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What you need to know about dog poo

Up until the 1990's it was public gripe number one: dog poo on the pavement. Those were the days! Since the introduction of tougher laws, however, most responsible dog owners now clean up after their four legged friends. But scooping up your dog's poop is actually more beneficial than you might think. Indeed, your pooch's poo reveals a great deal about his current state of health. So, time to overcome your reservations, grab a bag and start studying the brown stuff!

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Which is best: an indoor or an outdoor cat?

Some people swear by outdoor cats, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?

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How to take the perfect pet photo

It goes without saying that your precious pet is also a stunning supermodel! But what's the best way to capture your furry friend on film? Below you'll find 5 tips for successful pet photography.

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Fanatical about dogs? Become a dog sitter!

So, you love dogs and want a fun part-time job that combines your passion for pets? Pawshake makes it possible! Indeed, you need simply create a profile on the Pawshake website, and you can begin offering your services as a dog walker or dog sitter. But what does it actually involve? And do you have what it takes to become a responsible dog sitter? Satisfy the 5 requirements below, and you're likely the perfect candidate!

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I want a kitten and I want one now!

Considering getting a new kitten or cat? Finding one is a piece of cake. Indeed, these days the internet will help you to locate the ideal litter in no time. Such an adorable little ball of fluff costs next to nothing and, well, how hard can it really be? Getting your first cat is certainly exciting, but it should never be done on impulse. So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following 5 questions. Our checklist below will ensure you're thoroughly prepared for your new kitten!

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5 Tips For A Healthy Dog Coat

Most dogs change their outfit to match the weather: just like us, they swap their winter coat for a summer one. This may also be accompanied by additional shedding. Whilst moulting is perfectly normal, there are ways to make life more comfortable for your four legged friend. With that in mind, we've prepared 5 questions and answers on the optimal care of your dog's coat.

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Why talking to your pet is so healthy

Regardless of whether it's your cat, dog, bunny rabbit or parakeet: far from being strange, talking to your trusty companion is rather healthy! In fact, those who converse with their pets tend to develop a closer bond with them. And there are numerous other benefits too.

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Taking your dog in the car: avoid these common mistakes

Most dogs love travelling by car! That's because there's usually a fun walk or an interesting destination at the end of it. A trip to the vet or pet sitter might also involve a car journey. Although this sounds simple enough, dangerous situations can arise when entering and exiting the vehicle, and during the car journey itself. Which is why we've conveniently listed the essential do's and don'ts for you below.

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The Golden Tip for Pet Sitters

Hey, pet sitters! Can't wait to land yourself your first job looking after the sweetest of pets? Great! Plenty of pets and their owners will be delighted! But have you stopped to consider the most important aspect...? The one thing that you as pet sitter must never forget. That the very success of your pet sitting service absolutely depends on. Read on to discover our indispensable Golden Tip for pet sitters!

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Lazy dogs simply don't exist

Is your four legged friend a bit of a couch potato? It might seem like he's just being lazy, but that's highly unlikely! Indeed, there's doubtless something else at hand. Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you?

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What does it take to become a pet sitter?

The greatest job in the world? It's got to be: pet sitter! Which child doesn't dream of 'working with animals' when they grow up? Thanks to modern technology and a large community of animal lovers, that dream can now become a reality at Pawshake! So, what knowledge and skills are required to become a competent pet sitter? The 5 qualities below will certainly stand you in good stead.

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Doggy etiquette: 7 tips for an enjoyable walk

Animal lovers are not necessarily people lovers, and dog psychology is completely different to human psychology. In order for dogs and their owners or pet sitters to enjoy a pleasant walk, it's therefore important to be familiar with the unwritten rules. Apply these simple guidelines, and you can be sure of fun and stress-free walkies with your four legged friend!

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Beware! This food is poisonous to your dog

Easter is fast approaching, and homes up and down the country are once more crammed with chocolate eggs and bunnies. Yet, whilst many dog owners are well aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs, accidents still happen. Indeed, dogs don't come with their own built-in 'poison detector' and most of them love chocolate as much as we do! But chocolate isn't the only item that's life threatening for your four legged friend. Below is a handy list of some of the most common food products that are poisonous to dogs.

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7 things you never knew about ... rabbits!

Rabbits are cute, boast large ears and enjoy nibbling things ... but did you know that they’re also extremely smart and fascinating creatures? Thanks to Pawshake, you can now bunny sit some of the loveliest rabbits there are! So, for all you rabbit lovers out there: 7 fun facts about rabbits.

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Everything you need to know about petting a dog

The first thing that many of us instinctively do upon seeing a dog, is to reach out and stroke him. Which is hardly surprising when most dogs look so irresistibly soft and cuddly. Children in particular want to stroke and cuddle dogs. But is that always such a good idea? Below are some useful tips on the best way to pet a dog.

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What you need to know about your cat's behaviour

In order to give your cat a happy life, it's important to understand him. What makes your cat tick, and what does he need? The following information about the nature and behaviour of cats will help you to better understand your pet.

