How To Keep Your Dog Stimulated Indoors

As pet parents, most of us are used to spending lots of time outdoors with our four-legged-friends. As that’s not possible at the moment, what are the best ways to keep our dogs healthy and happy at home?

Here are the Guru Geeks’ tips for keeping your dog active during the lockdown.

Walkies?

Current government guidance is that it’s OK to walk your dog (which counts as your daily exercise), provided you obey social distancing rules. As we humans are allowed to exercise only once, it’s a bit tricky if your dog needs two daily walks. The good news is that if you’re a two-adult household, your dog gets two walks.

If you’re not out-and-about as much as usual, how do you keep your dog happy indoors?

Learn a New Skill

Just as we humans are having a go at yoga/Spanish/crochet, your dog can also use this opportunity to learn a new skill. Try teaching your Geekster a new command or an appealing new trick such as waving or rolling.

If you really want to go for it, set up a dog agility class in the garden, or even the hallway. We had a look on WikiHow for DIY agility course ideas – a brilliant boredom-buster for both of you.

Make Food Time Fun

If you’ve never tried feeding your dog with a Kong toy, go for it. Dogs love the challenge of working for their food, as it’s closer to natural behaviour. Fill it with their Guru bites and have fun watching them.  You can also mix their Guru into a PAWridge (check out our ‘How to Mix with Water’ video on the Feeding Guide page of our website) and spread it onto a lickimat to help keep them stimulated.

Many of you have taken advantage of our cold pressed Trip Bone packs. Our smaller Field Trip bones (47g) are suitable for small to medium dogs and our larger Road Trip bones (118g) are pawfect for our medium to large dogs.

Remember, it’s super important to keep your dog on a healthy diet if their exercise regime has changed. If you want to discuss your dog’s lockdown menu, please get in touch with us at Guru.

Daily Exercises

Hopefully you’re in a position to carry on with the daily walks, even if they’re a bit shorter, and you can’t visit your favourite parks. However, whatever you can do is a bonus, and you’ll both enjoy getting out together. If you have a garden, this is about to become the most important room in your house! We’ve had fun watching pet parents on social media hide Guru bites in the garden, then sitting back to watch them forage for their dinner. This is a super way of keeping your Geekster active and occupied during meal times.

If you don’t have a garden, clear a space as a dog exercise zone. Hunting games, fetch and tug-of-war can be played indoors or outdoors, and will keep your dog engaged and active. If anyone wants to set themselves up as “The Joe Wicks for Dogs”, we are so up for it…

Spa Days

If your pooch loves a pamper, why not use some special dog shampoo and set up a pet beauty parlour. This is a great activity to do with the kids, helping them to learn about animal care. A pack of our Nothing To Hide Reel Fishskins is always a great reward for your well-behaved customer.

And Chill…

Yes, there are plenty of “Petflix” style channels out there if your dog would simply like to relax on the sofa for a bit. Dog TV is free for the next month, and promises lots of “dog-friendly content”. Of course, your pet will also be extremely happy just snuggled up with you as you catch up with your human-TV boxsets.

But don’t forget that while you may be feeling a bit stressed and cooped up at home, your four-legged friend is delighted to have you around 24/7. Try to make the most of the time away from work or school to really bond with your pooch. After all, being with your pet is one of the best ways to destress and they make wonderful lockdown companions.

This is a challenging time for us all right now, we wish you and your family good health x

How To Treat Your Dog On ‘Love Your Pet Day’

Here at Guru we LOVE Valentine’s Day, however don’t forget that a few days after on the 20th of February, it’s time to celebrate Love Your Pet Day!

Of course, we love our pets every single day of the year, but it’s nice to take the time occasionally to celebrate them properly. After all, think of all the love and devotion that your dog gives to you, 24/7.

As proud pet parents, we’re already planning how to treat our Geeksters on 20 February. Here are a few of the ideas we came up with for this year’s Love Your Pet Day.

A Doggie Day Out To Remember

Where does your dog most love to go? The local park, the beach, the woods? Take some time out to have a good long walk or run in your dogs’ favourite place. OK, it’s February, but your dog is unlikely to mind a bit of rain (just pack those old towels and car seat covers). If the weathers really bad, you could always watch a dog-friendly Disney movie and have a cuddle on the sofa.

Their Favourite Treats

Keep the chocs for Valentine’s Day – unfortunately, your pet can’t eat humans’ favourite foodie treat, as chocolate is harmful for dogs. However, we have the pawfect suggestion: a ‘Love is in the Air’ Trip Bone. They come in two different sizes and can be used as a treat or food on the go, ideal for taking with you when you go for your doggie day out. They’re super tasty, with a variety of natural ingredients to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.

A Spa (Grooming) Day

Naturally, this depends on your dogs personality. Like humans, some love the whole beauty regime thing, while others flee from the sound of running water. If you have a dog that loves to be fussed, book them into your local groomers for a Love Your Pet Day pamper. Then, a bowl of Pawsecco followed by a stroll to show off their new groom perhaps?

A Present

One of the many reasons we love dogs is their enthusiasm for everything – and when you give them a new toy, they nearly explode with excitement! A squeaky duck, a ball or a pheasant on a rope will delight them for hours. If they’ve got plenty of toys, how about a comfy new bed or a harness in this season’s colours? As you can probably tell, we love shopping for our pets…

A Trip To The Pub 

No, we’re not straying too far into human date night territory, but many pubs are now dog friendly. If you do pop in for a pint or a G & T, make sure you take along a Trip bone or a packet of our Venison Sausages so they don’t feel left out. Pub chain BrewDog (the clue’s in the name) are super dog-friendly. So friendly, in fact, that BrewDog staff get parental leave when they adopt a dog. Cuddles and fuss are guaranteed if you take your dog to one of their bars and they’ll even host a party for your dog.

A Playdate

You could even hook up with some of  your dog’s friends down the pub. Getting together with their best buddies is a lovely way for your dog to celebrate Love Your Pet day. You could also arrange a meet up with your two-legged and four-legged friends down the park for some family fun. This year, Love Your Pet Day falls in half term, so the kids can have a great time too!

If You Don’t Have A Pet Yet…

What better way to show your love for pets than by adopting one? There are so many dogs out there, just waiting for their furever home and a good place to start is at your local dogs home.

Whatever you choose to do on Love Your Pet Day 2020, end it with a snuggle on the sofa. Because for your dog, the most wonderful part of the day (and indeed any day) is simply being with you.

Thanks for reading and to @bellalovesbeau for the adorable images… we hope ‘Love is in the Air’ for you this Valentines and Love Your Pet Day x  

10 Weight Loss Tips For Dogs

Are you a bit worried about your dog’s weight? Like us humans, dogs can occasionally tip the scales a bit and need to get back to their healthy weight. Happily, in most cases, it’s really easy to shed those extra inches.

Here’s how you can help your dog regain their ideal weight.

1.) Feed Your Dog A Healthy Diet

Dogs follow the same basic principles as humans when it comes to weight loss: how much food is going in compared with how much energy is being used. So, if your dog needs to lose a bit of weight, begin by looking at what’s in their bowl.

Some foods are higher in fats and bulky carbs than others.  Guru only uses quality proteins that can be lacking in many commercial dog foods and they also insist on including tasty fruits and veggies. The unique, low temperature cold pressing method, helps retain much more of the nutrients and vitamins in every bite.  Guru is also nutritionally dense, helping to keep your dog fuller for longer. This means you can cut down on treats or snacks, which can often be the cause of overfeeding.

2.) Measure The Portions Correctly

Even the healthiest food can lead to weight gain if it isn’t properly managed. Some dogs have an off-switch, others don’t – which is why it’s super-important to control portion sizes.

If you’re already feeding your dog Guru, then you can use our handy feeding guide to make sure they’re getting the perfect amount. Not only will this prevent them from overeating, but it will also cut down the need for snacks, as their tummies should be happily full and content after a Guru meal.

