Wednesday 30 November 2011

I call him



Deals of the Week

Deals of the Week




Ruffwear Flashing Light Dog Beacon

The Beacon uses four LEDs to create a halo of high-visibility red light around your dog. Emits light in four directions, forward left, forward right, backward, and straight up. Dog-ready design is sturdy, compact, watertight, lightweight, and easy to use.




Doggles Toss-N-Tug

A combination of tug toy and ball - As some dogs don't like the taste of rubber, Doggles' toys are made from their own tough proprietary formula. The vanilla biscuit scented ball is BPA and Phthalate-free so it's fun AND safe.

The Toss-N-Tug has a useful handle, so you can whirl it around your head for extra speed!

Now £6.99, was £7.90 




The classic styling of this collar makes it sleek enough for city streets and tough enough for the wilderness. Available in four solid colours and four patterns. Try our matching Flat Out™ Leash for the complete set.




Tuesday 29 November 2011

It's Winter for Dogs too

For many walkers the company of a four-legged friend is one of the best parts of spending time in the hills. And no, we're not talking about sheep - that's a whole different story...
As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, most dedicated lovers of the outdoors will continue with their walking or running routines, simply adjusting their attire to compensate for the cooler temperatures. After all, spending time outside in winter can be a fantastic experience, so there's not need to stay indoors just because it's a wee bit nippy out.
But even though we wrap ourselves up against the elements, we're unlikely to do the same for out furry friends. Sure, they have a built in coat and in general are better equipped to deal with the cold, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it. It's also worth bearing in mind that certain breeds of dog may require more care than others. While Huskies, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds are all well suited to winter conditions, puppies and older pets, plus small, short-haired, or thin breeds of dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers, or Whippets respectively will be far more prone to feeling the cold and may benefit from a little extra protection.
Luckily for man's (or woman's) best friend, there are now a huge range of products available to make this time of year more comfortable. Ruff Wear performance dog gear is one brand that has put as much effort into canine comfort as you would expect from any supplier of outdoor equipment. To use their own words, "Built with the same technical innovations as human apparel, Ruff Wear allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your canine companion wherever your adventures take you."
Ruff Wear's full range of canine clothing can be seen at www.ruffwear.co.uk, but here are a couple of their winter-wear products that could make the darker days a little cosier for your faithful furry friend:

Features and Benefits
  • Vibram® Ictrek® ice-specific sole with snow gripping lug pattern provides superb winter traction
  • Three-layer laminated soft-shell upper is DWR coated and is weather-resistant, wind-resistant, and breathable
  • Cam buckle ankle strap and cord loop closure system stays on in snow
  • Internal grip cuff keeps the boot securely on dog's paw
  • Extended gaiter height for added leg protection from elements and ski edges
  • 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective trim offers 360° reflectivity
  • Easy to operate & adjust in winter conditions while on the dog's paw

K-9 Overcoat Utility Jacket
Don't let the weather slow you down! When you layer up to head outdoors, protect your best friend as well with the K-9 Overcoat. Designed to be warm and durable…wind and water-resistant. The recycled fleece insulating layer is enclosed in a durable recycled polyester shell, keeping body heat in, and the elements out. Auto-lock buckles on each side of the jacket provide easy on/off.
Features and Benefits
  • Refined sizing and tailored fit features added neck, chest and belly coverage
  • 100% recycled durable outer layer repels moisture and wind
  • Recycled inner fleece layer insulates from the cold
  • Elastic stay-fit webbing and Duraflex® auto-lock buckles adjust for a custom fit
  • 3M™ reflective trim for enhanced visibility



For more information or to see the full range of Ruff Wear's outdoor clothing for dogs, visit www.ruffwear.co.uk.




By Live For The Outdoors News Team 
A website for Country Walking, the best selling outdoor magazine in the UK and Trail's the number 1 magazine

Ultimate Dog Tease


Is this the ultimate dog tease?

Wednesday 23 November 2011

The Omnijore Joring System

Do you like roller blading, skiing, snowboarding, biking, skateboarding, or anything you can think of which can allow your dog to pull you along?  Like the idea of your dog pulling you along for the ride, then check out the Omnijore Joring system, the latest piece of equipment by none other than our durable and convenient dog equipment company, Ruffwear!


Sounds like fun?  Special order your Omnijore Joring system from Scruff MacDuff by contacting us by telephone - 01506 848 966, or by email

Want to learn and see more?  Click on the Ruffwear video below:



Bulldog puppy can't get up


"Hello"



 Waking up Daddy


All videos from Youtube

Monday 21 November 2011

Winter is upon us!


