ensures that the classes are conducted in a fun, rewards based manner so that training your pup is enjoyable for the whole family. She especially welcomes any children to join in. Once Puppy School is completed, your pup will receive a certificate of graduation and a rosette then you can continue to put what you learnt into practice or book private training if there are particular areas you would like to focus on with your dog. If you want to continue with training, you and your pup can progress to Juniors Class for adolescent dogs (post-COVID as this is not available online). The 6 week Puppy School Course costs £180 and you can book here. Private Puppy Training You may feel that group classes aren't for you or you may want a more tailored training course for your pup so you'll be pleased to know that Private Puppy Training with Lady and The Hound is also available via Zoom. These one to one sessions are for puppies of any age and last for 4 weeks, following an initial consultation. The basic training covers the same key areas as Puppy School but with a more tailored approach to meet your puppies needs and the ability to focus on particular problem areas such as destructive behaviour or recall. The whole family is once again encouraged to take part to make the experience fun for you and your pup. If your dog still has or develops any issues as he progresses into adulthood, you can book further private consultations via Zoom. The 4 week course costs £300 and can be booked here. For further information on training courses from Lady and The Hound visit their website which also includes a roadmap of plans for recommencing face to face training.

There are so many dog collars on the market, it's hard to know which to choose! We tried and tested 5 different types of collar so we can let you know what to expect and help you find the right one for your dog. It's important to get your puppy used to wearing a collar as soon as possible. Even before they are out walking so they can get used to the feel of it around their necks and you don't later encounter any problems taking a collar on and off. The next thing to get right before you order a collar is the fit. You should be able to fit 2 fingers between the collar and your dog's neck so, when measuring the neck, be sure to add a couple of centimetres. All good dog collar companies will have a sizing guide and help on how to measure on their websites. Next you need to choose a design/material: Leather Leather collars are hardwearing and sturdy. They can be more expensive but if you find a well made one, it will last for years. They are also easy to keep clean so a good choice if your dog likes to get muddy! If your dog likes to swim, the leather can suffer from water marks. Be sure to choose a collar that is made from genuine leather as bonded leather is not as sturdy. All leather collars from Dogs and Horses are handmade in London using the softest leather which is stitched rather than riveted. The quality of Dogs and Horses collars is exceptional and completely worth the investment. They are available in padded, rolled and hound design and prices start at £32.50. Use code ARCHIELOVES10 for 10% off. Rope Rope is a natural material and although not quite as hardwearing as leather, a good quality rope collar should still be able to withstand considerable and water contact. A well made rope collar will be free from any toxic dyes which can rub off onto your dog. Oonalfie's rope collars are made from the highest quality, double braid, marine rope. Each collar is individually designed and handcrafted in Oxfordshire. Oonalfie have several designs to suit dogs of all sizes and prices start at £59.50. Polypropylene Polypropylene fabric is derived from the second most popular plastic in the world. The main benefit of this fabric is that it doesn't absorb moisture, making it an ideal collar choice for the adventurous dog who is happy to be out in all weathers, getting filthy and even swimming! It is also one of the lightest synthetic fibres in existence. All Reg and Bob collars are made for dogs who want to be dogs and the polypropylene webbing is ideal for them. With a Reg and Bob collar you don't need to sacrifice style for the sake of practicality as they come in a range of vibrant colours to suit dogs of all shapes and sizes. Prices start at £17.00 Use code ARCHIELOVES15 for 15% off. Suede This one is for city dogs, special outings and sassy little divas! If you like to frequent dog friendly places like Archie and his friend Daphne, you might want to keep a collar for special occasions, one that you don't wear to the muddy park! Suede is soft, lightweight and comfortable, making ideal for smaller necks including sight hounds. Rudy and Lou have a selection of suede collars all with added Swarovski crystals for that extra bit of luxury. Rudy and Lou suede collars are made of super soft calf leather and prices start at £25.00 Use code ARCHIELOVES20 for 20% off. Photo credit @daphnethewondersossige Neoprene Neoprene is a type of rubber (it's what wetsuits are made from) and is a popular material for dog collars because it is strong and flexible and, of course, waterproof! After a lot of use, these collars may start to fray at the edges. All collars and harnesses by DogLDN are lined with neoprene for extra comfort and padding. Their collars include matching bows and start at £12.50. Harnesses You may find that your dog is more suited to a harness than a collar. Harnesses are great for certain body shapes such as dachshunds and pugs but also good for any dog that likes to pull as it eases the strain on their necks. It is essential that you get a well fitted harness as you can otherwise put strain on other areas of your dog's body. Hiro + Wolf harnesses have lightly padded cotton chest plates which evenly distributes weight across the body making walkies a more comfortable experience Prices start at £45

