Farm Management Software Accounting & Field Operations
Farm accounting and planning is easier and more efficient with a user-friendly experience. FreshBooks has multiple package options so you can pick the one that best suits your business needs and budget. Download a free printable Year-End Tax Planning Checklist to prepare you for the meeting with your accountant.” This checklist works well for non-Traction clients or Traction Ag clients.
Our suite of features gives you input into your crops and livestock from beginning to end so you can report on how your season was and have a year over year history to look at. Deep dive into the data of your whole agricultural operation and get the most accurate information. Using Farmbrite to take a look at all of your data in one place will give you key insight into your agricultural operation to review and take action. Using standard and creating customized reports that give performance records and give you insight into your business. As you enter your data into Farmbrite you will get an overview of your business health.
Farmbrite is scalable and grows with your business.
There is both an iOS and Android app available to download. So no matter where you are, you can always keep tabs on your business. The safety of your private data is our top priority, that’s why it’s protected by 256-bit SSL encryption—the gold standard in Internet security. The FreshBooks billing system is cloud-based and uses industry-leading secure servers.
The Easiest Accounting Software For Farmers
FreshBooks accounting software makes it easy to know exactly how your farming business is performing. With straightforward reports, your success will never be a mystery. Your dashboard shows you, at-a-glance, where you stand so you know where to focus and can run your business like the boss you are. Plus, FreshBooks accounting software will crunch the numbers for you so you’ll be confident when tax time rolls around. With FreshBooks accounting software you’ll know at-a-glance how long tasks really take.
See break-evens and profitability
- First, be aware that in computer technologies, “free” and “worthless” are not necessarily synonyms.
- Our Xero training (in Russian) can be tailored to suit your needs in Ukraine and is fully flexible to fit around your staff.
- Automate farm planning, management and yield estimates, track production and identify trends and potential problems.
- Powerful enough for complex operations, simple enough for busy farmers.
- Taking the full potential of Xero capabilities depends how the system is setup.
Just start a timer and get down to business – when you’re done, you’ll have an accurate time log ready to pop onto an invoice. And when your whole team uses FreshBooks accounting software to track their hours, everyone’s productivity is in one clear place. In many ways, it’s accurate to describe Traction as QuickBooks but for farmers. With a deep feature set, powerful add-on options and the best reporting and data functionality on this list (for farming-specific apps), Traction has a lot to offer for those who want to get serious about their finances. FarmRaise offers a full library of funding options to help farms find and make use of programs they qualify for. It includes functionality for tracking inventory, livestock and other farm-specific assets.
If you’re a new rancher or farmer, you’re probably looking for financing to get your operation up, running and profitable. Securing funding for your farm or ranch can require a number of time-consuming or confusing steps that eat into your time working in the field. We built Farmbrite for our own crop & livestock farm and are passionate about helping make or buy decision explained other farmers start and succeed in farming. Easily integrate Farmbrite with your favorite apps, tools and existing data. Use our code-free Zapier integrations to connect with over 5,000 apps or use our API to develop your own custom apps.
Farming for Beginners: Securing Money to Start a Farm
We’ve helped thousands of farmers identify funding for their farms, learning a lot along the way. Here we explore 3 of the most common “myths” we hear farmers perpetuate about grant funding, and reveal the truth. FarmRaise is rated 4.9 stars for making payroll, expenses, and farm management a breeze.
- Published in Bookkeeping
What is Accounts Receivable? The process, KPIs and metrics that matter
Before delivering any goods or services, it’s essential to make sure the customer is credible. Businesses can also assess a customer’s payment history to check for credibility. A receivable is created any time money is owed to a business for services rendered or products provided that have not yet been paid for. For example, when a business buys office supplies, and doesn’t pay in advance or on delivery, the money it owes becomes a receivable until it’s been received by the seller. Here are some accounts receivable management techniques that will help you address each element of AR and gain comprehensive control over the process. If this is the case, make sure that you have a wide range of payment options other than the standard ones.
Step 7: Resolve Disputes
The shorter the period of time a company has accounts receivable balances, the better, as it means the company can use that money for other business purposes. Accounts receivable management is the process of monitoring and controlling money customers owe to a business for goods or services purchased on credit. AR management consists of policies and procedures that maximize account management efficiency and minimize the risk of bad debt. Businesses can also improve AR efficiency by streamlining the receivables management processes. In this equation, accounts receivable is considered an asset as it indicates the expected cash inflows a company is due to receive.
Effect on Cash Flow
This process is also valuable because it encourages businesses to assess potential customers and build a credible customer base. Although businesses have the option to write off uncollectible debt, it’s still better to select customers with a proven track record of positive debt repayment. The customer credit assessment step helps businesses choose customers who are more likely to pay reliably and on time. The Accounts Receivable process is the set of steps a business follows to invoice a client and collect payment.
