How to Keep Your Dog Cool
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.
- Published in Blog
How To Stop Your Dog Chewing Their Paws
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.
- Published in Blog
How Brits Prioritise Pet Costs
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.
- Published in Blog
How to Stop your Dog from Biting
All dogs have the potential to bite, even if they haven't shown aggressive behaviour before. It’s the pet owners responsibility to mitigate this behaviour with training.
Recent research revealed that there had been a huge rise in online users searching for 'dog bite', 'dog bite lawyer', and 'dog attack' since the pandemic puppy boom. These findings suggest more people are seeking advice on rectifying their dog's aggressive behaviour or what to do after a dog attack.
If your dog bites someone, not only could they cause serious harm to the victim, but the dog could be reported, and you might face legal ramifications.
In this guide, Benchmark Kennels have collated advice for preventing this behavioural problem from developing, identifying the signs your dog is about to bite, and what to do if it occurs.
What can cause dogs to bite?
Biting is often a natural instinctive response to threatening situations, such as if a dog is startled, attacked by another dog or exposed to loud noise.
Other possible causes for dogs biting can include:
- Protecting their territory if someone disrupts their toys, food, or puppies
- Becoming overly excited when playing
- Being bothered while in pain from an illness or injury
- Not being spayed or neutered
A lack of training can cause dogs to feel anxious or scared in social situations, which can cause them to react aggressively.
If aggressive behaviour occurs suddenly, seek advice from a veterinarian in case there is a medical cause.
How to tell if your dog is about to bite
Recognising your dog’s body language and how it changes based on how their feeling, will help you defuse a situation if they become aggressive.
Here are some warning signs to look out for that your dog is about to bite:
- Baring teeth
- Raised hackles
- Growling
- Rigid and quick tail wagging
- A stiffened body posture
If your dog becomes aggressive when you're alone, stay calm, don't make any sudden movements and slowly back away. Don't look them in the eye, smile at them, or show your back to them either.
If you're in a public place and there is a risk your dog could bite another animal or person, approach them very carefully and remove them from the situation.
Aggression in dogs often stems from fear or anxiety, so it's helpful to identify the body language for these emotions too, such as:
- Cowering
- Avoiding eye contact
- Lowering their body
- Hanging their head low
- Pointing their ears back
If your dog expresses signs of distress, calmly and confidently move them to a more comforting environment.
Training methods to prevent dog bites
The best way to prevent a dog from biting in the future is through training them as a puppy as soon as you bring them home, which is usually at eight weeks old.
Socialisation
Dogs should typically be socialised from four to 12 weeks old when their brains are more flexible and receptive. This technique will help them feel comfortable around new people, other dogs, and in new situations without becoming frightened.
Obedience training
If your dog is obedient, you're more likely to have control over a challenging situation that may make them stressed, scared, or angry. By using basic commands, you can keep your dog out of trouble.
Positive reinforcement
Punishing your dog for bad behaviour is likely to encourage aggression, mistrust, and anxiety. Instead, reward your dog for good behaviour with treats, verbal praise, petting, or playtime and strengthen your bond in the process.
Working with a professional dog behaviourist is a great way to implement these training techniques and minimise bad habits from forming. It's especially beneficial to work with a trainer if you're looking to retrain and remedy poor behaviour.
What to do if your dog does bite
If your dog bites you, don't pull away, as this can increase their aggression. Try putting an object between you and the dog that they can latch onto instead. Avoid making loud noises and don’t hit them, as this will just aggravate the dog further.
Confine the dog to their crate, kennel or another room. Then, clean the wound with soap and warm water. If the bite is deep, painful, inflamed, or discoloured, seek medical attention.
If your dog has bitten somebody else, help the victim as soon as you have safely removed the dog from the situation. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need to call for an ambulance.
Once the wound has been seen to, exchange contact details with the injured person, as it'll help your case if you're cooperative. If your dog was provoked, get the contact details of witnesses as well to support your defence.
Your dog's behaviour will be held to a higher standard in the future. So, you'll need to put precautions in place to prevent your dog from biting again.
Keep your dog on a leash until you're confident they’re comfortable around unfamiliar people and dogs, will listen to commands, and aren’t likely to become aggressive. However, always keep dogs on a lead on private land, where there's livestock, and in areas with signs stipulating the requirement.
Does your dog need a place to retreat to when stressed?
Benchmark Kennels provide a range of outdoor kennels that your dog can use as a den and retreat to when they feel overwhelmed by guests, loud noises, or other animals. Providing your dog with a 'safe space' where they can have uninterrupted alone time is especially beneficial if they struggle with anxiety.
