Behaviour & Training

One of the reasons many dogs don’t get the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy is because owners are unable to let them off the lead. Actually, they can let them off the lead with no trouble at all, but it is when they need to catch them again that the problems start!

You’ve probably seen your pooch peacefully sleeping in lots of different positions, but did you know that dog sleeping positions have meaning behind them? From being stretched out to curled up in a ball, it’s easy to wonder why they’re sleeping like that! Whether they’re sleeping in a dog bed or on the sofa, we’ve listed all the dog sleeping positions for you here so you know all about your pup’s sleeping habits.

There are so many dog apps out there, it can be hard to know which ones are best suited to you and your pooch. Whether you’re looking for a dog training app, fun dog walks or more, we’ve got them all listed here. Read on to find out which ones you need to try.

‘Playing dead’ is one of the most classic dog tricks. While it is a fun trick to amuse your friends with and show them what a good dog you have, it is very useful to have a dog who will lay on their side without you having to wrestle them there (which will cause resistance and stress) for grooming and also at the vets. On top of both the fun and the practical parts, when you teach your dog to ‘play dead’, as with other cool tricks to teach your dog, you’re spending more time together which can help strengthen your relationship. So, do you want to learn how to teach a dog to play dead? Then, check out our easy step-by-step guide below and enjoy the process!

As anyone who suffers from them can tell you, panic attacks are dreadful, and the effects can be scary. While people and dogs are different in many ways, experiencing fear and anxiety that produces fearful or panic-like behaviour, is something we all share. While dogs probably don’t suffer from panic attacks in the same way that humans do, fear, stress and high anxiety can produce behaviours that look very similar and are equally distressing for dogs. It is important for owners to be able to spot this in their dogs, understand what the triggers can be, and learn how to help manage them. As a pet owner, you want your dog to live a happy and healthy life. Knowing how to notice anything harmful, preferably before it happens, is key to helping them overcome any challenges they might face, such as anxiety or overwhelming situations. Read on to learn more about extreme fearful behaviour in dogs and what to do if your canine friend experiences them.

You may have noticed your dog's hair standing up on end from time to time. Maybe when they have been barking, or when they seem anxious. These hairs are called dog hackles and they run from your dog's head right to the bottom of their tail. Find out more about them, and why they present themselves.

There are many good reasons why you should crate train your puppy, from helping with toilet training – especially through the night - to keeping them safe at times when you can’t give them your undivided attention. But there are some essential pieces of information you need to know before starting from why you might find crate training your puppy useful, and how to crate train a puppy.

