Dog agility is a recognised dog sport all over the world, with many organisations hosting competitions for owners and dogs of all breeds to showcase their skills and win awards. Despite this, dog agility doesn’t have to be a serious affair that requires you to dedicate hours into training and practise. Dog agility training can simply be a fun activity for you and your pet to enjoy together, with the added benefit that it keeps your dog’s fitness levels up and allows them to burn off plenty of steam. 

No matter how seriously you want to take dog agility, you can get stuck into the sport by constructing DIY obstacles for your garden and training yourself and dog over time to become masters of communication. Agility dog training isn’t just about teaching your dog new behaviours but involves learning new skills and developing from a dog owner to a dog handler. It takes time and dedication but the benefits for your dog’s fitness, confidence, anxiety levels and overall wellbeing make it highly rewarding. 

The great thing about starting to familiarise your dog with agility obstacles at home is you can take it completely at your own pace and keep it fun, without your dog having to be on its best behaviour. It’s important to keep in mind that some dogs are more naturally gifted at agility than others and not all dogs will enjoy or excel in competitions. Dog agility training at home allows dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and abilities to have fun without the pressure of an audience. 

Dogs love to be active and learn from their masters, both things that agility allows them to do, so what are you waiting for? Grab some old household items and spend some quality time outdoors with your dog. Benchmark Kennels are here to share some of the major benefits of dog agility training with some easy DIY dog training equipment to try. 

Is agility training good for dogs?

While dog agility involves dogs following many behavioural commands and might seem like hard work, a dog will never view it as such. Agility gives dogs the opportunity to do what they’re born to do, keeping both their body and mind active and stimulated. 

• Reduces anxiety

An active and busy dog is a happy dog, which is why behavioural issues and separation anxiety is seen more in dogs that spend a lot of time lazing around or on their own. By starting an activity that involves both you and your dog being up on your feet and learning new commands, you can tire your pet out mentally and physically. 

If you find your dog is still energetic after a long walk this is usually because their mind has not been active – agility ticks all boxes, leading to a healthy and happy dog. Once you’ve started regular dog behaviour training using agility obstacles, you are sure to notice far less negative behaviours in your dog when you do have to leave them in outdoor dog kennels or in your home for periods of time. 

• Trust and communication

As well as improving the overall behaviour of your dog, dog agility training also hugely strengthens the bond between an owner and their dog. Your dog will learn to trust you completely as both your communication skills develop. Agility training essentially involves the two of you learning a mutual language to communicate with each other, consisting of body language and verbal commands. As your dog learns to understand your every move, your relationship can only get stronger, benefitting you in a range of other situations where you need your animal to behave and stay by your side. 

What age should you start agility training?

It’s important not to start using agility obstacles or courses until your vet has approved this. A young dog below one or two years can severely damage their bones if they try to jump or move in certain ways while they’re still growing. 

Although you need to wait till your dog is fully grown to start agility, being proactive with any dog behaviour training from an early age is still important if you want to start your dog’s behaviour on solid foundations. Teaching your dog basic key commands like ‘sit’, ‘lie down’, ‘stay’ and more will always be valuable in everyday life but especially when it comes to trying your hand at agility, whether you plan to do it for some fun or to compete. A dog that is already familiar with learning commands and can listen to your communication will find it far easier to pick up agility tricks than a dog who has been allowed to run riot all through its early life. 

How to start dogs in agility training:

Attention

First off, you need to make sure your dog can focus its whole attention on you. Try to set up any dog training equipment in an area of your garden with minimal distractions at first, to give you and your dog the best shot at learning new tricks. Once your dog has shown that is can listen carefully and follow your lead, you can start to practise in slightly busier areas to build up your dogs ability to block out potential distractions. 

Body and spatial awareness

Although our dogs are eager to learn and are intelligent by nature, when it comes to some practical skills like spatial and body awareness, they can fall short. Luckily, you can help your dog to understand its own size and be aware of its limbs and where they’re being placed. Rather than investing in legitimate dog agility training equipment, use narrow household items to practise your dog jumping up and keeping its balance. 

The ‘back up’ trick, in particular, requires dogs to think of each individual leg as they walk backwards, benefitting both spatial awareness and coordination skills – and an ideal command to teach to help with agility! 

Flexibility 

Dog agility training is great for improving your dog’s flexibility as well as their fitness. Certain tricks, like weaving between poles and bowing, help to stretch a dog’s muscles in ways they wouldn’t normally get to. To start off with, teach your dog to weave between your legs. Once your dog understands how to move their body in certain ways, you can move onto helping your dog practise weaving around poles or other obstacles. Improved flexibility has major benefits for your dog’s mobility and joints, something which will be hugely valuable for your animal in later life. 

