We’re proud to announce our new and improved eco-friendly dog kennels. Our eco range has recently been redesigned to minimise wastage and reduce our company’s carbon footprint. 

At Benchmark Kennels, we aim to deliver high-quality eco-friendly dog kennels to customer specifications while reducing environmental disruption and waste. All of our eco-friendly kennels are now made using diverted plastics from landfill which are converted into wood composite. 

Designed to keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter, our eco-kennels are a sustainable and high-quality dog housing solution. Continue reading to find out the top six benefits of our eco-kennel range.

• Low Maintenance

Our eco range requires little to no maintenance. So, you won’t need to worry about applying treatments or stains to the kennel, as they are designed to withstand all weather conditions without needing any maintenance. 

Eco-kennels are designed to not rot, crack, or split overtime, requiring very little effort and money to maintain. Highly-resistant and secure, our eco-kennel range is made from WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) boards that are fitted onto a strong and durable steel frame.

• Suitable All-Year Round

Hard-wearing and long-lasting, our eco-kennels are naturally insulated to provide a secure and cosy living space for your pooch all year round. Designed to keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter, our eco range will keep your pup comfortable throughout any weather conditions. 

All of our eco-kennels come with anti-chew strips as standard to add extra strength and durability to the kennel. If you’re looking to make your kennel completely chew-proof, you can opt for our galvanised anti destruction pack as an optional extra.

• Sustainable

All of our eco-kennels are manufactured with quality and sustainability in mind, carefully crafted from fully-recycled materials to help reduce our company’s energy usage and environmental impact.

Implementing environmentally-conscious improvements has allowed us to help to save natural resources and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill every year.  

• Safe

With dog theft on the rise, safety is always at the top of our priority list when we are planning or designing a new kennel for the market. All of our eco-kennels have two pad bolts per door and heavy duty caging to ensure your dog is safe and secure. 

• Simple and Easy to Relocate

If you’re looking to move home or rearrange your garden space, you don’t need to worry about leaving our eco-kennel behind or struggling to move it. Our eco range can be easily dismantled and relocated.

• Easy to Clean

Offering a large entrance that gives owners more headroom for maintaining the kennel, our eco-kennels are easy to clean. They can be easily power washed inside and out, improving hygiene and providing your dog with a clean and comfortable living space. 

Shop Our New Eco-Kennel Range

At Benchmark Kennels, we provide high-quality, secure dog housing solutions at affordable prices. All of our eco-kennels are handmade with professional fitting to give you peace of mind.

No matter what your specific requirements are, we will be able to tailor a kennel perfectly to your dog. Here at Benchmark Kennels, we offer single, duo and triple kennels, suitable for a range of dog sizes and breeds. We also offer a variety of optional extras to customise your kennel. 

Shop our new and improved eco-kennel range online today. Or, contact us if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help!

Keeping your pup warm and comfortable is a priority, especially when they’re living outdoors. An outdoor kennel can provide your dog with the space they need whilst keeping them protected from the harsh weather conditions outside. But, what are the best kennel flooring options? 

Providing your dog with good kennel flooring is important. Poor quality kennel flooring can leak, be easily destroyed and require frequent replacements, so it’s imperative to choose high-quality kennel flooring. At Benchmark Kennels, we’ve put together this guide of kennel flooring options to help you make the best choice when kitting out your new kennel. 

What Makes the Best Dog Kennel Flooring?

Firstly, we’ll discuss the top qualities of dog kennel flooring you need to look out for. We always recommend adding a comfortable floor to the bed area of the kennel only, not the run area.

A high-quality kennel floor will be:

• Easy to clean
• Waterproof
• Leakproof
• HygienicAnti-slip
• Durable
• Scratch-proof
• Chew-proof
• Strong
• Long-lasting
• Cost-effective
• Insulating 
• Comfortable

When looking to purchase a new kennel floor, you should look for the above qualities. All outdoor kennels require an easy-to-clean surface that is ideal for spraying with cleaning agents and waterproof if your dog urinates on the floor. Particularly when the flooring is wet, it needs to be anti-slip so that your dog does not suffer any injuries. 

Whatever flooring you choose it needs to be durable as most dogs scratch and chew. Depending on your budget, the kennel flooring needs to be both cost-effective and long-lasting so try to strike a balance between the two. 

Kennel Flooring Options

Simply placing your new kennel on your existing grass or concrete floor can cause joint and skeletal problems as well as expose dogs to parasites in soil such as hookworms. So, what should you use as kennel flooring instead? Here are some of the fantastic dog kennel flooring options we have to offer here at Benchmark Kennels.

