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The Benefits of Exercise for Your Dog

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Exercise is an essential part of keeping your dog healthy and happy. Not only does it help keep their bodies in shape, but it also helps to increase their mental stimulation, aiding in their overall wellbeing. Here are 10 reasons why you should make sure your pup is getting enough exercise every day.

1. Weight Management – Just like us, dogs need exercise to keep their weight in check. Too much sitting around can lead to obesity and put them at risk for a number of health issues. A regular exercise routine can help maintain a healthy weight and keep your pup feeling great.

2. Mental Stimulation – Exercise can provide mental stimulation that’s just as important as physical activity. Playing with toys or running around the yard can help tire out your dog mentally as well as physically, helping reduce any pent up energy and keeping them from being bored or destructive when left alone for long periods of time.

3. Improved Behavior – Exercise helps release energy which can translate into improved behavior both indoors and outdoors. A tired pup is less likely to be hyperactive or bark excessively when people come over, or get into mischief when left alone in the house all day long.

4. Strengthened Heart – Exercise helps strengthen the heart muscles leading to improved cardiovascular health which translates into longer life expectancy and better overall fitness levels as they age gracefully.

5. Increased Stamina – Just like us, dogs need stamina if they are going to stay active throughout the day without getting tired too quickly on walks or playtime sessions in the yard or park.. Regular exercise helps build up stamina so that they have more energy throughout the day for activities such as playing fetch with you or chasing after a squirrel in the backyard!

6. Improved Coordination & Balance – Dogs need balance and coordination just like us humans do if they are going to stay agile and active throughout their lives.. Exercising regularly helps increase agility so that they stay coordinated while running, jumping, climbing stairs etc., even well into old age..

7. Stronger Bones & Joints – Regular exercise keeps bones strong by increasing muscle mass which supports bones against possible injuries.. It also increases joint flexibility which reduces pain associated with arthritis or other joint conditions that may occur due to aging.

8 Increased Happiness – Exercise releases endorphins which leads to increased happiness levels not just for us but our furry friends too! This means more tail wags, cuddles and games of fetch on those days where you just don’t feel like doing anything else!

9 Improved Socialization – If your pup likes socializing with other dogs (or humans!) then regular trips outside for walks or a visit to the local dog park will give them plenty of opportunities for making new friends.. This will also help improve their obedience skills as well because it puts them around different environments and people than what they’re used to at home..

10 Better Quality Sleep – Finally, exercising regularly will also help ensure that your pup get better quality sleep at night because physical activity tires them out more than just lying down all day long! This means fewer late night barking sessions outside due to boredom so everyone gets a good night’s rest 🙂

Conclusion: As you can see there are numerous benefits associated with exercising your pup regularly! Not only is it important for keeping them fit, but it’s also essential for providing mental stimulation while maintaining good behavior indoors and out! So make sure you take some time each day (or week) to give your pooch some exercise—it’ll be worth it in the end!

Tips on How to Potty Train Your Dog or Puppy

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Potty training a dog or puppy can be a frustrating process for new pet owners, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips on how to potty train your dog or puppy:

 

Establish a schedule: Dogs thrive on routine, so establish a consistent feeding and potty schedule to help them understand when they should go. This could mean taking them out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.

 

Choose a designated potty area: Choose a specific area outside for your dog to do their business. This will help them understand where it is okay to go potty, and make the process more consistent for them.

 

Use positive reinforcement: Whenever your dog successfully goes potty outside, reward them with praise and treats. This will encourage them to repeat the behavior and reinforce the positive association with going potty outside.

 

Supervise your dog: When your dog is inside, especially if they are new to the house, it is crucial to keep an eye on them and monitor them. If you catch them using the restroom inside, stop them by clapping your hands or shouting “no,” then take them outdoors to their appropriate bathroom place right away.

 

Watch for signals: Pay attention to your dog’s body language, such as sniffing, circling, or whining, as these can be signs that they need to go potty. When you see these signals, take them outside immediately to their designated potty area.

 

Be patient: Potty training takes time and patience, and accidents will happen. It’s important to stay positive and consistent, and not to punish your dog for accidents. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly and continue with the training proces.