The secure and insulated kennels can be customised to suit your dog's shape, size, and breed, to maximise their comfort.
For more information on our range of kennels, contact a member of our friendly team via phone. If you have everything you need, order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal kennel from our website today.
- Published in Blog
How to Stop your Dog from Biting
All dogs have the potential to bite, even if they haven’t shown aggressive behaviour before. It’s the pet owner’s responsibility to prevent this from happening with proper training.
Research carried out in last year’s lockdowns revealed that there had been a huge rise in online users searching for ‘dog bite’, ‘dog bite lawyer’, and ‘dog attack’ since the pandemic puppy boom. These findings suggest more people are seeking advice on rectifying their dog’s aggressive behaviour or what to do after a dog attack.
With this in mind, Benchmark Kennels have put together a guide for preventing biting and behavioural problems from developing, identifying the signs your dog is about to bite, and what to do if it occurs.
What Can Cause a Dog to Bite?
Playing
Biting is often a result of your dog becoming overly excited when playing. Mouthing or biting is a common way that dogs engage with play. This is often the main cause of puppy nipping.
While it may hurt and not be so enjoyable for us, it is natural for dogs as this is how they play with each other. If you are concerned about biting during play, consult a trainer to help you with how to stop your dog nipping.
Feeling Threatened
Most aggression in dogs is based on fear. Biting is often a natural response to a threatening situation, such as being startled by a loud noise or even attacked by another dog. A dog may bite to defend itself especially if it has been abused, abandoned previously in its life or had issues with other dogs.
A lack of training can cause a dog to feel anxious or scared in certain situations, which can cause them to react aggressively. Beginning training at around eight weeks old can prevent this fear and anxiety.
Protecting Their Territory
Dogs may bite people if they are protecting their territory or if you grab their toys or food. This type of biting is known as resource guarding behaviour.
If your dog has just had puppies, you should avoid touching them until 3 weeks after they’ve been born, as some mothers can be aggressive if you try to hold them.
Remember to avoid overwhelming your dog. Providing them with somewhere to shelter, such as an outdoor kennel can help you to recognise when they’re needing space.
In Pain
Another common cause of a dog biting is when they are in pain. Being sick can be a stressful and overwhelming time for your dog. Even the most tolerant dogs will lash out if they are struggling with an illness or injury.
If aggressive behaviour occurs suddenly, seek advice from a veterinarian as there is more than likely a medical cause.
Feeling Frustrated
If your dog is frustrated, this can often lead to aggressive behaviour. Dogs that feel trapped and uncomfortable in a certain situation may lash out in response.
To prevent this from happening, avoid putting your dog in any type of situation that is likely to stress them out. Begin training at an early age, or call a qualified dog trainer to help you out.
How to Tell if Your Dog is About to Bite
Most dogs will try to communicate discomfort or anxiety prior to biting. Recognising your dog’s body language and how it changes based on how their feeling, will help you defuse a situation if they become aggressive.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Baring teeth
- Raised hackles
- Growling
- Rigid and quick tail wagging
- A stiffened body posture
- Avoiding eye contact
- Snapping
- Ears perked
- Fur standing up on the back of the neck
Aggression in dogs is most likely to stem from fear or anxiety, so it’s helpful to identify the body language for these emotions too, such as:
- Cowering
- Lowering their body
- Hanging their head low
- Pointing their ears backwards
If your dog becomes aggressive when you’re alone, stay calm, don’t make any sudden movements and slowly back away. Don’t look them in the eye, smile at them, or show your back to them either.
If you’re in a public place and there is a risk your dog could bite another animal or person, approach them very carefully and remove them from the situation as quickly as possible. Place them in a more calming and quiet environment to allow them time to calm down.
How to Stop Your Dog Biting: Understanding and Preventing Aggressive Behaviour
The best way to stop a dog from biting is to train them from an early age, however this isn’t always possible, especially if you have a rescue dog. Here we’ll discuss all of the options you can try to help prevent this kind of behaviour.
Choosing the Right Dog
Carefully select a dog that’s right for you, considering all of your personal circumstances and the time you have to train and care for it. So many dogs are brought into rescue centres every year due to their families being unable to control or manage aggressive behaviour. It’s important you start by choosing the right dog for you and your family.
If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, look to find one at a well-managed animal shelter, whose staff can tell you everything about the dog’s personality.
Socialisation
Dogs should typically be socialised from four to twelve weeks old when their brains are more flexible and receptive. This technique will help them feel comfortable around new people and other dogs, preventing puppy nipping.
