Latest Articles & News

Puppies

What Makes A Good Dog Breeder?

There are many reasons for wanting to buy a puppy over an older dog or rescue dog. You might like the idea that the puppy will be part of your family from its earliest days; you may be put off by the possibility of complicated health and behavioural issues that often come with older dogs…

Bloodhounds at Crufts 2013

Gilbertson & Page at Crufts 2014

Looking for us at Crufts? I’ve just been asked by a follower of our blog for details of Gilbertson & Page’s stand at Crufts. We’re in Hall 2 and have a sizeable presence at Stand 78. With some new products to talk about and some knowledgeable members of staff, including canine nutritionists, we expect to…

Sheepdog by J E McGowan

Working Dogs have Different Dietary Requirements

It’s worth considering working dogs separately to pets with regard to dietary requirements. Rather like human athletes or manual workers, they can have a variety of different additional needs, dependent on the work they carry out or sport they engage in. However, some general principles do apply to working dogs, which we’ll explore here. Energy…

Dog Behaviour Part 1: The Basics

With Crufts just a few days away, it seemed appropriate to talk a little bit about canine training and behaviour, including a look at the different training techniques, both modern and traditional. A well-behaved dog is a delight to be around, whereas a dog that is easily excitable, jumps up, barks and is out of…

newfoundland dog at elveden

Keeping your Newfoundland Healthy – A Look at Diet & Condition

This article is the second in our promised series that looks at specific dog breeds from the perspective of diet and how this relates to condition. We’re fortunate at Gilbertson & Page to have a canine nutritionist, Samantha Ware, who is both highly-qualified and actively engaged in research projects. Read on for some of these…

exercising labrador

We Need More Exercise … and so do Many of our Dogs

All responsible dog owners understand the importance of exercise for their dog; it keeps them fit, healthy, mentally stimulated and happy. On wet, grey winter days sometimes the thought of getting togged up and heading out into the damp and gloom to take the dog for a walk is unappealing to say the least. If…

Healthy Dalmatian

Keeping your Dalmatian Healthy – A Look at Diet & Condition

If you own one Dalmatian, or a dozen, we hope that this short guide proves useful. It’s the first of several breed-specific articles drafted by our highly-qualified canine nutritionist, Samantha Ware. Unfortunately, Samantha spends a lot of time in the lab, which is probably good for our customers’ dogs, but makes it hard for those…

Feeding to Condition Feature

Taking Care of Your Dog – An Explanation of Feeding To Condition

‘Feeding to condition’ is a term commonly used when discussing canine nutrition, but what does it mean? In short, it is a more intuitive way of feeding your dog that takes into account their general health, energy usage and requirements rather than relying on blanket guidelines. It is a method every dog owner should use…

Dog Agility Class

Creating A Champion – Show Dogs Are Working Dogs Too

With Crufts soon to be upon us (and we look forward to seeing everyone as usual on the Gilbertson & Page stand), we thought it would be good to write a few words about the world behind the glitz of showing dogs. We hope that a few people might gain an insight into the hard…

Gilbertson & Page Support Mid-Ulster Gundog Association Tests

Gilbertson & Page has a well-established relationship with the Mid-Ulster Gundog Association and its Honorary Secretary, Robert McGregor, through Strangford Agencies of Newtownards. The Association was founded in 1994 and is supported by Lord Dunluce as President and Lady Moyola as its Patron. The Association held its well-supported Summer Tests for 2013 over three events…

Summer is a Bulldog-fest in Hungary … quite literally!

Gilbertson & Page’s Hungarian distributor, PetFoodCare, is one of the sponsors of a remarkable series of events for Bulldogs. Every year, between March and October, key Hungarian cities host their round of the ‘Bulldog Piknik’, mass gatherings of bulldog owners, bulldogs and all the paraphernalia and suppliers that go with them. An interesting point for…

David Lodge ISDT Presentation

A Fond Farewell to David Lodge, a Familiar Face at Sheepdog Trials

After 18 years of service to Gilbertson & Page and 15 years attending International Sheep Dog Trials Society Finals, it’s no surprise that David Lodge has become one of the most recognised and respected figures in his field. It is therefore fitting that his  ‘swan song’ at the event should be marked by a special…