Why Dogs Like Some People More Than Others

Why Dogs Like Some People More Than Others

There are many factors that impact whether a dog warms to someone, or becomes wary of them. Throughout this article, you will learn the various factors that impact the opinion a dog will form of you. Following these tips will increase the chances you can make a meaningful connection with a dog, whether that be yours, or a friend's. 

Smell

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell. Just like people, dogs have a preference to smell. Dogs with an incredible sense of smell are picky with who they like or dislike. When a dog meets a new person, its first move will be to sniff them.

The Factual Doggo state that if the person has a pleasant smell, the dog will be playful and friendly around them; however, if it has an unpleasant odor, such as sweat and alcohol, the dog will not stick around. Dogs dislike certain smells, such as citrus, mothballs, alcohol, and vinegar. Most dogs are drawn to pleasant fragrances, and one can use this to attract more attention from a dog pet.

Past Life Experience

Dogs form strong bonds with people who care for and treat them well in their early life stages. A dog will prefer a person of similar traits as the person who was their first human pet and be more social around them. Therefore, positive interactions and socialisation of puppies for the first six months of their life is encouraged as it dictates the people they will like and prefer to socialise with.

Traumatic experiences in the past may influence a rescued dog's preference for people. Dogs are generally intelligent; if they interact with someone who reminds them of their horrible histories, they fold or move elsewhere. Dogs tend not to like a person with a similar physical appearance and gender to a past owner who mistreated them.

Emotional Clues

Dogs are not only smart beings but also emotional. A dog can tell the difference in tone, which will dictate how it behaves. A dog will prefer a person who uses a high-pitched, joyful voice and respond positively. However, dogs react negatively to people who speak in deep, low, angry voices. It triggers fear and activates their protective nature rather than a friendly, playful side. Often it is the reason why most dogs prefer women to men.

Personality Alignment

Dogs tend to like people who have the same personality as theirs. The more a person has in common with a dog, the more likely the dog will prefer them to other people. For instance, a Gold Retriever will prefer an extroverted, active person, while a Basset Hound will prefer a calmer person. Dogs can pick and relate to a person's character and personality.

Body Language

Dogs interpret body movements differently from humans. Some people try to attract a dog's attention by maintaining eye contact, which does not work; instead, the dog draws away from the person. 

Forcing a hug and making dramatic signs with one’s arm is also not liked by most dogs. Giving slight soft-eye glances to dogs is advised, which they respect and interpret as a natural move. They do not like people who are covered up too much, for example, a person in a dark jacket, hat, and sunglasses. Dogs tend to be defensive and close up when they cannot see a person’s eyes.

Associations

Dogs have a great sense of good and bad cop. They will lean towards the person who is more fun and less up-tight with rules. Dogs prefer people who are more accommodating and snuggle with them on a warm couch to those that make them lie on a cold rug on the floor. A person can win favor with a dog through playtime, massages, and special treats. Dogs prefer and like people who are kind and warm.

How Someone Interacts With Other People

Dogs prefer people who help each other in difficult situations. Dogs tend to observe and make social evaluations just like humans do. They can tell when a person is inattentive and ignoring the other person and end up not liking them. Dogs warm up quickly to people who are more caring of other people and offer to help when someone needs help.

As a result, you need to be wary of not just how to treat the dog directly, but how the dog sees you treat others around you. If you are nice to the dog, but then mean to the people around you, the dog will notice this and become suspicious or wary of you.

Time, Attention, And Affection

Dogs tend to prefer people who show them more attention and love. Quality time spent playing, training, and feeding dogs dictates how much they love and care for their owner. Dogs tend to form a close bond with present and attentive people. Like people, dogs have a love language that most attentive people can tell, take advantage of, and gain favor and liking of the dog.

There is simply no substitute for spending quality time with a dog. Time gives the dog more opportunities to get to know you and observe you and start to trust you.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many things that impact whether a dog will like you. Some you can easily control and some you cannot. If you focus on those you can control, and approach a new dog with an open mind and open heart, you will give yourself the best possible chance of connection and bonding.

Canicross and my history running with dogs

by George Humphreys, Ashridge Canicrossers

Back in 2001, foot and mouth came to town. As a person and dog owner who lived in a rural area the countryside around me was closed for my normal dog walks, I was restricted to country lanes. As a runner I thought, fine, I can take my dogs with me on my runs. So I put a normal harness on and attached a lead. It gave the dogs much needed exercise along with myself. I found I actually enjoyed the company of my dogs when out for a run. 

When foot and mouth finished, I carried on running with my dogs, switching to trails, most of the time the dogs running off lead with me. I noticed when running the dogs tended not to wander off hunting, preferring to just run with me. 

Leap forward to 2007 and a friend went to crufts and saw a Canicross (what is Canicross video here) demo race. Knowing I ran with my dogs She grabbed a flyer and gave it to me. Seeds sowed I now looked into this sport. Initially cobbling together bits and bobs to enable me to run with the dog strapped to me – just to see if the dog would enjoy it. 

My Doberman at the time took to it like a duck to water, even though the Canicross equipment I was using was very heath robinson. I continued along this line until one day a canicross race was scheduled in woods fairly near to where I live. I went along, came last, but loved it. While there I got my first piece of real equipment, a canicross harness fitted to my dog. As I’m always interested in things I asked about harness fit on the dog rather than just accepting the fitting. 

The harness released more of Bono’s (my Doberman) power, so I started to see limitation in the other pieces of equipment. Trawling the net for options and alternatives I found there was actually quite limited equipment purely for canicross, a lot was skijor equipment or mushers walking belts just used for canicross and not equipment specifically designed for running. 

My racing gathered pace over the next couple of years, moving gradually from the back of the pack to the front. I worked out how to train myself when not running with the dog to running with the dog. At the same time I would buy in equipment for both me and Bono from around the world to test and see what worked. Having an enthusiasm for the sport I gradually introduced friends to the joys of running with their dogs and with the extra bits and bobs I brought over time I could introduce them without them having to go out and buy initially. 

