I am so excited to announce that Barkitty will be hosting 'An Evening with the Dogfather' on Thursday 20th September 7pm-9pm. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get expert advice from one of the UK's leading dog trainers. He will discuss how to combat behavioural issues, pulling on the lead, excessive barking and agression issues.
Tickets are £18 each, which includes drinks on arrival and during the interval, a free gift, and 10% off in Barkitty on the night. This is an exclusive event, with very limited seats available (anyone who's been in to the shop will know why)!
To book or for more information call 01327 349328 or email hello@barkitty.co.uk. The Dogfather’s website is www.dogfathertraining.co.uk.
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Animal Magic: Benefits To Your Health Of Getting A Pet
by K9 Magazine
Getting out of a warm, cosy bed on dark, frosty mornings to take the dog out is probably the last thing you feel like doing. But take encouragement from the fact that it really is good for you.
Quite apart from a blast of fresh air to wake you up, going walkies gives you both the chance to get some exercise. Getting up and about is a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy, but vitally important for you, especially if you’re going to spend the rest of the day slumped at your desk.
Your daily dog walk may not feel as strenuous as sweating buckets at the gym, but rest assured it’s doing just as much good. According to pet health care experts Bob Martin, dog walkers actually get far more exercise than people who consider themselves regular gym goers – an average of five hours and 38 minutes per week, compared with just one hour and 20 minutes per week for the Lycra lovers.
Feeling smug? You should be, as even the fact that you’re getting out every day can have huge health benefits. Scientists believe that doing up to an hour of moderate activity most days combined with a healthy diet could cut mortality rates by 50 per cent.
The benefits of owning a dog go beyond a mere leg-stretch. Medical researchers have found that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for example, and are generally healthier than those without a canine companion.
There’s the social aspect of meeting other dog owners while out and about, and the structure of having a daily routine; both factors which could go a long way to raising mood and stirring you from inertia. In fact, researchers at the University of Portsmouth found that daily dog walking could even ward off depression. Are there any sights in life happier than a dog proudly carrying a stick? You can’t write a prescription for that.
Cat owners can take heart from the news that researchers have claimed all manner of health benefits from caring for a feline friend – in fact a study by the University of Minnesota found that cat owners have a much lower heart attack risk.
It doesn’t take a doctor to tell you that curling up with a cat on the couch at the end of a stressful day can have psychological benefits, either. According to a study carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in conjunction with Cat’s Protection, it’s all down to the relaxing vibrations in a cat’s purr.
Even having a tank of goldfish in the corner of a room is thought to be relaxing, and while lizards and snakes aren’t everyone’s choice of perfect pet, they’re an interesting addition to the household. Having a pet is good for kids, too – it can help them develop a sense of empathy and responsibility, as well as boosting their self-esteem, say psychologists. Owning a dog can also help children become more active, guarding against obesity.
Care for your pet, and it will care for you.
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All day I recommend the fab 'Orbee Tuff' range, so it was great to get this lovely email from Helen today:
Hi Barkitty!
I am writing to say thank you very much for the orbee dog balls! My dogs love them! They are the best dog balls that I have found on the market in 15 years of dog ownership. My dogs have chewed all the other types up except for these! They wear extremely well having sometimes been taken out into the garden and buried for some time. I found that the balls on a rope were very easy to throw...but have moved on to stringless balls - as they sometimes get caught in trees and i am left with a very disappointed collie. My collie, Delphi, though loves the whistlling ball! It has a good bounce and the noise makes it easy for her to find. I like the whistling ball as it is luminous and you can easily see it when it has been hidden under the sofa!
Thank you very much once again!
Helen
I really recommend spending a bit more on these toys, not only are they a great product, 2% of every sale goes to dogs charities... Brilliant! Oh, and they act as a breath freshener too! What more could you ask for?
You can buy them here...http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_dog_toys_2.shtml
