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Finding a hotel where your dog is accepted while respecting your criteria is not an easy task. On the other hand, if you look in the right place, and you are well armed, it can be very easy. We offer you a dedicated article with our 6 favorite allies to find the hotel you need. o Emmène ton chien, the collaborative specialist of all kinds Who is Emmène ton chien Emmène ton chien is the #1 site for vacations with its dog. This French company based in Montpellier is committed to bringing together all the hotels, restaurants, places, activities that you can do with your dog in France. Their goal is to democratize and popularize holidays with your dog to fight against abandonment. You will be spoiled for choice to organize your vacation. Their notation Their site lists all accommodations and dog-friendly places through the first dog-friendly label: QUALIDOG. With their certified partners, you are sure to be well received with your dog. The recommendations are collaborative, everyone can add a place, which makes it possible to list a maximum of addresses. The principle is really great because they reference all types of establishments, For example to sleep you can filter by hotel, bed and breakfast, campsite... It is extremely complete and each place or activity is detailed via its technical sheet. . To differentiate the establishments, Emmène Ton Chien classifies them between 1 to 4 truffles according to the level of reception of the dog at home: 1 truffle: Dogs are welcome but no specific service or arrangement has been put in place for their stay on site. 2 truffles: The host offers basic services such as poo bags and a list of activities to do with your dog around the accommodation. 3 truffles: The host offers more advanced services such as a stuffed animal bar or a shower to rinse the dog after his outdoor outings, he can also offer a carpet in the room. 4 truffles: The accommodation has a terrace or an enclosed outdoor space for the dog, a bedroom with direct access to the outside, dedicated services for dogs on place etc... Some even go so far as to involve professionals (educator, groomer, animator) if necessary. o Tourisme avec mon chien, the most complete of the bunch Who is Tourist with my dog Tourisme avec mon chien aims to < span style="color: #4d5156;">help prepare for your trip with your dog, by indicating the places where our four-legged friends are allowed. Tourism with my dog finds all types of accommodation, places, restaurants, activities for all budgets. You'll find hundreds of ideas for activities to do with your dog! Don't leave without knowing if your dog will be accepted. The portfolio of services for Tourism with my Dog is really comprehensive, we can't add much! Ideas for walks, stay or destination , but also local canine services (qualified and declared petsitters, veterinarians). They also have a complete and free travel guide, just here. o Rhonda's Choice, the luxury in Europe Who is Rhonda's choice Rhonda's Choice defines itself as a lifestyle travel club that meticulously selects hotels with unique characters where you can stay with your dog. They stay discreetly in order to choose whether they will add an establishment to their portfolio. For Rhonda's choice, luxury is not just about a beautiful establishment, but also a place that welcomes and offers activities with your dog. Because the real luxury for owners is to be able to experience everything with their dog. To help you with your organization, Rhonda's choice also offers articles to help you organize your stay or trip just here. Their notation They undertake to make ethical recommendations. That is to say that they pay their stay in full, do not take commission, and the central element of their recommendation remains based on the possibility of doing as many activities as possible with their dog in and around the establishment. . Hotels are rated on a scale of 3 Rhondas: A Rhonda: The place is adequate for 1 to 2 nights with a dog. Recommended for a stopover. Two Rhondas: The property is perfect for spending up to 5 nights with your dog. The place is worth visiting for a weekend or several days to fully enjoy. Three Rhondas: The hotel is excellent for a long stay. Dogs are welcome just like any other guest. Example of hotel we tried with them Schloss Lieser - Mosel Germany - (2 Rhonda ) Our article on the hotel here La Réserve - Geneva Switzerland - ( 3 Rhonda) o Booking, the international globe trotter Who is Booking No need to introduce yourself this leader in holiday booking. Thanks to its "dog allowed" filter, Booking makes it very easy for you to target a hotel that meets all your criteria. When traveling internationally, this is really the best plan because it has a great geographical coverage. Thanks to this collaborative platform you can read lots of opinions and see real photos to form an opinion. Their notation No need to dwell on the Booking ratings that you probably know very well. Among the most useful are the number of stars (from 1 to 5) or the customer rating (from 0 to 10). Example of hotel we tried with them Château Valmer - La Croix Valmer - France Novotel Suite Reims Centre< /u> - Reims - France Crystal - Reims - France Boma - Strasbourg - France. Our article on the hotel here Paid guides for traveling Other independent organizations or influencers offer detailed guides to accompany you on your trip (checklist, advice, point of attention...) and make suggestions for establishments or routes. They are quite numerous, so I will recommend only two. I love following their adventures, they are all good advice. If their advice is free and open to all, their guides are on the other hand paying. If you are new and unorganized, this can be a good idea for your first adventure to reassure you. Otherwise, I don't see the point of paying for something you can find for free. But that's just me. TWIP Travel With your Pets is an application that brings together all the places of activity and establishments that welcome your dog. It was created by a couple in love with travel and their Reunionese dog Floki. They left in their van to go around the world, and we wanted to put their knowledge to use and share their experiences with everyone. The application is collaborative, everyone is welcome to add their favorite addresses. They also have great podcasts of owners telling their stories. We are always fond of owners who tell their experiences. A 60-page e-book in French with 30 country profiles at €14.90. This one I had access to in presale before its launch, it is very well done and summarized. The Traveltellers The traveltellers are a German couple, who travels around the world with their dog Félix. We love to follow their adventures on Instagram. They have traveled a lot in many countries so they are good advice. They post regularly on Insta with their recommendations, and also have a vlog to detail their travels. They post beautiful photos that make you dream and brighten up the day. In particular, they offer an e-book in English for €19.90. I didn't buy it so I can't tell you more.

