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The best kids' days out this Halloween

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10 of the best Halloween costumes for dogs that are spooky yet adorable

Specially designed for smaller bodies, the :a[best dog beds]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-bed/' } for puppies are comfortable and secure for pups that are out of the :a[whelping box]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-whelping-box/' } and into their very own bed. But tiny paws grow fast, so buying a bed that considers their breed is essential. Our very own eight-week old Labrador puppy, Todd, is getting his razor-sharp puppy teeth into everything, so he needs a bed that is chew-proof and supports his growing body🐕.

Dog behaviour and training specialist, Lindsay Arliss from :a[Woodgreen Pets Charity]{href='https://woodgreen.org.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} advises: "Oval beds are a great option for puppies. They allow your pup to be cosy and snuggle up, but to also stretch out if they want to – the same goes for dog crates." Cushioning is important because pups are developing fast and can have growing pains – especially large breeds – so they need a bed that has plenty of padding. Lindsay says, "Try a larger bed padded out with blankets for them to grow into. No matter what bed you choose, make sure your pup can both lie flat comfortably and curl up in the bed."

Consider it a dog's version of the Terrible Twos, where puppies exhibit practically feral behaviour, chewing and clawing everything in sight. If that sounds like your pup, then go for a bite-resistant dog bed. Lindsay advises: "Some puppies will chew their bed and pull out the stuffing, so choose a plastic bed with blankets. Sometimes a cardboard box can make a good puppy bed too – but only if your pup doesn’t try to eat it!" Dog beds don't have to cost a fortune; :a[budget]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/budget-dog-beds/' target='_blank' rel='noopener'}:a[dog beds]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/budget-dog-beds/' } can be chew-proof and under £30.

Puppyhood involves toilet training, so accidents are normal and need cleaning up. Machine washing a dog bed is much easier and more hygienic. Lindsay says: "Use a bed with removable covers, or place washable throws or blankets over it." Happily, most dog beds either have a removable cover or the entire bed is machine washable. If it is early days in the potty training stage, you may want to opt for a dog bed that has a waterproof cover. :a[Washable dog beds]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-washable-dog-beds-uk/' } are available in a range of materials and sizes.

## How we chose the best dog beds for puppies

All of these dog beds for puppies have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered material, comfort and durability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog beds for puppies to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

:a[Axel Lagercrantz]{href='https://theorg.com/org/pet-media-group/org-chart/axel-lagercrantz' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, CEO of Pets4Homes, answers our frequently asked questions about choosing a bed for your puppy. Axel says: "Choosing the perfect bed for your puppy is essential for its comfort, health, and happiness. It gives them a safe haven to rest and recharge after all their playful adventures."

_Our 'Ask the expert' is Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of :a[Pets4Homes]{href='http://www.pets4homes.co.uk' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, the UK’s largest pet rehoming site._

_This article also contains expert commentary from :a[Lindsay Arliss]{href='https://woodgreen.org.uk/about-us/our-people/lindsay-arliss/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, dog behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity._ _With almost 100 years’ experience in rehabilitating pets with medical and behavioural needs, and understanding what makes the relationship between pets and people so special, Woodgreen is here to help pets enjoy fulfilling, joyful lives with their humans._

_:a[Natalie Knowles]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/natalie-knowles/' } is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator._

Best dog beds for puppies that are snug yet practical

**_Most people come back from holiday with a few snaps and a tan, but Louise bagged a whole lot more…_**

Peering up at the departure boards, a tingle of excitement shot through me.

I turned to the group of people surrounding me.

We'd never met before, but we'd all signed up to volunteer in Tanzania.

‘It’s the first time I’ve been to Africa,’ I said to one of the girls.

‘Me too,’ she nodded, as we gathered together at Heathrow airport.

I was 18 and had just left college after studying sports education. I wanted to travel and volunteer.

Twelve hours later the plane landed in Dar es Salaam.

As the door heaved open and I walked down the steps, I was knocked out by the heat.

We piled on to a bus and, four hours later, we arrived at the spot where we were to be trained for the project.

Our task was to build a toilet block at a school.

‘Like this,’ said the team leader, as I picked up a trowel and began to mix cement.

Soon I was happily blending the mixture and slapping it on to bricks.

After two weeks, we travelled to a village and began the building work.

I also taught at the school to show the children the importance of boiling water.

Diseases such as typhoid were rife because the villagers collected untreated water from puddles, the river or a well.

And I suffered with a nasty stomach bug myself as my immune system adapted to its new surroundings.

‘Urgh,’ I said, as cramps tore through my tummy.

After my three months were up, I returned home to Surrey.

I’d worked previously as a lifeguard, so I went back to doing that.

I also rode for a women’s cycling team.

But the lure of travel pulled at me again, so I went to the United States to be a mountain-bike coach for kids at Camp America.

‘I want to go back,’ I said to my mum and dad, once my eight-week stint in America had ended.

And the following year I happily boarded a plane and flew back to Tanzania.

This time I went with a friend – we planned to visit the school and then take a trip around the country.