 

Consistency is key: Consistency is key when it comes to potty training your dog. Stick to the same routine, rewards, and commands every time to help reinforce the training and make it easier for your dog to understand what is expected of them.

 

Gradually increase independence: Once your dog has a good understanding of when and where to go potty, you can start to give them more freedom in the house. This can include allowing them to be out of their crate for longer periods of time, or giving them access to a specific room. Gradually increase the amount of freedom they have, always keeping an eye on them to make sure they understand the rules.

 

Use a crate: Using a crate can be an effective tool in potty training your dog. Crates can help to limit access to certain areas of the house, and give your dog a safe, secure place to retreat to when they need to relax. Just be sure to choose a crate that is the right size for your dog, and to supervise them when they are in the crate to make sure they are comfortable.

 

Get professional help: If you are having difficulty potty training your dog, consider getting professional help. A professional dog trainer can help you tailor your training approach to your individual dog, and provide additional tips and guidance to help make the process smoother and more effective.

 

In conclusion, potty training a dog or puppy can be a challenging process, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it can be done successfully.

Mastering Crate Training in Nine Simple Steps

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Crate training your pup is an important part of the dog ownership process. It helps keep your pup safe and secure while you’re away, and it also helps with toilet training and other behavioral issues. But sometimes crate training can be a daunting task. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be! Let’s break down the nine simple steps it takes to master crate training for your pup.

1 Choose the Right Crate

Choosing the ideal crate for your dog is the first step. They ought to should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lie down inside the crate. It’s also important to pick a crate that meets their needs—for instance, plastic crates provide more security than wire crates, but they may not allow as much airflow as wire crates do. Depending on how often you plan to transport your pup in their crate, you may want to consider buying one with wheels or handles on the side so it’s easier to move around when needed.

2 Get Your Pup Acclimated

Once you’ve chosen the right crate for your pup, it’s time to get them acclimated to it. Start by leaving the door open so they can explore it at their own pace without feeling forced into something they don’t want to do (and remember—never force them into the crate!) Put some of their favorite toys inside and maybe even a few treats so they’ll begin associating positive feelings with being in there. Over time, increase their comfort level by placing their bedding inside and feeding them meals in there as well.

3 Introduce Commands

Now that your pup is comfortable spending time in their new home-away-from-home, start introducing commands like “go in” or “kennel up” when asking them to enter the crate on command (this will help with future obedience). You can make this process easier by adding verbal cues such as pointing towards where you want them to go or using hand signals like clapping or snapping your fingers once they’re inside – whichever works best for you and your puppy! When they obey correctly give lots of praise – this will reinforce good behavior and help keep up motivation levels during training sessions! 

4 Establish a Routine

Establishing a routine is key when it comes to successful crate training—your pup needs consistent rules so they know what’s expected of them day after day. For example, if you want them crated while you’re gone during the day then make sure they’re always crated at that same time each day; if you want them crated at night then make sure they’re crated every single night; if you only want them crated occasionally then let them know beforehand when those occasions are going to be so there are no surprises along the way!  

5 Reward Good Behavior  

As mentioned before, rewarding good behavior is essential in reinforcing positive behaviors during training sessions—so don’t forget about treats! Whether it’s giving out small pieces of food after successfully following commands or giving extra snuggles after successful nights spent sleeping in the kennel—your pup needs recognition for all their hard work (just make sure not to overfeed!).  

6 Exercise Regularly  

Exercise does wonders for dogs—not just physically but mentally too! Taking regular walks together or playing fetch in an open space will help tire out both body and mind which means better focus during training sessions later on!  

7 Be Patient  

Patience is key when it comes to successful dog ownership (and almost anything else worth doing)! Remember that learning new things takes time so don’t expect perfection from your pup overnight; instead take things slow, use positive reinforcement techniques (like treats/praise), remain consistent with rules/routines, etc.—these methods will lead to long-term success much faster than any other methods!

