Whilst different preparation requirements are needed for different events, we have a short video below outlining the basics of how to prepare for a running event with your dog, as well as additional things to take into consideration on the day.
HundEnergy Athlete Vickie Pullin
Sport - Sled Dog Racing
Those who have met Vickie will all agree she gives her everything to her 36 dogs and has an undettered passion to devote her life working and competing with them. I met Vickie and her dogs at the end of 2021 and was just amazed at the care and time taken to make sure they’re in the best condition for competing.
36 dogs requires a lot of resource, from kit to food, to transport and so we wanted to join her in support of her reaching her goals of becoming World Champion at Sled Dog Racing as a HundEnergy Athlete.
We are going to be following her journey when she’s competing at Championship level and you can follow us on social media here
Check out Vickie in action with her team below along with a great video on Bikejoring she featured in recently!:
HundEnergy Athlete Karen Marriott
Sport: Dog Agility
Tell us about your agility career to date?
I’ve been competing at agility for over 20 years. During that time, I have competed with a Golden Retriever, collie crosses and my current Border Collies. I've represented Great Britain twice and England 4 times, and regularly competed at the prestigious events Crufts & Olympia.
All my dogs are raw fed, and I started feeding raw over 18 years ago. I support my dogs naturally wherever possible, and always look for natural treats and supplements for them, or make my own. I always train my dogs with positive reward training and enjoy dogs having their own characters, and I love the fact they run and compete with personality. I like my dogs to be happy and crazy!
What are your teams big goals for 2022?
TRIO:
Crufts Goals – Trio has already qualified for Crufts 2022, goal for 2022 is to qualify for Crufts 2023.
Olympia (Excel) Goals – to qualify for the semi-final held in Sept 2022* (*now achieved) Trio has won 1 championship ticket this year, so my goal for 2022 is to win at least 1 more. You need to win three in total to make your dog an agility champion. This would be a HUGE achievement, but I believe Trio is capable of this.
Team GB Goals - We’ve already progressed through the first stages of qualification for Team GB with Trio. The next important try-out for the squad is in February 2022. I am trying to achieve selection for the European Open (EO’s) in Belgium 2022.
CLUE:
Goals: Progress up the grades to reach the highest grade (grade 7), hopefully by the end of 2022. Clue is currently grade 3. I will also try to qualify for the ‘Kennel Club Novice Cup’ semi-final, during this time (if she stays in the lower grades for long enough).
The semi-final is held in August, and the final will be held at Crufts 2023.
Turn and Learn - Understanding Dog Food Labelling
Have you ever taken a look at your dogs food ingredients and read a few things you aren’t sure on?
We’re now in a world where dog owners are demanding more transparency with dog food products, however theres still a lot of slightly hazy wording on dog food products which can allow for misinterpretation, and ultimately the mis-selling of products.
In this special 'Turn and Learn' mini series of Hikes and Tails Blogs, we will try and break down the basics of pet food labelling, to help you make better decisions for your dogs health and well-being. Part One will be focusing on different terms when describing animal meats in food and claims a product can make legally.
So whilst there are plenty of amazing dog food brands out there, it's important to ensure you are really looking into the ingredients on your dog food label.
The claims made on dog food products could in fact just be part of a marketing strategy or more so for the benefit of the manufacturer, not your dog, so make sure you turn and learn!
HundEnergy Bars are made from just seven ingredients all designed to be beneficial to your dog during or after exercise: Whole Peanuts 35.9%, Dried Apricots 26.9%, Chicory Root Fibre (Inulin) 26.9%, Gluten Free Oats 8.98%, Flaxseed 0.9%, Nutritional Yeast 0.36%.
For further information on the nutritional benefits of HundEnergy Bars, head to our the Nutrition and Ingredients page on our website.
For full reference to the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) Nutritional Guidelines to Complete and Complementary Pet Food, you can download a free copy here
follow these handy tips for a safe road trip with your dog this summer!
The UK ‘staycation’ is the favoured option in 2021 for a lot of people wanting a bit of a break away, and with such a rise in pet-friendly accomodation, it’s even better for our dogs to come along and enjoy the ride.
For some dogs it may mean travelling in a car a bit longer than usual and so we asked Kimberley Bolton, Co-Founder of Travfurler, the Online Travel Pet Shop, to share a few tips on ensuring your dog has a safe and happy road trip.
