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At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we are pleased to announce that we are now using the new location-based app, what3words. For those of you unfamiliar with the service, what3words is the latest pioneering navigational app to break out and gain instant popularity around the world. As part of its unique grid map system, what3words has charted out fifty-seven trillion three-meter squares around the earth as a better alternative to lines of longitude and latitude.

How does it work?

With what3words, the globe is divided into a grid, with each square measuring three meters square and given a unique code consisting of three simple words. For example, at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we can be found under the unique three word code of cards.slave.grins. Some people find our site difficult to find however, simply type these three words in to the what3words app and you will be navigated to our entrance. Each square of grid is different, which makes it ideal for businesses to use throughout the world. The uniqueness and simplicity of the app means that three-word codes are exclusive to each location.

Accessibility

Accessibility is crucial. This app makes it easier for everyone to trace precise locations throughout the globe. Accessibility is vital for any business, especially when attracting new customers. This app is gaining popularity from many businesses in helping to put their location on the map in a more specific way when compared to other more commonly used navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps.

What are the benefits of using what3words over Google Maps and Waze?

Many communities and business who have no formal address system have felt the positive impact of using what3words. For example, in rural areas, the centre of a postcode can still be several kilometres away from the specific property address. In comparison to communities and businesses living in cities, single apartment buildings can often have numerous access and delivery points. Unlike Google Maps and Waze, which often places a random point on a location, users of What3Words, can better identify where precisely to navigate to. Another clear advantage from using what3words is that the addresses are easy to remember and say over the phone or radio. It is also far easier to type three words than a regular street address that has numbers, postcodes, and street names to remember.

Location. Location. Location

If you are a business positioned in a rural area or heavily built-up city or town then your customers may struggle to find your entrance. As mentioned earlier within this article, one key advantage of using this new app, is that for many such businesses, their customers can easily locate their address without needing vast, complex directions in just three simple words. This address-finding GPS is an easy-to-use navigation system that enables customers to identify the exact position of a business they wish to visit.

Emergency Services

What3words is also massively helping the emergency services by saving many people’s lives. The app has been commended for its functionality when locating specific positions for people in the countryside who have needed the emergency services. In 2019, three random words had helped to rescue a mother and daughter after they crashed their car in a remote region of countryside in Somerset. Their three code words of, “weekend”, “foggy” and “earphones” – enabled police to locate their exact coordinates and rescue them safely.

Improve Customer Service and Safety

Safety is a key theme within the app, and this has also helped many business users to improve their customer service. What3words can be used as a safety measure for consumers in improving their navigation, creating clearer directions, and removing the stress from address finding, therefore enabling their customers to find them more easily. At the end of the day, no business owner will want to lose business and potential customers because their premises could not be easily found.

Closing thoughts

At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have really seen the benefits from using a  what3words address. Hopefully you found this article helpful, and you are now better informed when it comes to understanding the functionality of what3words. If you are interested in our dog walking services or looking at boarding your cat or dog in one of our luxury pet kennels, why not try finding us using the what3words app. Let us know how you found the app. We look forward to seeing you.

Like many family run businesses in Britain; at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have had to quickly acclimatise to survive the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the two national lockdowns.

Our pet boarding kennels which can care for up to 100  pets during busy periods, went down to just a handful during the two lockdowns. Likewise, our popular dog training classes also had to adapt, from having to close completely and then re-opening with only one to one training.

Our pet friendly café also had to close which was a popular meeting place for many of our local customers; for some as a place to grab a nice coffee, tea, or cake after a dog walk, for others as a place to gather and meet friends. The pandemic really affected all aspects of our lives, and this was felt by both staff and customers alike.

Overall, the pet care and travel and tourism industries were majorly affected, and this had a direct impact on each other. It’s been very difficult because our business is directly dependent on the tourist industry and so from one day to the next, people were cancelling their holidays and also cancelling their bookings for the kennels and cattery. This alone has been the most challenging aspect of the Covid pandemic.

