A settle mat is something you can use to teach you dog/ puppy to settle. You only use it when you want your dog to settle so they learn that you want them to settle and be calm when they use it. It is great for when you want your dog to be calm in the pub or at a café.

I recommend vet bedding which can be purchases quite cheap online or from some pet shops. It is moisture absorbing and washable. I personally use a small business brand called Taylor and Floof which sell luxury settle mats with some really nice designs.

The great crate debate. You may be for or against a crate and whatever you chose is ok. There is no right or wrong however, I am all for crate training. I think it is a fundamental skill all dogs should have. They should be able to be calm and happy in a crate or kennel. Dogs naturally seek out dens. A crate becomes a cosy “safe zone” where they can relax, feel secure, and retreat from stress or overstimulation.

Crate training also supports house training, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, helping puppies learn bladder and bowel control more quickly. Beyond that, crates prevent unwanted or dangerous behaviour when you can’t supervise, such as chewing furniture or accessing harmful items. They also make travel safer and help dogs feel more comfortable in unfamiliar environments like hotels or vet clinics. Establishing crate time provides routine, helps puppies learn boundaries, and teaches them when to settle and rest. For many dogs, a crate becomes a calming place during stressful situations like fireworks or visitors. Since most vets, groomers, and boarding facilities use kennels, a crate-trained dog experiences far less anxiety in those settings. Overall, crate training fosters healthy independence and prevents dogs from becoming overly clingy by teaching them how to relax on their own.

Chews such a yak chews, chicken feet, pigs ears and antlers are all long lasting chews. Chewing releases happy and calming hormones naturally in dogs so encouraging them to chew really helps them feel less overwhelmed. I know these chews are a little gross for us humans but if your dogs stomach can handle them and they love chewing then these will really help (and save your furniture when they are teething).

The brand GetNaw is readily available and has good quality chews for all types of dogs. Yak chews can be found online or in store, please chose a appropriate size and they are not suitable for puppies that still have their baby teeth.

Have you ever thought about what category your dog fits into? The kennel club categorises dogs into groups based on what they were bred for. The groups are: Gundogs, dogs bred to assist hunters, like Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers, and Setters. Hounds, scent hounds (like Beagles) and sight hounds (like Greyhounds) for tracking game. Pastoral, herding dogs for livestock, such as Sheepdogs and Collies. Terriers, feisty dogs originally bred to hunt vermin (e.g., Jack Russell, Scottish Terrier). Toys, small companion dogs, like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Utility, a diverse group of dogs not fitting other categories, including Dalmatians and Bulldogs. Working, powerful dogs for guarding, pulling sleds, or water rescue (e.g., Siberian Husky, Boxer). 

These are important things to consider when picking a breed of dog to own but also when thinking about the dogs natural instinct and what they like to do for fun. Some dogs, for example terriers might love to play tug of war but your pastoral breeds probably won’t find that game very fun and may get frustrated with it. Hounds will love to play scent games but gundogs will want to play retrieve games instead. It’s all about learning about your dogs breed and working to find something that will satisfy the skills that have been bred into them for centuries.

Its also worth a mention for the many mixed breeds, they might be part of multiple categories so have multiple instincts to cater to.

Not utilising your dogs skills can sometimes lead to frustration and behavioural issues so learning these early is so important.

Tug-e-nuff toys are great for dogs who love to play tug of war or have a prey drive and want to chase. Herding balls for pastoral breeds, puzzle games for dogs who love to sniff and snuffle matts work great too.

pet remedy

Adaptil

Calmex

Perfect Fit harness

Ruffwear

Food is another personal and opinionated topic. Although I do have my opinions, they are based on science and evidence over marketing and scare mongering.

I highly recommend looking at the UK Pet Food website for trusted and regulated food sources for your pets.

Why I don’t recommend raw meat based diets (RMBD)

Why I don’t recommend grain free diets

Heart disease

What do I recommend?

I do not have any certificates or qualifications in nutrition but as a vet nurse I talk to owners about their dogs diets almost daily.

Veterinary Oral Health Council