Waggles Monthly April 2026-6

Waggles Monthly

Where Every Tail Tells a Story

SPECIAL OFFER inside Money off voucher just for you! Find out what natural treats are good for dental hygiene

From Rescue to Royalty: A Scruffts Champion’s Story Hoppy Shopping: Supporting Small Dog Businesses This Easter Monthly Top Tips

Capturing Love, One Paw at a Time

by Pet Pawtraits by Chantel

Monthly news in the dog world from advice, support, tips, reviews and special offers

Brought to you by Suzi & Jako from Team Waggles. An interactive and fun guide every month for dog lovers all around the UK ~ come, read and get involved.

So much fun, advice, support and small businesses every day in our group The Waggle Club over on Facebook

OUT HOW NATURAL TREATS CAN HELP YOUR DOG’S TEETH...

TASTY CHEWS, HEALTHIER TEETH: THE NATURAL WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG’S SMILE

Natural chews such as fish braids, skin plates, duck necks, and roast beef pieces provide an effective and enjoyable way to support your dog’s dental hygiene.

Their varied textures help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup through the simple act of chewing

Fish braids, in particular, offer a fibrous texture that gently cleans teeth while also delivering omega-3 fatty acids that support gum health.

Skin plates encourage longer chewing sessions, increasing saliva production, which naturally helps wash away bacteria and food particles.

Duck necks provide a satisfying crunch that helps mechanically clean teeth while also supporting jaw strength.

Roast beef pieces promote active chewing and reinforce healthy chewing habits.

Together, these natural treats not only help maintain cleaner teeth and fresher breath but also provide mental stimulation and a rewarding experience.

When combined with regular dental care, they are a simple and natural way to support your dog’s overall oral health.

Grab 20% off with code teefs (click the coupon)

EASTER IS ROUND THE CORNER!

Lets have a look at these wonderful dog products you can buy right now in time for Easter.

Capturing Love, One Paw at a Time

Timeless keepsakes created with love by Pet Pawtraits by Chantel

How did you turn your passion for painting pets into a full-time business? I originally started to paint pets in lockdown mainly as gifts for family, but as my skill grew I saw a way I could do it professionally and bring joy and comfort to people I created a business page on Facebook and went from there. Now have a great following of supporters and customers who without them I wouldn't be where I am today and be able to do what I absolutely adore

Can you take us behind the scenes what’s your process for creating a dog portrait from start to finish?

My process for starting a pawtrait of course always starts with photos of the subject/s. Once a photo and composition has been decided on I then will sketch out the dogs general features and likeness onto paper I then start with painting/ drawing the eyes first then slowly working outwards building up my layers, shadows and highlights and then add the final details that make the dogs personality shine through

Do you have a favorite material or technique when painting dogs, and why? I love both acrylic paints and my graphite pencils but I think I do enjoy more the freedom and different techniques I can use whilst I creating a pawtrait in graphite. I love using a soft rounded brush to blend out my pencils creating a soft finish in areas where it's needed But also I wouldn't be without my trusted mono zero eraser

How do you capture each dog’s personality so it shines through in your artwork? When it comes to capturing your dogs personality in a pawtrait I always ask for multiple photos of your dog and sometimes even a video But most importantly I ask you the pawrent about their personalities, their little quirks, likes, dislikes everything that makes them who they are So by getting a personal insight into your dogs unique personality I'm able to capture that in thier pawtrait.

What’s the most unforgettable dog portrait you’ve ever made, and what made it so special? A cavachon called Alfie he passed away on Christmas Day 2024, he was one of my first proper graphite commissions. I often go back and look at his pawtrait, and his sweet loving face It warns my heart knowing he sits pride of place in his hoomans kitchen where she fondly looks at his pawtrait whilst baking her cakes.