Achievements

However, last year on the 9th of November, the Pet Industry Federation announced the winners of all the categories of its prestigious awards competition for 2020. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs were winners of the UK Kennel of the Year Award 2020. Amongst many criteria, the judges were looking for – high standards of animal welfare, high quality staff training and qualifications and excellent customer service. We were thrilled to have our efforts recognised at such a high level.

Shortly after this on the 18th of November, we were visited by the local authority licensing officer who once again, awarded us 5-star ratings for our kennels and day care facilities. It was such a great way to cap off the year and cheered everyone up.

Post Pandemic

Nearly a year has passed, and it feels that ‘normality’ is slowly returning to the pet care industry. Although the covid pandemic has been incredibly hard for us and many family run businesses, it has also enabled us to evolve and adapt the way we approach our business model. 

Technology

One such change came after our onsite training classes had to be cancelled during lockdown. With many years of experience offering puppy training classes at our premises we wanted to be able to help the millions of people out there who were unable to visit us in person.  We asked ourselves how do you access the services of a dog trainer during a lockdown? This is where digital innovation came into play and saw the birth of our now popular online training platform, DogBonding.com. Before the pandemic, online dog training was extremely scarce. Although there were how-to videos on popular video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, the concept of having a qualified and professional dog trainer provide a dog training session via Zoom was a completely new concept. Today video meetings are becoming the norm and technology is allowing many businesses like ours to reach out to our customers who may be unable to physically come into our premises.

Finalists again!

As our business has largely returned to normal and we have evolved our dog training programmes to reach an online customer base, we were pleased to see DogBonding.com is a finalist for the ‘Online Business of the Year’ category for the Pet Industry Federation Awards for 2021. We were also pleased to see Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs is once again a finalist for the 2021 Kennel of the Year Award. Everyone here is keeping their fingers crossed for the results as we continue our journey as a family run business in a post pandemic world.

As we head into Autumn, many owners are enjoying taking their dogs for walks in the evenings or early mornings when it is quieter, cooler, and darker. However, when visibility is low, it is always important for an owner and their dog to be safe. Here are five tips to ensure your evening or early morning dog walks remain safe and enjoyable for you and your four-legged friend.

1. Reflection

If you are walking your dog at night-time or in the early morning, it is crucial for you both to be visible to any passing traffic. Wearing reflective fabrics or lighter coloured clothing will help you both become more visible to drivers or cyclists. Try and avoid darker coloured clothing like grey or black colours as these are very hard to spot when visibility is poor. Likewise, consider fitting your pet with a reflective jacket, fluorescent dog collar or leash that will enable them to stand out and be seen on your dog walk.

2. Illuminate

A great way of making yourself even more visible on a dog walk is by taking along a flashlight or by wearing a headlamp. Both are great although some dog walkers may prefer a headlamp to a flashlight as it leaves their hands free to hold their dog leash and other accessories. If neither of these are suitable, then you may want to consider wearing an LED belt which flashes. For your dog, you may want to also consider fitting them with an LED dog collar, an LED harness and flashing leash designed specifically for nocturnal dog walks.

3. Disconnect the Headphones

When visibility is poor on a dog walk, we need to rely more on our hearing to understand what is happening around us. Try and avoid wearing headphones when walking your dog when visibility is poor, so that you can sense auditory signals, such as a speeding car, cyclist or electric scooter fast approaching.

4. Carry your Phone but Don’t Talk on it

There are many pros and cons to using a mobile phone on a dog walk. Your mobile phone can be a great device to use if you need to call for help or if you need to use it to navigate back home using an app such as Google Maps. Likewise, many smart phones now have built in flashlights which are useful if street lighting is poor or if your torch or flashlight battery runs out. However, try and avoid speaking on the phone as this can distract your attention away from focusing on any potential dangers and from also connecting with your dog. Take the opportunity on your dog walk to reconnect with your body, your dog, and your natural surroundings.

5. Stick to Known Routes

Walking your dog in the early hours and evening is not always the best times to explore new footpaths and routes. Try and save this type of exploration for when visibility is better during the daylight hours. Stick to dog walking routes that you are familiar with and avoid any areas you are more likely to get lost in.

