Hints, tips, & things that have worked for us over the years..
Whilst not everything on this page may apply to you, your dog, or requirements & living spaces we feel it's good to have a list of "stuff" that may make life easier for both you & your Boxer!
Page construction in progress ..apologies for the dust!
Page construction in progress ..apologies for the dust!
"VET BEDDING"tm
http://www.petnhome.co.uk/bedding-roll-grey-p-690.html
Link will take you to the above supplier, other sellers of this material obviously abound via a simple web search..do check a few sellers as prices vary.
Very effective based on being very durable, soft thick & warm for your pup.
Allows "wet" to go straight through whilst the top remains warm & comfy.
From new it it fluffy & soft pile, rather like a fleece (it's recycled plastic material just like a fleece) witha tough backing that ensures you'll get many years out of a piece or three!
After a while of being stomped, chewed (unsuccessfully) it will have considerably shorter pile & clumps slightly tougher but still warm & cosy for your now adult dog..
Any bedding gets smelly ..we buy ours in bulk & cut it down to manageable sizes for dog bedding / crate bedding / winter in front of the wood-burning stove, this way it can be changed over regularly, washed (40 degree wash) Spun @ 1400rpm ideally & hung out to dry or draped in winter to dry drip free on a drying rack, whilst tumble drying will remove lint & copious amounts of dog hair whichever way we dry vet bedding a good shake or beating outside against a wall is adviseable in order to remove extra dust, hair etc..
High speed spin (1400 rpm) on your washer will ensure no / minimal drips avoiding the tumble drier is preferable as you can only put one or 2 (max) blankets in a typical 8kg washing machine (1x large 1x small) lest you unbalance the washer sensors.
Veterinary bedding’s main attributes are:
Link will take you to the above supplier, other sellers of this material obviously abound via a simple web search..do check a few sellers as prices vary.
Very effective based on being very durable, soft thick & warm for your pup.
Allows "wet" to go straight through whilst the top remains warm & comfy.
From new it it fluffy & soft pile, rather like a fleece (it's recycled plastic material just like a fleece) witha tough backing that ensures you'll get many years out of a piece or three!
After a while of being stomped, chewed (unsuccessfully) it will have considerably shorter pile & clumps slightly tougher but still warm & cosy for your now adult dog..
Any bedding gets smelly ..we buy ours in bulk & cut it down to manageable sizes for dog bedding / crate bedding / winter in front of the wood-burning stove, this way it can be changed over regularly, washed (40 degree wash) Spun @ 1400rpm ideally & hung out to dry or draped in winter to dry drip free on a drying rack, whilst tumble drying will remove lint & copious amounts of dog hair whichever way we dry vet bedding a good shake or beating outside against a wall is adviseable in order to remove extra dust, hair etc..
High speed spin (1400 rpm) on your washer will ensure no / minimal drips avoiding the tumble drier is preferable as you can only put one or 2 (max) blankets in a typical 8kg washing machine (1x large 1x small) lest you unbalance the washer sensors.
Veterinary bedding’s main attributes are:
- Non-Allergenic
- Non-Toxic
- Non-Irritant
- Does Not Support Bacterial Growth
- Machine Washable & Can Be Washed At 40 Degrees (Again & Again)
- Quick Drying
- Ideal For Whelping, Older Dogs That May Suffer From The Occasional Accident & For All Other Stages Of Your Pet’s Life.
- Available in 3m - 5m - 6m - 10m Rolls
Cheap clothes / blanket drying rack!
Air drying a blanket or more will save 2-4 Kilowatt hours of a low heat cycle of a tumble-drier, & a typical stand alone (square footprint) wooden drier rack from Argos will happily accomodate 4 "vet bedding" dog blankets in the corner of a warm room overnight, or a conservatory for example.
We still recommend a quick tumble dry regardless to get rid of loose dog hair (or take it outside & beat it in the leeward wind)
And when the pups have finished chewing on it or it's just plain knackered you can always use it for kindling if you have a fire! Whichever way you look at it it's good value for money.
We still recommend a quick tumble dry regardless to get rid of loose dog hair (or take it outside & beat it in the leeward wind)
And when the pups have finished chewing on it or it's just plain knackered you can always use it for kindling if you have a fire! Whichever way you look at it it's good value for money.
