If you’re looking for a new family friend lets explore dogs with the best temperament. Dogs have rightfully earned the title of “man’s best friend” for their unwavering loyalty, companionship, and, of course, their temperament. While all dogs have unique personalities, some breeds are renowned for their exceptional temperament, making them beloved family pets, therapy dogs, and loyal companions. In this article we’ll explore some of the top dog breeds known for their friendly, gentle, and affectionate disposition.

Golden Retriever: It’s no surprise that Golden Retrievers often top the list of dogs with the best temperament. Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, Golden Retrievers are not only intelligent and easy to train but also incredibly gentle and patient, especially with children. Their playful demeanor and willingness to please make them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. Whether they’re retrieving a ball or offering a comforting cuddle, Golden Retrievers embody the epitome of a loyal and loving companion.

Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers, affectionately known as Labs, are another breed celebrated for their excellent temperament.

Friendly, outgoing, and endlessly affectionate, Labs are renowned for their gentle and patient demeanor, making them fantastic companions for families with children and other pets. Their eagerness to please and adaptable nature also make them well-suited for various roles, including service dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Whether they’re retrieving game in the field or lounging on the couch, Labs exude warmth and companionship wherever they go.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed with a big heart and an equally big personality. Known for their affectionate and gentle nature, Cavaliers thrive on human companionship and are happiest when curled up in their owner’s lap. They’re excellent with children and other pets, thanks to their friendly and sociable disposition. Cavaliers are also known for their adaptability, making them well-suited for various living situations, from apartments to large family homes. With their expressive eyes and loving demeanor, Cavaliers steal the hearts of everyone they meet.

Bichon Frise: The Bichon Frise is a delightful little dog with a temperament to match its charming appearance. Affectionate, playful, and endlessly cheerful, Bichons are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They thrive on human companionship and love nothing more than spending time with their family, whether it’s playing games or simply cuddling on the couch. Bichons are also highly adaptable and get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets. With their sunny disposition and loving personality, Bichons bring joy and laughter wherever they go.

Dogs enrich our lives in countless ways, but those with the best temperament have a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s the friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever, the gentle and patient Labrador Retriever, the affectionate and sociable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or the cheerful and playful Bichon Frise, these breeds embody the epitome of a loyal and loving companion. With their unwavering devotion and infectious happiness, dogs with the best temperament remind us why they truly deserve the title of “man’s best friend.”

At DogFence we have worked with customers with all breeds and sizes of dog and are happy to talk to you if you are looking at adding a dog to your household and are concerned about how to keep them safe. We can put you in touch with customers with the same breed who I’m sure would be happy to answer your questions.

Call us today on 01628 476475 or email us @info@dogfence.co.uk

Pet thefts have been an ongoing problem for a while now, however we have seen a dramatic increase within the past couple of years.

In 2020, when lockdown started for us all, there was a massive increase in demand of people wanting pets to keep them company. Due to this increase in demand for puppies and kittens, it caused the cost of buying these pets go through the roof! However people are desperate and will pay anything for what they want.

After the massive spike in price for pets, this caused the inevitable of dog and cat theft to increase. It was reported that Dog Thefts in 2020 increased by 250%

Why are pets stolen? –

Dogs can be stolen for many reasons, here are a few:

• Dognappers will steal a dog and then return it to the owners in exchange for the reward
• Other Dog Nappers use Blackmail towards the dogs owners by saying they will get the dog back if they pay a ransom.
• Dognappers can steal dogs to sell them on
• Female dogs can be stolen to be bred from year after year, this way the dog napper can continuously make money.

The theft of a pet is a devastating time for the owners and not a time that anyone would ever want to experience. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your pet safe from theft –

Keep an eye at all times –

The most important thing you can do is keep an eye on your dog or cat at all times. If you are out in public make sure you know where they are at all times and if they cannot be trusted off the lead then don’t risk it.

When at home ensure to keep your pets on your property and not to let them wander around the neighbourhood.

Do not leave your pet in your car –

Dogs that are left in the car with the windows down, are a sitting target for thieves. The windows can be forced open or the thief can reach into the car and grab the pet, it only takes a few seconds!

Secure your Garden –

Before letting your dog or cat out into the garden, ensure that it is all secured. It is worth checking the fences for gaps and even installing gates to ensure they are contained. You do not want them escaping or even worse, someone entering your garden.