On this Valentine's Day, you were few to be surprised seing us at the restaurant with Raymond on our Insta stories. Indeed, R accompanies us everywhere and this includes the restaurant. He doesn't have a Trip Advisor account like us, but he could have written a lots of reviews. As many of you have asked us for advice, we thought we would share our experience with the curious ones. We have included a list of tips, which I hope will help you. 8 tips to apply! First of all, we are very lucky to be able to bring him everywhere. Raymond has a good temper for sure, but if he is so easy going with us, it is mainly because we have shape him since day one. Here are 8 tips to help you to spend a good moment at the restaurant with your pooch. Quite a list at first glance, you might say! But in the end it happens naturally. We don't overthink about it anymore, everything is done mechanically. What does the law tell us? You should know restaurants are not required to mention on their storefront if they prohibit dogs (unlike food businesses). Authorizing or prohibiting animals is left to the discretion of the establishment. If in doubt, do not hesitate to refer to the website, or Tripadvisor, Michelin (and others) page to find out if the establishment accept dogs. If you can't find the information, you can always call them by phone or ask the question by email (especially if you are abroad and not very comfortable with foreign languages). Have we ever had bad experiences? Well no, on the contrary! If people on the streets can be unpleasant, in restaurants we always had understanding people, whether in France or abroad. We almost always get compliments ("he's so cute" or "he's quiet"), and the waiters systematically offer to bring him water. To be fully transparent, we never ask to come with our dog beforehand. Either way, Raymond stays in his bag the whole time, and never gets in the way, so we don't see why we'd have to ask. That said, if we had a big dog we would obviously ask for permission. Or if he wasn't good, we wouldn't take him with us. As soon as the dog is sociable, discreet (no barking, nor jump), clean, it is okay to go to the restaurant with your dog. Raymond being very small and staying in his bag also help in experiencing a good moment at the restaurant. We have never had an unpleasant remark or prohibition. We always enter the restaurant discreetly with a calm dog in the bag that does not move. To be honest, in the vast majority of cases, the waiters realize there is a dog when serving dishes. I hope this article will help you. Share your experiences in comments. And if you have any other tips, we're all ears. >> See our Article "Raymond's 14 essentials for puppy"

You are living in Switzerland like us, and you are going to welcome your dog from abroad. Or perhaps you are planning to move to Switzerland with your pooch? If you bring a canine back to Switzerland from abroad, his entry will be regulated and subject to checks upon arrival. What do you have to do to be in order? What papers to fill? To whom to report what? How to cross the border? We will explain everything here ! An article that I would have loved to read when we welcomed Raymond to help us in the process. Understanding the steps and documents required was quite complicated for us. No site explain the entire procedure, some information was contradictory, or even the official sites mention forms but are impossible to find. To this, add that depending on the country of origin, health requirements may also vary (i.e vaccines). Here are the steps necessary to be in order for a puppy from France to Switzerland. O1O STEPS TO ANTICIPAE BEFORE GETTING YOUR DOG As long as you don't have your little friend yet, you might take advantage of your precious free time to anticipate as many tasks as possible. Some are mandatory (1.1) before your companion's arrival, and others can be done afterwards (1.2 and 1.3), but our advice is to do as much as possible before. 1.1 DOCUMENTS TO REQUEST TO YOUR BREEDER Make sure your breeder has taken the necessary health and reporting steps. The day you pick up your puppy from the breeder, the dog absolutely must: have been identified Identification includes the marking of the animal by electronic chip (ISO 11784 standard, readable with a reader according to ISO 11785 standard) or tattoo, and registration in the national identification file for domestic carnivores (I-cad). The identification is the responsibility of the breeder, and must be carried out before vaccination against rabies (from 3 months) by a veterinarian. The veterinarian issues a document attesting to the identification to the breeder and another to the I-cad within 8 days. Identifying your animal allows you to assign it a unique number and register its owner with the I-cad. This can in particular make it possible to find the owner of a lost or stolen animal. If you change your address, you must inform the I-cad. /!\ Attention: The identification must have been made before the anti-rabies vaccination (ie rabies). And the tattoo is also accepted provided it was done before July 3, 2011. have a passport Just like us, animals must have a pet passport issued by an EU country or a passport recognized by other European states or territories. It is mandatory, even if you do not plan to travel to another country. In our case, when going through customs, you will have to show this precious document. be vaccinated He has two types of vaccines to give your puppy: SHLP and rabies. - SHLP must be done in the 1st month, with a reminder the following month. - Rabies should be done between the 3rd and 5th month, according to Switzerland. Two scenarios are available to you: . If you cross the border with your puppy under 3 months old, it is not necessary to vaccinate against rabies. You only need to certify by a written declaration (form to be completed available HERE) that the puppy has not had contact since birth with wild animals. You will then have to have him vaccinated against rabies from his third month. . If you cross the border with your puppy over 3 months old, he must be vaccinated against rabies. If the entry into Switzerland takes place less than 21 days after vaccination, you must also certify by a written declaration that your puppy has not had contact since birth with wild animals (form to be completed available HERE). be registered with the LOF (not mandatory - only for french dogs with pedigree) If your dog has a particular pedigree, he will be registered in the French Book of Origins (LOF) by his breeder. If the animal is registered, you will need to receive an identification number from your breeder. The form of the number specifies the rank of the litter in the calendar year. 1.2 DECLARE YOURSELF AS A DOG HOLDER Anyone who acquires a dog for more than three months is required to declare themselves as a dog owner within 10 days to the AMICUS database. Its purpose is to facilitate searches, such as in the event of loss or theft. To obtain an AMICUS ID, you must go to your town hall, or municipal police. They are the ones who will take the steps to declare you and create your AMICUS ID. They will give you your AMICUS ID directly on site to keep safe. You must then send this identifier to your treating veterinarian in Switzerland so that the latter can finalize the registration of the dog during your first visit. 