If someone had asked me years ago to describe a German Shepherd, I would probably have spoken confidently about alertness, trainability and a desire to work with people. Some of those expectations have a basis: working traits have been deliberately selected during the development of breeds. But when Faddu, Fenton...
Dogs love routine. Every dog owner has probably heard that phrase, but for a long time I never stopped to consider what it actually means to a dog. Are dogs waiting for an exact time? Or do they benefit more from a predictable sequence: going outside after waking up, relaxing...
When a puppy pees in the house, there is usually nothing mysterious about it. They are still learning when and where to go, and how long they can hold it. But if an adult dog who has been reliably house-trained for years suddenly starts peeing indoors, that is a different...
"But mine isn't a hunting dog." I sometimes hear that when someone describes a dog disappearing into the woods after an animal's scent. A breed label does not decide on its own whether a moving animal or a fresh trail will set a dog in motion. Irene and I each...
A dog that keeps begging may need a health check or a better-suited food. Learn about EPI, diabetes, appetite genes and the 30-day food trial.
We often look for the causes of a dog's stress outside the home: thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar dogs or being left alone. But how often do we ask what impact our own tone of voice, movements or expectations might have? Researching this subject made me look in the mirror. I realised...
As spring arrives, many dogs become very interested in nibbling fresh grass. Some pick out only the longest, softest blades, others eat almost by the handful, while some show no interest in grass at all. And then the owner starts wondering: why does a dog eat grass in the first place? Does their...
Who would you trust with your dog’s lead? For me, that question goes far beyond whether someone loves dogs and turns up on time. On a walk, one unexpected encounter, a lead slipping from someone’s hand or a misread signal can be enough to change the situation. I have been a...
Read dog body language through posture, gaze, tails and subtle stress signals. Faddu and Ossu’s stories and practical ways to make walks safer.
"But he's wagging his tail!" is something I often hear dog owners say. Sometimes the other dog really is happy and wants to say hello. But that is not the only explanation. A dog may wag when excited, uncertain, tense or ready to respond forcefully. If we read the tail...