Winter, winter is upon us! As you get ready with the snow shovels, deicers and even bags of salt, don’t forget to get your beloved dog his boots and jackets so he too can storm the winter blues.



 
The Cloud Chaser jacket and Polar Trek boots
 The Quinzee is a sleeveless puffer jacket, for the trendy and warm dog! Made with thermal insulation, abrasion free outer shell with a reflective trim, this jacket is all you need for those in town excursions, walks through the snow, and even to wear in the cold home as the heating fires up. Suited for wear during the SEVERE COLD weather, the Quinzee also comes with an integrated stow sack allowing you to conveniently stow away the jacket neatly and easily. 


 
The Cloud Chaser jacket is the ultimate full body armour for your dog. With fleece insulation, and a three layered weatherproof upper and stretch belly panel, the Cloud Chaser will shield your dog against wind, snow, rain and water. Suited for wear during SEVER, CHANGING WEATHER, the Cloud Chaser is the daddy of all jackets. Suitable for wear snow activities including skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and even runs through the severe cold and snowy weather.
Shadow with his Grip Trek boots, Doubleback harness and Doggles

Skyliner, the lightweight and pliable boot, is suited for walking on pavements outdoors, and great indoors with its non marking sole. Made with a water resistant upper, the Skyliner will help keep dirt, debris and water out. 

Grip Trek, the high traction rugged lug (sole grip) boot, is great for dogs struggling to walk in uneven, rough and unstable e.g. slush or icy conditions. The Grip Trek is made with breathable mesh upper material for comfort and ventilation. 

Polar Trek, the ultimate insulated cold weather boot with extended gaiter, is ideal for ice and snow. With non Velcro straps to help keep the boot on, a weatherproof insulated upper to help keep the paws warm and dry, and a vibram ice specific sole to provide great traction on snow and ice, the Polar Trek is a must have for your dog this winter!



Scruff MacDuff recommend the Cloud Chaser jacket and Polar Trek boots this Christmas to not only help keep your dog nice and warm, but to also allow him/her the freedom to run in the snow without risk of catching a cold. 
 


Christmas Offers


Nearly the end of November now, which means time for Xmas.  And if you live in an area that Scruff and staff do, Xmas decorations were already up at the end of October.  Yes, it's that time of year again, and Scruff has started his Xmas offers.  Spend £90 and get £10 off your total order, or spend £50 and get £5 off your total order.

And to share that extra bit of holiday cheer, Scruff is also offering free delivery to all orders over £70 as well.  So if you spend £90 or more you will recieve £10 off and free delivery on your order!

So what you waiting for - Browse Scruff MacDuff now

Here are some gift ideas to get you started -


Ruffwear Jackets

Scruff is currently promoting Ruffwear boots and jackets to keep his fellow dog friends happy.



The Quinzee insulated lightweight jacket.  Perfect to protect your dog from the cold!  Click here to learn more about the Quinzee jacket.

Want to know what other coats and jackets Scruff has to offer?

Click here now to view Ruffwear Jacket summary comparison page! 

Browse Ruffwear Jackets at Scruff MacDuff now



Ruffwear Boots

Want boots with that jacket?  Scruff has 3 different types of dog boots on his range, choose the right one with our Ruffwear boots summary comparsion page.


Click here now to view Ruffwear boots summary comparison page

Browse Ruffwear boots at Scruff MacDuff now






Dog Packs

But why not also browse our Scruff MacDuff's backpacks, so that your best friend can help you carry those gifts home!? 

Ruffwear Approach Dog Rucksack


Ruffwear Palisades Dog Rucksack


Ruffwear Singletrak Pack






Sierra Extreme Dog Backpack







Thursday 17 November 2011

Quinzee by Ruffwear


Introducing a new product added to our range just in time for Winter - Quinzee, the warm lightweight insulated coat. 


Coat packed in the stow pocket

Made with Synthetic Thermore® thermal insulation, this lightweight Quinzee jacket is perfect for keeping your dog warm on those freezing cold temperatures.  The outer shell is abrasion and snag resistant free, and finished with a reflective lining for that added security on those dark nights.  With side release buckles this jacket is easy to put on your dog, and easily packed away again with it's integrated stow pocket.



Quinzee
Intended for use -

  • In between activities
  • In camp
  • In town excursions, early morning and late evening walks
  • Anytime your dog needs warmth and insulation from the elements e.g. in the morning when the heating in the house is just starting up, or to play out in the snow




Machine (cold gentle) washable.    






