Behaviour & Training

Black and tan dogs are truly stunning and their unique colouring has made them popular as show dogs and companions. At Purina, we think black and tan dog breeds are simply wonderful, that's why we've created this list of our top 9 favourites. Black and brown (or tan) is among one of the most striking colour combinations found in dogs. The two colours offer a stunning contrast which gives them a regal and smart appearance and once you see a dog of this hue, it's sure to make an impact. From elegant Dobermans to fearless Miniature Pinchers, we've created this list of black and tan dog breeds which are as wonderful in personality as they are in looks. 1. Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle to market. Due to their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers! Despite their often-fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving and adores their people. Black and tan is the only hue you'll find this dog in and no other colour variations are currently accepted by The Kennel Club. 2. Doberman Perhaps one of the most iconic black and tan dog breeds on this list, the Doberman is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in guarding. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they're part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan and red and tan.

Big fluffy dog breeds are made for cuddling. There's nothing more comforting than wrapping your arms around them and burying your fingers in their impressive coats, but these coats present an additional challenge - lots and lots of grooming! There's nothing better than a cuddle from a big, fluffy dog breed. Their wonderfully large size coupled with their oversized coats make them the perfect snuggle companions. But you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your home (and sofa) for one and plenty of time to dedicate to a regular grooming schedule! If you love pups which are larger than life and have plenty of coat to run your fingers through, these big fluffy dog breeds are sure to be just what you're looking for. You'll be delighted to know that most have the teddy bear personalities to match too and the biggest hearts you could wish for! 1. Pyrenees Mountain Dog This large and gentle dog breed has roots dating back as far as 3000 B. C. and was originally bred for guarding sheep and livestock. Unforgettable with their beautiful, big white coats, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent guard dog with exceptional hearing that's capable of hearing you approach from a serious distance. They're known to be very vocal and will use their impressively loud bark to protect your home. But you'll need to ensure they're well socialised so they don't mistake visiting family or friends to be intruders.

Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which breeds are more predisposed to love family life. What characteristics makes a good family dog? First and foremost, it's generally less about the breed of your dog and more about their individual personality. If you're looking to share your home with both pup and child, your chosen dog should possess the following characteristics: • A calm and even temperament: your new dog should be calm and patient enough to be able to cope with the excitement of kids and eventually grow into a great friend for them. • An appropriate size: on average, very small dog breeds may be more excitable, and they could also be more fragile - as a parent you'll know that kids aren't always the gentlest. Large dog breeds on the other hand tend to be more docile, but they can run the risk of accidentally knocking small children over whilst playing. • Energy levels: this will largely depend on how active your family is. If you choose a high-energy dog, you'll need to make sure you have the time to take them for regular walks and playtime. Also, if you have young children who run around a lot, you shouldn't choose a low energy dog that may become frustrated by the constant excitement. It's not just about choosing the best dog breed for kids, but it's also about teaching your children to be kind to dogs, this will go a long way in ensuring you have a harmonious household. Best dog breeds for families Now you know about the characteristics that make a good family pet, it's time to look at dog breeds that generally have these traits. It's important to note that just because many owners have good experiences with these dog breeds and they are usually well-behaved around children, each dog is an individual, so there's always the risk that this won't be the case for every single dog.