8 Practice Makes Perfect  

Just like humans need practice perfecting skills or mastering tasks – puppies need practice too! Make sure you set aside specific times throughout each day dedicated solely towards practicing commands such as “kennel up”, “sit”, etc.—the more practice sessions completed each day/week –the better chances of mastering these behaviors quickly & efficiently!

9 Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Finally – don’t forget about regular maintenance for both yourself & Fido! This includes brushing teeth regularly (to prevent dental health issues), trimming nails (to keep paw pads healthy) & scheduling annual vet checkups – all necessary components that contribute towards keeping your furry friend happy & healthy!!

Crate training doesn’t have to be difficult or frustrating—with patience and consistency, anyone can master this skill easily within just a few weeks’ time! By following these nine simple steps outlined above we hope that pet owners everywhere will feel confident tackling this task head-on today knowing full well exactly what it takes to achieve success tomorrow!

Dogs Trust Call For Employers To Allow Dogs In the Office in Ireland

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A lot of talk in the media this week of dog charity dogs trust calling on employers to allow dog/ pups to be allowed to come to work with their owners.

Do you think this would be feasible in your workplace?

Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications explained that many people became dog owners during the pandemic and there are benefits to having a pup in the office.

She said: “So many people became dog owners during the pandemic, and we feel that the more workplaces that welcome dogs, the more dogs will remain in their homes, and we can hopefully avoid another wave of surrender requests”

The Health Benefits

It is being widely recognised now that there are many benefits to having a dog in the workplace with their owners. Studies have shown that it can increase productivity as well as the health benefits achievable for owners such as reduced cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Its recognised that not all workplaces may be suitable for hosting of pets during the workday and if this is the case then owners should consider other measures like having a neighbour walk your dog or agreeing to come home for lunch.

But what when my workplace isnt suitable?

If inside your home is not a safe or suitable place to keep your pet then we can advise on a range of suitable options with everything from dog runs and enclosures to insulated Kingspan kennels which will keep them warm during the Irish winter when your not a around. A decent size dog run will keep your pet very safe from theft while also leaving enough room for them to feel safe.

Even if you’re on a tight budget we can supply you with individual dog run panels which will enable you to build your own dog run to the size you need.

Have a look at our shop as a good starting point to what you might need

www.slaneyside.com/shop

Its time to plan ahead

Speak to your employer about what they are comfortable with and plan ahead to make sure you have made the right choices for your pet.

 

Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick and his canine friend

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So followers of the Co Laois native have recently been asking how Noel Fitzpatrick’s beloved dog Kiera had been after a knocking down incident outside his U.K based practice in Surrey and today he broke the sad news.

The 53-year-old said: “It is with profound sadness I share the news that Keira, my beloved companion of nearly 14 years, has passed away.

“My heart is truly broken. She was my best friend in the whole wide world.

“My friend Amy and her son Kyle are broken-hearted too since they have shared her guardianship with me all this time.

“We were so very blessed and lucky to have had her in our lives, lighting the way with her magnificent unconditional love.”

It brings it all home about how much we love our pets and how heartbreaking it is to see them in pain or indeed how hard it is when they eventually pass.

We wish Noel all the best and hope to see him on our screens in the not too distant future.

 

Can i take my dog on holidays

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So, your sitting there thinking about booking a holiday after a very long 2 years of being stuck indoors due to Covid-19.

I can completely relate to that after being in that exact same position for quite some time myself. The one thing however that crops up time and time again is wether or not you can bring your pet with you overseas. This question is now raised more than ever after so many families have acquired pets during the lockdown.

Well, first of all, you have to get a European pet passport. This is done through your vet and it documents your pet’s microchip details and, crucially, the fact that they have had a rabies vaccination — a jab that lasts for three years.

For now the best thing to do is to get an appointment with your Vet and get things moving.

Following this you will need to check with your airline or other carrier to see if they will allow pets to travel onboard. Ryanair currently only allow guide or assistance dogs up to a maximum of 4 per flight so make sure to book in advance. Stenaline on the other hand allow the travel of dogs and other pets inside owners car (caution needed!) and also in the onboard kennels.

Taking your pet abroad with proper planning can be a rewarding experience provided you take the necessary steps outlined but please check in advance with your carrier as to what they permit as the rules can change quite frequently.