Other articles of interest -

Ruffwear Cloud Chaser jacket

Cold-Weather dog gear 

Do Dogs Need a Winter Coat

An update from Graham and Shadow

A few months ago Scruff took on the challenge of sponsoring Shadow and Graham on their hiking journey across the Pyrennes in aid of the Veterans Charity.  Here is an update on how one dog (Shadow) and his man (Graham) are doing on their trek so far -


Graham and Shadow have had to face very tough times with bad weather and illness. Graham developed a terrible bladder infection but thankfully managed to get meds sorted, and after several days rest they are pushing on. 

They are currently in Andorra. 






Shadow has been great. A slight issue with one paw which has cleared up fine and he is really enjoying the adventure.


The total raised so far - near the £700 marque.  If you would like to sponsor Shadow and Graham in aid of Veterans Charity, you can give via their Just Giving site - www.justgiving.com/grahampovey



Shadow is sporting the Ruffwear Palisades Rucksack and Grip Trek boots.
The packs from the Palisades Rucksack can be taken off to leave
just the body/straps which can then just act as a harness - handy!


    






Other articles - 

450km from Irun on the Atlantic Coast of Spain across the Pyrennes Cabo de Creus on the Mediterranean Coast - June 2011

Graham Povey now has Shadow's Ruffwear Kit - July 2011

Quick update from Graham Povey - August 2011






Wednesday 9 November 2011

Pet Friendly Brighton with Kate Lawler

Welcome to our first instalment of a brand new pet friendly travel feature with the lovely Kate Lawler and her two dogs, Baxter and Kevin. Over the next few issues we will be taking Kate, Baxter and Kevin on a tour of different pet friendly hotels and areas across the UK.

Meet Kate…
In January 2011 I became a dog owner. I now have two – Baxter a 1 year old Border Terrier and Kevin, a 7 month old Yorkie. I cannot imagine life without dogs now that I have them but with my job, over the past year I’ve found it quite difficult.

I’m a DJ, and at least two weekends a month I drive up and down the country to DJ at various nightclubs. It’s great fun but I also use it as an opportunity to take my dogs on a little adventure, so we can explore the beautiful english countryside, beaches and woodland together. The only downside is that I haven’t found a great deal of ‘Dog Friendly’ Hotels and most of the time, the promoter will book a hotel for me that isn’t pet friendly meaning the dogs stay at home with my partner and I travel alone. So I decided to review Dog Friendly Hotels for K9 Magazine and our first stop is BRIGHTON.

Brighton is in East Sussex, on the south coast of Great Britain. Popular with tourists and day-trippers, it offers something for everyone. Beautiful restaurants, cool and funky bars, lovely beaches and parks as well as being the shopping destination from heaven. It is also one of the most cultural cities in Europe. We are visiting The Oriental Hotel…..

Friday 7pm: Bags packed, car filled with petrol, Baxter and Kevin strapped safely in the back seat and off we go. Goodbye Birmingham, see you in a couple of days.

Friday 10pm: A pretty smooth journey, both the doggies well behaved although we’ve only had Kevin one week and he’d not been in a car before meeting us. He was a very nervous traveller and was sick just as we pulled up out side The Oriental Hotel (much to the annoyance of my other half Adam – it went all over his cardigan).

Friday 10:30pm: Sick cleaned up, car unloaded, we look as though we’re staying for a month with the amount of luggage we’re carrying! Check in was easy and the staff are very friendly. As you enter The Oriental, it’s warm and small, but not dingy. Very cosy in fact. A cute cocktail bar on the ground floor also acts as the reception area and to the left of it are around 6 tables with chairs, where breakfast is served.

Friday 12am: After returning home from a local pub with friends, we find Kevin and Baxter snuggled up on the beautiful chocolate brown suede sofa in our suite. We are in Room 7, the very top of the building. It is quiet and secluded which is perfect for us but I guess the only down side is that we’re having to go down 3 flights of stairs to take the boys out for wee wee’s. Still, every cloud – climbing stairs is good for you!

The room is spacious, and well thought out. A living area as you enter, with a gorgeous and modern red and white bathroom off of it. It’s open plan which I like and as you move in to the room to our left is a beautiful big and extremely comfortable bed. Wooden flooring is a bonus in case the doggies have any accidents. We fall asleep and look forward to walkies the next day.

Saturday 10am: The memory foam mattress was divine! We all slept well. Kevin and Baxter woke me at 8am licking my face. I popped them on their leads, guided them down the stairs and walked out of the hotel so they could pee. As I look to my left I can see the sea! A 1 minute walk down to the beach and the boys are off their leads running like lunatics across the pebbles towards the sea. Baxter braves it and enjoys a brief splash in the sea while Kevin watches with caution.