1.3 CIVIL LIABILITY OR HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE In most cantons (including Geneva), owners are required to take out dog owner liability insurance. It is generally included in your household insurance, so do not hesitate to check with your insurer. This civil liability insurance includes: damage to the rented apartment, injuries caused to other animals or people, material damage caused to third parties or traffic accidents caused by dogs. O2O LEGALLY IMPORT YOUR DOG 2.1 DECLARE IN CUSTOMS When crossing the border, make sure to do so during the opening hours of Swiss customs offices by passing through a busy border post in order to personally declare your dog. You must therefore present yourself with him, as well as with the following documents (1.1): microchip valid pet passport health book, and up-to-date vaccine (the vaccine or health book is often integrated directly into the passport, and it is then a single document for two) written declaration that your puppy has had no contact since birth with wild animals (if less than 3 months old and not vaccinated against rabies, or if the vaccine dates back less than 21 days) receipt or invoice of the transaction with the breeder to prove the amount The FSVO website provides a search engine"Crossing the border with his dog, his cat, his ferret" indicates precisely these documents. /!\ Attention: The entry into Switzerland of dogs with cropped tails or ears is prohibited. 2.2 PAY CUSTOMS VAT If the excess value of CHF 300.- is exceeded, you must pay Swiss VAT at the rate of 7.7% of the total value. It includes the purchase price and all costs and expenses up to the Swiss border (protection fees, vaccinations, veterinary costs, transport). If you cannot prove the total value with invoices or receipts, or if the information provided is questionable, customs personnel will estimate the value of the animal. To certify that it has been declared to customs, customs officers will stamp your animal's passport. Once you have declared your animal to Swiss customs, carefully keep the documents certifying that your declaration has been made in good and due form and that the VAT has been paid. If you ever lose your pet's passport, this ticket will prove that you have declared your dog to customs. If you are importing the dog as part of a move to Switzerland, you must complete form 18.44 (Customs processing of moving effets) . The conditions for duty-free importation of household effects also apply to your pets. O3O WHEN YOUR DOG ARRIVES IN SWITZERLAND 3.1 FINALIZE AMICUS REGISTRATION AT YOUR VET Within 10 days of importing the puppy, the purchaser must make an appointment with the veterinarian. Your veterinarian has 10 days to register the animal in the Swiss dog database (AMICUS). 3.2 GET THE MEDAL (ALSO CALLED CONTROL MARK) All dogs older than 6 months must carry the control mark from April 1 of the current year. The control mark is valid for one year (ie until March 31). This control mark must be collected from your town hall or municipal police station. You will then have to present to them: Vaccination record with vaccination against rabies (1.1) Proof of your dog's registration with the AMICUS database (1.2) Your certificate of civil liability (1.3) The control mark costs between CHF 0.- and CHF 24.- depending on the municipality. For Lancy (Canton of Geneva) we paid CHF 10.- O4O DURING HIS DOG LIFE 4.1 DECLARE ANY CHANGES Any change of address or the death of your animal must be declared to AMICUS within 10 days. Simply log into your account with the identifiers retrieved from your town hall or municipal police to make the change (1.2) 4.2 PAY DOG TAX As the owner of a dog, you are subject to dog tax. It is an annual tax which depends on the duration of detention of the dog. To calculate the amont of your tax, the tax authorities use the information you provided when your registered your og in the AMICUS database. Dog tax is sent by slip from the finance department. In the event of the death or transfer of your dog, you can request a refun of the tax. /!\ Attention: this tax does not in any way dispense with the acquisition of the control mark or the civil liability insurance. No time to read, but want a quick overview of the process? Find our recap in pictures:

What to think about before getting a puppy? In this article you will find all Raymond's favorite essentials we bought when he arrived into our home. Find inspiration to start with your puppy in this article which will give you an idea of the basics things to think about when welcoming a puppy. Among the different toys or housedogs we offered to Raymond, he naturally had preferences. I am happy to share with you a summary of essential and inexpensive articles to favor, or to simply renew certain things a little worn out. His 2-in-1 housedog from #Kleps This basket is GREAT for getting started with a puppy. The first days Raymond was always going into this doghouse not only for sleeping, this place was for him a place to feel safe and comfortable. Gradually we noticed he was prefering his others open baskets, so we fold it. 59€ https://www.kleps.com/dormir/606-panier-cabane-souple-gris-noir-5907783901317.html His donut bed from #Maxizoo To take a nap, play or nibble, he is super keen of thos donut bed. Despite its low price, it is very resistant because it spends these days trying to shred it. 14,20 francs https://shop.maxizoo.ch/fr/chat/couchages-chats/coussins-chat/fit-fun-lit-donut-rouge-xxs-40x9-cm-1332780.html His 2-in-1 toy from #Maxizoo If you follow Raymond, you will have noticed for sure his little cow hidden in majority of his pictures. It is by far his favorite toy. It hydrid style with the squeazy cow and the chewing rope makes his favorite. Its size is also very well adapted to its jaw, and the whole thing is really very light. I highly recommend this type of 2-in-1 toy. Around 5€ I cannot fin it online, but bought in the Maxizoo across the street. >> See my article dedicated to occupation toy His ttravelling ransport bag from #HM As soon as he sees it, he automatically jumps into it. Well protected from the cold, I always slip in a warm blanket and a few toys for more comfort. The small storage pocket on the side allows you to store essentials such as a few treats, a retractable bowl, tissues or a hydroalcoholic gel. There is also a small compartment to put the poop bags. The only downside is that the bag slips a bit on the shoulder. 