Are you heading off on your travels with your dog in tow this summer? Don’t forget to share your snaps with us and tag us using @hundenergy and @travfurler !
Celebrating all things Rescue Dog on National Rescue Dog Day!
The 20th of May is National Rescue Dog Day.
We’ve caught up with Jordan Connor, Director of Fetcher Dog a UK based Dog Rescue Charity, to find out why the work they carry out is so crucial for these dogs.
We also have our very own ambassador Kiara, taking us through her recent experience of adopting a rescue pup, Frosti from Romania.
*plus plenty of rescue pup photos for you to get your daily cuteness overload*
Jordan: Fetcher Dog is a U.K. registered charity; that rescues dogs from Bosnia and finds them forever homes across the UK. We have approximately 100 dogs in our care at all times waiting for homes of their own.
Jordan: We focus the majority of our efforts in and around Sarajevo, which is the capital of Bosnia and in particular on one of the kill shelters in the outskirts of Sarajevo, as well as the street dogs in and around the city. There are thousands of stray dogs in Bosnia and unlike Romania and Greece, Bosnia is very underserved by rescue charities.
The Bosnian war of the 90s lead to families throughout Bosnia fleeing for their lives and leaving their dogs behind. Many parts of the country are still recovering from the destruction of the conflict. The dogs that were abandoned started to live as strays and have continued to breed since, filling the kill shelters and streets.
The kill shelters provide no food, veterinary care or comfort to the dogs that are brought in. They are only given a few weeks to be claimed and are then brutally killed to make space for the next group that have been caught by dog catchers. We do our best to rescue as many as we can from the kill shelters. We also fundraise to provide food, water and bedding to the dogs whilst they are in the kill shelters.
The more dogs we can find homes for, the more we can rescue.
Jordan: Fundraising on the whole took a big hit during the pandemic. I think this is the same for a lot of charities. Many people weren’t sure about their future employment so donating to charities wasn’t an option for many. We also had a few big fundraising events planned that couldn’t take place due to social distancing restrictions.
The amount of dogs we were able to rehome also decreased as we were unable to carry out homechecks for our applicants this has slowly started to increase now as the restrictions have eased.
Jordan: Seeing the dogs finally settled and in their forever homes. It’s a long road from rescue to adoption but those photos of them laying upside down on a sofa are the best part!
Jordan: Time and patience are key. Dogs don’t settle in a couple of days or weeks, it can take months for them to feel at home. Everything is new to them so just be there for them as they experience the world for the first time and let them do it at their own pace.
Thank you to Jordan and Kiara for helping us put all this information together along with all the Rescue Dog workers out there who help give dogs another chance at living their best life. For more information on Fetcher Dog and the work they do you can head to their website here or check them out on social media @fetcherdog
Bikejoring: An Introduction to Dog-Powered Mountain Biking
If you and your dog are adventurous fit, and your dog loves to run, then why not take a look into Bikejoring?
Originally, like a lot of canisports, bikejoring was created by sled dog racers as a way to train and maintain their dogs fitness levels outside of snowy winter months.
Gradually the concept caught on and now it’s a competitive sport across Europe and wider parts of the world.
How does Bikejoring work?
A team consists of the rider along with one or two dogs. The dogs will pull out in front of the bike.
Competitions take place on off-road, soft dirt trails that are relatively flat and free from problematic obstacles.
Most races involve individual time trials. These allow the competitors to negotiate the course without worrying about others in their way.
This is a fast-paced sport, and not for the faint-hearted!
All the Gear…
If you already have a mountain bike, you’ll have saved yourself a significant initial outlay.
Given the types of trails you’ll be riding on, you don’t need a bike with flashy suspension. It will, however, need reliable brakes and a solid frame.
Your dog will need a well-fitting harness, specifically designed for bikejoring. This ensures the appropriate distribution of strain across their body.
When running or cycling with your dog, even if it’s not competitively, never attach the leash directly to their collar. This puts too much direct pressure on the throat. You’ll also need a rigid attachment for the bike, which helps prevent the leash from tangling in the wheels, and a long-length bungee leash.
It can be tricky to find appropriate and accommodating trails, as many are multi-use. You need to be safe, polite and considerate of other trail users.
Which type of dog breeds can take part?
Dogs that love running, and readily pull out front, make enthusiastic bikejoring athletes. They might already be canicross participants.