Basic voice instruction / Commands
"GIVE IT TO ME" (Spoken in deeper tones) Good for initiating play & getting a youngster into the habit of eating pills..often makes your dog instinctively pick up an item (or guzzle down pills)
"I WANT IT" ..(Spoken in Deeper tones) As above & used in conjunction with the above to reinforce an action with the dog, our animals will often see it as a "must have" grabbing whatever is dropped toward them.
"Sweeties" ..another term for pills / conditioning tablets etc
"PEN" ..(clear loud instruction) ..used to herd the dogs to either dog crates (see below) or to their communal sleeping quarters / room. ..fairly effective one word instruction, even when the doorbell rings & your dog "needs" to know who is visiting.
"HOUSE" ..(clear loud instruction) we are lucky enough to have a field & owned access to the side & front, we use the command to get the dogs to run back inside when we've finished exercising them (off the lead) or they have bolted outside to greet us after getting out of the car after being out at work, they are part of your family pack & need to say their hello's .. familiarity of clear instruction can help get a dog away from moving vehicles (for instance) or away from children or other dogs that may be scared of your animals own exuberance.
"LET" ...drop anything, or loosen grip on an item currently being held in order to assist in it's removal.
"LEAVE" ...As above, or to indicate to your dog to leave & stay away from an item or animal.
"WASS-ISS" ? (WHAT'S THIS) Trick a dog into coming somewhere they've thus far ignored instruction (playing deaf) a boxers nosiness / inquisitive nature is legendary ...used to call if the call for food fails to rouse them.
"FUD" ( ..sounds daft but seems to get through to them, after seeing a Gary Larson "Far Side" cartoon of dogs luring a much hated cat into the washing machine with arrowed signs stating "cat fud" (dog's aren't the worlds best spellers) ..much funnier if you track down the image yourself, unfortunately Gary larson doesn't like his cartoons on the internet, so respecting his wishes I will not rip it off! (this one has made me laugh for over 25yrs).
"TEETH" ...for easy access to mouth & teeth when you need to, get them used to this young as mouth & gum inspections ought to be regularly checked as part of their health checks, dog's need to be comfortable with handling at such close proximity!
"I WANT IT" ..(Spoken in Deeper tones) As above & used in conjunction with the above to reinforce an action with the dog, our animals will often see it as a "must have" grabbing whatever is dropped toward them.
"Sweeties" ..another term for pills / conditioning tablets etc
"PEN" ..(clear loud instruction) ..used to herd the dogs to either dog crates (see below) or to their communal sleeping quarters / room. ..fairly effective one word instruction, even when the doorbell rings & your dog "needs" to know who is visiting.
"HOUSE" ..(clear loud instruction) we are lucky enough to have a field & owned access to the side & front, we use the command to get the dogs to run back inside when we've finished exercising them (off the lead) or they have bolted outside to greet us after getting out of the car after being out at work, they are part of your family pack & need to say their hello's .. familiarity of clear instruction can help get a dog away from moving vehicles (for instance) or away from children or other dogs that may be scared of your animals own exuberance.
"LET" ...drop anything, or loosen grip on an item currently being held in order to assist in it's removal.
"LEAVE" ...As above, or to indicate to your dog to leave & stay away from an item or animal.
"WASS-ISS" ? (WHAT'S THIS) Trick a dog into coming somewhere they've thus far ignored instruction (playing deaf) a boxers nosiness / inquisitive nature is legendary ...used to call if the call for food fails to rouse them.
"FUD" ( ..sounds daft but seems to get through to them, after seeing a Gary Larson "Far Side" cartoon of dogs luring a much hated cat into the washing machine with arrowed signs stating "cat fud" (dog's aren't the worlds best spellers) ..much funnier if you track down the image yourself, unfortunately Gary larson doesn't like his cartoons on the internet, so respecting his wishes I will not rip it off! (this one has made me laugh for over 25yrs).
"TEETH" ...for easy access to mouth & teeth when you need to, get them used to this young as mouth & gum inspections ought to be regularly checked as part of their health checks, dog's need to be comfortable with handling at such close proximity!