3.) Keep An Eye On Doggy Treats

Most dogs love a treat and cutting them out altogether can have a detrimental effect on training and rewarding good behaviour. So why you’re focused on regaining your dogs’ ideal weight, save treats for special occasions, for when you want to let them know they’ve been really well behaved. Also, remember to stick to treats which are healthy, such as our Reel Fishskins, as they’re packed with nutritious Omega 3.

4.) Cut Back On The Human Food

We know, we know… those puppy dog eyes staring up at the roast are very hard to resist. However, if you want your dog to lose weight, those human treats need to be cut right down, or preferably, out. Give your pet something else to do during human mealtimes, such as a favourite toy to play with.

5.) Make Sure Your Dog Is Exercising

As we pet parents know, diet needs to be combined with exercise for sustainable weight loss; and daily exercise helps to keep your dog happy and engaged, too.

Each breed has its own different needs; however, as a rule, most adult dogs require a minimum of 30 minutes exercise a day. Naturally, this changes as they get older, but don’t be tempted to cut out walkies for an older or arthritic pet: weight gain puts more pressure on those stiff joints.

6.) Run As Well As Walk

A slow stroll to the post box is better than nothing and may even be enough for a dog in their golden years. However, for some breeds, a short walk on a leash simply isn’t enough exercise.

If you have a Spaniel, Collie or German Shepherd, for example, they naturally need plenty of scamper time. Try to factor in off-lead time into their walks – a park or field is ideal, where they can run around happily, keeping fit and living their best, natural lives.

7.) Encourage Play Time

Liven up their daily exercise routine with some fun games. This is especially good if your dog is a bit of a couch potato and needs encouragement to exercise.

If you have a garden, easy access to outside is a great way to help your pooch stay active, especially if you can add a few simple dog toys like balls and chews. Indoor dog? There are plenty of home-friendly dog toys out there, even small agility sets.

8.) Join The Gym

You’d be surprised by how many dog exercise classes are out there. Joining an agility class is a great way to keep your dog fit, and you’ll meet up with some great fellow pet parents as well. If a class isn’t possible, some public parks have their own canine playgrounds with agility equipment.

A quick online search will show your local options. Dog fitness classes can range from yoga to swimming (yes, really), or simply sociable training sessions in the park.

9.) Start A Food And Exercise Journal

It can really help to keep a record of what your dog eats and what exercise they take – very like human slimming classes! This helps you make sure that any weight loss is slow, steady and sustainable. You’ll also need to record their weight to track progress.

10.) Get On The Scales

Help maintain a healthy weight by regularly weighing your dog. This is easier said than done. If you’re the proud parent of a miniature dachshund, simply weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the dog, then do the maths. As you can imagine, this option isn’t possible with larger breeds. You can buy dog weighing scales online; however, this isn’t a cheap option, so it may be easier to visit the vet for a regular weigh-in.

If you have any concerns about your dog being overweight, then it may be worth speaking to your vet. However, in most cases, you can help your pet regain their svelte shape with a few tweaks to their diet and exercise.

Here at Guru, we’ve had many ‘Biggest Loser’ success stories over the years, so get in touch if you’d like further information. Eat, play, love… let’s start the year on a high and help your best friend live their best Geekster life.

HUGE thanks to our special Geekster Cooper for allowing us to share his photos whilst showing off his fantastic physique x 

It’s Boxing Day so let’s celebrate The Beautiful Boxer!

Energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent – and real comedians. There are so many good things to say about boxers. ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Dogs show polled the boxer at number six; and at Guru HQ, we were delighted to see this bounciest of breeds make the top ten.

Here’s just a few reasons why we love boxers.

Boxers love everything

Boxers are enthusiastic and extrovert, and absolutely love their life and everything in it. They are the most exuberant of dogs, and are simply the best fun to be around. They love to play and interact with their human families, and absolutely adore them. They’re great around kids of all ages, and love to be the centre of attention.

As you may have gathered, boxers are not the most restful of pets and they don’t even slow down much with age! Make sure you feed them the diet they need to keep their energy levels up: our Cold Pressed Full On Feast, for example, is packed with essential nutrients for busy boxers.

Boxing clever

These are really intelligent and independent dogs with big personalities and a sense of adventure. This makes a well-trained boxer one of the best companions you could wish for.

However, as we all know, independence can easily become stubbornness; and like a clever child, the boxer will try it on. Make sure they’re well trained when they’re puppies, and that they’re very clear who’s boss. A boxer who understands their place in the pack will actually be more settled and content than one who’s unsure of boundaries.

Boxers are brilliant with people

Boxers are very affectionate dogs who love being with people. They are wonderfully loyal to their human family, and are known for being great with kids. These sociable dogs love being entertained, and our boxer pet parents tell us that they actually seem to have a sense of humour!

The flip side of this sociable nature is that boxers can experience separation anxiety, so this is something to consider if you work long hours.

They have sooooo much energy

The boxer loves to play and bounce around. They have heaps of physical energy, which makes them the perfect pets for sporty, outdoorsy families.

They’re also the greatest dancers. If there were a Strictly Come Doggy Dancing, this breed would win every season, paws down. Don’t believe us? Type “dancing boxer dogs” into YouTube.

Boxers make good guard dogs

Boxers are naturally protective, which in general is a good thing. However, they need careful training as pups to make sure that this is channelled properly, and their protective instinct doesn’t lead to any aggressive traits.

Your boxer will also want to look after its pack (your family) so make sure they are well socialised from a young age to avoid over-protectiveness.

They are incredibly handsome dogs

With their intelligent faces and strong, powerful bodies, these are fine-looking dogs. Even though they’re large, they have an almost feline grace, and walk elegantly on their surprisingly small paws, tail held up.

Just be mindful, as with all dogs, Boxers can gain weight if they’ve been spayed or neutered. Guru’s food is easy to measure, so you can make sure you’re giving them the right quantity for their needs.

Are you bowled over (possibly literally) by the boxer? If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal and enthusiastic pet, we think they’re a brilliant choice. Let us know how you get on with your new best friend/dancing partner!

Happy Boxing Day Geeksters and see ya in 2020 xox  

How would you know if your dog has a food allergy? One of the most common signs of an allergic reaction to a food or ingredient is a skin rash, but other symptoms can be itchy paws and ear infections. If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s always advisable to seek the advice of your vet. However, you can also take a close look at what your pet’s eating, as the reason could stem from one or more of the ingredients in their diet. If this is the case, it may take some time as you patiently play detective and try to eliminate ingredients or introduce novel proteins (such as duck or venison) your dog has not eaten before.

What are food allergies in dogs?

Oh, don’t we all wish they could talk! If there are no obvious signs, such as a rash or itchy paws, it can be tricky to spot a food allergy in a dog as their symptoms may be similar to other ailments. Food allergies occur when your dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food, usually a protein, as harmful and the immune system then produces defensive antibodies to fight them.

One of the quickest ways to rule out potential food intolerances is by switching to a hypoallergenic food. Guru’s Tasty Tucker can really help your pet’s day-to-day health as it’s not only hypoallergenic but as with all of Guru’s recipes, it’s also free from gluten.

How is hypoallergenic dog food different?

‘Hypoallergenic’ simply means ‘unlikely to cause an allergic reaction’ and some foods contain a variety of protein sources with limited or novel ingredients and can also be grain free.

One protein that is low on the list of potential allergens is chicken, so a good place to start would be our Tasty Tucker that also includes fish with healthy omega 3 oils. This limited ingredient approach is a simple (and tasty) way of feeding your dog with identifiable food allergies.

Our popular Venison Sausages are a single, novel protein and don’t contain any other meat. As many dogs have not eaten venison, this rare and delicious treat could be the answer. We also use duck as a main source of protein in our Full On Feast recipe which is both grain and gluten free.

Can healthy food prevent allergies?

Yes it can! We’re conscious that food allergies are a problem and we keep this in mind while creating our recipes. For example, we use maize germ in our food as it offers high levels of energy and is easily digestible but the germ doesn’t have the starchy endosperm that contains the carbs and gluten. Also, in the recipes where we include grain, we prefer to use brown rice for carbohydrates, as very few dogs seem to be allergic to it.

