Behaviour & Training

Dog begging is a pleading gaze, big doe eyes, or a cute little whine. If your dog behaves like this every time you sit down to have a meal, you know your dog is begging for food or a delicious treat! Dogs are brilliant at devising new and interesting ways to get exactly what they want from their owners at mealtimes: more food. However, this can be difficult for you as an owner, especially if it happens every time you want to eat. Fortunately, dog begging can be prevented using a few simple steps. Causes of dog begging If your dog or puppy looks uncharacteristically unhappy or hungry when they beg then you won’t be alone. Dogs perfect this method of asking because it is so effective. Playing on your caring nature, they use their best acting skills in the hope of being treated to scraps from the plate. This clever technique means that your dog can often get more food without exerting much effort. The first thing to realise is that your dog’s begging is a learned behaviour from when they are a puppy, which can be trained out of them. Your begging dog has probably realised at some point that certain behaviours yield certain rewards. Whether it’s pawing, whining or barking, if you reward your puppy begging with what they expect, they will only continue to behave in this way. Puppies don’t just beg for food, you may also witness your pet begging for affection, playtime or walks. You probably didn’t realise that you were teaching your puppy that begging was effective, but by giving in to their demands, you may have inadvertently promoted their behaviour, which will carry on with them through to adulthood.

Are you a dog who is stuck indoors with a bored owner? Don’t worry, here’s a few indoor dog games for you both to have fun when the weather’s not great outside. Hide and seek for dogs Your owner loves this indoor dog game because they get to do the same thing as you. They’ll tell you to wait while they run off giggling to themselves and after a bit you’ll hear them shout ‘Ready!’ from a long way off. Now, if your owner has personal hygiene ‘challenges’ you’ll find this dog hide and seek game super simple, but even if not, they’ll still leave a strong enough scent trail for you to follow. They’ll say something like ‘How did you find me so fast? What a clever dog!’ When it’s your turn to hide make sure that your tail isn’t sticking out. Then try not to fall asleep before you hear your owner shouting ‘I give up!’. Dog memory game This is one of my favourite indoor dog games. Your owner will say this is a game that teaches you to count, but actually it’s a game that teaches them to remember. Watch closely while your owner puts three treats into their trouser pocket. Then they’ll take one out and give it to you, which obviously you’ll eat. Then they’ll give you another and you’ll eat that too. But then they’ll walk away and forget that they still have one more treat in their pocket. So you’re barking like crazy and nuzzling at their pocket and they’re pretending not to know, asking, ‘What is it? There’s no more’.

When we see a dog, our brain produces positive emotions and we don’t think twice before declaring our undying love, but how do we show our dogs this? Find out how to show your dog you love them with Luna. ‘It’s the month of love, Luna, the time of year when we shower our favourite people with cards and gifts so that they know how much they mean to us.’ That’s odd, thought rescue dog, Luna, safe in the knowledge that her humans know exactly how much they mean to her and she has never bought them a card or a gift since the day they brought her home. That’s not to say that Luna, hadn’t received gifts and even an edible card on one particularly memorable Valentine’s Day, but that’s not how she knows she is loved, far from it. The feeling of love is all in her head. Literally! If you believe that the chemistry between you and your dog is real, then science agrees with you. It’s all in your head, too. Our ‘happy hormones’ are created in our brain. The well documented trio consist of dopamine, which is released when there’s an initial attraction, as a result our serotonin levels increase and then oxytocin is produced. When we see a dog, our brain delivers a rush of positive emotions and we don’t think twice before declaring our undying love to the cute furball. It’s chemical; love really is all in our head. One of the ways that we can get a rush of oxytocin is to make eye contact with someone we care about. The brilliant thing about making eye contact with our canine family members is that they get a rush of oxytocin too. Please don’t race home and stare into the eyes of your dog, that probably won’t make either of you feel great, but do think about the interactions that you have with your dog and the ways you can use eye contact in your everyday communication. For me, calling my dogs’ name means that I’d like them to look at me, I just want their attention. I don’t use names for recall, but that’s a blog for another day! Once I have my dogs’ attention, I can ask them to do any of the other things I’ve taught them and the burst of oxytocin delivers immediate positive emotions, for both of us. But, is the oxy-love chemical enough? Calling our dog’s name and looking at each other isn’t enough to build the relationship we want, is it?