"Dog-Log" cost 0.00p
Proven effective with our own dogs & pups, a good small branch cutting of a solid wood such as Apple, Beech or Oak, & split so it has an open flat side plus a rounded side, we simply use a sharpie pen so everyone knows it's a "dog-log" & encourage the pup / dog to use it as a chew toy (more popular than expensive toys) solid wood has more bite compared to other textures, eg, Nylabones, Kongs etc.
(we introduce a dog log into the pups pen from around 7 weeks ...they tend to use it.
(other toy's provide variety & relieve boredom, change dog toys regularly so they always have something "new" (to them) to play with or you may find toys strewn everywhere & they've resorted to a chair-leg or kitchen unit to relieve boredom & teething pain.
to put this into perspective I recently bought a new nyla-log chew toy it remains untouched in preference to the original "dog-log"
...The dog-log started when one of our younger boxers decided it was fun to remove sticks, logs & kindling from beside our wood burning stove, this got him into lots of trouble! ..by repeatedly making a game of a specific piece (NOT from the wood basket) we reduced his chances of getting into trouble 10 fold using the above commands, it remains to this day his "proud possession that he loves to taunt us with just out of reach!
your wood needs to be a close grain non splintering type, ..pine kindling will not suffice it will leave shards / splinters everywhere!
(we introduce a dog log into the pups pen from around 7 weeks ...they tend to use it.
(other toy's provide variety & relieve boredom, change dog toys regularly so they always have something "new" (to them) to play with or you may find toys strewn everywhere & they've resorted to a chair-leg or kitchen unit to relieve boredom & teething pain.
to put this into perspective I recently bought a new nyla-log chew toy it remains untouched in preference to the original "dog-log"
...The dog-log started when one of our younger boxers decided it was fun to remove sticks, logs & kindling from beside our wood burning stove, this got him into lots of trouble! ..by repeatedly making a game of a specific piece (NOT from the wood basket) we reduced his chances of getting into trouble 10 fold using the above commands, it remains to this day his "proud possession that he loves to taunt us with just out of reach!
your wood needs to be a close grain non splintering type, ..pine kindling will not suffice it will leave shards / splinters everywhere!
"DEB" hand sanitiser foam.
Especially handy in the early stages of puppy ownership before your puppy gets used to going outside to the loo ..accidents happen, having a good sanitiser foam (Deb instantfoam) lasts well, & dries quickly, allowing you to clean up the inevitable pee's & poo's with the assurance that your hands are thoroughly cleansed without leaving sticky residue common of many gel cleaners ..we tend to find ours at the 99p stores which have taken up residence in old Woolworths stores (national chain, or simply try a chemists).
Washing machine ...filter drainage!
Washing dog blankets removes lots of dog hair & dry skin (modern living) so can & will clog your washer filter unless you empty it regularly! (every dog blanket wash) ..so look for a machine with a front drainage point & filter for ease of access, also run your finger round the glass door to remove dog hair as well as the drum / door connected rubber "lip" before putting in your next load or clothes.
With our 3 Boxers (currently) we reccomend an 8kg washer such as the LG range (pretty efficient A / A+ energy ratings)
http://www.sust-it.net/energy_saving.php?id=1 for the best laid out product costings over a year / lifetime of use!
Always handy is a "tub clean" facility to be used in combination with the monthly 90 degree maintainance wash.
With our 3 Boxers (currently) we reccomend an 8kg washer such as the LG range (pretty efficient A / A+ energy ratings)
http://www.sust-it.net/energy_saving.php?id=1 for the best laid out product costings over a year / lifetime of use!
Always handy is a "tub clean" facility to be used in combination with the monthly 90 degree maintainance wash.
Dust, itches, Allergies & modern day contaminants
Dogs like humans can suffer from hayfever, dust allergies, food allergies etc ..just like us.
Unfortunately a dog tends to gnaw or scratch at an itchy spot with it's teeth or claws which can result in red sores, minor bleeding, open wounds etc..
We use a Dyson Hepa filter vacuum cleaner (filter is 2 stage & can be washed, dried & replaced).
We also use Bionaire brand, slim tower Hepa filter air exchangers ..also good for keeping dust down, & removing a great deal of pollen for allergy sufferers.. used in the main rooms especially during pollen season these can be less costly to buy & run than ongoing treatment for allergies should your pet develop them.