Handling

While the main focus is on your dog learning certain moves and tricks, the methods used by you as a handler are key to grasping basic agility training. You need to use positive techniques and have a trusting relationship already established with your pet if you are to succeed. 

Transforming from a dog owner into a handler involves using firm language and positive reinforcements such as treats or attention to reward your dog when necessary. It’s important to be patient and tackle each trick and agility obstacle one by one and gradually, to avoid confusing your dog. 

What obstacles are in a dog agility course?

Agility is an easy and highly accessible sport to get into. Don’t go out and invest in a range of agility dog training equipment when you can create DIY options that are just as effective for beginners.

• Contact obstacles

There are a few contact obstacles such as the ‘plank walk’ which involve your dog jumping up or walking along objects. While there are specific dog planks on the market, save yourself some money and start out using park benches or other long items around your garden to help your dog practise balancing and become familiar with moving along an object. 

• Tire jumping

Use safe objects such as large spare tires or hula hoops to practise your dogs jumping. Keep your DIY agility obstacles at a reasonable height of around two inches to avoid your dog straining its back and use a training lead to direct your dog to jump through, not around, the object. Using plenty of treats and consistent ‘jump’ commands should have your dog ‘jumping through hoops’ for you in no time. 

• Tunnels

Got any old kids play tunnels in the back of a shed somewhere? These are ideal replacements for agility equipment and perfect for teaching your dog to run through tunnels. You can even use hollowed out cardboard boxes lined up. Dogs are naturally wary of unknown and dark spaces, so you will likely need to offer a treat or inventive at the other end while your dog gets used to this obstacle. 

• Weave poles

Weaving is arguably the hardest agility obstacle for dogs to learn. It involves your dog bending in ways it likely hasn’t had to do before, so you should be prepared for the long process and plenty of patient practise required. At first, use sticks, brooms, plastic cones or any long object that you can stick in the ground on diagonals to each other, allowing you to build up the amount your dog has to bend its body. With enough practise, your dog will understand how to do the movements and will be able to weave in and out at great speed! 

Need a wooden dog kennel to help with your agility training?

Investing a quality wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel is a great way to keep your dog safe and secure outdoors when you’re not training. With dog agility training being mentally and physically stimulating for your pet, you can use an outdoor kennel as space for them to relax and unwind out of harm’s way, without having to leave them unattended in your home. 

Benchmark Kennel’s are a leading dog kennel manufacturer, offering custom kennels with quick installation to homes all across the UK. Get in touch with their team of dog experts today or customise a kennel online and have it delivered in as little as seven days!

Before 2020, the term ‘socially distanced’ was unknown to many, but thanks to COVID-19, it’s since become a commonly used phrase. Coronavirus has caused countless disruptions to day-to-day life, but the strangest change for many is keeping two meters apart from anyone outside of your household. Still, where is better to maintain a distance while exploring the British countryside than with your dog, in one of our national parks? 

We’ve taken the top five national parks most suitable for taking your dog on a socially distanced walk, by comparing key factors including the length of walking routes, ease of parking, and the odds that you’ll stay dry. 

The Top National Parks for Socially Distanced Dog Walks

Exmoor ranks number one

The only national park with low visitor numbers from the south, Exmoor, takes the top spot. With just 5,479 daily visitors, Exmoor is the third quietest park in England, with the second-lowest amount of walkers overall per kilometre of walking route. In comparison, the New Forest has 175 daily visitors per kilometre of footpath – you could bump into over 30 times more visitors than Exmoor.

Exmoor also has the best temperature of these socially distanced national parks, reaching an average (not so) toasty 6.75 °C through the winter months. While this may not be a worthy substitute for a winter getaway to escape the UK’s weather, dog walkers can be safe knowing that there won’t be too much ice and frost across Exmoor from December to March. Still, make sure you check the forecast before exercising in this national park – to avoid cold showers or slippery footpaths without the right gear.

The Yorkshire Dales offer the most secluded walk

If you’re planning long walking routes and days out in the countryside, the Yorkshire Dales are a perfect fit. Explore the incredible 3,200km of walking trails that this area has to offer, while safe in the knowledge that the Dales receive the least yearly visitors of any national park – just 520,000, or 1,425 daily visitors. Per kilometre, that’s over 14 times fewer visitors than top spot Exmoor.

This quiet location is particularly beneficial for owners with nervous and reactive dogs as it ensures pooches can run around freely with minimal risk of unexpected encounters with strangers and fellow dogs.

North York Moors takes third place

While this park has a slightly shorter walking route of 2,200km, it has the lowest chance of rainfall – great for a weekend escape to the countryside. While Yorkshire isn’t known for its weather, on average 56% of winter days are completely dry in the North York Moors – almost 10% higher than Exmoor.