Did you find this article helpful? Hopefully you can incorporate these safety tips the next time you take your dog out for a walk in the morning or at night this Autumn. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have many years of experience providing a friendly and professional dog walking service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire regions. Our friendly dog walking team will even collect in and around Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Royston. Call 01462 742658 or send us an email office@cbkennels.co.uk for dog walking in Hertfordshire. 

Did you know that owners and their dogs can experience many health and social benefits by walking together each day? It’s true! A dog walk is such an important part of your daily routine together. Here are five fantastic benefits of walking your dog each day. Enjoy!

1 Joint Health

Owners and their dogs can experience joint issues which can sometimes lead to immobility. If you own a senior dog, then unfortunately pain is often a part of the aging process. Just like us, many dogs can develop chronic joint pain issues, such as arthritis the older they get.  
To help treat the pain, it is often advised that you mobilise their joint area. By walking your dog each day, this will help improve their joint function over time. However, not every dog is the same and with each individual case it is always recommended that you consult the advice from a qualified veterinarian.

2 Mental Health

Many dogs love to be stimulated and when immobile they can sometimes easily become bored. Walking your dog helps to exercise both their body and mind. This can also be the same for many dog owners. Exploring new nature trails with your dog and interacting with other owners and their pets can be crucial mental stimulation for you. Dog walks can also be a great way of releasing any excess energy which can hopefully help you both sleep better at night.

3 Happiness

Regular exercise such as walking your dog can help produce endorphins. These endorphins can help make owners and their dogs feel better! It is no secret that happiness plays a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing, and this is the same for your canine companion.

4 Digestion

Walking your dog daily can also help regulate their digestive tract and alleviate constipation – so your dog’s stools are regular and healthier. Regular walks can also help your dog empty their bladder which has huge health benefits. When urine sits in the bladder for a long period of time, this can result in bladder infections so regularly emptying it can help maintain a healthy urinary tract.

A Strong Bond

Walking your dog each day is a great opportunity for you to strengthen the bond you have together. A daily dog walk is a fantastic way of spending quality time together and for your dog to look towards you as someone they can depend on and trust in their daily lives.

Did you find this article helpful? At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have many years of experience providing a friendly and professional dog walking service in our secure fields for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire regions. Our friendly dog walking team will even collect in and around Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Royston. Call 01462 742658 or send us an email office@cbkennels.co.uk for dog walking in Hertfordshire. 

                                       

August is here and according to the Met Office, and during this period there will largely be “a mixture of sunny spells and showers.” With this in mind, try and make sure you are well prepared by following our five rainy dog walking tips below. We hope you find these helpful!

Waterproof Clothing

Waterproof clothing is a must have for any seasoned dog walker! Before your dog walk, it is advised to always check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Waterproof clothing helps keep you nice and dry if you happen to find yourself caught in a storm. Likewise, wellies are also a great choice and will hopefully keep your feet nice and dry as you venture over muddy puddles and wet terrain.

Mirror your Dog

If you are on a dog walk and it has been heavily raining and the ground is wet and muddy, try and mirror your dog’s behaviour by really connecting with the natural environment around you! Mirror your canine companion by taking in as many smells and textures as you can the next time you find yourself walking through a muddy marsh or green woodland. Perhaps also try to embrace your inner child and splash in as many muddy puddles as you can and really connect with nature. Being mindful of your environment can really help boost your body’s natural endorphins and help better connect you to your natural habitats.

Neutralise Bad Odours

Many owners are familiar with the smell of a wet dog. No matter how much we love them, there is no denying the fact that their coats can smell when they become wet. Unfortunately, many owners become nose blind to their dog’s odour once they have dried them and returned home after a walk.  However for visitors entering your home, they may be able to detect this distinct and lingering odour. A great way of eliminating this smell is by bathing your dog using scented organic dog shampoo. Once dry their coats can smell fresh and clean and the lingering smell of wet dog is usually eliminated. Some dog owners go even further to neutralise the odour by spraying their homes with safe nontoxic air fresheners or by lighting scented candles that are also animal friendly and nontoxic.

