September is Responsible Dog Ownership month! 🐾

That’s right — a whole month dedicated to celebrating pawsitive parenting and giving our four-legged family members the lives they deserve!

Owning a dog is more than belly rubs and tail wags — it’s a long-term commitment filled with love, learning (for you and your pup!), and a little drool.  This September, we’re hitting “paws” to reflect on what it really means to be a great dog parent.

A puppy on lead walking in the park

Here’s your ultimate checklist to providing your pup with the best life:

Dogs aren’t just for the weekend — they’re for life. Be ready for 10–15+ years of unconditional love (and some early morning walkies).

Not all kibble is created equal! Choose nutritious food that suits your dog’s age, breed, and energy level. (Psst… Thrums own puppy and dog food’s got you covered.)

A tired dog is a happy dog. Play fetch, go on adventures, or try brain-boosting puzzle toys. Your dog will love you for it.

Keep up with check-ups, vaccines, and flea/tick treatments. Prevention = more playtime, less paw-blems. (At Thrums, we have health plans for pets which allow you to spread the cost throughout the year of recommended treatments AND can include huge discounts and free of charge consultations!!)

Good dogs aren’t born, they’re trained! Teach cues, encourage play with other pups, and help your dog become a social superstar.

Baths, brushing, nail trims — it’s all part of keeping your pup healthy and handsome.

Lead up, clean up, and be considerate of other pet parents. We’re all in this dog park together.

If your pup ever manages to escape, make sure they can be safely returned home.

Having a fully comprehensive, for life policy for your pup helps to give you peace of mind about the expenses, should your pup need extensive and/or ongoing veterinary care. ( Check out Pet Proactive – the pet insurers that Thrums are in partnership with for the great deals!!)

Mary - Our Certified Behaviourist

Meet Mary – our certified behaviourist

Our dog behaviour service is led by Mary Howat, who many of you may recognise from our Blairgowrie team!

Mary started working with Thrums in 2003, and has progressed to qualify as a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Certified Elite Fear Free Trainer. She also runs her own dog behaviour and training consultancy, K9INTUITION, taking veterinary referrals, behaviour consultations, one to one sessions with puppies and their owners and also providing advice for clients on choosing a puppy and before they have brought their puppy home.

She shares her life and home with her husband, their cat Harray and their new friend – Moose the chocolate Labrador.

Call our Kirriemuir team today to book an appointment on 01575 572 643.