Expose your dog to different types of people, children, disabled people, elderly, and positively reward them for any good behaviour they demonstrate. Regular but controlled exposure to a variety of different situations, including people and loud noises, can help you to control and manage your dog’s behaviour.
Obedience Training
Don’t wait for a serious accident to happen. Obedience training should be completed at an early age for every dog. If your dog is obedient, you’re more likely to have control over a challenging situation. By using basic commands, you can keep your dog out of trouble.
Put your dog through training at an early age and continue the training program throughout its life. If you’re struggling to train them yourself, take them to puppy training classes or hire a professional.
Positive Reinforcement
Punishing your dog for bad behaviour is likely to encourage aggression, mistrust, and anxiety. Instead, reward your dog for good behaviour with treats, verbal praise, petting, or playtime to strengthen your bond in the process.
Working with a professional dog behaviourist is a great way to implement these training techniques and minimise bad habits from forming. It’s especially beneficial to work with a trainer if you’re looking to retrain and remedy poor behaviour in an older dog.
Visits to the Vets
Keep on top of your dog’s vaccinations and regularly visit the vets for health check-ups. This can help to eliminate biting from pain and discomfort as well as make sure your dog’s health and happiness is maintained.
Avoiding Risky Situations
Although your dog should be trained to react well in risky situations, you should avoid:
- Letting people stroke your dog through the fence of your home
- Letting strangers come up to your dog and stroke it, without your permission
- Grabbing a dog’s food or toys when it is eating or playing
- Letting children handle the dog in an improper manner
- Startling your dog when it is sleeping
- Letting your dog off the lead when there’s other dogs around and you struggle to recall it
These situations are often difficult to manage, and can lead to aggressive behaviour.
What to Do if Your Dog Bites
If your dog bites you, don’t pull away, as this can increase their aggression. Try putting an object between you and the dog e.g. a toy. Avoid making loud noises and don’t hit them, as this will just aggravate them further.
Confine the dog to their crate, kennel or another room. Then, clean the wound with soap and warm water. If the bite is deep, painful, inflamed, or discoloured, seek medical attention from your doctor.
If your dog has bitten somebody else, help the victim as soon as you have safely removed the dog from the situation. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need to call for an ambulance. Exchange contact details with the injured person, as it’ll help your case if you’re cooperative. If your dog was provoked, get the contact details of the witnesses as well to support your defence.
Giving Your Dog a Place to Rest
Benchmark Kennels provide a range of outdoor kennels that your dog can use as a den and retreat to when they feel overwhelmed by guests, loud noises, or other animals. Providing your dog with a ‘safe space’ where they can have uninterrupted alone time is especially beneficial if they struggle with anxiety.
Our range of high-quality kennels can be customised to suit your dog’s shape, size, breed and special requirements. For more information, contact a member of our friendly team today.
- Published in Blog
How to Fix Dog Behavioural Problems Caused by Lockdown
During the UK lockdown, many people used their unexpected free time to welcome a new pet into their home, creating a puppy boom. However, the restrictions made training dogs challenging, which has led to a rise in behavioural problems.
As well as younger puppies, the change in routine has also likely impacted the behaviour of adult dogs. As well as exercise and social interaction suddenly becoming limited, the dogs were also gaining much more time with their owners than usual.
To identify which bad habits among dogs have worsened, Benchmark Kennels found the average monthly search volume for terms relevant to dog behaviour from July 2019 to 2020 and from July 2020 to June 2021.
The research revealed that the search volume for some of the terms had surged during this timeframe. This increase suggests that now restrictions have been lifted, more people are looking for advice to remedy their dog’s bad habits than in previous years.
So, what behavioural problems have dogs developed during lockdown, and how can you fix them?
Aggression
The average search volume for 'dog aggression training' from July 2020 to June 2021 was 588 per month, a 93% surge from the previous year. There was also an 81% growth in the average monthly searches for 'dog aggression'.
Hostile behaviour, such as growling, baring teeth, and long and hard stares, needs addressing quickly with the help of a professional behaviourist. Otherwise, the aggression can worsen and lead to attacks against other dogs or people.
If you haven't socialised your dog correctly, they'll likely be afraid of any new experiences, sounds, people, or dogs, which can cause them to react defensively and aggressively. They may respond territorially to new guests in the house too.
A frustrated dog can also express signs of anger if they're left alone or restrained for too long. You shouldn't leave adult dogs alone for longer than four hours, but you can't leave puppies for more than 30 to 60 minutes.
Disobedience
The phrase 'dog obedience training' had an average monthly search volume of 756 from July 2020 to June 2021, an 83% rise from the previous year.
