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
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
How to Keep Your Dog Cool
Worried your pup isn’t enjoying the sun as much as you are? Especially if you have an excitable young puppy or your pet is nearing the end of its life, staying cool is hugely important, for your dog’s general happiness as well as their health. Some breeds are more sensitive to heat exhaustion than others. If your pup is a flat-faced breed like a pug or chow-chow or has a thicker, heavy coat like a golden retriever, you’ll need to be even more vigilant when it comes to keeping them cool, hydrated and out of the sun.
As a general rule, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Benchmark Kennels have rounded up the best ways to keep your pup cool, so you can enjoy the sunshine with your furry friend, in as safe a way as possible.
How to Cool Your Dog Down
Avoid exercise 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 in the hot sun can cause your dog’s temperature to rapidly overheat. If you can, take your dog out in the early morning or late afternoon, when the air and pavements are both cool enough for your pup to have a proper runaround, 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 enjoy getting rid of some excess energy and spend some bonding time with you too.
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. Kennels with insulated panels like Benchmark’s insulated timber cabins help keep your dog protected from the elements all year round. When the temperature heats up, thermal insulation regulates temperatures inside your kennel, so 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 and play in, and a shaded area 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 animal’s cosy home cool and well ventilated.
Make sure you have water with you at all times
The easiest and most important way to keep your dog happy and healthy in the summertime is to make sure they stay hydrated. Dogs need 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 you could even use a frozen toy to entertain them while regulating their temperature at the same time.
You can also use cool water to pour over your pup if they seem to be panting heavily, or they’ve spent time in the sun. Remember though, you should never give your dog any ice or an icy cold drink when they’re too hot. This could encourage their body temperature to cool down too quickly, and ultimately make their symptoms worse.
Never leave your dog in an unattended car
Unventilated spaces can feel stuffy, claustrophobic and unbearably hot to humans, so imagine how uncomfortable they will be to our furry friends. 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.
Your pet’s hair should be long enough to stay comfortable, without the risk of it becoming matted, tangled or dirty. Even for dogs that moult a lot, 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. Taking the time to regularly give your dog a good brush gives you the chance to spend some quality time with your pup, and stop their matted fur from becoming hot and irritated in the summer heat too.
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.
Spotting the signs of heat exhaustion
With higher sensitivity than us, dogs are unfortunately much more likely to suffer overheating, heat exhaustion and dehydration than we are. 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, as well as how to prevent it from happening.
- Excessive panting and dribbling
- Vomiting
- Reddened gums
- Mental confusion
- General discomfort
- Weakness or collapse
You know your furry friend better than anyone. Keeping an eye out for any signs of unusual behaviour in your dog, as well as taking measures to keep them as cool as possible, will help stop the temperature from affecting them, so you can enjoy the sun safely and happily. Heatstroke can cause serious problems, quickly, so keep your dog close by on hot days to make sure you can monitor them carefully.
If you’re looking for the perfect kennel to ensure your pup is as healthy, happy and cool as possible during the summer months, Benchmark Kennels offer a range of kennel options for your dog to call their own, as well as advice on the best kind of home for your extra family member.
- Published in Blog
Tips for Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden
Having access to a garden is a great way for dogs to stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Being outdoors brings variety to your pup’s day and allows them to burn off any built-up energy. The smells, sounds, and textures outside stimulate their senses too.
However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your dog from potential dangers lurking in the garden and prevent the pup from damaging the outdoor space too.
To help you create a dog-friendly garden, Benchmark Kennels have put together a guide on the most effective adjustments you can make.
Ensure your dog is comfortable
Tailoring your garden to enhance your dog’s comfort can help them feel calm, which is especially beneficial if your pup is anxious.
- Outdoor dog kennel
An outdoor dog kennel can act as a den for your dog, providing them with a relaxing area when they need some alone time but still want to reside outside. To encourage your pup to use it, equip the kennel with blankets, food, water, and toys.
However, don’t use the kennel as punishment and carefully follow a responsible training plan, so the dog doesn’t feel isolated.