When we’re looking for coping mechanisms, we have to remember the basics; exactly what we do for our dogs; water, regular meal times, exercise, enrichment, rest… and kindness. This month, we’re taking a practical approach to building resilience with the help of our dogs. You’re living with someone that’s no stranger to having restrictions placed on their day-to-day activities. You know that we’re really just living our dogs’ life, don’t you?! For those of us with no choice but to stay at home, we’re limited as to what we can eat, our exercise routine has been determined by someone else and our freedom of choice has been taken away; for our own safety. When we’re looking for coping mechanisms, we have to remember the basics; exactly what we do for our dogs; water, regular meal times, exercise, enrichment, rest… and kindness. In these challenging times, our dogs are an incredible source of companionship and comfort, but it’s not their responsibility to make us feel better. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to take positive action so that we can both benefit from the time we have together. Your dog is about to become your greatest teacher, if you let them. Create a daily routine It might sound boring, but we have to create a daily routine and stick to it. We’re all navigating a new reality that we didn’t ask for and we weren’t prepared for. With that comes a wave of change and uncertainty, two things we’re not designed to cope with. For many of us, the fear and uncertainty can open old wounds and trigger responses that we believed were long buried. We feel like we’re spiralling out of control and that in itself can be terrifying. That’s a perfectly normal response, so your only job is to go easy on yourself, exactly as you would for your dog if they were frightened or anxious. When you brought your dog home, whether as a pup or through rescue, they were in unchartered waters. They were navigating a new reality and I have no doubt that you did your absolute best to show them that you could be trusted, that they were safe and you started the way you meant to go on. Do the same for yourself, show yourself the same level of care and understanding.

Adolescence is a challenging time for both your pup and yourself. Learn how to get your stroppy puppy back to their normal selves. At around six months of age, you’ll discover that your puppy has grown into a… teenager! This is a period that many owners don’t anticipate as they often expect their dog will just slip seamlessly from being a puppy into being an adult, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a reason why the most common age for dogs being given to rescue centres to be rehomed is between 6-18 months old, and this is because canine adolescence can be a tricky time. With a little knowledge, preparation and a fair bit of patience however, you will find that you can deal with all the issues that living with a teenage dog can bring, and you can both sail through it and out the other side with your relationship and your sanity intact. When does a puppy become a teenager? Canine adolescence starts at different times for different breeds and can last for varying lengths of time. Smaller breeds tend to hit their teenage phase earlier than larger breeds who develop more slowly. A small breed dog will often be mature by around a year old, whereas a giant breed can be two years plus before their adolescence is behind them. What happens during puppy adolescence?

If you're a dog owner, when the sun comes out it's only natural that you'll want to head down to the beach with your furry friend. But what should you know before going? Read these tips to have a great day out. Taking a dog to the beach can be so much fun! Whether your pet enjoys a splash in the sea or a run through the sand, there’s so much for canines to gain from getting out in the fresh air during the summer. Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! But there are a few things that pet owners should consider before packing up the car with buckets and spades and heading out to the coast. Whether it’s considering your dog’s safety out on the beach, or choosing the right location for your sea-soaked games of fetch, make sure that you’re fully prepared for a day of fun with these useful tips for going to the beach with your dog. Find dog friendly beaches Before you take your dog to the coast, it’s important to check that dogs are allowed on the beach. Some beaches maintain a dog-free policy so make sure that you do your research before turning up at your destination. Luckily, there are plenty of dog friendly beaches around the country to choose from! These locations are always well advertised, and will specify exactly where your pet is welcome to swim, sunbathe, and run about. Some beaches have dog-free zones but allow pets to roam free in other sections. Pay close attention to signs in order to make sure that you aren’t trespassing into the wrong zone. Be aware that, while some beaches may welcome dogs through rainy seasons, policies can change when areas get busier during the summer. Dog owners can face significant fines if found to be in the wrong zone accompanied by their pet. Don’t sour a sunny day at the seaside; do your research first and always pay attention to signage!

When we go on holiday, it’s only natural that we want to bring our four-legged friends along with us to enjoy every moment, but finding suitable accommodation can sometimes prove a little difficult and of course it’s likely there will be rules present too. Read our guide and discover our top tips for staying in a dog friendly hotel. As a nation of dog lovers, we want to spend every possible moment with our four-legged friends. So, it’s only natural that when we go on a trip, we want to bring them along for the ride and experience everything right alongside us. In recent years, taking your dog on holiday has become more popular, and an array of dog-friendly locations have appeared to make it easy, including everything from restaurants and pubs to dog-friendly hotels. If you’re looking to take your first trip with your beloved pooch, you may be wondering what a dog-friendly hotel is and what rules do they have? We’ve put together this handy guide so you can get to grips with the usual pet friendly hotel rules, so both you and your dog can have a stress-free trip. What is a dog friendly hotel? Quite simply, a dog friendly hotel is one where your dog can stay in the room with you. But it’s worth knowing that not every hotel that allows pets have the same policies. Some may have size limits, breed restrictions or may even have a restriction on the number of dogs allowed in one room. Additionally, it’s quite common for hotels to charge an extra fee for dogs – this could be a non-refundable deposit, a flat rate or a nominal daily fee. It’s usually a good idea to phone the hotel before your trip and get all the information on their pet friendly hotel rules and possible fees to make sure you’re not caught out. Tips for staying in a dog friendly hotel: 1. Be sure to plan ahead Before you book your hotel make sure that it’s actually suitable for your dog. You want to know that there are plenty of green areas nearby for daily walks and for going to the toilet. If you’re going to be travelling to and walking your dog in a big city, the bustle can be stressful for them so it’s important that you can take measures to keep them comfortable. It’s also a good idea to double check that your dog has ID tags with your up-to-date information and ensure that they’re microchipped, just in case you get separated.

