Behaviour & Training

Classic games like ‘fetch’ are lots of fun for you and your dog, but exercise isn’t just about running around. Mental exercise is important too, as it can help fight boredom and teach your dog great new skills. Dog brain games can help keep your pet on their toes when it’s too rainy to play outside. They’re also great for dogs of any age – brain games for puppies challenge their developing brains and keep them learning new skills. They can also help keep adult dogs stimulated and may even help senior dogs stay alert and active. We’ve put together five of our favourite brain games for dogs. 1. Treasure hunt This is a great brain game to test your dog’s thinking skills! Hide pieces of your dog’s favourite treat around the house (or if it’s nice outside, the garden) and let them hunt for a tasty reward. Your dog will have to use their nose to scent out the prize. Every time you play this dog brain game, hide the treats in increasingly difficult places to keep things interesting. If your dog loves to follow scents (for example, if you have a scent hound) try leaving a ‘trail’ around the house or garden for them to follow. Just take a delicious-smelling treat, touch it on surfaces around the house in a continuous trail, and hide it at the end. 2. Brain training toys A really simple brain game for dogs involves hiding treats inside a special toy. There are many toys you can buy for this purpose – just put some of your dog’s favourite treat inside, and watch them try to release it. This may involve rolling their toy a certain way, squeezing it, or using sheer determination. Whichever toy you choose, it will help spread their treats or food out over a longer period of time, as well as keeping them occupied.

Whenever the weather is nice and the sun peeks through, it’s time for those of us lucky enough to have a garden to get out there with our dogs and make the most of our own bit of the great outdoors. Finding the best toys to play with your dog in the garden will be the ideal way to enhance your relationship and provide vital physical and mental stimulation, and that isn’t just good for your pet! Research has shown that dog owners are fitter than the average person thanks to the increased daily exercise and the chance to play games. Find extra motivation to get active and outside with your dog this summer, with this list of our all-time favourite garden dog toys.

Dogs don’t rely on vocal communication in the same way humans do, but it still forms a major part of the way they express themselves and their emotions to other dogs – and to their human family. There’s more to a dog’s vocal repertoire than a simple ‘woof’ – our canine companions make use of whines, yips, yelps, whimpers, grumbles, howls and growls in their communication. Some are even fond of a big hearty sigh! Top 5 reasons your dog won’t stop barking There are lots of reasons why dogs bark, but remember, barking may only seem excessive to us – barking in any form is all part of a dog’s nature!

Today, there are so many types of dog toys available that it can be difficult to choose which ones to get. Where do you begin? What will be both fun and educational for your dog? All pet owners face these questions when they first consider buying a dog toy, and it can be hard to find answers. In this article, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started when it comes to choosing the best dog toys. Best dog toys Many pet owners wonder if there is a ‘best’ dog toy: a single, universal toy that will make their dog happy, as well as challenge them and help develop their skills. While there are a range of toys available now, there is no best dog toy. Each dog prefers different toys. Moreover, different dog toys are useful for different dogs. Some dogs like lots of games and exercises, so toys that require running, chasing, or tugging are the best toys for them. Other dogs, especially smaller dogs, are more indoor animals and may like toys that do not require them to move around too much. Each dog has a different personality, and you should try and find the dog toy that fits their personality. Finding your dog’s favourite toy may take a while – and may take a lot of playing. However, if they have several to choose from, it will be easier to learn their interests. Types of dog toys Balls These are proven to be a favourite with dogs. You can choose a soft plush ball if your dog is young and teething, or a tennis ball that has a slightly harder exterior if your dog is older.

Can all dogs swim? While a lot of dogs have the ability to paddle in water, not all dogs can swim proficiently. There are, of course, dogs that take to the water like ducks and enjoy splashing around, but there also those who feel scared and do not know how to stay afloat. But don’t worry – all dogs can learn to swim. In this article, we will explore how to teach your dog how to swim. It’s a simple process that may take some time, but if you do it properly you will have your dog paddling about in the water and eager to play in no time. At what age should I teach a puppy to swim? If you take a lot of hikes around lakes or spend time at the beach, you may want to start teaching your puppy to swim early. It is best to check with your vet on what age they recommend teaching your pup. This may depend on the breed and your dog’s personality, so it is best to get expert advice.

Our dogs have always been our most loyal companions, so it's only natural that we want to know as much as we can about them. Keep reading for our top 30 dog facts that you won't believe! Dogs have been our best friends for thousands of years, our loyal companions and most importantly, our family. So it’s only natural that we are completely fascinated by dog facts and information. We’re utterly besotted with our four-pawed friends and want to discover absolutely everything possible about them, so when we hear a dog fact it fills us with a sense of joy and wonder. From why dog’s noses are wet, to the tallest dog in the world, prepare to have your mind blown with these amazing dog facts.