Council’s Spray Painting Campaign A Success?

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We reported some months ago on our social channels about a very unique but in your face campaign being run in the counties of Galway and Roscommon.

Councils there have voted unanimously to stencil large areas of footpath with bright yellow messages using the slogan..’clean it up you dirty pup’. At the time of reporting some of our social media followers felt that it might of been a step too far.

Today however the Irish independent reports that Roscommon has all but ended dog litter fowling and the current programme in Galway has resulted in a 50% decrease in dog poop.

Its all part of the “Green Dog Walkers Programme” with Leitrim County Council also set to trial a Dog Foul DNA testing programme.

The programme in Galway has so far cost €20,000 but it is hoped the shift in public opinion will lead to it becoming socially unacceptable to leave dog poop on public walkways and parks etc.

Maybe its a great idea after all!

Are Dog Runs Cruel?

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Dog runs are designed to provide a safe place for your favourite canine. The right dog enclosure for your breed will give your pet the reduced level of anxiety that they really need. If your pet begins to display destructive behaviour such as chewing at the dog run panels then it may be time to have a look at the amount of time they are spending each day inside your run/kennel.

Using a PAC dog control system is also another great way of giving your pet extra freedom to roam your property.

Insulated dog runs are also another great way of introducing comfort into your dogs life as they are cool in summer and warm in winter. We stock a range of dog runs and kennels from Thermal to Timber and Plastic and a full range of Kingspan Insulated dog boxes

What To Consider When Buying A Dog Kennel

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When you decide to invest in a dog kennel, just like you do when you’re buying a new home for yourself, you want to be sure you’re making the right decisions. There are several obvious things you need to consider when you make these decisions, some of the things are obvious, but others are less obvious, which is why we’ve decided to kick off our new blog with this ultimate guide to buying a dog kennel. Here’s what you need to be asking yourself:

  • How big is your dog? This may sound like an obvious question, but the trick here is to select a kennel that is big enough now and big enough for your fully-grown dog (if you currently have a puppy); but not too big. You need to make sure that the kennel you choose has sufficient space for your dog to stand up, lie down and move around comfortably, but not so big that he is too small to generate heat in the space available.
  • How long will he spend in the kennel? If you plan to use the kennel just for short periods when you pop out to the shops or when you’re doing the house-work, then you’re likely to want to invest less and probably require a less sophisticated solution than if you plan to leave your dog in his kennel for long periods while you’re out at work or overnight.
  • How strong is your dog? Different breeds and different sizes of dog have significantly varying levels of strength. The advice here is simple: a strong dog needs a strong kennel that will withstand his or her personality. In short, you need to be sure that the choice you make will provide a safe and comfortable space that suits the characteristics of your dog.
  • Is your dog a chewer? If your dog is a chewer, it’s important to make sure that there are no exposed edges he can chew.
  • Will your dog kennel have a dog run attached? If your kennel will have a run attached, then a flat roof kennel with no door is the perfect way to enable your dog to go in and out as he pleases. However, if you’re not planning a run, you might want an apex roof with a door so the kennel works for you and your dog on a stand-alone basis.
  • Do you have easy access to the site? If you have easy access to the part of your garden where you plan to put the dog kennel, then a pre-built option will save you stress and hassle. However, if access is tight, then you might need to consider a flat-pack option that you build in situ.
  • Are you investing for the long or the short term? Like anything in life, with a dog kennel you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, then it’s definitely worth considering investing a bit more in the kennel you choose; this way you won’t be looking at replacing it in a few years time.
  • Should you treat or choose pre-treated? When choosing a new kennel it’s important to establish if the kennel needs to be treated or not. Timber kennels need to be treated, but the likes of our Kingspan insulated kennels don’t. It’s up to you how much work you want to do and how much treatment you’re prepared to invest on an annual basis.
  • What about cleaning? In order for your dog to be happy in his new home, it’s essential that his kennel is kept clean. You should think carefully about how easy the material of the dog kennel you buy will be to clean and also how easy it will be to access for cleaning.
  • Do you need an insulated kennel? If your dog is going to stay outside for prolonged periods, all year round, then insulation is an important consideration. It may be that you choose a kennel with insulation and a raised sleeping area if your dog will be outside overnight, but for short periods, some simple floor insulation will probably be sufficient.