49€ https://www2.hm.com/fr_fr/productpage.1014504001.html His small bowls from #Trendydinner and #AniOne The bowls are definitly something we did not anticipated well. Before his arrival we had opted for a slightly high set from #Maxizoo. We quickly realized that our choice was not suitable for him. We went back to the store to take two small cat bowls. The ceramic one without contour allowing it to catch food more easily. And the other in plastic for water, with a rim limiting splashing. Purchased less than 8 francs each in a specialized store. His bowls carpet from #More Simple and discreet, this mat will be your best ally to keep your doggie's food space clean. Made of silicone, it is very easy to clean, and clearly delimits the meal space for your dog. 12,99 francs https://www.fressnapf.de/p/more-for-napfunterlage-royal-40-x-30-cm-1270088/ His sweater from #Wouapy It is very difficult to find clothes in his size. This little sweater from Wouapy is his favorite because it perfectly fits his shape and does not let in any cold wind in. It's almost like a second skin and he doesn't feel it at all. He never balks to put it on, unlike others. Size 29 39 francs Available in the little shop next to me that I LOVE Au monde des poilus His puppy pad from #Swisspet I have tried several brands, and I highly recommend this one in particular. Unlike many, there are really waterproof. I use 60 x 40 size which is big enough to do several pees, but discreet in the kitchen. There are not slippery or noisy, so less chance of distracting him and turning into a game. 12.90 francs https://www.petfriends.ch/de/swisspet-puppy-pads-508340g-7.html Snuff mat from #Maxizoo Another carpet you might tell me! Even this one unfortunately doesn't look great in our living room as it looks like a mop, it's a great buy to get. It occupies Raymond for long minutes (depending on how many kibbles you put) in a fun way. He loves to dig into it! He's crazy when he sees it coming. Dachshunds are naturally enjoying sniffing and digging, so this mat is perfect for them. Around 15 francs You can easily find a more aesthetic one. There are many cool colors on the web. I wanted one quickly so I didn't have much of a choice at the Maxizoo next door. You can even create your own, the principle is quite simple. As long as you are a manual person of course. His leash from #Flexi Leash in size S of 3 meters with automatically adjustable length. At the beginning we had opted for a rigid leash and it was very difficult to teach him the leash. We have seen enormous progress thanks to this type of leash since it is lighter and the dog is not towed. 12.40 francs Bought from Leclerc but available here: https://www.galaxus.ch/fr/s15/product/flexi-nouvelle-corde-classique-s-chien-promenade-laisses-5888146 His cat collar from #Maxizoo Adviced by the breeder we chose a cat collar. Raymond being really small there was no collar adapted to his size. Cat collars are also more flexible and light and can be adjusted very easily for use over several months and follow their growth. Less than 6 francs >> See article on "How to choose your puppy's first collar" His dog park from #Gonser I chose this brand because they wew supposed to deliver in 24 hours, but I was quickly disillusioned as I received it in 5 after complaining to customer service. It is actually a purchase we had not anticipated but which is very practical. As soon as we sleep outside in a hotel or at friends place, at night we put R in this park where he has all his things (basket, toys, water, cleaning mats). 39,90 francs https://www.gonser.ch/fr/fr/materiel-animaux-domestiques/chiens/parc-pour-chien/un-chiot-qui-court-au-noir/a-13317/ His antistress spray from #Bellydog This spray helps doggie to relax in any situation with its essential oils of lavender and chamomile and ascorbic acid. This is the ultimate trio for relieving discomfort and helping to relax. It also protects against dust mites. Help your dog to relax in any situation with the anti-stress spray. 19,90€ https://bellydog.com/fr/products/no-stress?variant_id=40082758729911 His shampoo from #Bellydog I wash R every two weeks, as it is quite often I absolutely wanted to go for a natural solution. This shampoo is made with extracts of chamomile, peach and aloe vera and provides a great fragrance. It is also without parabens, sulphates or phosphates, safe for him. 19,90€ https://bellydog.com/fr/collections/wash/products/dirty-dog-shampoo-peach-blossom?variant_id=40873323331767

It's mid December, the snow is falling and the Christmas tree in the living room is ready. For his first Christmas, Raymond sees things in a big way and he has prepared his first list for Santa Claus, which you may discover below. And you, what did your pooch ordered for Christmas? Tell us in comments!

Having a dog is so much happiness, without a doubt. But before experiencing countless adventures and good times, first few weeks or even months might be difficult. It is important to be aware and to inform yourself before commiting. This little being who arrives in your life is like a real child, he will ask you a lot of attention. Until my husband and I embarked on this adventure, we had literraly no idea what we were really getting into. There are lots of things that were hidden, and that poeple or blogs won't tell you about. Here is a little top of the hugly thruth or hidden vices to know, before joining this life changing chapter of your life! Theory vs Reality of dog trainers The few weeks and months prior adopting Raymond, I inquired on all topics,to learn as much as possible on dogs to feel ready and do things correclty. I read several books, watched plenty of educational videos, and listened to many podcasts until I felta an expert on all matters, gaving me high confidence. When I was listenning to dog trainers it always sounded very simple and easy. One problem = one solution. In theory yes, but in practice not always. It takes more than two or three tips or good advice. It takes time, you wil need good behavior, good environment, and also a little luck. Dog trainers are great advice, don't get me wrong I'm not saying the opposite, but the practice is very different, and we don't warned people enough that everything, absolutely everything that you are going to teach them is going to take time. All these tips and tricks will have to be repeated dozens of times before it works, so get ready! I have come to regret my choice Staying at home all day during winter, staying under the bed sheets until 11am on Sunday, having a drink with girlfriends directly after work, or go for a run on your lunch break ... FORGET ABOUT IT, IT'S OVER !! Sometimes it's hard to deal with everything in one day and it can be demoralizing. for example, you are lazy to go for a walk in the dark and cold after a difficult day at work. There will be times when you don't feel like taking care of your dog, when you want to be just calm and by yoursel, you could almost regret your choice. But that doesn't last long. Lazy to go for a walk, yes, but to see him so happy to run outside and play in the grass, you will forget everything. You will even start to appreciate this little break in the cool during the day at one point. It is like sport, you are always lazy to go for a session, but once it is done you ALWAYS feel good and you never regret. Having a dog is the same. It is the best anti anxiety or anti depressant that we can have. However, expect some slack. A bad news, a big day at work, you come home late and then BAM home looks to messy with so much to clean! And your doggie is sicking to you, preventing you from cleaning and moving forward, and you are already late for your next appointment. Sometimes, you don't it much to feel overwhelmed. In