Choose the best payment setup for your business
A lower percentage of accounts receivable remaining open indicates that more invoices are being settled, which in turn improves your cash flow and financial stability. If a customer raises an issue, it’s crucial to initiate the dispute resolution process promptly to prevent further delays and maintain good customer relations. Mitigate credit risk, reduce bad debt, and streamline customer onboarding with AI-powered insights. In this practical guide, we’ll walk you through the accounts receivable process step-by-step. To make implementation easier, we’ll also offer free, downloadable templates tailored for this crucial financial process.
- This step can be complicated by factors like missing remittance advice or discrepancies between payment information and open invoices.
- Fifty-five percent of AR professionals say dispute management is their most difficult task.
- An AR collections email template is standardized across teams but can be tailored to a particular situation, recipient, or need.
- We’ll also look at how companies are optimizing Accounts Receivable with new technologies, such as automation, process mining and execution management.
A low CEI can suggest that manual invoicing, rigid payment terms, or communication challenges are hindering a business’ invoice-to-cash process. Automation provides advanced reporting features, including real-time analytics. With predictive analytics, you can forecast cash flows, analyze customer payment behavior, and even predict potential bad debt, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Making this AR management process easier can improve both employee happiness and resource management internally, and customer experience on the external side. As your business grows, automation allows your accounts receivable process to scale seamlessly. You can handle a larger volume of transactions without a proportional increase in manpower or resources. Automation ensures that all transactions are recorded accurately and in real-time. This is particularly beneficial for cash reconciliation, wherein it automatically matches payments to open invoices, even when remittance information is missing or incomplete. Automation allows for the instant generation and dispatch of invoices as soon as an order is confirmed via their preferred method—be it email, EDI, or even traditional mail.
Accounts receivable is one of the most important line items on a company’s balance sheet. It reflects the money owed to a company from the sale of its goods or services that remains to be paid by the buyer. Even though it is not yet in hand, it is considered an asset because the company expects to receive it in due course.
Accounts receivable represents money that a business is owed by its clients, often in the form of unpaid invoices. “Receivable” refers to fact that the business has earned the money because it has delivered a product or service but is, at that point in time, still waiting to receive the client’s payment. First, ensure that invoices are sent out promptly and in line with agreed payment terms. Establishing a consistent invoice delivery schedule prompts customers to anticipate and prepare for on-time payments.
It means that your credit policies are effective and that you’re doing a good job of vetting customers’ creditworthiness. It’s the starting point for payment terms and directly logins 2021 impacts how quickly you can collect payments. Regular reporting on the status of your accounts receivable is crucial for financial planning and for assessing the effectiveness of your AR process.
- Published in Bookkeeping
How to Make Your Christmas Dog-Friendly
The festive period is always an exciting time of year, especially when spending it with your adorable dog. Whether you’re celebrating your pup’s first Christmas, or your family dog has been with you for years, ensuring your home remains pet-friendly is key.
While Christmas might look a little different this year, with big social gatherings on hold, there are still many ways the season can feel chaotic for your four-legged family member. To avoid causing your pooch stress, read Benchmark Kennels’ tips on how to prepare them for the festivities.
Decorate your home gradually
Although it’s tempting to deck your entire house out with wreaths, ornaments, tinsel, and lights in one go, this can be quite unsettling for dogs. Instead, introduce the decorations gradually and leave your Christmas tree bare for a few days so they can adjust to their environment’s change.
Christmas tree precautions
Christmas tree pines can get stuck in paws or become lodged in a dog’s throat if ingested so ensure you sweep any fallout from the tree straight away or opt for a fake tree instead if you have a new puppy around. Dogs can sometimes use Christmas trees as urinals too to mark their territory, so avoid leaving them with it unsupervised and conduct a refresh on toilet training if needed.
To dog-proof your Christmas tree:
- Leave the bottom branches bare.
- Place any fragile ornaments towards the top of the tree.
- Avoid hanging any edible decorations, e.g. candy canes and chocolate novelties that are poisonous to dogs.
- Hide any electric wires they could chew.
Never leave Christmas lights switched on unsupervised. - Anchor the tree to the floor or wall to prevent it falling over.
Avoid toxic plants
Most Christmas plants, including mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia, are unfortunately unsafe for many animals, including dogs. However, some suitable options can make your home look just as festive, such as red roses, Christmas Cactus, and Autumn Olive.
Create a dog-safe haven
It’s important to provide your dog with somewhere quiet they can retreat from the festive excitement and be undisturbed. An outdoor kennel allows your dog space to relax, play, or sleep in private. As well as providing warmth, safety and shelter, kennels are insulated and big enough for dogs to play in. Being outdoors can also be calming and reduce any excess energy that comes from being cooped up indoors.
Many people light fireworks through the Christmas season which you, unfortunately, can’t avoid. To help your dog feel as relaxed and safe as possible, why not turn an indoor crate into a cosy den. Make it comforting by filling it with soft bedding, toys, and water. Then cover it with blankets to muffle the noise and dim the lights of the fireworks. It’s important to ensure your dog can still see out of it and leave if they choose to so they don’t feel trapped.
