A-Breed-Apart House Sitters

08/11/2025

Climbed up over the village this morning to get the best views. The Labs were very curious when the drone lifted off.

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

07/11/2025

It's been fun looking after these 2 happy souls these last 6 weeks. Going to miss their smiles (yes, both smile), and their games.

04/11/2025

Winter Paw Care: Keeping Your Pets’ Feet Healthy and Salt-Free

Frosty mornings and muddy fields might be lovely for a brisk country walk, but our dogs and cats often pay the price with sore, cracked paws.

As temperatures drop, rural lanes and driveways are treated with salt and grit, excellent for tyres, less so for paws. Add in icy puddles, hard ground and chemical de-icers, and it’s no wonder many pets end up licking or limping before the season’s out.

Here are a few simple, vet-approved habits that make all the difference:
✅ Wipe and check paws after every walk. Warm water and a soft towel remove salt, grit and hidden splinters. Don’t forget between the pads since that’s where irritations start.
✅ Keep paw fur trimmed. Long hair traps ice, mud and debris, causing discomfort and sometimes infection.
✅ Use a natural paw balm or barrier wax. A quick rub before heading out helps prevent cracks and soreness, especially for dogs who love off-lead adventures through fields and bridleways.
✅ Avoid salted lanes where possible. If your route includes gritted roads, rinse paws when you return home as ingestion of salt or de-icer can upset tummies and cause dehydration.
✅ Dry thoroughly. Damp paws and coats can lead to fungal infections, especially in older or long-haired pets.
✅ Watch for warning signs. Excessive licking, limping, redness or small sores can signal irritation or infection. If anything looks off, ring your vet promptly.

And let’s not forget our feline friends; outdoor cats often wander across gritted driveways or farm tracks too. A quick paw-wipe when they come in (if they’ll allow it!) can save a lot of discomfort later.

If you’d like a handy reminder, we’ve created a free downloadable “Winter Paw & Walk Safety Checklist” — ideal for pinning by the back door or popping in your phone gallery. You can download it directly from our latest blog post: Winter Paw Care & Pet Safety in the Countryside.

Stay warm, walk safely, and give those paws a little extra love this winter.
👉 Read the full article & get your free checklist (find link in the comments)

04/11/2025

Pet and house sitting by a mature, professional couple in Carteron, Cirencester, Witney, & surrounds

03/11/2025

The Best Autumn Dog Walks Around Witney, Oxfordshire

There’s nothing quite like autumn in Oxfordshire; crisp mornings, berry-laden hedgerows, and that unmistakable scent of damp leaves underfoot.

If you live around Witney or are visiting with your dogs, this is the perfect time to explore some of our favourite local walks.

From the riverside path along the Windrush to the woodland trails of Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire’s countryside is showing off its best colours right now. There’s plenty of space to roam, quieter paths than summer, and a few well-placed cafés for those who appreciate a warm cuppa after a muddy ramble. ☕🐕

A few quick tips for your autumn adventures:
✅ Keep your dog visible - reflective collars and clip-on lights make a big difference.
✅ Watch out for sharp sticks under piles of leaves.
✅ Remember, pheasants and deer are on the move, so recall and leads matter!

If you’d like to see our top five autumn walks around Witney (plus parking info and local stops), you can read the full feature on our blog👇
👉 [Link to blog post in the comments]

While you’re out enjoying the season, remember, if travel plans mean you’ll be away, we’re here to help.

As a mature, professional housesitting couple, we provide trusted care for homes and pets across West Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, ensuring every walk, feed, and cuddle continues just as your dog expects.

We’d love to know what is your favourite autumn walk near Witney? Share it below and we might feature it next time!

31/10/2025

Crate Training Without the Tears? Yes, It’s Possible!
Struggling with crate training your puppy? You're not alone and I've written a detailed how-to guide.
In my latest blog post, I break down real-world crate training tips that actually work. From setting up the crate to handling whining, accidents, and night-time routines — it's all covered.

