Case Studies...
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10 Myths About Dog Training
Exposing 10 common misconceptions about dog training....
Aggressive Dogs
Growling, the baring of teeth, snapping, snarling and biting are all signs of aggression....
All Dog Sports Explained
There is a whole range of dog sports that enable virtually every breed to participate. Some sports zone in on a dog’s natural ability (i.e. retrieving), while other sports are all about the creativity...
Arthritis in Dogs
Like humans, dogs can suffer from arthritis too. This article looks at what causes the condition in dogs and what treatments are available....
At What Age Can a Puppy Be Taken From its Mother?
Puppies should never be taken from their mother until they are at least eight weeks old. some breeds can be more advanced than others and the difference of a week can mean the difference between being...
Basic Trick Training
Dog tricks are a great way to show off your dog's ability to your friends....
Become a Dog Groomer
The rewards of a career as a dog groomer and how to get the right training for the job....
Breed Characteristics
Dogs in each breed carry similar characteristics. These breeds are placed into one of seven groups within the Kennel Club each group again having similarities of use and characteristics....
Buying Organic Dog Food
When purchasing food for your dog you will find that the selection of different types of dog food are mind blowing. With television adverts, Internet marketing and so called nutrition experts trying t...
Calming Signals: How Dogs Talk to Each Other
The role of calming signals in dog evolution and how some common calming signals are used in interactions....
Caring for Older Dogs
As dogs age, they slow down – just as people do. Therefore, dogs require fewer calories on a daily basis in order to maintain their body weight, or to lose those few unnecessary pounds....
Caring for Your Dog in Winter
The most common ailment to afflict dogs in the winter is cracked and sore pads. The cause of which is de-icing salt. The salt dries out the pads, which causes the cracks and soreness...
Choosing a Vet
Do not conduct your vet search when your pet is ill and in need of immediate medical attention. Choosing the right clinic takes due diligence on your part....
Clothing For Your Dog
For some reason it has become fashionable to dress up our dogs in outfits rather than let them just wear their own fur coats! Businesses have sprung up everywhere selling items such as dresses, dog sw...
Collars and Leashes
There are essentially two types of dog collars - flat, which are the fun, fashionable ones and the training collars, which are not aesthetically pleasing, but very functional....
Communicating With Your Dog
How we speak to our dogs is just as important as what we tell them, especially when we are training them....
Coping When Your Dog Dies
Dogs are more than pets, they are unquestionably man’s (and woman’s) best friend. So when your best friend dies, it is heartbreaking....
Crate Training
Crate training is designed “to provide a secure, short-term confinement area for safety, housebreaking [and] protection of household goods,” according to Leanne Gossett of Bark Bytes....
Dealing With a Mouthing Puppy
Puppy mouthing is one of the most common complaints new owners of puppies make and one of the most challenging problems they often have to deal with. However, with a few different approaches to suit d...
Discovering Sex
Young puppies can become sexually active at a very young age. New owners must be aware of this and advised of the dogs reproductive cycles....
Dog Chews, Chocs and Other Goodies
There are many tasty goodies on the market for your dog but are they needed and are they any good for your dog?...
Dog Issues When Your Marriage Ends
When marriages and partnerships end it is not just the children that suffer. The family dog or dogs can also get caught up in the stress of the household and be a casualty in the eventual breakdown of...
Dog Sports to Suit Your Dog's Personality
a guide to the different dog sports and how they suit the different types and personalities of dogs...
Dog Training: Staying in Control
It is very easy to become the servant of your dog and be at his beck and call. Soon he is demanding your attention and that is when you need to rethink your training regime and take action....
Exercise for all Ages
Two walks a day, everyday, is all the exercise a physically fit dog really requires. However, if your dog is overweight, the walks need to be longer and more frequent, in order to drop the weight....
Expectations at Dog Competitions
You cannot expect to win with a dog just by paying a large amount of money to a breeder. Hard work and commitment are needed plus a lot of luck....
Fear Biting
There are some dogs that bite because they are frightened. These are known as defensive-aggressive dogs or fear biters. "When faced with new situations with people or dogs, they avoid direct eye conta...
Fetch and Find Tricks
Some dogs are natural retrievers and diggers, no matter what their breed. Some are not. However, these dogs can also be taught to retrieve and find - it just takes a lot of practice and patience....
First Aid for Your Dog
When owning a dog it is imperative that you know how to administer basic first aid. To be able to act immediately if a dog is injured or is taken ill means that you will save valuable time until a vet...
Flea Prevention
Fleas are ugly, nasty parasites that are one of the most difficult critters to get rid of. Which is why, prevention - all year long, is necessary....
Furniture Chewing
Chewing is natural and healthy for puppies and dogs, but it is up to us to teach them what they can and cannot chew....
Getting Started in Dog Dancing
What training and preparation you need to get started in "dog dancing" - otherwise known as Heelwork to Music / Canine Freestyle...