Christmas day adjustments
It’s common for usual daily errands and habits to be forgotten about on Christmas day but don’t let this interfere with your dog’s routine. Continue to walk and feed them at the usual times to avoid causing any unnecessary upset or disasters with dogs stealing your Christmas dinner.
If you’re hosting guests or you have young children, make everyone aware of how to keep your dog from getting stressed. For instance, remind them not to approach the dog when in his den or to feed him unsafe food.
While we indulge in lavish food during this period, it won’t benefit your pup to do the same. A lot of the typical Christmas food for humans such as mince pies, chocolate, and onion stuffing isn’t dog-safe, so don’t sneak them any under the dining table or leave unwashed plates out for them to lick. You can still give them a few dog treats, but a sudden dietary change such as a bowl full of turkey can cause stomach upset and lead to toilet accidents around your home.
Many Christmas dinners are followed by pulling crackers, using party poppers, and popping champagne corks, but these noises can be scary for your dog. You could either avoid these traditions altogether or ensure your dog isn’t near or is kept in an outdoor dog kennel when they’re happening.
Adapting your Christmas to suit your dog’s needs doesn’t have to disrupt your entire routine, but can stop them from getting overwhelmed and allow them to enjoy the festivities along with you.
Need a bespoke kennel for your dog to feel comfortable in this Christmas?
Benchmark Kennels are a manufacturer of bespoke kennels, giving dogs a secure and spacious place to stay outdoors when they need some peace and quiet. Each kennel can be customised to suit your dog and home perfectly in terms of size, shape and material.
You can order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today or contact us via phone to find out more about our excellent range of kennels.
- Published in Blog
How to Familiarise Your Dog With Face Masks
As any dog owner will know, a global pandemic isn’t just difficult for us but can be hard on our pets too. One of the most difficult things for our furry friends to get used to is how different we look with facemasks on. Our dogs usually use our facial expressions to read and react to our emotions, so introducing masks all of a sudden can be confusing and frightening for pets.
However, as long as you familiarise your dog with facemasks slowly and patiently, your pets will soon come to see your facemask as nothing unusual, but part of everyday life. Even in unexpected circumstances, Benchmark Kennels are here to support you with the advice you need to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Step One: Start with the basics
Just like with anything new, introducing masks slowly and steadily will help your dog get used to them. To begin with, put your hand over your nose and mouth for a few seconds, make sure your dog can see what you’re doing, and then give them a treat. Letting your dog make the connection between your face mask and treats helps build positive associations, so they become more comfortable with the way you look while wearing one.
Step Two: Let your dog hear you speak
Because dogs learn how we feel by reading our facial expressions, it can be confusing for them to hear our voices, without seeing our mouths move. Once your dog has seen you lift your hands to your mouth, and they seem happy and comfortable, you can begin speaking to them or calling their name. When they recognise your voice even with your nose and mouth covered, you can give them another treat.
Step Three: Put your mask on casually
Now your dog has got used to the idea of your face being part-covered, it’s time to let them get acquainted with your mask itself. Let your dog see your mask, and watch you put it on. That way, they’ll get used to the whole process of you putting your mask on, and better know what to expect when you’re in contact with others wearing masks. Make sure to speak and act normally when you wear your facemask, too. Our pets can tell when we’re anxious, so acting as you usually would day-to-day when you’re wearing your mask lets them know there’s nothing for you or them to be worried about.
This part of the process might take a little more time, as your face being covered can be quite disorientating for your animals. You might have to repeat the process a few times, and you should be prepared with a supply of treats to help reward your dog when they recognise you.
Step Four: Let your dog see your mask for themselves
Once your dog is more used to seeing you in your mask, you can begin to wear it every now and again around the house. It’s important to do this casually, letting your dog see that your mask is just part of ordinary life, and so not something to be nervous about.
You should also leave your mask around the house when you can, so your dog can clearly see that it is going to be a regular part of your home, without being too wary of it. In this way, they can sniff out the situation for themselves, orientating themselves with the mask in their own time.
Step Five: Gradually introduce your dog to other people
It’s really important that your dog gets regular exercise during lockdown and as social restrictions continue. When you’re on walks, in the park or out and about, your dog is likely to interact with other dogs and their owners. To stop your pet feeling nervous or lashing out when you’re out in public, start off with a walk with a friend or family member you see regularly. Introducing familiar people in masks in the same way as you did will help your dog get used to the idea at a steady pace.
When you see anyone wearing a mask while you’re out walking, give your dog a treat. This will help them feel relaxed, and associate wearing a mask with something happy, rather than something they should be worried about.
Choose a custom-made kennel to suit your dog’s needs
Benchmark Kennels offer a range of WPC eco-thermal kennels to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy. Each of our kennels can be customised to become the perfect fit in your home. Get in touch to order your luxury kennel today.
- Published in Blog
International Dog Day Brainteaser: Spot the Yorkie on the Beach
Where’s the elusive Yorkshire Terrier on this beach?
