Woof Woof Hampers are attracting a growing number of fans, including ex-Dragon Den star Theo Paphitis and the Duchess of Cambridge...

The hampers contain a wide variety of goodies including treats, toys and grooming products.

"Woof Woof Hampers give dog owners the opportunity to repay some of the happiness brought to them by their loyal four legged friends," said Peter Starbuck, the man behind the innovative product.

"With prices to suit all pockets, owners can be sure of finding something to bring a wag to their dog's tail. Ranging from grooming gift sets to super deluxe hampers, Woof Woof Hampers make the perfect gift.

"Created by dog-lovers, customers are assured that all hampers contain fun and safe products for dogs to enjoy."

Woof Woof Hampers create fabulous treats for cats too, with a wide selection of nibbles and toys.

Since the company's launch in February 2012 Woof Woof Hampers have won awards and gained an impressive following from high-profile dog owners.

Theo Paphitis selected Woof Woof Hampers as one of his six favourite businesses of the week through his Twitter account.

And Peter has even received hand written letters from the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge, expressing their approval of the hampers.

"We are proud to have the Dogs Trust logo on our site and we put a Dogs Trust sticker in every hamper for your car," said Peter.

"We also support the British Heart Foundation and The Roy Castle Lung Foundation. Again they have allowed us to have logo on our site."

For more information visit www.woofwoofhampers.co.uk

Creating good customer service is the best weapon an independent pet retailer has got...that's the view of Claire Hamblion from Supreme Petfoods, who will be sharing her views on how to achieve customer loyalty at this year’s PATS Harrogate seminars, sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale, on September 15 and 16. 

Here we catch up with Claire for a 60-second interview to get a taster of what’s to come during her seminar at 12.10pm on Monday, September 16.

Q. Why should people come to your seminars?

Claire says: It’s easy to be so focused on running a retail business day to day that, strategically, you can’t see the wood for the trees. Attending an exhibition and making the most of the free seminars on offer can provide fresh ideas and a new perspective on how to work with suppliers and service providers to improve businesses and create a more loyal customer base.

My seminar will focus on how rethinking your small animal category can drive customer loyalty beyond the need for constant discounting and promotions that only serve to reduce retailers' cash margins. I’ve included some of the latest research on consumer needs and improving the retail environment. The aim is to provide pet retailers with ideas and tools to keep their customers coming back for more.

Q. Is creating good customer service the best weapon an independent pet retailer has got?

Claire says: Yes. Independent retailers can only hope to differentiate themselves in this way by being truly knowledgeable about both owners' and pets' needs. Showing a genuine interest in the pet and the products consumers buy, gives plenty of information to form the basis of a conversation that then provides a platform for bonding and future loyalty. Add to that having the confidence and knowledge to give a guided recommendation and you create a very powerful mix.

Q. In what ways can the independent retailer create customer loyalty?

Claire says: There’s the less tangible ‘stuff’, such as good advice, customer service, excellent welfare standards, community engagement and a clear path to purchase. Then there’s what we can actually see: intelligent use of POS and merchandising and a great choice of the best quality products. But another critical factor in ensuring that you create a successful store that people want to visit is optimising profit that can be invested to develop the business further.  I really believe one of the best routes to drive profit is to work with manufacturers that specifically support independent retailers. The most savvy retailers with great commercial instincts, realise the value to signing up to bespoke loyalty schemes that add value and drive consumers back to store. They will always be on the look out for insights into consumer behaviour and will do everything they can to ensure that they never erode cash margins.

Q. What advice would you give a pet retailer in tackling the challenges ahead?

Claire says: Know your customers. Build trust and engage with them. Show them you are an expert: this provides the opportunity to upsell to products that offer a more rewarding consumer experience and bigger cash margins - enabling you to help build bigger baskets. Be aware of the potential offered by multi-pet ownership and the ability to cross-sell based on existing patterns of purchase – the customer that buys super-premium dog food but economy food for their small furries is clearly open to education about nutrition. Take advantage of free training to add power to your bespoke recommendation, use the plethora of in-store support that is available to highlight star products and take your customers on a journey around your store. Suppliers want to sell more and so do you – work that partnership and everybody wins.