Eliminate harmful gardening elements
Unless designed with a dog in mind, gardens are often rife with toxic elements that can cause accidents.
- Dog-friendly plants
Certain plants are poisonous for dogs and, if ingested, can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and drooling and would require immediate veterinary attention.
Although consuming too much of any plant can harm pups, here are some low-risk options:
- Sunflowers
- Rosemary
- Camellia
- Fennel
- Roses
- Coral bells
- Snapdragon
- Sage
Also, avoid using chemical gardening products and use natural alternatives instead.
- Lock your shed
If your shed contains chemicals and sharp gardening tools, keep it locked at all times in case your dog wanders inside it.
Protect your pup against theft
Unfortunately, thieves commonly take pups from their own garden, but you can minimise the risk of dog theft by making a few additions to your outdoor space. However, there’s no guarantee that your dog is ever fully protected against theft, so always supervise them when outside.
- Fencing
Fitting a fence that’s at least six feet tall will prevent your dog from jumping over the garden and running away and make it more difficult for thieves to access the garden.
- Gates
Keep any garden gates locked and fit a bell onto the door to scare off any thieves and notify you if anyone opens it.
- Kennel
Place the kennel near the house as fitting it at the bottom of the garden can appeal to thieves. Always keep the kennel locked, too, and consider placing bells on the door, so you’re alerted if it’s opened.
Avoid damage to your garden
Although your dog’s safety is the priority, don’t forget to protect the garden from your dog too.
- Select a designated toilet area
When dogs urinate on a lawn, it causes unsightly brown patches. To prevent this bad habit from developing, follow a toilet training process to encourage them to use a specific spot in the garden that’s out-of-sight. If your dog does urinate on the grass, rinse it down immediately to minimise the damage.
- Create an obstacle course
A bored dog might destroy your garden out of frustration but you can keep them entertained by designing a play area with toys.
You could also create a dog agility training obstacle course to help keep your pup active, teach them tricks and commands, reduce their anxiety, and strengthen your bond. The equipment can include tunnels, tyre jumping, weave poles, and balance beams.
- Pathways
Dogs often enjoy patrolling the garden, so having clearly defining paths can keep your pup from walking right through the flower beds and flattening them over time.
- Dedicated digging spot
Digging is an instinctive canine behaviour that can ease boredom and anxiety, but it can quickly destroy your garden.
Providing your dog with a toxic-free sandbox for digging can deter them from digging up your flower beds and plants.
Precautions for hot weather
During summer, dogs can quickly overheat and develop heatstroke if you don’t implement preventative measures, such as:
- Avoid using artificial grass, as it retains more heat than natural grass, which can burn your pup’s paws.
- Keep plenty of clean, fresh, and cold drinking water in the garden so your dog can rehydrate.
- Install a shallow water feature or set up a doggy paddling pool so your dog can cool down.
- Create shaded areas in the garden with large trees and shrubs.
However, even with these measures, don’t keep your pup outside for too long in the heat, and if they’re exhibiting any signs of heatstroke (e.g., heavy panting, vomiting, weakness, and excess drooling), take them to the vet straight away as it can be fatal if unaddressed.
Implementing these adjustments to your garden will allow you to enjoy spending quality time with your dog outside free of worry.
Need an outdoor kennel to complete your dog-friendly garden?
Outdoor kennels are an excellent way for your dog to enjoy being outside safely and comfortably. At Benchmark Kennels, we offer a range of sheltered, secure and spacious kennels that you can customise to suit your dog’s breed, personality, and size.
For more information on our range of outdoor kennels, contact us via phone or order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today.
- Published in Blog
Tips for Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden
Having access to a garden is a great way for dogs to stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Being outdoors brings variety to your pup’s day and allows them to burn off any built-up energy. The smells, sounds, and textures outside stimulate their senses too.
However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your dog from potential dangers lurking in the garden and prevent the pup from damaging the outdoor space too.
To help you create a dog-friendly garden, Benchmark Kennels have put together a guide on the most effective adjustments you can make.
