Behaviour & Training

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.

Taking your dog abroad can be fun for everyone - after all, things wouldn’t be the same without the whole family there! Whether you’re heading off to the beach or travelling to chillier climes, your dog will have a whale of a time exploring new environments and seeing new sights with you. Of course, sometimes going on holiday involves getting on a plane. That doesn’t mean your canine friend can’t join you - dogs can be international jet-setters too! However, it does mean that you’ll have to plan a lot of things in advance to make sure travelling with your dog runs smoothly. Before taking your dog on a plane, there are several things that need to be organised before you even get to the airport. Luckily, most of the things necessary when flying with a dog can be addressed a long time in advance; it’s best to get preparations underway seven to eight months before you go. In all cases, even if your dog is healthy, contact the vet before you go – some countries require vaccinations, health checks or certificates before your dog can come in! How to prepare when flying with a dog Many pet owners want to know how to travel with a dog on a plane without all the hassle, but the truth is, every journey will need a bit of preparation!

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.

Our dogs pant all the time, especially after a good walk or a fun play session. However, when your dog's panting is paired with additional symptoms, it can be a sign of something more serious. Find out what you should be on the look out for with our guide. Dog panting is a very common behaviour, often seen when your dog is cooling down on a hot day or after an exciting play session. Characterised as rapid, shallow breathing, usually coupled with a big lolling tongue, this behaviour is generally normal and nothing to worry about. However, there are some occasions when dog panting can indicate something more serious. You may be wondering about the various reasons behind why dogs pant, so we’ve created this article about panting in dogs and the top reasons why your four-legged friend may do this. Why do dogs pant? When dogs pant, it usually means they are too hot and are trying to cool down. But there are other reasons why your dog may pant, which is why it’s always important to look at the overall situation and what the rest of your dog’s body language is telling you. Some of the most common reasons why dog’s pant are as follows: Dogs pant to cool down Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat through their skin to cool down because of their thick fur. While they can sweat a little through their paw pads, the amount this is able to cool them down is limited By panting, they quickly exchange hot air from their lungs with cool external air, which speeds the evaporation of water from their tongue, inside their mouth and upper respiratory tract. As this water evaporates it helps to regulate their body temperature, thus cooling them down effectively. They’re feeling anxious or stressed Dog’s may also pant when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Termed ‘behavioural panting’ this type can usually be seen with some of the following symptoms alongside it: repetitive yawning, pacing, whining, licking lips, shaking or hiding. You may see this type of dog panting if your dog’s scared of fireworks, when they’re on car journeys or during visits to the vet. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome If you have a brachycephalic dog breed with a flat face and shortened or squashed nose, such as a French Bulldog, Pug or Boxer, then your dog panting a lot may be due to ‘brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome’ (BOAS). Because of their anatomy, these dogs suffer from ongoing breathing difficulties as a result of a narrowed upper respiratory tract. Additionally, they don’t pant as efficiently as other dogs because their faces are flat, making them much more at risk of heatstroke or overheating as they can’t cool themselves down quickly. My dog is panting a lot – what does it mean? If your dog’s panting a lot and they’re not warm and don’t need to cool their body down, it could indicate a larger problem. Additionally, if their pants sound louder or harsher or they appear to be exerting more effort than usual, you should seek veterinary attention immediately as it could be a sign of one of the following problems:

We all notice our dogs shaking when they get wet, but did you know that there are numerous other reasons why your dog might shake? Discover the reasons behind dog trembling and shaking with our guide. Dogs seem to be masters at knowing how we’re feeling. They can tell if we’re happy or sad by a simple change in the tone of our voice or an adjustment of our body language. However, we often find it hard to interpret how dogs are feeling and we can feel at a loss as to how we can help them. One thing in particular that’s difficult to decipher is when your dog trembles or shakes. Dog trembling can be due to numerous factors, including everything from excitement to something more serious such as sickness. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you discover why do dogs shake and tremble, and why it seems more common in smaller breeds like Chihuahuas. Why do dogs shake? Dogs trembling and shaking isn’t uncommon and there are lots of reasons, for example if they’re excited or trying to dry themselves. Often, you need to look at the context to figure out exactly why your dog is shaking.

