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What’s Toxic to Our Pets? A Guide to Poisoning, Toxic Foods & Autumn Hazards. This is a slightly different blog for me. Usually, our Sniffari Adventures posts are full of muddy paws, wagging tails, adventures and a little bit of chaos. But this is one I feel very strongly about writing because it comes from personal experience. I once lost a much-loved pet to poisoning. Her name was Zoe, and she was a wonderful cat and a master hunter. One day, she caught a rat that had unfor

When you hear the words puppy socialisation, you might immediately picture a group of puppies tumbling around together, chasing each other and having the time of their lives. And yes, meeting other dogs can be part of it. But puppy socialisation is so much more than that. It’s about helping your puppy experience the world around them in a safe, positive and manageable way, so they can grow into a dog who feels comfortable and confident in everyday situations. And the best par

Autumn is on its way! 🍁 The days are getting a little shorter, the mornings are getting cooler, and before we know it we'll be reaching for our jumpers and wondering where summer went. But autumn isn't something to be gloomy about — it's actually a brilliant time of year to enjoy adventures with your dog. There are crunchy leaves to investigate, puddles to splash through, cooler walks to enjoy and plenty of excuses to slow down and get cosy at home. And let's be honest, when

A crate can be a fantastic addition to your puppy's home. Done properly, it can become a cosy little den where your puppy can relax, sleep and have some quiet time. But there’s a big difference between crate training positively and simply putting a puppy in a crate and shutting the door. The aim isn't: “This is where the puppy goes when they're being naughty.” It's: “This is my puppy's safe, cosy place where good things happen.” 🐶💚 So, let's talk about the pros, the cons, h

Bringing home a puppy is exciting. There are cuddles, playtime, tiny zoomies… and then there's the moment you discover your puppy has decided the middle of your living room is actually an excellent toilet. 😂 Don't panic! Toilet training takes time, patience and consistency. Your puppy isn't being naughty — they're learning where you want them to go, and they haven't yet developed the bladder control of an adult dog. The good news? With a simple routine and plenty of positiv

Congratulations! You've brought home your new puppy. 🎉🐶 You've bought the bed, the toys, the food, the tiny collar and probably enough puppy-related things to fill an entire room. You've taken approximately 400 photographs already. And then your puppy wees on the floor. 😂 Welcome to puppyhood! Bringing a puppy home is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Suddenly, you have this tiny new family member relying on you to teach them about the world.

When we think about keeping our dogs healthy and happy, most of us immediately think about walks. But what if I told you that one of the most important things you can do for your dog's wellbeing isn't another walk at all? It's making sure they get enough rest. Just like us, dogs need a balance between activity and relaxation. While walks, playtime and training are fantastic for both physical and mental health, they also need time for their brains and bodies to recover. In fac

Have you ever wished your dog could tell you exactly how they were feeling? The truth is, they already are. Dogs communicate with us every single day through their body language, facial expressions, posture, tails and vocalisations. Learning to recognise these signals can help prevent misunderstandings, strengthen your bond and even keep both you and your dog safe. As dog owners, it's important that we look at the whole picture. A wagging tail doesn't always mean a happy dog,

Leaving your dog at home can be difficult for both of you, but for some dogs, being left alone is much more than a little disappointment. It can cause genuine fear and panic. Separation anxiety is something that's very close to my heart because my own Jack Russell, Teddi, struggled with it when she was younger. I remember the routine all too well. I'd get up, make my coffee, get dressed, brush my teeth, turn on the radio and put my shoes on. Every single step of that routine

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is: "How do I stop my dog pulling on the lead?" The good news is that you don't need expensive equipment, fancy gadgets or harsh training methods. In fact, all you really need is patience, consistency and a little bit of time. I know because I've been teaching my own dog, Teddi. Teddi is now six years old, and we've been working on loose lead walking together. So, if you've ever heard the saying "You can't teach an old dog new t

🐾 Positive Reinforcement: Why Kindness is the Best Way to Train Your Dog "Good dogs aren't born... they're guided with patience, encouragement and plenty of treats!" 🦴💚 If you've ever taught your dog to sit, rewarded them for coming back when called or praised them for walking nicely on the lead, congratulations – you've already used positive reinforcement! But what exactly is positive reinforcement, and why do so many trainers and behaviourists recommend it? Let's take a

Have you ever wondered why your dog insists on stopping every few metres to sniff... well, everything? A lamppost. A patch of grass. Another dog's footprints. That interesting-looking leaf. While it might seem like your dog is delaying the walk, they're actually doing something incredibly important. To them, every sniff is like reading the morning newspaper! At Sniffari Adventures Plymouth, we believe every walk should be about more than just exercise. It's about giving dogs

15 Fun Indoor Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy During a Heatwave 🐶☀️ Looking for ways to entertain your dog indoors? Discover 15 fun enrichment activities to keep your dog happy, stimulated and cool during a heatwave. When It's Too Hot Outside... Bring the Fun Indoors! If you've read our recent blog about keeping your dog safe in hot weather, you'll know that some days are simply too hot for a walk. And that's okay! To read the Keeping your dog safe in hot weather blog clic

Summer is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, but when temperatures start to rise, it's important to remember that our dogs feel the heat differently than we do. While we might enjoy a sunny stroll, our four-legged friends can quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerously overheated. As much as they love their daily adventures, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is stay home. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe during hot w

Hello and welcome to Sniffari Adventures Plymouth! I'm so excited you're here, and I can't wait to tell you a little bit about who I am, what Sniffari Adventures is all about, and why your dog's next favourite adventure could be just around the corner. If you're wondering what a "Sniffari" is, it's exactly what it sounds like—a sniffing safari! Dogs experience the world through their noses, and giving them the chance to stop, sniff, explore, and investigate isn't just fun, it