Dogs that excel at mushing, like Siberian Huskies and other Northern breeds, are obvious candidates for the sport. There are, however, a wide range of bigger dogs that take part in club rides.
Fast-paced bikejoring isn’t recommended for puppies, with their soft growing bones, small breeds, and senior dogs with mobility problems.
Even if your dog isn’t suited to this fast-paced, strength-related sport, it doesn’t mean they can’t join you on bike rides. You can get them used to traveling in a suitable bike carrier, or running at the side of the bike at a slower pace.
For more information on getting involved with Bikejoring in the UK head to https://www.thebssf.org.uk/
Why we love #madeinukday .
As the appetite to shop locally and support local businesses grows, we’re taking part in the first-ever Made in UK Day on Tuesday 9 March 2021.
The Made in UK Day campaign has been created by Make it British to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. Started as a blog by ex-retail buyer Kate Hills to champion all the wonderful products that are made in the UK, the Make it British website has now been visited by more than 6.5 million people looking to buy UK-made products and search for UK manufacturers. This year alone has seen a 68% increase in enquiries since the UK left the EU’s single market and customs union.
UK manufacturing is currently worth £192 billion to the UK economy and employs 2.7 million people. More than 65 million people live in the UK and if everyone bought just one item made in the UK worth £20 on Made in UK Day it would be worth £1.3billion.
We make all our HundEnergy. Bars in the UK, from our ingredients, manufacturer and packaging boxes right down to the shredded stuffing used to pack our boxes. By purchasing from UK-made businesses like us you are helping to:
Lower your carbon footprint
Buying products made closer to home means you can significantly reduce the number of miles something has travelled. In turn, this reduces its carbon footprint.
UK-made products are often made in much smaller quantities, too. Many can be made to order, discouraging waste within the supply chain.
Save essential skills
Manufacturing requires skill. Not everyone suits working in a service-based industry. By purchasing a product that is made in the UK you are helping to save skills within local communities. Skills that would otherwise be lost.
Create job opportunities
2.7 million people work within manufacturing in the United Kingdom. When you buy a product that is made in the UK you are directly contributing to keeping someone in employment.
Promote UK craftsmanship
When you buy a product that is made in the UK you are helping to preserve craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Boost Local Economies
Buying locally-made directly contributes to your local economy.
Spend your money wisely and help contribute directly towards the area in which you live.
Preserve UK Manufacturing
If everyone living in the United Kingdom bought just one item made in the UK worth £20 on Made in UK Day it would be worth £1.3bn!
Spend your money wisely and help UK manufacturing to thrive.
How to get involved in Made in UK Day
You can get involved in the campaign too by pledging to buy something that is made in the UK on 9 March and share your pictures on social media using the hashtag #madeinukday (don’t forget to tag us too!)
the best spots for you and your dog to take a dip in the open water
Fancy open water swimming with your dog? Whilst swimming is great for your dog, especially on their joints and to strengthen muscle, taking a dip in the water, even if it's just to have a little float around is proven to have health benefits for you too. There's loads of amazing spots in the UK to go for a swim however this time we've identified our top spots where you'll be able to go with your dog in tow, too.
Word of caution: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SH₂OUT (a partnership between British Triathlon, Swim England and RLSS UK), advise those who are new to open water swimming not to go open water swimming outside of an operated and supervised venue which has a safety crew (many of these are not open currently). Before swimming in any of the below spots, you should read the guidance here for open water swimmers in England, Scotland and Wales, and ensure appropriate safety precautions are taken.
Top Free Walking Apps to Shake Up Your Dog Walks During Lockdown 2021.
Even though you should be walking your dog everyday... January is officially ‘Walk Your Dog Month’ and during lockdown in the UK we have an even better excuse for discovering new routes starting right from your doorstep.
Take a look at the below free apps that help you plan out routes, not just track your fitness. You never know what you might discover!
*please note some of these apps are available on either iPhone, Android or both.
Have you found any cool new local dog walking routes recently? Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures using the hashtag #PawsToRoam
Happy Walking!!
5 new years resolutions your dog would want you to make.
Dogs live in the present and if you take notice, your dog can provide you with valuable lessons on how to live a content and happy life.
Instead of trying the next new diet for this New Years Resolution, maybe take a look at how your dog would want you to live your life. Start by using the below tips as a way to improve your mental and physical well-being.