Racing regularly with Bono it became clear to me that the harness he was wearing could be better, so the search was on to get things spot on for him. I eventually found the right harness for him, though for me there didn’t seem to be anything on the market. Being an Engineer I was always looking to improve what was out there and modify to suit me. This lead to me sketching out designs for belts, but struggled to actually make them. A Friend in Norfolk offered to make up one of my designs, so 3 hour trip ensured to get it made and then test it out. It wasn’t perfect but watching things getting put together made me realise I could do this myself, so I picked up an old sewing machine from eBay. I could now draw out and build my own belts. Lots of trial and error eventually found me settling on the design I still use to this day. It has turned out to be a popular belt with people who have borrowed and tested against the main stream designs that were coming to the market, but I don’t actively promote it. At the same time I thought now I have a machine I might as well make my own canicross lines. 

I was now regularly racing and becoming a regular at races around the country. When not racing I was gradually introducing more and more people locally to the sport, using the knowledge I had been gaining, and passing it on. My “kit box” was growing along with numbers coming out running with me at weekends. I was making kit, both lines and belts for my kit box to get people started. When out at races I started to get the odd comment on where did I get “x” from, to which I would reply, I made it. They would then ask me for something similar and I found the lines I made were getting a bit of popularity. 

My racing peaked in 2010 when I went to race in Europe, a truly wonderful experience with Bono and one I shall always treasure. We both raced and achieved everything I could ever have asked for. Myself I spent 6 months preparing for the race, having a running coach train and tune me so I was probably the fittest and fastest I have ever been in my life. I had to get myself in tip top in order to do justice for Bono, he was an amazing dog that had a massive following in all areas of his life. 

Sadly shortly after this event his health went downhill and I had to say goodbye to my faithful running partner. I was devastated and my racing and desire to race has never really come back after loosing him. My next dog was not interested in racing either, but loved to run, so my running changed from running 5-10k at max speed to running ultras and the different approach that required. Chess (a pointer) changed me from a competitive runner to a person that just loved running, he gave me a totally different outlook on running. I guess dogs never stop teaching us. 

No longer racing, I refocussed on introducing people to getting started in the sport of Canicross. As numbers grew with people wanting to come out and run, I was finding my Saturday mornings were spent taking multiple groups out one after the other for runs in Ashridge, Hertfordshire. To put this on a more sound footing a group of us decided we would like to form a Canicross Sports club. After investigating what we needed to do, sorting out a constitution, insurance etc Ashridge Canicrossers was born at an AGM in the café at Ashridge. This was the first Canicross specific club in the country, a blueprint that others soon followed, with clubs forming around the country. This was I thought the future of the sport, with grass roots clubs forming. Ashridge Canicrossers still goes strong to this day, we have a lovely place to run, and lovely members who are interested in getting out there with their dogs to just enjoy company, the outdoors and that very special bond that canicrossing with your dog brings. My little kit box has grown to a comprehensive kit box with all types of harness and belts from all the main stream manufacturers around the world. This has been possible with our membership money and gives newcomers the ability to try out different styles to see what works for their dogs and themselves. 

Over the years of taking out people in the club, fitting harnesses to all different breeds of dog and all different shapes of human, has given me a depth of experience in Canicross equipment. As I also
manufacture equipment I have learnt not just about fitting but what works for running with your dog. I could advise on what was needed to run short or long distances with the knowledge I have gained, but I believe we never stop learning so I keep searching for information, that will benefit my partnership with my dog, and what will benefit the members of our club. 

For me now I still get a great deal of pleasure seeing a person coming out Canicrossing for the first time. The look of nervousness at the prospect or even in some cases fear as the dog moves off in front on that initial start, then gradually as the run progresses, seeing it being replaced by a grin from ear to ear (of both dog and owner), it is magical. The friends I’ve made along the way are truly great friends, but no where near as great as the bond I have with all the dogs that I have run with, dogs are just so special, and the sport of canicross can help to explore that relationship.

Naturally Happy Dogs has a range of videos about Canicross:

Canicross: cross country running with dogs

Canicross: dog harnesses

Canicross: general equipment

Canicross: getting started

Canicross: staying safe and safety equipment

Canicross: Trail etiquette

How to introduce a puppy to an older dog in the house

Is your dog happy at home? Would they benefit from a companion?

It’s often the case that dog lovers can’t stop at just one dog in their household. They may reason with themselves for a long time, but there’s always a time when they come across a puppy that they simply can’t resist. Is that your case? What should you do? Are you already a pet parent and you can’t wait to make your family bigger, yet you worry about introducing a new puppy to the older dog?

Here are some tips to show you how to do it right to calm your mind a little bit.

Preparations

Make sure the dogs are healthy
It doesn’t matter if you found a puppy in the street, get it from a friend or a shelter, or buy it from a breeder - PetPlace recommends a full physical examination in all cases. You can never be too careful with your loved ones and you certainly don’t want to put your older dog in danger. Make sure your new puppy is up-to-date with all of his vaccinations and that he’s been de-wormed. It won’t do any harm to check if you didn’t forget about your senior dog’s vaccinations as well.

Prepare your house
It’s important to do absolutely everything to prevent possible conflicts between your dogs - sometimes there’s nothing you can do because they simply don’t like each other, but most times, tension is just because they started on the wrong foot. So put away any toys and chews to avoid territorial aggression and buy a second set of food dishes, or scatter food so it's enriching too. Make sure you have enough space for the dogs to be away from each other when they want to. Plus, to avoid accidents, take into consideration that a puppy is just like a human child - a little bit clumsy, but very curious. You have to eliminate any potential dangers, e.g. put some rugs on slippery floors, secure the stairs or move a rocking chair so that the puppy can’t get hurt underneath it.

