Toys and Families

We have been quite busy over the past few weeks with new dogs joining the Bruff's Bark Band but also we've also got new toys for all the dogs! Toys are very important in the a dog's life and no matter what breed there will always be a toy for the them to enjoy. They provide enjoyment, exercise - physically and mentally - and most importantly help create a natural bond between canine and owner. It's best to remember not to overwhelm your dog with too many toys as they'll not know what to do with them all.

As you can see above Moby is enjoying the new Colossal rope we've got but even Merlin, Abbey and Eigg - who are all shorter than it - enjoy it! But keep in mind that toys should be taken away when the play has ended and they should be used as treats. We have a certain chocolate Labrador who likes to bust up our toys much to our displeasure.

Secondly - though the most important of all - dogs should know their family and their position in it. Either in a single dog or multiple dog household, there should and must be a hierarchy in which the dog(s) are at the bottom of it - even below other family pets! Dogs are natural to pack leadership, the owner must always be and act as a leader. Dogs who believe they are the pack leader will become troublesome and possibly aggressive to other canines.



As you can see from these photos there is a general feeling of who's the top dog: Abbey is showing her dominance to the rather posing Eigg and Starsky is showing his by checking on Hutch who constantly looks up to his brother.

Once a dog knows their place, there will be times when they will challenge either the owner or other dogs in the house for dominance - this is natural of pack animals. Always remember to show them that you are the boss and harmony will return.

Bobby & the rest of the Bruff Family

Now I don't know about you, but this lot are having a hell of a fun time. Playing together chasing, but best of all getting on.

Many dogs may have a look which makes you think they are angry, scary, aggressive or mean but you should never judge a book by it's cover. Bobby is just such an example, he looks tough but he is a gentle soul, and prior to the work we've had him doing, a big scaredy doggie.

Stalking Dogs in the making

Eigg has some of the best parents, they teach her everything, even how to stalk a bird. We have invested in 'gun dog training' toys and manuals to develop this little lady into a seasoned pro. Watch this space!

The Wee Family Have Gone Home

The wee family have gone home as of Tuesday. I am missing them very much but at the same time, I do walk them everyday Simon's working. I just wanted to post another couple photos of Eigg that I took whilst she was dozing on my armchair. She's so cute!

Bath Time!

Washing a dog can be a big task and I don't do it for everyone but Wilf has complete trust in me and his long matted hair has been in much need of a wash. However when drawing a bath for him Abbey and Eigg were very inquisitive as to what was going on so I gave wee Eigg a bath first. She stood still and was wonderfully patient about it. It's probably her first bath and she definitely enjoyed the wash and the attention. 

When it came time for Wilf's turn he was very obliging and the dirt that came out of his hair was... well, there was A LOT. But he stood there and took it like a man! In the end he was a much happier cleaner gentleman. Giving your dog a wash is all about presenting it to them as an enjoyable experience.

I draw a shallow bath of warm water so they have something nice to stand in and then I wash them with the shower head (Wilf got a shampoo but Eigg didn't as she's still very young and not that dirty). Reassuring them with my voice keeps them calm and as long as you don't get stressed or annoyed your dog should go along happily with a bath.

Eigg Has a Voice

Wee Eigg has really found her voice - she is barking at Skye in this video because she wanted to play with her but Skye wanted to play with Abbey instead. Skye has known Abbey since she was not much older than Eigg so they are best pals. Eventually Skye consented and and let Eigg chase her around the pitch. Rhu meanwhile was off eating grass and hoping I wouldn't notice.

Wet Weather Returns!

No matter the weather - rain, wind or even hail (I wouldn't say it's impossible in June in Edinburgh!) I will give my charges a walk and a play. So when the weather turned on us again this week I took my two out with Buster and the wee family and we had the spectacular debut of Batgirl - the wonder dog! Eigg is sporting the new bat jacket I had Winston in last week and she looked brilliant in it.

Sunny Day Out with Wee Family

The weather has been changing all week, one minute sunny, the next it's pouring. Fortunately I managed an afternoon out with the wee family, my two, Winston and Oscar. Everybody had fun, enjoying the sun, playing with their toys and having a good run.