Some of the best dog walks in this national park include the forest walk Newton Dale, and Clay Bank and Greenhow Plantation which entails a combination of tracks, trees, and stunning views.

Northumberland places fourth

Another option for socially distanced dog walks even further North East is Northumberland. It’s the second least visited national park behind the Dales and has plenty of history to take in as you walk around. Retrace the steps of the guards of Hadrian’s Wall and view Roman remains, all while unwinding in the fresh air.

As the nights get darker earlier, before you drive back from this national park, take in the best view of the night sky on the continent – with meteorites, stars, comets and moons often visible. Northumberland is the largest protected ‘Dark Sky Park’ in Europe, a designation that results in the lowest levels of light pollution across the continent, so visitors can sit in the car at the end of a long hike, and enjoy the best view of the night sky in Europe.

The Peak District rounds up the top five

This area, which was designated the first national park in the UK, is easily accessible to 16 million people living within an hour’s drive, making it extremely popular. It sees 13,250,000 yearly visitors, with 2,900 km of walking routes, ensuring that you can enjoy a backdrop of gorgeous scenery without passing many people.

The Peak District contains an incredible mix of hills and valleys, resulting in some of the most beautiful and varied walks in the country. There are plenty of areas to explore, and 45 separate car parks provide the opportunity to park up wherever you choose to exercise. Mam Tor is a hill popular with walkers, where you can walk atop a ridge to Lose Hill and take in some of the best panoramic views the UK has to offer. Ladybower Reservoir is another stunning walk, where you can walk by the tranquil water through the woodlands.

The most crowded walks

The New Forest has the shortest walking route of any national park (235km) and 15,000,000 visitors a year – the third most annual visitors. The limited space proposes a risk of an overcrowded walk, making it difficult to socially distance. For a quieter experience, try visiting this area during off-peak hours. 

The Broads are also clearly popular among dog walkers, with short routes and scenic waterways attracting 7,000,000 visitors a year. However, you could bump into 63 visitors per kilometre here – over ten times more than in Exmoor or Northumberland, which may make it more difficult for both you and your dogs to stick to the social distancing rules.

To ensure social distancing is possible on your dog walk, opt for a location with lots of space and fewer visitors, such as the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. The New Forest and The Broads appear to be the most crowded, so when visiting these national parks, try getting up and out earlier than usual.

If your dog still craves the outdoors even after a long walk, an outside dog kennel provides a safe and comfortable environment for them to get shelter when in the garden. Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit all breeds, shapes, and sizes. To find more information and advice on the best kennel for your dog’s needs, go to our website or contact us directly.

If you’re planning a quick after-work walk with your pooch, or even just a Sunday mooch, view the full results here to find the best national park for you.

Welcoming a dog into your home and forming a relationship with your animal can bring huge amounts of joy to a household. Whether you are a large family looking for a dog that can entertain and play happily with children, or you live alone and simply want a loving companion to keep you company, dogs are ideal pets. Of course, though, it’s essential to think long and hard about the decision to get a new dog. While they make great members of the family, they also demand constant care, attention, exercise and most of all time. You should think of choosing a new dog to bring home like having another child – you have to be ready. 

Rushing or making an impromptu decision to get a dog can only lead to problems down the line when you realise you simply don’t have space, time or money to meet your dogs needs both practically and emotionally throughout their life. You will be far happier welcoming a dog into your family when you are certain that it’s the right decision. 

At Benchmark Kennels, we support households all over the UK with our custom-made WPC eco-thermal or wooden dog kennels that can help you manage your dogs and provide them with a safe space, making life as a dog owner a lot easier. Perhaps you’re considering welcoming a large dog into your family, or you already have a dog and are worried about how a new one will cope? An outdoor dog kennel can put your mind at ease, allowing your dog somewhere comfortable and warm to spend time out of harm’s way. 

To help you in your decision of choosing a new dog or breed that suits you, we’ve highlighted some of the key aspects to consider. 

How do you choose a dog?

While you inevitably may be swayed towards dog breeds that are typically deemed to be ‘cute’, appearance should never be the deciding factor in choosing a dog. Ultimately, there are far more important factors such as size, temperament, coat type and more to take into account that will determine whether a dog fits in with your household. 

Size

Although appearance is not important, size definitely is. For example, if you live in a small house with no garden, a large dog breed would not be ideal. You and your dog would end up feeling claustrophobic and your dog would have nowhere outdoors to run off steam, which would require you to take your dog on multiple walks a day. 

As well as thinking about the size of your home and garden space, size is also important if you have small children or other pets living at your property. While large dogs are actually usually more docile, they can be intimidating for other pets such as cats and require you to be wary of leaving them alone with young children due to their natural strength. 