Visit the Seminar Theatre at PATS Harrogate, sponsored by Barclaycard, to be inspired and motivated by fantastic speakers. Register to attend the show now at www.patshow.co.uk

PATS Harrogate takes place on Sunday, September 15, and Monday, September 16, at Harrogate International Centre.

Sales of pet rabbits increase dramatically at the start of the summer holidays and the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) is asking parents to think carefully before choosing them as pets.

RWAF CEO Rae Todd said: "Rabbits are seen as an easy way to keep kids occupied but the reality is that when the weather turns cold and wet, cleaning out and caring for the animals becomes less attractive and it's the rabbits that pay the price, either through neglect or abandonment.

"We ask that parents look carefully at what's involved before committing to rabbits as pets, and bear in mind that they can live for 10 years or more."

And the figures back up the RWAF's claims. Two hundred rabbits go into rescue in the UK every day, and many thousands more lead solitary lives of misery, all but ignored at the bottom of the garden.

But what about those who have looked into everything that's involved and feel they have the time and commitment to give a pair of rabbits a good home? According to the RWAF, rescue shelters are the place to go.

The charity says it's inundated with calls to its helpline from people who have ended up with more than they bargained for because petshop-bought bunnies have been mis-sexed.

Owners can end up with a litter of eight or more, with another litter on the way by the time they realise. This is not only adding to the number of unwanted rabbits and the pressure on rescues, but it's an awful situation for the owners themselves to deal with. This can be avoided as Emma Boyd, trustee of RWAF and founder member of Buddies Bunny Rescue in Midlothian, points out: "Rescue rabbits are already neutered and vaccinated so it's a no-brainer for the owner, and of course by taking on rescue rabbits they'll be freeing up much needed space in the shelter."

"Are rabbits for me?" – chapter 1 of the RWAF's comprehensive care guide "Hop To It"  – is compulsory reading for anyone considering rabbits as pets. It's free to download at www.rwaf.org.uk/hoptoit

A couple's livelihood is under threat after thieves stole £20,000 worth of pet stock and equipment from their Swindon warehouse.

Laura Sloper and her partner Kevin McCarthy, who own Macs Pets, were left distraught when their warehouse, at Westmead Industrial Estate, was ransacked overnight on July 16.

The culprits are believed to have used a concrete slab from a nearby estate to bash through the steel plated door to get into the warehouse.

Once inside they stole the business van, which was loaded with about £8,000 worth of stock, tools valued at £6,000 and £5,000 worth of kit, including a generator. They did leave behind a laptop and a router.

The couple run regular stalls at markets in Marlborough and said that the business is now on the line.

Laura said: “It’s despicable. We work six days a week and someone comes along and takes your livelihood. It’s all gone. I’m absolutely devastated – just devastated.”

The alarm was raised on the morning of July 16 when part-time employee Lee Elliott arrived at the warehouse to discover that a white Ford transit van was missing.

Laura said the van was full of stock, including dog and cat food, leads, collars and toys, as well as the kit needed to set up the stall.

Since the incident, the pair have been scouring internet sites, including Facebook and eBay, to see if the stolen goods have been put up for sale.

Kevin and Laura set up Macs Pets in 2010, when they opened a shop in Cricklade Road. It closed six months ago to allow them to focus on the market business.

The warehouse is also the business HQ for their other business, Macs Handmade Punchbar Cage Fronts, which produces custom-made punch bar and cage fronts for exhibitors and breeders of aviary birds.

Police want to speak to anyone in the Axis Business Centre area between 5pm on July 15 and 5am on July 16. Anyone with information is asked to call DC 1583 Lewis on 101 extension 760632.

Lily’s Kitchen, the natural and organic pet food brand, is further extending its range of delicious dishes for cats with the launch of two new 400g meal tins.  The Salmon & Turkey with Prawns and the Wholesome Chicken have a very high fresh meat content (70%) which is exactly what cats should be eating.

Like all Lily’s Kitchen products it is made to the highest standards. No fillers or animal derivatives are used in the recipes. Each dish is 100% grain free with a high-moisture content to prevent kidney issues and help keep cats happy and healthy.  The 400g tin is also a first for the brand and adds to its existing range of individual 100g serve portions.

Salmon & Turkey with Prawns for Cats:This new recipe is filled with only the freshest salmon, turkey and juicy prawns to create a mouth-watering dish.  As a rich source of protein, each mouthful has added salmon oil to promote heart maintenance and a shiny coat.