A lot of us travel by train or tube these days, purely because it’s quick and convenient, but what may seem like a breeze for you can present additional challenges for our four-legged companions. Read this article to find out our top tips for taking dogs on the train. Travelling around by train or Tube is quick and convenient. But what about when you want to bring your dog? There’s so much fun to be had exploring the big city with your four-legged friend by your side. Here’s how to make the train journeys a breeze. Can I take my dog on a train? Yes, the majority of train operating companies allow dogs to travel on trains free of charge. They do however have their own set of rules you’ll need to follow in order to take your dog on the train. Before travelling you should visit your train operator’s website and read up on the specific rules and limits they have around pets. Keep reading to find out our top tips to make your furry friend feel more comfortable when travelling with your dog on a train. Obstacles at the train station When visiting a train or Tube station with your dog there are a number of obstacles you may have to go through with your pet. The first is ticket barriers. They can be problematic for dogs; our advice is to use the bigger barriers available and to keep your dog on a short lead. This way your dog can’t panic and try to slip under or over the barrier before it opens.

It’s not just puppies that love the excitement of training, or the emotional bonding you enjoy when they learn new skills. Adult and senior dogs can also enjoy and benefit from ongoing training, especially if life changes a bit. A well-trained older dog, for example, will make your house move a lot easier, or set an example for a puppy that has just joined the family! Senior and adult dog training allows you to strengthen your bond together, have fun, and helps your dog stay physically and mentally exercised. And once they’ve learned the basics, you might be surprised by what else you can teach them. Perhaps there is a more fun way of picking up their toys from the garden: you could teach your friend to put them in a box for you! Or why not train your older dog to fetch your slippers or find the missing TV remote? A well-trained adult dog is also a much safer dog, and they will be more fun to be around for other people. If your dog gets overexcited in public or when a visitor calls it can cause a bit of a scene, but with a little training your dog will be the best-behaved person in the room! Almost every dog can be taught basic obedience and much, much more, regardless of type of breed, experience or age.

The image of a dog chasing their tail is one that’s been depicted time and time again, but have you ever stopped to wonder why they do it? Find out why do dogs chase their tails with our guide. If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably witnessed your pup chasing their tail on occasion. Sometimes it may be just the odd, quick chase and other times your dog may resemble a tornado, whirling around and around in hot pursuit of their tail. When it’s only occasional and doesn’t seem to be doing your dog any harm, it’s usually harmless behaviour. However, if the tail chasing appears to be obsessive then there could be a health issue. For those that are wondering why do dogs chase their tails, we’ve put together this guide to tell you the most common reasons and when you should seek help from your vet. Why do dogs chase their tails? There are numerous reasons why your dog may chase their tail, from boredom to something more serious like an injury. It’s always best to consult a vet first to rule out anything health wise, but six of the most common reasons why they exhibit this behaviour are as follows: 1. Boredom Sometimes dogs chase their tail simply because of boredom. This may be because they’re left alone most of the day or aren’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation. Tail chasing offers a way to entertain themselves – at least for a little while – and also allows them to expel some of that built up energy. Luckily, if the chasing is due to boredom, it’s easy to fix. Increase their daily activity by adding more regular walks to their routine and bring in some physical and mental games. Every dog is powerless to resist a game of fetch and brain puzzles are an excellent way to engage their mind!

Some think that dogs whiskers have no purpose and they have them snipped off at the groomers, but whiskers are actually essential in helping your dog navigate the world! Keep reading to find out more. Many people don’t realise that the coarse, long whiskers on a dog’s face actually serve an important purpose. In fact, some dog owners try and snip off dog whiskers because they think they look untidy. Also known as vibrissae, these dog whiskers have several uses and can help your dog navigate the world around them. They help your dog in many aspects of their life and even can guide them in the dark and help them figure out the size of different objects! Keep reading to find out why dogs have whiskers and why you should never have them snipped off, no matter how untidy your pooch appears. What are dog whiskers? Whiskers or vibrissae are long, coarse hairs that usually occur around a dog’s muzzle, jaw and above their eyes. They’re deeply embedded into the skin, and the follicles at the base of these whiskers are packed full of nerves that send sensory messages to the dog’s brain.

Is your dog always rewarding you with slobbery kisses for no apparent reason? Find out why dogs like to lick things. Does your dog offer slobbery wet kisses left and right? Whether you are delighted, annoyed or slightly worried, you surely have the same burning question on your mind: why do dogs lick everything in sight? Why do dogs lick? There are lots of reasons why a dog licks you – it could be to show you affection or get your attention. It can also be a sign of stress and anxiety. Dog licking might seem simple but it is such a complex behaviour with so many different meanings. And if you’re worried that your dog is licking you (or themselves) too much, it’s worth consulting a vet to see if there is an underlying condition.