We also use a limited number of main ingredients, which hark back to our home feeding days, as meat can be a common cause of allergies in dogs. This is one of the reasons why we ensure that all our varieties of food and treats are made with different proteins.

If you would like to know more about our ingredients or our cold pressed food, please drop us a line at [email protected] or you can also find a full list of ingredients and nutrients on the shop page of our website.

If you think your dog may have an allergy or food intolerance, there’s no need to panic. Get in touch with the Guru Geeks and we’ll help you find the the perfect hypoallergenic dog food for your Geekster xx

Why border collies are the best companions.

Need your family rounding up in the morning? Introduce a beautiful border collie to your household! These intelligent dogs are truly remarkable, and we reckon that whoever came up with the phrase “man’s best friend” was thinking about border collies.

ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Dogs poll lists border collies at number seven. Here’s why they are one of the nation’s best-loved companions.

Borders have brains

The border collie is officially the most intelligent dog on the planet (there’s a global ranking of dog breeds, based on a measure of instinctive, adaptive and obedience/work intelligence). They love being given tasks, hence their success as sheep and farm dogs, and form close bonds with their owners.

However, these alert dogs need training when they’re very young if you want to harness that intelligence. Trust us, you don’t want a bored border.

…and beauty

They are simply stunning dogs. Border collies come in a range of colours, with the black and white variety being the best known. Their long, elegant faces shine with intelligence, and their bodies are lithe and graceful.

Borders can have long or short coats, but all have the dense layer of fur that outdoor animals need. Their thick pelts need plenty of looking after, and an Omega 3-rich diet like Guru helps to promote coat health.

They can be trained to do so much

They’re not simply sheep dogs. The versatile border collie can be found working as sniffer dogs and as an essential part of search and rescue teams. They’re also great at agility, so training for dog shows can be a great way to keep their busy brains and bodies occupied.

Borders seem to really love the attention they get during a training session, and are touchingly eager to please.

Border collies make lovely companions

Border collies are loyal and loving, and can develop a genuinely close relationship with their owner. They usually have a special bond with one person, but will still be loving and friendly with the rest of the household.

Because of this, a well-trained collie can make a lovely family pet, with a playful nature that makes them excellent dogs for lively, outdoorsy households. However, the herding instinct is strong. We’re not joking when we say they might attempt to round up the kids and any other pets (the cat will be particularly unimpressed by this).

Borders are playful and energetic

This feels like an understatement. If you want a dog who’ll love to play catch, fetch and chase with you, borders are always up for a game. They need tons of exercise, loads of space and plenty of tasks for them to think about.

Borders also thrive on human company, to the point where they can develop separation anxiety if left alone. Ideally, a border collie lives in a house with a good-sized garden, and where at least one person remains at home with them.

They are charming older dogs

When they’re older, their bodies may slow down but their brains don’t: they’re not that dissimilar to their human companions, really. Elderly border collies still need plenty of mental stimulation and company to keep them happy.

However, you’ll need to adjust their calorie intake to allow for the drop in activity – have a look at our feeding guide to find out how easy it is to measure and adapt Guru cold-pressed dog food.

These really are lovely, lovely dogs. If you have a beautiful border in your life, send us a pic! You can also have a chat with the Guru team about making sure your border collie is getting the right nutrients for their boundless energy.

As always, thanks for reading Geeksters! Lots of love from,

The Guru Geeks xox

The Good Shepherd: Why We Love them

The German Shepherd, also known as the GSD or Alsatian, is a lovely, loyal and intelligent breed. Polling at number 8 in ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Dogs survey, these famous working dogs have become popular pets.

Here’s why the German Shepherd makes an excellent canine companion.

Super-intelligent

German Shepherds are known for being intelligent and hard-working dogs. They also have great resilience and stamina, which is another reason why they’re the most employed breed. They thrive on learning new things and on having tasks to perform; they’ve become a favoured breed for the police, the armed forces, and search and rescue agencies. They’re natural watch dogs, but can be trained not to bark unnecessarily.

When it comes to training, they’re enthusiastic and quick learners, who are responsive to rewards and praise.

Loyal companions

We’ve all heard of the close bond that develops between working GSDs and their handlers. German Shepherds make loyal and protective pets, devoted to their human families. They love one-to-one attention, so training them will be an absolute pleasure for both of you.

Even though they’re super-trainable, the German Shepherd is not the best entry-level dog. They demand a lot of attention from their pet parent, and need the right handling. If you’re an experienced dog owner with lots of time to devote to a loyal companion, the GSD is an excellent choice.

Full of energy

Ideally, your German Shepherd will have two hour-long walks each day, and plenty of opportunities to scamper. Most GSDs will even enjoy a swim! Playtime is important to keep them happy and engaged. Because they’re so intelligent, they can get bored easily, and a simple “walkies” may not be stimulating enough. Between trips out, access to a safe garden would be ideal.

The German Shepherd’s active approach to life means they need a good diet, and we’re here to help you get the balance right for them. Guru’s cold-pressed Surf & Turf dog food is packed full of nutrients and is suitable for puppies right through to senior dogs. If you need help with portion sizes or any other questions you may have, just give us a call on 01257 255800, we’re always here to help.

Surprisingly patient!

They may have a tough appearance, but a trained GSD can be wonderfully calm and patient around children. They’ll even get on well with your cat, provided they’ve grown up together.

They have a strong “pack drive” so love being part of a family. However, they really need to know their place in the pack, and you’ll need to make sure they’re aware of who’s the alpha (not them!). Their patient nature may run out if they’re left on their own too much, so the ideal household for a GSD includes someone who works from home.

Striking appearance 

The German Shepherd is one of the most instantly recognisable dogs, with their signature pointy ears, long muzzles and black and tan coats (although there are other beautiful colour variations). They are muscular, well-proportioned dogs who move elegantly, in spite of their relatively large size. GSDs have intelligent faces, and their expressions suggest they understand your every word!

Their coats are weatherproof and dense and can either be short, medium or long-haired. They do shed, so need grooming every day. Our food contains lots of essential nutrients, including Omega 3 and Cold Pressed oils that helps to care for their coats.

Geekster Willow, who appears in the photos above, has her very own PA on the Guru team (clever girl, hehe!). We may have even had the pleasure of meeting your GSD whilst on the road with our GURUvy stand over the last 4 years #GeeksOnTour.

As you can see, we just LOVE German Shepherds and we’re sure you do too! Send us a photo of your Geekster/GSD, or tag us in on social media so we can all spread the love together x

Why we love these spaniels

Thinking about getting a Springer Spaniel this summer? Go on – they’re fantastic pets, and we Guru Geeks think they’re one of the loveliest-natured dogs around.

Here’s why we think you should seriously consider welcoming a Springer into your family.

Springers are super-smart

Bred to be working dogs, the cheerful Springer is intelligent and seemingly tireless. Because they are so receptive to learning, Springers are an absolute joy to train. Their reputation for intelligence goes way back, and they’re mentioned as being good prey “flushing” dogs as long ago as the Middle Ages. These days, most don’t flush out much game; however, their curiosity and intellect make them superb companion pets.

They’re sociable and friendly

Springers enjoy being around people, and so are really loyal and affectionate pets. Thanks to their calm temperaments, Springers are generally great with children. They love being part of the family; however, they’re also great one-to-one companion dogs. If you’re looking for a partner for long country walks, or if you have an outdoors-based job where a dog is appropriate, a Springer is perfect company.

They’re tolerant and calm

If a Springer Spaniel were a person, you’d describe them as “reasonable.” The Springer is proof that you don’t have to be excitable to be energetic and fun. This wonderful tolerance is a key part of the Springer character, and is one of the reasons that they’re such popular dogs. Their combination of playfulness and an almost hippy-like calm makes them perfect family pets. They’ll even hang out with the cat (although the cat may need some more purr-suading).