Despite this, outdoor dog kennels are ideal for those who want a big dog but don’t have room to allow them to roam free indoors. Having a large dog kennel installed at your property with plenty of space for the dog to roam around, play and rest mean you can keep a happy pet without your dog making your home feel a lot smaller. 

Temperament

Another tip to finding the perfect dog breed for you is to consider temperament. Yes, all dogs have their own unique personality, but breeds as a whole still carry natural instincts which determine how they behave. For example, some were bred for herding, others for guarding or hunting – whatever a dog breed was originally made for, they will still have some of these instincts ingrained in their behaviour patterns. 

Keep in mind that mixed breed dogs are usually a combination of their parents. Many mixed-breeds have grown in popularity in recent years, like the ‘Cavapoo’ and ‘Cockerpoo’ which carry both spaniel and poodle characteristics making them ideal family pets. 

Lifestyle

As well as considering the temperament of a dog breed, think about your own temperament and lifestyle too! Do you want a dog that’s highly energetic and can accompany you on runs, hikes and such? Or, are you after a dog that can be largely calm and offer protection when needs be? You should aim to find a dog that fits in with the lifestyle of your household so you can largely stick to your usual routines. 

Another part of your lifestyle to keep at the forefront of your mind is how often you are out of the house and would need to leave your dog alone. While no dog should be left alone for long periods of time, some dog breeds are more prone to anxiety than others and don’t deal well with being on their own. 

Finally, think about your dog’s lifestyle. If you are thinking about welcoming an adult dog or rescue dog into your life, it’s worth doing plenty of research and asking questions about their life so far. A rescue dog who has lived with an elderly person that’s died, for example, may find it traumatic or become aggressive if it’s brought into a busy household with young children. You should learn as much as you can about your prospective dog’s previous experiences to make sure you are a good fit for them, as well as the other way round. 

Age

Although puppies may seem more appealing, adult dogs can be far better options for families that are busy or households that don’t want to deal with the initial training process. Adult dogs are also usually a lot calmer, less destructive and more socialised so will be able to slot into a home and adapt to your household easier than a baby can, who needs teaching how to behave. 

If you do feel like you have the time for a puppy in your life though, they can be great additions to your family and allow you to make sure your dog is used to your way of life from birth, rather than bringing an older dog into an unfamiliar environment that they may not react well to. 

Cost

Last but not least, think about your budget and how much you have to invest in a new dog. Aside from the initial cost of the animal, there are many ongoing aspects to consider such as vet bills, pet insurance, dog beds, equipment, food, and much more. 

Types of dog breeds:

• Toy dogs – these are small dog breeds that require less but still regular exercise. 

Examples: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Chihuahua. 

• Terriers – bred for hunting rats and other vermin so are typically confident and intelligent dogs. 

Examples: Jack Russell, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier.

• Hounds – working dogs bred to hunt meaning they are highly independent and less affectionate by nature.

 Examples: Beagle, Dachshund, Whippet.

• Working dogs – bred to carry out a specific job such as guarding.

Examples: Boxer, Husky, Rottweiler, Doberman

• Pastoral – bred to work with livestock so are highly intelligent and eager to learn from their owners. 

Examples: German Shepherd, Border Collie. 

• Gundogs – bred to hunt game and work alongside humans meaning they’re highly sociable animals. 

Examples: Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel. 

Need an outdoor dog kennel for your new family member?

The Benchmark Kennel’s range of kennels offers solutions to suit dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments, whether you need a small kennel to use as a temporary place to keep your dog or a larger insulated and reinforced wooden dog kennel for a large dog to live. Give us a call or order a custom kennel today. 

Dogs are wonderful animals that can make perfect additions to any family. If you don’t dog-proof your property though, they can end up putting themselves and your family members in danger. Dogs function primarily using their sense of smell, with puppies using their noses to discover the world and understand their surroundings. Because of this, without proper training and dog safety measures in place, your dog can end up venturing places it shouldn’t be or chewing, eating and generally destroying items around your home. 

As dog owners, it’s our job to teach our pets right and wrong, but also to make sure there are plenty of safety measures in place to keep our dogs out of danger and minimise risks. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on your dog 24/7, so making some adjustments to your home, garden and even your car can help to put your mind at ease. On top of this, dog safety isn’t just about removing the potential dangers around your property but also learning ways to keep your dog safe when on walks or in public places. 

Benchmark Kennels are leaders in designing and manufacturing dog kennels that keep dogs of all sizes and natures safe and happy when outdoors. Here are our top dog safety tips for looking after your animals around the home, when travelling and during hot or cold weather… 

Dog safety at home

Child-safety latches and bins

Similar to having toddlers or young children around the house, if they can reach, dogs and puppies can find their way into cupboards or drawers and wreak havoc, especially if they can smell food. Using child-locks or latches on your cupboards at ground level can prevent your dog from getting into any and stop them from getting hold of any potentially harmful substances or food. 