The team leader of the project had invited us to stay at his house for a week.

But he wasn’t the only person living there.

‘This is my brother,’ he said, introducing me to Hamisi.

As we shook hands, I couldn’t help noticing his lovely smile as he said: ‘Hi.’

Hamisi, 27, was staying with his brother temporarily because his job in the tobacco industry had come to an end.

His English was good and it was so easy to talk to him.

‘I’m trying to find more work,’ he explained, as we talked long into the night.

I told him about my hometown and how I worked as a lifeguard.

‘I’d like to work in something to do with sport,’ I said, telling him about my passion for cycling. ‘Maybe as a personal trainer.’

Quickly we formed a bond, but all too soon it was time to leave and continue the trip.

‘I’ll be back,’ I said, wondering if he liked me as much as I liked him.

Back home, I began to make plans to visit Tanzania the following year.

In the meantime, Hamisi and I messaged constantly.

‘I can’t wait to see you again,’ he said.

Tanzania was on the red list and no travellers were allowed in.

For two long years, I imagined Hamisi’s smiling face greeting me.

We both cheered loudly on FaceTime when the travel ban finally lifted, and I booked a three-month stay.

But when I told my friends where I was going and who I was going to see, they urged me to be cautious.

I wondered if they were right, and if I’d still feel the same connection with Hamisi?

When I stepped into arrivals, I spotted Hamisi and a gorgeous smile lit up his face when he saw me.

We hugged and hugged, and then he kissed me.

The connection was definitely still there!

In the following weeks, we relished each other’s company.

Yet we knew the clock was ticking, and we’d only have three months together before we’d be wrenched apart again.

‘We could get married,’ said Hamisi, grinning.

I scanned his eyes for a clue, but as he stared back at me, I could see he was serious.

We’d only been together for a matter of weeks.

‘Yes,’ I said, softly, accepting his proposal.

He booked the ceremony at the nearest town hall.

It would be conducted in Swahili — the local language.

Hamisi coached me in the words I needed to memorise.

I was excited, but what about my parents?

I hinted that we were thinking of getting married.

‘Is this the right thing to do?’ asked my mum.

‘Do you know what you’re doing?’ asked my dad, naturally concerned that I might be making a rash decision.

I put off telling them we’d already booked the town hall!

Hamisi’s family arrived, all smiles at me, and so welcoming.

After the ceremony, I told my parents I’d got married.

But in the following months, Hamisi spoke to them frequently on FaceTime.

‘They can see that we’re in love,’ I said.

Hamisi and I moved into his grandparents’ house, which was made of mud and sticks, in the remote village of Matombo Morogoro.

As I immersed myself in my new life, my initial three-month stay turned into a year.

‘I’ll show you how to use an underground oven,’ said Hamisi.

I watched, as a metal covering was removed from a mound, and wood and straw were dropped down inside the hole below and set ablaze.

Then a plucked chicken was hooked over the top of it.

Soon I was joining in. I learnt how to cook on a coal fire too, dishing up rice, beans and chappati.

‘I can see why it’s necessary,’ I laughed to Hamisi when, once again, the electricity got cut off in the middle of the day.

Every Friday, I travelled to the market 15 minutes away to buy food and spices.

At first, Hamisi had a motorbike, but the roads were poor.

One day, during pouring rain, I felt the wheels skid when I was riding pillion behind him.

The bike lurched into a ditch, narrowly missing a tree.

But now we have a car and we’ve moved into a brick house in the village.

I’ve been back to Britain, but problems getting a visa have stopped Hamisi, so my parents are yet to meet him face to face.

The people here have welcomed me, but sometimes they find me to ask me for money.

‘I try to help but I’m not a walking ATM,’ I said to Hamisi.

I’m doing my best to learn Swahili, but it’s tough, and I miss watching movies and _Coronation Street._

But I wouldn’t swap my life with my fabulous husband.

‘I secretly WED a hunk on holiday: My folks gasped when I came clean’

## Discover the ideal Christmas gifts for your loved ones

Is your dad a classic car enthusiast who spends his weekends tinkering in the garage? This Christmas, give him a gift that fuels his passion – a subscription to :a[Practical Classics Magazine]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/practical-classics-magazine?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=christmas_all&amp;utm_content=article' }! Packed with the most comprehensive buying guides, restoration tips, and renovation inspiration, along with the latest news from the world of classic cars. It’s the perfect gift for any classic car owner.

Surprise Mum with a gift that brings the fresh air of the British countryside without having to leave the house with a :a[LandScape Magazine]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/landscape-magazine?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=christmas_all&amp;utm_content=article' } subscription. With a mix of beautiful photography and in-depth features, capture the very best of every season and explore stunning places to visit and the best of British traditional cookery.

Fuel your son’s film obsession with an :a[Empire Magazine]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/empire-magazine?utm_source=takeabreak.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=christmas_all&amp;utm_content=article' } subscription this Christmas. As the movie magazine of choice of Hollywood’s elite, Empire delivers exclusive interviews with A-list stars, in-depth reviews and behind-the-scenes access to the latest blockbusters.

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