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7 reasons a dog makes you happy

Did you know that a dog can make you happy and healthy? Indeed, a dog can change your entire life. Dog owners, of course, already know this. Yet you needn't own a dog yourself in order to benefit from the company of a dog. A dog sitter or dog walker can also experience all of the wonderful things that a dog has to offer. Below you'll find 7 reasons a dog makes you happy.

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I want a puppy! Six questions about getting a dog

Puppies are just too cute! You want to get one, right this instant. But wait a minute! Answer these six questions BEFORE you welcome a puppy into your home. With this checklist, you can be sure that you will enjoy the company of a lovely, healthy dog that is a good match for you and your lifestyle.

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DIY: Make your own cat toys!

Cat owners know only too well: every small object that's left lying around is a potential cat toy. It simply needs to be light and springy, and smell irresistible! So why buy expensive cat toys when they are so easy to make at home? You can be as creative as you wish. And a homemade cat toy makes the perfect gift for your cat sitter!

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Booking a cat sitter? This checklist helps you pick the right one

The time has come to meet your cat sitter for the first time. Pretty exciting, isn't it? You want to know exactly who this sitter is, so you can leave your cat (and your home) in their care without any misgivings. We have made this checklist for your first meeting to help you find out whether the cat sitter you are meeting is a good match.

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Boarding your pet? This is what you and the pet sitter need to talk about

Are you boarding your pet at a pet sitters home? Quite an experience for your best friend! That's why it's so important to be fully prepared. The best preparation is to visit the pet sitters home, where he can ask you questions about your dog and your expectations. Here are some things that should be taken into consideration.

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A good start to 2016: Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!

Want to spend your new year surrounded by as many pets at possible? Who wouldn't? :-) And it's possible with Pawshake! With a pet sitter profile, you can board pets in your home, or you can visit them in their own home. But how do you find customers? With a lovely and attractive profile, of course. All of you dog people, cat ladies, rabbit lovers and friends of other pets: Keep reading!

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Are you (looking for) a dog sitter? Take time to read this.

With the holidays just around the corner, many pet owners have been booking a pet sitter. We have hundreds of passionate pet sitters at your service. Being a dog sitter is the most fun and rewarding occupation there is, of course! But we also have to be aware that it's not just a fun way of earning some money: It's a big responsibility! That's why it's important to consider the implications for the dog before taking him into your care. How do you make the dogs time with you as pleasant as possible? 4 important tips for dog owners and sitters.

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Plants that are poisonous for cats (and safe alternatives)

Cats are real carnivores. And yet many cats love a bit of green on the side. Unfortunately, not all plants and veggies are safe for your cat - some are even downright poisonous. Which plants should you avoid, which vegetables should you be careful with and what are healthy alternatives?

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Pets are good for childrens’ wellbeing

We all know that children love animals and enthusiastically ask Mum and Dad when they can have a pet of their own. A recent study indicates that pets can even help relieve stress and anxiety disorders in kids. This means that they can contribute substantially to your child's wellbeing.

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How to walk multiple dogs

If you are active as a pet sitter in your neighbourhood, you may sometimes want to walk several dogs at the same time. Perhaps you would like to take your own dog along too when walking your Pawshake dog, or perhaps you have more than 2 dogs staying with you that you would like to walk together. It is quite difficult to have all the dogs walk next to you in a well-mannered way without getting all the leads entangled. That‘s why we‘re giving you some tips how you as a dog sitter can walk multiple dogs at once.

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Tips and tricks for removing dog and cat hair

Do your pets like to lie on your couch or bed? If so, chances are that there’s hair everywhere. Of course you vacuum all the time and you brush your dog or cat regularly to remove excess hair. But still the hair is stuck on your furniture and clothing. That’s why we’re showing you some easy and affordable solutions to get your furniture, carpet and clothing hair-free.

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Pet duos: These animals need a buddy

Are you crazy about pets too? Is your pet your best friend? We have a lot in common! Of course you are giving your pet lots of love, and perhaps you have a pet sitter who spoils them every now and then. And yet some pets need a friend of their own species besides their human best friend. Let's ne honest, the same is true the other way around, isn’t it? Here‘s an overview of some very cute pet duos.

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Taking your pet to work - is it a good idea?

Dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, birds, fish: Some pets need more personal attention from their human than others, but they all need lots of dedication. How convenient would it be to take your pet with you to work? You spend every day there, so why shouldn't your pet be allowed to join? We have listed some of the pros and cons for you.

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4 creative ways of feeding your dog

Okay, so we expect most of you feed your dog only once or twice a day and he looks forward to it so much, right?! ... But in no more than a few seconds, it's all gone! Your dog is by nature what they call an opportunistic scavenger, a gatherer who eats what he finds and who will hunt if the opportunity presents itself. So you could try feeding your dog or your dog sitting guest their food in a different, more creative way!

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