How our systems can help –

Our DogFence Systems allow to keep your pet safely contained within your property while allowing them freedom. We supply systems to secure your garden and to stop your pets escaping, this allows you to keep your pets safe from falling into the wrong hands!

Our website supplies you with all the information you need for our different DogFence Containment Systems.

When shopping, don’t leave your dog outside –

Seeing dogs outside shops has been common for a long time but now that the numbers of dog thefts have risen it is best to refrain from doing so. If you have to take your dog to the shops, take someone with you so they can wait outside with your dog.

Collars, Tags and Microchips –

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved into a tag. The owners telephone number is optional but advisable. Do not put your dogs name on the tag, as someone attempting to steal your dog can use that to call them over.

Report any incidents –

If you see any suspicious behavior or people coming up to you and asking strange questions about your dog, report it. You could prevent an incident happening.

Keep your documents safe –

Ensure to keep all your dog’s insurance and important documents somewhere safe. That way you can easily access them in an emergency.

Check up on Dog Walkers or Sitters –

If you are looking for a Dog Walker or a Dog Sitter, ensure you do your research, try to find out if they are registered with any bodies or have any qualifications.

Fit Alarms, Bells or Camera Doorbells –

Have alarms or bells installed at your property, to warn you of any intruders. A doorbell with a camera would also be a good investment, both of these can potentially warn off thieves.

Train Excellent Recall –

Take the time to train your dog to come back to your on command. This will help you if you need to get them to come back to your quickly. It also means they are less likely to run off on walks and in a public place.

 

Here is a list of places / contact information if you need to report something –

• Blue Cross Pet Bereavement and Pet Loss – 0800 096 6606 – pbssmail@bluecross.org – https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
• Animal Search UK – https://www.animalsearchuk.co.uk/report
• Battersea – 020 7627 9245  – https://www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/lost-dogs-cats-line#:~:text=Get%20in%20touch,or%20file%20a%20report%20online.
• Dog Lost UK – https://doglost.co.uk/
• Pets Reunited – https://www.petsreunited.com/
• SDK Environmental Ltd – https://lostdogsuk.co.uk/

 

 

 

Chewing is a completely normal and natural behaviour in dogs, they will use their mouths to explore the world around them in the same way we use our hands. Chewing will accomplish a number of things for a dog no matter what the age. In young puppies, destructive chewing will generally be a way to relieve pain from any teeth that may be coming through. For older, more mature dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing will also combat:

• Boredom
• Mild anxiety
• Frustration

While chewing behaviour is normal, dogs sometimes direct their chewing towards inappropriate items such as your beloved furniture. Dogs need to be taught in a gentle manner what is acceptable to chew and what isn’t.

Need to understand your dog and why they destructive chew 

Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing for any number of reasons. In order to deal with the behaviour, you must first determine why your dog is chewing—and remember, they are not doing it to spite you. Possible reasons for destructive chewing include:

• They weren’t taught, as a puppy, what is okay to chew and what isn’t.

• That they are bored

• That they may suffer from separation anxiety

• That their behaviour is fear-related.

• That they want attention.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a condition in which the dog will exhibit stress and behavioural problems when separated from their owner. When a dog is experiencing separation anxiety they try and find ways to relieve the stress they are experiencing, such as chewing on many different household items they can get their paws on! They will also display other signs, such as:

• Whining
• Barking
• Pacing back and forth
• Restlessness
• Urination
• Defecation

Fabric Sucking

Some dogs will tend to lick, suck and chew at certain fabrics. Experts believe that this behaviuoral problem stems from the puppy being weaned too early (before seven or eight weeks). If a dog’s fabric sucking behaviour has been ongoing for a lengthy period of time then it will be difficult to distract him when he attempts to engage in it, this means that the behavioural problem has become compulsive. If you think this behaviour has become compulsive it may be worth contacting a balanced dog trainer for assistance. The IACP have a list of trainers and should be able to put you in touch with a trainer in your area.

Hunger

A dog on a calorie-restricted diet might chew and destroy objects in an attempt to find additional sources of nutrition. Dogs usually direct this kind of chewing toward objects or furniture which may smell like food.

 

At DogFence we offer an indoor product (B.O.B – Battery Operated Boundary) to stop your dog from chewing your favourite rug, sofa or even jumping on the beds! Our indoor system can be moved from room to room and is completely wireless and re-chargeable. The B.O.B can be discreetly placed underneath the objects you don’t want your dog near so its virtually impossible to see, the unit can also be used for all breed of dogs and cats and they can be purchased as an addition to your existing outdoor fence or as a complete indoor solution (Dog Fence Collar Required).