Most dog owners will have experienced coming home from work to find a disaster zone in your home caused by your dog finding its way into the rubbish bin. To keep your dogs out of the rubbish, prevent them from eating anything out of date or harmful, and to avoid the huge clean-up involved, make sure your bin is pet-proof or that it’s stored somewhere your dogs don’t have access to. Keeping bins in kitchen cupboards with child-locks is one solution, however there are also a number of dog-proof bins on the market. 

If you have big dogs living in your home, it’s also important to keep any exposed food or edible items off the sides when your dogs are left alone. Always store food out of reach and harm of your dog to avoid your pet ingesting anything possibly toxic that can damage their health or even be fatal. By storing food and other edible or chewable items in secure places, you can leave your dog alone without having to worry about what they’re up to.

Electric wires

Another household item that poses a threat to your dogs, whether you’re out the house or you’ve simply popped out the room, is electric wires. Dogs love to chew on rubber items, so it’s important to steer them away from the various wires around your property and instead provide them with plenty of toys for stimulation or teething purposes. 

There are plenty of nifty ways to keep wires concealed or stored away that help with dog safety and help to avoid your electric items becoming damaged or broken. Wire concealers and covers are completely affordable, prevent your dogs from being electrocuted and help to improve the appearance of your home all at the same time. 

Plants and garden dog safety

Whether you’re proud of your property’s garden or not, when welcoming a dog into the family, their safety has to come first. To ensure the safety of your dogs when they’re playing outdoors or are let out for the toilet, make sure there are no poisonous or toxic plants or shrubs around your garden that your dog could get their paws on when you’re not looking. There are a number of common household plants, like Poinsettia and Aloe Vera, that contain dangerous toxins potentially fatal for your pet. 

Dog security camera

Next up is technology, which all dog owners should be making the most of to keep an eye on their animals and keep them safe, even when you’re not around. There are many dog security cameras on the market that allow you to monitor your pet’s behaviour both when they’re inside and outdoors. You can even invest in treat-dispensing cameras with microphones, so your dog feels like you’re right there with them!

If you leave your dog in a specific room of your home when you head out, install a camera somewhere out of reach to make sure they’re not distressed or chewing anything they shouldn’t be. On the other hand, if you use outdoor dog kennels to keep your dog safe when you’re not in, install a dog security camera to make sure your dogs are happy and stimulated when home alone. 

Dog kennels or crates

You might think that keeping your dog in an enclosed space is bad for their mental and physical wellbeing, but actually, the opposite is true. If you use a dog kennel or crate in the right way, your dog will learn to associate their kennel as its own territory and welcome the opportunity to spend time there. On top of this, dog kennels are excellent ways to keep your dog(s) safe and secure, whether you choose to keep your dogs in outdoor wooden kennels all or some of the time. 

Not all dog breeds are suited life indoors, which is when high-quality, secure and insulated dog kennels come in handy. If you have an extra-large dog breed or a dog that’s not able to be house-trained, Benchmark Kennel’s range of  WPC eco-thermal or wooden dog kennels can keep your dog out of harm’s way while also providing plenty of room for your dog to play and keep stimulated. 

If you have more than one dog at your property and they have a history of not getting along or behaving destructively, it’s important to make sure they’re both kept safe from potential risks around your home but also from each other. Outdoor dog kennels made from wood or a wood-plastic composite are completely escape-proof and can be customised to accommodate however many dogs you have at your property and keep them separate.

Dog safety with Benchmark Kennels

If you’re worried about any potential risks to your dog’s safety around your property or are concerned about leaving your dog alone indoors, an outdoor dog kennel is a great option. You can choose the right size, structure, materials and features to suit your dog’s breed and personality to provide your pet with a completely safe and secure place to spend time. 

Get in touch with the Benchmark Kennel’s team to hear more about our range of kennels or head straight to our website to order a custom wooden kennel today. 

Travelling with your dog can seem like a hassle, but it’s much simpler than you might think when you’re aware of the laws, necessary training, tools you’ll need and the best ways to protect your dog on the move. It’s important to remember that modes of transport which work for one dog, another dog may hate. Just like us, they have their own personalities and need to be respected and accommodated if they are to feel safe in your care. Think of them as little people in furry coats! 

To help you on your way to getting out and about for walkies, zoomies and off-road adventures with your fur-babies, read Benchmark Kennels’ tips and advice to ensure happy travelling for you and your dog wherever and whenever you are. 

Cars

Travelling in the car with your dog is the easiest option because you can leave your home and jump straight into your vehicle. However, it is subject to strict laws and regulations when compared to travelling on public transport. It may also cause issues if your dog is only willing or comfortable to sit or lay in one part of the car like the boot or footwells due to current Highway Code guidelines. 