Obedience training ensures your dog responds to commands, so you can keep them safe and out of trouble. If your dog has become defiant, you'll likely need to begin the process again or try different methods.
If left unaddressed, disobedience can lead to a wide range of behavioural problems, including:
- Aggression
- Jumping
- Excessive barking
- Leash pulling
Working with a professional dog trainer is often the most successful way to teach pups obedience, but this wasn't an option for many owners through lockdown.
Problem barking
Although barking is a standard form of communication for dogs, it can become embarrassing and stressful if it occurs constantly and at inappropriate moments.
The research found that the average monthly search volume for 'how to stop dog barking' was 3,767 between July 2020 and June 2021, increasing by 1,209 since the previous year.
To determine the best solution to reduce barking to a manageable level, you'll need to identify the cause and patterns.
Your dog may be alerting you to new sights and sounds outside, demanding food and toys, or feeling over-excited. The excessive barking may also be out of loneliness, boredom, or separation anxiety if they're alone too often without enough exercise and mental stimulation.
On top of this, problem barking can indicate poor socialisation if it's a reaction to the presence of unfamiliar people and dogs.
Nervousness
It's normal for dogs to experience occasional anxiety, such as when loud noises occur unexpectedly or attending the vets. However, if your dog is commonly nervous, there's likely a problem that you need to address.
There was an average monthly search volume of 1,181 for 'nervous dog' from July 2020 to June 2021, growing by 18% from the previous year.
Lockdown ending likely had an impact on nervousness among dogs. If you were furloughed or working from home, allowing you to spend a lot of time with your dog, it likely came as a shock when your routine returned to normal.
Nervous dog behaviour can consist of:
- Trembling
- Cowering
- Avoiding eye contact
- Yawning
- Tail between the legs
- Loss of appetite
You can calm your dog's anxiety by taking them for more walks, equipping them with mentally stimulating toys, and avoiding punishing them. Also, try to re-build the pup's confidence by rewarding independent behaviour, teaching them new tricks and practising behaviour they already know.
As well as this, it's helpful to provide nervous dogs with a safe place, such as a crate or outdoor kennel, that they can retreat to of their own choosing when feeling overwhelmed and need alone time.
Biting
There are many reasons why a dog may bite, including feeling territorial, afraid, angry, or over-excited, but it's usually due to a lack of training. However, biting can lead to troubling situations. Under The Dangerous Dog Act, it's illegal for dogs to be 'out of control' and bite someone.
The research uncovered the search rate for 'dog bite' was already high, with an average of 3,058 per month. The volume increased by 17% over a year, reaching 3,608. Worryingly, the search volume for 'dog bite lawyer' also saw a 51% growth.
To prevent your dog from biting, undergo obedience training and keep them on a leash until you're confident they will respond to commands and stay calm.
Various dog behavioural problems appear to have worsened since lockdown, which is likely a consequence of the uptick of people getting dogs during a time without access to training classes and the opportunity to socialise puppies.
If you need assistance with re-training your dog, work with a professional dog behaviourist. Also, get your dog checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Cheryl Sampson, Marketing Manager at Benchmark Kennels, said: “As dog training classes and private sessions were off-limit through lockdown, it’s no wonder bad habits have increased.
“Social distancing also made socialising puppies extremely difficult, which may have caused aggressive or nervous behaviour when around new people or animals.
“After adjusting to spending more time with their owners through lockdown, and then being apart again, some dogs may have developed separation anxiety too.
“It’s incredibly frustrating for owners who are trying their best to train their puppy but are struggling to achieve the intended results due to circumstances out of their control.
“You can fix many behavioural problems over time, but it’ll take dedication. There are several DIY methods owners can try if the poor habits are mild. If the dog is out of control and the problems are severe, it’ll be much more effective to work with a professional trainer.”
About Benchmark Kennels
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke outdoor kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. The kennels are built using various materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra 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.
You can order a kennel directly from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog's needs.
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. You can customise your outdoor kennel to be as luxurious or minimalist as required, built using various materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra insulation. You can order a kennel directly from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog's needs.
- Published in Blog
How to Fix Dog Behavioural Problems Caused by Lockdown
During the UK lockdown, many people used their unexpected free time to welcome a new pet into their home, creating a puppy boom. However, the restrictions made training dogs challenging, which has led to a rise in behavioural problems.
As well as younger puppies, the change in routine has also likely impacted the behaviour of adult dogs. As well as exercise and social interaction suddenly becoming limited, the dogs were also gaining much more time with their owners than usual.
To identify which bad habits among dogs have worsened, Benchmark Kennels found the average monthly search volume for terms relevant to dog behaviour from July 2019 to 2020 and from July 2020 to June 2021.