Canine enrichment is a relatively new term in the dog owners vocabulary, so what does it actually mean and how can we achieve it for our own pups? Think of it as walkies for the brain! We all know the importance of regular physical activity for our doggies but we can often forget that it's just as important to exercise their brains. Boredom can often result in bad behaviour and mental stimulation helps prevent this. Here are 6 ways to enrich your dogs lives. Lickimat™ Using a slow feeder such as Lickimat™ satisfies your dog's natural instinct to forage whilst also making meal times more interesting. Eating the same food from the same bowl every day can become boring so use Lickimat™ to introduce new ingredients and flavours. The Lickimat™ Slomo is divided into 4 sections enabling your dog to enjoy a mixture of dry food, wet food and treats. Slow feeders also aid digestion by preventing your dog from gulping down their food in on go! Get yours from all good local pet boutiques such as The Hound Hut. K9 Connectables Interactive toys such as K9 Connectables teach dogs to use their brains to work out how to get food and satisfies their natural hunting instincts. K9 Connectables toys are made from super tough nylon, meaning they can withstand even the strongest of gnawing which is great for your dog's teeth and gums. You can keep adding to your K9 Connectables collection to make the game even more fun. Use code ARCHIELOVES10 for 10% off when you order yours! Kong® Most of us will have one of these in our doggie cupboard! Kong® are the original interactive toy and have been around since 1970. The Kong® Classic can be used as a slow feeder, a treat dispenser and a toy. The shape of the toy means that once full of goodies, your dog will have to work extra hard to reach it. You can even freeze your filled Kong® to make it last longer. The durable design and bounce means you can also use it outside as a throw/fetch toy. Kong® have a wide variety of products to suit your dogs size, age and chewing power. Get yours at all good local pet stores such as The Hound Hut (pictured). Kiwi Walker Octopus Many dog breeds were bred to be working dogs but the modern pooch, especially those living in cities, don't get to use their inherent skills. Playing fetch is a great alternative and not only provides mental stimulation but provides plenty of physical exercise too. It's also a great way to bond with your pup. Make fetch more fun with a colourful foam toy like the Kiwi Walker Octopus. These toys are seriously strong but also lightweight. They even float so great for the swimmers! You can pick up a selection of Kiwi Walker toys at Dog and Groom in Wandsworth (pictured). Puppy Toys Puppies need constant stimulation to keep their attention during training. An interactive toy will keep them focused as it will satisfy a puppies curiosity of things they don't understand. The colours and shapes will keep them interested and they will want to discover what's rattling around inside. Starting your dog early is the best way to hone his problem-solving skills and overall intelligence. Ask your local pet boutique to recommend the best toy for your puppy. Pet Pavilion stores (pictured) have a great selection. *photo credit @itspomegranate Homemade Enrichment There are many ways to use household items to provide mental stimulation for your dog. We drilled holes in an old tennis ball to create this slow feeder for Archie. See how we did it here. You can even create a whole obstacle course around the house using boxes or toilet roll holders with treats hidden which is great to get your dogs using their noses. Follow @pawsitivemyotherapy for more ideas.

Dogs are active creatures by nature and don't always know their limitations! All that squirrel chasing or leaping in the air to catch a ball or even just jumping on and off the sofa puts extra strain on their muscles and joints and can even lead to painful injuries. If your dog displays signs of pain or discomfort such as changes in their daily habits, if they start to walk differently or if they give a more obvious sign such as jumping or yelping when you touch them, you may want to explore Canine Massage.* What is Galen Myotherapy? Galen Canine Myotherapy © are leaders in the field of canine massage. Their highly-trained therapists uses palpation, posture analysis as well other specialised massage techniques in order to pinpoint and then treat possible muscular issues or injuries in dogs as well as the associated compensatory issues that may arise. Through various massage techniques, myotherapy is able to manage a range of mobility issues in dogs. if a dog has poor mobility the muscular system will not be functioning as well as it should which in turn has detrimental effects on the other systems of the body. Therefore this therapy allows the muscular systems to function optimally which as a result, enhances the general well being of the dog, enabling them to live life to the full. Is Canine Massage Suitable for my Dog? Galen Myotherapy is suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes but, as with any other health concerns, should first be discussed with your vet. Once consent from your vet has been given, your Galen therapist will arrange an initial consultation and assess your dogs particular requirements. Galen's unique, choice led treatment protocol encourages the process to be a positive one. As you can see, your dog will be treated at ground level, somewhere they feel comfortable. Your dog will not be put on a high table, with risk of falling and will not be restrained. Throughout the treatment, your dog is able to get up and walk away whenever they need to. Most will completely relax into it just like Theo here! Find a Galen Myotherapist Near You All Galen therapists undergo an extensive training programme and are fully insured and accredited to work with animals. Our therapist is Lucy of Pawsitive Touch and we can't recommend her highly enough. Lucy really gets to know your dog and works with you to achieve the best results in a positive environment. You will always be present throughout all treatments. Archie is always positively excited to see Lucy and she doesn't even need to bribe him with food!! For more information about Lucy and to arrange a consultation, visit her website here. For further information about Galen Myotherapy and to find your nearest therapist visit their website here. *Canine massage is a complimentary therapy and should always be discussed with your vet prior to any treatments.