As a dog owner, you may have noticed that thunderstorms aren’t really your furry friend’s cup of tea. They certainly aren’t alone, in fact, many dogs experience noise phobia – an intense fear or anxiety triggered by loud or unexpected sounds – and in the case of storms, this trigger can be thunder but, in some cases, it can also be the noise of rain or wind. If your dog is scared of thunder or is worried about storms, there are steps you can take to help them feel more calm and secure during thunderstorms. From creating a cosy space to trying to keep them entertained and distracted, we put together a few ways in which you can be there for your dog during storm phobia episodes. Read on to learn why storms are unsettling for your furry friend and how to help them overcome these challenging situations. Why is my dog scared of thunder? Storm phobia or thunderstorm phobia is a variation of noise phobia and is a common issue for dogs. It is characterised by an extreme fear (phobia) of any of the noises associated with storms – and often their predictors. It’s common for many dogs who develop a fear of thunder, to also react negatively to other meteorological changes that happen during storms such as lightning, strong winds, or rain. They may also be able to detect the pressure changes that heralds a storm’s approach and so start showing anxiety long before we even realise the cause. When it comes to loud sounds such as thunder, prevention is far better than cure when it comes to preventing noise phobias. We know that dogs can’t avoid hearing thunder in their lifetime – so we should be preparing them for it right from puppyhood. A good breeder will start introducing noises to their puppies such as thunder and fireworks from very early on in their lives. This can be done by playing these sounds (which are easily found on the internet) at times when they are doing enjoyable things such as playing or eating. They can be started off very quietly so the puppies can hardly hear them, and they can gradually be increased in volume but always making sure there is no reaction at all from the pups. This is then something you can continue when your new arrival comes home with you. Causes of noise phobia It is part of an animal’s survival strategy to be afraid of things that they haven’t experienced before (which is why introducing strange and unexpected noises in early puppyhood is so important) – especially if it produces a strong negative response such as fear. While we know what a storm is, if a dog hasn’t experienced anything like that before, it’s easy to see how they can think of that as being potentially dangerous. Driving rain, howling wind, flashes of light from the sky, all rounded off with ear-splitting crashes of thunder… That definitely falls into the category of scary. Dogs who have had a great upbringing as puppies with lots of socialisation and habituation during those crucial weeks when they can learn what is just a part of life and nothing to worry about, and who have been introduced to thunder and storm sounds during this time, are more likely to be able to take the real thing in their stride. Also, some breeds are a lot more laid back and have good bounce-back skills – while others are much more reactive or worried about novelty. If the first time a dog hears thunder is when they are surrounded by a storm, it’s not surprising they find it frightening. Any experience that produces a strong negative emotion, such as fear, will not habituate instead it will sensitise. In other words, a dog will not get used to it, instead they will get more fearful with each exposure – and so a fear becomes a phobia. The symptoms of storm fears and phobias in dogs Whenever dogs are experiencing storm fears or phobias, they will display some or all of the following symptoms: Pacing Trembling Panting Drooling Hiding (or increased clinginess) Whining Incontinence Loss of appetite Aggression (especially if you try to move them from a perceived place of safety) In some cases, your dog might even try to escape the home and run away. Since it’s a highly distressing condition for your dog (and you), it’s best to seek professional help, especially if you have already followed the instructions below: How to calm a dog scared of thunder? Preparation before a storm Making sure your dog feels safe during a thunderstorm is crucial. Find a space in a room where your dog is comfortable – and where you will be during a storm – away from windows and doors. If your dog is crate trained and likes being in a crate, you can set that up with comfortable bedding and toys., Completely cover it with a blanket (apart from the access), to make a ‘den’. Have this set up all the time during ‘storm season’, so they get used to going in and out of it when they want it and feeling safe and secure in there. Make sure it is comfortable with several layers of bedding that already smells of your dog and has a water bowl just outside. If your dog has any favourite toys, put them in there just to surround them with familiarity and comfort. If however, your dog has a preferred ‘safe space’ (such as under a sofa or bed), make sure that is comfortable too and let them use that. It is up to your dog to decide where they feel safe. It's important that this safe area is always available and accessible to the dog (whether or not there are storms). If you know storms are forecast, make sure you have given your dog their regular exercise long before it starts – and most importantly that they have had a chance to go to the toilet. Desperately needing to go to the loo but not being able to because of a raging storm outside is going to make things far worse. If the storm is likely to clash with your dog’s mealtime, consider feeding them a little earlier (as dogs will not eat if frightened, anxious or scared). During a storm Close all the curtains so that your dog can’t see the flashes of lightning and to slightly muffle the sound. Providing background noise is also a good idea. A dog’s hearing is far better than ours and you will never be able to disguise thunder totally – but it will sound far louder in a quiet room. Having the TV on or playing music can help the weather noises sound less dramatic. Try distractions such as training, enrichment games, scent games to get your dog to think about something else. This will not work for a phobia, but it may distract a dog who is just slightly worried. Whenever they are scared, dogs will often turn to their owners to see how they are reacting to the situation and to help access the potential danger. In these moments, it’s important to be calm and reassuring. If they see that you’re okay, they are more likely to feel better. No matter how your dog is behaving, stay relaxed and outwardly cheerful and upbeat. If your dog comes to you for reassurance, make sure you give them what they need. Some dogs will want to be as close to you as possible, cuddle into you, and need physical touch. Others just need to be near you and get comfort from your presence but are too stressed to be touched or stroked. Be guided by them as to what will make them feel better – and never underestimate how much your comfort will help them. If they choose to hide or go to their den, sit close to them and talk to them so they know you are there. Never try and encourage them – or pull them – out. They will come out in their own time. Do everything in your power to make them feel safer and protected. In other words, do what you would like to have done to you in a situation where you are very scared. In summary: Distract with music, toys and games if you can. Let them go to their safe space. Give them comfort from your presence and as much physical contact and affection as they want. Avoid any punishment (don't shout or get annoyed because they are barking or scratching the door or sofa). When everything is over, talk to your vet about possible help for your dog for the next storm. Since storm phobia is likely to only get worse with time, it’s best to try and act as soon as you notice to signs. Seeking professional help It’s important to know that storm phobia in dogs is a serious and distressing behavioural issue. Talk to your vet first and ask to be referred to an accredited behaviourist who can help your work with your dog’s noise phobia – as this can easily become more severe in time – and can lead to a more general anxiety. This anxiety arises when the dog worries so much about the storms, that they spend all their time worrying about when the next one will happen or start to react to any of the precedents to a storm (such as rain, wind, or changes of atmospheric pressure). This can result in a reduction in quality of life. Storm phobias in dogs can be heart-breaking to witness but with some time and effort, you can help your furry friend learn how to cope in these distressing situations. Is your dog fearful by nature? Read the Helping a Scared Dog article next to learn what you can do in this situation.