The research revealed that the search volume for some of the terms had surged during this timeframe. This increase suggests that now restrictions have been lifted, more people are looking for advice to remedy their dog’s bad habits than in previous years.
So, what behavioural problems have dogs developed during lockdown, and how can you fix them?
Aggression
The average search volume for 'dog aggression training' from July 2020 to June 2021 was 588 per month, a 93% surge from the previous year. There was also an 81% growth in the average monthly searches for 'dog aggression'.
Hostile behaviour, such as growling, baring teeth, and long and hard stares, needs addressing quickly with the help of a professional behaviourist. Otherwise, the aggression can worsen and lead to attacks against other dogs or people.
If you haven't socialised your dog correctly, they'll likely be afraid of any new experiences, sounds, people, or dogs, which can cause them to react defensively and aggressively. They may respond territorially to new guests in the house too.
A frustrated dog can also express signs of anger if they're left alone or restrained for too long. You shouldn't leave adult dogs alone for longer than four hours, but you can't leave puppies for more than 30 to 60 minutes.
Disobedience
The phrase 'dog obedience training' had an average monthly search volume of 756 from July 2020 to June 2021, an 83% rise from the previous year.
Obedience training ensures your dog responds to commands, so you can keep them safe and out of trouble. If your dog has become defiant, you'll likely need to begin the process again or try different methods.
If left unaddressed, disobedience can lead to a wide range of behavioural problems, including:
- Aggression
- Jumping
- Excessive barking
- Leash pulling
Working with a professional dog trainer is often the most successful way to teach pups obedience, but this wasn't an option for many owners through lockdown.
Problem barking
Although barking is a standard form of communication for dogs, it can become embarrassing and stressful if it occurs constantly and at inappropriate moments.
The research found that the average monthly search volume for 'how to stop dog barking' was 3,767 between July 2020 and June 2021, increasing by 1,209 since the previous year.
To determine the best solution to reduce barking to a manageable level, you'll need to identify the cause and patterns.
Your dog may be alerting you to new sights and sounds outside, demanding food and toys, or feeling over-excited. The excessive barking may also be out of loneliness, boredom, or separation anxiety if they're alone too often without enough exercise and mental stimulation.
On top of this, problem barking can indicate poor socialisation if it's a reaction to the presence of unfamiliar people and dogs.
Nervousness
It's normal for dogs to experience occasional anxiety, such as when loud noises occur unexpectedly or attending the vets. However, if your dog is commonly nervous, there's likely a problem that you need to address.
There was an average monthly search volume of 1,181 for 'nervous dog' from July 2020 to June 2021, growing by 18% from the previous year.
Lockdown ending likely had an impact on nervousness among dogs. If you were furloughed or working from home, allowing you to spend a lot of time with your dog, it likely came as a shock when your routine returned to normal.
Nervous dog behaviour can consist of:
- Trembling
- Cowering
- Avoiding eye contact
- Yawning
- Tail between the legs
- Loss of appetite
You can calm your dog's anxiety by taking them for more walks, equipping them with mentally stimulating toys, and avoiding punishing them. Also, try to re-build the pup's confidence by rewarding independent behaviour, teaching them new tricks and practising behaviour they already know.
As well as this, it's helpful to provide nervous dogs with a safe place, such as a crate or outdoor kennel, that they can retreat to of their own choosing when feeling overwhelmed and need alone time.
Biting
There are many reasons why a dog may bite, including feeling territorial, afraid, angry, or over-excited, but it's usually due to a lack of training. However, biting can lead to troubling situations. Under The Dangerous Dog Act, it's illegal for dogs to be 'out of control' and bite someone.
The research uncovered the search rate for 'dog bite' was already high, with an average of 3,058 per month. The volume increased by 17% over a year, reaching 3,608. Worryingly, the search volume for 'dog bite lawyer' also saw a 51% growth.
To prevent your dog from biting, undergo obedience training and keep them on a leash until you're confident they will respond to commands and stay calm.
Various dog behavioural problems appear to have worsened since lockdown, which is likely a consequence of the uptick of people getting dogs during a time without access to training classes and the opportunity to socialise puppies.
If you need assistance with re-training your dog, work with a professional dog behaviourist. Also, get your dog checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Cheryl Sampson, Marketing Manager at Benchmark Kennels, said: “As dog training classes and private sessions were off-limit through lockdown, it’s no wonder bad habits have increased.
“Social distancing also made socialising puppies extremely difficult, which may have caused aggressive or nervous behaviour when around new people or animals.
“After adjusting to spending more time with their owners through lockdown, and then being apart again, some dogs may have developed separation anxiety too.