Discerning dogs such as us expect a certain level of quality when it comes to our shopping experiences. We (and our humans) want a place where we can find that extra special something as well as our everyday essentials and we want that place to be clean, stylish and welcoming. These 3 beautiful London Dog Boutique's offer all that and much more. The Hound Hut, Oval All doggies will receive a very warm welcome from Anthony and his team at The Hound Hut. The products you will find here are all carefully selected to meet Anthony's exacting standards and where possible supporting local and UK pet companies such as You and The Dog, Natural Instinct and Dogs and Horses. At The Hound Hut you will find a large selection of raw food and a deli style counter dedicated to raw treats. Everything in this boutique is beautifully displayed and it is a pleasure to shop here. A range of grooming services are also available at The Hound Hut. Pet Pavilion, Various Locations This family owned group has been a huge part of the London dog scene since 1995 and now has 7 boutiques across the city. Each store has a selection of quality products to suit every dog's needs and this year they added Premium Cold Pressed and Raw Foods to their existing own-brand range of treats and grooming products. A full range of grooming services are also available at 6 Pet Pavilion locations. Dog & Groom, Wandsworth This beautiful boutique would not look out of place amongst the designer stores on Sloane Street. Anna has created a truly enjoyable shopping experience for you and your pooch with her collection of fantastic products, including many of our personal favourites such as ByBenji, Hugo and Celine and Overglam. The store overlooks Wandsworth Common and is surrounded by many great dog friendly pubs and cafes. Dog and Groom also offer a range of grooming services.

Most doggies will need to pay a visit to a professional groomer at some point in their lives and for many breeds this will become a regular experience. I've been a dog groomer for over 10 years and I'm going to let you into a secret, no dog in the world loves being groomed! They are away from you, their beloved humans, they are subjected to unusual and loud noises and asked to stand on a table for a couple of hours so there's little wonder it's not their favourite way to spend an afternoon. That doesn't mean that they have to hate the experience. Here are some top tips from 3 London dog groomers so you can help make a visit to the groomers more enjoyable for your pooch. #1. Start Them Young A visit to the groomers should be part of your pup's early socialisation. Even if your dog isn't ready for a haircut, the sooner they are introduced to the people, sights and sounds of a grooming salon, the better. "We have a 3 step introduction to grooming for pups up to 9 months old" Peter, D-O-G Grooming Studio, Wandsworth This is an excellent idea where your pup spends some time on their 1st visit just hanging around in the salon. On the 2nd visit, they are bathed and dried and on the 3rd they receive a full groom. For older dogs, you can apply a similar approach yourself. Just ask your groomer for advice. Trust me, they will be as keen as you are to make the process smoother! #2. Maintain their coats in between visits If left un-brushed, your dog's coat can become knotted or matted. They will then be subjected to the lengthy and sometimes painful process of de-matting and if that is something they associate with the groomers, then you can understand why they will be reluctant to return! This can easily be avoided if you make brushing part of their daily routine. In extreme circumstances, your groomer will have no option but to shave your dog short and that may not be your preference. So, if you want a fluffy dog then regular brushing is an absolute MUST! You can also get your dog used to be being bathed at home and noises like the hairdryer and hoover before going to a salon. "Your dog will be much happier at the salon if he's not terrified of the hairdryer" Anna, Dog and Groom, Wandsworth #3. Touch their legs and feet This is something that most dog owners don't ever consider. We stroke our dog's head, tickle their bellies, rub their backs but don't think about their legs and feet. Often, the first person to touch your dogs feet for any length of time will be their groomer. Understandably, this new sensation coming from a stranger can be hard for a dog to cope with. "One of the best things an owner can do for their dog is spend time touching their legs and holding their feet so this is not so much of a shock" Louanne, The Hound Hut, Oval Your groomer will be using clippers and sharp scissors on and around your dog's feet so it really helps if your dog doesn't react by jumping or pulling away. Spend some time stroking their legs and feet when they are relaxing next to you on the sofa. It's also a good idea to regularly check your dog's feet for anything stuck in between their pads which can become painful or even infected if left unnoticed. #4. Don't take a tired dog to the groomers Unlike a visit to the beauty salon for us, this is not a relaxing experience for dogs. Your dog will be at the grooming salon for at least 2 hours, most of which will be standing. They will be less happy about this if they have just been on a long walk and all they want to do is curl up in their bed and sleep! An over-tired dog is very much like an over-tired toddler, they can become extremely irritable and uncooperative. Sometimes, even aggressive! Your groomer will definitely appreciate that your dog has been to the toilet before arriving but that is all that is necessary. Why not take them for their walk afterwards as a special treat. #5. Finding the right groomer for you (and your dog) It is most owner's instinct to go to the groomers nearest to where they live. Though we understand the convenience of this, it is worth doing some research when looking for a groomer. If you find one who understands you and your dog, they are worth travelling for! One of the best ways is to ask your dog owning friends about their experiences and if they recommend a groomer. A good groomer will always put the health and welfare of your dog first, they will also want to meet your requirements as much as possible so that you become a loyal and long-standing customer. Before you decide, go and meet them and introduce them to your dog. Most professional groomers will be more than happy to do this and if they're not, then they are probably not the right place for you. Archie has checked out the following London salons and can personally recommend them all: The Hound Hut D-O-G Grooming Studio Dog and Groom