Read on for all you need to know about safe car travel with your dog. 

Follow the law

The laws on travelling with dogs in cars are strict, The Highway Code states that dogs should be secured and restrained so they do not divert your attention from the road and, in the event of an accident, cannot hurt other passengers or themselves. 

If you do not follow the rules, you may be charged or fined for dangerous driving and endangerment of lives. Most insurance companies will also require you to secure your dog when you are driving, though it’s advisable to check the terms of your policy with them beforehand. 

Protect your dog 

In order to protect and secure your dog when you’re on the road one or several of the following safety measures must be installed within your vehicle: 

• Crate: Pop their indoor crate onto the back seat of your car, this familiar territory covered in their own scent makes them feel safe, especially good if your dog is an inexperienced traveller. Alternatively, buy a designated travel crate that you can leave in the car and save yourself time and hassle.

• Harness: You can pick up a car harness in a range of sizes from most pet supply shops across the UK, a harness is the most versatile option as it gives you the option to seat your dog with you in the front, the back or in the boot. 

• Gate: A gate fits into your boot and prevents your dog from jumping about the car, although it is recommended to keep them crated or harnessed as well, for optimum safety precautions. 

Early training

The motion, noise and smell of a car can be extremely distressing for a dog, who just like us, can experience car sickness. In order for your dog to feel happy in the car as they grow older, they should be gradually exposed to it during their early puppy socialisation training. Start with short journeys around your local area and work up to long haul drives for holidays and trips only when your dog is proven to be ready for them. 

Tips

• The temperature inside cars can soar in heatwaves, so make sure you open windows for ventilation and provide your dog with drinking water, even if you’re with them the whole time. 
• Toilet breaks are just as important for them as for humans making it advisable to stop off every so often if you want to avoid accidents
• Their favourite chew toy and comfort blanket can work wonders for making them feel safe, so don’t forget to bring them along. 
• Dogs who suffer from especially severe car sickness should be prescribed specialist medication which can be sourced from your local vet to help both you and your dog have a more relaxing journey.

Public transport

Travelling with your dog on public transport can take you to places you normally cannot reach by car without the potential stress of traffic congestion in highly populated metropolitan areas. For dogs who thrive off action or adventures and aren’t shy of strangers, public transport is a winner. However, if your companion is happier to be alone with you in the car, kept away from frightening noise, a forest of legs and jolting stops, it can take time, patience and practise to familiarise them with public transport’s strange sounds and smells. , 

If you can avoid public transport altogether your dog may be far happier for you to open the hatchback, throw in their favourite toy and head for the open road. If not, read on for all you need to know about travelling on public transport with your dog.

Know your dog

Not all dogs are made for the fast pace and crowds of public transport, that’s why it’s essential to know how your dog might react to unforeseen situations. They might share space with other passengers with dog phobias, young children or allergies, so it’s important to be aware that you are fully responsible for keeping control of your dog when you’re using buses, trains, trams and more.

Your dog should know the following commands: 

• Sit 
• Lie down
• Wait
• Leave
• Basic recall using their name

It’s not recommended to use public transport with a newly adopted or untrained dog as they are wild animals at heart and can be unpredictable when in unfamiliar or frightening surroundings.

Providing comfort and distraction for your dog is equally impactful, so bringing along a favourite toy, providing plenty of treats and strokes can decrease their travel anxiety significantly. 

Bring the essentials

Packing for a day of public travel requires you to plan ahead for a multitude of scenarios, think practically and a lot of minor mishaps can be avoided.

The essentials you’ll need when out and about are: 

• Drinking water: Just like car travel, public transport in humid spaces is thirsty work for a dog. Fill up a litre bottle so you can easily pour it into their bowl on the go. 

• Food: This is essential if you’re intending to be out of the house during their usual meal times.

• Waste bags: You cannot leave dog waste behind on public transport or anywhere for that matter, therefore you need to take waste bags with you wherever you go. 

• Little treats: Treats help to reinforce previous training when commands are obeyed quickly and without fuss. Make sure to give them a little treat as a well done for staying calm and standing by you. 

Tips

• Try not to travel on days when the weather is sweltering. 
• Keep your dog off seating areas when they’re on public transport. 
• Do not let them off the lead in any confined spaces or around strangers.
• Watch out that your dog doesn’t invade the space of other passengers who may not be comfortable around animals or have allergies. 

Need a bespoke kennel for your dog when you return home?

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.

Rescuing a dog can be a time of upheaval, excitement and discovery for both newbie and experienced pet owners because each dog is different, with its own personality and quirks to get used to. Your new companion equally has to adjust to you, your family, home and way of life, which can be a slow process or go rather quickly, depending on the temperament of the dog. For those with no previous background with rescues, here is Benchmark Kennel’s guide on what to expect when you’re expecting (a new fur baby).