Phenolic Plywood Flooring

Our Phenolic wipe-clean Plywood flooring is one of the best choices for a dog kennel. Thanks to its sturdiness and waterproof qualities, this kennel flooring will last you a very long time.

Soft enough to cushion your dog’s body, preventing joint and skeletal problems, Phenolic Ply flooring is comfortable and slip-resistant. Easy to clean and maintain, Phenolic Ply flooring is stain-resistant and watertight to minimise moisture penetration and improve resistance.

Wooden Flooring

Wooden flooring is a great option for a dog kennel as it’s not as hard as concrete and is easy to elevate from the soil, preventing exposure to harmful parasites. Wood is also hypoallergenic, perfect for dogs with allergies. 

At Benchmark Kennels, all of our kennel bed floors come with raised wood floors as standard. With all of our kennels, wipe-clean rubber flooring can be added as an upgrade.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber is a great kennel flooring option that is waterproof, highly flexible and easy to clean. 

Rubber mats offer a stable and comfortable base for your dog. Rubber flooring has great anti-fatigue qualities that help to reduce stress on your dog’s paws and legs, providing the perfect cushioned base.

What Types of Dog Kennel Flooring Should You Avoid?

Now we’ve discussed the best options for kennel flooring, here are two of the worst options.

Carpet

Surprisingly, carpet is one of the most popular choices for kennel flooring. Although it provides high warmth retention and a soft surface for your pooch to get comfortable on, carpets can trap allergens causing allergic reactions. They’re also easily worn and will soak up substances such as urine leading to bad smells.

Tiles

Tiled flooring may seem like a good option as it’s easy to clean and maintain, however, tiles lack slip-resistance, especially when wet. Tiles are also hard, causing joint problems such as arthritis leading to decreased mobility in later life. The grout between the tiles can also leak and soak up urine, leading to bad smells and poor hygiene.

How to Build a Dog Kennel Floor

Building a dog kennel floor is fairly complex and can be quite difficult. At Benchmark Kennels, we do all of the hard work for you. We hand-make every one of our dog kennels here in Britain, complete with durable high-quality flooring. 

However, if you’re a DIY guru, and are looking to make your kennel flooring, here are a few tips to help you out. 

Consider the flooring type

Choosing the right dog kennel flooring takes careful consideration. Take into account all of the information we have provided you with alongside your dog’s specific needs to make an informed choice.

Produce a diagram

Once you’ve chosen your flooring type, use a pencil to begin sketching out the size of the dog kennel floor. 

• Cut four wooden boards to size
• Cut four wooden sideboards to size and attach using wood screws. 
• Attach a wooden panel to the base
• Attach a wooden panel (cut to size) to the base structure you just created. There you have the base of your dog kennel floor.
• Attach your chosen floor to the wooden base
• Finally, attach your chosen floor panel (e.g. laminate or rubber) to the wooden panel. There you have it – your DIY kennel floor. 

Looking for a High-Quality Dog Kennel?

At Benchmark Kennels, we offer a range of bespoke dog kennels manufactured in as little as one week. All of our kennel flooring options are durable and hard-wearing, fitted by our expert team for convenience. 

Contact Us today to discuss your options or order your kennel online.

Keeping your dog cool during the summer is extremely important for their general happiness as well as their health. If you have an excitable young puppy or your pet is nearing the end of its life, staying cool is hugely important. 

As a general rule, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. But sometimes it can be difficult to cool your dog down when the heat is simply unavoidable. With that in mind, Benchmark Kennels have created a guide on how to keep your dog cool, so you can enjoy the sunshine with your furry friend, in the safest way possible.

Article Contents

• Why is Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer Important? 
• Which Breeds Are More at Risk of Heat Stroke?
• Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
  • Avoid High-Intensity Exercise
  • Purchase an Insulated Outdoor Kennel
  • Provide Them With Unlimited Access to Water
  • Buy a Paddling Pool
  • Never Leave Them in a Car Unattended 
  • Regularly Groom Them
  • Look Out for Signs of Heat Exhaustion
• Keeping Your Dog Cool at Night
• Keeping Your Dog Cool Outdoors

Why is Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer Important?

Dogs can suffer from a fatal heat stroke within minutes, as they are unable to sweat through their skin like us humans. Unfortunately, around 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to the vets die from heat stroke. Canines heavily rely on releasing heat through panting and via their paw pads and nose to regulate their temperature. 