If you or a loved one suffers from dog allergies it can be really frustrating. But did you know that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more. If yourself or a loved one has a dog allergy it can be really frustrating, and you may feel like you're missing out on all the unwavering love that a dog offers. For those unfortunate enough to have an allergy, you may have heard of hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dog breeds are commonly recommended because they don't shed hair or they produce less of a protein that causes allergic reactions in people. But is there really such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog? Keep reading to find out what actually causes allergic reactions to dogs and which breeds could be best for you. What are hypoallergenic dog breeds? Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to come in two distinct varieties: the first is dogs with little or no hair, such as the hairless Chinese Crested, and the other is breeds that don't shed their coat, which will need to have their fur regularly trimmed or stripped. There is plenty of debate around what exactly causes dog allergies, and many people believe that the allergy lies within the hair, so dogs that don't shed won't cause allergic reactions. However, this is not the case as most people with dog allergies aren't actually allergic to the fur, it's usually either to dog dander - microscopic particles of skin that shed from all animals with fur or feathers - or a particular protein that is found in dander, saliva and urine of dogs. All dogs produce this protein, but hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less, meaning that they'll cause fewer allergic reactions. Despite claims, there is actually no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, so if you or a family member suffers from a dog allergy it's recommended that you spend time with your chosen breed first to discover if they will trigger any allergies. The following are hypoallergenic dog breeds that don't shed that may be suitable for people with allergies: 1. Bichon Frise This small, fun-loving pooch has curly white fur that keeps growing rather than shedding. Not only do they hardly ever drool, but their thick coat captures loose hair and dander, and this won't come out until the fur has been removed, so regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. The Bichon Frise is highly adaptable to a range of situations, and if you live in an apartment these dogs can adapt relatively easily.

Get your dog used to spending some alone time without ruining furniture or crying help the minute you leave the house. Try these effective dog separation anxiety solutions. You’re no doubt proud of the unbreakable connection between you and your dog. You’re used to them frantically waggling their tail just because they’re happy to see you. You notice them dutifully following everywhere as if knowing you’re safe is their only life mission. But this close bond needs to be loosened from time to time. You know this. Your dog likely does not. This is why a very mundane night out with friends for you can turn into a dramatic few hours for your dog who doesn’t understand where you’ve gone or whether you will ever come back. Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem many dog owners have to learn how to solve. Find out what are the symptoms and how you can help your dog keep calm when you’re not there. What is separation anxiety in dogs? Dog separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs show signs of distress when they are left alone. It can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. What are the symptoms of dog separation anxiety? You are likely to find out the hard way that your dog is anxious being left alone - damaged carpets, claw marks on your favourite couch and neighbours telling you about the endless howling sounds your dog subjected them to in your absence. Unfortunately, some owners think these are just signs of a mischievous dog when in reality their pet is in distress, not knowing how to cope with an empty house. These are some common signs of separation anxiety in dogs: • Panting. • Pacing. • Attempts to escape the house. • Damaged furniture. • Relieving themselves inside the house. • Barking or howling. • Extreme excitement when the owners are back. Why are some dogs experiencing separation anxiety? Before we get to the dog separation anxiety solutions, it’s useful to look at the causes for such a distress. These can be varied from early abandonment all the way to genetics.

Many people believe that dogs growl due to aggression, however there's so many different reasons why your dog may be growling. Read our guide to find out the different types and what they mean. Dogs try to communicate with people in different ways, one of which is growling. As pet owners, we often assume that dog growling is a signal of displeasure or aggression, but it isn’t always that simple. There are a range of things that your dog may be trying to convey when they make these growling noises, and if you listen closely, they may not all sound exactly the same. Read on for more information on the different types of dog growl and what they may be trying to tell you when they do so. Why do dogs growl? Dog growling is simply a method of communication – it’s your dog trying to tell you something. Dogs growl to communicate lots of different things, from fear and aggression to encouraging play. That’s why you need to understand the types of dog growl to interpret what the sound means. Always pay attention to the situation that your dog is in when they growl. You may find that your dog makes different types of growling sounds in different situations, and learning to recognise the circumstance of each dog growl will help you to identify what it is your dog is trying to say. Those sounds may seem similar to us, but it’s all about context! Where one growl may be saying: ‘I feel threatened’, another could be saying: ‘I’m having fun!’ Dog growling when playing You may have noticed your dog growling during play. It can seem strange when dogs do this – why would they suddenly make a sound of aggression when you’re having fun together? The simple answer is: they aren’t! This type of dog growling indicates that your pet is having fun; your dog might even be trying to tell you that they want to keep on playing! Although it’s hard for the human ear to pick up on subtle differences in dog growling, play growls can be distinguished from other more aggressive types of growl. Although every dog is different and has their own vocal range and individual ‘voice’, in general dog play growls will sound higher pitched than other kinds of growling. They will also often be shorter, and may be accompanied by body language like bounding motions, or your dog bending down onto their front legs, raising their rear-end in the air. Don’t be intimidated if a dog growls during play, with either a person or with another dog. Do keep an eye on the situation in case it escalates, but usually growling during play indicates that a dog is just having fun. Aggressive dog growling Aggressive dog growling is all about an expression of power. A dog might be trying to establish their position as the ‘alpha’ over another animal, or they may have spotted something that has triggered their natural hunting instinct. It’s important to not encourage this kind of dog growling, and to try to separate your pet from what is triggering their aggression. Always be cautious and take into account the situation your pet is in when dealing with aggressive dog growling.