Wholesome Chicken for Cats: Brimming with goodness, the new variety is made from only the freshest, free-range chicken with a sprinkling of Spirulina plus a dash of flaxseed oil to give cats an excellent source of omega 3.

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, said: “After the great success of our new Crunchy Nibbles for Cats we are thrilled to be able to now offer cat owners a delicious new meal choice.  This is the first time we have introduced a 400g tin to the range because we believe that for multiple cat owners this will be a much more cost effective offer. 

"At Lily’s Kitchen, we are always looking for new things to offer our customers ensuring that each one is not only delicious and exciting but also a healthy and nutritious meal that every cat will enjoy.

"This is the first super premium, natural cat food available in a larger tin for multiple cats and a move away from the frenzy of single serves – it’s environmentally friendly too as the tins are recyclable."

The new 400g tins are available from www.lilyskitchen.co.uk with an RRP of £2.99.

As part of its biggest ever campaign, a contribution from every special pack of Whiskas sold will go towards protecting the world’s wild tigers...

Whiskas has gone into partnership with  WWF-UK, the experts in big cat conservation, to help protect the tigers in the wild, of which there are as few as 3,200 remaining. 

As part of the campaign, a donation from every special pack of Whiskas sold will go towards protecting a tiger in the wild. The special packs will be available across a wide range of the Whiskas’ best-selling portfolio, including Pouch, Dry, Care & Treats, and retailers are advised to stock-up in advance of heightened demand as consumers look to support the partnership.

The partnership will also be supported by a through-the-line campaign featuring a new Whiskas TV advert highlighting the plight of the world’s wild tiger population.

Senior Brand Manager Clare Wright said: “We are delighted to be partnering with WWF to help protect the few remaining tigers in the wild. At Whiskas we are passionate about all cats, and that includes the world’s big cat population. The future of wild tigers is at a tipping point and the need to act now is crucial as the coming decade will decide their fate. Through our campaign we are encouraging cat owners across the country to join with us and to show their support by protecting a tiger for a day.” 

Eye-catching in-store point of sale (POS) units will also be available to retailers looking to engage consumers and raise awareness of the cause. With space at a premium, retailers are advised to stock up in advance and optimise the range of special Whiskas Protect A Tiger packs, which should be sited beyond the established petcare aisle at other points of interruption within their store.

Funds raised from sales of special Whiskas ‘Help protect a tiger’ packs will support WWF’s Tigers Alive Initiative - a global multi-million pound programme which aims to double the number of tigers in the wild to 6,000 in 2022. Whiskas’ funding will have a particular focus on WWF®’s work in the Terai Arc region on Nepal, a project which forms part of this ambitious global programme.

Wood Treatment Ltd - part of the Bodens Group - has launched a new cat litter called Smart Cat PLUS Byotrol.

The Ultimate Antimicrobial Wood Flour Litter Smart Cat Litter is already well known for its high absorbency and natural pine fresh fragrance. When coupled with the fact that it is produced in the UK from responsibly sourced and sustatinable material, it makes the product the ideal eco-friendly litter solution.

Byotrol is a revolutionary germ beating technology which kills bacteria and unpleasant odours are removed, not masked.

Its gentle, long lasting barrier helps to keep homes and pet environments ultra hygienic and smelling fresh. Byotrol has been tested to European Standard EN1276 against bacteria.

Smart Cat PLUS Byotrol will be widely available through pet wholesalers and veterinery wholesalers from August and is packed in 18-litre bags with an RSP of £9.95. 

For more information contact www.smart-cat.co.uk

National retailer Pets at Home has submitted plans to open an outlet in Haycocks Road, Haverhill, Suffolk.

The store would create up to 15 full time equivalent jobs .

An application is due to be considered by St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s development control committee next Thursday.

London Metric, which owns the site in Haycocks Road, submitted the application with support from Pets at Home, which is contractually committed to the scheme.

Simon Meacock of landowner London Metric said: “We know that Pets at Home has been keen to come to Haverhill for some time, but because it needs a large unit suitable for bulky goods there has been nothing available in the town until now.

“We are delighted to bring this opportunity to boost the town’s shopping offer.