these particular moments, counting on the support of your other half is the best cure to start again. If you are not in a relationship, ask a pet sitter or a friend for help to have little break. I have never regretted my choice to welcome Raymond into our life, but I had moments of doubts and anxieties, I admet it. Overwhelmed by events, fatigue or the responsibility of having a dog, I asked myself questions like "will I get there" "will he obey one day" "am I condemned to clean up these pop in the house 10 times a day for the next ten years""will I be able to walk with him with the leash more than just 10 meters one day"... Fortunately with time and as he will grow, obey and become mature these feelings and fears will go away completely. My neighbors are delighted Flat or house, in both cases it can be tricky. Whether your neighbors are understanding or not, hearing a dog barking all day is not pleasant. Take good reflexes with your dog from the start, teach him to be alone from the very first day by leaving him 10 minutes alone in a room. Put yourself in your neighbors' shoes. You can notify them in advance that you are adopting. This will make the process easier and help maintain a good relationship. >> Check out my article for more details "How to teach doggie to be alone" The importance and role of education I truly believe, we don't emphasis enough on the importance of education during first few days and weeks. This is when everything plays out and when the fundamentals of your relationship with your dog are established. Creating a good foundation (cleanliness, loneliness, socialization ...) will ensure serenity over the next 10 years! It is important to be rigorous in your speech, behaviors and actions, and not to be fooled by his beautiful eyes. Even if he is too cute and we want to say amen to everything. Ignoring him at first is harder than expected Looks how cute he is , it's not possible to resist! It is a breed you love and chose, and above all he is yours. Impossible for you to not melt in front of his eyes. However, you have to be strong and strict, and to not stick around him non-stop avoiding him to grow as he should. Especially when teaching him to be alone, at first it is a real heartbreak to ignore him when he asks for attention or cries at night. But you have to keep in mind it won't last long and this is for his own good and yours, to ensure peace of mind for the next 10 years for both of you. You have to watch him non stop and that's extremly tiring During the first weeks and even months, you have to watch him all the time and it is very tiring, especially at the end of the day. Your pet is discovering the world, for him everything is a source of play as long as we say the opposite (and repeat 10 times). At home, you have to make sure he does not eat electrical wires, shoes or destroy your plants. You must also watch out for the moments he wants to pee or pop (in the long run you will have the eye and will recognize his positions). Outside, when you go for a walk, he is going to eat everything, and especially what he should not like a rubber band, a cigarette or a beer capsule. You will have to keep your eyes on him at all times to prevent him to eat something not edible. Being constantly in the watch a from getting up to going to bed is extremly tiring. The advantage (let's stay optimistic) is that you will have a good night's sleep. He's going to do foolery, that's undeniable Even if you close all doors, put away your shoes, hide small objects, protect electric wires, or have puppy pad, he will do stupid things and that's normal! You have better to accept and anticipate it now, to be prepare. Of course, the better you prepare, the less chances of foolery, however keep in mind it is bound to be as some point. Forgetting something, or a moment of inattention? Our little friends are very agile and clever, and will detect play areas where you never thought of them! Who knew a roll of cardboard toilet paper was funny for example? If caught during the act you can scold him, if you arrive after the battle it's too late. He will not understand and will not be able to make the connection. Be patient, and take it upon yourself. He will grow and mature, just like us. Be patient or nothing Being patient and empathetic is the key to a successful education. Here are some concrete examples. During the first weeks he will want to do his needs when it is clearly not the right time for you. You may take a two-hour walk, he will wait until you come home and entering your on #Zoom or #Teams meetings to do his poop in front of you (unable to do anything as you have the camera on). First, you have to put yourself in his place. When outside, he is playing and discovering, he does everything except his needs. It is when he comes home warm, on the comfortable carpet that he will make his needs. That is exactly what happen to me the first weeks. Despite my 1 hour walks, it was always right away back home he was doing his pee or poop. If you catch him in the act scold him, and reward him very exaggeratedly when he is doing it outside. Keep in mind it will take time, and when I say time I'm talking about several months, and that's normal, so don't worry. Walking with a leash, it took us 3 weeks to look like something with a 3-4 walks a day. And almost 2 months it becomes a real pleasure for him as for us. This is what I can blame to online dog trainers sometimes, they give solutions but always forget to reassure and warn these tips are not automatic and will take a time. At the beginning I thought I was doing wrong, that there was a problem, but no. Any learning takes several weeks or months depending on subjects or orders to be learned. Paparazzis are irritating Being a star is tiring! The first few weeks, the puppy effect will stop everyone in the streets. At the beginning, it's funny we gladly lend ourselves to the game, we are flattered to have so many compliments on our doggie. But after a few hours or days, it becomes genuinely irritating or even crippling in your walk. People stop you, cut you off, or just grab and hug your puppy without asking. I didn't expect to be so hassled and paralyzed on the streets. Prepare for uncomfortable behaviors and to experience things you might not have imagined. Cold blood and patience will help you get through this period which will not last. Don't worry, this will fade, because in addition to growing up and being less cute in the eyes of people (the puppy effect), he will stop less as he walks, which is less conducive to attracting attention. Although we want to send everyone off (we are not going to lie to each other), it is not very polite then: avoid glances, cut short the discussion with a "have a good day" or by having a movement of departure, also ask not to touch the puppy. These are all the techniques that we are going to put in place naturally to limit contact, believe me! Winter, an additional challenge If you can choose the period to welcome your puppy, pick summer without a doubt. Having adopted Raymond in November, I can assure you that winter brings its share of constraints. For instance, three of your four outings will be done at night and in