If you are considering adopting a dog you may have a lot of questions surrounding how the process works and what you can expect to experience. That’s why we have sat down with pet owner Eileen to quiz her on her dog adoption journey and the reward pet adoption has brought to her life.

Teaching your canine pal some cool new tricks is a fantastic way to bond and have fun together. And what better trick to teach your pup than the impressive spin? Not only is this a fun party trick guaranteed to impress your friends, but it can also help improve your dog’s balance, agility, and coordination. It’s also a good exercise to raise your dog’s energy levels before strutting their stuff in the show ring. So, if you want to learn how to teach a dog to spin, we’ve got you covered!   Read on to find out how to turn your pup into a pro ‘spinner’ by following some simple tips and tricks. Just grab a few tasty treats, clear the space on a carpeted floor or on some grass, and get ready to have a bit of fun with your furry friend! 

Helping your dog build confidence is key to them feeling more secure plus be comfortable in new situations. This in turn can make them more resilient to stress and improve their behaviour. If you’re wondering how to build confidence in a dog, you’ve come to the right place. Building confidence is something that takes time and effort as it hinges on your dog having a secure attachment to you and by using a few techniques, you can help give your furry friend the tools they need to feel more secure. So let’s dive in and explore ways you can help your dog be more confident in any situation, whether it’s at home, in a new environment, cope better with a crowded place, or be happy around new people and other dogs.

We all know that our dogs need exercise and often think of this just being their daily walks, but dogs need play and fun interactions with us as well. Some of these we can incorporate into our out and about time, but there are lots of other things you can do in the house. Some days, when the weather outside is less than perfect, or when you’d rather just not leave the house (or for some reason, can’t leave the house), it’s important to have plenty of indoor activities to keep your canine friend entertained and provide enrichment and bonding opportunities. That’s where indoor games for dogs come in, and while the sky is the limit when it comes to play opportunities – and it depends what your dog enjoys - we can think of quite a few fun ones to get you started. We put together a list of eight fun indoor games for dogs that you can both enjoy to help improve your dog’s focus on you and strengthen the bond between you. Check them out!

Have you ever heard of meditation for dogs? Yes, you read that right – it seems that meditation isn’t just for people anymore! As a dog owner who wants only the best for their furry friends, you might want to give it a shot. Dog meditation – or at least teaching your dog to relax and chill - can be a great way of enriching the relationship you have with your furry friend and bring you closer together. Many dogs are never taught how to have an ‘off switch’ and are on the go all the time. This is stressful for them, it’s stressful for you, and this lack of canine down time can lead to behaviour issues. So it’s time for you both to learn to chill out a bit. If you feel like spending more time together with your dog and getting to know each other better, practicing mindfulness and inner peace can be a great option for you alongside all the other activities that you share together. But first, let’s find out what the so-called dog meditation is, how it works, and if it brings any benefits for both you and your pupper.

As a dog owner, you may have noticed that thunderstorms aren’t really your furry friend’s cup of tea. They certainly aren’t alone, in fact, many dogs experience noise phobia – an intense fear or anxiety triggered by loud or unexpected sounds – and in the case of storms, this trigger can be thunder but, in some cases, it can also be the noise of rain or wind. If your dog is scared of thunder or is worried about storms, there are steps you can take to help them feel more calm and secure during thunderstorms. From creating a cosy space to trying to keep them entertained and distracted, we put together a few ways in which you can be there for your dog during storm phobia episodes. Read on to learn why storms are unsettling for your furry friend and how to help them overcome these challenging situations.