During the introduction

Your older dog already thinks about your house as his own house (and rightly so) so in order to avoid territorial problems, think about a neutral place for an introduction, like a park. Let the dogs sniff each other - that’s how they meet and get to know each other better.  The leashes should be loose, to not give the dogs any tension, but you should be able to bring the dogs away from each other in case anything happens. Take someone with you, so that each of you could focus on one dog only. Try to stay relaxed, because animals can really sense your feelings; if you’re stressed, they’ll stress too and they can become too wary about each other. Parallel walking is great for dogs to get to know each other, walk at a distance and gradually let them walk closer and closer to each other.

Following weeks

Monitor the behaviour
For the first couple of weeks, you should never leave the dogs together unattended. They need time to get comfortable around each other; insecurity may cause tensions. Let them play, but be there with them. Puppies are usually much more energetic and eager to play, so observe your older dog. If you see that he’s tired or irritated, take the puppy away for a while. Don’t ever force any reactions, because it’s essential that both your dogs feel secure around you. Make sure you spend time with them separately, especially with your older dog. You don't want him thinking that that he’s less important, because he might resent the new dog. Please also ensure your older dog gets time to sleep properly away from the pup, older dogs usually need a lot of sleep!

Training
You should start training your puppy as soon as possible. He may be playful, but the younger he is, it’s also easier to teach him something. Plus, there shouldn't be different rules for the dogs, if there’s a ban on sleeping on the couch, it should include all of the animals. If you train your puppy in the garden using treats as rewards, let your older dog do some tricks to gain a treat as well; that will prevent them from fighting over it.

But above all - be patient. Just like with children or even adults, the dogs will need some time to get used to the new situation. It is very rare to have two dogs who really don’t like each other and there’s nothing you can do about it. Most times it’s all about the right approach. First weeks can be though, but you should just focus on giving love and spending time with both your dogs. Once you sit on your couch with both of them giving you dog kisses, you’ll see it’s all worth it.

How to Teach Your Dog to Stay Home Alone

Regardless of how much we adore our dogs, we can’t always be around them. This is why, in addition to creating an amazing home for them, we have to make sure that we also help them be at ease when we’re not there. Of course, this is one of those things that’s much easier said than done, since being on their own can be very stressful for dogs, for some dogs, being left home alone can even lead to separation anxiety (click here for separation anxiety video).

Let’s see how you could help a dog like this German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix to settle by themselves.

The Setup

First off, you have to make sure that your dog is able to feel relaxed when you are at home, but are not paying attention to him or her. For that, he or she should have their own bed or covered den, in a place where they won’t be distracted. Indeed, when you’re cooking, or doing some type of activity, give him or her a tasty food-release toy in their bed. By doing so a couple of times, they will learn to enjoy their bed when no one is paying attention to them.

Now, if they start following you around, this is perfectly normal, since dogs are social beings, after all, however they need to learn that they can't have your attention ALL of the time, so make sure you spend some time each day ignoring your dog, so that they learn to amuse themselves.

Move a Bit Further Away

Separation is something that can be taught, but it has to happen gradually, with plenty of patience. When your dog is calm and at ease, use baby gates across doorways to teach your little dog that it’s ok for you to be at a distance from them, and they don’t have to worry. Before going through the baby-gate, make sure you leave some treats spread out on the floor, or give them a toy. Stay away for short periods at first, and then gradually build up.

It is very important that if you see your dog becoming very anxious, you go back to leaving them for a shorter period of time. If the dog is not able to calm down at all, it may be a good idea to look for a qualified behaviourist for help.

The Big Step: Leaving Them Alone

Before leaving your pooch in the house, make sure to take them out for a walk to make sure that they’ve gone to the toilet and burned off some energy. Be sure to leave them with water and safe chew toys. It’s also a good idea to have your things all prepared, so that you can be both quick and calm when you’re leaving, so that the dog won’t pick up on your stressed energy and become stressed themselves. Something else that can help a great deal is establishing a leaving routine, and incorporating a special phrase in it, that’s only used when you leave. Routine is crucial for helping your dog know what will happen next, and for helping them feel safe.

It’s also a good idea to make sure they have a food-release toy, or something that will keep them entertained for at least 15 minutes. The tastier, the better. Another great idea is leaving an old item of clothing that smells like you in their bed, so that they will have something to help keep them safe. Also, be sure to leave the radio or the TV on, to keep them distracted from outside noises. Finally, it’s important to ensure that you’re not gone for a very long time the first couple of times. If you have a camera you can use to supervise them, that would be best. However, even if you don’t, try leaving for only 30 minutes the first time, and then gradually increasing the time you spend away from the house. When figuring this aspect out, it’s also very important to make sure that you take into consideration how long they can go before going to the bathroom.

Leaving your dog at home alone for the first time, can be quite a stressful experience for both of you. However, if you take care to prepare them for it ahead of time, this can become a more pleasant journey, which they can be eased into slowly. Patience is the key, however, since dogs are social beings, and they do prefer to be around humans as much as possible. Still, this doesn’t mean that they can’t learn to be happy for a while on their own.

For more advice on leaving your dog home alone, check out our videos on Canine Separation Anxiety

Why Dogs Must Stay at Their Ideal Weight

Forty percent of dogs are considered obese in the UK. While this is enough to warrant an epidemic, the problem stems from a combination of owners not recognising when their own dog is overweight, and not understanding how little weight a dog needs to gain before their health is at risk.

While the health risks of obesity in dogs can be life threatening, it is also a problem which, if kept in check, is relatively easy to avoid.

Health Risks of Obesity

Each breed of dog typically has an ideal adult weight range, says pet nutrition experts James Wellbeloved. As a general rule, if your dog falls under the recommended weight range, they are too thin. Likewise, if they exceed the weight range, they are considered overweight to an unhealthy degree. Sometimes this is only the difference of a few kilogrammes, so owners need to be vigilant and weigh their pet regularly.