Their skills at agility are impressive

Because they’re highly intelligent and full of energy, Springers excel at agility. Even if you have no plans to enter your pet for shows, agility training is still a good way of keeping your dog entertained and happy –  Springers are easily bored. Reward your training dog with our Reel Fishskins treats, which are packed full of nutrients for those gorgeous, silky coats.

They have brilliant ears

Well, just look at them… Need we say more? Springer Spaniels have the loveliest of faces, flanked by a pair of long, silky ears. Watching their ears stream behind them as they tear across the park or beach is one of the many joys of having a Springer. Simply beautiful.

And their tails are great, too!

Springer Spaniels really are fine-looking and their tails can be magnificent. Plumey and sweeping, Springers tend to carry their tails level with their bodies – and they’re always wagging them! This really is one of the breed’s most appealing physical characteristics.

Springers are a joy to groom

Now, you’re probably used to seeing “low-maintenance coat” listed as a plus point for many breeds. And we agree – less grooming means more time for play with your best furiend. No-one could describe a Springer’s long, silky coat as low maintenance – but there lies the joy. The daily grooming routine is actually a lovely, bonding time; and because Springers are such tolerant dogs, brushing them is relaxing rather than stressy. The end results are always hair-model-smooth and utterly gorgeous.

Have we convinced you yet? There are few breeds that can be described as both high-energy and laid-back, yet the super Springer walks this line beautifully. A wonderful companion.

As always, thanks for reading Geeksters and we hope everyone has a great staycation or vacation this summer!

The Guru Geeks xox 

Guru is a Cold Pressed Food that we feed to our two Spaniels Madeleine and Felicity. We feed it as we believe, for our dog’s, it’s the best food we can give them! The top quality ingredients are cold pressed at low temperatures which helps retain their flavour and nutrients.

Guru can be fed as a dry complete meal straight from the resealable bag or you can add warm water and feed as a wet porridge type consistency. This is great on a cold morning and also makes the food more versatile.

We have many other ways in which to shake up your food routine. The first being to fill Kong type toys, which we do using wet Guru and it keeps the girls entertained whilst enjoying their meal time. Another thing we like to do, is to make our own home made treats. We use Guru to bake pupcakes, biscuits and make frozen treats too. These are great on a warm day, but as we’ve learnt recently, they’re also great for mental stimulation, especially if recuperating from surgery.

Madeleine has had two patella operations and a total hip replacement. This has been so hard for her as she needed crate rest as well as many pain medications. With any dog, on crate rest or not, you need to keep them mentally stimulated. So, we use frozen Guru as part of our daily routine now.

Firstly, measure your dogs’ daily allowance and take some of the Guru from this to create the frozen treats, this helps to maintain weight control.

So here’s how to make frozen Guru treats (#FroGuru)…

1.We pop some Guru bites in a bowl and add just boiled water.

2.Wait for 5 minutes then mix.

3. You should now have a sloppy type consistency, if it’s too thick just add a little more water.

4. Spoon this into an ice cube tray of your choice.

Now for the fun bit…

5. We like adding slices of Guru’s venison sausages or cut up Guru Fish skins to make a tasty addition.

When we use our small fish shaped trays, we like to add the treat as a fin for fun or we add sausage slices into our stars.

6. Clean up around the edges and place in the freezer for an hour or so.

7. Any spare Guru we add to a small bowl and add a treat again. These we use on the lawn for a sunny day as a complete meal. Our girls love to laze with their supper that way and again it’s shaking up their usual routine.

8. Leave in the freezer until frozen and then pop out into a freezer bag or bowl. These can be kept like this in the freezer and with the empty tray you can get making some more.

9. Time to eat …

Our girls enjoy them as a treat. If they are doing tricks or if they have behaved, we use them as a reward.

If Flossie didn’t (for once!) bark at the postman she gets one and already runs straight to the freezer door – clever girl!

Madeleine has them after her tablets as a treat for taking those or when we want her calm in her pen we give her one. She happily sits munching away and then settles nicely.

They’re great for warm days but we’ve found them an invaluable way to reward the girls no matter the weather.

Changing the way you feed, in a toy or as a foraging game, really helps keep their mental stimulation up. So for us, Fro Guru is here to stay whatever the season!

Love Miss Maddie and Family x

As you can see, #FroGuru is a hit with many Geeksters… why not give it a go?

Check out Miss Maddie & Fliss Flossie’s Instagram accounts here: @maddie_and_family @flossie_and_family

The One Show Dog Food Report: The Importance Of A Healthy Diet

Our ears pricked up the other evening, as we heard the words “healthy dog food” coming from the television. It was the results of the large survey from BBC1’s One Show into what we’re feeding our dogs.

What started out as a simple request to complete a short online questionnaire ended up as the nation’s biggest survey into dog feeding. An amazing 36,000 pet parents responded, resulting in fantastic data for animal nutritionist Dr Wanda McCormick.

In brief, most people feed their dogs an omnivorous diet (88%). 3% of dogs were pescatarians, only 0.17% vegetarian, 5% purely carnivorous and almost 1% vegan.

The survey also looked for links between the owners’ and dogs’ diet, and of course, both people and pets were largely omnivorous. A third of vegan owners opt to share their animal-free diet with their dogs.

Alongside this, The One Show analysed four individual dogs on different diets over the survey period, to see how their food affects them. Commercial and homemade omnivorous diets were good, and so was the commercial vegan food (although the experts warmed to look out for Vitamin D in even commercial vegan diets, as dogs don’t process this from sunlight like humans do).

However, concerns were raised over homemade vegan diets. Dr McCormick and The One Show vet were keen to point out that these home cooks want to do the best for their pets. However, getting the right nutrients is so tricky, that almost all homemade vegan diets are deficient in some way.

We weren’t surprised that 12% of dog owners choose to make their own food, whether carnivorous, omnivorous or vegan – after all, that’s how Guru started! Certainly, we know from experience what a lot of time, research and cost goes into creating the perfect healthy diet for dogs – and as the experts said, it’s far from easy…

When we launched Guru, our aim was to recreate the tasty, home-cooked meals we made in our kitchen, and make sure that they were as nutritional as possible. Like a high-end human meal, we wanted dogs to have the pleasure of eating quality food, without the pet parents having to slave over a hot stove every day.

And the heat was a major factor. Our early research quickly showed us that the cold-pressed method would help to preserve the nutritional value of our ingredients – and we worked with a pet nutritionist to make sure we were ticking all the boxes when it came to dietary requirements. The result is a doggy dinner that’s really close to the canine’s natural diet.

So, if The One Show report made you think, think about feeding your dog a cold-pressed Guru diet. We have sample packs to get you started, or try them on a tasty treat (our dogs recommend the venison sausages!).

If you like the idea of a healthy, home-cooked diet for your dog, but feel anxious about its nutritional value, Guru could be the perfect solution…

We adore our Geekster squad and we’d love you to be a part of it too! Get in touch if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help.

The Guru Geeks xx

Why is chocolate bad for dogs?

You’re happily nibbling on the last remains of your Easter egg, when your dog clocks that there’s tasty food around.

When they look at you with eyes, well, like chocolate drops, you’ll melt faster than a Mars Bar on a hot day. But – don’t give in and share your snack with them. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can make your pet very poorly indeed.

Here’s what every pet parent needs to know about chocolate poisoning in dogs.

Why can’t my dog eat chocolate?

There’s a caffeine-like compound called theobromine in the cacao seed, which is the main ingredient in chocolate. Theobromine doesn’t affect humans; however, because dogs metabolise it more slowly than we do, it can lead to poisoning and could even cause kidney failure.

Cats being generally smaller, can succumb to theobromine poisoning even faster than dogs. But, felines don’t have a sweet tooth (they don’t have receptors for sweet tastes), so it’s rare that a cat will overdose on chocolate.

Dark chocolate is more dangerous than “diluted” milk chocolate; however, it’s still far from safe. Generally speaking, an ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is a potentially fatal amount of chocolate for our dogs.

