It's best to feed your dog a high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their life stage, breed, and size. Make sure to read the label and look for a protein source as the first ingredient, and avoid foods with fillers, artificial colours, and preservatives. You can also consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations for your dog's needs.

Puppies require more frequent feedings, usually 3-4 times a day, while adult dogs can be fed once or twice a day. Make sure to divide their daily intake into equal portions to avoid overfeeding. Your dog's feeding schedule may vary depending on their breed, age, and activity level.

The amount of food your dog needs depends on their weight, age, and activity level. Read the label on the dog food packaging to determine the appropriate amount to feed based on your dog's weight. You can also consult with your veterinarian for a specific feeding plan tailored to your dog's needs. Avoid overfeeding your dog as it can lead to obesity and other health problems.

The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, and activity level. Generally, dogs should get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but some breeds require more. Activities such as walking, running, and playing can help keep your dog healthy and prevent behavioral issues. Always consider your dog's physical limitations and consult with your veterinarian before starting a new exercise routine.

The frequency of grooming depends on your dog's breed, coat type, and activity level. Dogs with long hair and thick coats may require more frequent grooming than short-haired breeds. Regular grooming can help keep your dog's coat clean and healthy, prevent matting and tangling, and reduce shedding. Make sure to also trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important to keep your dog healthy. Puppies should see a veterinarian every few weeks for vaccinations and health checks, while adult dogs should see a veterinarian annually for routine exams and vaccinations. You should also take your dog to the vet if they show signs of illness, injury, or behaviour changes.

Positive reinforcement training is the best method for training your dog. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime, and avoid punishing or scolding your dog. Consistency and patience are key to successful training. Consider enrolling in a training class or working with a professional trainer for additional guidance. Make sure to also socialize your dog to help prevent behaviour issues.

Feeding your dog a healthy diet, providing regular exercise and mental stimulation, and taking them to the vet for regular check-ups can help keep your dog healthy. Make sure to also groom your dog regularly, provide plenty of fresh water, and keep up with vaccinations and preventative care. Watch for signs of illness or injury and address them promptly.

Make sure your dog is always wearing identification tags

Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to respond to certain commands or cues in order to modify its behaviour.

The benefits of dog training include improved behaviour, increased obedience, strengthened bond between dog and owner, and a safer living environment for both the dog and its owner.

The basic commands for dogs include sit, stay, come, heel, and down.

The different types of dog training include obedience training, behaviour modification training, agility training, and socialization training.

It is recommended to start training your dog as early as possible, ideally when it is a puppy, to establish good behaviour patterns.

You can train your dog yourself with the proper knowledge and resources, but hiring a professional trainer may be beneficial for more complex training or behaviour issues.

Positive reinforcement is rewarding desired behaviour with treats, praise or attention, while negative reinforcement is removing something unpleasant to encourage a desired behaviour.

The duration of dog training depends on the individual dog and the training goals. Basic obedience training may take a few weeks, while more complex training may take several months.

Common mistakes to avoid include inconsistent training, punishing bad behaviour instead of rewarding good behaviour, and not considering the individual needs and personality of your dog.

You may need to adjust your training methods, seek professional help, or identify and address any underlying issues or health concerns.

It is never too late to start training your dog, but it may take longer to modify established behaviours in older dogs.

Puppies should be fed high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional requirements. Feed them small meals several times a day, and always provide fresh water.

Puppies need plenty of exercise, but don't overdo it. Take your puppy for several short walks a day, and gradually increase the length as they grow. Be sure to clean up after your puppy.

Puppies should not be bathed too frequently, as it can dry out their skin. Once a month is usually sufficient, or as needed if they get particularly dirty or smelly. Use a mild puppy shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Puppies should see a veterinarian for their initial wellness exam and vaccinations, and then again for follow-up appointments as needed. It's important to keep up with their preventative care, such as flea/tick prevention and heartworm medication.