Keeping your dog cool is extremely important to prevent heat stroke and allow them to remain comfortable and healthy.

Which Breeds Are More at Risk of Heat Stroke?

All dogs can develop heat stroke, however some breeds are more sensitive to heat exhaustion than others. 

Those at a higher risk of heat stroke are often:

• Overweight 
• Excessively energetic 
• Senior 
• Over 50kg
• Have a health condition (e.g. heart or breathing problem)

If your pup is a flat-faced breed like the pug or chow-chow or has a thicker, heavy coat like the golden retriever, you’ll need to be even more vigilant when it comes to keeping them cool, hydrated and out of the sun.

7 Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool

Whether you’re in the garden or inside, keeping your dog cool during a heatwave is essential to keep them comfortable and avoid heatstroke. Here’s seven simple ways to keep your dog cool.

1. Avoid Exercising Them During the Hottest Part of the Day

Although summer seems like the perfect time to enjoy endless walks with your pup, be aware that exercising your dog in the hot sun can cause their temperature to rapidly overheat. If you can, take your dog out in the early morning or late afternoon, when the air and pavements are cool enough for your dog to run around, without the risk of overheating.

If it’s just too hot to take your dog on your usual walking route at all, you’ll need to introduce other activities that involve limited energy, but still help your pup get some mental stimulation. Brain games at mealtimes will ensure your dog can release excess energy and spend some bonding time with you. Using a snuffle mat can help to encourage natural forging and reduce boredom without taking up too much energy.

2. Choose an Insulated Kennel

It’s important for your dog to have a shady, safe space they can relax in when it gets too hot for them to play outside comfortably. At Benchmark Kennels, we stock insulated timber cabins that help keep your dog protected from the elements all year round. When the temperature heats up, thermal insulation helps to regulate the kennel, so that your pup can stay cool during summer, and warm during winter. 

Low maintenance, eco-thermal kennels are also a great option for your pup, offering ventilation, space to move around in, and a shaded place away from direct sunlight so that your dog can cool down easily. Elevated kennels with a raised bed help improve the airflow too, keeping your pet’s home cosy, cool and well ventilated.

3. Make Sure They Have Access to Water at All Times

The easiest and most essential way to keep your dog happy and healthy in the summertime is to make sure they stay hydrated. 

Dogs need constant access to cool, clean water at all times. If you’re out and about with your pup, make sure to keep a bottle of water with you, or even a frozen toy to entertain them while regulating their temperature at the same time. However, a frozen toy should never replace water.

4. Buy a Dog Paddling Pool

If you’re out walking, don’t be tempted to let your dog swim in any fresh water canals or rivers. Some areas of water have strong currents and can be dangerous for your pup. They may also contain harmful bacteria and algae which could make your dog sick. 

Be wary of tides if you’re visiting the beach. Also remember that letting your dog drink salt water is likely to make them very sick. When visiting the beach, carry fresh water with you at all times. 

Instead, use a cool water paddling pool for your pup. Remember though, you should also never submerge them in ice cold water, as this could  cause their body temperature to cool down too quickly,  and ultimately make their symptoms worse.

5. Never Leave Your Dog in the Car Unattended

Unventilated spaces can feel stuffy, claustrophobic and unbearably hot to humans, so imagine how uncomfortable those spaces are to our furry friends. That’s why you should never leave your dog in your car. 

Even if you leave your pup with water, crack the car windows or are only intending to leave them for a short period of time, your car can heat up incredibly quickly. Most pet owners know the risks, but even after just a few minutes, a hot car can cause serious and potentially fatal issues. 

If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, dial 999 immediately and wait for the police to arrive.

6. Remember to Regularly Groom Your Dog

Your pet’s hair should be long enough to stay comfortable, without the risk of it becoming matted, tangled or dirty. Regular brushing and grooming can give you the opportunity to check your puppy’s fur and skin for any issues, burns or bites, as well as helping you form an even closer bond with them. 

Dogs with a pale coat are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially on their ears and nose. To protect them from the sun, aim to keep them indoors if it is too hot, use sun cream or cover their vulnerable areas with a t-shirt. 

Remember that animal fur has evolved to act as insulation in the winter and as a cooling system in the summertime. Because of this, you should never shave your pup or trim their coat without the help of a professional groomer.