What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?

This varies, depending on the weight and breed of the dog, and the amount and type of chocolate they’ve consumed. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning will usually appear within four hours. These can be:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Thirst
• Tender tummy
• Panting
• Trembling
• High temperature
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fits or seizures (in extreme cases)

If you catch your dog in the act of eating chocolate, you may be able to take them off to the vet before the symptoms even start.

What do I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s straight to the vet (even at night). If you know or can guess what’s been consumed, that will really help the veterinary team and the chocolate wrapper would be ideal. Knowing your dog’s weight will also save the vet time.

The most common treatment is to make the dog vomit to bring up the theobromine. If the case is more advanced and it’s too late to induce vomiting, your pet may need to stay at the vets for fluid therapy and anti-arrhythmic treatment.

As ever, the best approach is preventative. Luckily, dogs can’t unlock cupboards, so make sure you stash those chocs away!

My dog loves chocolate! What can I give them instead?

You can actually get special doggie chocolate drops, which don’t contain theobromine, and many dogs really like these safe alternatives. However, if you have a canine chocoholic (who certainly won’t check the label to check the ingredients), keep to treats that don’t look like the real thing. Try something like our ‘Reel’ Fishskins or perhaps a tasty Trip Bone, which according to pet parents always go down a treat.

At Guru, we Geeks love chatting about your dog’s culinary likes and dislikes. If you’d like to know more about healthy and safe treats for your pet, please get in touch.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers: Britain’s Top Dog

As you know, we Guru Geeks love dogs in all shapes and sizes. We were over the moon to find that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier took top spot in ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Dogs show. They’re such lovely, happy dogs and make perfect pets.

Here’s why Staffies are the number one dog for so many pet parents…

They’re loyal and loving

Staffies are wonderfully affectionate dogs, who form strong and loyal bonds with their human pack. They’re one of the most people-focused breeds of dog, which explains why they’ve become such a popular pet. They’re super-energetic, but after a good playing session love nothing better than to curl up with you on the sofa. If you want a companion dog, you may have just found the perfect breed…

Staffies are super-sociable

SBTs really, really love hanging out with humans. They’re good around kids (although the recommendation tends to be older children) and will greet your friends enthusiastically. They love to play, so anyone who brings a ball or chewy toy will be a hit!

The flip side of this is that they can suffer from separation anxiety, making goodbyes heart-rending for both of you. If you work long hours, a Staffie isn’t the pet for you, unless professional pet sitters or doggy day care are options.

They’re (literally) bounding with energy

If you want a dog to play with, the Staffie is perfect. They’re full of energy, and love to play interactive games with their people; and their enthusiasm for life is truly infectious. Cancel your gym membership, and have a daily workout in the park with your SBT instead!

Staffordshire Bulls are bright and intelligent

These intelligent dogs take well to training, and we’ve heard that SBT puppies are easy to house train (yay!). They’re quick to learn new tricks, which makes the teaching process great fun. The recommendation is to train them early and thoroughly, to harness that intelligence and prevent it from becoming stubbornness.

Their coats are low-maintenance

Hooray for short coats! They need a good weekly groom, and that’s about it. It’s good to keep baths to a minimum otherwise their skin and coats lose their natural, protective oils. Our cold pressed dog foods will also help to keep their coats in glossy, tip-top condition. The infrequent bath regime suits most Staffies, as they don’t really like water.

They’re great-looking dogs

OK, OK, we know that personality is more important than appearance; however, Staffies are fine-looking dogs with the typical intelligent face of a terrier, including that much-loved grin. Their distinctive short faces are topped with pricked-up ears that are best described as “expressive” (spend time with a Staffie and you’ll see what we mean!). They have a medium-sized, stocky body and their coats come in all sorts of colours.

They like their food!

Oh, they certainly do… Their high-energy approach to life doesn’t half make them hungry and a protein-rich diet suits them well. Try them with our Full On Feast cold-pressed dog food – sure to satisfy even the busiest and most boisterous Staffie!

Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier sound like the perfect pet for you? We love their happy and sociable natures, and think that their place at the top of the dog charts is well-deserved!

We’re sure you’ll agree, super staffies really are Top Dogs xx

Britain’s top dogs

ITV’s recent Britain’s Favourite Dogs show had us all talking at Guru HQ! As devoted pet parents, we just love all dogs… in fact, we love every single dog we’ve ever met!

Here are the current top ten best dog breeds, as voted for by dog lovers across the country.

10: Mixed Breeds

You can’t beat the quirkiness and adorable traits of a mixed breed dog. Unlike a crossbreed (two pure-bred dogs mating), a mixed breed’s family tree can be unknown – creating wonderfully unique puppies. You can usually spot which breeds are in there, giving you a clue as to the dog’s temperament.

9: Golden Retriever

We’ll be honest: we expected this lovable dog to rank higher than number 9. Their calm nature makes them wonderful family pets, and they get on well with other animals. They’re easier to train than many other breeds, but really need to be kept active. Expect lots of love and devotion. And hair. Lots of hair.

8: German Shepherd

These elegant dogs are so loyal to their packs, we can see why they’re such a popular breed. Their intelligence has led to them being one of the most “employed” dogs, used by armed and police forces worldwide. At home, they’re loving and playful, but need an experienced owner’s guiding hand, as it’s essential they know their place in the pack (not the alpha).

7: Border Collie

With both brains and beauty, we love these lively dogs. Bred to work alongside shepherds, Border Collies need to be kept busy, so they’re perfect pets for outdoorsy households. Great companion dogs, your border collie may adopt one member of the family as their special person, but will still be affectionate with the rest of the pack. They’re good with kids – but may try to herd them…

6: Boxer

We’re so pleased that these enthusiastic and extravert dogs have made the top ten! If you want a dog you can really have fun with, boxers live life to the full. They need training from an early age to harness their exuberance (and their intelligence means they’ll easily pick up bad habits as well as good ones), access to a large garden also helps.

5: Cocker Spaniel

Those ears! It’s impossible to look at a Cocker Spaniel without melting. And their temperament is as lovely as their appearance, as they’re gentle and eager-to-please. They’re also adaptable, so don’t need a massive outdoor space to keep them happy. If you’ve never owned a dog before, these friendly and trainable dogs are a good place to start.

4: Springer Spaniel

Just springing over its little Cocker brother (haha), this intelligent spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. Like the Cockers, they’re adaptable; but having said that, they do need a fair bit of exercise and stimulation so they may not be the most suitable apartment dogs. Their working nature means they’re great at agility, and if correctly trained, their liveliness is combined with a tolerant temperament.

3: Labrador

Aw… The lab was last year’s winner – but knowing these generous dogs, they’ll graciously hand over the top spot to their canine chums. They’re lovely, lovely dogs who adore their owners, get on well with kids and other pets, and are always trying to please. As all lab owners know, they can be food motivated, so here are our tips for keeping your Labrador happy & healthy.

2: Cockapoo

As we wrote in our recent blog all about cockapoos, these are fantastic pets. Loyal and friendly,  the sweet cockapoo makes an ideal first dog for a novice owner. They don’t shed much (some scarcely drop a hair), but their gorgeous silky coat is high maintenance, unless they’re a Guru Geekster of course! You can read all about how the Cold Pressed oils within our food, help maintain their beautiful, shiny curls. They’re also loving and affectionate companions, who enjoy human company.

1: Staffordshire Bull Terriers

And new in at number one… the much-loved Staffie. A small dog with a big heart, these bouncy terriers absolutely adore their human family and love to spend time with people. Early training results in a well-behaved and loyal pet (although they do have a stubborn streak. Think four-legged toddler). Their high-energy approach to life means it’s extra-important to feed them plenty of protein: we recommend Guru’s meaty venison sausages as a special treat for this number one dog.

So that’s the top ten of Britain’s favourite dog breeds, as voted for by ITV viewers. Did your pet make the list? It’s always fun to have a poll – but to us, they’re all top dogs!