Obesity is a very serious problem in dogs and can very quickly lead to long-term health issues, including high blood pressure, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and osteoarthritis. It is also likely to lower the effectiveness of their immune system, increasing the risk of harm from other illnesses and diseases.

Signs Your Dog Is Overweight

The easiest way to tell if your dog is overweight is to go to the vet. However, you should be able to approximate your dog’s condition without the vet, too, so you can ensure your dog is inside their healthy weight range.

1. Find an online dog weight chart and learn the ideal weight range of your dog according to their breed and sex. Weigh your dog and compare.
2. Dogs should have a visibly tapering waistline when viewed from above, and a tucked abdomen from the side. If you can’t see either, your dog is probably overweight.
3. If your dog struggles to get to their feet, fatigues easily on walks, or has trouble breathing, obesity could be a factor.
4. If you can see your dog’s ribs and spine without touching them, they are too thin. Conversely, if you struggle to feel their ribs through the layers of fat and muscle, they are too heavy. 

Staying at A Healthy Weight 

Like humans, the key to any healthy dog diet is a balance between eating healthy food, eating regularly and not to excess, and staying exercised.

• Feed your dog purpose-made food that is suitable for their age and size. Dogs need different levels of nutrition at different stages of life. 
• Feed your dog at regular times each day, and never exceed the recommended daily amount, unless your vet has explicitly advised to do so.
• Avoid giving your dog excessive treats.
• Cut out table scraps. They are disruptive to the diet and encourage bad eating habits.
• Exercise your dog every day with quality walks and regular play.
• Know what your dog’s ideal weight should be, weigh your dog regularly, and schedule regular check-ups with your vet.

It doesn’t take much for your dog to become overweight and have their health put at risk. Keep them happy and healthy by remaining vigilant about their size, only feed them a healthy diet, and substitute the treats for regular play and affection.

Bandaging dog paws

Dogs are not like people. Dogs can be cuter, funnier, more honest and loving. That goes without saying. But unlike people, you can’t tell your dog to keep that bandage on all the time. We all know how difficult it is playing with an injured dog, but if your dog goes through a surgery or has an injury, you’ll need to bandage that injured limb yourself. Easier said than done, right? With all that fluffy fur, flexible body, and the shape of their paw, good luck trying to keep that bandage from coming off.

To see how to bandage paws, watch our Bandaging Dog Paws video.

Good Materials
To keep the bandage on despite the dog’s best efforts to throw it off, chew at it, and get it dirty, you’ll need a sound strategy. Your strategy should combine good materials, excellent technique, and applying the right amount of pressure to make it tricky even for the pooch to shake it off. For materials, you should have cotton wadding, sterile dressing pads, gauze for wrapping, elastic bandages preferably the ones that are self-adhesive, and an adhesive tape. You can get all these materials online or from your vet clinic.

Bandaging Technique
To achieve your goal of bandaging the dog’s paw the right way and keeping that bandage on you’ll need to apply the right tension. Too tight and it will hurt the dog, too loose and it will slip off a few minutes later. This is vital just like food for sensitive stomach. The golden rule here is to use layers of cotton wads and wrap them with gauze using moderate pressure. When done slip a finger under the bandage. If the dressing grips your finger but allows you to touch the dog’s paw, then you’ve done it right.


Keeping it on
Now that you know how to bandage the paw, you need to know how to keep it on. For starters make sure the dog’s paw is clean and dry. Keep him indoors most of the time to keep the bandage from getting dirty. You can even get them an orthopedic dog bed so they can rest and heal faster. If you have to take the dog out, cover the bandage with a plastic bag. If the dog tends to chew at the bandage check if it’s too tight then use an Elizabethan collar (aka the 'cone of shame'!) to stop him gnawing it off.

Taking care of your dog’s injured paw requires a lot of patience and skill. But if you follow these tips you’ll pull it off and prevent the dog from pulling it off.

We have a number of dog First Aid videos, including

What you should keep in a Canine First Aid Kit

Emergency Tail Bandaging

CPR for dogs

and How to remove Ticks safely

5 ways to dog-proof your living room

It's great when our four-legged friends join us in the living room, with some of us even encouraging them to snuggle up on the sofa with us on an evening. As a pet-owner, your living room can always be susceptible to shredded upholstery and stained carpets, so knowing how to dog-proof the area will make life a lot easier — and less stressful! — for you both.

So, whether you’ve just bought a plush new sofa, or are sick of hoovering fur off your current one, here are five ways to effectively dog-proof your living room.

Preserve your sofa 

Dogs love digging, and for some of our furry friends, it certainly doesn’t stop when they come indoors. If your dog scratches your sofa it can cause significant damage, whether it’s upholstered fabric or leather. Giving them a special bed of their own to settle down onto will reduce the likelihood of your sofa being shredded — our training video for teaching your dog to settle on their bed might help with this.

However, if you allow your dog onto the sofa with you, make sure you’re keeping it looking and smelling fresh and clean. Laying down a slip cover can instantly protect your sofa from being covered in fur. If you have a leather sofa, then you may find it needs some occasional maintenance to keep it in good condition: this leather cleaning kit from Timeless Chesterfields should erase any muddy prints or scents. And with the latter including both a protection cream and soft cleaner, there’s no need for a costly professional to come do it for you!

Hide all cables

One of the biggest hazards to your dog is the amount of live wires that’ll be linked up to various devices in your living room. Securing any loose wires with a protective casing, like this D-Line multi cable cover from ScrewFix, will stop your pet from getting to any cables — so they stay safe and you can still watch your favourite soaps! However, if floor-level wires are still proving an interest to them after this, you may need to pay a professional to mount your TV and hide the cables behind the wall. This will remove all danger of your dog managing to get hold of them, so you’ll have complete peace of mind.