We often marvel at how human our dogs can sometimes seem. They appear to mirror our behaviour and its easy to think that they exhibit the same facial expressions and emotions that we feel, whether it’s happy or sad. Dogs also seem to have fun and enjoy spending time with us. So, it makes sense that many dog owners ask if dogs can laugh or smile. Read on to find out the answer!

We've all seen the adorable twitch of paws and heard the odd woof whilst our dogs are sleeping, but do dogs really dream? Find out more and learn about what dogs dream about with Purina. All dog owners have seen and heard their pet’s adorable dreamy antics. Maybe you’ve heard a sleepy woof or seen them paddle their paws; perhaps you’ve even noticed a subtle growl. But do dogs really dream? And if they can, then what do dogs dream about?

Enrichment is a word that’s used quite often when talking about ways to engage with your dog but what does it really mean and why is it so important? Enrichment activities will channel your dog’s natural behaviours in a way that can be encouraged and celebrated. It’s vital for a dog’s welfare that they are encouraged to be, well, DOGS! It provides both mental and physical stimulation and one of the reasons it’s discussed as part of training and behaviour modification plans is because it’s a means of reducing boredom, which can often lead to behaviours that humans consider undesirable. Would you rather your dog gets their chewing fun through a massive Kong* filled with nutritious and delicious food, or by dismantling your sofa? Walkies, while vital for your dog’s wellbeing isn’t enough. A slow-feeder, while probably a good thing for your dog, isn’t enough. One training session, while fabulous, isn’t enough for their mental wellbeing. Enrichment is something that needs to be considered each and every day. It’s not an ‘added extra’ when you share your life with a dog; it underpins their mental and physical health needs. If you don’t provide things to enrich their lives, they’ll find their own entertainment or coping mechanisms and we can almost guarantee you won’t like what they come up with. Getting to know your dog, taking into account their breed or breed mix and learning about their favourite things to do will help you choose the best ways to keep them occupied and entertained. Some dogs would rather de-stuff a toy than chew a bone. Some dogs need a few different toys and other dogs have a favourite. Some dogs love relaxing with a food toy and other dogs will enjoy a scent games around the garden before snoozing. Most of the so-called ‘problem’ behaviours that are displayed by dogs and cause headaches for humans are actually perfectly normal dog behaviours that need an outlet, or they’re providing an outlet for a bored dog. My dog barks at everything. My dog keeps digging in the garden. My dog chews my favourite things. Dogs need to bark, dig and chew; it’s your job to provide a fun and interactive way for them to do what they need to do.

Dogs don’t rely on vocal communication in the same way humans do, but barking still forms a major part of the way they express themselves and their emotions to other dogs – and to their human family. Even though some will be more talkative than others, all dogs bark. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a fully-grown German Shepherd, you’ve probably heard them barking in a wide variety of situations. However, there might be times when you feel it is getting too much and you find yourself wondering why that happens and how to stop a dog barking, either in the house or in other environments. Here’s what you should know:

Now that your pup is getting to grips with basic dog training, you can start to think about to teaching them some cool dog tricks! Read our step-by-step article for advanced dog trick training – and some top tips. We all love the idea of having a well-trained dog who hangs on our every word – and now your puppy is starting to get the basics under their belt, it’s time to move on to more advanced – and more fun - dog training. Learning new tricks and games with your dog is going to benefit you as much as will benefit them, it's a lot of fun for you both, and it will enhance your relationship as a result. It’s a win-win! Some of these fun dog tricks are based on masteringbasic dog training skills, so if you need a refresher make sure you check our article first.

If you find yourself working a lot or going on a trip where you can’t take your pup with you, you might be wondering about what dog sitting and daycare services are available. Maybe they can’t come on a short holiday with you, or perhaps your working arrangements mean you need regular dog or puppy daycare. Your dog is lucky (and probably very happy!) if you have the freedom to work from home, or if you’re allowed to take them into the workplace. However, it’s completely normal for people who work to need extra help to give their dogs a happy and sociable life. Most healthy, mentally active dogs will be able to amuse themselves for a short while on their own, and if you have two or more pets, they can usually keep each other occupied for longer. But pets need human interaction, and on the occasions when you need to leave your dog alone for longer than four hours at a time (unless they have access to a secure garden via a dog flap or outdoor kennelling to relieve themselves), you should look at puppy or dog sitting services and arrange for someone to take care of them. Some owners rely on the help of a family member or friend when it comes to dog sitting, but of course not everyone has this option! If you need extra help, there is a growing industry of professional carers, including dog and puppy daycare and sitting services. Keep reading to find out what is dog sitting and boarding exactly and the average boarding and dog sitting rates you can expect to pay.