7. Look Out for the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

With higher sensitivity than us, dogs are unfortunately much more likely to suffer overheating, heat exhaustion and dehydration. If your dog isn’t kept cool, they could suffer uncomfortable symptoms of heatstroke, a condition that can be fatal if it’s not noticed quickly. To protect your pup during the summer, it’s important to recognise the signs of heatstroke:

• Excessive panting and dribbling
• Vomiting 
• Tiredness
• Confusion
• Fitting
• Reddened gums 
• Weakness

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you should take it to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, you should move your dog out of the heat and into a cool room. Offer your pup a small amount to drink and try carefully sponging them with cold water, particularly on their tummy and neck. 

Keep your dog close by on hot days to make sure you can monitor them carefully, looking for any signs of unusual behaviour.

Keeping Your Dog Cool at Night

Although it is extremely unlikely that your dog is going to develop heat stroke overnight, it is still important to keep them cool and comfortable. 

Make sure your dog is kept in a cool room throughout the night, ideally one with air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, open the windows and direct a fan towards where your dog is sleeping. 

Provide your dog with access to clean water through the night. You may even choose to let them lay on a damp towel to help keep them cool.

Keeping Your Dog Cool Outdoors

If you’re looking for the perfect kennel to ensure your pup is healthy, happy and cool outside during the summer months, Benchmark Kennels offer a range of high-quality kennel options for your dog. Simply browse our range, or get in touch with us today.

Dogs chewing their paws is a common behaviour – it can be likened to a human scratching their hand. Nevertheless, persistent and consistent paw chewing could be a sign of health problems. If you have concerns about your dog’s itchy paws, you should contact your vet to err on the side of caution. 

Puppies start chewing from a young age due to toothache when their adult teeth are developing, chewing also allows them to explore the world through taste. Older dogs may continue chewing as a way to clean their teeth and strengthen their jaws.

Common reasons why dogs chew their paws include; cleaning, scratching, boredom, allergies, a bug bite or a skin infection. This blog will break down each common cause of dogs chewing paws and how to alleviate the need to chew.

 

Why Do Dogs Chew Their Paws?

 

Cleaning

One of the most common reasons why your dog could be chewing his paws is to clean them. We humans have the luxury of washing our hands frequently throughout the day, unlike our four-legged friends. 

The anatomy of a dog paw is primarily made up of three sections; the digital pads, metacarpal pad and nails. Between the digital and metacarpal pads, there are areas covered in fur that attract dirt and dust, which can be uncomfortable for dogs, causing them to chew on their paws.

 

 

Scratching

Dogs get itches all over their bodies, especially on their paws as they have the most contact with the ground. The behaviour of scratching for a dog is similar to that of itching the hand of a human. 

When a dog scratches continuously for any amount of time, it could be an indication that there are parasites such as ticks or fleas on the dog, especially during the summer months. 

You can reduce the risk of parasites infecting your dog by doing a few things. You should keep your dog’s main outdoor area free of faeces to help prevent parasites. Regular grooming, whether at home or at a groomer, can also help reduce parasites. 

Dogs can be protected against parasites with spot-on treatments and collars that prevent ticks and fleas from encroaching.

Our kennels and dog shelters are designed to give your pup a peaceful place they can call their own, with high-quality materials used to ensure their home is protected from rot, fungus and insect attack.  Alongside regular grooming, keeping their kennel and outside space clean helps reduce unnecessary chewing and scratching.

 

Boredom

Dogs can pick up bad habits frequently if they don’t have enough entertainment. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically fit. 

There are many symptoms of boredom in a dog such as barking, pacing and chewing. In order to alleviate boredom in your dog, keep their brains engaged by providing them with brain training games.

One fun game you could play with your pup is adding small treats to a towel, rolling it up and then tying it in a loose knot. Allow the dog to untie the knot and unravel the towel to reveal the treats, this creates a long-term activity for the dog to help reduce their boredom.

 

Allergies

Allergies can also cause a dog to excessively chew their paws. Environmental allergies such as grass and pollen can irritate dogs’ paws causing them to start chewing their paws. There are also instances when food allergies contribute to itchy paws, so it’s worth checking that your dog isn’t allergic to an ingredient in their food.

Prolonged chewing can create open wounds on paws and lead to skin infections.

 

Noticing Consistent Paw Chewing

Consistent paw chewing could be a sign that your dog has injured themselves. While on a walk, dogs can easily fracture a toe or claw or puncture a paw pad. Gently check the bottom of your dog’s paws for signs of injury. If you spot anything abnormal such as an ingrowing nail or puncture to their paw pads, or if your pet appears to be in pain, consult a vet as soon as possible.