Choose stain-resistant flooring

If you’re going to allow your dog into your living room, it’s sensible to have easy-clean flooring. So, if you’re planning an upgrade in the near future, switching out your carpet for a stain-resistant one, like this range from Carpet World, will ensure any accidents or mud trails will be easy to clean. There’s plenty of colour and loop pile options to choose from, so you can still achieve your dream living room look.

However, if you’re not planning a living room overhaul anytime soon, adding a large fluffy rug can encourage them to sit on this rather than your cream carpet. But, to significantly reduce the chances of outdoor stains transferring to your living room, be sure to wipe and wash their paws thoroughly before they come into the house after a mucky day out.

Store hazards on shelves 

Some dogs will be tempted to chew almost anything, so keep anything dangerous on a high shelf. Getting down to their level and taking a look around is a useful tool for identifying possible temptations and hazards at their eye-level.

Small items like kids toys, houseplants and pens are among some of the things that seem less obvious to dog-proof in your living room, but they could also be the most hazardous. Remote controls and lit candles also pose a big risk to your dog, so make sure everybody knows not to leave these in reach, no matter how short a time your pet would be left unattended with them.

Put up a fire guard

In the winter months, dogs are just as fond of a warm cosy fire as us humans, so don’t be surprised to see them huddled round the fireplace. However, this is an obvious danger to them — particularly if you have a curious and inquisitive pet!

Remove the danger of burns and accidents by putting up a fire guard, like this extendable one from Baby Travel, which will prevent your dog from being able to get too close to the fire from any angle. It adjusts to fit a range of fireplace sizes, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friend warming up by the open flames in winter. Just make sure your dog is always supervised whenever the fire is lit!

Dogs are curious and sociable animals, so it’s only natural that they’ll want to retreat to the living room to relax alongside you. Keep them safe while in the living room with our top five tips for dog-proofing it — best of all, it doesn’t have to mean diverting from your dream interior look!

Moving house

If you're thinking about moving house,  make sure to consider the layout from your dog's point of view. There are more tips on What Pet Owners Need to Know About Homebuying here.

The Secret to Perfecting the Dog Grooming Process

Do you feel that you don’t know what it takes to groom your dog? The Hair Clippers Club (https://www.hairclippersclub.com/best-dog-clippers-dog-grooming-scissors-guide) can help you out.

Besides giving the pet a chance to feel comfortable, grooming your pets encourages a deeper bond and saves on costs. You do not need professional qualifications to groom your own dog, here are some tips:

Start With the Brushing and Washing 

Imagine going for a haircut and your hairstylist fails to eliminate the tangles and the dirt you have accumulated over the days. Well, you will not be thrilled, to say the least. In the same way, you must wash and brush your dog’s hair to smooth it out and create an appealing look. Check out our video about Bathing dogs and Drying dogs.

Get the Right Tools 

Find a good clip, blade, slicker brushes, and nail clippers, make sure the blades are sharp to avoid pulling the hair. Your online search will lead to an array of options and prices.

Do Not Be In a Hurry 

Groom your dog when you do not have lots of other things to be doing at the same time. Relax and enjoy the process with your dog, using treats to encourage them to like being groomed if necessary.

Be Aware Of How Your Dog Grows 

Take your time to study how the hair is growing, so that the cut is smooth and even. If you have a pedigree dog, you may want to look online to see how to groom your specific breed.

Start As Early As Possible 

While you can train an older dog to enjoy being groomed, it is easier when started young. Our video about Grooming Puppies gives lots of useful tips.

Try Using the Same Procedure 

As you try to train your dog to get used to the grooming process, consider creating a routine. You can start clipping the top of your head before proceeding to the neck. You can then clip the shoulders, chin, and down to the legs. Be careful when clipping the thin parts of the skin to avoid injuries. 

Switch the Clippers 

Be very aware of the temperature of the blades and switch the clippers when one gets too hot for your pet’s comfort, or take regular breaks for them to cool down if you do not have an extra clipper.

For lots more tips about grooming dogs, visit our collection of Dog Grooming Videos 

How to create a safe, stimulating garden oasis for your dog

How to create a safe, stimulating garden oasis for your dog

Our dogs love to spend time outdoors - so much so, that they probably enjoy our gardens even more than we do. An outside area filled with interesting scents, sounds and toys will provide your furry friend with a space for exercise, exploration and relaxation, all of which they need to stay happy and healthy. So, you'll want to make sure that you do everything possible to make it a dog-friendly paradise.

If you think your garden could be an even better environment for your pet, then a few simple updates - like adding new plants, creating spaces that encourage natural behaviours, and adding toys - can make a big difference. Read on to learn four things you can do to turn your outside space into a safe, stimulating oasis for your canine companion.

Find safe, pet-friendly plants

Consuming certain plants can make your pet poorly, so you'll need to make sure that anything you grow in your garden will be safe for your furry friend. Many common garden flowers - such as foxgloves, hydrangeas, lilies and rhododendrons - can all be poisonous if eaten, so it's important to do your research before adding a new plant to your garden. You can find more information on which varieties can make your pet ill in this guide from The Kennel Club. While it's rare that your dog will compulsively eat plants which are toxic or harmful, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so avoid these varieties when picking ornamental flowers.

Dogs will appreciate having a few interesting scents in the garden, so look for pet-friendly varieties that produce relaxing fragrances. Hops, valerian, chamomile and St. John's wort are all safe plants which will providing relaxing scents for your dog to enjoy. Pets with anxious temperaments might even self-select and ingest these plants to help them calm down when feeling nervous, so they're perfect if your dog suffers from episodes of separation anxiety.

Let them engage in natural, healthy behaviours

Behaviours like chewing, running through your flowerbeds, and digging up the lawn might seem annoying, but to your furry friend, they're perfectly natural. Dogs will dig holes and bury their toys when they need to burn off some excess energy, and certain breeds - like border terriers - are especially keen on it.