For example Bionaire BAP1550......... £70 via ebay (winter season low demand)
BAP1550 rrp £150.
Ours are all 6+ years old & are used throughout the year day in day out (we suffer hayfever & live on the edge of farmland / rapeseed crops) ..very useful.
A few trips to the vet will work out more expensive for a consultation, tests & ongoing tablets (for instance).
Unfortunately a dog tends to gnaw or scratch at an itchy spot with it's teeth or claws which can result in red sores, minor bleeding, open wounds etc..
We use a Dyson Hepa filter vacuum cleaner (filter is 2 stage & can be washed, dried & replaced).
We also use Bionaire brand, slim tower Hepa filter air exchangers ..also good for keeping dust down, & removing a great deal of pollen for allergy sufferers.. used in the main rooms especially during pollen season these can be less costly to buy & run than ongoing treatment for allergies should your pet develop them.
For example Bionaire BAP1550......... £70 via ebay (winter season low demand)
BAP1550 rrp £150.
Ours are all 6+ years old & are used throughout the year day in day out (we suffer hayfever & live on the edge of farmland / rapeseed crops) ..very useful.
A few trips to the vet will work out more expensive for a consultation, tests & ongoing tablets (for instance).
EARS.. checking cleaning & treating.
We clean ours theirs need cleaning too!
Clean ears for dogs are soothing & after a few go's (especially with more than one dog) ours queue to have their turn, it's a form of attention & pack cleaning if you look at it in terms of dog psychology, not every dog will enjoy it, but it's easier if they get used to it young.
Clean ears for dogs are soothing & after a few go's (especially with more than one dog) ours queue to have their turn, it's a form of attention & pack cleaning if you look at it in terms of dog psychology, not every dog will enjoy it, but it's easier if they get used to it young.
Aloe Vera Gel (kept in fridge)
Soothing especially when cold on hot or irritated skin...
Cosmetic cotton pads
You've probably got these in your bathroom already, ideal for cleaning ears & getting rid of general dirt / gunk from around the eyes etc ..should be inspected weekly to avoid build up & costly vet treatment
..the more you get your puppy used to regular handling of sensitive areas (e.g. ears) the easier it will be to clean them without having to stress a reluctant animal!
(our dogs tend to see each other being cleaned up & insist on the same, it helps & reassures).
..the more you get your puppy used to regular handling of sensitive areas (e.g. ears) the easier it will be to clean them without having to stress a reluctant animal!
(our dogs tend to see each other being cleaned up & insist on the same, it helps & reassures).
Antihistamine tablets from your local chemist ..around £6.00 for 1000 x 2mg
If your dog has the itches, or possibly has been swimming in rivers / ditches that run off from agricultural land their skin can become very itchy & sensitive, Antihistamine can help bring relief from rubbing themselves raw! ..also if your dog develops an allergy to dust, pollen etc (it can & does happen) ..then Antihistamine can be a go to pill!
tiny yellow pills to add to food or a sliver of meat, or pop in some sliced bread (small piece) & mould it in your hand, ..should be gulped down!
tiny yellow pills to add to food or a sliver of meat, or pop in some sliced bread (small piece) & mould it in your hand, ..should be gulped down!
Raised Feeder bowl ( galvanised / stainless steel metal construction)
Help avoid Gastro-intesinal problems, a solid raised feeder makes dispensing food to a hungry, excited jostling "dancing" boxer far simpler than a bowl on the floor.
These "plain" non adjustable units have less to chew, are easier to clean around or under even whilst your dog is eating, simple & durable compared to all others we have encountered, ours have been going strong for in excess of 12 years
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Classic-High-Dog-Feeding-Stand_CN43002.htm?gclid=CLjo5ILQxrECFc8KtAodoygAOQ
These "plain" non adjustable units have less to chew, are easier to clean around or under even whilst your dog is eating, simple & durable compared to all others we have encountered, ours have been going strong for in excess of 12 years
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Classic-High-Dog-Feeding-Stand_CN43002.htm?gclid=CLjo5ILQxrECFc8KtAodoygAOQ
Classic Stainless Steel Dish
Dishwasher proof tough, will probably outlast you!