With international dog day fast approaching (the 26th!) Benchmark Kennels have produced an exciting brainteaser for the dog loving puzzle pundits among us. Somewhere below, there’s a Yorkshire Terrier hidden among the bigger dog breeds on this busy beach.
It took us 30 seconds to spot the Yorkie – how long will it take you?
International Dog Day was originally started as National Dog Day in the USA, before becoming a day of celebration for dog lovers all over the world.
Whether you’re considering donating to assistance dogs, or fancy treating your pooch to a really long walk, the 26th of August is a great excuse to splash out on your favourite canines.
This year, we’ve chosen to increase awareness around one of our favourite breeds.
The Yorkshire Terrier has seen the largest reduction in kennel club registrations of any breed over the past thirty years, falling 97% from 24,015 registrations in 1990, to 644 in 2019. We’ve created this spot the Yorkie brainteaser to highlight the reductions in this iconic breed’s registrations across the UK.
Let us know how quickly you find this Yorkie – have you beaten our time?
- Published in Blog
The Top Five Insta-Famous Dogs of Lockdown
Throughout the past few months of lockdown, man’s best friend has become the centre of life at home for many of us, whether we’re on furlough, isolating, or working from home.
Despite cats (boo) entering the new year being searched for more than our beloved canines, online interest in dogs has overtaken that of the felines, which means statistically, dogs are absolutely preferred by the UK public to cats.
If you aren’t already filling the void left by seeing fewer dogs outside of your own household during the lockdown period, Benchmark Kennels have highlighted the top five most insta-famous dogs for you to check out…
1. Jiffpom – 10.5 million followers
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-B7h68lXpO/?igshid=qmkjautq9ai7
Coming in at the top of this list is Jiff the Pomeranian, with over 10.4 million followers on his main account, and a combined 30 million across all of his social media.
While pomeranians are the smallest member of the Spitz dog family (which includes Malamutes and other sled dog breeds), Jiff really packs a punch in the influencer world. With two Guinness World Records under his collar, along with a feature in Katy Perry’s ‘Dark Horse’ music video, this star is more talented than most!
Head on over to Instagram and follow Jiff @jiffpom to see regular photos and videos of this little pomeranian living the high life in Los Angeles.
2. Doug the Pug – 4 million followers
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEM_FIpCqY/?igshid=ltd7vdr73ucs
Following up in second place is Doug The Pug, with four million followers on Instagram.
As the most popular breed of toy dog, pugs have dominated internet culture for years. Doug is different, however. Officially referred to as a ‘celebrity dog,’ this pug won last year’s People’s Choice Award for Animal Star.
Not content with Instagram fame, he also has one billion video views over at Facebook, where he stars in remakes of iconic movie scenes from IT to Frozen. Yet another music star, Doug has been featured in Katy Perry’s ‘Swish Swish’ music video, as well as Fall Out Boy’s ‘Irresistible.’
With daily posts uploaded to Instagram, be sure to follow Doug the Pug @itsdougthepug for a glimpse into celebrity dog lifestyle.
3. Maru the Shiba, Shinjiro Ono – 2.6 million followers
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_4Mk4BVcy/?igshid=v3x6tzf3oqv6
Maru the Shiba is the next featured dog, with an impressive 2.6 million followers on Instagram.
While he may not be as well known in music industry circles, this Shiba is arguably the cutest dog on Instagram. With his fluffiness only matched by his constant grin, Maru is practically the poster pup for happiness. Maru is, in fact, Japanese for round, a fact that only makes him all the more destined to be the cutest dog on this list.
Follow Maru the Shiba’s adventures over on Instagram @marutaro for regular videos of the pooch deemed to be ‘the best dog in the world’ by Time Magazine.
4. Tuna – 2.1 million followers
https://www.instagram.com/p/CChDG9jB9J_/?igshid=1raxuqoxi0b23
Tuna is the next featured Instagram star, with 2.1 million followers, and a heartwarming backstory.
Abandoned just after birth, Tuna shot to fame in 2012 when his new owner Courtney made him an Instagram account. Because of his unusual, albeit adorable, appearance due to overbreeding, and a tough start in life, Tuna has used his Instagram fame to raise money for animal rescue groups, while also promoting animal welfare.
Find this internet celebrity travelling across the world, while still having time to be featured on This Morning, and at launch parties in top tier locations such as the Ivy Chelsea Garden Restaurant.
For further inspiration from Tuna, follow @tunameltsmyheart.
5. Loki the Wolfdog – 2.1 million followers
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NRGOsJQcZ/?igshid=bc338i9s6i2a
The biggest and final pup in this roundup is Loki the Wolfdog, with 2.1 million followers on Instagram.
As his name would suggest, Loki is indeed part wolf, with some husky and malamute ancestry added to the mix. This wild side results in Loki requiring more exercise and time outdoors than most dogs. Luckily for him, owner Kelly is an outdoor aficionado, travelling the wilderness and taking stunning photos that provide us with a glimpse into the wilder side of life, and an escape from the sofa during the lockdown.
Follow Loki @loki for more on the road pics!
Chat to the Benchmark Kennels team today!
