A Dog's Life Summer Holiday 2013

After last years video I had to make another, We all went to the same place again but with a new fostered addition, Angus. Angus parents would like to see if they would like to find him a new home and I offered to help out for a few weeks to see if they were making the right decision, so he joined us on holiday.

We had an amazing time, hope you enjoy the video.

Crufts 2013 Good Citizen Gold Display Team

Yay, we finally made it!

Sine I was a little girl I have always wanted to get on the green carpet, and it didn't disappoint, we had a fantastic time. After all the training you have seen in the video Beau didn't let me down on the day.

The day started at getting up at 3.30am, getting there at 6.30pm, practice at 8.30, first display at 10am and a second at lunch and a 4th at 5pm. 

Beau was crated when she wasn't demonstrating but refused to sleep. Being a guarding breed she likes to know where we are at all times and being in a crate meant she couldn't folow, so the poor girl stayed awake till we got home at 6pm. Bless.

Here is the video I made 

Here is the video Crufts filmed on us on the green carpet.

Summer Super Fruit Dog Treats

I have had tinned blueberries in my cupboard for ages now,  I brought them to try and make Beau some treats. I didn't have a recipe for it so that was probabaly why I haven't made them, too scared of cocking it up. 

 As we know cranberries and blueberries are classed as SUPER fruits and are full of antioxidants that are good for us, the same with dogs and really safe for them to eat, Beau loves eating dried cranberries with me straight out of the packet, but like us it all needs to be in moderation.

1 - What you need.

         Tin of blueberries 

          1 Egg

          2 Tablespoons of breadcrumbs

          A small handfull of dried cranberries (soak in water for 30mins first)

          2 1/2 Table spoons of dried coconut flakes.

          2 Teaspoons of oregano

          Wholemeal flour

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2 - Drain the blueberries and keep the juice, just in case your mixture gets too dry you can add this later.

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3 - Add all your ingredients. With the flour I don't measure as it can depend how large your egg is or how much juice is left in the blueberries, so just keep adding little bits till it gets less sticky. 

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4 - Mix and mulch with your hands, remember keeping adding the flour when needed.

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5 - When it starts to stick together I then start picking it up and throwing it back in the bowl, I don't know why but it helps stick it all together.

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6 - Roll in a ball and wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge from 30-40 minutes to harden up so that it is easier to roll out.

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7 - As the mixture was so large I halved it and rolled onto a floured surface. You may have to keep sprinkling flour on it so that it doesn't stick to the rolling pin. I then used my new pasta cutter to cut into strips, but you can use cookie cutters or a knife.

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8 - As I am using mine as training treat I had to make them smaller, so I gentley rolled my pasta cutter over the top so that it just scored half way through, as this makes it easier when cooked to snap off into smaller chunks.

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9 - I then used my palet knife and moved to to baking paper in an oven 200 degrees celsius for around 20 minutes. As all ovens are different I would advise that you keep an eye on them, you will know when they are done when the ends go a darker brown. They should be crispy on the outside and still be soft in the middle.

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Gorgeous healthy super fruit treats.

Happy dogs wanting the next one.

Ice Cold Treats

Hello, seems like ages but summer seems to be here this year, and just before I was about to book a holiday to Spain, but I think Beau is quite happy that we stayed and  are taking her to Devon instead.

To help keep Beau cool in this hot weather I decided to try making some doggy ice pops, similar to what I have sen on Pinterest. Dead easy no cooking, you just need to boil the kettle.

1 - Get some yoghurt pots and eat... then get your dog to clean the pot for you.

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2 - Make up some stock, I used chicken but I think fish, beef and veg would work as well.

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3 - Use some of your dogs favourite treats and cut/rip into small chunks. I used sausage, digestives, chicken strips and some other dog treats.

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4 - Pour a little of the stock at the bottom of each tub.

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5 - Then freeze. While this is freezing put your stock in the fridge to cool down because otherwise when you add the next layer it will melt your first one as it will still be warm.

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 6 - Keep doing this this till you have all your treats in, adding new treats to each layer and freezing.

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7 - When fully frozen give to your dog to enjoy.

Tip. If it doesn't want to come out of your yoghurt pot then warm the sides of the pot with warm water and it should slip out. I also recommend giving this to your dog when they are outside as it can get messy and sticky.

Mixed fruit treats next blog.x.