”Pets at Home was voted ‘Best big company to work for’ in the 2013 Sunday Times Companies Awards and in 2010 was awarded Employer of the Year in trade magazine Retail Week’s annual awards,” he added.

The 190 dog owners, who took part in a recent survey, collectively walk their four-legged friends 3,462 miles every week, just three miles short of walking from London to New York...

The survey, called ‘You & Your Dog’, was carried out by family-run dog specialist Muddy Paw.

The dog owners were asked nine questions to find out about their walking habits, number of dogs and toys they owned, the most popular breeds and names.

Coming in first place for the most popular breed is the Labrador. The second most popular breed is the working Cocker Spaniel and in third place is the Border Collie.  Of these dogs, Alfie is the most popular name among the 190 owners, closely followed Ozzie and Milo.

58% of Muddy Paws fans own one dog, 24% have two, and 18% have three or more pooches. They really are considered part of the family. So much so that 64% of owners surveyed allow their dog to sleep on their bed. It’s not all a case of ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ though, as the fans collectively own 2,720 toys, making playtime an important part of time spent with their dogs.

It seems Muddy Paws fans also talk to their dog (who doesn’t?) and the most common questions they ask their canine companion are ‘Would you like us to get another dog so you could have a friend?’ and ‘Are you happy?’. There are hundreds of bizarre questions that the fans ask their dogs, but the strangest question from all answers was ‘Why are you scared of moustaches?’. And it seems moustaches aren’t the only thing dogs are afraid of. The five most common fears are the hoover, the dog’s own shadow, loud noises, the vet and other dogs.

To take part in the next Muddy Paws survey, go to the Muddy Paws Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MuddyPawsUK)

Founded in 2008 by husband and wife team Rupert and Emma Brown, Muddy Paws ships over 30,000 orders every year and prides itself on excellent customer service and high quality dog products from top brands including Ruffwear, Hurtta and Hugo & Hennie. For more information visit the website http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/ or contact Rupert Brown on 0845 362 9663.

ORIJEN sponsored the winning Great Britain retriever team at the prestigious Euro Challenge competition, held at the CLA Game Fair on July 19 at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. 

The event attracted eight teams from throughout Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.  Each team comprised a mix of retriever breeds.

This year Team GB was captained by England Gundog Team member Laura Hill and included husband Derek Hill and Sally Richardson.

Karen Rodger from ORIJEN’s UK distributor Bern Pet Foods, says: "We are very excited to be the sponsors for the winning team for this event. 

"We have had been proud to support Laura Hill and Stauntonvale Gundogs over the past few years, and this team victory demonstrates that these dogs are a shining example of animals in peak physical and mental condition – most definitely ‘fit for function’. 

"Top class nutrition plays a fundamental role in this, alongside Laura’s hard work and dedication to training and breeding.”

As well as winning the team competition, Laura Hill and her three year old bitch Stauntonvale Story were awarded the highest placed individual in the event.

Dog owners are taking the lead in living healthier and more active lifestyles, as a survey reveals that a staggering 25% of non-pet owners do not take any form of exercise at all, compared to just 12% of dog owners. One in two people who don’t own a pet are overweight and only 12% exercise daily, compared to 40%of people who own a dog.

The research has been commissioned by the Kennel Club as part of the ‘Get Fit with Fido’ 2013 campaign, which aims to help people to find fun and enjoyable ways to exercise with their dogs. This is released ahead of the Kennel Club International Agility Festival for dogs, the largest festival of its kind in the world, which takes place at Rockingham Castle from Friday 9^th August until Sunday 11^th August.

While non-pet owners came out as the most overweight and the least likely to exercise, the research revealed that in the battle of the bulge, cat owners also lag behind dog owners, with one in five admitting that they take no exercise at all and only 18% exercising daily. More than 60% of cat owners admit to not taking any steps to increase their fitness recently and 8% of cat owners say they are obese.

Unsurprisingly, the survey found walking to be the most popular form of exercise, with 40% of people revealing it was their main form of exercise and 40% of dog owners saying they walked their dog for 1-2 hours at a time.

The survey also found that the recession is having an effect, as more than 60% of dog and cat owners admit to no longer spending any money a month on exercise, making dog walking an even more attractive option.