Getting Your Dog Neutered
We’ve all heard that spaying or neutering dogs helps control the pet population. But are there any other benefits to spaying/neutering? Are there any negative repercussions to having a dog spayed/neut...
Going on Holiday: Boarding Your Dog
Going on vacation is meant to be a relaxing experience. But when you have a dog or two who are not going on holidays with you, time away from them can be stressful – for you and the dog – unless you h...
Grooming Your Dog
No matter your breed of dog, they all need to be groomed. Grooming consists of brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, as well as brushing their teeth....
Hand Stripping Your Dog
Certain breeds of dog require their coat to be stripped by hand at least twice each year. Once taught an owner should be able to carry out this procedure for themselves....
Handling Hounds That Hump
The various reasons why dogs hump and how to deal with this problem....
How Can We Calm Our Dog?
Congratulations on your puppies. Just like humans not all bitches take to their offspring. Remember that your girl may well have had a frightening life before she was rescued by you. Follow this with ...
How Do I Housetrain My New Puppy?
Ideally you should not purchase a puppy if you cannot devote the time to it. could you possibly work part days until the puppy is a little older and also trained or if not can you take the puppy to wo...
How Much Money Can You Make with Your Dog?
You should never purchase a dog with the intentions of making money from it. A dog is foremost a family friend not a money making machine....
How to Pick a Dog Training School
You’re ready to enrol your puppy into obedience classes. But with so many options including clicker or food-based reward training; as well as a group or private classes, it’s hard to know what is best...
How to Stop Your Dog Digging Up the Garden
A look at the reasons dogs dig in the garden and how to solve this common problem....
Individual Dog Personalities
By understanding why your dog’s breed was originally bred can go a long way towards understanding why your dog does what he does when he does it....
Instinctive Behaviour
Sometimes a dog is not being naughty but is following its natural instinctive behaviour. It is down to us his owners, to understand this and incorporate it in his training....
Jumping Tricks
Jumping is a very natural activity for dogs but should be done on a soft surface - rubberised floor or grass and the dog should never jump higher than its shoulder height....
Looking After & Homing Newborn Puppies
Your dog has just delivered a litter of healthy puppies. In order to help them remain healthy and prepare them for a great life – in someone else’s home – you have a lot of work to do over the next ei...
Looking After a Pregnant Dog
The pitter-patter of puppy paws. Nothing is more precious than a litter of newborn puppies. However, in order for mum to give birth to a healthy litter, her owners have to take proper care of her befo...
Mixed Breed Dogs
Why would you want to own a mixed breed dog? One walk through a shelter, where most mixed breeds end up – through no fault of their own - and you wouldn’t have to ask that question. Mixed-breeds, just...
Natural Remedies
In many instances there is no reason to use harsh chemical treatments for a dog’s minor ailments. For centuries natural and alternative treatments have been used although it must be noted that veterin...
Nutrition for Puppies, Adults and Seniors
Choosing the best food for our canine companion is one of the most difficult things to do. It would be much easier if one brand was deemed to be 'the one' for all dogs, or even for all dogs of a speci...
Overweight Dogs
With a good diet and a considerate owner a dog need never be over weight.A few simple changes can soon reap rewards and show a fit healthy dog....
Paw Tricks
Paw tricks are always fun to show off to your friends and family, as well as a great way to bond with your dog....
Quiz: Are You Making Your Dog Neurotic?
A quiz to see if an owner's behaviour is contributing to a dog's nervous behaviour....
Quiz: Is Your Dog Training Class Up to Par?
What to look for in a good dog training class....
Raw vs. Commercial Food
You should also consult with your veterinarian and/or breeder to help determine if a raw or commercial diet is best for you dog. And don't forget to research the pros and cons of both diets....
Reward vs Clicker Training
Everyone who owns a dog wants it to be well behaved. But dogs don't come to us knowing what 'well behaved' means in the human world. Therefore, it is up to us to teach them....
Safe Bones for Chewing
Dogs love to chew bones, which is a great way to keep teeth clean and satisfy a powerful natural instinct. Find out what types of bones are safe for your dog....
Separation Anxiety
separation anxiety can range from moderate – the dog doesn’t so much destroy things as spends the day collecting his owner’s personal belongings, curls up with them, or arrange the items in a pattern ...
Should I Neuter my Dog?
If a pet dog is not to be used for breeding purposes then it is advisable to have them neutered. However wait until the bitch has had two seasons as it is far too early to do this when they are undeve...
Should I Separate My Dogs?
During the pregnancies it is not necessary to separate your German Shepherds....
Should My American Bulldog Wear Muzzle in the Garden?
It looks as though the policeman thinks that your American Bulldog is a Pit Bull Terrier. But if your dog is considered a Pit Bull Type you may have problems....
