Home Dog Boarding in Brentwood - Millie

Millie came to stay a couple of weekends ago, but I've been so busy I haven't had time to update properly.

What a beauty! A working cocker and it took me all weekend and a few hundred photos to get this - she hardly ever sat still.

The weather was very warm, so I made some tuna icecubes:


Took the dogs for a swim:


And went to the beach:


Finally, we got this:


Which is my favourite thing in all the world. A tired and happy dog sleeping.

Safe Car Travel for Dogs

At the front of my mind, at all times, is the safety and security of the dogs that I walk.

Safety while travelling is very important; as I walk dogs in small groups, sometimes my first pick up can be in the van for around half an hour before we get to our destination, again on the way back and the local country parks where I walk are nearly all on 60mph roads. I don't travel this fast, but other drivers do. The dogs need to be transported securely, so they can't distract me, or injure each other.


Millie & Max in the back crates, Beauty & Fred behind them.

In an accident, a loose dog can turn into a missile. If its lucky enough not to go through the windscreen, it could be thrown around inside, most likely breaking bones. If a medium (or larger) dog hits the driver from behind, it can push the driver into the windscreen – some dogs can weigh as much as a small adult – one of the dogs I walk is at least as heavy as I am, if not heavier.

Even in the event of a small collision, doors can be thrown open, or passers-by may open a door to check the driver is okay and the dogs escape – straight into traffic, or out of sight and lost. All dogs I carry are taught an open door is not an invitation to go through it, and they cannot get through into the front of the van.


Fred waiting patiently for his release cue.

Should someone 'helpfully' open a door and try to get the dogs out, if they aredistressed by an accident they may not be able to remember their training and bolt. Or, in their distress or possibly pain, they may bite their rescuer. Crates are essential, to keep the 'helpful' at bay if nothing else!

A lead fixed to a fixture of the car, or to the seatbelt is not secure. The clips are not made to withstand the forces generated by flying dogs and may come undone, or allow the dog to be strangled, or even have its neck broken. Dog car harnesses are an alternative, but most are not 'crash-tested' and still allow the dog to move off the seat, or worse, step on the buckle, releasing themselves. When carrying multiple dogs, they should not be allowed to interfere with each other. Even the friendliest dog may bite if it's been stepped on enough times.

Even if the dog is in a crate, unless it is bolted to the floor it can also be thrown around the car, or, if fold up or 'cheap' crates are used, these can be destroyed by the force of the dog hitting it from the inside.

My van has been specially designed to contain the dogs safely and securely. I have two custom built crates at the back of the van, lockable.


Space for a Great Dane in the back, she chose to get in this crate.

A metal divider and bulkhead for the front half – this works just like the crates in the back but there is more headroom for the larger dogs.


Conrad and Scarlet, enjoying the view, their height lets them see out of the windows.

The bulkhead prevents them from coming forward into the cab, even in the event of an collision.


From the outside, the van looks tiny.



Scarlet and Conrad seem quite comfy though!


Many thanks to Advanced Systems (UK) Ltd in Kent, especially Alan who took my wishlist, told me which bits were ridiculous, and made the rest exactly how I imagined it. I'm very happy with the van!

Puppies, puppies, puppies

From 20th July I have a weekly space opening up for ONE puppy under 6 months old, in the Brentwood, Shenfield or Hutton area. My last remaining youngster will be enjoying her family's company through the school summer holiday, and when she comes back in September she will be old enough to muck in with the teenagers.

I may be able to squeeze in a part-timer as well, depending on which days are needed.

Puppies benefit from two or more 30 minute visits a day. This makes sure they aren't over-tired by my visits, nor are they left for long periods. Prior to vaccination we play educational games in the house or garden, I feed and water them, clear up any mess and make sure they are happy. Once vaccinated we take short walks, play more games and generally have enough fun so pup is happy to sleep once I have gone.

This is a very popular service, so if you are waiting for a puppy to be old enough to bring home, or looking for a puppy now, please do get in touch as early as you can. Most pups graduate to my dog walking service at around six months. I will also take puppies in for boarding, depending on their age. If you have a holiday booked for this year, consider collecting your puppy when you come home.

Some of the pups I've looked after:
























Preparing your puppy with skills for life. We can work on any training you are doing, as well as teaching some basic manners and the basis for a solid, lifelong recall.

We visit a minimum of two half hour sessions each day up to around 5-7 months. Puppies under 8 weeks old are not accepted. Up to 12 weeks puppies can be visited three times a day. We will feed, clean up any mess and encourage house training, plus checking water and playing lots of 'educational' games.

Once inoculated and adequately prepared, puppies will be walked for around 10 minutes per visit, progressing to walking the full 30 minutes by 5/6 months.

Walks consist of encouraging focus on me, rewarding toileting, teaching that when I stop, they stop, how to greet people and other dogs and rewarding loose lead walking. I also teach them not to rush out of open doors, although this will need to be reinforced by puppy's owners as well. This can save your dog's life!

Between 5 and 7 months, Puppy can move to a one hour session. Large or giant breeds may need a 45 minute session until they are 12 months. Most puppies benefit from being walked with other dogs, however, solo walks may be an option if you would prefer puppy to continue to be walked alone.

Advice on raising puppies comes from many sources - your pup's breeder should have given you plenty of information and be available to advise through pup's life. We can back up their service with advice on feeding, excercise, training and training classes, chewing, and may be able to help with other issues you may be experiencing with your pup.