The Kennel Club launched its Get Fit With Fido campaign in 2008 in response to the obesity epidemic in dogs and their owners. Supported by Rosemary Conley, the campaign gives people inspiring and interesting ideas for exercising with their dog, from simple dog walks to increasingly popular sports including agility and heelwork to music.

Rosemary Conley, the renowned exercise guru who backs the Kennel Club’s Get Fit With Fido Campaign, said: “It is shocking to see that so many people not only fail to exercise daily but many are failing to exercise at all.

“Daily exercise is so important for preventing obesity related illnesses such as heart disease, which is one of the biggest killers. Just half an hour of exercise a day will increase your metabolism, helping you to keep fit and stay in shape.

“Too many people see exercise as a chore, but dog owners can enjoy spending quality time walking their dog, or taking part in sports such as agility, whilst keeping fit in the process.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “It is vital that dogs get at least one walk a day, but at the time we started this campaign we were seeing worrying levels of obesity as they were mirroring their owners’ sedentary lifestyles.

“Whilst we cannot be complacent, it is reassuring to see that dog owners are the people most likely to exercise in this country, and at a time when money is tight and gym memberships dear, exercise with your dog is free or inexpensive, so is a great way to get fit.

“Get Fit With Fido was set up to inspire dog owners to find new and different ways to get fit with their dog. Just 15 minutes of brisk walking can burn 100 calories and agility is a fantastic way to keep fit. An hour of agility training can burn up to 700 calories for owners.”

Former Olympic swimmer and supporter of Get Fit With Fido, Sharron Davies commented: “Taking part in agility is a fantastic way for owners and their four-legged friends to improve both their health and fitness, as well as having lots of fun. Dogs make the perfect training partner and can motivate owners to put in the extra work to get fit.

“It’s so important not only to keep yourself fit, but your dog too. Obesity is a problem in dogs as well as humans and getting fit with Fido is a fun alternative.”

The International Agility Festival, which is kindly supported by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, will feature around 2,500 dogs of all types, sizes and experience levels competing across 16 agility rings, with dogs jumping and weaving their way around the various courses.  Visitors on the day can try their hand at the sport in the ‘have a go’ agility ring and can enter their dog into the Companion Dog Show, which takes place on Saturday 10^th August. For more information on the festival, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/agilityfestival.

The categories of the awards will be:

1. UK Pet Retailer of the Year
2. International Pet Retailer of the Year
3. Groomer of the Year
4. Supplier of the Year
5. Wholesaler of the Year
6. Pet Product Innovation of the Year
7. Pet Product Exporter of the Year

The entries will be judged by an independent panel of judges during August, and the winners will be announced on September 15 at the awards and party night in the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. Tickets will include dinner, wine, and a short professional awards ceremony followed by dancing to a live band. Email pat@petquip.com for a ticket booking form.

Commenting on the awards, Pat Flynn said: “Awards are a marvellous way of raising the awareness of a product or service and creating creditability for their future success. The pet sector is a vibrant industry with many successful operators, so recognition of these in the awards ceremony promises to be one of the highlights of the year for anyone involved”. 

Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions, the organisers of PATS, said: "It's great that PetQuip has decided to stage these new awards alongside our Harrogate exhibition. PATS Harrogate promises to be a brilliant show for the industry, a fact that can only help to enhance these awards."

A small dog has ended up landing its owner with a huge fine after she failed to pick up its mess from a Swansea street.

Rebecca Membrey, aged 26, is the first person to be taken to court for not paying the £75 fixed penalty notice, issued for not cleaning up after her dog.

A member of Swansea Council Street Scene staff saw her Jack Russell use the junction of Ystrad Road and Cil-y-Coed housing estate as a toilet. She signed the form to confirm she had not picked up the waste.

She originally had 14 days to pay, but was also given an additional 10 days to pay, but still did not.

Membrey, of Cwmbach Road, Waunarlwydd, failed to pay and was told to attend court.

Prosecutor Sarah Thyer said the council spent thousands each year cleaning up dog waste and it can cause health problems, particularly in children.
"It can be both unpleasant and a health hazard," she said.

Membrey failed to attend and was instead told to pay more than £600 in fines, costs and a surcharge. Magistrates imposed a £250 fine, £364 in costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

A Swansea Council spokesman said: "This latest prosecution follows recent success we had with two previous litter cases and illustrates our commitment to cleaning up the city."