You can indulge your dog's natural instincts by creating a special area in which they're free to dig to their heart's content without getting told off. To do this, simply pick an area in your garden, and create an enclosed space filled with a pet friendly compost or soil. This way, your dog is free to exhibit their instinctive behaviours, with limited mess or damage. You'll need to bear in mind that certain shop-bought composts can contain cocoa bean by-products, which can be toxic if eaten in large quantities, so always check the label before buying.

Add toys and play games with your dog 

Dogs need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and daily walking alone is often not enough to fulfil these needs. If your dog has access to your garden via a dog-flap during the day, then providing them with ways to entertain themselves while you're busy can also help to ward off separation anxiety and the destructive behaviours it can cause.

You can supplement your dog's daily dose of fun by providing them with a selection of toys and games, and scattering them around the garden. Just be sure to pick some hardy, weather-proof toys that will stand up to daily wear and tear: it's probably best to go for sturdy rubberised toys rather than cuddly or stuffed styles, as these can be magnets for dirt and are very difficult to clean. Any of the KONG products are generally good at withstand a variety of conditions, and will provide your dog with hours of fun. Those with very active pets and slightly larger gardens could even go for an agility set (check out our dog agility videos here), which are sure to help tire out even the most energetic dogs.

Your garden is also the perfect place for training and playing games with your pet, so be sure to try out Wag and Tone, these exercises will be a fun workout for both you and your dog, and they're a great bonding activity, too.

Don't forget to include a few extras for yourself

Even if your canine companion is your number one priority when designing your garden, you'll still want to include a few features to make your outside area a calming oasis for yourself. After all, our dogs are often highly attuned to our moods, so if you're feeling relaxed and at peace in the garden, then chances are your pooch will be relaxed as well.

So, you'll want to furnish your garden with a few accessories that will help you to relax: windchimes and small running water features will bring soothing noises into your space that both you and your dog can enjoy. You'll also need to create a comfortable seating area, complete with a cosy cushion or two. A reclining deck chair will give you somewhere to sit back and relax as your dog enjoys their new pet-friendly garden. Just watch out, as you might find your furry friend tries to join you!

As any dog-owner will know, our canine companions love to spend time outdoors. If you think your garden could be a bit more pet-friendly, then try incorporating these simple updates in your outside space - your dog is sure to appreciate it.

Crufts 2018

The excitement of this year's show is brewing in the dog community!

The main arena is always a huge draw and it is an internal battle whether to watch EVERYTHING or continue around the many halls. The key is planning. Grab yourself a schedule and circle those that you just can't miss.

I would recommend the Rescue Dog Agility, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team, The Golden Retriever Display Team and Heelwork to Music; skilled and happy dogs just having fun!

Anticipation builds at the thought of the 550 trade stands with all the new foods, toys, equipment, information and gifts to peruse through and choose from.

This year one of the Crufts sponsors is Natures Menu, introducing their new 'True Instinct' range of food. No matter what your interest in the dog world, there will be someone for you to converse with in a thrilling and passionate manner to brighten your mood.

Make sure you look around Discover Dogs and visit the forgotten breeds and have a cuddle with all your favourites. Which breed do you think will win best in show this year? This only happens once a year so make the most of it, you won't want to leave.

Tickets are available now from www.crufts.org.uk

Top Tip: Bring a trolley!

- Lily Clark from Naturally Happy Dogs and www.suppawt.com

Time to reconsider how you fight fleas?

Unfortunately, at one time or another as a dog owner you will face the challenge of having to fight off fleas. Whether you like it or not, combating fleas is almost part of your job description when it comes to raising a well rounded and healthy dog.

The frustrating part is there is almost nothing you can do about your dog getting fleas in the first place. Although some products claim to be flea preventatives, even when using these you may still find one day that these pesky intruders have somehow taken up home on your lovable pooch.

Scratching will probably be the first giveaway of a flea infestation. Out of nowhere your dog will likely start to scratch here there and everywhere just to rid themselves of the annoying pests that are jumping and leaping all over their coat. Where they come from may be an even bigger mystery. Your dog can contract fleas from other dogs they come in to contact with when out on walks or even from just playing on their own in your yard.

Even more surprisingly to some dog owners is that if your dog has previously had an outbreak of fleas which have now returned then it may be that they have returned simply from your dog spending time in doors. This is because it is not uncommon for fleas to live in your dog's bed or even your couch and then return to your pet at a later date.

That is why when treating your dog it is key to remember to treat their environment as well as their fur and coat.

One of the most effective way of treating your dog is through the use of a flea shampoo which will effectively rid your dog of any fleas on them at the time of the bath. However, although shampoo products are great at killing adult fleas they are not so effective at killing larvae or breaking the flea cycle which is so important if you want to completely rid your home of flea and ticks. This is especially important if your dog develops Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD).

The best way to get rid of fleas completely is by killing flea eggs as well as adult fleas by ensuring you thoroughly clean your home and any carpet, or furniture that your dog may have come into contact with during the infestation.

This is a step that many dog owners often overlook and is one of the best pieces of advice we offer to pet owners in order to get them to reconsider how they combat fleas.

Are you ready for a dog? Here are 4 things you need to consider

Canine companionship is a wonderful thing and, for many people, a dog is a member of the family. But raising a pet dog takes a huge amount of time, energy, money, and love. This means, while it can be great fun, not everyone is ready for the challenge. Given the responsibilities and level of commitment involved, it's clear that the decision to get a dog is one that no one should ever take lightly.

If you're thinking about getting a dog, you'll need to consider how you plan to care for, exercise, and pay for your new pet. To help you get started, we've compiled this guide to things you need to consider before committing to a canine companion. Just read on to learn whether you're ready to welcome a dog into your home.


