Merry Dogs Blog

We have moved...

2010-04-14T17:23:00.000+01:00

Don't worry - we haven't gone far. We've simply moved the Merry Dogs blog onto the Merry Dogs website! Easier, more convenient - for you, and for us :)

Keep track of

special blog offers (including forthcoming one-day discounts)!
new product alerts!!
interesting dog-related news!!!
useful doggy information!!!

simply by clicking on this Merry Dogs blog link.

Special Easter offers to celebrate spring

2010-03-28T11:29:00.005+01:00

We are running some great Easter offers this year, with money off some our our most spring-like collars, beds and toys. The offers run from 2 to 5 April only, so don't miss out! Check out our 'Easter offers' page - the link will be on our home page from 2 April.

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Dogs and chocolate don't mix

Most people are aware that human chocolate is poisonous to many dogs so remember to keep your Easter eggs out of their reach. Here's what the Dogs Trust says about it:

Chocolate meant for human consumption contains theobromine which can be lethal – the darker the chocolate the higher amounts of theobromine. Toxic doses vary according to the size of dog and cocoa solid content of the chocolate. Do contact your vets immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate intended for human consumption – especially if you see any of the following symptoms; vomiting, a sore abdomen, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, slow heart rate or convulsions.

Merry Dogs - handmade dog collars, dog beds and dog toys
www.merrydogs.co.uk

Endangered species

2010-03-24T09:06:00.001Z

For all the wrong reasons, the lovely Jo Jo collar is going out of production. Not because it isn't popular (people and dogs love it) and not because it isn't a tough, dog-proof collar (of course it is), but because the stud manufacturer is discontinuing the turquoise studs....

This means that when our current stocks are gone we won't be able to replace them. So if you had been day-dreaming of purchasing a Jo Jo for your furry friend, we'd suggest you do so sooner rather than later. We also have a few matching leads still in stock if you'd like the full set!

Merry Dogs - Quality dog collars, dog beds and dog toys
www.merrydogs.co.uk

A chew-proof dog bed?!?

2010-03-19T21:11:00.000Z

Most dogs chew, chew, chew - some just for a year or two, some their whole lives through... Despairing owners, shredded bedding, worries about what Fido might or might not have 'ingested' (did you know that word before you got a dog?) - the list of problems is endless. Not to mention the ££££s your lovely mutt has munched.

So, do we have a solution? Of course we do!

The Kuranda chew-proof dog bed...

... and for heavy dogs the aluminium-frame chew-proof dog bed.

These beds are not only guaranteed against destruction for 12 whole months, they also have replaceable parts that are very cheap to buy once the 12 month is up. And they have other advantages:

Raised platform keeps dogs off hard and cold floors
Excellent orthopedic support
Super-comfy for lounging and sleeping
Lightweight - easy to move around
Easy to clean - hose, shower, cloth or bucket
Great for use in the home or the kennel
Sizes from Toy to XXL

Feel free to add blankets, cushions, duvets for dogs that don't chew! Kuranda beds range in price from £69.95 to £139.95

Merry Dogs - quality dog collars, dog beds and dog toys
www.merrydogs.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER: Memory foam dog beds at up to 40% off

2010-03-01T16:40:00.000Z

We have a great offer on at the moment - supportive, relaxing memory foam dog beds at up to 40% off their usual price. These beds are made in the UK, come with a removable, washable cover, and are priced £34.95 (small), £59.95 (medium) and £79.95 (large). Memory foam dog beds provide excellent support and comfort, and are particularly useful for dogs with skeletal problems and those with breathing and circulation difficulties.

These are top-quality beds that we have been able to supply at a special price while current stocks last.

www.merrydogs.co.uk

Charles Dickens dog collar sells for £7,340...

2010-02-23T11:38:00.000Z

A dog collar that once belonged to Charles Dickens' dog has sold at Bonham's in New York for £7,340. It's a lovely old leather collar, with a large brass plate engraved with his address: C. Dickens Esq, Gad's Hill Place, HIGHAM.