Learn more about our indoor solutions here: https://dogfence.co.uk/indoor-dog-wireless-dog-fence/

Also feel free to read our blog all about our indoor dog fence system: https://dogfence.co.uk/posts/

Puppy Teething

Much like human infants, puppies go through a stage when they lose their baby teeth and experience pain as their adult teeth come through, because of this the intensified chewing phase usually ends by six months of age.

Some solutions for puppies who are teething and tending to chew the furniture, are:

• Giving the puppy ice cubes
• Dog toys that can be frozen
• Frozen wet cloths to chew

Giving the puppy something cold to chew will help relieve and numb the pain from the teeth that are coming through. Gentle guidance can be given to teach the puppy on appropriate and inappropriate things to chew.

Supervise your dog until they learn the house rules.

Keep the dog with you on their leash in the house so they can’t make a mistake out of your sight. Confine them when you’re unable to keep an eye on them. Choose a “safe place” that’s dog-proof, and provide fresh water and “safe” toys.

Give your dog plenty of people-time.

Your dog won’t know how to behave if you don’t teach them alternatives to inappropriate behaviour, and they can’t learn these when they are in the yard by themselves. Be patient with your dog you cant rush them into learning what’s right and wrong as you will confuse them.

 Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise.

If you do catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, such as the sofa, don’t interrupt them with a loud noise, instead offer them an acceptable chew toy instead and then praise them for taking the chew toy in their mouth.

Your dog may be bored if they are not getting enough physical exercise and as a result of this they will try to find something to amuse themselves or fight the boredom, such as chewing your beloved furniture! The amount of exercise should be based on their age, health and breed characteristics.

Make items unpleasant to your dog.

A spray can be used on items, such as furniture, to prevent your dog from wanting to chew.

Don’t chase your dog

Do not chase your dog! If you chase them you are giving the dog what it wants. Instead call them and wait for them to come to you and give them a treat.

Have realistic expectations.

At some point your dog will inevitably chew up something you value; this is often part of the transition to a new home. Your dog needs time to learn the house rules and you need to remember to take precautions and keep things out of their reach.

Different Toys and chews to give to your dog that is chewing your furniture

Most people tend to get dog toys and chews confused, so here is a list differencing the different toys and chews.

Toys

Dog toys are easily destroyed and are NOT designed to be chewed. The owner should always pick up the toy at the end of a game and put out of the dogs reach, this will therefore save you money because the toys last much longer – you will also avoid the need to take your dog to the vet because of a blockage caused by swallowing toys. Do not leave them for your dog to chew once the game has finished.

Chews

Chews should be given when a dog is settling down for a quiet time, either in your presence or alone. Unlike toys, chews are designed for nibbling and gnawing and are essential if you want a dog to chew acceptable items instead of your furniture. Examples of chews include rask, chew stick, dental rawhide, pressed hide, large and medium Kong’s, and activity balls.

Kong’s

All dogs like to play on their own sometimes, so it is important to leave at least one “safe” toy down for them to play with at any time. An excellent choice for this purpose is a chew toy such as a Kong (available from most pet shops). This is a firm rubber toy, hollow on the inside and which can withstand lots of chewing. Kong toys can be filled with biscuits or a special treat to keep the dog occupied for some time. Kong’s are also good at stimulating play and chase behaviour since they bounce unpredictably in different directions when thrown.

Activity balls

These are toys in which you can place small pieces of dry food inside (such as a portion of the dog’s daily food ration or mixer), the dog has to roll the ball around to get the food to drop out of the holes, because of this it keeps the dog occupied for quite some time.

For more information visit the Blue cross’ website and have a look at some of their articles as they can be very helpful https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-control-dogs-chewing

What NOT to Do

• Do not show your dog the damage he did and spank, scold or punish him after the fact. He cannot connect your punishment with some behaviour he did hours or even minutes ago.

• Do not use duct tape to hold your dog’s mouth closed around a chewed object for any length of time. This is inhumane, will teach your dog nothing, and dogs have died from this procedure.

• Do not tie a damaged object to your dog. This is inhumane and will teach your dog nothing.

• Do not leave your dog in a crate for lengthy periods of time (more than six hours) to prevent chewing.

• Do not muzzle your dog to prevent chewing.

Why not check out our web site or give us a call today to talk about our indoor dog fences. 01628 476475 or click here