“It’s incredibly frustrating for owners who are trying their best to train their puppy but are struggling to achieve the intended results due to circumstances out of their control.
“You can fix many behavioural problems over time, but it’ll take dedication. There are several DIY methods owners can try if the poor habits are mild. If the dog is out of control and the problems are severe, it’ll be much more effective to work with a professional trainer.”
About Benchmark Kennels
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke outdoor kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. The kennels are built using various materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra 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.
You can order a kennel directly from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog's needs.
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. You can customise your outdoor kennel to be as luxurious or minimalist as required, built using various materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra insulation. You can order a kennel directly from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog's needs.
- Published in Blog
How to Stop your Dog’s Excessive Barking
Barking is a normal form of communication among dogs, but it can become destructive if it happens continuously and at inappropriate times. While you can’t completely stop your dog from barking, you can reduce it to a manageable level.
Benchmark Kennels has put together a guide on the possible causes of excessive dog barking, how to mitigate the problem and teach the pup to be quiet when necessary.
Why is your dog barking?
To successfully treat your dog’s problem barking, you’ll first need to track when and where it usually occurs to identify potential triggers. There are many reasons your dog may be barking, as it can signify various emotions or actions.
Loneliness
Your dog may bark out of frustration if they’re alone for too long. You shouldn’t leave adult dogs on their own for more than four hours and puppies alone for longer than 30 to 60 minutes.
To mitigate your dog’s loneliness, arrange for a dog sitter or walker to keep them company if you aren’t home all day. Alternatively, book them in at a doggy daycare or training session.
Fitting a pet camera also lets you keep an eye on your dog and speak to them to help you stay connected even when you aren’t home.
Boredom
Barking can also be a sign of boredom, which you can solve by taking the dog for walks and spending time outdoors with them more often. To keep the pup entertained while alone, equip them with mentally stimulating puzzles and toys.
Attention
Dogs often bark to get their owner’s attention, which may be due to boredom, separation anxiety or fear. However, a desire for attention is often just part of being a social animal and is more prominent in some breeds.
To discourage your dog from barking for attention, first identify why they’re exhibiting this behaviour and follow the advice from the relevant category.
Also, ignore the pup until they become calm and quiet. Even negative attention, such as telling the dog to stop barking will entertain this behaviour.
Demand barking
Dogs often bark as a way to demand items such as food and toys. If it's worked before, they'll keep doing it. So, instead, ignore them until the barking has stopped, and then reward them with the item once they're calm.
Although, try not to confuse demand barking for them telling you they need the toilet.
Excitement
If your dog reacts excitedly to you coming home by barking and jumping, don't respond until they calm down to avoid encouraging this behaviour.
Alert barking
Dogs often bark to let you know something is there, whether that be a person, another animal, or noise, which may be out of fear, excitement, or protectiveness. If the alert barking occurs continuously, it can be annoying for you and your neighbours.
For a temporary fix, block their view by closing the blinds or curtains, drown out the outside noise with the radio, and move the furniture so they can't reach the window.
However, to treat this problem long-term, engage in active training that encourages the pup to associate these sights and sounds positively.
For example, when someone walks by the house, use a command to distract the dog before they bark and give them a treat. Eventually, this training will help them develop a habit of looking at you as an alert instead of barking.
Reactive barking
If your dog barks when they encounter a person or another dog, they may be scared or anxious, often due to poor socialisation.
To change their emotional response to social situations, practice greetings with a friend or trainer and another dog as followed:
- If your dog isn't already barking and pulling on the leash, approach the owner and dog.
- If your dog begins barking, stop and redirect their attention to you with the command' quiet', a treat, or by calling their name.
- If they are calm again, continue the approach.
- If your dog is still over-excited, turn and walk away and continue trying to calm them down.
To minimise the dog's barking when a guest approaches your home, train them to positively associate the doorbell by practising with a friend and giving the dog a treat when the noise occurs.
It can also be helpful to provide the pup with a dedicated space, such as a crate or an outdoor kennel, that they can retreat to if they become overwhelmed by guests. To encourage the pup to use the area, make it enticing and comfortable with blankets, toys, food, water, and a bed.
What not to do
When trying to combat excessive barking, it's crucial to avoid specific responses and methods that can worsen the problem.
It's important not to shout at your dog when they bark, as they'll think you're shouting back, which will cause them to carry on. The dog also won't understand why you're shouting, causing them anxiety.
If your dog likes being outside, don't keep them in the garden for too long if they're continuously barking, as this will only anger your neighbours.