Ensure your dog is comfortable
Tailoring your garden to enhance your dog’s comfort can help them feel calm, which is especially beneficial if your pup is anxious.
- Outdoor dog kennel
An outdoor dog kennel can act as a den for your dog, providing them with a relaxing area when they need some alone time but still want to reside outside. To encourage your pup to use it, equip the kennel with blankets, food, water, and toys.
However, don’t use the kennel as punishment and carefully follow a responsible training plan, so the dog doesn’t feel isolated.
Eliminate harmful gardening elements
Unless designed with a dog in mind, gardens are often rife with toxic elements that can cause accidents.
- Dog-friendly plants
Certain plants are poisonous for dogs and, if ingested, can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and drooling and would require immediate veterinary attention.
Although consuming too much of any plant can harm pups, here are some low-risk options:
- Sunflowers
- Rosemary
- Camellia
- Fennel
- Roses
- Coral bells
- Snapdragon
- Sage
Also, avoid using chemical gardening products and use natural alternatives instead.
- Lock your shed
If your shed contains chemicals and sharp gardening tools, keep it locked at all times in case your dog wanders inside it.
Protect your pup against theft
Unfortunately, thieves commonly take pups from their own garden, but you can minimise the risk of dog theft by making a few additions to your outdoor space. However, there’s no guarantee that your dog is ever fully protected against theft, so always supervise them when outside.
- Fencing
Fitting a fence that’s at least six feet tall will prevent your dog from jumping over the garden and running away and make it more difficult for thieves to access the garden.
- Gates
Keep any garden gates locked and fit a bell onto the door to scare off any thieves and notify you if anyone opens it.
- Kennel
Place the kennel near the house as fitting it at the bottom of the garden can appeal to thieves. Always keep the kennel locked, too, and consider placing bells on the door, so you’re alerted if it’s opened.
Avoid damage to your garden
Although your dog’s safety is the priority, don’t forget to protect the garden from your dog too.
- Select a designated toilet area
When dogs urinate on a lawn, it causes unsightly brown patches. To prevent this bad habit from developing, follow a toilet training process to encourage them to use a specific spot in the garden that’s out-of-sight. If your dog does urinate on the grass, rinse it down immediately to minimise the damage.
- Create an obstacle course
A bored dog might destroy your garden out of frustration but you can keep them entertained by designing a play area with toys.
You could also create a dog agility training obstacle course to help keep your pup active, teach them tricks and commands, reduce their anxiety, and strengthen your bond. The equipment can include tunnels, tyre jumping, weave poles, and balance beams.
- Pathways
Dogs often enjoy patrolling the garden, so having clearly defining paths can keep your pup from walking right through the flower beds and flattening them over time.
- Dedicated digging spot
Digging is an instinctive canine behaviour that can ease boredom and anxiety, but it can quickly destroy your garden.
Providing your dog with a toxic-free sandbox for digging can deter them from digging up your flower beds and plants.
Precautions for hot weather
During summer, dogs can quickly overheat and develop heatstroke if you don’t implement preventative measures, such as:
- Avoid using artificial grass, as it retains more heat than natural grass, which can burn your pup’s paws.
- Keep plenty of clean, fresh, and cold drinking water in the garden so your dog can rehydrate.
- Install a shallow water feature or set up a doggy paddling pool so your dog can cool down.
- Create shaded areas in the garden with large trees and shrubs.
However, even with these measures, don’t keep your pup outside for too long in the heat, and if they’re exhibiting any signs of heatstroke (e.g., heavy panting, vomiting, weakness, and excess drooling), take them to the vet straight away as it can be fatal if unaddressed.
Implementing these adjustments to your garden will allow you to enjoy spending quality time with your dog outside free of worry.
Need an outdoor kennel to complete your dog-friendly garden?
Outdoor kennels are an excellent way for your dog to enjoy being outside safely and comfortably. At Benchmark Kennels, we offer a range of sheltered, secure and spacious kennels that you can customise to suit your dog’s breed, personality, and size.
For more information on our range of outdoor kennels, contact us via phone or order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today.
- Published in Blog