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Dish_CN43003.htm
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Dish_CN43003.htm
Nylon plastic water bowl
Easily cleaned of gunge & grot.
Takes a hot wash well (dishwasher proof on lower tray) @70 c & higher.
Another lifelong purchase, that your dog "might" gnaw a bit or teethe on, or simply bring to present to you when it needs re-filling.
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Van-Ness-Crock-Heavyweight-Dish_CA0806.htm
We tend to have two of these on the go for hygiene reasons, one inside & one outside or elsewhere on hot days when lots of water is required.
Takes a hot wash well (dishwasher proof on lower tray) @70 c & higher.
Another lifelong purchase, that your dog "might" gnaw a bit or teethe on, or simply bring to present to you when it needs re-filling.
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Van-Ness-Crock-Heavyweight-Dish_CA0806.htm
We tend to have two of these on the go for hygiene reasons, one inside & one outside or elsewhere on hot days when lots of water is required.
Dog Coat
The sensible version
Whilst not necessarily manly in appearance these keep the majority of your dog drier during a wet weather jaunt & therefore less stinky & cleaner when they return..
As for the novelty coats you can buy, Boxers are noble animals that need to be treated as such so please don't dress them to look like clowns!!!
Besides they do a pretty good job of acting the fool without help from us.....
As for the novelty coats you can buy, Boxers are noble animals that need to be treated as such so please don't dress them to look like clowns!!!
Besides they do a pretty good job of acting the fool without help from us.....
"Working" Dog body harness (without panniers)
http://www.ruffwear.co.uk/dog-gear/harnesses/web-master-harness
A great alternative to a collar, this harness allows better distribution of pulling force. Originally designed for search-and-rescue organisations, the Web Master lets you assist your dog up and down in a variety of situations, and can also be used during rehabilitation. A generous ergonomic cut allows for a full range of motion, while still providing security that even the best "Houdini dog" can't escape from. And should you have a dog, that god forbids, like to kick off then you can literally lift it off it's feet.
Features and Benefits
A great alternative to a collar, this harness allows better distribution of pulling force. Originally designed for search-and-rescue organisations, the Web Master lets you assist your dog up and down in a variety of situations, and can also be used during rehabilitation. A generous ergonomic cut allows for a full range of motion, while still providing security that even the best "Houdini dog" can't escape from. And should you have a dog, that god forbids, like to kick off then you can literally lift it off it's feet.
Features and Benefits
- Five-point adjustable fit accommodates dogs of all sizes
- Balanced assistance handle helps lift dog easily and comfortably
- Generous, ergonomic cut for a full range of motion
- Fleece-lined, foam-padded chest and belly straps for extended wear
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective trim for added safety in low light
"Working" Dog body harness (with panniers)
http://www.ruffwear.co.uk/dog-gear/packs/approach-pack
A great everyday pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality.
Use it to offset your load, or for training and exercise. The Approach Pack gives your dog a load to carry and a job to do, generating instant four-legged motivation. It's recommended that your dog carry no more than 25 - 30% of their body weight in their dog pack. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets accustomed to wearing the pack.
A great everyday pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality.
Use it to offset your load, or for training and exercise. The Approach Pack gives your dog a load to carry and a job to do, generating instant four-legged motivation. It's recommended that your dog carry no more than 25 - 30% of their body weight in their dog pack. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets accustomed to wearing the pack.
Kennel quality low energy HEAT PAD
http://www.petnap.co.uk/acatalog/petnap.html
ONLY buy a proper kennel grade unit, pretty much chew proof!
This model comes complete with S.W.A. (Steel wire armour cable, the sort of cable laid down in gardens for outdoor electricity supplies, therefore pretty much bomb-proof!
The more insulation you have in your home the cheaper it becomes to store heat & thus less heat is required to maintain a cosy temperature.
Now think about a dog room, you may leave a room heater on just for an animal which is crazy but sometimes necessary, however a dog will snuggle very cosily on a well made (sadly there are some really naff & dangerous ones out there) Heat pad!
Costing only a few pence to run per day these are very efficient & you may find it that good your animal is hard to rouse & get going on a cold morning, it's basically a chew-proof, easy clean electric blanket for a dog.