Have any new years resolutions yourself? We would love to hear from you! You can comment in the box below or share your stories on social media using the hashtag #pawstoroam
The Power of Accountability and Virtual Events During Lockdown 2.0
Many people who lose sight of their fitness goals do so because they aren’t held accountable. You have a lot of momentum and motivation at first, but it slowly starts to fade. Life happens. It’s cold outside, you aren’t seeing results fast enough, or more topically, events are being cancelled due to lockdown and before you know it, you’ve given up.
Accountability and things like Virtual Events are some of the best ways to ensure you stay on track towards your goals.
How to Create Accountability.
If you want to be held accountable for your actions as you attempt to reach that goal, first you would need to define a specific target.
Instead of a generalised goal like “run faster” you would have to set a goal like “run 5km under 30 minutes by the end of 2020” and track your results as you progress.
Setting a specific goal and tracking it will greatly improve your motivation levels and chances of reaching your fitness goals.
Below are a few ways in which to keep accountability for your fitness goals during Lockdown 2.0:
So take your goals into your own hands.
Make life easier for yourself and create some accountability!
Have you got any goals between now and the end of the year? Be sure to tag us in yours and we can be your accountability buddies! @hundenergy #pawstoroam
An Energy Bar...for Dogs?!
‘HundEnergy.’was an idea created whilst travelling across Europe with Pacha our Hungarian Vizsla, on a three month sabbatical from work. It was a much needed lifestyle change, away from a corporate office job within Recruitment, and so far removed from the typical 9-5 lifestyle.
Pacha would be going on long walks up mountains, swimming in beautiful Norwegian lakes and sprinting along golden deserted beaches. This was also slightly different from her typical 9-5.
When we returned to the UK with this niggling idea in my head, most people I told completely understood and were excited about the idea, however we did have a couple of people turn and say…“an energy bar….for dogs?!” “my dog already has enough energy!”.
For the majority of dog owners, we are now paying more attention to the type of exercise our dog needs. The mindset of ‘walk your dog around the block to tire them out’ is something that’s becoming obsolete. If you yourself wanted to get in your daily exercise each day by walking around the block then you could, but very quickly you’d find yourself bored out of your mind.
People need that mental stimulation of a change in environment, as does your dog…probably even more so.
They’re natural roamers, inquisitive about their surroundings and it’s our responsibility to make sure we give them that opportunity. We need to make sure they’re living their best life.
And of course…snacks en-route? Well, we wouldn’t want to be biased but if you click anywhere along this sentence we will point out a great nutritious option guaranteed to make your adventures even better.
Dont forget to share your adventures using the hashtag #pawstoroam
5 awesome dog apparel brands you need in your life this autumn.
Autumn has arrived and we are fully here for it.
It means leafy hikes, cooler weather for running, and now a safer time for your dog to be out on long adventures.
If your pup is feeling life is better with another layer, then you just gotta embrace it.
Below are our top 5 dog apparel brands selling some amazing functional coats and fleeces. Happy shopping!
Does your dog love a good coat? Tag us in your fav photos so we can share!
@hundenergy #pawstoroam
Wild Camping with your Dog.
Wild Camping is about getting away from the busy campsites and caravan parks, and taking yourself out into the silent, empty and vast wilderness to spend time truly alone with the world .
And in this case, the only way to make it even better, is to take your bestie along with you.
Disclaimer: This article is focusing on any additional things you need to think about when taking your dog with you wild camping. If it’s your first time wild camping as a whole, please research into the guidelines surrounding which part of the world you plan on pitching up.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and seize the moment with your dog whilst you can! Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures for a chance to be featured! @hundenergy #pawstoroam
Climbing Mountains With Your Dog. When Is Too High...Too High?
Exploring life with your dog is at the forefront of HundEnergys’ brand inspiration however making sure you do so without pushing you or your dogs capabilities is just as important.
Whilst travelling across Europe with Pacha, our Hungarian Vizsla, we knew scaling some of the most beautiful mountains in the world was top of our list but doing this with a dog in tow was something that was completely new to us.
Pacha is the classic velcro dog. No matter where you are or what you’re up to she wants to be stuck to your side so in loads of ways this was great. She learned to paddle board, fearlessly jump on boat rides with us, and with that, hit a few mountain peaks along the way.
It’s definitely true, some of the best views are after the hardest climbs so we have laid out a few tips to take into consideration if you’re thinking of tackling a summit.
First things first…
In light of Mountain Month we are running a competition to win a free Mountain Range collar of choice!
