Behaviour & Training

Some dogs have a natural instinct to protect their homes and family, and make excellent guard dogs. Guarding (or guardian) breeds tend to have the characteristics of being loyal, fearless, and strong. All dogs are protective of their owner and territory, but some are more protective than others, why? This is all down to years of breeding and socialisation. Guard dogs are dogs breeds that have strong character traits of loyalty, and are fearless as well as strong. These breeds can be counted on to be watchful over their territory as well as their families. Below is a list of guard dog breeds that will make sure you feel safe, no matter what! It’s important to know that due to the size of these breeds, they need proper training and socialisation and they’re often not ideal for inexperienced owners. Below are a select few of the best guard dog breeds for anyone who wants a powerful, brave, and loyal pup. Why do you need a guard dog? Guard dogs are wanted to many reasons, not as a fashion accessory, and nor should they be considered as one. Many people seek out the best guard dog breeds because they want personal protection, protection of property, or simply to know when someone comes to the door. There are many negative reputations associated with certain guard dog breeds, but it is their temperaments and ability to protect that make the such sought after breeds as guard dogs.

Discover some of the most beautiful pups out there with our top red dog breeds. From chestnut shades to rust and rich mahogany, here are the best companions with head-turning bright furs.

You’ve decided to Adopt Don’t Shop and are looking for the perfect rescue dog for you. Here’s what you need to know about adopting from the RSPCA.

We all need to wee, that’s a fact of life. However, whereas we can just pop off to the toilet to relieve ourselves as and when we need, it’s not that simple for our dogs. They can’t tell us when the time is nigh, and so have to rely on us to know when to let them out to do their business to avoid accidents in the house. But, how often do dogs need to pee? Should you be letting your four-legged friend out more often than you already do? And what about puppies? Keep reading to find out how often you should take your dog or puppy out to pee.

Just like us humans, dogs need enough space in their home to feel happy and comfortable. But not all dogs and not all owners - are the same, making the question ‘how much space does a dog need?’ quite difficult to answer. And some dogs are smaller than others so, whilea Pug can live happily in an apartment with surrounding outdoor space, a Golden Retriever will enjoy a proper back garden. There are a few insights into a dog’s needs that will help you navigate the ‘pet – living space’ conundrum easily. Keep reading to find out how much space a dog will need both indoors and outdoors.

Most owners would love to spend every moment possible with their dogs but, unfortunately, this often just isn’t practical. For many of us, it’s inevitable that at some stage you’ll need to leave your dog alone and, at this point, you may be wondering, ‘how long can you leave a dog alone?’ Can they manage a full working day? Or will they need you to pop back at lunch to let them out to the toilet? At Purina, we’ve got all the answers you’re looking for! Keep reading to find out all you need to know about how to leave your dog alone safely, and discover our top tips for making sure your pup is happy when you’re out.

Having a dog will change your life in amazing ways. One of the new responsibilities will be making sure that your pup stays happy and safe while you’re in the house but is also comfortable and contented when you are away.

Are you thinking of adding another addition to your family? If you’re considering a new pup, but your clan already has a feline member, it’s worth considering which dog breeds have the potential to be good with cats, as some breeds may not be very suitable for a household with felines! That being said, it’s always worth noting that every individual from each breed will be different and will possess different behavioural traits. So, you can never guarantee a pup from a certain breed will have a particular characteristic. Therefore, we would always suggest introducing your pets to each other properly – ideally at a young age and monitor them closely. You should always make sure your cat has the space to get away from your pup if they want to, as cats are generally less sociable than dogs, and will need time to themselves – especially if they feel overwhelmed or threatened. For more advice on this, it’s best to speak to your vet.

Looking for a small, fluffy pooch to add to the family? Get ready for cuteness overload. This article includes some of the most adorable small dogs with long hair. These little dogs come with lovely soft, long fur that makes them very eye-catching. However, these coats will need looking after! The long fur on these breeds requires daily brushing sessions and regular bathing to keep their luscious locks shiny and healthy, and prevent tangles and mats from developing. But that’s a small price to pay when – in return – you get to cuddle up with these lovely furballs.

There’s nothing more exciting than adding a new four-legged friend to your household. Whether you live alone, or have a big family, the companionship a dog brings is unlike any other and, for many, a home just isn’t complete without one. However, if you’ve never had a pup before, choosing the best dog breed to match your lifestyle, home and time requirements can be a bit of a minefield. Keep reading to find out our top 10 best dogs for first time owners and - who knows - maybe you’ll find your perfect match!

Just because you live in an apartment or small home, doesn’t mean you have to give up all hope of owning a four-legged friend! In fact, having dogs in apartments is more commonplace than you’d think, as there are thousands of small dog owners in cities throughout the world. Keeping a larger breed such as a St. Bernard or Great Dane in a flat may be a bit like having a bull in a china shop, and medium or large breed dogs probably won’t be particularly happy living in more limited spaces, but there are lots of smaller dogs who will be able to adapt to apartment or small home living fairly easily. You’ll need to bear a few things in mind though, such as ensuring you provide plenty of entertainment for them, making sure there’s plenty of green space nearby for walks, and thinking carefully about where your pup’s going to go to the toilet. It’s also important to make sure you or your dog-sitter have the time to take your pup out on a regular basis, as all dogs need access to light and fresh air and should have the opportunity to stretch their legs, run and sniff around as well as interact with other dogs. No one likes being cooped up all day, and that includes our dogs! With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best dogs for apartments.

Mountain dog breeds are truly a wonderous sight to behold. More often than not, these breeds are best recognised for their formidable size and extremely fluffy coats, specially developed for them to navigate the rough terrain and withstand the harrowing temperatures that comes with living and working at high altitudes. Often working as livestock guardians, most mountain dog breeds were originally employed to protect flocks of sheep, cattle and even horses and would frequently battle fearsome foes such as wolves and bears to protect their charges. To this day, mountain dog breeds can be found working as search and rescue dogs or herding in the treacherous ranges across the world.