For An item of this type which will be in an area your dog spends a lot of time sleeping, (possibly bored if we're honest), playing in
the tougher the better, plastic is chewed, cables unless thoroughly protected all the way to the wall can & will be chewed by a dog, in which case a low quality product could last mere days, possibly go faulty due to chewing or cause a fire or choke hazard!
Therefore this is the only style we would go for, having spoken to the distributor has been tested to several hundred thousand cycles.For one or more Boxer dogs (medium) to bundle together on I'd suggest the large model ..Flexiguard 55: 55cm x 44cm (17.5" x 22")
ONLY buy a proper kennel grade unit, pretty much chew proof!
This model comes complete with S.W.A. (Steel wire armour cable, the sort of cable laid down in gardens for outdoor electricity supplies, therefore pretty much bomb-proof!
The more insulation you have in your home the cheaper it becomes to store heat & thus less heat is required to maintain a cosy temperature.
Now think about a dog room, you may leave a room heater on just for an animal which is crazy but sometimes necessary, however a dog will snuggle very cosily on a well made (sadly there are some really naff & dangerous ones out there) Heat pad!
Costing only a few pence to run per day these are very efficient & you may find it that good your animal is hard to rouse & get going on a cold morning, it's basically a chew-proof, easy clean electric blanket for a dog.
For An item of this type which will be in an area your dog spends a lot of time sleeping, (possibly bored if we're honest), playing in
the tougher the better, plastic is chewed, cables unless thoroughly protected all the way to the wall can & will be chewed by a dog, in which case a low quality product could last mere days, possibly go faulty due to chewing or cause a fire or choke hazard!
Therefore this is the only style we would go for, having spoken to the distributor has been tested to several hundred thousand cycles.For one or more Boxer dogs (medium) to bundle together on I'd suggest the large model ..Flexiguard 55: 55cm x 44cm (17.5" x 22")
Kennel run disinfectant cleaners...
There are loads of pet safe kennel disinfectants on the market, some are designed for farms and are DEFRA endorsed and others aren't, but the main thing is they are designed to kill the really nasty germs......I've often thought we'd be better off using this stuff in hospitals than the stuff they actually do use. Anyway use this for cleaning floors or those little accidents that grow with your pup and any bugs are well and trully taken care of.
Domestos / thick bleach for runs & general cleaning
Breaks down harmlessly within 7 days, whilst we don't recommend it near water courses it's good for scrubbing down kennels, runs, patios etc... & the chances are it's already in your kitchen cupboard!
Jeyes fluid
Jeyes Fluid neutralises odours and kills bacteria in and around animal and pet housing, it disinfects after pet fouling and is excellent for clearing up wild and domestic bird mess. It is also perfect for clearing fungi, mould and algae from paths and concrete areas.
Original Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Disinfectant is a powerful multipurpose cleaner and disinfectant that's ideal for a wide range of garden cleaning jobs.
Use Jeyes Fluid for clearing and freshening drains, scrubbing grime, mould and algae off paths or patios and cleaning up hygienically after pets. It's also ideal for cleaning up outdoor furniture, greenhouses and garden tools. It even kills the H5N1 (bird flu) virus.
Original Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Disinfectant is a powerful multipurpose cleaner and disinfectant that's ideal for a wide range of garden cleaning jobs.
Use Jeyes Fluid for clearing and freshening drains, scrubbing grime, mould and algae off paths or patios and cleaning up hygienically after pets. It's also ideal for cleaning up outdoor furniture, greenhouses and garden tools. It even kills the H5N1 (bird flu) virus.
Lindham / Baby Dan ..Baby gate
Whether to keep your pup . grown dog in or out of an area, always a good thing to have around.
Bearing in mind a boxer can weight around 35kg we suggest you utilise the door frame cups for added stability, without them a boxer wanting "in" may pull or push a gate down otherwise!
NB if they wish they may still jump clear over the gate so it's a deterrent not a guarantee! (especially where a bitch on heat is concerned).
http://www.lindam.com/
Bearing in mind a boxer can weight around 35kg we suggest you utilise the door frame cups for added stability, without them a boxer wanting "in" may pull or push a gate down otherwise!
