I don’t know about you but I’m going full After Eights this year. They’re so moreish I can only have them in the house as a magnificent treat at Christmas. Otherwise I’d be a type 2 diabetic by Valentine’s day.

This Christmas we’re set to spend over £166 million on our pets, proving that the ‘hound pound’ is booming.

It’s proof that we’re gifting our dogs with the latest must have’s, but is that what your dog really wants for Christmas?

Christmas is for spending time with family and friends. Yet despite our best intentions, our pets can be ignored as the festivities take over.

When the weather is simply too cold to brace for a long walk, what can you do to exercise your dog mentally and physically?

There is a dog point to this story so bear with.

I try to eat well throughout the week: no cake, biscuits or pasta, that kinda thing. And for the most part that works well for me. I also train twice a week, a new activity, which while masochistic is doing me the world of good both physically and mentally. And I have more energy to get through the week. Yeah I know I’m a flippin saint. Don’t worry the total honesty bit is coming up right now.