With Christmas almost upon us it is an ideal time to remind everyone of the dangers of grapes and raisins.  Your christmas cake, mince pies or christmas pudding will all contain raisins.  Please be aware they are poisonous to dogs and can cause renal failure.

Please read this link on grape and raisin poisoning

As we all like to have treats at Christmas, the other thing to be aware of is chocolate.  Alot of dogs may be well behaved and wont steal your chocolates but the vast majority of labradors WILL find your goodies (afterall they are thinking of your waistline!)

Please read this link on chocolate poisoning.

It has become a tradition in this house to take photos of the woofs with their hats…bless them they just get on with it now (I think so they can get on and play quicker!)

I am sure you will all have a safe and happy christmas!

It is firework season – which some dogs are not bothered in the slightest but others are freaked out.  It is adviseable to ensure your dog has a collar with tag on it.  If microchipped then ensure the details are up to date – incase the worst did happen and your dog ran off in fear.

Try and keep your dog calm, do not reassure them that all will be well, as this only tells them it is ok to be upset.  I have a list of remedies you could try out…. preparation is key with this kind of problem!

Please read Is your dog scared of fireworks

Today we went to the local dog show (which we only found out was on about an hour before we turned up!) Had a lovely time, With Charlie being given first place for Best Condition, 3rd place for Best Trick and 3rd place for Best Movement.    Because we received a first place it meant we had a go for the BEST in SHOW….. you know THEY ONLY WENT AND WON!!! I am so made up, I know it is just for fun, but we have never won a best in show or a reserve!

Katherine and Charlie First place for BEST CONDITION!

BEST in SHOW pictured also with the RESERVE ! Congratulations Katherine and Charlie!

We had also been having fun earlier on our walk – here are a couple of clips of our “grasshoppers!!!”, generally creating fun in the water

We have a new furry four legged friend who we like to help look after!

The dogs have all enjoyed meeting Smokey!  Not in the slightest phased by the size of him.  They all took it in their stride that Smokey came for a long walk with us!

so now all we have to do is wait and see if Melvin is needed!  It is always nice to try and give something back to someone in need.

Katherine and Charlie have been to a dog show, they got two firsts and a second.  Firsts for child handling and also for best condition and the second for best veteran.  Well done to Katherine and Charlie, I am very proud of them both.  Here is a clip of Katherine and Charlie in action.

I have spent some time working with the dogs on long distance recall and also the 1 in 5 recall. 

We also had some fun with them searching for a ball! I adore seeing them charge about in long grass!

Whilst the young ones play with a ball, Molly and Charlie relax! (though it is unusual to see Molly laying on the floor!!!).

Archie......"Melvin that toy is MINE!"

Stanley had to see what they were up to!

now the toy is Stanleys!!! LOL

Charlie boy, having a well earned rest!

Today Melvin had his vaccination done, I got him weighed and finally he was allowed to be part of the blood donor scheme as he is now 25kg! So Melvin had his blood test which will enable us to see if he can go on the blood donor register!  I will know more on Friday!

On Saturday, we went to a dog show, taking Charlie with us.  Katherine had a lovely time taking Charlie into the ring.

We entered Charlie for Best Veteran (placed second), Best Condition (placed FIRST) and Child Handler (placed FIRST!!!)

Here is a little video clip of Katherine and Charlie in action!

Well done – Katherine and Charlie!

Melvin can’t be put on the donor register until he reaches the weight of 25kg.  I knew he was under this weight at the time of the appointment however was told it would be ok!   I shall monitor his weight – which currently is 23.4kg.  I will update again, when he is able to go for the blood test.

Yesterday we went to a fun dog show.  Katherine took Molly and Melvin into the ring for a variety of the classes.  Katherine entered Melvin into the ring for best trick.  We had decided to make use of his leaping skills and asked him to leap up really high (which of course he willlingly obliged!) He was placed third for best party piece.

We also entered Molly in fancy dress (as Jubilee Gem) and Melvin (as an English footballer!).  We were delighted that Melvin was placed first!  He is such a handsome boy!

Melvin came first in fancy dress!

A busy time for Melvin, tomorrow he is having a blood test to see if he can be registered on a doggy blood donor register.  Providing all is well then he will be on call to assist with doggy emergencies!  Wish him luck!