NB if they wish they may still jump clear over the gate so it's a deterrent not a guarantee! (especially where a bitch on heat is concerned).
http://www.lindam.com/
TALL GATE (with / without cat flap)
http://www.petnap.co.uk/acatalog/After_the_birth_.html
(For use with pets only, not with children)
Width: 75-83cm
Height: 104cm
* Extra tall gate to make an effective barrier for pets.
* Includes the addition of a cat flap in the gate door to give maximum flexibility for big and small pets.
* Double locking handle mechanism.
* Pinch free hinge
* New type of locking handwheel - Child-proof and can not be over tightened or work loose in use.
* Multiple extensions available see below
6.4 cm, 12.9 cm, 32.4 cm
Use to extend the gate width up to 148 cm.
* Easy to follow installation instructions.
(For use with pets only, not with children)
Width: 75-83cm
Height: 104cm
* Extra tall gate to make an effective barrier for pets.
* Includes the addition of a cat flap in the gate door to give maximum flexibility for big and small pets.
* Double locking handle mechanism.
* Pinch free hinge
* New type of locking handwheel - Child-proof and can not be over tightened or work loose in use.
* Multiple extensions available see below
6.4 cm, 12.9 cm, 32.4 cm
Use to extend the gate width up to 148 cm.
* Easy to follow installation instructions.
Fireside short handle coal spade (pooh-picking)
Why? ..well cheapo plastic versions designed more for free-flowing cat litter trays are easily chewed or just break, get stamped on etc etc!
we found many years ago that 2x metal spades as per picture are infinitely more durable, can be cleaned more easily & left outside in all weathers... at around £3.00 each they'll last years compared to a few weeks or months for weedy plastic varieties of pooh-picking shovels!
The only addition we insist on is to add an extra screw & washer where the handle meets metal (using a dremel drill or similar, BEFORE you need to use it for it's designated use)!
Wide enough to scoop & contain prior to popping it in a tough 10-15kg empty dog biscuit sack.
Around £2.50 from good old fashioned Ironmonger stores
we found many years ago that 2x metal spades as per picture are infinitely more durable, can be cleaned more easily & left outside in all weathers... at around £3.00 each they'll last years compared to a few weeks or months for weedy plastic varieties of pooh-picking shovels!
The only addition we insist on is to add an extra screw & washer where the handle meets metal (using a dremel drill or similar, BEFORE you need to use it for it's designated use)!
Wide enough to scoop & contain prior to popping it in a tough 10-15kg empty dog biscuit sack.
Around £2.50 from good old fashioned Ironmonger stores
Garden wire (dispenser with cutter)
Green jem or similar from a pound shop, we use this to double wrap our part filled pooh sacks (previously dog biscuit sacks) & tie them off before gently placing the whole kaboodle in the wheelie bin (typically grey refuse bin) ..Dog pooh is acceptable in "general refuse" providing it's double bagged or preferably "tough bagged" & sealed so it won't split open when it go's into the bin lorry.
Woodburner ash
We use this (from our efficient wood-burning stove) every time we pick up & bag dog-poop.
A covering of this helps absorb any moisture from the dog poop & acts as a deterrent to any flies as well as a good smell barrier!
Should be saved up & begged for from neighbours used cold fine ash is a terrific binder & makes poop easier to deal with prior to taking out to the refuse bin.
(a big 15kg dog biscuit bag well filled ..1/2 filled due to density will get you through many months of pooh-picking)
A covering of this helps absorb any moisture from the dog poop & acts as a deterrent to any flies as well as a good smell barrier!
Should be saved up & begged for from neighbours used cold fine ash is a terrific binder & makes poop easier to deal with prior to taking out to the refuse bin.
(a big 15kg dog biscuit bag well filled ..1/2 filled due to density will get you through many months of pooh-picking)
151 "Elbow Grease" all purpose degreaser
Often found in pound shops, this is under priced & under valued (imho).
Great for cutting through dog paw muck & "Boxer mush" smears from double glazing when your hound has been left out & want's in! ..alternately very effective when your dog is in the car & smears up the windows (even if left to go crusty)
spray neat onto most materials, metals & plastics, then wipe off with clean paper towel & buff to finish!