Back to the hotel and breakfast is served. Delicious. Coffee, juices, granola covered in natural yoghurt with fresh fruit followed by a full english fry up and that’s us full up for the day! We then took the dogs to a park which was 15 minutes away by foot. The park is full of dogs, playing, running, chasing squirrels it’s a lovely sunny day, blue skies and surprisingly warm for October.

Saturday 4pm: After leaving the park and walking to the beach for half an hour play with our friends 2 Staffies, Baxter and Kevin are shattered but Rhian from Brighton Dog Photography is waiting at The Oriental Hotel for todays photo shoot. Some of the shots are taken in the hotel room which is warm and comfortable, then it’s down to the pier for the final few pictures. It’s chilly but fun. I think the dogs enjoyed it.

Saturday 11pm: What a day, Adam and I have just returned from The Ginger Dog. An extraordinary Gastro-Pub in Kemp Town serving the most magnificent and mouth watering hearty and filling food. The staff were lovely and to top it off it’s a dog friendly restaurant. Kevin and Baxter did not join us tonight as they were fast asleep at the hotel. It was nice to have some alone time with Adam as well. Bed time now and I’ve never seen the doggies look so tired. Today has worn them both out but I’ve a feeling they’ve loved every minute of Brighton.

Sunday 11:30am: I was right, Kevin and Baxter were exhausted. They slept until 9am! Bliss. We took them to the beach for their walk this morning and returned to enjoy the hotels fantastic breakfast again before check out. I almost feel as though I’ve got to know the staff despite only staying for two nights. We say our goodbyes and drive home to Birmingham.

The Oriental Hotel is a more like a B&B but very Boutiquey which makes it unique and personable. The rooms are clean, fresh and modern. I’d recommend it to anyone, in fact I’ve already recommended it to my friend who’s going to Brighton next weekend with her family and they’re going to stay there. With rooms starting at around £75 you can’t go wrong and that’s including breakfast. Dogs are most welcome too which is perfect. The location gets 10 out 10 too. 5-10 minutes from Brighton Pier by foot. 2 minutes from the beach. 15 minutes from a beautiful park and shops, restaurants and bars are on the doorstep and a car park just around the corner. An incredible start to my Dog Friendly Hotel Reviews.

Article by Kate Lawler for K9 Magazine

Recommended travel items from Scruff MacDuff -

Ruffwear Highlands Bed

Clix Car Safe Travel Harness
For more information regarding vehicle restrains for your dog click here


Car Seat Protector

Monday 7 November 2011

Deals of the Week



Blimey!  Is it November already?  Here are our Deals for this Week for the first time in November - 



Magnetic Dog Underlay

Recommended for the aged dog, and/or those who are suffering from arthritis or rheumatism, this magnetic underlay containing 24 magnets, is used to alleviate pain in the joints and muscles with it's magnetic fields.  

Fits in majority of dog baskets, or simply place under your dog's bedding.  


For more info - Magnetic Dog Underlay








The ultimate strength harness by Ruffwear, for increased levels of safety, comfort and convenience.

Intended for use:
  • Climbing
  • Mountaineering
  • Canyoneering
  • Helping dogs up and down rocky terrain
Made with strength-rated webbing throughout, with adjustable martingale for a customised fit, a padded belly, adjustable frame, and leg loops for steady weight dispersion, your dog will be ready to climb any mountain with you.  

And what's more, it's easy to fit onto your dog.  Have a look at our video for fitting instructions -








Protect your dog's eyes from the stark sunlight, especially in the coming crisp cold monring sun, with the Doggles Protective Mesh Eyewear.

An alternative to the Doggles shades,  this Protective Mesh Eyewear will also protect your dog from the sun (50% UV) and any debris that may fly into their eyes, whether it be from during those walks in strong winds, or from poking their heads out the car window.  The Protective Mesh Eyewear doesn't impair the dog's vision, depsite it's looks, and so will still allow your dog their full 270 degree vision. 




 

Aged dog vs Arthritis

Like humans, dogs with age can start to suffer from arthritis and rheumatism as well.  And like us humans, dogs can now start to enjoy the healing effects of magnetic therapy while they sleep too.  


Made with 24 magnets, and is 12 x 18 inches, this magnetic underlay can fit comfortably in most baskets.  It is non evasive, and you do not have to worry about sticking or placing anything on your dog.  By simply placing the underlay in the basket, or under the bedding, your dog need not even notice a difference.