Were you like us and almost cried when you learnt you still can't meet your friends at your favourite dog friendly restaurant? Well fear not! Some of our favourite places also have great outdoor spaces and they've all been installing heating to help make us comfortable. Here are 6 great places where you can meet 5 of your friends this December. Flotsam & Jetsam is a fabulous cafe overlooking Wandsworth Common. Their outside space isn't huge but can accommodate more now thanks to their lovely neighbours allowing them extra tables. Well worth visit for their delicious brunches and coffee, followed by a walk on the Common. Read Archie's review here... Mercato Mayfair has a lovely roof terrace where you can enjoy the food from the fantastic selection of street food companies inside. You can also try Mercato Metroplitano in Southwark, which has an abundance of outside space. Read Archie's review here... The Green Room on the Southbank has had a facelift this year and their outside space is now fully equipped with it's own bar and cosy firepits by every table. Meet your friends and then enjoy a walk along the Thames. Read Archie's review here... Home SW15 have now covered their outside space and continue to offer you a warm welcome and excellent food in Putney. If you go, be sure to look out for Archie's sponsored brick inside. Read Archie's review here... Mare Street Market in Hackney is a great space for dining, drinking and much more. They have a great outside space and London Fields is nearby for a walk afterwards. Read Archie's review here... Refinery Bankside is a large space in Southwark and also has plenty of tables outside. Grab a blanket and get yourself a glass of warm cider while you chat with your friends about your plans for Christmas and more importantly - 2021! Read Archie's review here...

Sunday October 25th will be the 25th anniversary of World Pasta Day and what better way to celebrate this versatile dish than with a big plateful of goodness from your local Italian restaurant. Here are 4 of our favourite dog friendly restaurants where you can celebrate World Pasta Day with your pooch by your side. Don't want to leave the house? Have no fear, they are all offering a delivery service and we even have a suggestion for making your own at home. Pastaio, Soho and Westfield These vibrant restaurants serve delicious fresh pasta dishes using the best British and Italian produce. There is a selection of vegan and gluten free options. They also offer takeaway and delivery via Deliveroo. And, as you can see, they love our four legged friends to visit both restaurants. Read Archie's full review here... CHUCS, various locations CHUCS started life as a swimwear brand and now this small independent chain has 5 restaurants across London. They serve up some fine Italian dishes including a range of pasta options. They also currently offer their recipe boxes where they send you everything you need to recreate their dishes at home. Read Archie's review here... Manicomio, Chelsea This Italian restaurant in the heart of Chelsea serves fresh pasta which is handmade on site every day. We doggies are welcome everywhere but their large, heated terrace is a great spot for people watching and you might even spot your favourite Made in Chelsea star! Manicomio currently offer a takeaway and delivery service. Read Pretzel's full review here... Farmacy, Notting Hill Vegan's can join in the pasta celebrations with a tasty bowl of Mac n Cheese at this fabulous plant based restaurant. You can also get your vegan pasta delivered on Ordit. Read Archie's review of Farmacy here... Pasta Evangelists If you want to create your own pasta masterpieces at home but don't know where to start then try Pasta Evangelists. Choose your favourite dish from their weekly changing menu and they will send you everything you need the next day in a box that fits through your letterbox! Visit their website here and get 30% off your first order.