Care & Training

Playtime is good for both puppies and adult dogs as it gives them an opportunity to bond with you and the rest of your family. Dogs that are allowed to have play sessions in the park, or at home, gain confidence while, at the same time, their minds are being stimulated.

Some of the unwritten rules when playing with your dog include that if you are playing a game of tug of war, do not let him win every time. Winning every time will make him think that using his force allows him to take possession of items when he wants them.

One simple game you can teach your dog is to hold out a toy and use the command ‘hold’. When your pet is in the act of closing his mouth around the toy, gently say ‘drop it’ and remove it from his mouth. It is important that you give the toy back to your dog afterwards, together with plenty of praise and a treat.

One of the most popular doggie games is called ‘fetch’:

Wiggle a toy in front of your dog, when he comes [read more]

Any dog that barks excessively at visitors is in fact doing their job in letting you know that there is someone at the door. The doorbell ringing, or a knock at your front door, is a trigger to your dog that you are under threat and he only wants to protect you and alert you to impending danger.

Once you have invited a person into your home then you need to teach your dog that you are happy with him, he has done his job successfully and you now want him to be quiet.

Dog owners have different views on barking and forget to give praise when they the dog eventually becomes quiet. This inconsistency can confuse your dog to become confused.

If you are outdoors and your dog barks at a passer by, or another dog, then give him praise and [read more]

Toilet training a puppy is the one thing that can take the shine off your new dog. However, with a bit of patience – toilet training is not as bad as it first seems.

If you have a kitchen floor with tiles, or cushion flooring, then mopping up puddles after a puppy has done his business is not too much of a problem.

When mopping up puddles it is essential that you use a non-ammonia disinfectant as they are highly effective against certain viruses and bacteria that can cause your puppy to become unwell.

Pet stores will stock puppy training pads, which are a [read more]

Puppies are adorable, with their appealing ways and high energy levels. As an owner it is hard to stop them from forming bad habits when they are so incorrigible.

Some of the bad habits that you will find easier to stop include barking, biting, chewing furniture (which can be a big issue if you happen to have some expensive items, such as an old antique bookcase) and, when they are allowed out of the house, lead pulling.

At an early stage in their life a puppy will want to build up a rapport with their new owner. Vocal commands are essential and warm praise and commands in a deeper tone will be recognised by your new pal. Smacking a puppy or shouting at him is not good as it can cause him to become upset, and your dog will [read more]

When your alarm wakes you up in a morning and you rush to the bathroom, why on earth do pet dogs start to lick the soles of your feet? Most pet owners assume it is a sign of affection, but sorry to disappoint you or burst your bubble, that is not correct.

A mother dog constantly licks all her puppies from the minute they are born. Some of the placenta at birth may need licking off and ‘mum’ will do that. Placenta is full of essential nutrients and this can be passed on to a litter of puppies via the mother dog.

Puppies will learn to bond with their brothers and sisters by licking them. When they are older, they are weaned [read more]

It was suggested by animal psychologist Nobel Prize winner Konrad Lorenz in his book Man Meets Dog that dogs are capable of laughing just like humans.

Sometimes when you take a picture of your dog his mouth will be open, his pink tongue hanging out and you just know that he is either laughing with you or at you. [read more]

Dog owners should be aware of health concerns that could affect their pets in cold and wet weather and strive to give them the best in healthcare.

As your dog gets older or spends too much time in cold or wet weather, sore bones can make your pet slow down as the cartilage starts to wear away. Getting up from his dog bed will be a struggle and walks become a marathon as he or she slows up, so be sure to help your dog stay warm and dry off properly when he comes in from a walk. [read more]

Like humans, dogs can become constipated at some time in their doggie lifetime.

The symptoms of your dog’s constipation are when he seems to be straining when and nothing happens or his stools are exceptionally hard.

When you realise that your dog has not emptied his bowels, remember to have a mental check regarding any medicines he may be taking as some medications can cause constipation. [read more]

No matter what event or holiday it is, whether it is Christmas, Halloween or birthdays, dogs never miss out – and why should they, being ‘man’s best friend’? Valentine’s Day is no different.

Pet shops and stores all over the country have been filled with Valentine’s doggie treats for weeks. You can buy a heart-shaped biscuit, a cuddly Cupid dog toy or a pretty blanket with love hearts. As with many holidays, you can even go the whole hog and dress your dog up in a Valentine’s outfit! [read more]