Dickens adored his home at Gad's Hill, and loved his dogs just as much. An article in the Atlantic magazine shortly after his death mentions some of his dogs:

'Quite a colony of dogs has always been a feature at Gad's Hill. When Dickens returned home from his last visit to America, these dogs were frequently spoken of in his letters. In May, 1868, he writes: "As you ask me about the dogs, I begin with them. The two Newfoundland dogs coming to meet me, with the usual carriage and the usual driver, and beholding me coming in my usual dress out at the usual door, it struck me that their recollection of my having been absent for any unusual time was at once cancelled. They behaved (they are both young dogs) exactly in their usual manner; coming behind the basket phaeton as we trotted along, and lifting their heads to have their ears pulled,—a special attention which they receive from no one else. But when I drove into the stable-yard, Linda (the St. Bernard) was greatly excited, weeping profusely, and throwing herself on her back that she might caress my foot with her great fore-paws. M.'s little dog, too, Mrs. Bouncer, barked in the greatest agitation, on being called down and asked, 'Who is this?' tearing round and round me like the dog in the Faust outlines.'

www.merrydogs.co.uk

Are we letting Springers down?

2010-02-16T10:25:00.001Z

Springer Spaniels are fabulous working dogs, and make great pets. But according to the Gundog Club more Springer owners are struggling to manage their dogs than any other gundog breed, and more Springers than ever are being rehomed during their 'teenage' years.

Like all breeds, Springers have their own individual character traits and therefore they need handling and training in a particular way. The Gundog Club are running a series of online articles, which you can read here, to help owners understand their Springer Spaniel and handle them correctly. They also offer advice for all owners of gundog breeds who experience training and management difficulties – click this link to find out more.

Given that breeds are so distinct in personality and character, we at Merry Dogs are convinced that they benefit from specially tailored training, and for all gundog owners, whether your dog is just a pet or will be a working dog, the Gundog Club is a good place to start.

'Teenage' dog years can be a challenging time for the most experienced owner, so don't hold back – get help and advice if you need it.

Ziggy in a Pickle

2010-02-02T09:52:00.005Z

Ziggy Webb, star of Dragon's Den, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Animal Planet's Top Dog, called into the Merry Dogs studio today sporting his latest collar and lead combo, the Pickles by cool San Fran designers Paco Collars.

Wondering if it's true that a Paco Collar can change a dog's life, we asked him how things had been since his latest transformation. A hint of a smile played around his muzzle as he answered, "A star needs to look the part, and that tatty nylon collar just didn't cut it. Real leather feels great on my fur, and my girls just love it." And with a wag of the tail and a wiggle of the butt the boy was gone, leaving a sprinkling of stardust drifting in the breeze.

Paco Collars – strength, love, style.

Get your paws on Paco Collars in the UK at Merry Dogs.

Vintage Welsh blanket dog beds - reused, re-loved

2010-01-29T21:24:00.000Z

New in stock at Merry Dogs – a range of fabulous dog beds made from vintage Welsh wool blankets, designed by Ben Fogle and Creature Clothes' Cosi Pole.

Taking a moment from his more adventurous activities, confirmed Labrador fan Ben Fogle teamed up with Creature Clothes to design these beautiful, authentic dog beds. The beds combine modern comforts (they are stuffed with two pieces of 15 tog duvet) with timeless, traditional country style, and the blankets' rarity means there are only a small number of beds made in each colourway.

To read more about these fabulous beds, part of the Fogle and Pole Vintage Collection, click here.

Happy Christmas from Merry Dogs!

2009-12-22T16:26:00.005Z

To all our customers and their furry friends,

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas
and a peaceful new year.

Wuf from

The Merry Dogs pack

Top dog Christmas gifts

2009-12-06T08:00:00.000Z

We were really excited to see that The Telegraph had chosen our beautiful Eva collar by Paco Collars, and the stylishly squidgy Heart bed by Creature Clothes as their top Christmas gifts for dog lovers for 2009.

We're proud as punch, but we know the real credit lies with the talented designers and craftspeople who produce them. Any dog would be delighted to find either one beneath their Christmas tree!

Supersize me!

2009-11-16T14:00:00.003Z

NEWS, NEWS, NEWS!! We're now selling Creature Clothes beds in Extra-large size. And boy are they big - a mighty 106x173cm (42x68in) - that's twice as large as its nearest rival, the Large bed!