Never use a shock collar on your dog to try and control their behaviour, as this is extremely cruel.
When you begin training, don't expect a sudden improvement as it can take a while to undo this behaviour, with the timescale depending on your dog's personality, breed, and age and the problem's cause and severity.
While it often helps to ignore your barking dog until they become calm, don't ignore the problem and treat it as soon as possible. When left unaddressed, barking can lead to aggressive behaviour.
If you need assistance with reducing your dog's barking, contact a professional behaviourist. Excessive barking can sometimes be a symptom of a medical problem, so also get your dog checked by a veterinarian.
Need an outdoor kennel to ease your dog's stress and anxiety?
Outdoor kennels are the perfect place for your dog to seek some peace and quiet when you're entertaining guests. Benchmark Kennels offer a range of secure, insulated, and spacious kennels that you can customise to your dog's size and shape.
For more information on the bespoke kennels, contact the Benchmark Kennels team via phone. You can also order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal kennel directly through the website.
- Published in Blog
How to Stop your Dog’s Excessive Barking
Barking is a normal form of communication among dogs, but it can become destructive if it happens continuously and at inappropriate times. While you can’t completely stop your dog from barking, you can reduce it to a manageable level.
Benchmark Kennels has put together a guide on the possible causes of excessive dog barking, how to mitigate the problem and teach the pup to be quiet when necessary.
Why is your dog barking?
To successfully treat your dog’s problem barking, you’ll first need to track when and where it usually occurs to identify potential triggers. There are many reasons your dog may be barking, as it can signify various emotions or actions.
Loneliness
Your dog may bark out of frustration if they’re alone for too long. You shouldn’t leave adult dogs on their own for more than four hours and puppies alone for longer than 30 to 60 minutes.
To mitigate your dog’s loneliness, arrange for a dog sitter or walker to keep them company if you aren’t home all day. Alternatively, book them in at a doggy daycare or training session.
Fitting a pet camera also lets you keep an eye on your dog and speak to them to help you stay connected even when you aren’t home.
Boredom
Barking can also be a sign of boredom, which you can solve by taking the dog for walks and spending time outdoors with them more often. To keep the pup entertained while alone, equip them with mentally stimulating puzzles and toys.
Attention
Dogs often bark to get their owner’s attention, which may be due to boredom, separation anxiety or fear. However, a desire for attention is often just part of being a social animal and is more prominent in some breeds.
To discourage your dog from barking for attention, first identify why they’re exhibiting this behaviour and follow the advice from the relevant category.
Also, ignore the pup until they become calm and quiet. Even negative attention, such as telling the dog to stop barking will entertain this behaviour.
Demand barking
Dogs often bark as a way to demand items such as food and toys. If it's worked before, they'll keep doing it. So, instead, ignore them until the barking has stopped, and then reward them with the item once they're calm.
Although, try not to confuse demand barking for them telling you they need the toilet.
Excitement
If your dog reacts excitedly to you coming home by barking and jumping, don't respond until they calm down to avoid encouraging this behaviour.
Alert barking
Dogs often bark to let you know something is there, whether that be a person, another animal, or noise, which may be out of fear, excitement, or protectiveness. If the alert barking occurs continuously, it can be annoying for you and your neighbours.
For a temporary fix, block their view by closing the blinds or curtains, drown out the outside noise with the radio, and move the furniture so they can't reach the window.
However, to treat this problem long-term, engage in active training that encourages the pup to associate these sights and sounds positively.
For example, when someone walks by the house, use a command to distract the dog before they bark and give them a treat. Eventually, this training will help them develop a habit of looking at you as an alert instead of barking.
Reactive barking
If your dog barks when they encounter a person or another dog, they may be scared or anxious, often due to poor socialisation.
To change their emotional response to social situations, practice greetings with a friend or trainer and another dog as followed:
- If your dog isn't already barking and pulling on the leash, approach the owner and dog.
- If your dog begins barking, stop and redirect their attention to you with the command' quiet', a treat, or by calling their name.
- If they are calm again, continue the approach.
- If your dog is still over-excited, turn and walk away and continue trying to calm them down.
To minimise the dog's barking when a guest approaches your home, train them to positively associate the doorbell by practising with a friend and giving the dog a treat when the noise occurs.
It can also be helpful to provide the pup with a dedicated space, such as a crate or an outdoor kennel, that they can retreat to if they become overwhelmed by guests. To encourage the pup to use the area, make it enticing and comfortable with blankets, toys, food, water, and a bed.
What not to do
When trying to combat excessive barking, it's crucial to avoid specific responses and methods that can worsen the problem.