Finding A Dog

There are many ways to adopt a dog so it’s best to cast a wide net so you can find the dog who truly fits your family and vice versa. Local rehoming centres may be featured in more traditional modes of advertising like leaflets, local papers, classifieds and directories, as well as having a website to browse.

Larger adoption services almost always have dedicated websites featuring pet databases where you can easily search for specific types of pets in your region and area. You’ll be able to view details like their temperament, their likes and dislikes, ideal environment and individual care needs on their pet profiles. 

If you live close enough a rehoming centre, it’s just as easy to drop in branch and visit the dogs currently waiting to be rehomed. It’s important to be aware that some dogs may be reserved for other visitors and prospective adopters, so guard your heart before you fall in love with any specific pooch. 

Filling In The Paperwork

Once you’ve found the dog you’d like to rehome you will usually be required to give the centre a ring (or let them know during your visit) and express your interest to meet the dog. You’ll need to fill in an application form downloaded online or pick one up in-person. If you haven’t popped into the rehoming centre previously or live too far away to do so, simply bring the filled documents with you on the day of your visit. The staff at the chosen centre will assess your application with you and give you more information regarding the individual needs of the dog in question and whether you, your family, and they are a good forever home fit. 

If your application is approved, you will be allowed to meet your potential pooch and get to know their demeanour a little better. Its recommended that each member of the family is present to make the dog’s acquaintance before choosing to move forward with the adoption process. 

A Forever Home

When it’s deemed that your household is a great match for your new companion, most reputable adoption centres will commit to a home visit in which a colleague will drop by your home to ascertain that your space is suitable for the dog you want to adopt. You can pick up some great advice at this stage, so don’t rush through the meeting. It’s advisable to take notes, be open to ideas and be super aware of how the transition from kennels to a normal home can be made smoother and less stressful for the dog with little tweaks, such as bringing a favourite toy with them, or a loved blanket which has their scent all over it. 

These simple measures will make them feel more secure in strange surroundings because just like us humans, unfamiliar situations can be extremely distressing without comfort and reassurance from those who love us.

Establishing a supportive forever home is key to the first few weeks of adoption, but don’t be afraid of information overload as most adoption centres will provide you with a handbook break down of help and advice which you can use post-rehoming. 

Adjustment Period

After successfully crossing all the T’s and dotting I’s during your application (including a possible single time adoption fee), your new dog will be officially given over to your care. When you take them home most dog’s will have received all their jabs, anti-parasite treatments, microchipping, spaying or neutering. If you’re not sure whether they have been given a medical once over, you may want to take them on a quick trip to see the vet in order to ensure they’re getting the healthiest start at the beginning of their next chapter with you. 

Before rushing out into the world though, we advise you to slowly introduce your dog to your home by allowing them free reign of one or two rooms, depending on how timid they are. This smaller territory makes them feel more in control of their environment, think of it as their own little safety den! For an extra level of security for your dog, investing in a dog kennel, crate or cage whose door you can leave open is a fantastic option, as this is where their favourite blanket can be draped or toy placed inside so their scent is present from the word go.

Trust is the most vital factor when your dog is exploring new rooms, a dog who trusts their owner often makes greater progress through the bumpy adjustment period than dogs who are being rushed, stressed or feel their pack leader does not have their best interests at heart. 

Like any of us when we’re frazzled, they might just need quality time to feel relaxed in the presence of your household. You can tempt them to be more adventurous by introducing a treat and rewards system, each milestone and achievement should earn them a toy, an enrichment activity or a small dog treat.

Training 

The training process for a new dog should ideally take place as soon as they enter your property, set the tone for what kinds of behaviour are welcome and those that are not permitted. The following are some key areas of dog training for you to keep in mind:

• Relationship Building: Do not think of training as a chore or an activity which must be strict and utterly devoid of fun, the goal is to build a meaningful companionship between you (the leader of your pack) and your dog (a member of your pack). 

• Toilet Training: This may take longer than you expect until a regular toilet routine is put in place, you may also notice that your dog wants to go to the toilet much more often, this is normal. 

• Monitor Walks: Not every dog wants to walk for miles and miles, for some, a short local walk might do the trick. It’s your responsibility to respond to their needs and learn their preferred distances, frequency of walks and usual walk intensity. You’ll learn their patterns over time. 

• Lead Discipline: Your dog being able to respond to your call (and their name) when given the freedom to roam off the lead is essential as it can avoid dangerous hazards for them and for others. Train your dog to walk on a lead at home in your garden or yard using rewards, until they learn to respond to your voice promptly, calmly and without fuss. Do not let them off the lead until they are fully able to recognise commands. 

Need a bespoke kennel for your new rescue dog?