In fact, we just love ALL dogs… the next dog we meet, is probably going to be the best dog we’ve ever met!

Thanks for reading Geeksters,
The Guru Geeks xx

Weight Management and Exercise for Labradors

Sociable, intelligent and trustworthy, the Labrador Retriever is one of the nation’s favourite dogs. These medium-to-large sized dogs are an active breed who love playing with their human “pack”. However, Labs can be prone to weight gain and as responsible pet parents, we need to keep an eye on their diet.

The thing is, most Labs love their food. In many cases, their enthusiasm for eating is part of their charm. Some Labs simply don’t have an off-switch where it comes to eating and so their diet is an important factor.

Also, because the Lab is such a lovely-natured dog, they’ve become popular pets for households with children. The family Labrador has plenty of love and attention – but it can be tricky to give these former working dogs as much exercise as they need when you’re busy with a young family.

So, how can we manage our Labradors’ weight and exercise? Here are Guru’s tips for a fit and happy Lab.

How much should my Labrador weigh?

Roughly, an adult male weighs 30-36kg (65-80lbs) and a female 25-32kg (55-70lbs). Sizes vary (for example American Labs are usually a bit lighter), so these are general guidelines. Weight isn’t always the best indicator of healthiness in some breeds: muscle weighs more than fat, so a fit, well-exercised dog may weigh heavier.

Other ways to tell if your Lab’s a healthy size

Give your Lab a lovely long (and firm) stroke along their side – you should be able to feel their ribs. If you can see ribs, they’re too thin (not usually a problem with domestic Labs). The dog should have a waist when viewed from above, with their overall shape curving in slightly rather than rounding out. Viewed from the side, the tummy should slope upwards from the chest toward the back legs, and not hang down.

How do I manage my Labrador’s weight?

A complete pet food is really helpful if you need to manage your dog’s weight. You know exactly how many calories are in a bowl and you can control the amount you feed them. You can gradually reduce or increase the amount you give your dog until you reach the right level for their health. In Guru’s case, our cold-pressed ingredients retain their nutrients, so you also know that your hungry Lab is getting all the goodness they need too. By making sure you’re feeding them a delicious and nutritious meal (like Guru Pet Food) you’ll reap many benefits, such as keeping them fuller for longer, so their need to snack should be reduced.

Cutting back the snacks

Tasty treats play a big part in dog training and reward, but be careful not to feed too many. Our Nothing To Hide Venison Sausages are great for training, they’re made from 70% British Venison, so we’re sure your lab will love them! You can get your paws on a pack here. We recommend feeding no more than 5 slices per day, which can help with lowering calorie intake, but you can always cut them in half to get more out of your bag. Remember, showing them a little love is sometimes all the reward they need.

You’ll probably find your cheeky Lab won’t say no to a tasty treat, if given half a chance. Make sure you don’t reward them for begging or helping themselves to food (don’t give in to those gorgeous puppy dog eyes) be firm with your commands. Also, help your dog to avoid temptation by thinking about what food’s within reach.

If you’re looking for a longer lasting, low calorie snack… why not try our REEly tasty Fishskins? Made with 100% white fish skins from sustainable sources, we’re proud to say there’s Nothing To Hide! Grab a packet here.

As Guru is totally tasty, you can always feed the bites as treats too, just remember to take the amount off their daily allowance!

The balance of diet and exercise

Most of us humans know this one from personal experience! Bred to be an active working dog, the Lab needs a lot of exercise to stay fit and healthy. If a dog isn’t getting lots of exercise, they need to have fewer calories. However, as Labs love bouncing around almost as much as they love eating, it’s best for the dog to give them as much opportunity for exercise as possible.

The best exercise for Labradors

If you like the outdoor life, then this is the pet for you. Labs love fresh air and exercise and plenty of it. Let them off the leash on the beach or in a field, and their exuberance is a joy to behold. If you have a decent-sized garden, your dog will have plenty of chance to run around. Children make brilliant companions for Labs, as they share a love of play!

Ideally, your Labrador needs two long walks a day, of about an hour each. If you can, allow for some off-the-lead haring around during these walks. They also enjoy a swim.

Try the Guru diet

If you want to know more about how Guru Pet Food can help manage your Labrador’s weight, please get in touch. We love these friendly dogs, and will happily spend hours discussing their quirks and enthusiasms!

As always, thanks for reading Geeksters,

The Guru Geeks xx

Photograph credit: @ruffandtumbledogcoats 
Model: GORGEOUS Geekster Red!

A couple of months ago after an illness and swift deterioration, our five year old Lemon and White Beagle, Daisy, was diagnosed with a condition called Megaesophagus. This condition means that the muscles of her oesophagus that normally push food down to the stomach had stopped working. She can swallow food but it cannot reach her stomach through conventional means and she has to eat standing upright using a Bailey Chair (think children’s high chair for dogs).

We tried every type of food we could and nothing seemed to work, she couldn’t tolerate the consistency of canned food or kibble, even water was near instantly regurgitated, unable to reach her stomach.

Daisy aspirated and developed Aspiration Pneumonia and spent a week hospitalised in an emergency veterinary practice. We almost lost her.

In desperation we turned to a support group for Megaesophagus, who recommended trying Guru as it is able to be melted into whatever consistency desired.

After receiving our first bag and experimenting with the consistency, we have found that making it into a watery slurry makes it easy for Daisy to eat and it can reach her stomach using her Bailey Chair. It also means she gets her daily fluid intake with her meals and rarely needs to drink water on its own, reducing the risk of aspiration. She even enjoys eating again and gets so excited when she hears me preparing it for her.

I’m very grateful for cold pressed food and impressed with the quality of Guru pet food. Having this food available means I can keep Daisy healthy both with her condition and by meeting her general nutritional needs.

Up until a few years ago the recommended treatment was euthanasia for animals with this condition, as very little was known about Megaesophagus. With the help of our fantastic vet specialist and support groups we’ve been able to get Daisy back into a stable condition.

Food plays a big role in this condition, as it is this that can cause aspiration and a high risk of Aspiration Pneumonia. When the food is stuck in the oesophagus they will try and clear it by bringing it back up, which is what causes the risk of aspiration.

Each animal with this condition has different needs and tolerances. Daisy cannot tolerate standard food or water. So by adding water to Guru to make into a slurry/gravy, and the gravity her Bailey Chair provides, she is able to eat safely and get her daily fluid intake. Plus she really enjoys eating it as messily as possible!

So that is Daisy’s story and thank you so much again,

Yasmin & Daisy xx

How to manage your dog’s weight

Being overweight can cause a dog real health problems, ranging from arthritis to diabetes; and a lighter, fitter dog will recover better from illness or injury. An overweight dog may not live as long as their slimmer friends, and certainly won’t enjoy such a healthy and active life.

Happily, it’s pretty easy to recognise and act upon the signs of canine obesity, and even easier to control their future diet. Here’s Guru’s guide to preventing plump pets.

What are the signs that my dog’s overweight?

Because our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, it’s tricky to simply weigh them and carry out a simple BMI calculation. There are dog weight calculators online, but we’d always recommend a regular weigh-in with the V.E.T.

You can also keep an eye on your dog’s appearance. With most breeds, their tummies should slope upwards towards their back ends, rather than hang down roundly in the middle. From above, it should look like your dog has a waist, curving in slightly in the middle.

If you run your hands over them, you should just about be able to feel their ribs. These shouldn’t stick out, but you should be able to tell they’re there without having to press deeply. We appreciate that this is harder with fluffier dogs!

My dog’s overweight – what do I do?

Firstly, don’t panic and stick them on a crash diet. Like any successful human slimming plan, the key is gradual and manageable weight loss – plus cutting down on all those pound-piling treats.

Start off by speaking to your vet and getting their advice about managing the initial weight loss (as well as making sure there isn’t an underlying cause for those extra ounces). Then, long-term, the aim is to get them onto a healthy diet, feeding them the right amount, and minimising snacks.