It's important not to shout at your dog when they bark, as they'll think you're shouting back, which will cause them to carry on. The dog also won't understand why you're shouting, causing them anxiety.
If your dog likes being outside, don't keep them in the garden for too long if they're continuously barking, as this will only anger your neighbours.
Never use a shock collar on your dog to try and control their behaviour, as this is extremely cruel.
When you begin training, don't expect a sudden improvement as it can take a while to undo this behaviour, with the timescale depending on your dog's personality, breed, and age and the problem's cause and severity.
While it often helps to ignore your barking dog until they become calm, don't ignore the problem and treat it as soon as possible. When left unaddressed, barking can lead to aggressive behaviour.
If you need assistance with reducing your dog's barking, contact a professional behaviourist. Excessive barking can sometimes be a symptom of a medical problem, so also get your dog checked by a veterinarian.
Need an outdoor kennel to ease your dog's stress and anxiety?
Outdoor kennels are the perfect place for your dog to seek some peace and quiet when you're entertaining guests. Benchmark Kennels offer a range of secure, insulated, and spacious kennels that you can customise to your dog's size and shape.
For more information on the bespoke kennels, contact the Benchmark Kennels team via phone. You can also order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal kennel directly through the website.
- Published in Blog
The Most Popular UK Areas for Dog Adoption
At the height of lockdown, many welcomed furry friends into their homes, creating a puppy boom. However, now that life has returned to normal for some and others are experiencing job uncertainty, several owners have sadly had to place their dogs in shelters.
According to Battersea, 31% of people who acquired a dog or cat during lockdown hadn't considered becoming pet owners previously, indicating that getting a pet was an impulsive decision based on having an unusual amount of free time.
Being abandoned can cause dogs extreme anxiety and put pressure on local charities, but, thankfully, recent research has revealed a huge interest in adopting dogs across the UK.
Benchmark Kennels have analysed the number of visits to dog shelter websites around the 100 most populated UK towns and cities to discover the areas with the highest demand for rehoming pups.
The top five areas with the most interest in dog adoption
These findings revealed that Watford is currently the most popular area for dog adoption in 2021, with 12,799 average monthly visits to a shelter website.
Bristol closely followed with an average of 11,916 dog adoption website visits per month. In third, Edinburgh had 11,696 site visits.
Cardiff and Newcastle completed the top five UK areas, with 8,442 and 6,994 average monthly traffic retrospectively to dog rescue websites.
Belfast residents show the lowest interest in dog adoption.
In the top 25 UK areas, Belfast dog adoption sites had the least interest, with only 820 monthly visits on average, which equates to just 0.2% of the Northern Ireland capital's population.
However, this low figure isn't hugely surprising as a recent survey cited Belfast as the sixth least dog-friendly place in the UK.
Has dog adoption increased over lockdown?
The overall interest in dog adoption has increased by 14.7% over lockdown. In the first six months of 2020, there was an average monthly number of 1,474 residents per UK town or city visiting dog adoption sites. A year later, this figure climbed to 1,692.
How many people are surrendering their dogs?
The Benchmark Kennels research found that from January to June in 2020, there was an average of 22 monthly visits to 'giving up your dog' websites in each of the 100 most populated towns and cities across the UK, which lowered to 17 during the first six months of 2021.
However, the RSPCA claims to receive 40 calls a day regarding abandoned animals.
Cheryl Sampson, Marketing Manager at Benchmark Kennels, says: “It's so heartening to see that there's been an increase in dog adoption, especially considering that lockdown has also spurred a rise in dog theft and abandonment.
“Adopting a dog is such a wonderful act of kindness, as it gives the pup another chance at a forever-home while also bringing so much joy into the new owner's life.
“Dog adoption is also a huge responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly, as you don't want to repeat the mistakes of the former owner and have to give up the pup later down the line.
“Before committing to this decision, consider if you have time to train, exercise, and care for the pooch, as well as giving them the attention they deserve. There's also the ongoing costs involved to keep in mind, such as vet bills, food, petsitters, grooming, toys, and beds.
“If you're certain dog adoption is right for you, try to ease any stress they may be feeling when welcoming them into your home, and help them adjust to you as their new owner. Providing them with a crate or kennel will give the pup a place to get some peace and quiet if they're feeling overwhelmed.”
Contact your local dog rescue centre for further advice or information on adopting a dog in your area.
About Benchmark Kennels
Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. You can customise your outdoor kennel to be as luxurious or minimalist as required, built using various materials from wooden to WPC eco-thermal kennels with extra insulation. You can order a kennel directly from our website or get in touch with us for further advice on the best kennel for your dog's needs.
- Published in Blog