Consistency is key when potty training your puppy. Take them outside frequently, especially after meals or naps, and reward them for going potty outside. Use a consistent command, such as "go potty," and be patient. Accidents will happen, so be prepared to clean up messes.

Give your puppy plenty of love and attention, but also provide them with a safe and quiet space to retreat to when they need some alone time. Establish a routine for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks. Gradually introduce them to new people, pets, and environments.

Contact your veterinarian if your puppy shows any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing. Follow their advice for treatment and follow-up care.

Puppies love to chew, so provide them with plenty of safe and durable toys to play with. Look for toys specifically designed for puppies, such as chew toys and interactive puzzle toys. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed.

Some common cat breeds include Siamese, Persian, Maine Coon, Sphynx, Bengal, and British Shorthair.

It's best to feed your cat a balanced diet of high-quality commercial cat food. Avoid feeding your cat human food as it can be harmful to their health.

Cats should be fed 2-3 small meals per day, depending on their age, weight, and activity level. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times.

Cats should have a routine check-up at least once a year. However, if your cat is showing signs of illness, take them to the vet immediately.

Brush your cat's fur regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathe your cat occasionally and trim their nails regularly.

Show your cat where the litter box is located and make sure it's easily accessible. Use a litter that your cat prefers and keep the litter box clean.

It's safer to keep your cat indoors to protect them from danger and diseases. If you do decide to let your cat outside, make sure they're supervised and have identification.

Cats enjoy toys that mimic their natural hunting instincts, such as string or toys that can be chased. Spend time playing with your cat each day to keep them entertained and active.

Introduce your cat to other pets gradually and supervise their interactions. Give your cat a safe space to retreat to if they feel threatened.

Watch for signs such as changes in appetite, behaviour, or litter box habits. Other signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet.

Your kitten needs a series of vaccinations to protect against common diseases such as feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus. It's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific vaccination schedule for your kitten based on their age, health, and lifestyle.

Kittens have small stomachs and need to eat more frequently than adult cats. It's recommended to feed your kitten 3-4 times a day until they are six months old. After that, you can gradually decrease the frequency to twice a day. Make sure to provide your kitten with a balanced and age-appropriate diet, either in the form of wet or dry food.

Kittens naturally know how to use a litter box, but you can help them by providing a clean and accessible litter box. Place the litter box in a quiet and private area and show your kitten where it is. If your kitten has an accident outside the litter box, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odour. Avoid punishing your kitten as this can create fear and anxiety around the litter box.

Playing with your kitten is an essential part of their development and bonding. Kittens love toys that they can chase, pounce on, and carry around. You can provide your kitten with interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, and balls. Make sure to supervise playtime and avoid using your hands or feet as toys.

Grooming your kitten is important to keep their coat clean and healthy. Brush your kitten's fur regularly, especially if they have long hair. Use a soft-bristled brush or a comb to remove any knots or tangles. You can also trim your kitten's nails regularly to prevent them from scratching furniture or people. Make sure to introduce grooming slowly and use positive reinforcement to make it a positive experience for your kitten.

It's essential to take your kitten to the vet for regular check ups and to address any health concerns. Your vet can also advise you on your kitten's vaccination schedule, diet, and behaviour. It's recommended to take your kitten to the vet at least once a year or more frequently if they have health issues or are due for vaccinations.

Kittens are curious and can get into trouble, so it's essential to kitten-proof your home. Keep hazardous materials such as cleaning supplies, chemicals, and medications out of reach. Remove any small items that your kitten can swallow.

I offer: Dog walking, dog training, puppy training, home visits for puppies and kittens, special care for senior or special needs pets, pet taxi service, call and video chat and advice service.

Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 ​Sunday 11:00 - 16:00 Bank holidays TBC

Bark and Ride covers County Louth and County Meath.

My prices vary depending on many factors and the service you require, please see: Pricing | Bark And Ride (barkandridepetcare1.wixsite.com)

If I (Bark and Ride) have to cancel a session, I will notify you immediately, or as soon as possible to reschedule.

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