✅ Step-by-step guide
✅ Calm, kind methods
✅ Troubleshooting included

Read the full article here: [https://www.a-breed-apart.co.uk/blog/2785344_the-ultimate-guide-to-crate-training-your-puppy-to-build-confidence]

Drop your crate training questions below — I’ll answer a few in an upcoming video!

31/10/2025

Winter is here and with it comes muddy paws, fallen leaves and general slush.
In this guide, Glenn Bauer, Founder of A-Breed-Apart and Author of Housesitters Unleashed, shares seven easy steps to create a warm, safe indoor puppy playpen that protects your home and keeps your dog happy all winter long.

Read the full article: https://www.a-breed-apart.co.uk/blog/2781781_7-simple-steps-to-a-warm-and-safe-indoor-puppy-playpen-this-winter

29/10/2025

“The Hug That Helps”

Fireworks on the horizon? 🎆

Before Bonfire Night arrives, introduce your dog to a ThunderShirt — a snug wrap proven to reduce anxiety in many dogs.

Gentle pressure equals steady reassurance.
Start early, keep sessions short, and pair with soothing sounds or pheromone diffusers for best results.

29/10/2025

Gang way, here comes the Labrador Grim Reaper, scythe and all.

29/10/2025

Crate Training To Build Confidence In Your Puppy

Crate training isn’t about confining your pup, it’s all about developing its confidence.

Introducing a dog crate correctly, will help your puppy feel secure, rest peacefully, and handle time alone without suffering the dreaded separation anxiety.

Our latest post, The Ultimate Guide to Crate Training Your Puppy to Build Confidence, delves into:
~ How to introduce your puppy to the crate positively
~ The best setup for comfort and calm
~ Night-time routines that encourage independence
~ How to turn crate time into downtime and not punishment

👉 Read the full guide: [Link in Comments]

For trusted, professional house and pet sitting across Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, and West Berkshire — Glenn & Mandy, A-Breed-Apart.

29/10/2025

7 Easy Steps to a Warm and Safe Indoor Puppy Playpen This Winter

Winter is here and so are muddy paws and shorter walks!
We’ve just published a practical guide showing how to set up a warm, safe indoor puppy playpen for the colder months.

Learn how to:
~ Choose the best spot in your home
~ Keep your puppy cosy and secure
~ Avoid winter safety hazards
~ Maintain routines and cleanliness

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or keeping an older dog comfortable through the chill, a few simple steps make all the difference.

👉 Read the full article here: [link in the comments]

And if you’d prefer professional, trusted care while you’re away this winter, we’re available across Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, and West Berkshire — Glenn & Mandy, your mature, professional housesitting couple 😀

19/10/2025

Big News for Pet Owners: Vets May Soon Have to Publish Their Prices

Have you ever left the vet’s office wondering how the bill added up — or whether you could have bought that same medication cheaper elsewhere?

This week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released its biggest set of recommendations yet for the UK veterinary sector. They’ve found that:
✅ Vet costs have risen over 60 % since 2016
✅ Large vet chains often charge 15–20 % more than independents
✅ Many owners don’t realise they can ask for a written prescription and buy the same medicine online

If the CMA’s proposals go through, vets will have to:
💷 Publish price lists for routine treatments
📜 Cap prescription fees (likely around £16)
📄 Provide fully itemised bills
🏠 Declare who owns the practice (independent or corporate)

It’s a welcome step towards fairness and transparency — helping every pet owner make informed choices rather than relying on guesswork.

In the meantime, here are a few quick ways to save at your next visit:
🐕 Ask for written quotes before treatment
🐈 Keep vaccinations and weight in check — prevention really is cheaper than cure
🐾 Compare pharmacy prices for pet meds
🐕‍🦺 Consider insurance for long-term peace of mind

For the full story and a complete “Pet Owners’ Best Practices” checklist, read our latest article here 👉 [link to full blog post]

How do you feel about the CMA’s proposals? Do you think your local vet is transparent enough with prices? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to hear your experiences.