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Bringing a dog into the family home is wonderful for all involved. Suddenly you’ve got a furry friend to create excitement in the house. What’s more, family dogs enable children to grow and develop social skills. We’ve selected a few classic family breeds below. Family dog #1: PugA favorite amongst the aristocracy of years gone by, pugs are companionable souls that like nothing more than getting cozy. Exercise isn’t on their list of priorities, so if you’re someone who likes to take the family for a hike or two, think again. But if you’re after a couch potato to… Read More

The stereotypical cat that’s aloof and uppity is grounded in truth. Cats tend to be far less extroverted than dogs and aren’t nearly so eager to run and play. Since dogs and cats are so different, it can be a challenge to ensure they cohabit peacefully. However, the two most popular domestic pets in the world can get along, and we’ve compiled a series of tips to ensure this relationship is as harmonious and purrtastic as possible. Read on for more.  Breed has nothing to do with itRight off the bat, forget about breeds and what this might mean for… Read More

So you’re living alone and you’re wanting some company; some company in the form of a furry canine friend. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Of course not! That being said, certain dog breeds are better suited to singles than others. With that in mind, here are the breeds to consider – and why. Option 1: Golden RetrieverAh, heck – Retrievers are suited to just about anyone… they’re just so lovable. And they’re particularly great companions for first-time owners, because they have such a down to earth personality, Option 2: German ShepherdIf you’re looking for a dog to keep… Read More

For dog owners who enjoy a spot of exercise, running with your animal can be a great way to break a sweat and bond at the same time. However, as many dog owners have discovered, the best-laid plans can easily fall by the wayside when there’s a canine companion at your side, and there are a few things you should be mindful of. Tip #1: Get him socialized firstYou’ll need to do some leash training work before you can expect to run together. Teach him some basic commands, and then start slow. A few hundred meters, at a steady pace,… Read More

So you think you’re a dog person. You’ve just arrived at your best friend’s house and youwant to greet the new addition to the home. You rush towards the foreign dog, only toreceive a growl in response. What went wrong, you think. I’m normally so well received? Well, your approach might be all wrong. As we outline in the steps below, playing the waitinggame is often the better bet. Let’s take a look. Respect personal spaceDogs that don’t know you or your scent need to have their personal space respected. Neverapproach a foreign dog head on with unbroken… Read More

So you want to get a dog for the first time. Congrats! Owning your own pup is one of the best feelings you can have, but it’s also a big responsibility, and not something that you should undertake without due care and research. Here are three things to keep in mind: Start-up costs are larger than you might think Every dog owner needs to buy a leash for their animal, a collar, food bowls and the food itself. But there’s more to think about than just those essentials. Have you considered the cost of bedding, travel, at-home crates,… Read More

Humans and dogs might be best friends, but that doesn’t mean we always get the relationship quite right. In fact, there are a number of behaviors we exhibit that actually cause our canine friends distress. Guilty of some of these? Don’t worry – many people are, and it’s a simple case of being more mindful in future. Patting a dog’s headWe’ve all done it – a simple head pat feels like just the right thing to do when your dog has behaved well. It’s a way of showing affection, right? But many dog behaviorists consider it bad form. Read More

“Why is my dog crying?” is not a question you have to ask every day, and yet, from time to time, your dog’s eyes will begin to produce tears. But before you reach for the tissues, safe in the assumption he’s feeling a tad emotional today, consider this: dogs aren’t able to cry emotional tears. While they feel emotions very strongly and react to our positive and negative emotions like soul mates would, a dog isn’t physically able to express emotion through tears alone.   Why? Well, that’s all down to the fact that a dog’s tear duct drains… Read More

We all know people who live in homes crammed high with nonessential things that have long since passed their expiry date. But did you know that dogs often resort to hoarding as well? Worse, dogs will often pick food as the object of their affection, then hide leftovers in hard-to-find places. If you’ve got a suspicious smell coming from the underside of the couch, chances are you’ve got a hoarder on your hands. Here’s what you need to know, and what you can do about it. Why do dogs hoard food? The behavior goes back thousands of years. Read More

Man’s best friend is a companion like no other, but no one likes a dog that fails to respect boundaries. Boundaries are important because they ensure a dog remains respectful, both at home and in public, and by following a few time-honored techniques, you can ensure your pet toes the line. Make it clear what your dog is doing wrong A lot of owners make the mistake of disciplining their dogs at the wrong time. If you’re trying to stop your dog eating off a plate, there’s no point waiting until it’s three mouthfuls in. To correct inappropriate behaviors… Read More