From bones, to hearts, to stars, now all dogs supersize and small can have a Creature Clothes bed to cozy up in, on cold winter's nights. Follow this link to check out our dog beds.

Christmas decor

2009-11-12T13:25:00.001Z

What to wear for Christmas? It's an ongoing challenge for our furry friends. They want something colourful, seasonal, and fun without looking silly. After all, who looks good in silly antlers with tinsel round your neck?

Well, we may just have the answer to this canine quandry, with these beautiful Creature Clothes Christmas bandanas. They come in two sizes, and three designs, and slip easily over your dog's collar. Each bandana costs £9.95. Click here for more information.

More product testing - stage 1

2009-11-05T08:45:00.004Z

Product: Pandora leather dog collar by Paco Collars.

Test: Play fighting with new-best-friend labrador in field of cut wheat.

Outcome:

Test completed by: Merry Dogs Chief Product Tester.

Testing, testing

2009-10-30T14:31:00.001Z

We've got an extra dog staying with us at the moment. She's a very sweet young Labrador. So, with an extra dog in the house, we thought we'd better get out an extra bed. So out came a Flectabed for the tiled-floor dining room.

It took them a day or two to take any interest in it, but now you can't drag them off it - obviously the heat-reflective pad is doing its work, and providing a warm and rewarding sleeping station!

So the Chief Product Testers at Merry Dogs agree that the Flectabed bed range 'does exactly what it says on the tin'.

Flying the flag

2009-10-19T20:04:00.009+01:00

We really love selling items that are made in the UK, and none better or more appropriate than this fantastic Union Jack dog bed.

This stunning bed is made in rural Suffolk, and is the perfect combination of style, comfort and practicality. Not only is it beautiful to look at, the two squishy 15 tog duvet pads make it ultra-comfortable and 100% washable.

The flag pattern is made up of layers of applique'd fabric, and there's an easy-open zip to remove the inner pads for machine washing. It comes in small, medium and large sizes, priced £89.99 to £124.95.

Treat, anyone?!

2009-10-16T22:07:00.000+01:00

The Merry Dogs newsletter is a great place to find out about the latest fabulous new product in stock. We also use it to tell you about special offers and exclusive discounts you won't find anywhere else.

And we're going one better - we're offering you a 5% discount on your next order when you sign up to our newsletter. How can you resist? Go to our homepage and sign up today!

Do dogs need a coat (apart from the one they were born with)?

2009-10-15T18:18:00.017+01:00

Not every dog needs a dog coat, but old dogs, ill dogs, and dogs with thin coats often appreciate one in wet, windy and/or cold conditions. All Merry Dogs' coats are made from advance-performance sports fabrics, and there's one for every occasion!

Choosing a Dog Rain Coat is straightforward - you need it to be waterproof (of course), windproof, breathable and light.

For windy days, or as an extra layer around house and home, the Wind-Resistant Dog Coat is nice and stretchy, for comfort, and has 4x the 'windproofness' as standard fleece. It also combines well with the raincoat for a great two-layer combo that adapts to all conditions.

Snowy, icy conditions call for something a bit special, and the Winter Dog Coat provides all the warmth your dog will need. Because it goes right under the body and down the top of the front legs it's also great for active dogs that pick up snowballs in their fur. And the highly breathable underbelly fabric will leave them comfortable whatever their level of activity.

So, dogs big and small, old and young can benefit from the right coat for the right conditions.

Obsession

2009-09-21T08:32:00.004+01:00

I always feel the need to examine dogs' collars and leads. The owners must think I am very odd. As well as a scratch on the chin, any dog that comes to greet me gets a full collar inspection. If it seems good quality and looks good, I'm a happy bunny. If the poor dog is wearing a tacky & cheap collar I am strangely disappointed - it seems an unnecessary blight on the dog's life. I wonder if you can get help for this sort of obsession?

Welcome to the Merry Dogs blog

2009-09-18T10:07:00.002+01:00

Welcome to the new Merry Dogs blog!

We will be posting news about new products on the Merry Dogs website, as well as doggy ideas & inspiration, photography, arty stuff, pretty much anything and everything dog-related that catches our eye.

Get in touch with us any time at info@merrydogs.co.uk, and check out the website at www.merrydogs.co.uk.

Thanks for reading!

Alison
Merry Dogs Ltd