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Every experienced dog owner has been a novice at some point in their lives, with a dog they don’t quite understand, and a set of rules they shakily stick to without a real understanding of why. In reality, dog ownership can be easy, so long as we don’t make a classic mistake: assigning human characteristics to the new animal in our lives. Why? Well, a dog responds to a very different set of tools. Here are the things you’ll want to know if you’re taking on the responsibility of dog ownership for the first time. With luck, it’ll save you… Read More

Snowed in? Torrential rains in play? Sub-zero temperatures at work? There comes a time every winter where the weather simply forbids heading outside. That begs the question: what do we do with our canine friends who need plenty of exercise – and stimulation – to keep their spirits high? In the article to follow, we’re going to unpack a few things you can do inside. Because while dogs are generally less active in winter due to the darker days and earlier nights, they still need to get their steps in. Idea 1: Indoor games Indoor games are always a great… Read More

We tend to think that a dog that’s jumping up and down and barking madly is happy. In fact, the opposite is true. Serenity and calm are signs that your dog is content, while excitement can often spell impending aggression. The first step to curbing excitement is recognizing that it’s a problem. The second stage is doing something about it. Here are our tips for discouraging excitable, potentially aggressive behavior. Don’t encourage your dog If we equate excitement with happiness, we’re very likely to pat a dog that’s excitedly jumping to and fro, thereby reinforcing the behavior. What we want… Read More

In today’s article we’re going to examine whether your dog is being aggressive or simply engaging in play, with a particular focus on puppies, a group who are often guilty of going too hard. In focus: the rough-and-tumble between a puppy and a dog of its own age (or an adult), as well as a particular feature of young pups: nipping. What does a nip mean? Nips, or little bites, are common behaviors from young dogs. This isn’t a sign of aggression at all, but rather a sign that the dog needs to cool off a bit. What you should… Read More

Dogs will look to leave the confines of your yard for all sorts of reasons. For one thing, dogs left on their own for long periods of the day will try to force a social interaction with someone by getting out into the open world. For another, they might be bored; dogs left to idly look after themselves for hours on end will try to force stimulation. Another reason is innately feral: unneutered males might catch the scent of a female on heat and try to get to her. With these reasons in mind, here are a few steps to… Read More

We’re living in strange times, but even with social distancing measures in place, there are lots of ways to enjoy a spectacular day out in the summer sunshine. Hiking is a particular favorite, and one that’s well suited to dogs as well. A trip together will not only burn excess energy (for the both of you), it’ll be an opportunity to bond as well. Before you set out, heed a few of our tips for a successful outing. Make sure your dog is up to the task When it comes to tackling tough terrain, the breed matters. A long-legged Labrador… Read More

Dogs are simple creatures and they don’t need a lot to be happy. In the article to follow, we’re going to unpack six simple things you can do to keep your animal’s spirits high. From making exercise a priority to spending a little bit more on nutrition, these are proven strategies that should bear fruit in the long run. Get the diet right Food is fuel, and dogs need plenty of it. But buying poor-quality, mass produced fare full of additives and preservatives can do more harm than good. Speak to your vet about the type of product you should… Read More

Whether you’re new to dogs or an experienced owner, it can sometimes feel as if you’re constantly engaged in a struggle: issuing commands to your dog with little to no success. In times like these, it’s easy to lose your cool and snap at your pet. But in the article to follow, we’re going to illustrate why that’s exactly the wrong strategy. By heeding our tips, you should soon see results. Understand the energy you’re giving off Dogs have historically grown up in packs and they instinctively look to a “pack leader”. In every case, that leader should be you. Read More

The health and fitness industries are awash with tips to look and feel better than ever. But one magic bullet that people often overlook is the comfort of having a canine friend at home. Here are six reasons to get a dog – either for the first time, or as a new addition to the home. Dogs alleviate loneliness Studies show that loneliness can be one of the biggest contributors to depression, and that depression has the ability to seriously affect our health. This is an especially salient point during COVID-19; a time at which people are brushing up… Read More

If lockdown has proved anything, it’s that people will band together to have some fun, and old-school diversions are more popular than ever. One such activity that’s seen a resurgence is the general knowledge quiz. Today, we’re serving up 8 dog-related facts that would work well in any quiz. There’s a Beatles song with a sound in it that only dogs can hear As The Beatles matured as band, they moved further away from their Pop roots and became more interested in experimental rock. Look no further than the 1967 track A Day in the Life, which features several seconds… Read More