Should the Breeder Have Given us a Contract?
A couple have taken on a German Shepherd bitch from a breeder and have gone into partnership with her without any paperwork having been signed....
Skills Required by Movie Dogs
So you think your dog has movie star good looks and talent to boot. However, do you have the skills necessary to help groom him into a star? In order for a dog to be chosen to appear in movies, TV com...
Socialisation Exercises for Your Puppy Pre 14 Weeks
The importance of socialisation and key socialisation exercises to do before your puppy is 14 weeks....
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying or neutering effectively stops a dog or bitch from breeding. There are side effects to the operation as well as added bonuses....
Speaking and Singing Tricks
Speaking and singing are tricks based on rewarding a dog for an activity he already does upon hearing a trigger sound....
Starting a Dog Training Class in Your Town
Running a dog training class can be fun but there is hard work ahead before the dogs arrive....
Stopped Puppy from Jumping Up: A Case Study
A case study showing how to tackle problem jumping in a young puppy....
Tackling Animal Separation Anxiety: A Case Study
How to tackle and manage separation anxiety in a dog...
Taking Your Dog on Holiday
When a dog joins the family it is normal for him to be part of every activity that his new family undertakes. So what is more natural than a family holiday that includes the dog?...
Taking Your Dog to Work With You
Apart from the National Take your Dog to Work day it is becoming more common to see dogs in the workplace. If you are thinking of taking your dog into your workplace there are several points to rememb...
Teach Your Dog Affectionate Tricks
A look at various affectionate tricks that you can teach your dog to do and tips on how to achieve the desired results....
Teach Your Dog Basic Obedience Skills
training needs to begin the minute you and your puppy arrive home together for the first time. If you don’t, he will immediately make up his own rules, which are probably not the same ones you want to...
The Benefits of Hydrotherapy
How hydrotherapy helps in different ways, from speeding up post-surgery recovery and healing from injuries to improving general muscle tone and fitness....
The Myth of 'Alpha Dog'
A look at the misconceptions about 'dominance theory' and how this might endanger pet dogs and their owners....
The NILIF System: the Best Start for Any Dog
How the NILIF system teaches your dog to respect your leadership....
The Right Dog for Around Old People
Choosing the ideal dog for a senior. Which dogs are most suitable? Plus the immense health benefits dogs can provide senior citizens....
The Right Dog for Children
Choosing the right dog for your family. Where to get your dog, what breed to choose and which dog would be most suitable around your children....
The Truth About Teenage Dogs
How your dog's body changes during canine adolescence and how this affects their behaviour....
Thinking of Becoming a Dog Breeder?
Whatever your reasons are for wanting to become a dog breeder, take the time to think things over carefully and ask yourself some honest questions before embarking on such a serious venture as dog bre...
Toilet Training
The time it takes to potty train a puppy varies, but by implementing a routine from the minute you bring him home, and sticking to it, you will be well on your way....
Training Commands for Every Day Life
A summary of the key training commands every dog should know with tips on how to teach them....
Travelling with Your Dog
Vacationing with your canine companion puts a whole new twist on ‘family vacation.’ However, for people who think it’s impossible to relax, have a good time and see the sights, all with a dog in tow, ...
Troubleshooting for Clicker Training
Common questions that people ask when starting clicker training....
Using the Dog's Instinct
The dogs instincts to herd, protects, hunt and retrieve can be used to aid humans. This is shown in many aspects of our day to day life and can enhance the quality of life for many people....
What To Do If Your Dog Is Lost
Losing or having your dogs stolen must be one of the most distressing times for animal lovers. With a little forward planning just in case this should happen, you will be able to make the public aware...
When the End Comes
Arranging your dog’s final resting-place is the last service you can give to a faithful family friend who will be remembered forever....
When to Go to the Vet?
Every year we take our dogs to the vet for an annual check-up. Most of the time, dogs come out of the exam with a clean bill of health, plus a couple of vaccinations. But for some dogs, this is the oc...
When to Start Puppy School
When you bring your puppy home – usually at eight weeks of age – he is a sponge and ready, willing and able to learn – with the right kind of instructor (patient) and training (positive)....
When You Can't Look After Your Dog
No one can look into the future and see what is in store for us or our pets. There are times in our lives when we can no longer take care of our pets and we need to know what we can do to help them....
Which Dogs Need Muzzling?
A muzzle should not be used on a family pet unless all other options have been investigated. Owners of dogs deemed dangerous should practise extreme caution when their dogs mix with other canines and ...
Why do Dogs Bark?
Dogs bark. It’s how they communicate with one another and us. What is not natural, however, is excessive barking, which quickly becomes your problem, especially when the neighbours complain....
Worm Prevention and Treatment
Worms. Not something you want the vet saying your dog has. Worms found in dogs are just as unpleasant to look at as the ones found on the ground, but are not the same....