Double & Triple portraits are also available

Any tips for dog owners who want to send you photos that really bring out their dog’s character? Some tops tips for taking photos or sending photos of your dogs to myself for a pawtrait are Quality - is probably the top one, the clearer the image, the more I can capture your dogs features and the more detail i can pack in Lighting - natural lighting is always best, as dark photos can alter your dogs colouring Distance - close up photos of your dog work the best but not too close and too far away we lose your dogs features and photos become blurry Distance - getting down to your dogs eye level is a great tip, this will produce the best photos

How has social media or connecting online helped your business, and where can fans find you? Having my Facebook business page has helped my little business so much to connect with potential customers, but most Importantly it's helped build up trust with all my fans which is incredibly important.

Are there any upcoming projects, collections, or special offers that our readers should be excited about?

Keep your eyes peeled for some new exciting additions to my pawtraits collection coming soon which I hope you will all love

From Rescue to Royalty: A Scruffts Champion’s Story

A journey of second chances, resilience, and an unbreakable bond

What makes Marnie unique, and how do you think that helped in the show ring?

Marnie is very calm and also very loving Both judges said that she looked into their souls when she was looking at them and her loving personality won them over.

Can you share a memorable or funny moment from your journey to Crufts?

All went smoothly really, except for the apartment we rented for the weekend which was awful The funniest thing is walking down to the main arena Because we were in the competition, we were allowed to walk down the middle of the long corridor to the arena, past all the people queuing up to get a seat You can feel the daggers in the back of your head because you are just sailing past them all, being waved through.

Where second chances lead to extraordinary moments

How has owning a rescue dog changed your perspective on dog training, care, or competitions?

It hasn’t changed my perspective on owning a dog, but I will always choose rescue It doesn’t matter what dog you have, training and care are of the utmost importance. Fun Dog shows can be a bit back stabbing at times, but I just ignore it and enjoy the competition with Marnie and my friends

Do you have any advice for other rescue dog owners who might dream of entering shows?

Go for it. You can have so much fun and with a bit of luck, go home with a rosette.

Outside of competitions, what are your favourite ways to spend time with Marnie?

We spend time at home, going for walks and going to friends houses. Marnie is happy to do anything, we have some good adventures It doesn’t matter what we do, as long as we are together

How do you balance showing Marnie with making sure she stays happy and healthy?

Marnie loves going to dog shows and to training (obedience and Ringcraft) where she can see and play with her friends, get strokes and scratches from people and just have fun. If Marnie is happy, I’m happy She gets good balanced meals and good treats

Are there any upcoming events, projects, or advocacy efforts for rescues that you’re excited about?

Marnie and I, today, have been and recorded a segment for Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. It was fun being interviewed by him and seeing how it all works behind the scenes You can watch it on ITV, Sunday, 19 April, 2026 at 930am (or 1030am ITV+1 or ITVX) We have several dog shows coming up too th

Thank you for sharing your story Lyn

If you and your dog would like to be featured in our Waggles Monthly ~ do get in touch!

If not, why not? Every month we choose a winner to receive a box of treats with love from us

HAVE YOU ENTERED OUR DOG OF THE MONTH COMPETITION? ENTER YOUR DOG JUST HERE

Why is downtime important?

Downtime is essential for a dog’s physical health, emotional balance, and overall well-being.

Just like humans, dogs need periods of rest to process their environment, recover from stimulation, and prevent stress or burnout. Without enough quiet time, dogs can become overstimulated, which may lead to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, anxiety, or difficulty settling.

Regular downtime helps regulate their nervous system, supports healthy sleep patterns, and allows them to feel safe and secure in their surroundings.

Incorporating intentional rest into a dog’s daily routine is just as important as exercise and training, creating a more balanced and content companion.

1. Snuffle mats or gentle enrichment toys – Encourage calm, focused activity that engages their mind without overexciting them.

2 Designated quiet space – Create a cozy bed or crate area where your dog can retreat undisturbed

3. Lick mats or long-lasting chews – Licking and chewing naturally promote relaxation and stress relief

4 Calm companionship time – Sit together while reading or watching TV, allowing your dog to relax near you without interaction pressure.

5. Short decompression walks – Slow-paced walks with plenty of sniffing help dogs unwind rather than stimulating them further

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