Most people think that dogs only wag their tails when they're happy, but is that the truth? Read our article to find out everything you need to know about your dog's most invaluable communication tool and what all the different dog tail signs mean. Your dog’s tail is an invaluable communication tool. Whether it’s long, short, curly or straight, dog tails serve to provide an indicator of how they’re feeling. It’s a common belief that a wagging tail means a happy dog, but this isn’t always the case. Dogs use their entire body to communicate so it often requires you to take a look at the rest of their body language and the situation they’re in to understand how they’re really feeling. We’ve created this handy guide to tell you why dogs wag their tails and what all the different wags can mean. Why do dogs wag their tails? Tail wagging is an instinctive behaviour that develops between 3 and 4 weeks of age depending on your dog’s breed, and is one of the primary communication methods to both other dogs and people. While it’s commonly thought that dogs wag their tail to show they are happy, it can be for other reasons as well such as nervousness and excitement. Dog tail signs and positions - what do they mean? To decipher what it means when your dog wags their tail, you’ll have to take a step back and look at the position of their tail as well as the speed of the wag itself. Keep reading to discover more about why do dogs wag their tails and the various dog tail signs. Natural position, no wag This position indicates relaxation in your dog. The natural tail positions for most dogs will be hanging down near their heels, but this will depend on your dog’s breed. Those with curly tails such as Samoyeds will have them curled over their back in the natural position. Erect, wagging tail You may think that an erect, wagging tail tells you that your dog is happy, but this is actually a behaviour usually displayed in excited dogs, meaning that their behaviour may be unpredictable. It could be that they’ve seen a squirrel or a new visitor has arrived at the house – anything that gets them excited can be the reason behind why do dogs wag their tails. Backwards and gentle wagging This dog tail sign says that they’re curious and may be a little unsure of a situation. You may see this if they’re looking at a strange object or creature that they’ve never seen before. Tail between legs If your dog has their tail between their legs or tucked, this indicates that they may need a little space as they could be feeling nervous or scared. If they’re displaying small, throbbing wags or twitches at the same time it may suggest that they’re contemplating a fight or flight response.

Now that your pup knows basic dog training, it’s time to teach them some cool dog tricks! Read our step-by-step article for advanced training top tips. We all love the idea of having a well-trained dog who hangs on our every word – and now your puppy has all the basics under their belt, it’s time to move on to the more advanced dog training techniques. Learning new tricks and games with your dog is going to benefit you as much as will benefit them and it will enhance your relationship as a result. It’s a win-win! Some of these fun dog tricks are based on mastering basic dog training skills, so if you need a refresher make sure you check our article first. How to focus your dog’s attention for learning dog tricks Having a dog who will give you their attention when you ask means they are ready to listen to you, and this is the first step in every other part of your advanced puppy training. The fun dog tricks below require your puppy’s attention for the learning process to begin. There’s no point asking your dog anything if his mind is elsewhere! Teach your pup to look at you when you say his name. This is something you should have been doing since puppyhood, but this is a good time to have a refresh. Have treats in your pocket while you’re in the house or garden. At various times when your dog isn’t expecting it, say their name brightly and enthusiastically. If they look at you, drop a treat on the ground between you, so the dog moves towards you to get the treat. You are teaching the puppy that their name means “give me your attention and good things happen”. Start doing this when there are no distractions and build it up until you can do it everywhere, no matter what is going on. Positive association like this is an important step in advanced dog training. Top tips for teaching your dog tricks • Be patient. It can take several repetitions over a few days before your dog gets the hang of these advanced tricks. Arm yourself with plenty of patience and treats before every session. • Keep the sessions short. Even when you’re the master of your pup’s attention, dogs will cease to be interested in what you have to say if the training goes on for ages. Limit the sessions to a few minutes each. It’s better to have multiple short dog tricks training sessions a day than a long one lasting the entire afternoon.