Teaching your canine pal some cool new tricks is a fantastic way to bond and have fun together. And what better trick to teach your pup than the impressive spin? Not only is this a fun party trick guaranteed to impress your friends, but it can also help improve your dog’s balance, agility, and coordination. It’s also a good exercise to raise your dog’s energy levels before strutting their stuff in the show ring. So, if you want to learn how to teach a dog to spin, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out how to turn your pup into a pro ‘spinner’ by following some simple tips and tricks. Just grab a few tasty treats, clear the space on a carpeted floor or on some grass, and get ready to have a bit of fun with your furry friend! What you need Treats – Positive reinforcement is key when teaching your dog tricks. Use small, soft, and tasty treats to both show them what you want and as a reward when they get it right – or begin to understand what you want them to do. Treats should be healthy, dog-appropriate and tiny – the size of half your little fingernail is enough – and will stop your dog getting full or gaining too much weight! You will find it useful to have a treat pouch to keep them in while you are training. A quiet space with no distractions – Choose a room or a fenced-in outdoor space to practice. Make sure there are no distractions like other animals, people, interesting sights, sounds or smells – or anything that could interrupt your training. • Time and patience – Learning new tricks can sometimes take time so patience and enthusiasm is vital. This is a fun thing to do with your dog so make sure you’re both enjoying it. How to teach a dog to spin in 12 easy steps • This is one of those tricks that needs a smelly treat your dog loves – as they are going to be following that so you can show them what you want them to do. • Your dog can be in any position you want to start with so find out what is easiest for you (bearing in mind you are going to be luring your dog round in a circle) and that doesn’t have you leaning over your dog (which could either be intimidating for them, or else it puts your face in the way if they get excited and jump up!). If you have a small dog, you can kneel down. • Start practising with them on either your left or right side facing forwards. • Once you are comfortable, get your dog interested in the treat and hold it close to the end of their nose so they can smell it. • Start to slowly move your hand round in a circle so your dog follows the treat. Don’t raise your hand – keep it on nose height. If they are at the side of you, move it out away from your leg (so clockwise if they are on your right, anti-clockwise if on your left). • Some dogs can easily follow the treat in a full circle – others might be stiffer or just get confused what you want. • If your dog manages a full circle, say “good” (or whatever your reward word/signal is) and give the treat. If your dog struggles to do a full circle, reward after half a circle – you can always build it up when they start to get the hang of following the treat. • Practise this till your dog is happily spinning round in a circle after the treat with no hesitation. • Do this in both directions so your dog doesn’t get ‘one sided’. • Once you are 100% confident your dog will follow the treat, you can add a cue word. Have a different one for each different direction (“spin” and “twist” can work). Introduce this as your dog is doing the action (not before yet – you need to link the word to the action). • Now you can start to lose the treat. Have your dog in exactly the same position and use exactly the same hand signal along with your cue word – but without a treat in your hand. As soon as they do one circle, say “good” and reward them with a treat from your treat pouch. • Now it is just a matter of practise. As your dog really gets to grips with this, you can make your hand signal smaller and smaller – until it is just a movement of your finger. What to avoid when training your dog When teaching your dog to spin, it’s a good idea to avoid certain mistakes that can make the training experience frustrating for both you and your furry friend. Here are some of the most common: Losing patience While in our minds, it is a really simple exercise, our dogs have no idea what we want them to do. Some get it quickly, others take far longer. Keep it fun, enjoy the whole process – and if you can feel that you are losing patience, getting bored or that your dog looks confused, take a break and come back to it tomorrow. Training for too long The “spin” trick, in particular, can be quite high energy and might be working muscles that don’t always get used so don’t make the mistake of practicing for too long. It is far better to train in several short sessions than in one long one – which can so easily get boring and cause your dog can lose their focus or enthusiasm. Rushing the process Take things slowly, there’s no point in skipping steps or rushing through the training. Make sure your dog understands and is an expert in each step before you move on to the next one. By doing this, you will make sure your dog really understands what you are teaching them and that the lesson really ‘sticks’. Not using enough rewards Rewarding your dog for a job well done is key in making sure they enjoy their training and that the behaviour that you liked will be repeated. This is what positive reinforcement is all about. In contrast, if you don’t reward a dog when they get it right – especially in the early days of teaching an exercise – there is no incentive for them to repeat that behaviour. As well as rewarding them with tasty treats, make sure they know that you are happy with them too. Being inconsistent Remember that our dogs do not speak the same language as us – and they rely on watching our body language and linking actions to the cues we have taught them. If your dog hears and sees different things for every training session, they will find it hard to understand what you want from them. Now that you know how to teach a dog to spin, all you have to do is enjoy showing off your pup’s impressive skills! Want to add more fun tricks to their repertoire? Check out this guide on How to teach a Dog to Roll Over next!

