How To Train Your Dog

There’s nothing better than having a faithful furry canine companion by your side. Dog ownership is a surefire way to lead a more fulfilling and active lifestyle: you frequently get to explore new places, meet new people, and you’ll never be without your best friend in the house. Successful training is one of the most satisfying parts of owning a dog that can help you establish an unbreakable bond with your new furry friend and get your relationship started on the right paw. There is no denying that dog training is hard work. Whether you have a puppy or an adopted old soul, there are countless distractions, challenges and pitfalls which will make the road ahead difficult. While it can feel overwhelming if you haven’t prepared with the right advice,…

Unconditional love, waggy tails, companionship – planning to get a dog can be an exciting time for any aspiring pet owner. Whether you’ve always wanted a dog or you’re just coming around to the idea of welcoming one into your home, it’s unlikely that you desire to give them anything less than what they need to live a happy and healthy life. If you’ve not owned a dog before, however, you might be surprised just how much goes into giving your pet the basic things they need to survive. Here are five key aspects you should consider before you bring home a dog. COSTS Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest concerns that first-time dog owners have is whether they can afford their new family member. According to the charity PDSA (People’s…

Long hair, short-legged, patient or protective. When it comes to dogs, each one is unique, with its own personality, appearance and preferences. But despite these differences many groups, such as the American Kennel Club in the US and the Kennel Club in the UK, have invented ways to categorise each breed. Split into seven groups, each breed of dog falls into a category depending on the type of ‘job’ it held. For example, working dogs bred to pull sledges or herding dogs used to round up livestock on farms. The AKC and KC have over 200 registered dog breeds, so there is much diversity between dogs of the same groups, particularly when it comes to looks and size. It’s also good to note the distinctions made mostly relate to purebred…

The debate between rescuing and buying a dog can be highly divisive and is often fuelled by misconceptions of what dog adoption is going to be like. Many first‑time dog owners will have a clear idea in their mind of the dog that they want to bring home, and that’s okay! But while having a preference at the front of your mind when making your decision is great, it’s also a good idea to weigh up all of the options available to you and consider what will best suit your lifestyle. Over the next few pages we will reveal some key differences between adopting a dog and buying a puppy. IS THE PRICE RIGHT? Depending on the breed, a new dog can set you back anywhere from a few months…

Part of what makes owners’ relationships with dogs so personal is that no two dogs are identical. Some dogs love to meet new people, while others fear the unknown. Everything from a dog’s favourite foods, sociability, physical ability, levels of independence and adaptability can differ between individual dogs. Like people, dogs have unique personalities and understanding this is what will make you the best possible animal carer. To understand your dog’s likes and dislikes, you must learn to interpret its body’s stance, movements and noises. Every loving owner wants their pet to feel safe and comfortable at all times, and understanding dogs’ signals and emotions can also save their lives and prevent accidents. When a dog is sick, it will usually alter its behaviour. This can be in the form…

Just one glance at a human face can tell you what mood a person might be in, but would you know the same when looking at a dog? Facial expressions are less obvious in dogs than in humans, but there are crucial signs in the face and ear movements that provide insight into canine emotions. To humans and many other animals, the eyes of others serve as a gateway to their character and emotional responses, and you can interpret a lot from the way a dog moves their eyes. For example, when your dog looks at you and blinks slowly, it is being friendly and showing happiness. The opposite action with wide eyes and limited blinking displays alertness and a readiness to play and be active with you. If you…