Neon Glow

If you decide to go on an late evening dog walk this August, then you may want to consider wearing a reflective vest. Reflective vests can help protect you from any passing vehicles or cyclists when you are out walking your dog at night. Wearing a reflective vest will make you easily visible to others and add to you and your dog’s safety. Some dog owners go a step further and clothe their dogs in a reflective vest too or one that is waterproof so they can also keep nice and dry.  Always check to see if your dog likes wearing them first and never force them to wear anything that will cause them distress. However, if your dog is happy wearing a waterproof vest then there are some really nice breathable ones available which cover their torso and limbs and stop a lot of mud getting on to their coats.

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation.

Experienced owners will always get prepared for any dog walk. If you are driving to the park or countryside, keep a clean towel in your car to dry off any excess water and always make sure your boots and seats are covered by sheets or towels. If it is a particularly rainy but warm August day, then always have water available for your dog so they can stay hydrated. Likewise, a thermal flask or a water bottle and a delicious packed lunch can be a great way of keeping up your energy levels on any dog walk.

Final thoughts…

Hopefully you found this article helpful. Walking your dog in the rain can be lots of fun and can help to create a strong dog bonding experience for any owner. Let us know how you found this article and your own personal tips for walking a dog in the rain.

Are you bringing home a new kitten but slightly worried about how your dog is going to respond to the new arrival? If yes, then this article will hopefully provide you with 5 top tips to help introduce your kitten to your dog and make the introduction as harmonious and stress free as possible. Enjoy!

1. Praise and Attention

Dogs can be very territorial especially when it comes to a new pet arriving. Even if you are hopeful that the introduction will be a positive one, you can never be certain.  For that reason, try and give your dog lots of attention and praise when you introduce the new kitten. It is important for your dog to know that they still have your full attention even when the new kitten arrives. Dog behavioural training can also help you to prepare your dog for meeting new arrivals and this is something many owners look in to when introducing a new pet to their home.

2. Prepare a Safe Space

A great way to make sure your new kitten feels safe and protected is to prepare a safe space in your home for them. Ensure that your kitten has a comfortable bed, a litter tray, and access to food and water in their safe space, and then simply let your kitten explore their new area.

3. The Power of Smell

Another great tip is to feed your dog and kitten on either side of a door, so they can smell each other before actually meeting. However, try and make sure your dog does not bark, growl or whine at the door as this can cause your kitten to experience anxiety and fear.

4. Swap Blankets

Having your new kitten and dog swap their blankets with one another is a great way of them being introduced to each other’s scents. This will help your kitten and dog to become more familiar and comfortable with each other before meeting face to face.  

5. Box and Leash

When introducing your pets to each other for the first time, you may want to keep your cat in a travel carrier and your dog on a secure leash. This will allow them to meet each other face to face without running the risk of your dog potentially attacking and becoming violent towards the kitten.  If this goes well then try and reward both of them by giving them lots of praise and affection. Positive reinforcement is highly advised.

We hope you found these five tips helpful when introducing your dog to your new kitten. If you have any further questions related to this article then please do speak with a member of the Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs team today and they will happy to receive your call. Hopefully, by following these five top tips, you can ensure the introduction between your kitten and dog goes to plan.

Summer is here and for many dog owners, this is the perfect season for beautiful outdoor dog walks and trips to the coast. The following article provides 4 top tips to help keep your dog cool and safe in summer. Enjoy!

Research your Breed of Dog

There are many deciding factors that determine a dog’s sensitivity to the sun. Some dog breeds are better suited to warmer temperatures while others prefer much colder conditions and need to plenty of shade. With so many dogs coming in different colours, shapes, and sizes, it is important to research and understand your dog’s breed when it comes to reducing their risk of overheating this summer.

The size of your dog is another great indicator of how easily it will overheat. For example, bigger dogs with fleshier bodies have less surface area for their size and build up heat faster. In comparison, a miniature sized chihuahua is therefore less likely to experience overheating as quickly as a Great Dane.