Great for cutting through dog paw muck & "Boxer mush" smears from double glazing when your hound has been left out & want's in! ..alternately very effective when your dog is in the car & smears up the windows (even if left to go crusty)
spray neat onto most materials, metals & plastics, then wipe off with clean paper towel & buff to finish!
what to do if your dog / pup eats mouse poison
Warm up MILK (semi skimmed is fine) in 2 bowls & keep it coming... IF you have caught your pup chewing a popular product such as Rentokill Mouse killer from the back of a cupboard, loose container etc.
1. don't panic! ..determine when the poison was ingested
(e.g. last 15mins whilst you were on the phone)
2. get the milk out anticipate a litre or more to be lapped.
3. whilst milk is warming ( just take chill off it in the microwave, NOT HOT, lukewarm) check your dogs gums, teeth, tongue & gullet for signs of colour dye (typically green or blue)
4. remove any grains / suspect material stuck inside their chops & dispose of.
5 give your dog milk & plenty of it.
6 . your dog will have the runs, check pooh for grains to verify consumption.
7. if still in doubt visit the vet the same day.
NOTE most mouse poison baits in pellet form are coated grain, so that is what you are looking for in their stools, if your pup is around 10kg they would have to have eaten (typically) a few ounces of grain to hurt them properly, however the milk (if administered promptly is an ALKALINE which helps neutralise the poison which is typically a blood thinner.
Feed your dog pup foods rich in vitamin K to boost their system for a month thereafter to help blood cell & immunity recovery.
A vitamin K shot can be given at a vets after consultation with the manufacturer of the poison chewed.
DO take note of the brand, poison type &call the emergency helpline to verify you have taken the correct actions.
Lastly, after all that worry. remove & make safe your poisons & cleaning agents away from your animal! most happens during the pup to adolescent phase so up to or around 18 months "chewing teeth coming through phase"
1. don't panic! ..determine when the poison was ingested
(e.g. last 15mins whilst you were on the phone)
2. get the milk out anticipate a litre or more to be lapped.
3. whilst milk is warming ( just take chill off it in the microwave, NOT HOT, lukewarm) check your dogs gums, teeth, tongue & gullet for signs of colour dye (typically green or blue)
4. remove any grains / suspect material stuck inside their chops & dispose of.
5 give your dog milk & plenty of it.
6 . your dog will have the runs, check pooh for grains to verify consumption.
7. if still in doubt visit the vet the same day.
NOTE most mouse poison baits in pellet form are coated grain, so that is what you are looking for in their stools, if your pup is around 10kg they would have to have eaten (typically) a few ounces of grain to hurt them properly, however the milk (if administered promptly is an ALKALINE which helps neutralise the poison which is typically a blood thinner.
Feed your dog pup foods rich in vitamin K to boost their system for a month thereafter to help blood cell & immunity recovery.
A vitamin K shot can be given at a vets after consultation with the manufacturer of the poison chewed.
DO take note of the brand, poison type &call the emergency helpline to verify you have taken the correct actions.
Lastly, after all that worry. remove & make safe your poisons & cleaning agents away from your animal! most happens during the pup to adolescent phase so up to or around 18 months "chewing teeth coming through phase"
Vetmedic ..pet medicines & treatments (recommended)
http://www.vet-medic.com/
Based in the UK Vet-Medic offer identical products to those that you traditionally obtain from your vet.
Vet-Medic aims to provide you with the same wide range of products that you can buy from your vet, but guarantee to sell them at consistently low prices.
Popular ranges such as Frontline Spot-On for fleas and Drontal for worms are available along with prescription products such as Rimadyl, Metacam,Milbemax, Atopica and over 11,000 more products.
Unlike other websites you may find, Vet-Medic allow you to talk to a human being if you wish, FREE advice is available from our veterinary surgeon John or maybe from one of our many certified veterinary pharmacists.
Vet-Medic pharmacy considers their customer service to be paramount, orders are dispatched quickly and efficiently,all orders are currently offered with free delivery with the exception of veterinary foods such as Hills Prescription Veterinary Foods and Royal Canin Waltham Veterinary Foods
Animal Friends Insurance ( Highly recommended)
http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/
In our experience THE BEST & least problematic insurer we have ever come across!
Easicare Vet services (check your local area)
New to the market but if you have one in your area VERY competetively priced ..check out this site price-wise!
www.easipetcare.com/
www.easipetcare.com/