Reg&Bob - news from dogs in lockdown
Well here we are approaching another three weeks in lockdown - a rather dismal thought and not one that fills us with much enthusiasm. But there’s so much to be thankful for - we have easy access to food shops, the boys are getting their walks and providing us with a much needed routine and we’re safe. It’s fantastic to see how everyone has adapted to a new way of living and for the majority of us there is truly little hardship - just a frustration of what we could be doing or where we could be. It’s a big concern that we’re not maximising how we utilise this time - the challenge is using it to good effect.
For Reg&Bob we are still able to safely post out products but we are missing out on lots of sales and pop-ups which are the best and most fun part of our business. Many of the pets shops and groomers that we stock have taken the decision or had to close so a truly worrying time for them too. But there are lots of other things we can do to promote our business and we are working on a number of initiatives (see below) which we hope you will join in.
We were recently described by one of the top dog bloggers as the ‘go-to’ brand for dogs with a sense of adventure - who love getting wet and muddy - a description we are extremely proud of and happy to exploit. Our new dog walking bags are proving very successful and we are delighted our stripes are going places - watch out for press coverage soon!
So how are we filling our time with Reg and Bob when taking a break from Reg&Bob? Here’s a few things we’re doing, what we can’t wait to get back to and how we are occupying the boys inbetween meals!
3 super easy enrichment tips
The boys love being out and about and we normally spend endless hours outside - living in London there’s lots of fabulous walks but little garden space. Now were are around all the time Reg and Bob have expectations of more ‘at home’ entertainment and definitely with food involved. It’s not something we’re particularly good at but when a terrier is bored you know about it - so here’s our three quick fixes .
throw a handful of treats into a delivery box amongst the wrapping paper and let them get on with it - easier with one dog, manageable with two, perhaps a box each with three or more
roll up an old towel with treats hidden inside - they soon learn to nudge the rolled towel to unroll and reveal the treats - so easy even Bob managed it!
roll a couple of teaspoons of yoghurt around a Kong and freeze. This keeps them occupied for quite some time when they need a cool down or distraction
SHOP - SAVE - GIVE
Sign up to the wonderful initiative Brilliant Little Brands. This is an ever increasing register of small independent brands who have agreed to donate 10% of their sales to charity via the BLB Just Giving page. This is a fabulous way to support charities who are really struggling at this time and discover some new small and unusual businesses - many of whom have special offers just for those who have registered. We have chosen to support Macmillian Cancer and are offering free postage on all orders when you apply the unique code at checkout.
Places we’re missing!
We love the beach and West Wittering in West Sussex is a particular favourite and only an hour and a half from south west London. The carpark and the beach is vast and even on a hot day it’s easy to find some fabulous walking in dog friendly areas and away from the masses. Infact the beach is fabulous all year round. And 12 miles from here is a favourite - The Royal Oak at East Lavant. A cosy country inn serving locally produced food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and dogs are very welcome. Check it out now in anticipation of post lockdown adventures
Brook House 65 New Kings Road SW6
We love a place where you can pop in for a quick drink, bar snack or delicious dinner and Brook House offers a healthy mix of restaurant, pub and bar. A short trot for us via Parsons Green and Eel Brook Common it’s a great place to pop in for a restorative glass of wine and even a tasty bar snack without the formality of dining - which is delicious too when the time is right. Can’t wait to put this back on our post-walk agenda. And the home-made dog snacks are a huge hit with the boys
DIY!
Those two hot days over Easter, put grooming to the top of the agenda. It’s not the case with all breeds but certainly with Norfolk terriers and their double coat, it really helps to remove some of the weight to keep them cool.
A DIY grooming sessions kept us busy for a few days - I’m no expert and I’m sure the Kennel Club wouldn’t be impressed but I’m jolly pleased with the results. If you would like advice on Norfolk grooming take a look at this blog from Gaynor of The Four Legged Foodie who will take you through the process. For other breeds check out your local grooming salons as many have posted grooming tips to help you through lockdown.
and there’s more…..
Like to take better photos of your dog? Join Kerry from Fur and Fables Furdography course for beginners - no fancy camera required just a dog and enthusiasm! Her beautiful website is definitely worth a look too
Unbelievably the teenagers claimed the boys needed a bath - pot, kettle and black came to mind but they did benefit and the totally natural Dirty Dog shampoo from ForAllDogkind worked a treat and is kind to my super sensitive skin. Infact it’s totally fine for teenagers too!
Reg loves his treatments with Lucy from Pawsitive Touch which really help with his mobility. It’s been so helpful he can still have remote sessions with her over Zoom and he can (if he wants and has the energy) also arrange for a bespoke exercise plan.
Dogs who haven’t met Lucy can contact her lucy@caninetherapy.co.uk and sign onto her Distance Support Programme
Teach your dog some new tricks - we’re starting with sit…….!!!
Thank you for your continued support for our small business - we really appreciate all your feedback, photos and humorous comments on Instagram, Facebook and our latest amateur dabblings on Twitter
If you have a spare moment or two and fancy writing a review on Google - it would be greatly appreciated - it has a a huge impact and helps other people find us.
You can find the link HERE
Stay busy and stay safe