For the aging and suffering dog who has well earnt his /her rest, reward them with their very own underlay.      





Other articles of interest -

Two exercises can benefit dogs with arthirits

Dog Leg Pain


Friday 4 November 2011

Car Seat Protector


Protect your car seats from dog hairs and those dirty snow covered muddy paws with our Ancol Car Seat Protector.


Made of nylon the protector can be wiped clean, and is held into place simply by attaching it onto the back seat headrests. 





Other item of interest - Clix Car Safe Harness


Travelling dogs - restraints in the car

60% of motorists believe that dogs should be restrained in cars, according to GEM Motoring Assist (a breakdown and recovery specialist).  But the truth is, 80% of dog owners who do travel with their pets (according to AAA survey) don't restrain their dog in anyway in the vehicle.

When a simple small box of tissues, which many of us still keep on the back dash of our cars, can become the weighted equivalent of a brick when it comes hurtling forward in the event of an emergency break, imagine what kind of harm an unrestrained dog would do, to you, your family, and to the dog him/herself?

Below is a video example of just what kind of damage an unrestrained dog can do as it goes through the car's front windscreen.







At our Scruff MacDuff store we offer the comfortable, safe, easy to put on and affordable Clix Car Safe Harness. 




Protect your loved ones now, browse our Clix Car Safe Harnesses now 
Browse all Car Harnesses at Scruff MacDuff now


Other product of interest:
The Car Seat Protector



All videos courtesy of Youtube and all right belong to the uploader

Thursday 3 November 2011

Blind Runner And Guide Dog Making History

Sami Stoner has never won a race, but the Lexington, Ohio student is winning over fans and making history in the process.

The legally blind teen is running for the Lexington High School girls cross country team, and she is believed to be the first school athlete in Ohio to compete with a guide dog. As remarkable an accomplishment as that is, it almost wasn’t allowed to happen.


“How could anyone in cross country complain when you look at what she is doing? It’s powerful stuff,” Lexington head coach Denise Benson said.

Benson is alluding to Stoner’s struggle to get the Ohio High School Athletic Association to grant her a waiver that would allow her to compete with her guide dog, Chloe. Lexington Athletic Director John Harris took a special interest in Stoner’s plight and locked horns with the OHSAA over the course of months, making phone calls, applications and appeals that would ultimately secure the conditional waiver she required in order to run. From there, it was just a matter of training.

Stoner is afflicted with Stargardt disease, a juvenile form of macular degeneration that rendered her legally blind by ninth grade. Shortly thereafter Chloe came into her life. The guide dog is a graduate of  Pilot Dogs, an non-profit organization that has been training guide dogs since 1950. When the two hit the trails, Chloe steers Stoner around obstacles while the teen uses what is left of her waning peripheral vision to watch for other runners. It’s a combination that works: while they have not yet won any races, Sami and Chloe passed seven runners on the course at Marshall Park in late September to the cheers of inspired fans.

As amazing as that may be, Stoner admits that she and Chloe still have some learning to do together. “We’re just hoping to keep on racing and hopefully keep breaking our times. We’re just trying to do our best. Hopefully, next season we can just keep getting better,” she said.

Sami’s father, Keith Stoner, said he’s grateful to those who worked with OHSAA to give his daughter a chance at pursuing a dream. “It’s a great message,” he said. “She’s never going to be up front getting a medal, but as far as my wife and I are concerned, she wins every race. I’m thankful that puppy was brought into our lives.”


Article posted by Life with Dogs

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Worst smells revealed as wet dog is named top stink by Britons

Britons have declared the smell of a wet dog their least favourite aroma, with stinky socks also ranking highly as an unfavourable scent in a new survey. 

 

Britons have rated wet dog as their least favourite smell (Picture: AFP/Getty)

 

According to the survey of 2,000 adults, the scent of a damp dog really gets up our nostrils in the wrong way.

Most people who took part in the survey thought that, of the hundreds of smells encountered every day, more than half are unpleasant.

The stench of cheesy socks was also marked as highly unfavourable.

The survey of stinky smells was undertaken by air freshener manufacturer Febreze.

As well as finding out the worst smells in Britain, the study revealed what we most enjoy sniffing.
Showing that us Brits are baking mad, the aroma of a freshly baked loaf is said to be a favourite smell.

The study found that men ranked the smell of freshly cooked bacon highly pleasurable, whereas women enjoyed the smell of newly washed sheets.   




Article by Alex Pielak for The Metro. 
Picture: AFP/Getty