Just tag us in your epic adventures on Instagram using the hashtag #pawstoroam and winner will be announced 31st July!
SUP with your PUP.
In the middle of a heatwave the best thing we can think about doing right now is floating on a paddle board with your feet dangling in the water, dog chilling by your side.
Last summer we took our dog travelling with us across Europe, and that meant we had ample opportunity to push our paddle board out on to different lakes and of course, take Pacha with us.
It wasn't always plain sailing though and took a bit of time and patience when teaching her four paws solid on the ‘moving ground’ is time to relax.
Below are a few tips on how we managed to keep her safe and sound and see the world from the water.
All these regulations may seem a lot to take on board, but it’s super important when you're introducing your dog to an activity that isn’t necessarily natural to them. As you are all probably aware, your dog just wants to be with you, and if you’re able to teach them to accompany you whilst paddle boarding, the experience becomes that much more special.
Trying paddleboarding out for yourself? Make sure you tag us in your adventures so we can share them on our social media pages! Use the hashtag #pawstoroam for a chance to be featured.
IsoHikes: How to Enjoy Quiet, Safe, Countryside Walks With Your Dog.
So you planned an amazing hike with your dog across the beautiful rolling countryside, only to turn up to the destination and find the car parks full?!
Here are our top tips to make sure you avoid the post-lockdown crowds this summer.
What is Canicross?
with special input from three times British National Canicross Champion and Cani-Fit Founder, Lindsay Johnson.
Over the last few months there has been a substantial increase in people out running during Covid-19 lockdown.
We are also seeing more people take the opportunity to go on a run with their dogs, ensuring their dog is getting the exercise it needs whilst adding a bit of companionship on their run.
If you’re still getting to grips with basic pavement running with your dog then take a look at our recent blog ‘An Introduction to Road Running with your Dog’.
For those wanting to further explore a community of like-minded runners and their dogs, then Canicross may be just the ticket.
Canicross, the sport of off-road running with your dog, originated in Europe as an off-season training for the mushing (sledding) community.
Runners and their dogs meet at events to race short or long distances depending on your preference across the countryside. The runs can be as condensed as 2km whilst the more capable athlete can enter races for much longer distances. For someone just starting out and looking into Canicross, the emphasis isn’t on the winning, its the entire experience that comes along with it.
Since the first UK staged event in 2000, Canicross has grown in popularity across the UK and the rest of the world. The runner wears a waist belt, the dog a specifically designed harness, and the two are joined by a bungee cord or elastic line that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.
Lindsay Johnson, three times British National Canicross Champion and Founder of Cani-Fit has been involved in Sled Dog Sports for around 13 years.
‘I have experienced a lot in the sport. From running 96 miles over the West Highland Way and highest mountains in the UK to travelling all over the UK and Europe to compete in British, European, and World Championships.’
‘It’s fair to say that the sport Canicross does is changes lives for the better. The Canicross community is vast in ages with people from different areas/walks of life, but sharing the same passion. The sport can become very addictive; people quickly want to do more events, travel further, add to their dog pack and swap their cars for vans!’
Alongside her medals and racing achievements, Lindsay is also the founder of Cani-Fit, a human and dog fitness company, training with both humans and their dogs to gain the full experience of Sled Dog Sports.
Her advice for people looking to get in to the sport is ‘once your dog is old enough (11-12 months) read up on the sport. Education is key, get an understanding of what the sport is about, how best to look after your dog and prep them to pull in harness. Once lockdown is over find a local group or class and meet up with others, everyone is very open and welcoming to newcomers.’
During this time, whilst under restrictions she is running online classes, personal coaching and virtual medal challenges where all proceeds go to charity.
For further information on Cani-Fit please visit their website www.cani-fit.com
If you’re interested in finding a local Canicross Club near you, visit The British Sleddog Sports Federation
3 Books to Help Further Understand Your Dog.
As vitally important as it is, isolation sucks.
On the one hand, you’ve so much time to spend with your dog, but with restrictions in full swing, getting outside for anything aside from the essential exercise isn’t an option.
Below are a few great books to read in your spare time.
They’re focused on helping to improve your understanding of the dog, and how they have become not just mans best friend, but an essential part of many peoples lives.
All of these are crammed full of practical, relatable material in their different ways, unfortunately they’re not full of cute puppies so you might need to look elsewhere for your fix of that!