Dog breeds that are known for their snub noses like Boxers, Pugs and Bulldogs can also have a higher risk of overheating in the hot weather. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and so dogs that experience breathing difficulties can come with a higher risk of overheating.

Hydrate your Dog

Did you know that water accounts for roughly sixty percent of a dog’s body weight?

Hydrate your dog by making sure they drink roughly between 1/2 to 1 oz of fresh water per pound of body weight.

Another important point to remember is that dogs sometimes spill plenty of water when they drink due to being sloppy drinkers.  It is recommended that you add more water to their bowls to factor this in.

Understand your Dog’s Vulnerabilities

Being receptive to your dog’s vulnerabilities is crucial. For example, if it is a scorching hot day and your dog is fair skinned, then make sure they are kept in the shade and apply sun lotion. In comparison if your dog has a thick long coat and is dark, never leave it for long periods of time in the sun. Also always check their paws on a walk. Are their paws hot or blistering, are there any signs that they are in discomfort whilst on a dog walk? Being receptive to how your dog is feeling is vital for any responsible dog owner.

Alternate your Dog Walks

During the summer it becomes too hot to take your dog for a walk at certain parts of the day. Aim for times of the day when it is a lot cooler for your dog to go out. Early morning and late evening are cooler dog walking times. If you are on a dog walk and feel it may be too hot, always turn around and come home. Many dog walkers will often place their hand on the pavement or ground if they feel the temperature is too hot. If you cannot hold your hand on the pavement or ground for five seconds, then it is too hot to walk your dog.

Did you find this article helpful? If you have any further questions or would like expert advice and help from one of our professionals, then please contact us at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Last month, the 21st June was National Dog Party Day, (yes, there is such a day!) and many owners around the world celebrated by throwing a party for their canine companions. Below are our 5 top tips to help you enjoy the ultimate dog and puppy party!

#1 Raining Cats and Dogs

Are you planning a dog party outdoors? If so, then you will need to ensure that the weather is suitable. If the weather is hot, then you must ensure plenty of shade for your dogs to cool down in and offer plenty of water bowls. Likewise, if the weather report is predicting rain ensure that there is plenty of cover and an indoor area for the dogs and owners to dry off in if necessary.

#2 The Guest List

Guest lists are so important when it comes to creating a successful dog and puppy party. If your dog is unfamiliar with certain dogs coming to the party, then there is a slight chance that they may fight or display territorial and aggressive behaviour towards one another.  It is therefore highly recommended that you try and keep your guest list to dogs with which they have been regularly socialised.

#3 The Feast

As well as providing snacks and food for your human guests, dog parties are a great way to provide healthy and tasty snacks for the dogs attending. There are lots of great healthy recipes online that are perfect for your dog to enjoy at the party. Many recipes include ingredients needed to make healthy dog friendly birthday cakes and nutritious snacks to include in their party bags. Likewise, always check with other dog owners if they or their dogs have any special dietary requirements. The safety of the owners and their dogs attending should be your number one priority.

#4 A Day of Favourites

Make a list of all the favourite things your dog likes to do and try and incorporate them into their perfect party. Maybe it is a particular dog treat that they love to try or maybe it is a fun activity you can get the other guests and their dogs to join in with? One firm favourite for many dogs is a nice walk, so why not invite the owners and their dogs on a group dog walk after you have cut the cake?

For some dog owners, it is usually enough to brush their pets just once every week. But that is not really how it should be. It is very important to frequently groom pets and ensure that they are healthy and clean at all times. Find out why it is important to groom your dog regularly. 

Keeping good health

When you carry out proper dog grooming, it can be easier for you to eliminate shedding, fleas, ticks, mats and various other health problems that can develop in your pet. Early on, you can spot any issues from which your dog might be suffering. With early detection, you can treat the problems and make the treatment easier and shorter. Look for infections, lumps, inflammation, lesions, rashes, grass seeds, etc. that might be missed otherwise. When you catch an underlying problem prematurely, you can easily prevent any major health issues in your dog. 