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.

They’re tiny, furry, hyper and sleepy all in equal measure, so introducing your puppy to their forever home can be an exciting time chock full of adventures, discoveries and cute (extremely instagrammable) moments. What could go wrong?

Well actually, a surprising amount of mishaps throughout the toilet training process. Many inexperienced pet owners think that because puppies are so tiny they are easier to care for and create less mess than a fully grown dog. But just like little humans, puppies can have a range of needs as they’re learning and figuring out how to exist in a big, scary and confusing world. Think of them as, quite literally, your fur baby.  

Commencing toilet training as quickly as possible is essential if you want to avoid sleepily coming downstairs and stepping into puddles just when you’re about to make your morning coffee. Training is relatively simple once a routine is introduced, but it can be difficult to know where to start if you’ve never trained or handled a puppy before.  To help, Benchmark Kennels have put together a simple guide packed with hints and tips to toilet train a puppy successfully. 

Set a puppy toilet training routine 

A regular routine is a key factor when it comes to toilet training, this allows your puppy to associate certain times of the day and locations with going to the toilet. You should also consider incorporating gentle commands, food treats and scent markers such as a soiled kennel or crate lining made of paper or fabric. The following are the major steps you and your puppers’ should include in your daily routine. 

• Morning toilet

As soon as you both wake up your puppy should be taken outside for morning toilet time, try not to pick them up as they need to learn to walk to the garden or yard themselves. You might choose to place their soiled puppy pad, blanket or newspapers from their crate on the ground to attract them to a specific area, so they can get a clearer understanding that it’s time to go to the toilet. 

It is helpful to introduce a gentle command such as ‘quickly’ or ‘toilet’ for them to associate with this time, location, and smell. During the early days of toilet training, puppies kept on a lead when you’re encouraging them to go to the toilet are less likely to roam and explore, once they’re old enough to understand what they should do, you can leave the lead indoors.

• Throughout the day 

A puppy needs to go to the toilet roughly once every two hours because their bladders are so small, but some owners prefer to aim for every half hour. Whichever time frame seems to work best for your puppy, take them outside into the garden or yard and repeat their morning routine, rewarding them with a treat when they get it right. 

Mistakes are totally normal, and although they can be frustrating, do not punish your puppy for getting toilet time wrong. Keep an eye of them throughout the day for signs they might need the toilet, especially if they failed to go the last time you took them outside. Once you notice the signs like sniffing, whining and walking in circles, take them back outdoors. 

• After meals

Puppies feel the need to go outside to the toilet relatively soon after each meal. This can fall between five minutes to half an hour after they’ve eaten and had a drink, so keep a keen eye on them post-breakfast, lunch and tea. The older the puppy, the longer the gap between mealtimes and toilet times becomes, generally adult dogs can wait longer because of their increased bladder capacity.

Night-time toilet training

During the night your puppy is left alone without any supervision unless they are kept in your sleeping area. Though some might experience separation anxiety, a puppy which has been given ample opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings will not become as distressed and is more able to settle down for the night. However, it’s important not to have unreal expectations for the outcome of their bedtime routine. Accidents are bound to happen, especially in the early days. 

It’s advisable to keep your puppy secured in their crate or kennel overnight so they cannot wander through rooms and have accidents on hard and soft furnishings. Put down a toilet pad or a few layers of newspaper on the floor of their crate to soak up toilet mess which can be removed easily with minimal fuss in the morning before they head out into the garden for their morning toilet. 

If (by some Mission Impossible methods) your puppy manages to escape their crate or kennel and leaves a trail of accidents in their wake, it’s best to clean it up using absorbent tea towels, warm water and washing powder with a nail brush for scrubbing. Alternately, a non-toxic antibacterial liquid or a wash recommended by your vet can be used to sanitise the area of the accident and leave a scent that prevents your puppy from wanting to soil that area repeatedly. 

Learn from accidents

Do not chastise your puppy when they do have an accident, it is physiologically unavoidable when they are progressing through their formative months. At worst being shamed will terrify and scare them, leading to a disconnect in your companionship and them trusting you less than they should. Do not shove their noses in their accidents or shout at them, as they will not understand, instead, try to gently encourage and reward them for the things they do get right. 

Stay calm, sanitise the area of the accident thoroughly and use the experience as a valuable learning curve that you’ll need to be more vigilant, attentive and careful regarding your pup’s toilet habits over the coming months. If your puppy is halfway through going to the toilet when you catch them having an accident, quickly pick them up and take them into the garden. They may be able to finish going to the toilet in the correct location. 

Whatever accidents happen, it helps to know that it’s not forever, soon enough they will be adult dogs able to take care of their own toilet needs at home and on walks. 

Need a bespoke kennel for your puppy to feel comfortable in?

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.