If you use our handy feeding calculator, it will tell you how much Guru you need to feed your dog based on their ideal weight.

What should I do if my dog’s underweight?

Weight gain is easier to explain than weight loss, especially if your pet’s fond of their food. Any unexplained drop in weight needs checking out by the vet. Hopefully they’ll rule out anything worrying, and will discuss managing their diet going forward.

Again, it’s super-important to make sure your dog is getting the right nutrient and calorie intake every day. Our feeding guide calculators work perfectly for most dogs to keep them in just the right shape, however if you find that your dog is super active or struggles to keep weight on, then you may have to adjust the amount you feed accordingly. If this is the case, you can try increasing the amount of Guru you feed, just make sure to keep an eye on your dogs weight and if you start to notice loose stools, this can be a sign of over feeding. If this occurs, just gradually reduce the number of grams you feed, until you find the portion size that best suits your dog. It may be that you have to feed a thinner dog little and often at first, so as not to overload them.

How do I keep my dog at a healthy weight?

Like us, dogs need to have the right balance of a healthy and nutritious diet, and regular exercise. Most of us take our dogs out at least twice a day; however, a stroll to the post office isn’t going to run off many cals! Think about more active trips out, such as a good old game of fetch down the park. (If you have an older dog, or your pet has an underlying condition, speak with a professional about the safest sorts of exercise.)

And when it comes to a healthy diet, we can definitely help you there…!

How can Guru help?

Guru’s complete dog food is satisfying and delicious, ensuring your dog’s tum is happily full. A Guru-fed pet won’t need to go scrounging for extra treats, as our Cold Pressed food keeps them fuller for longer. Because our food is cold-pressed, the nutrients aren’t reduced or destroyed by heating, so you know your dog’s getting everything they need to stay healthy. Plus, our calculator allows you to serve up the perfect portion for your pet’s size.

Of course, it’s hard to completely cut out treats, especially as most of us pet parents use them as rewards and training aids. Try a nutritious treat such as our Nothing To Hide Reel Fishskins, which are full of fishy goodness and Omega 3.

Why not find out how switching to Guru helped gorgeous boy Harvey lose weight and regain an active lifestyle here.

If you have any questions or you’d like to have a chat, please feel free to call one of the Geeks on 01257 255800, we’re always happy to help!

Thanks for reading,
The Guru Geeks xx

Part Cocker Spaniel and part Poodle, Cockapoos have been charming humans since the cross breed first appeared in the 1950s. Friendly Cockapoos make wonderful pets; and we’ve certainly met some absolutely adorable ones.

Here’s why everyone needs a cute and clever Cockapoo in their lives.

Why Are Cockapoos So Popular?

Those eyes… Look into a Cockapoo’s upturned face, and we guarantee you’ll melt faster than a snowball in a microwave. The expression “puppy dog eyes” could have been created for this adorable-looking breed. They come in a range of colours, and their coats go from curly-whirly to strokable satin. They are reasonably small (the very biggest is about 18”), and packed full of energy, curiosity and intelligence.

For their pet parents, they are deeply rewarding dogs, as they’re loyal, loving, and great company. Who could possibly ask for more?

Cockapoos At Work

Their trainability makes the Cockapoo a good service dog. You’ll find Cockapoos working as hearing dogs or assistance dogs, and their friendly natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

If you think your Cockapoo has the right temperament, you can apply for him or her to join a Pets As Therapy (PAT) team. As well as benefiting the people they visit, your sociable Cockapoo will enjoy the stimulation of new faces and places.

Cockapoos At Play

If you want a dog who’ll happily go for a run with you, a Cockapoo is a great choice. These energetic dogs love to scamper and play, and their busy brains need exercise too. Keep your clever Cockapoo stimulated with something like agility training (if you want to try your hands at Crufts, this is the dog for you) or scent-based activities.

They’re also loving and affectionate dogs who enjoy human company. As they’re both cuddly and playful, they make good family pets; however, their companiable nature makes them a lovely addition to a smaller household, too.

Caring For Your Cockapoo’s Curls

Cockapoos come with three broad hair types, depending on the Cocker: Poodle ratio. A lot of the latter results in tighter curls, then comes a looser, more ringletty variety. As the Cocker input increases, you get a straighter, wavier coat. Cockapoos with coarser curls moult very little (but whatever you’ve heard, they’re never completely hypoallergenic), which is a blessing, but they will need a good grooming regime.

Diet can also help with coat maintenance. The cold-pressed oils in Guru are fantastic for their fur, and we’ve had feedback from professional groomers that Guru-fed dogs’ curls are easier to brush and manage.

Feeding Fussier Cockapoos

Speaking of dog food, Cockapoos, for all their intelligence, can be super-fussy eaters. This possibly comes from their poodle side, as they can be very picky. So, at Guru, we’re always extremely flattered when Cockapoo owners get in touch to tell us that their pets love Guru, and how well the food transitioning process is going!

Cockapoos don’t always like a dry kibble, and if your dog’s like this, you can serve Guru as a wet meal. Measure out the correct amount of Guru, and add 125ml warm water for every 100g of food. Leave the mix to stand for five minutes, then gently stir it. Make sure it’s cool before setting the bowl down, then stand back and watch your Cockapoo tuck in! The wet feeding method is especially good for smaller Cockapoos.

What’s not to love? Make sure they get the food they like (Guru, naturally!) and keep those curls brushed, and you have an easy-going, beautiful and intelligent companion.

As always, thanks for reading!
The Guru Geeks xox

Photo Credit: the ADORABLE @fudge_e_wudgie_cockapoo

Guru… in the same sentence as ‘Team GB’ we hearing you saying!

Oh yes Geeksters, get yourself comfy and listen up, as we have some super exciting news…

As you can imagine, here at Guru HQ we’re asked many times each week to be involved in sponsoring events, charities and giveaways. We try to be involved in as many as possible and even though we love to #SpreadTheLove we simply can’t be involved in them all.

Rewind to 2017, when Jelli was introduced to us all on ‘Cockers in the Country’ Instagram page. Jelli was a teeny tiny puppy when she first became a Geekster and we’ve followed both her and her siblings adventures since then.

So who are Cockers in the Country? Isla & Jelli are a Mother and Daughter team who are very active on both Facebook and Instagram. As we kept up date with their stories, we were so excited to read that they were involved in both agility and obedience training. After meeting Jo (their hooman) at one of our summer events and since having a chat about their goals, we’re delighted to be sponsoring them and keeping you all informed of their progress over the next 6 months, on their dream Team GB agility journey.

These adorable Working Cocker Spaniels train with a fantastic local club, who have a great ethos and experienced instructors. They also train alongside Team GB competitor, Charlotte Harding… these guys truly are focused!

As we all know, diet is a major factor in keeping your furiends happy and healthy, especially when they’re super active! Jelli, Isla & Bracken (yes that’s right, they also have a handsome Springer Spaniel to complete the terrific trio) are all fed Guru and as previously mentioned, have been since Jelli was a baby.

Each and every month, we’ll be bringing you all the CITC (Cockers in the Country) gossip, behind the scenes footage, training tips and achievements, so if you’re just starting out on the agility/obedience scene and have any questions you want to ask Jo, then get in touch. We literally can’t wait to see and read all about the girls sporting success and we’re sure you’ll join us in wishing them all the very best.

Want to read more, then head over to CITC blog HERE, to find out exactly what the girls will be up to over the next few months and what their end goals are!

Also, to keep up to date with their achievements and adventures, follow our dynamic duo over on their: Instagram, Facebook and Blog

As always, thank you for reading Geeksters and we hope you enjoy Cockers in the Country’s blog.

Lots of Love,

The Guru Geeks xox

Before rescuing Stella in September 2017, Maya and Peanut were being fed exclusively on a raw diet. Stella came to us in a really poor condition having only given birth six weeks earlier. She was really thin, was covered in fleas and had red and itchy skin and ears. I immediately put her on a raw diet and she improved slightly but not much. She received antibiotics for her skin and ears which helped a bit but she was still suffering and was constantly biting her nails too! 

Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend things took a turn for the worst and Stella developed chronic vomiting and diarrhoea. It came on suddenly and within 4 hours deteriorated so much that we whisked her off to the emergency vet and she was immediately hospitalised and put on a drip. For whatever reason Stella has compromised immune system and as Peanut has also previously experience similar issues (and they are related) the vet thought that their immune systems were too fragile to tolerate the bacteria in raw food.

Another downside to Stella’s health issues was that I would break out in a rash if any of her fur would touch my skin, so every time I wanted to touch or cuddle her I would have to wear a jumper or a long sleeved top. Bathing and grooming did nothing to change this issue and the vet was at a loss to a reason.

I was a bit reluctant to put the girls on a dry food diet as Maya is such a fuss pot and didn’t enjoy dry food previously and would turn her nose up. But as we had friends who were feeding their dogs on Guru with such great results I decided to give it a try. You can imagine my amazement when the first box arrived and fussy Maya climbed on top of the box and started ripping it open to get to the food inside! Not only did she manage to break open the box but she managed to chew a hole in the food packaging too!

I’m happy to report that this excitement and love hasn’t stopped and they eagerly wait for every delivery. What makes it so much fun for the girls is having the option of having the food dry and wet like a porridge. Having this option means that we can also freeze the food in ice trays and serve their dinner cold in the hot Summer we’ve had.

Stella’s skin and ear issues have completely cleared and as an added bonus within two weeks of starting Guru, I no longer have any skin reaction when touching Stella.

Thank you Guru, we have a house full of very happy girls!

Natasha, Maya, Peanut & Stella xx

Go and check these gorgeous girls out on Instagram here or Facebook here xx

Most people love a good fireworks display; however, our dogs are less convinced. As November the Fifth approaches, it’s time to prepare our pets for their least-favourite festivity.

Why is my dog scared of fireworks?

Imagine your home is suddenly surrounded by loud bangs and flashes, and you really don’t understand why. It’s utterly terrifying. That’s how November the Fifth is for your dog.

Pets don’t know that these noises and lights won’t hurt them or their family, so naturally even the most confident canine will be scared. Older dogs may be accustomed to this annual noise-fest; however, dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments will need extra love and attention on fireworks night.

How can I help my dog on Bonfire Night?

There’s plenty we can do as pet parents to lessen the trauma of Bonfire Night for dogs.

There are a few things we can prepare in advance.

Display dates and times

The biggest displays may not be on the fifth itself. Check your local Facebook groups and newspapers to find out days and times. It’s also worth asking the neighbours whether they’re planning any firework parties.

Cosy box

Most dogs (and this is great for cats, too) feel safer in a small and familiar space. A week or so before Bonfire Night, create a special indoor dog den. This can be as simple as a cardboard box with a favourite blanket or one of your jumpers in it. They can then spend a few days getting comfortable with their new safe space.

If you have children, it’s a lovely project to work on together. It will help them understand why their pet might behave a bit differently on bonfire Night.

Familiarity with fireworks

If you want to get your dog a bit more accustomed to the bangs and whizzes, you could try showing them a YouTube fireworks video. Keep it short, and have the volume on low to start with. You can then turn it up a bit more each time they watch the film.

Prep work done, there’s more you can do on Bonfire night itself.

Make your home firework-proof

Close the blinds and curtains, and keep the lighting nice and bright so the flashes aren’t as dramatic. Create some sort of “air lock” system so you can go in and out without the dog making a bolt for outdoors.

Some owners keep the TV or radio on, so normal background noise helps mask the sudden bangs.

Battening down the hatches…

You’ll also need to prepare your dog for the evening ahead. Go for early walkies, preferably before it gets dark. Bring meal time forward as well, as an anxious dog is less likely to eat. Top up the water bowl as nervous animals drink more.

A sense of calm…

Pet Remedy make calming sprays from essential oils that mimic the naturally calming neuro-transmitters. Spray on blankets, pet beds or on cloths you can leave around the room.

Adaptil produces plug-in diffusers, which fill the room with canine-calming pheromones. If you’re trying these, plug them in well in advance to give them chance to get going.

Favourite things

It almost goes without saying that a favourite teddy/toy or much-loved blanket should be in the room too!

Compression shirt

OK, so my pet’s upset, and you want me to put clothes on them?! Well yes, actually. Some dog owners find that compression calms an anxious animal, a bit like being held tightly does. An American company called Thunderworks produces vests for various sizes of dogs that wrap around their torso, applying gentle pressure and bringing reassurance.

Stay with your dog

Sorry humans, you’ll be watching that firework display in shifts! It’s always best to keep your dog company; and remember that even the most placid pet may start to become anxious if the bangs get very loud.

If you’re throwing your own fireworks party, have a designated dog room where they feel safe and can’t escape, and have a rota of canine companions to sit with them.

Be kind

If your dog has a little accident, don’t tell them off as this will heighten their distress about fireworks.

What about unexpected fireworks displays?

This is trickier to plan for. Ideally, local people should be informed if there’s about to be a display; however, with fireworks now a popular wedding and party feature, they can pop up unexpectedly. Also, plan for fireworks at New Year.

Keep the calming sprays to hand, and make sure your pet’s safe space box is accessible. Then it’s simply a case of shutting the door, closing the blinds, and sitting with your dog until it’s all blown over.

You can always consult a pet behavioural specialist and look into desensitisation. However, unless you live next door to professional pyrotechnicians who practice a lot, you probably don’t need to explore this option.

And relax…

The final rocket’s been launched. Well done, dog and parents. Afterwards, reward your dog with lots of cuddles and pats, along with one of their favourite treats – something really special like Guru’s venison sausages.

Where better place to test out Guru’s new Reel Fishskins than Cadgwith cove? A sleepy fishing village on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. Fishermen launch their boats from the beach, on the hunt for the best catch of the day.

Woody loves hunting for dead fish at the beach, much to my dismay. He happily trots over after a good rummage in the rock pools carrying a collection of fish tails, crab shells or his absolute favourite, starfish legs.

Arguably you can’t get any fresher than a straight out of the rock pool starfish, however when we were asked to taste test Guru’s new fish skin treats, it came as quite a relief!

The Reel Fishskins are sustainably sourced, which I think is incredible. Living by the sea, we’re surrounded by the consequences of overfishing, plastic pollution and havoc caused on marine life by ghost fishing nets. I admire Guru for their conscientiousness across their products, using sustainable and recyclable alternatives wherever possible. The treats are 100% white fish skin. Exactly the same as the ones I save for Woody when I cook fish for the humans in our house.

There are a variety of sizes in the packet and they’re all dried out so you don’t have to handle any slippery scales. They’re not particularly smelly either, which is always a bonus!

I was surprised just how chewy the treats were. Woody took his time munching through each piece. He enjoyed gripping them between his paws before ripping and chewing them with his teeth. It’s safe to say they kept him busy! They also didn’t collect too much sand when Woody dropped them on the floor, something we struggle with more often than not in Cornwall! Woody would happily leave them on the beach and return to them when he next felt peckish.

I can’t wait to use them at beach barbecues this summer, as they’d be perfect for keeping Woody occupied. I may even be able to eat a whole burger, without having to share it with him!

The Reel Fishskins are great on the go, with a resealable packet that fits nicely into a coat pocket or our dog walking bag. They’re fairly robust too, which is ideal when out adventuring around Cornwall. There’s nothing worse than finding crumbled up treats at the bottom of your bag after a day at the beach!

It’s a paws up from Woody and a sigh of relief from me! I can finally enjoy a walk by the sea with peace of mind and without Woody bringing half the marine life home with us. We’re excited to add another packet with our next Guru order!

Love,
Hattie & Woody x

Explore the beautiful sights of Cornwall with this awesome pooch through their Instagram @thecornishdog, their blog The Cornish Dog or their twitter @thecornishdog