Get in touch with us on social media to let us know if your favourite Instagram dog made the list, and to share any dog pics that you have taken while we’ve all been stuck at home.
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. You can customise your outdoor kennel to be as luxury or minimal as required, with us offering a range of materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra insulation. You can order a kennel direct from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog’s needs.
- Published in Blog
The Top Five Dog-Friendly Pubs in Yorkshire!
Back in May in the midst of lockdown, the Benchmark Kennels team asked you to get involved and tell us your favourite dog-friendly pubs around Yorkshire. It was a wonderful opportunity for dog-lovers and owners alike to honour our favourite dog-friendly pubs and help spread the word about these welcoming and cosy places to grab a pint.
First of all, thank you! Our readers didn’t disappoint, with more than 300 of you placing your votes and telling us why your locals are so special to both you and your animals – we absolutely loved hearing from you.
With Boris deciding to lift some lockdown restrictions on 4th July and many pubs now reopening, its the perfect time to see who our winners are and give credit to the top five and much-loved pubs of Yorkshire.
Drum roll, please…
1. The Crown & Cushion, Welburn
The Crown & Cushion in Welburn, North Yorkshire really do take the crown on this one. They received the majority of votes from dog owners and locals due to their gorgeous setting and friendly approach to dogs joining their families for food or drinks.
With the building dating back to the 18th Century, its a stunning environment offering locals a place to pop in for a casual drink after a long walk or get dressed up and visit for a fine dining experience.
In winter, the open fires make the pub a cosy and welcoming place to spend a Sunday, and in summer, the rear terrace is ideal for drinks in the sun.
Welburn village is located in the district of Rydale, not far from Malton and York. It’s easy to access from the A64 or can be found via foot with there being many popular walks and bird-watching spots around the area that can start or finish at the Crown & Cushion.
2. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperby
Next up is The Wheatsheaf Inn in Wensleydale, set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and hugely popular with avid walkers and explorers. There is an abundance of Yorkshire attractions around the area making it the perfect place for a pint at the end of a long day either spent hiking in the dales with your furry friends or simply mooching around the quaint village shops.
If you’re planning a big walk with the dog and need a place to rest your head afterwards, you can even book a room with your pooch, with many of their single, double and family rooms being completely pet-friendly and offering a home-from-home experience.
3. The Fountain Hotel, Hawes
Another North Yorkshire pub comes in at third – The Fountain Hotel in Hawes. This hotel and local prides itself on its wholesome and home-cooked pub grub, welcoming all dogs and children with open arms.
Popular with sports fans, the pub hosts three screens showing live sport, ideal for watching premiere football which has recently made its post-corona comeback.
The pub is a favourite of both locals and visitors to the town, with many calling in for a drink or staying the night after a walk around the lovely village of Wensleydale and the Yorkshire Dales.
4. The Oak Tree, Helperby
In at fourth is The Oak Tree in Helperby, a village full of character and within reach of a range of lovely walks along rivers Ule and Swale or along the old railway line. You can book a room with your dog or simply visit for a few drinks after a nice stroll, with a huge array of local beers, hand-pulled ales and delicious wines to choose from.
For those looking for a venue for a special occasion, you can even hire out a private party room to host birthdays, cocktail parties or any family gathering and bring your dogs along.
5. Rose & Crown, Sutton-on-the-Forest
Last but by no means least is the Rose & Crown. Located in the picturesque village of Sutton-on-the-Forest in North Yorkshire, this pub is the heart of the village community, being the last standing pub in the village and offering a mean Sunday lunch.
Known to serve some of the best pub food in York, they offer curry nights, steak nights and fresh fish Friday’s – all of which welcome dogs and families to join in. If you’re looking for an affordable place to stop off for a pint and a bite to eat after a long day out around York with it being just eight miles out of the city centre.
If you can’t see your favourite on the list, don’t be disheartened, it was a close call! There were tons of runners up that are equally as beautiful places to call in for a drink with your dog or family, like the Trafalgar Bay in York and The Coverbridge Inn in East Witton.
Get in touch with us on social media to let us know if your favourite dog-friendly pub made the top five and whether you’re planning to brave the pubs post-lockdown or stick to drinks at home for now.
- Published in Blog
Lockdown Tips: How To Avoid Dog Separation Anxiety
Lockdown, while being a scary and unusual time for many, has allowed both new and experienced dog owners to spend lots of quality time with their pets, strengthening bonds and giving owners plenty of time to practise some perhaps neglected training. It’s been wonderful for our dogs to have us around, whether you are working from home and they are happy to sit by your side until their walkies or you’re on furlough and have been able to give them your undivided attention.
Despite this, it’s important to keep in mind that the period of lockdown is gradually coming to an end and as people start to return to work our dogs are likely to feel confused and abandoned after such a long period of being around their humans 24/7. If you have welcomed a new puppy into your home or you have a dog that struggled with being separated before lockdown began, now is the time to start easing your dog into normal life and make sure you don’t go from one extreme to another.
