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Dogs are alert, watchful and protective of their home. Territorial to a tee, they want nothing more than to protect their patch – and the owners that care for them. But not every dog makes an ideal guardian. Below, we’ve outlined four breeds that can fit into an ordinary American household, while acting as a first-class guard dog. What are the best guard dogs? Rottweiler Rotties have earned a bad reputation, perhaps because of their intimidating appearance and blank, often deathly stare. But appearances can be deceiving, because rotteweilers can be hugely affectionate additions to the home who… Read More

Question #1: What are the risks of letting your dog sleep in bed with you? Depending on who you ask, this question will elicit a different response, as it all depends on the size of the dog and the circumstances in question. More often than not, it’s a bad idea if you own an unneutered alpha male. You don’t want the dog claiming the bed as his own territory, and if he begins to see himself as your equal, he may even growl when you try to remove him from his spot. Other, more obvious points include: • The… Read More

Question #1: Do dogs have a favorite human/person? We’ve all been there: our favored dog rushes over to our significant other and lavishes them with attention. Hurt, we start to question why it’s happening, or wonder whether we’re imagining things. Well, bad news, because dog behaviorists suggest that dogs can favor one owner over another, especially if your parenting styles differ. For one, dogs’ brains develop hugely from birth to six months. The person that is there for them most often at this time will forge a strong bond with the animal. For another, dogs favor people who give them… Read More

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