the cold. Take a small lamp to see where you are going and not to walk in a poo, yet also to check he does not eat inedible things (very common at this age). The outdoor activities are reduced or limited because of the weather, you will have to wait for sunnier days to make long hikes or to go on the beach. In winter, we are also more tired and this must be taken into account. It is less pleasant to have the alarm clock ringing at 6 a.m. when it is dark, cold and raining in winter, than with a beautiful sky, birds singing and the sun rising in summer. For him and for you, summer is a more fun time so you might as well start with it to build good habits and relationships together. It is a long summary of all my warnings when adopting a dog. It's like a childbirth or a marathon, the finality provides so much happiness that you forget about difficult time that occurs just before. I hope this article will help your decision, and allow you to imagine a little more how the first days are, because it is more difficult as it sounds, and people do not talk about it enough. Feel free to share your opinion below! Comments are always welcome :)

An article I would have dreamed of reading when I looked to buy Raymond's first necklace. Now it doest exist! Here are all of Raymond's tips for choosing the right first necklace. Size, material, where to buy, we tell you everything here. The moment finally came, your puppy is finally here! Among all the necessary materials, there is one in particular that requires a time to choose it: the necklace. Why ? Quite simply because it's the first object your puppy will encounter, and that will stay with him for a while. It is also his "identity card" since it his medal includes his name and your contact details. This collar allow you to create a first bond with your puppy, but also to walk him outside. So how do you choose the right one? - The size Before talking fashion and look, the first point to take into account when choosing the necklace is the size. Regardless of race or age, he needs a collar that fits him, neither too big that he could lose, nor too small that could hurt him. There are two ways to assess the size of the necklace: either it's easy and we have the animal's measurements, or we don't have them, and no worries there are plenty of alternatives. If you have the measures If you can take the animal's measurements or ask the breeder, it's easy for you to choose: Measure your pet's neck loosely (so that 2 fingers can pass through). Subtract 5 cm to have the minimum length, and add 5 cm to obtain the maximum length. For example: if your dog's neck measurement is 40 cm, he will need a collar between 35 - 45 cm. If you don't have the measures Comme ce fût notre cas, nous n'avions pas les dimensions de Raymond. Nous avons dû faire sans. référer sur internet. Pour estimez son tour de coup j'ai consulté plusieurs sites, et je vous propose le récapitulatif ci-dessous. Perhaps, you don't have the measures, so as was our case before we got Raymond. Theregore, we had to do without. To estimate his collar size turn, I have consulted several sites to make a accurate average. Hereby, a summary below. It's a good idea to check online to get a rough idea of your pet's measures. Be careful to take these figures with a grain of salt, because there are sometimes significant differences depending on the sizes (kaninchen, mini, standard for example for a dachshund), sites, but also the growth curve of your animal. In fact, dogs from the same breed can have different sizes and growth rates. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your breeder, a veterinarian or a pet store salesperson. - The material Choose the material according to the desired use of the collar. If it is for constant use, it is necessary to favor resistant but soft materials. If it is to remove it after each outing, you can opt for flexible materials. At first, it is often recommended to use a nylon collar, because it is easily adjustable and not expensive. Be careful to watch your puppy, because their small teeth could come to the end of the collar by dint of chewing. - Few tips to keep in mind Evaluate his neck size at the time of adoption. No need to measure it 1 month before since he will grow. Choose a wide collar so that the puppy does not get strangled when pulling on the leash. Favor an adjustable collar. This will give you a error margin when you buy it, and your puppy can grow up with it, until you buy an adult collar in a few months. This will prevent you from changing your collar every month. Indeed, keep in mind that some breeds have rapid growth curves. The puppy can then gain weight every week. Prepare your self to change the neckless regularly as your puppy grows. For small dogs especially, opt for a cat collar. That's what we did. They are smaller but also more flexible. They are softer on your pet, and get used more easily to wear a collar. Go for a cheap model, especially in supermarkets. You will have time to buy him a more fancy and durable necklace once he is adult. Add your phone number. If your puppy get lost, people can easily contact you. It's not very glamorous to put such number below is name on the medal, but now there are very discreet techniques, such as the back of the medal or collar, or on a paper hidden in a small bell hanging to the collar. Fashion wise, if you have the budget you can take a pack to have all the matching paraphernalia (collar, harness, leash). - Where to buy Now that you've targeted the type of necklace you need, it's time to take action - and check out. There are plenty of places to find the one, here is a non-exhaustive list: Specialized store or pet store Specialized site or brand in particular Marketplace like Amazon Etsy to make small businesses work around you - How to get your puppy used to wear a collar The collar is just like education in general, start from the very first day when your puppy arrived. Don't wait until your dog is an adult. The puppy needs to get used to wearing a collar from an early age, and the transition will be even easier. Expect your pooch to not like this new gadget too much the first time you use it. Gently get him used to wearing it longer and more often over time. At the beginning a few minutes are enough. Don't be worried when you see your puppy scratching, rubbing, or trying to catch it. If it seems to be too hard for him, take it off and try again later in the day. To make him forgetting about this object of torture, offer him a game session or a treat to capture his attention on something else nicer. He will then associate this necklace with something pleasant. - To ban absolutely To avoid for our little friends: The choke collar (forbidden for all dogs, it is far too barbaric!) The thick leather necklaces, still too heavy for the little ones. - What about Raymond ? We have selected a cat collar, recommended by our breeder. The collar was perfectly in his size, light and in a non-aggressive material. The fit was perfect because without a hole, you can adjust it completely to your liking. We found it at #Maxizoo, in a warm and festive color, for less than 10 francs. He wore it from day one (few minutes at the begining some times to times), and he adopted it very easily due to the lightness and softness. See some pictures below for easy reference:

Before teaching him his first name, to be clean or to seat, the most important thing for us was to teach him to be alone. Indeed, living in an apartment and working all day, our first challenge was to teach him solitude in a serene way. Basic knowledge to have in mind «Loneliness is learned as soon as it arrives at your home, in a progressive way» From the very first day, don't be non-stop with him, it will only strengthen the attachment excessively. If he follows you everywhere or you have him constantly in his arms, as soon as you go away he will experience it like a real heartbreak, and your neighbors will be on the front row seat! You have to get him used to being alone gradually: leave for 5 minutes, then 20, then 1 hour. Do not say hello or goodbye to him, he must not assimilate a particular pattern. 8 true advices to keep your dog busy while you are away 1. Physical exercice The best advice I can give is to spend your dog before you go! Exercise will not only trigger endorphin - the hormone of happiness - but will also tire your pooch. Your absence will then allow him to rest fully and calmly, without any anxiety. 2.It's raining toys Offer him a toy that he does not often have access to, or that he cannot have in "service book" this will increase the value and interest of this toy in his eyes. Do not hesitate to bring out an old toy or to offer it a new one (from time to time). Occupation toys - i.e Kong type - are also a great option, and will become your best allies on a daily basis. There are many different kinds. You can also easily create your own. Excavation mats, candy dispensers… Don't hesitate to diversify them. In addition to occupying it, it will stimulate my intelligence and attention. >> Read article on "Occupation toys for Dogs" 3. A treasure hunt Do not hesitate to hide treats or toys in your apartment or house. Nothing better than a good treasure hunt to keep him occupied, and in addition to work his awakening. 4. The reassuring blanket for the most anxious Leave an item of clothing with your scent in its basket before leaving. He will appreciate this sweet scent that will reassure him during your absence. 5. Music to cool temper Special dog sound backgrounds. For our part, Raymond is crazy about it! Very popular, these TV, radio and music shows for dogs are available everywhere online. It continuously diffuses pleasant and soothing sounds for our four-legged friends. Do not hesitate to leave the TV on, it will occupy it and bring a presence. Be careful not to put too hard either so as not to stupefy him (and at the same time your neighbors!) 6. Yummy For the most greedy (be careful not to abuse the good things) you can leave a bone to chew on. This will keep him busy for several minutes if not hours! 7. Pheromones and flowers diffusers They come in all forms: collars, tablets or indoor diffusers that release soothing pheromones for your dog. Choose products with natural origins. Very trendy at the moment the cures of Bach Flowers. This mixture of plants positively influences emotions in everyday life. There are 38 different essences, and each has a specific role. It's up to you to find yours! With Raymond we had to use this natural lavender and chamomile spray from Belly Dog, during the first nights and absences to soothe our loulou. 8. Limit the space available At first, the smaller the space (such as a kitchen or back kitchen) the less diversions and the less chance of messing up. The goal is to encourage him to remain calm and peaceful in order to better experience the separation. Choose a space where he is used to being, such as the room where there is usually his basket, or sleeps at night. He will be in a familiar environment and it will seem more normal to be alone. Hire a pet sitter! If you are away on a regular basis, consider hiring a pet sitter. Contrary to what you probably have in mind, it's not just for rich people. These services can be affordable such as a student. This person can then come regularly to occupy, spend or feed your dog. Several service offers are available through a large number of specialized sites or applications, but not only! To help you in your research, see my article dedicated to Pet sitters, to find your rare pearl. Check out my article >> How and where to find the right pet sitter >> Here are some tips, which I hope will make the difference. Tell me in the comments what works for you!

Boredom is inevitable. Just like us, our four-legged friends can get bored, and can cause a lot of problems. Occupation toys might be the solution for you to prevent destruction or anxiety issue. Why should we entertain your dog and which toys should we favor? #maxizoo #truffaut #prettypetsa #leclerc Why should I entertain my dog? « A busy dog, is a happy dog ». Our furry friends need to be kept busy on a regular basis, inside and out your home.Why, and what are the benefits for your four-legged friend behind entertainment? - Playing with your companion will keep him in a good physical and emotional shape. A busy dog ​​is a happy dog. Entertaining him help reducing stress and anxiety of loneliness. - Entertaining him on a daily basis reduce or may even avoid behavioral problems. The most classic ones are repeated destruction, excessive barking, excessive demands for attention or poor management of loneliness. - Distracting doggie may also prevent physical problems. The most common is unwanted licks. Nobody likes it! This type of behavior is called "surrogate activity" because it allows your pet to release his anxiety and boredom, and create a ritual to get your attention. - Intellectually awakens the dog and can improve his dexterity. - Games including treats encourage a slower eating habit, especially for fast eaters. This "anti-gluttonous" effect distract him for a longer period of time, and also provide him a better transit, and thus a better health condition. First of all, teach him to be alone As we have seen, entertaining your dog has many benefits. But be careful not to skip any step. Do not go to work and leave him alone all day in your flat on his day two. Whether it is with or without occupation toys, that would be a big and risky mistake to make. You can't teach someone to swim by throwing in him the middle of the ocean without any buoy! Before leaving your dog alone for several hours, the first step is to teach him to be alone. As anything to be learned, it should be done smoothly and gradually for quicker and better results. Knowing how to be alone cannot be improvised, and it is necessary to do it serenely by steps, to establish good habits from the very start. >> For more information, see my article to teach him loneliness "8 real tips to teach doggie to be alone" Best Of occupation tous for dogs Pet toys market is flooded with innovative brands and ideas. There is a wide range of occupation games, so beware of scams and bad initiatives. Before reading my selection, pay attention to the quality of the toys and be consistent with your dog's profile: Please pay attention to quality and safety of games