There is also a possibility that excessive chewing is a sign of a skin infection. If your dog is developing a lot of skin infections this can be an indicator of hyperthyroidism. If your pet is scratching continuously, for more than a couple of days, you should make an appointment with your vet.

 

Is Your Dog Chewing Their Paws Too Much?

As chewing is such a common practice among most dogs, how can you tell when chewing becomes too frequent? 

Frequent licking can lead to an injury in itself, as a result of a dog having a rough tongue, this can irritate the skin on and around the paws. These lesions mixed with moisture from licking can create open wounds on the skin that can easily become infected. 

When your dog scratches the same spot repeatedly for more than a couple of days, you should take them to the vet to have their paws examined.

 

Stopping Your Dog From Chewing Their Paws

Chewing paws excessively can be prevented by addressing behavioural issues early. You can prevent future worries by teaching the puppy that chewing their paws is a bad habit, just as you would teach them not to chew furniture.

Be attentive and watch out for your dog chewing their paws. When you start to see this behaviour, check that the dog’s paw is clean and that it doesn’t have any lesions. If you discover that your dog chews their paws as a habit, distract them with a toy or activity.

Dogs that are well exercised are less likely to chew on their paws. It is important to ensure that your dog gets the daily exercise they need at levels that will tire them out. As a result of being physically tired, a dog will want to sleep, which prevents them from chewing on their paws.

The quickest and easiest way to keep a dog from chewing their paws is to give them chew treats. In addition to strengthening the dog’s jaw and cleaning their teeth, long-lasting chew treats distract them from chewing on their paws.

Benchmark Kennels provide high-quality kennels, cabins and kennels and dog runs, to keep your pup healthy, happy and safe. Get in touch to tailor your bespoke housing for your pets.

 

The cost of living increase has seen a lot of people cutting back on everyday luxuries to pay for necessities. But have increases in the cost of living changed how we spend on our pets?

We have explored the pet costs that have risen over the last couple of months and which outgoings pet owners are cutting back on to pay for their pet’s needs.

The following article will explore the results of the survey that over 500 pet owners completed. 

 

Pet Costs That Have Risen With The Cost of Living

 

With the cost of living increasing, so is the price of owning a pet. We surveyed 500 people and asked them: With the cost of living increasing, which pet ownership costs are you spending more on?

Food

 

The majority (49.8%) of pet owners we surveyed agreed that the cost that has risen the most is pet food. There are plenty of options for pet food out there, including tailor-made dog food subscription services. 

 

Making your own homemade treats can reduce the amount pet owners spend on their pets’ diet. To find out more about which flavour treats dogs prefer, read our recent blog post here.

 

Substituting table scraps into your pet’s diet is far more complicated however, as you must research the foods that are appropriate to your pet and consult a nutritionist if you are substituting large amounts of table scraps for kibble.

 

Vet Bills

 

11.8% of pet owners have seen an increase in their spending on vet bills. So, what can you do to look after your pets’ health at home? 

 

Weight management is one of the best ways to decrease your trips to the vet. A dog within the parameters of a good weight for their breed is less likely to have weight-related problems such as diabetes and breathing issues.

 

Ensure they have a balanced diet and an appropriate amount of exercise and playtime for their breed.

 

Pet Insurance

 

9.3% of pet owners agree that their pet ownership expense that has increased the most is pet insurance. 

 

Many new pet owners ask the question: Is pet insurance needed? Although legally, your dog or cat has to be microchipped, it isn’t mandatory to have pet insurance. Charities such as the RSPCA encourage pet insurance to cover extraordinary circumstances like accidents, illness and unplanned treatment. 

 

Pet insurance costs can vary from pet to pet – the premiums depend heavily on the breed and age of the dog as well as the pre existing conditions that the pet may have. You may find that insuring your pet from a young age is one of the best ways to secure the best price.

 

Grooming

 

The average cost of grooming has risen across the UK, with 5.4% of the surveyed pet owners highlighting that this is the main cause of their increasing pet-related outgoings. With the high volume of dog purchases over the last couple of years, grooming services are more in demand than ever, so securing a grooming slot costs more. 

 

How often does your pet need grooming? For most dog breeds, a grooming session every 1-3 months ensures that your dog has a healthy, well-maintained coat. However, this will depend on your dog’s coat. An interim job such as nail clipping is recommended once or twice a month by The Kennel Club.

 

Daycare/Dog Walking

 

Many pet owners are going back to work in an office or onsite instead of working from home full time. This has resulted in more pet owners needing daycare and dog walking services more often. 4.5% of pet owners agree that their spending on daycare/dog walking has increased.