Benchmark Kennels are here to clear up any confusion you have around trying to avoid separation anxiety and offer some clever ways to accustom your dog to spending time alone without having to necessarily leave your home entirely.
What is separation anxiety?
Before you start trying to combat and avoid separation anxiety, you need a basic understanding of what it is and what it can entail if you allow it to escalate. Dogs in the wild are pack animals meaning it is in their nature to enjoy spending time as part of a group rather than alone. This natural instinct is still there, meaning domesticated dogs can develop separation anxiety as a result of spending too much time in the company of their owners and believing that every time you leave the room you are essentially leaving forever. By introducing periods of prolonged separation and encouraging your dog to have some independence as a puppy and an adult, you will make life a lot easier when it comes to going to work or heading out to a place where dogs aren’t allowed.
How your dog reacts to being left alone will be dependent on their breed and upbringing, but it is also largely a result of how they are raised and their early experiences. While it may be tempting to spend every waking minute with a new puppy having plenty of cuddles and playtime, this will only lead to issues further down the line. For dogs that haven’t been left alone or trained to spend time without you being closeby, separation anxiety and your dog’s distress can be displayed in a number of ways such as barking, crying or whining, chewing or general destructiveness and going to the toilet indoors – all behaviours that can be hard to deal with and can even harm the relationship between you are your animal.
How to avoid separation anxiety after post-lockdown…
Develop independence
If you have a new lockdown puppy or your dog has become your little shadow during the lockdown period, now is the time to start introducing periods of alone time and encourage independence. You don’t have to go out of the house to do this either, simply leaving your dog in another room or outdoors to play and explore without you being closeby is enough. Try to extend the amounts of time you separate yourself from your dog with the end goal being your dog staying calm and relaxed whether you’re in the room or not. Make sure to leave plenty of chew toys such as Kong toys stuffed with treats or peanut butter and a comfy bed or crate for your dog to rest and feel safe while you’re gone.
Some other ways to encourage independence is to make sure your dog sleeps in their bed rather than next to wherever you are in the home and try to stick to a consistent routine, including a ‘quiet time’ for your dog to sleep without you there.
Dog kennels
Another way to avoid causing dog separation anxiety is by using indoor or outdoor dog kennels. Kennels are a perfect way to give your dog alone time outdoors without you having to keep an eye on them, leaving you an opportunity to tick off any jobs around the house or run any errands. By putting your dog in their kennel regularly, it will become a part of their daily life and your dog will start to view their kennel as their own territory to play or relax without needing attention from you.
Shared care
While all dogs will have a favourite person, usually being whoever brings them home for the first time or who feeds them, discouraging your dog from becoming too attached to one family member can help to ease separation anxiety. To do this, make sure all members of your household get involved with the daily care, feeding, walking and playtime with your dog. This way, when their favourite carer is at work or in a separate room your dog won’t display signs of anxiety or problem behaviours.
This is an especially important thing to keep in mind if you plan to use dog sitting or dog walking services after lockdown, as your dog will be difficult to manage if they are only familiar with being around one person.
Regular exercise
This may go without saying, but taking your dog for a big walk at least once a day is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing. A dog that has excess energy to burn is far more likely to freak out, chew your furniture or bark when left alone than a dog that has had plenty of exercises before you head out. As the lockdown rules have started to be lifted, try to get back into a strict routine of taking your dog for a big walk before you go to work so they can sleep it off for a big chunk of the day until you return.
Positive techniques
Finally, it’s important to remember that once a dog has developed separation anxiety, it is difficult to get rid of. You should never punish your dog for the behaviour they display while you’re out as your animal won’t understand why or what they are being punished for. Instead, don’t pay your dog any attention when you get home to avoid making a big deal out of the fact you’re together again. Over time, your dog should start to learn that being apart isn’t something to be distressed about.
Order a bespoke wooden dog kennel for post-lockdown today!
If you’re planning to go back to work soon or you just want to reintroduce a routine to help to avoid or ease your dog’s separation anxiety, an outdoor wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel is an ideal solution. They are secure, insulated and are bespoke-made to suit the size and breed of your dog, whether you require multi kennels or singular dog kennels to house your animals and keep them out of harm’s way.
Order your bespoke kennel via our website today or give us a call for a quote!
- Published in Blog
Lockdown Tips: Keeping Your Dog Fit At Home
Continuing our series of essential lockdown tips to keep your dog happy, healthy and engaged throughout the boredom of national lockdown, we’re focusing on the most simple and effective ways to keep your dog healthy and fit while largely stuck at home.
Depending on your pets’ usual activity levels, the activities you try might vary in length and intensity, they may be motivated by simply the promise of walkies with their human or need to be encouraged using small treats or a favourite toy, ball or game. There are no hard and fast rules when keeping your dog at peak physical fitness, because all canines are different, with their personalities and individual motivations. The most important consideration is to enjoy the quality time you and your dog spend together during quarantine, whether you choose long walks, training, play, enrichment activities or diet changes.