and brands. Look at the components list and prefer non-toxic materials. Some toys should only be used only while you are around. Pay extra attention to small loose parts which could be swallow or hurt you dog. Toys should be inspected regularly to make sure they are not damaged. In case of damage, discard it systematically and automatically. Purchase toy according to the profile of your dog: his age, breed or size. For a puppy, older or small dog, prefer smaller sizes and softer materials. For a big dog with a strong jaw, prefer larger and more robust toys. Hereby, a non-exhaustive selection of the best occupation toys: Snuffle Mat Made of several rows in which you may hide treats or food. It will then take to your dog several long minutes to eat everything, instead of devouring very quickly. You can buy it or make it yourself. TIP: Recommended for non-destructive dogs. Otherwise you rmay have a non pleasant surprise on your return. Kong You have probably seen it before, as it is by far the most popular game! Come from the Brand Kong itself, however you may find other brands just as good, and sometimes cheaper. The goal is to slip some croquettes into a round container. It will force your companion to chew it and turn it upside down to get his precious sesame inside. TIP: Place food in a compact way inside. Leave it in the fridge or the freezer, and give it to your dog at the last minute before you leave. It will increase the difficulty and therefore time spent getting the food. Pipolino This bone-shaped treat dispenser is designed to encourage the dog to play with it to get treats out. Although pipolino was originally created for fun and to reduce the stress of loneliness, it can also replace an anti-glutton dog bowl. TIP: to introduce your dog to the game, place the toy next to a wall (preferably where the bowl is) and place one or two kibbles between the wall and the pipolino. Your doggie will have to push it away to retrieve the kibble. Strategy game Strategy games are designed to keep your dog's brain active. It includes several hatches to slide, elements to move or release to obtain kibble. It encourage your dog to think for satisfaction, and stimulates him intellectually. TIP: Be careful to choose the right one accodring to the degree of difficulty and the profile of your dog. Start with an easy one (especially for puppy), then over time you may increase the difficulty, and even creat your own one. Gyro With its shape of Saturn planet, the Gyro is a mix between Kong and Pipolino. Made of one central ball where treats are inserted, and one resistant disc that spins around the ball. Your dog as to move and turn the ball to get the treats. Designed to be used alone, you can give it during your firsts absences. TIP: Place food in a compact way inside. Leave it in the fridge or the freezer, and give it to your dog at the last minute before you leave. It will increase the difficulty and therefore time spent getting the food. Snoop Awarded several times in the United States for its innovation. The Snoop is a transparent and flexible ball in which you can insert treats of different sizes. It is also bouncy which adds fun and difficulty for your dog. The snoop floats, and can be used in the water for more fun. TIP: Insert another Planet ball or Orbee-Tuff ball in the initial one for more difficulty. Le cache cache Yes, a hide-and-seek as in your childhood in the playgrounds! We are not going to "look for your dog" but rather to "make your dog look for" something. Whether it's his favorite toys or treats, hide them in your home, under a sofa or behind a door, for your dog to play Sherlock Holmes. You can play this game with him, for example in the house when the weather is despicable, but also while you are away to entertain him. TIP: Do not give hin access to too large space (such as several rooms) at the begining. It will increase the risk of mischief. Start with a easy room as the kitchen. Alternate treats and toys, while favroing toys that are not too old, such as a teddy bear, to avoid suffocation if it breaks. You are now an expert! All you have to do is choose the right game for your friend. Vary games and activities, and remember that nothing can replace a good walk to spend his energy outside and socialize him. Share your experiences and advice in the comments! If you have any other game that works well, please share them with us, Raymond will be happy to have new toys.

Astrology is definitely a hot and controversed topic. Whether we believe it or not, one thing is certain we are always curious to read what is said about his astrological sign. What is astrology and by extension canine astrology? Can we refer to it to choose a dog? What is astrology Astrology is a set of beliefs organized to obtain information about terrestrial phenomena from observable celestial phenomena. The word astrology comes from the Greek? Στρον, Astro (which means star) and λ? Γος. Logos (which means speech). Etymologically, astrology is therefore a "discourse on the stars", focusing on the sun and the planets of the solar system. Astrology is outside the rational or scientific realm, so it's up to you to believe it. Nowadays, its most popular use is characterized mainly by an interpretation system called a horoscope. Take a step back... Historically, astrology dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. Its origin lies in attempts to predict seasonal changes linked to interpretations of celestial cycles, considered to be signs of divine communication. Many cultures have used it to create an elaborate system for predicting earthly events from celestial observations, such as the Chinese, Hindus or Mayans. It then spread around the globe to become a learned and common tradition in academia, closely related to astronomy, alchemy, meteorology and sometimes medicine. She also had a strong influence in political and literary circles, and is mentioned in many literary works such as Shakespeare. It was not until the end of the 19th century, with the adoption of the scientific method, that astrology was contested and criticized. What about dogs? Human and animal astrology are quite similar since they allow to determine a character. Canine astrology is designed to make you perceive the personality and anticipate the behavior of your companion thanks to his astrological sign. Handy, isn't it? Indeed, knowing your dog's personality is an undeniable asset to ensure his balance and development. For the rest, you just have to love it and educate it. What can we found in canine astrology? As for us, the astrological sign of your dog will reveal to you the different facets of his personality according to his date of birth. Here is a summary of what can be found on the Internet: Can we refer to the stars to choose our dog? To choose the dog breed that suits you the best, you must first of all refer to your lifestyle and personality. We can find inspiration in your or/and his astrological sign, to match starry-speaking. Keep in mind that the different elements discussed in astrology are of course to be interpreted according to the breed. The tenacity of a dachshund will not have the same effects as on a Labrador for example.