 

Depending on your pet,  a varying amount of care is needed when you’re not there. If your pet is relatively calm on their own, then less daycare/dog walking from a professional will be required. It is recommended that dogs aren’t left on their own for more than 4 hours at a time. With a puppy or older dog, the owner will need to come home more frequently than this. Breaking alone time up and being with other dogs is a great social activity and allows the dog to get its daily exercise.

 

Toys/Bedding

 

4.4% of pet owners have seen an increase in the cost of bedding and dog toys.

 

Dog beds should be replaced every 1-5 years, depending on the level of wear. If you see any holes, tears or loose strings on a dog’s bed or their toys, these should be replaced immediately to prevent the risk of choking. 

 

The remaining 14.8% of the surveyed public responded that they are spending more on other aspects of their pet.

 

What would you cut back on before reducing spending on your pets?

 

Meals/drinks out

 

Cutting back on eating at restaurants and drinks out is the first thing that two in five pet owners do as they are faced with higher costs for pet ownership. Of the 500 pet owners we surveyed, 42.1% of the surveyed pet owners agree that they will reduce the amount of meals/drinks that they go out for, in order to pay for pet costs.

 

Monthly streaming subscriptions – Netflix, Amazon Prime

Streaming service charges quickly add up, especially when families have more than one subscription. Earlier this year, new figures revealed that 1.51 million Brits cancelled streaming services, with half a million of these cancellations due to cost. One in four pet owners agree with this result, with 24.7% of those surveyed confirming that they will axe services like Netflix and Amazon Prime to pay for their pets’ needs.

 

Groceries

 

The weekly shop has massively increased in price, alongside the increasing cost of dog food. As a result, 10.6% of pet owners are planning to cut back on their weekly food shop to help pay pet ownership costs.

 

Petrol/diesel and travel costs

 

Petrol and diesel prices are at an all time high, with these cost increases being a key driver of inflation across the UK. 10.4% of pet owners are prioritising reducing the amount of travelling they do to save cash for pet-related purchases. Drivers may choose to stop taking short journeys, lower average speeds, or dabble in hypermiling techniques to increase their car’s fuel efficiency.

 

Utility bills (electricity/gas)

 

4.6% of pet owners are cutting back on utility bills to afford  their pets. This may involve reductions in spending on heating and reducing water consumption.

 

Nothing

 

Just 1.7% of pet owners don’t feel the need to reduce any of their outgoings in order to spend money on their pets. 

So, there we have Benchmark Kennels breakdown of spending on pets across the UK. If you are unsure of how much money to set aside for your pooch, check out the PDSA advice on lifetime and monthly costs.

 

About Benchmark Kennels

Benchmark Kennels provide a range of bespoke outdoor dog kennels designed for the comfort of all dog breeds, shapes and sizes. The team crafts thermal dog kennels, insulated dog cabins, and wooden dog kennels to suit all requirements. Every kennel is handmade to order, with professional fittings to give you peace of mind that your dog kennel is secure and weatherproof.

 

The team attends trade shows, promoting the benefits of providing a space for your dog away from the bustle of the home and family.

 

Benchmark Kennels are trusted suppliers to the National Trust, Balmoral estate, the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, Country Estates, top dog breeders and pet owners nationwide.

 

 

With International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day fast-approaching, how can we make sure our dogs enjoy their special day as much as possible?

While the origins of this festivity remain unclear, we know exactly how it should be celebrated – with a biccy!

Dog biscuits were first marketed in 1860 by an Ohio salesman by the name of James Pratt. In fact, one of the employees at Pratt’s London factory was Charles Cruft, the future founder of Cruft’s Dog Show.

While biscuits are widely recognised as a popular dog treat that always goes down well with our pooches, which brands do we favour?

 

 

Britain’s Favourite Dog Food Brands

 

1 – Pedigree

 

It’s official, Pedigree wears the crown as the leading dog food brand for British pooches! This famous company was first started by a small team of dog food makers under the name of the Chappell Brothers in 1930s Manchester. It didn’t take long for the product’s popularity to be recognised. The company was soon bought over by an American group called Mars, a huge corporation which also owns Cesar, Whiskas, Royal Canin and more!

 

2 – Bakers

 

Just falling short of first place is Bakers, a company that was first started by Edward Baker. Baker was a Suffolk businessman running a family flour company who sought to develop dog food that was nutritious as well as tasty.