With that spirit in mind, Benchmark Kennel’s have put together a mini-guide to maintain your dog’s fitness with a bunch of helpful tips and handy advice so you can get active together at home while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of yourself, your family and your pet.
Long Walks
It’s a well-known fact of life that most dogs love the many hours spent walking with their humans in parks, along streets, in cities and deep in the countryside. In normal times there are almost no end of places you and your dog can venture, where they can run, chase, play and burn off all that extra energy which has them bouncing off the walls if gone unspent.
Although it’s not advisable to go wandering miles from home or driving to another county altogether and widening the margin for error in terms of staying alert, there are sure to be many routes in your local area to explore safely.
Going off the beaten track to the parkland of heritage sites is a great way to soak in some culture outdoors and give your dog lots of space to run, play and enjoy some much-needed freedom. These areas often possess large trees for quality stick hunting, lots of undergrowth for natural sniffing, and active wildlife to trigger your pets’ hunting instincts without allowing them to chase or hurt any small animals. On top of this, your dog may have the opportunity to greet and interact with other canines (provided your respective households don’t get too close) which they are sure to have missed during the quarantine.
That said, if you wish to skip the crowds, the best time to grab the lead and get running to your local green space is after 5 pm, ensuring a quieter environment so you and your dog can minimise contact with others.
Training
As previously mentioned in our lockdown series, being stuck at home provides you with the perfect opportunity to focus back on training basics. It’s never too late to revisit the simple things you might have been overlooking or correct bad behaviours you might not have had the time to deal with before the pandemic – with the added benefit of burning calories, improving concentration, and helping them stay active.
One of the best ways to get started, whether your dog is elderly, a pup or any age in between. Though just like humans, older dogs are known to have a superior attention span when compared with very young puppies, is to teach or reaffirm the seven most important commands: no, leave, sit, stay, come, and down. These can be exceptionally useful in almost any scenario you can imagine in which your dog is physically active, both indoors or out.
Finding the right training techniques for these commands is largely trial and error, and should be tailored to your dog, based on how fast and efficiently they learn, how well they remember commands and, if they have been trained before, their motivations.
All training or teaching of tricks should be carried out using small treats or their favourite toys as encouragement, using hand motions as a signal for your dog to position themselves in a certain way or follow you in a particular direction. You may also want to use sound, clicks, claps and whistles to communicate with them, depending on the rapport you share and what your pet responds most positively to.
It’s advisable to begin training in a quiet area so neither you or your dog become distracted, such as your garden during the morning or early evening.
Playtime
Although it might seem obvious that playtime makes for a great opportunity for your dog to keep fit while having fun, it’s an activity that many pet owners find all too easy to overlook or trivialise. Dogs get bored just like humans, so the rich engagement potential that play provides can alleviate their stress and activate essential brain functions while getting them running, chasing, fighting their toys and living their best canine lives.
Make sure you have their best toys on hand, it’s one thing to watch your dog play alone or with their companion dog (or dogs), but interacting and joining the play yourself adds a new layer of joy for your pet who sees you as the leader of their little pack.
A range of toys will do, for example: chasing a ball allows them to use concentration, understand spatial awareness and increase their speed, building lean muscle mass and burning fat. Tug of war improves their strength and lets them tap into their primal resource instincts. Flirt poles have your dogs bounding, jumping, spinning and chasing; increasing their heart rate, endurance and agility.
However you choose to make playtime a 3D, active and pack-building experience, it’s important to note that wherever you lead, your dog will follow. Your attitude, expressions and energy really will define how exciting, fulfilling and engaging play activities are for you and your dog.
Enrichment
A more relaxed facet of playtime that is often forgotten is enrichment. The definition of enrichment is to decrease boredom and behavioural problems through the constructive use of interesting objects, smells, sounds, flavours or games so that even when your dog is relaxed, they remain active, engaged and fit.
There are many ways to enrich your dogs’ experience of lockdown, the most physically powerful are assault courses, promoting agility and speed. They can be made easily using children’s crawl tubes, slides, and even bamboo sticks staked into the lawn. Another solution is Kongs (a chunky and hard-wearing toy that is perfect for garden play) which can be stuffed with treats and frozen, making them ideal for hot weather as we head into Summer. If you’re feeling particularly creative, allowing your dog an area of your garden, sandpit or scrubby area to dig is an inventive option – we apologise in advance for the thorough bathing they’ll need afterwards though.
Whatever method you choose, you can guarantee your dog will have used their reserves of excess energy through physical and mental stimulation, tiring them out and helping them settle better during those long lockdown evenings.
Diet
The single most effective way to help your dog stay fit during lockdown is to provide them with a healthy diet, promoting their wellbeing and shedding unnecessary fat and additives.
Removing man-made ingredients from their bowl and replacing indulgent and often fat-filled red meat-based wet food with lean, cooked white meat like chicken and turkey with the bones and skin completely removed. Fish can also be included in your dogs’ new diet, such as tuna, sardines and salmon, as can leafy greens, eggs, whole grains and vegetables, bringing a nutritional balance to their feeding times.