Wee Family Comes For a Stay

This past week I have had the wee family of Wilf, Abbey and Eigg come stay with me while their daddy Simon has been away on holiday. They have been absolutely fabulous for their stay and its been a real pleasure having them as house guests. Boarding is a service I offer and we are very flexible with times and dates and my girls Rhu and Skye are very welcoming... but... the golden rule is that all doggies get along - and as you can see my Bruffs Bark pack has been a happy one! They're not always on my bed mind you - everybody has their own bed - but the sun bathing is best on mine.

Skye has been really great with Eigg this week - they always got on and Skye looks after all of her pals but having a puppy like Eigg puppy who is naturally sweet and curious has brought out a beautiful gentle side in Skye. Rhu doesn't get too involved with our guests but Skye loves friends staying over.

I have captured some great shots of the wee family and my two this past week. This one Wilf and Abbey is very sweet - it is rare for two dogs who have produced a litter to get to stay together but you can see here that there is genuine affection in the wee family.

Winston - The Dark Knight

We went from blazing sunshine to RAIN and WIND this week. However that does not stop my gang going out. And after last week's fashion show we all have JACKETS!

So, I've got warm, dry doggies and it helps me keep them out for longer and lets them play harder. This week we had loads of fun and play and a fair few laughs, especially with the debut of Winston in his new alter ego as Bat Dog! He was a little unsure of his new costume but once he discovered that utility belt he was off! Fighting birds in the sky, police cars on the road and of course the rain, quite empowering that little suit.

Queen Rhu in Charge

We had great fun this Sunday when I took my two, Rhu and Skye out with Simon's wee family of Abbey, Wilf and Maggie (aka Eigg). We played with all five for over an hour and properly tired them out!

It may seem ambitious but it is actually very easy to get five dogs to play at the same, but if you have separate games for each of them its a doddle. Rhu loves chasing after a stick, Skye is hooked to her frisbee and Abbey, Wilf and wee Maggie (aka Eigg) have their own separate balls they love to chase and carry. Maggie (aka Eigg) is so smart, I have seen a real change in her the more work/play is done with her.

At the end of the afternoon once we were about to head home, my two started their racing chariot, which looked so much fun to the wee family, but they were too tired (and small to join in)!

Pup Pups Out

When Wilf was ill and couldn't go for big runs I had Oscar, Abbey and Maggie (aka Eigg) out instead. I did laugh a lot at the three of them running around as Abbey is just over a year old, Oscar is seven months and wee pup Maggie (aka Eigg) is only four months old. They chase, punch, play, steal and walk well together. Maggie (aka Eigg) has really come out of her shell, nobody and nothing phases this little girl. She enjoys chasing Oscarwhen he pretended to give her a flower and then ran away with it.

I Watch You, You Watch Me & We Are Run Together

Walking the wee family of Abbey, Wilf and Maggie (aka Eigg) is loads of fun. They are all so clever - by constantly talking to them and rewarding recalls with treats and praise their attention is kept on me, despite all the distractions of the outside world.

Having the same commands for all my dogs makes my life easier as well. Keeping commands common and easy is good for you and your four legged friend, its obvious when spelt out but so common to forget.

Bruff Bands Together

Everyone has a toy except for the 'couple', Wilf and Abbey who are in a constant battle for the much loved throwing toy. Baby Maggie (aka Eigg) is growing quickly and will soon be a pretty lady like her mother.

How Many Dogs? How Many Walkers?

This was a fun outing I had with the wee family, Abbey, Wilf and Maggie (aka Eigg) and their pals,  Winston, Buster and Monty. Wilf plays really well with the other boys and the boys are very friendly and gentle with the puppy Maggie (aka Eigg). Friendships are so important to your dog and having that regular interaction makes trips out so much more fun and easy.

Family Fun Day

I had fun last week and this with the wee family. Abbey, Wilf and Maggie (aka Eigg) have been out and about.

Maggie (aka Eigg) loves being out and playing with her mum and dad helps her develop into a better dog. She is being told how to play, leave and toilet outside and not be worried about bikes, noisey cars, lorries and loud children.

This weekend we had a large family day out as I had my girls out with the wee family. Now to look at Maggie (aka Eigg) against Rhu and Skye you would think 'ooo', but no, my girls have taken to Maggie (aka Eigg) as if she was a wee sister.