 

3 – Tesco

 

In third is supermarket mogul, Tesco. Tesco has been making dog food for over 30 years and has become such a popular choice for paw parents that an increase in pet ownership during lockdown caused extreme shortages of their products as they could not keep up with the demand.

 

4 – Bonio

 

Squeezing into fourth place is the popular UK dog biscuit brand, Bonio. This company has been around since 1932 and operates from Liverpool. Bonio dog treats are crunchy, oven-baked biscuits that come in flavours such as original, chicken and meaty chip. There is also a high fibre option for the health-orientated pups!

 

5 – Winalot

 

And in fifth is Winalot. This brand of dog food was first used in 1927 and marketed towards racing greyhounds, hence the name! However, the brand quickly became popular with domestic canines and soon became a brand leader.

 

 

Pups in Training

 

Let’s be honest, obedience training can be very trying! Sometimes it feels hopeless, like the odds are against you and your pooch is destined to be an unruly pup. 

To gain some insight into this testing part of puppy parenthood, Benchmark Kennels decided to reach out to the founder of Rebarkable and overall puppy expert, Ali Smith.

“Certain breeds are definitely easier to train, but there is no ‘disobedient’ breed. Just some who are bred to be independent and some who are bred to work closely with you.

“More biddable breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, toy poodles, border collies – essentially the breeds that are often deemed ‘smart’ breeds, and the more aloof or independent breeds like Huskies, Harriers, Shiba Inu, and a whole host of terriers are usually equally smart, it can just be more difficult to find their wavelength.”

Treats can provide the perfect reward and incentive for pups to follow commands. Creating this positive connection between food and obedience can speed up the training process massively. 

However, some dogs are also more inclined to work for food than others, such as greedy labradors and pugs! These breeds happily see treats as their reward whereas working dogs such as spaniels, shepherds and collies might find a toy and a good game of tug and war more enticing. The key to the training process is finding what motivates your dog in particular.

 

Adapting Treats to Different Environments

 

The environment in which a dog is taught has a direct impact on their concentration levels and as a result, their ability to learn and absorb new tricks or habits. The Benchmark team contacted clinical Animal Behaviourist and fellow expert in all things dog, Rachel Rodgers, to expand on why certain treats are more effective in different environments.

“When teaching something new, or taking known tricks into an unfamiliar, distracting environment such as a park, we need to use higher value products such as meat-based treats. When in a familiar place like the home, lower value treats such as more traditional, shop-bought biscuits like milk and gravy bones can work well.”

While it may seem like treats are not compelling your dog like they should, it may be the case that what you are offering is simply not tempting enough to command your pooch’s attention, especially while they are in an interesting environment. It is a good idea to vary the treats that you give your pup to ensure that each remains interesting and does not lose its effect.

 

Common Fur-Parent Problems (and how to fix them)

 

Barking at the doorbell, begging at the dinner table, jumping up at guests – we’ve all been there! However, what often falls under the radar is how specific dog treats can be used to fix these behavioural issues. 

While these issues can be frustrating, it is essential to consider why a dog might be acting in such a way. After ruling out potential causes of pain or fear, it is worth considering that your pooch is oblivious to the fact that they are doing anything wrong. 

Rachel Rodgers explains:

“We should never punish a badly behaved dog because in the majority of situations, the reason that the dog is ‘badly behaved’ is that they have not been taught the right thing to do in the first place.

“Teaching an incompatible behaviour to the problem behaviour can be a great way to tackle common issues.

“If a dog is jumping up, scatter food on the floor: their nose will be down sniffing out treats which is incompatible with being up near someone’s face and jumping! They are also getting rewarded for keeping their 4 paws on the floor which over time will become their new behaviour. Dog barks at the postman? Teach them to lie quietly on the bed where they will get a tasty chew.”

While small, soft treats are perfect for training and teaching tricks as canines can eat them quickly, longer lasting treats such as biscuits can be ideal when teaching pooches to be calm around visitors. Giving a long-lasting biscuit or chew on their bed when people arrive can also help dogs learn to settle and relax in a set area rather than jumping all over guests. It is all about choosing the right kind of treat depending on the situation or environment.

However, if owners are really struggling with their pet’s behaviour, they should seek professional advice from an appropriately trained and accredited individual. The dog training and behaviour world in the UK and in many countries is unregulated meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer. They may not have the knowledge and experience required to help appropriately.

 

Pooch Preferences

 

Whether you are a fan of custard creams or chocolate digestives can be a point of contention, but what about your dog? Although dogs only have about one-sixth of the number of taste buds that humans have, we can’t help but wonder if our pooches have snack preferences.