Helping your dog build confidence is key to them feeling more secure plus be comfortable in new situations. This in turn can make them more resilient to stress and improve their behaviour. If you’re wondering how to build confidence in a dog, you’ve come to the right place. Building confidence is something that takes time and effort as it hinges on your dog having a secure attachment to you and by using a few techniques, you can help give your furry friend the tools they need to feel more secure. So let’s dive in and explore ways you can help your dog be more confident in any situation, whether it’s at home, in a new environment, cope better with a crowded place, or be happy around new people and other dogs.

Get your dog used to spending some alone time without ruining furniture or crying help the minute you leave the house. Try these effective dog separation anxiety solutions. You’re no doubt proud of the unbreakable connection between you and your dog. You’re used to them frantically waggling their tail just because they’re happy to see you. You notice them dutifully following everywhere as if knowing you’re safe is their only life mission. But this close bond needs to be loosened from time to time. You know this. Your dog likely does not. This is why a very mundane night out with friends for you can turn into a dramatic few hours for your dog who doesn’t understand where you’ve gone or whether you will ever come back. Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem many dog owners have to learn how to solve. Find out what are the symptoms and how you can help your dog keep calm when you’re not there. What is separation anxiety in dogs? Dog separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs show signs of distress when they are left alone. It can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. What are the symptoms of dog separation anxiety? You are likely to find out the hard way that your dog is anxious being left alone - damaged carpets, claw marks on your favourite couch and neighbours telling you about the endless howling sounds your dog subjected them to in your absence. Unfortunately, some owners think these are just signs of a mischievous dog when in reality their pet is in distress, not knowing how to cope with an empty house. These are some common signs of separation anxiety in dogs: • Panting. • Pacing. • Attempts to escape the house. • Damaged furniture. • Relieving themselves inside the house. • Barking or howling. • Extreme excitement when the owners are back. Why are some dogs experiencing separation anxiety? Before we get to the dog separation anxiety solutions, it’s useful to look at the causes for such a distress. These can be varied from early abandonment all the way to genetics.

If you’re a dog owner you’re probably familiar with the constant stopping so they can sniff and you’ll likely respond to this by nudging them along – but did you know that sniffing is really important for them? Your dog’s sense of smell is pretty much a super power and their daily sniff routine can help them identify what’s happening in their environment as well as lower their stress levels. Getting out for a walk is one of life’s joys and it gives us a chance to experience all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors - whether on our regular walks or exploring new places. As we soak up these sensory experiences, we often forget that our dogs see the world very differently to us - and while we are looking at the sights, our dog is discovering far more about the area by its smells. So often owners get irritated that while they want to stride off across the countryside or have an active walk around the park to make sure their dog gets their daily exercise, their dog pretty much ignores them while he puts his nose down and ‘just’ sniffs. It’s easy to drag them away thinking they are wasting precious exercise time but that’s purely because we do not have anything even close to a dogs sense of smell, and we don’t understand just how fabulous our dog’s nose is - or that this incredible ability means that unlike us, they see the world in smell-o-vision. While they are sniffing, they are finding out about the area, who lives there, who has passed by recently, and even what kind of mood they are in. All the time they are sniffing, they are processing information about the environment and who and what is in it.