Maintaining nice fur and coat

With frequent grooming, you can ensure that your dog has a healthy fur and coat. Keep in mind that you should refrain from bathing your dog regularly. With regular bathing, the coat will be damaged – as the natural oil will be removed. However, you should try to brush your dog regularly, so that there are no mats in the fur of your canine companion. Mats can knot the hair up, pull on the tight skin and lead to pain and discomfort. 

Abrasions and ulcers can also result from mats. With brushing, you can bring the natural oils out in the fur. It can help remove dandruff, dirt and dead hair. A shiny, healthy coat is what your dog will have, and it will also feel healthy from the inside. Remember to use a fine comb to brush your dog, as it can help you to brush without damaging the hair, as well as reveal fleas which might not have been possible with a thicker comb. 

Prevent spread of germs and infections

Cut and trim the nails properly, as dogs cannot walk in alignment with pads which have uncut nails and there can be joint aches as a result. In dogs, it is quite a common issue. Nails that are trimmed are less likely to get curled, and there is less risk for germs to get stuck and spread. In case you plan to trim your dog nails on your own, buy good nail clippers designed to be used for dogs. It can make the job easier as well as less painful. If you feel nervous about cutting your dog’s nails, you should seek advice from your vet.

No bad odors

With a clean and well-groomed dog, you can also be assured that there would be no bad smells around. There will be less shedding and less or no bad odor to endure for you or others in your home. That will also mean less need to use a vacuum cleaner. 

If your dog needs grooming and you would actually prefer a professional dog grooming service then bring your dog to us so that they can relax and enjoy a day of pampering. Our dog grooming service puts your pet’s welfare first and we make sure each pet is treated as they require. We ensure a calm and safe environment where our loving professionals can groom your dog. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs have been providing friendly and professional dog grooming services for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire area since the 1950s. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston and Biggleswade. Our friendly staff are waiting to receive your call.

It can be fun to go on a vacation for everyone in a family, including your dog, when you make careful plans. Here are some tips that you will find useful while travelling with your dog.

Consider the Health and Safety

Prior to going on an extended trip, you should take your dog to the vet. Ensure that all the vaccinations are updated, and take all the records of the shot with you. For airline travel, you need health certifications. Take wet as well as dry foods along, so that there is proper nutrition for your dog and the pet gets the kind of food that suits its health during as well as after the trip. Also, when you take food along with you, there will be no need for you to look for a source for foods on the way or even when you arrive at your destination.

Emergency Contact Details

It is important to have the contact number of the closest veterinary emergency hospital that is open for 24 hours, and save it in your mobile phone along with the emergency number and office number of your standard vet who cares for your dog. That will ensure that in case your dog is in need of emergency medical attention in any situation, you can get all the important information that is required.

Take a crate along

Having your dog in a proper crate can ensure that it stays well, and safe, at all times. A crate can be a good way to ensure the safety of your canine friend in the car, plane etc. This is necessary when you take your dog along for travel by air. You can ensure that your pet will not get into any trouble at the home of your host or in the hotel that you stay in.

Have Identification information

Ensure that there is a strong collar and leash attached to your dog. There has to be identification tags in the collar with the details of your dog, your details and contact number. If you plan to be away from your dog for a longer period, consider buying another identification tag which should have the phone no. as well as the location of your vacation spot. A microchip is now a requirement in the UK and can be a permanent form of identification for your dog.

Plan bathroom breaks

Teach your dog to relieve itself on various surfaces, not only on grass, before you leave home. When your dog is able to relieve itself on different terrains, like gravel, mulch and concrete, it can stay more comfortable and avoid accidents. Take along a supply of bags for cleaning up afterwards, and also take a leash along.

Travelling can be stressful when you have a noisy and restless pet. When you make bookings beforehand and plan each step of the journey, you can have a calm dog by your side, enjoying the trip just as much as you.  If on the other hand you are booking your own holiday this summer and want to treat your dog to a stay in our luxury dog kennels, then contact our friendly team today. We are not just experts, we are dog lovers, and it is our mission to ensure your dog is happy and comfortable while staying in our care.