1. Are you ready for a lifetime commitment?

The first thing you'll need to ask yourself is whether you're ready for a long-term commitment that will take up a great deal of your time. When you commit to a dog, you need to be certain that you can provide the care they'll need for the rest of their lives, and the average lifespan is usually 9-17 years, depending on the breed. So, you'll need to factor your potential pet into your long-term plans before making a decision. Bear in mind that, as your dog grows older, they may begin to experience health issues, so you need to be absolutely sure that you'll still be up to the challenge in ten or fifteen years' time.

2. Can you meet the needs of the breed you want?

If you've got a certain breed in mind, you'll need to do your research to help you find out whether you can cater to the individual needs of that kind of dog. It's not enough to simply pick the breed you find the cutest: you'll need to figure out whether you've got the time and the resources to take care of them properly. So, before you make a decision, do your homework and learn about the grooming, exercise, and diet requirements of your favourite breed, and whether you have the time (or the inclination) to carry these out.

For instance, some breeds - like border collies - will require at least a couple of hours of exercise a day to keep them healthy, happy, and stimulated, meaning this type of dog is only suitable for someone who wants to spend lots of time outdoors. Our breed library is a great place to learn more about the different temperaments of every breed, so you can make an accurate and informed decision about which dog is right for you.

3. Can you afford it?

The average cost of keeping a dog is around £25 a week, although this can vary drastically depending on the size and breed of dog (The Kennel Club). To ensure that you can afford to keep a dog, you'll need to research the requirements of your chosen breed, and work out how much money you're likely to need on a weekly basis. So, you'll have to factor in expenses such as food, insurance, vet's fees, and toys.

Bigger breeds will require more food, while long-haired breeds might require expensive professional grooming sessions. You'll also need to consider the initial price of your dog: pedigrees will be the most expensive, with breeders charging hundreds of pounds for sought-after breeds. Rescue dogs are much more affordable, although there is usually a rehoming fee to cover the medical expense of vaccinating and neutering the dog. If you're not sure where to start, H&T has a guide on how to create - and stick to - a budget, so you can be sure that you can cover the cost of your pet over their lifetime.

4. How compatible are your living arrangements and lifestyle?

Not every home is suitable for keeping a dog. If you have a small home, or live somewhere without a garden or outside area, you may struggle to give a larger or more energetic breed of dog the space they need. Some breeds may be less compatible with young children, while others may not socialise well with any current family pets, like cats or guinea pigs. So, you'll have to consider whether your home environment is a suitable place: PetMD has a handy guide to which breeds are best if you have children.

Dogs need companionship and supervision, so you should also think about how you plan to fit them into your day-to-day activities. For instance, is anyone in your household at home during the day? Or would you be able to hire a dog walker or house sitter to check in with your dog while you're at work? If you think a dog simply wouldn't be compatible with your current lifestyle, you might be better off getting a pet with less complex needs.

Getting a dog requires careful preparation and planning, so you'll have to be sure that you're up to the challenge. If you think you have the time, space, and money to take care of a dog, and you've taken these considerations into account, you're well on your way to welcoming a pet into your home.

DNA tests for dogs

Some time ago we filmed an article about DNA Breed Identification and found some interesting results about the breeds that made up office dog Sandy.

We have recently come across this web page with some information about the different dog DNA tests available, if you want your dog to be DNA tested, visit www.mypetneedsthat.com/best-dog-dna-tests to find out about 5 different Dog DNA tests.

How do you choose your dog food?

We have been looking into how people choose their dog food recently, we have a subscriber benefit voucher code for 2 weeks free dog food at Tails.com on our discount codes page. We also came across this website www.jenreviews.com/dog-food which has some very interesting information on it about the 8 major aspects to consider when choosing your dog's diet.

How do you choose your dog food? Do you feed raw or commercial? Do let us know through our Contact Us page and we'll add your thoughts into our research!

Thanks :)

Top Ways Therapy Pets Help Humans and Vice a Versa

The super old saying that "dog is man’s best friend" is one that has been around for ages and is completely true. There have been many studies done that prove dogs have a positive benefit on everything from the health of humans to the happiness of humans as well. There are many different ways that dogs help humans, but there are also ways that humans can help their loyal pets as well. From making sure that they are taken to the vet on a regular basis to keeping them safe during the holidays, our dogs should be pampered and loved. With that in mind read on below for a few of the top ways dog’s help their humans and vice versa.

Dogs: As Therapy Pets

Pets used for therapy are some of the most loyal and intelligent animals around. From helping you get through college to helping you shop at the local market, therapy pets are not just helpers to their owners, they are loyal companions and friends as well.

Humans: Give Your Dog a Home

The first and probably the best way that you can help your pet is by giving them a home to begin with. There are many stray dogs on the streets and many more that have been picked up and put to sleep because no one wants to adopt them. Your first step is to adopt a pet to give a home.

Dogs: Help with Depression

Dogs have been proven over and over again to be able to help with depression and keep their owners happy. If you find yourself depressed, curl up with your pooch and watch a movie or even just pay him some attention and you will both feel better before you know it.

Humans: Watch What He Eats

You might not know it, but there are some foods that are toxic for your dog. There are serious health consequences for everything from chewing a chicken bone to eating a bar of chocolate. Most dogs will eat anything they can get hold of, so make sure to keep those items and other toxic foods up where your pooch can’t reach them. If your dog does get sick from a food that he shouldn’t be eating, take him to an emergency vet as soon as possible for treatment. You will both be glad that you did.

Dogs: Early Cancer Detection

It has been proven that dogs can be trained to sniff out the early warning signs of cancer. The smell that cancer cells give off is easily detectable to dogs who have been trained to know what to look for. If your dog is insisting on sniffing at a certain part of your body all of the time, it could be because he’s found something that you need to get checked out. Don’t ignore him, call your doctor right away for an appointment.