We do hope this guide has helped you figure out what you need to think about when choosing a dog kennel, but if you’re still unsure, why not get in touch? At Slaneyside Dog Kennels and Runs we’re always happy to provide impartial, professional advice to help make sure every dog is a happy dog.

Building A Dog Run

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Running around and playing in the great outdoors is an essential part of any healthy and happy dog’s life. However, if you decide, for whatever reason that you can’t spend enough time outside with your dog each day, then it’s highly likely that a dog run is on your agenda. Containing your dog in a safe and secure place is important both for your peace of mind and your dog’s happiness and safety. It’s for this reason there are several things to take into account before diving into building a dog run. Here are the main things we think you should consider to get the project spot-on:

  • Work out where you’re going to put the run. Knowing where you want to put the run will help you plan your whole project. It’s essential that you make sure that the dog run doesn’t spoil your time in your garden, but also that it makes the best use of space available from your dog’s point of view. Putting your dog enclosure in the right spot from day one will save you work in the long term and will mean that you and your dog have a long and happy time in the great outdoors. Think about sun, wind, rain and visibility here.
  • Establish the size of the run. The size of dog run you need will be determined of course by the size of your dog and your garden, but it will also be affected by the amount of time your dog is likely to spend in the run each day. A general rule of thumb is: the longer he needs to spend in it, the bigger it should be.
  • Decide if you’re going to tackle the job on a DIY basis or whether you’ll get the pros in. Although building a dog run isn’t all that complicated, you do need to make sure that you have the required skills before taking on the job on a DIY basis. You also need to make sure you either have, or have access to all the tools you’ll need to do the job properly. If the land where you plan to situate the run needs leveling or working to be suitable for the run, then you need to add this into the equation too. If you are in any doubt about achieving a great result, it’s well worth getting the pros in to get the job done quickly and effectively (sometimes this option costs less in the end).
  • Establish the best sort of dog fence for your dog. When it comes to establishing what type of dog fence you need, you have to take into account the size of your dog and whether or not he is a climber. Here are some rough guidelines: 8cm spaced bars suit medium to large breeds, but not small breeds as they can get through the bars. On the other hand, 5cm spaced bars suit all breeds. Bar type runs have the advantage of being anti-climb. Mesh type runs are suitable for all breeds but dogs can scale them, which is a problem if you have a climber. If you have a climber, you’ll need to roof a mesh type run.
  • Decide whether you will put his kennel inside or outside the run. Whether you position the kennel inside or outside the run will depend to a large extent on the space you have available and also whether or not your dog is a ‘jumper’! If you place the kennel inside the run and he decides he wants to make a leap for freedom, then he’s got the chance to hop on top of the kennel to make his escape with only a couple of feet left to jump over the dog run. If space is tight however, and you need to have your kennel inside the dog run, a solution is roofing the run (at Slaneyside Dog Kennels and Runs we make it a priority to always find a solution)
  • Determine whether you should roof the dog run. Whether or not you should roof your dog’s new outside space will depend on the weather and whether or not he has a kennel. If your dog doesn’t have access to a kennel while he’s in his dog run, then it’s essential to roof at least part of the kennel so he has protection from the sun and the rain. Also, as we’ve already mentioned, if you choose a mesh type run and you have a climber, you should also roof the run to keep your dog enclosed and safe.
  • Establish the best position for the gate. When planning your run, it’s important to establish the best position for the gate. When considering layout, make sure you consider all year round planting implications. For example a gate position that works in the winter might no longer work in the summer when plants and trees are bushier and need more space. Needless to say, it’s important to make sure that the gate is positioned at the most convenient place for access from your point of view.
  • We do hope this guide has helped you figure out what you need to think about when building a dog run, but if you’re still unsure, why not get in touch? At Slaneyside Dog Kennels and Runs we’re always happy to provide impartial, professional advice to help make sure every dog is a happy dog.