Ali Smith was able to shed some light on the subject. According to Ali, our furry friends tend to favour flavours of liver or whole proteins such as chicken and ham. However, it is worth keeping in mind that some treats are definitely healthier than others. Just like human food, the less processed, the better: recognisable ingredients are always a good sign!

 

The Treats our Dogs go Crazy for

 

The team at Benchmark Kennels decided to do some digging. We asked 300 dog owners for their pooches’ favourite snacks and compiled a comprehensive list of dogs’ favourite alternative treats.

 

 

Just as Ali Smith predicted, the dogs were chicken lovers, with over 1 in 5 of owners voting this popular poultry as the treat that their pooch gets most excited for. Dogs are not bothered about whether the chicken is freeze-dried, baked, or boiled, so don’t bother with any elaborate cooking, these pooches are easily pleased.

The second most popular snacks were hot dogs and sausages, without  onion and garlic of course which are harmful for dogs. This quintessential American delicacy was suggested by almost 1 in 6 fur-parents. In fact, Rachel Rodgers recommends using this food as a training incentive. “Small pieces (no larger than your small finger nail) of hot dog or ham can be really good high value treats for training.”  However, Rachel also warns that meat products with a high salt content are harmful for our doggos and should be avoided. To be safe, stick to reduced fat and salt hot dogs, with no garlic or onion powder flavouring.

Cheese narrowly misses out on the top two spots with 46 four-legged fans. Luckily, this tasty treat also gets Rachel’s approval as she advocates for its efficacy in the training department. She suggests owners use small pieces of low fat plain cheese like mild cheddar when teaching dogs new skills and notes that Blue and aged cheese should be avoided as they tend to upset a canine tummy.

In fourth is beef liver, with 43 out of 300 canine enthusiasts choosing this treat. Again, pooches are not fussy about the cooking method, whether freeze-dried, baked, or boiled, dogs are sure to enjoy it!

Next came the classic kibble with 35 votes, followed by salmon jerky in sixth place which was suggested by 26 pooch owners. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs which supports immune systems and decreases inflammation. It can also keep your canines looking classy by maintaining a shiny, health coat. 

There is a three-way tie in seventh place, with 21 owners mentioning carrots, salt-and-additive-free beef jerky and ice cubes.

It is important to opt for salt-and-additive-free jerky so as to not make dogs ill, this can become quite serious. 

On the other hand, carrots make the perfect low-fat snack for our canine companions. These vegetables are known to clean dogs’ teeth, keep bowel movements regular, support eye health, strengthen immune systems and maintain healthy skin and coats. However, while carrots are rich in Vitamin A which has many benefits, it can also build up in the body and become toxic. As a result, it would be best to not overdo it with the carrots. 

Ice cubes can make a great cooling treat for dogs, especially on a hot summer’s day. However, the ice cubes must be a safe size so as to not pose a choking risk, it might be best to offer small ice cubes or ice shavings to be on the cautious side. 

And in eighth is xylitol-free peanut butter. Although this snack is popular among dog owners, this treat should only be given in moderation as it is high in fat and has a high salt content. As a result, it is not advisable to offer peanut butter to overweight dogs or those with kidney problems. Also, it is essential to only use peanut butter that does not contain xylitol as this chemical is toxic for dogs.

Although dogs are the biggest human food enthusiasts, it is best to be careful and research foods before offering them to pooches. Rachel Rodgers warns:

“There are certain human foods which would be toxic and dangerous to give to our dogs. Any foods containing chocolate, raisins, grapes etc. need to be avoided as this could have deadly consequences to the dog.  Other human foods are ok to give dogs but in small quantities.”

 

Celebrating Sensibly

 

While it can be tempting to get over-enthusiastic at the thought of embracing International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day and plan to stuff your pooch with every flavoured doggy delicacy, it is important to celebrate sensibly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and a whole list of other health consequences such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, all of which negatively impact your furry friend’s life span. 

Simply watching your pooch’s portions will allow you both to enjoy the festivities while watching out for your partner in crime and what is best for them in the long run.

 

About Benchmark Kennels

 

Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke outdoor kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. The kennels are handmade and made-to-order, with professional fittings to give you peace of mind that your kennel will be stable and withstand the elements. They offer both bespoke wooden kennels, along with a range of eco-kennels that provide additional thermal insulation.

The kennel retailers are trusted suppliers to the National Trust, Balmoral estate, the royal family of Abu Dhabi, Country estates, top dog breeders and pet owners nationwide.