These are just a few of the ways that dogs help humans on a daily basis and some of the ways that you can help to take care of your loyal pet. From early cancer detection to being a therapy pet, dogs have proven that they are indeed “man’s best friend,” and always will be.

Ensuring a stress free Christmas

How to make sure your dog has a stress-free Christmas

Christmas is a very busy time in most households. There are gifts to buy and wrap, food to prepare and eat, and close and extended family to invite round and visit. However, there is one member of the family who might not be having the most magical time: your dog. With all the comings and goings and an irregular schedule, the festive season can be confusing for your furry friend, and they might begin to feel stressed as result. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make your dog's Christmas as stress-free as possible, and we’ve listed several below. Read on to find out more.

Don't stray too far from your dog's routine

Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit. But, while we can make an exception for the festive period, our furry friends can't. For example, if you decide to go for a spot of spontaneous Christmas shopping during the time you'd usually give the dog their dinner or go for a walk, they are going to be left confused as to why their routine has suddenly been switched around. Instead, try to think ahead and do your best to plan Christmas around your dog. This doesn't have to completely set in stone, but giving your pet some structure will help them avoid becoming stressed. If you know you're going to be super busy for a few days and won't be able to take the dog out for a nice, long walk, ask a friend or relative if they'd step in. Should everyone else you know be busy, you could always try a dog sitter or a dog walker through Gudog, a service that matches local dog professionals with owners in a jam.

Prepare for your dog being around new faces

Christmas is the time when you catch up with all your friends and relatives, so there will probably be a host of faces passing through your door. Many dogs have a happy-go-lucky personality and are glad to accept strokes from just about anybody, but there are also a few who shy away from new people and retreat into their shell. You'll know how comfortable your dog is around strangers the best so, if you know they can become nervous at the sight and scent of newcomers, it's best to prepare a space they can feel safe in. Put their bed, water bowl, and favourite toys into a quiet room and ask your guests not to disturb them if they head in there to chill-out. It's vital your dog feels safe and secure, so providing that environment over Christmas is essential for keeping them totally de-stressed.

Decorate your home in a dog-friendly way

You might not realise it, but there are quite a few hidden hazards to be found in traditional Christmas decorations. Artificial trees are usually the best choice for dogs, as they have none of the sharp, mildly-toxic needles that can get stuck in paws or eaten. You should also look to avoid glass ornaments or baubles as they could cause similar issues if they fall and break. If you plan on using edible decorations, you might want to think again, as chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Tinsel is also hazardous, as the strands can cause internal injury if eaten. For more expert advice on dog-dangers to watch out for around Christmas, be sure to watch our Keeping Dogs Safe at Christmas vet advice video that will keep you well informed.

Get ready for the fireworks

Around New Year, the UK tends to explore its fascination with fireworks, which is bad news for dog owners. The loud noises can put our furry friends on edge so, if you know there will be a local display or one of your neighbours is planning on enjoying a few, it's best to prepare and practice some understanding of your pet's fear.

Dogs can become very skittish when a firework goes off, so make a point of going for a walk earlier in the day when there is a less chance of a loud bang causing them to slip their lead and run away. Before you head out, make sure that your pooch's details are up to date on their microchip just in case the worst should happen. You can do this by logging onto your chip provider's website — all the UK registered databases are listed by Dogs Trust.

Make sure all your windows, doors, and curtains are closed. And, if there is a room in your home that is more insulated from noise outside, it might be best to set your dog's bed up in there. It's well worth taking a look at Millbry Hill's guide to keeping pets safe during firework season as it contains extensive and detailed advice for both dogs and other animals.

Take care of the furry member of your family this Christmas and make sure they don't get stressed by following our tips. Then, all that's left is to enjoy a healthy festive season together.

Crufts 2017

Crufts, every dog lovers dream to attend, with something for everyone. The excited buzz of the crowd created an atmosphere like no other. Where to start!

The main arena was a sight to behold, it was an internal battle whether to watch EVERYTHING or continue around the many halls.

My favourites were the Rescue Dog Agility, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team, The Golden Retriever Display Team and Heelwork to Music; skilled and happy dogs just having fun!

We found this amazing stall selling bow ties for pets!

The array of stalls full of food, toys, equipment and gifts would easily keep you busy for the entirety of the event, especially if you don’t have the will to pull yourself away from shopping opportunities. There were so many people to converse with that have the same interests as you and keep your mood bright for the whole day.

We met the most gorgeous Blue Merle Border Collie puppy

And had a selfie with 'Positively' Victoria Stilwell

Then we took on a challenge to see how many NHD reporters we could fit in a dog crate!

Check out our facebook page www.facebook.com/naturallyhappydogs for more posts and photos about our adventures and if you want to follow along with next year's antiques, 'like' and 'follow' the page. We recommend you start planning for your visit next year, you won’t be disappointed.

- Lily Clark from Naturally Happy Dogs and www.suppawt.com

It's nearly Crufts time!

We are off to Crufts again from the 9th to the 12th March, we don't have a stand this year but if you would like to come to chat with us, do drop us a Facebook message and we can meet you there.

While it was originally about showing dogs, Crufts has become the place to go for all of our canine shopping, finding out about new training techniques, sports and the latest companies in the dog world. It's also a great day spent out with a few thousand other doggy people!

Tickets are on sale now from the Crufts ticket office.  Don't delay - get yours today!

Merry Christmas everyone

We hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

In the lead up to Christmas, why not remind yourself about:

Keeping dogs safe at Christmas

Reducing your dog's stress at Christmas

or you could even find out about Christmas at the RSPCA kennels.

Scentwork, breeding dogs and lead work

Today we met Hannah Molloy from Pawfect Dogsense who discussed with us the pros and cons of breeding our dogs and making sure we are breeding the right temperaments and creating healthy puppies. Hannah also showed us a few lovely fun scentwork exercises with Skyler (pictured), and also demonstrated how to stop a dog from pulling on the lead.