Instead of sweet treats, exchange this habit for a tiny square of juicy fruit like melon, apple, banana, pear, etc. Take care to keep portions small, as large amounts of sugar and fruit can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Need a bespoke kennel large enough for other lockdown dog activities?
Benchmark Kennels are a manufacturer of bespoke dog kennels, giving dog owners of all breed types, sizes and temperaments a secure and spacious place to stay outdoors. Every kennel is custom-made, meaning you can choose the exact size, material, properties and architecture of the kennel itself to ensure it suits your dog and the outside of your property.
You can order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today or contact us via phone to find out more about our excellent range of kennels.
- Published in Blog
Lockdown Tips: Training A Dog To Walk On A Lead
Lockdown is continuing to pose some restrictions on everyday life and, with us cooped up at home for most of the time, your dog may be going a little stir crazy with excess energy. A dog that is not mentally or physically stimulated can start to display boisterous and problematic behaviour, so what better time to go back to basics and train your pooch to walk on a lead, rather than allowing them to tear about your home.
Many people think that dogs know innately know how to walk on a leash, but this skill is one which needs to be learned through consistent training and practice. Dedicating some time each day to practising on the lead means that next time you go for your daily walk, you’ll both be calm enough to value every moment. This skill is especially important if you have a very young or large breed of dog who may end up dragging you down the street without the correct training.
Here are some expert tips from Benchmark Kennels for training your dog to walk safely and calmly on a lead without tugging. Once you have used the right positive training techniques and mastered training a dog to walk to heel, your daily dog walks will be far more enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry companion.
Introduce your dog to the collar and lead
Begin by allowing your dog to get used to wearing its collar around the home. If you have had your puppy for a few weeks and are getting ready to take them outdoors for the first time, start putting on their collar for them to wear around the house. The feeling of a collar will be unfamiliar to your dog at first, but after a while, they will hardly notice they are wearing one at all. Your dog can wear its collar for short periods of time inside the house while you are playing, giving them treats and making them feel comfortable. It’s best to start off with lightweight and flexible collars so your dog does not feel restricted or uncomfortable and make sure the collar is not too tight.
Once your dog is not fazed by the collar, you can bring the lead into the picture. Have plenty of treats to hand and practise walking around your home and garden slowly with your dog. Make sure not to pull your dog around with the lead and instead let them walk and move at their own pace, keeping the lead loose so your dog is less aware that they are being restricted.
Training a dog to walk to heel
When your dog is fine wearing a collar and lead and moving around your home with you, you can try to tackle the walking technique. While it takes time for a puppy or untrained dog to heel on a lead, if you can get it right, your life on walks will be so much easier. Make sure you use treats, so your dog has a positive association with walking to heel and practise walking a few steps at a time before standing still and asking your dog to sit. This way, your dog will associate treats with walking by your side and sitting when you stop.
As soon as your dog turns and looks at you reward him with a little treat. After a few tries, you will notice your dog is not only focusing on you but is also coming over to you for the promise of a treat.
Introduce your dog to a distinctive cue sound that signifies food is coming. Some owners like to click and treat, some use an affirmative word like yes and others click with their tongue. Whichever method you choose to use is essentially the same, in a mostly quiet area free of sounds and loud background noise, with your dog on a leash, make the signature sound.
If your dog pulls ahead, do not pull them back or use force to stop them, simply stand still and wait till they stop pulling, then reward them with a treat and go again. Over time, your dog will realise that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go any quicker and your walks will become far more enjoyable.
Venture outside
You are now ready to test your dog’s skills outside of your usual quiet space at home. There will be many challenges, smells, sounds, and sights to cause distraction, whether you are training a new puppy or an older dog that will test your dog’s newfound walking skills. It is important to be patient with your dog and keep the walks short for a while. If your dog starts to pull ahead on walks out of excitement, be consistent with your at-home training and stop walking, then reward your dog with a treat when they
Always keep your eyes on them, so if your dog looks likely to lunge at something, get suddenly distracted, or start pulling on the lead you can immediately move away or stop walking. If your dog follows suit, always reward them with a treat.
It can be difficult to be 100% consistent when out and about and training a dog to walk on a lead properly, so dedicating certain walks to be complete training sessions can be more effective. On these walks, make sure you are strict and firm with your dog, taking plenty of treats for rewarding your dog when it walks by your heel. On days where you are limited for time, use a different lead, and let your dog off to run around so they can get plenty of exercise without letting any of their lead skills slip away.
Need an outdoor kennel for your dog to spend time?
While dog walking training can be lifechanging for both dog owners and their animals, Benchmark Kennels are manufacturers of bespoke dog kennels, providing dog owners of all breed types, sizes, and temperaments with a secure and spacious place for dogs to kept outdoors. With each kennel being custom-made, you can choose the specific size, material, properties, and structure of your kennel to ensure that it suits your dog and property.
You can order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly via our website today or enquire over the phone to hear more about our highly respected range of kennels.
- Published in Blog
