How to Toilet Train a Puppy

By Ian Nicholson

(c) Sigismund von Dobschütz

Toilet training a puppy is not quite as simple as toilet training a baby. It would be a lot easier if, like with a baby, there was a nappy to collect and dispose of. Instead you have a young dog that does not see any problem with wanting to toilet when and where he needs to. With a puppy it happens very quickly and once the urge to toilet is there, it will carry on regardless of where it is situated, and that could be inside your home.

Interpreting Your Dog's Body Language

By Daphne Reid

All breeds of dogs share the common language which is Doggy Speak. They communicate in far more ways than some might give them credit for: They do not just wag their tail - their posture, ears, teeth and eyes all communicate certain feelings as well.

The most important part of your dog's body language to understand is whether it is acting submissively or dominantly to you and your family. Of course, it should act submissively - it should know that you are the leader and that is it simply a pack member - and dogs acting dominantly could be uncontrollable or even dangerous.

How To Stop Your Dog Pulling On The Lead

(c) Loupeznik

By Gary Walker

It's very likely that dogs have been pulling ever since the first time someone tried to walk one on a lead. They just hate being restrained. So when you pull them back they instinctively pull the other way.

Now, the dog is not doing this to exert dominance, or make you angry. He just wants to explore all the interesting things surrounding him. It's all so exciting that he can't wait to take it all in.

Now that you know that, use it to your advantage. Begin to teach your dog, that the walk is going nowhere, until he calms down and stops pulling. Here's how to do it.

Dog Training Tips: Dealing with dog aggression

By Gary Walker

Dog aggression is frightening, especially when it is totally unexpected. But the good news is that, in most cases, aggressive canine behavior is quite easy to nip in the bud. With the right method, aggression can be trained out of most dogs.

Is Your Dog Shedding? 5 Reasons Your Dog's Hair May Be Coming Out

(c) Louise Lambert

By Debbie Davis

A dog's coat is one of the first things we often notice, and fall in love with. When this coat starts to leave hair on furniture, floor, and in the air it can lose a lot of its charm. Here are 5 reasons your dog may be shedding its coat.

Living With Dog Hair? Here's A Few Things You Can Do

By Justin Mountford

It's endless
I've got two Labradors that literally cover the floor with hair, it's never ending. Some months you can pull this hair out in clumps. During a sunny day you can even see the hair floating through the air. You know you've got a problem when the vacuum cleaner gives up.

The Positives and Negatives of Rehoming a Rescue Dog

By Nicolette Craig

A Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre
© Copyright Evelyn Simak

Before you commit to spending hundreds of pounds on a pedigree puppy, take the time to consider an alternative: re-homing a rescue dog.

Every year around 100,000 dogs are abandoned in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, very few of these dogs are ‘problem dogs'. Most have been abandoned due to their families moving, new babys' death of an owner and other domestic problems- none of which are the dogs fault.

There are many benefits to rescue dogs. Most are older than six months old so they have been house trained and no longer chew everything in sight and some have even been trained. Many rescue centres also insist that their dogs are neutered and vaccinated before they leave the home so this is another worry taken off your mind.

Why Your Dog Needs Exercise

By Tracey Patterson

© Copyright John Goldsmith

Every dog breed requires different amounts of daily activity and exercise. Experts say that some daily activity and exercise is essential to keeping your dogs physical and emotional health at an optimum level. Lack of dog exercise will lead to obesity, poor muscle tone, heart problems, bone and joint disorders and will often result in emotional problems, boredom barking, destructive behavior, and anxiety.

The Barking Dog: 10 simple ways to solve this problem

By Daniel Reid

(c) Bobob5511

How to stop a dog barking. Before you can stop the constant or excessive barking you have to figure out why your dog is doing it in the first place.

The reasons can vary from boredom, alerting the family when there are intruders, separation anxiety, aggressive barking towards people or other dogs, territorial barking or just looking for attention. It is a dog behaviour problem which can be solved.

Puppy Socialisation

By Hop Scotch

Socialisation is just another way of talking about your dog learning how to be a dog. It's a bit like raising a human child. Humans have to know certain things to get along in society – manners, how to meet new people, how to handle new experiences. Dogs need the same kind of training.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Dog Breed

Author: sattlefield gradle

Ten week old Golden Retriever
(c) Stefan Bauer

You've made the decision that you and your family are ready to bring a dog into your lives. This decision is a big one and should not be taken lightly. This living, breathing being will be in your life for a very long time and will be dependent on you for their comfort and well being. Too many people make the mistake of choosing a dog breed based solely on the "cuteness" factor. But this is one of the least important things you should be concerned about before choosing a dog. Below are some things you should definitely consider when choosing a dog breed.