Behaviour & Training

‘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.

Have you ever heard of meditation for dogs? Yes, you read that right – it seems that meditation isn’t just for people anymore! As a dog owner who wants only the best for their furry friends, you might want to give it a shot. Dog meditation – or at least teaching your dog to relax and chill - can be a great way of enriching the relationship you have with your furry friend and bring you closer together. Many dogs are never taught how to have an ‘off switch’ and are on the go all the time. This is stressful for them, it’s stressful for you, and this lack of canine down time can lead to behaviour issues. So it’s time for you both to learn to chill out a bit. If you feel like spending more time together with your dog and getting to know each other better, practicing mindfulness and inner peace can be a great option for you alongside all the other activities that you share together. But first, let’s find out what the so-called dog meditation is, how it works, and if it brings any benefits for both you and your pupper.

We all know that our dogs need exercise and often think of this just being their daily walks, but dogs need play and fun interactions with us as well. Some of these we can incorporate into our out and about time, but there are lots of other things you can do in the house. Some days, when the weather outside is less than perfect, or when you’d rather just not leave the house (or for some reason, can’t leave the house), it’s important to have plenty of indoor activities to keep your canine friend entertained and provide enrichment and bonding opportunities. That’s where indoor games for dogs come in, and while the sky is the limit when it comes to play opportunities – and it depends what your dog enjoys - we can think of quite a few fun ones to get you started. We put together a list of eight fun indoor games for dogs that you can both enjoy to help improve your dog’s focus on you and strengthen the bond between you. Check them out! 1. Hide and Seek A classic game that can be adapted for dogs! Start by having your furry friend wait in one room while you run and hide in another. Then, call out to them and see if they can find you. Start by making it really simple so they get the hang of it – and always reward them when they find you. Once your dog gets the hang of this and finds you immediately, you make it more challenging by hiding in different spots each time and using different rooms. This will help keep them focused on you and it will also help your recall. NOTE: Do not do this if you have slippery floors or if your dog has separation anxiety. 2. Fetch Just because you're inside doesn't mean you can't play fetch! Find a soft ball or toy that won’t damage your furniture, get your dog interested in it, and then throw it a short distance. Most dogs will chase it. When they do, let them get hold of it before you encourage them to come back to you. If they do, reward them with a treat (which will also encourage them to give the object back to you, and then repeat. If they don’t want to give it back to you, have two toys and once they have the first, you can make the other one more interesting than the one they have by playing with it. Then when they come and see what you have you can throw it again and get the original one ready to repeat. If your dog doesn’t bring it back, you can try running away from them and see if they will follow with the toy – but be aware that some dogs are never going to be retrievers – but they still enjoy playing with you and chasing the toy. 3. Scent Work Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so why not put it to the test? Start by putting treats somewhere that is easy for your dog to find. Having a bunched up (old!) bath towel on the floor can be a good starting point. Put treats in the folds and creases and encourage your dog to find them. Some they will locate by sight, others they will need to use their nose. This can be a fun game for beginners or expert sniffers alike. Once your dog has got the hang on sniffing out treats, you can make the games harder. Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their nose. You can also put together different boxes and hide treats in some of them. Your dog will do their best to open the box and get the treat out – just make sure there are no staples or packing tape on the boxes. Some dogs (especially terriers) love ripping and tearing, and so treats inside a small, thin box with the ends folded down can double up as a scent game and an outlet for this natural behaviour. 4. Treat Dispensing Puzzle Toys These toys are designed to challenge your dog's brain and are for the expert puzzle solvers. Simply fill the toy with your dog's favourite treats and encourage them as they try to figure out how to get them out. If you don’t have these specific toys, don’t worry, it also works with plastic cups that you can hang on a string or plastic bottles with holes in. Your dog will have to push these around until it rolls about, and the treat falls out. Watch out for your dog getting frustrated, however. These games are meant to be enjoyable and achievable. 5. Find the Toy Same thing as with hide and seek, but with toys! Hide your dog's favourite toy somewhere in the house and see if they can find it. Show them the toy first so that they know what to look for and get them interested and excited in it first – so they are keen to find it. Start with easy visible hiding spots and gradually make it more challenging. 6. Tug of War Some dogs (especially terriers and those who are mouth-driven) really love playing tuggy games and it’s a game that we can enjoy too! Find a toy that your dog likes that is either long and thin or on a rope, and get your dog interested and keen to play. Hold on to one end and see what they do! Some will straightaway try and tug at it – and if that’s the case, you know this game is going to be a winner with your dog! Others might start off less confident and take some time to get the hang of this. Dragging the toy back and forward along the floor ‘like a snake’ can often encourage them to get hold of it and give it a tug. While you can move it around side to side, and encourage your dog, keep your tugging gentle and let your dog dictate how much tugging this game involves. Some will really pull hard and try and ‘kill’ the toy, others will be more genteel about it – but enjoy it just as much. Only pull backwards and side to side – never upwards. Alternate who ‘wins’. This is a game, not a battle that you must win at all costs! NOTE: Do not play tuggy games on slippery floors, or with young puppies or older dogs as there is a risk of injury. 7. DIY Agility Course Set up a DIY agility course around the house using normal household items like chairs, boxes, and blankets. Create obstacles like jumps (for adult dogs), tunnels, and things to weave around, and then using treats and encouragement, help your dog negotiate each ‘obstacle’. This is a really good game to help encourage confidence in puppies as they learn to go under things and through things, and it as much fun for you as it is for them. The ‘slippery floor’ caveat applies here too.8. Magic Cups Get three plastic cups and a tennis ball or any other kind of small ball that fits under the cups and that is not too small (something that’s not a choking hazard). Place the ball under one of the cups and shuffle them around in front of your dog. Their task will be to guess where the ball is. This works perfectly with treats as well if your dog isn’t ball oriented. Another ball variation is to have a muffin tin and put treats in some of the delves with a tennis ball on top. Your dog’s job is to sniff out the ones that have treats under them, and then remove the ball with either their mouth or paw to get at them. This works better with foodies than ball maniacs – for obvious reasons! Remember that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise and indoor games for dogs are a great way to get both. They can also be a fun bonding experience for you and your furry friend so find a safe and clear space to play in and enjoy the fun! Now that you have an idea of how to keep your dog entertained indoors, learn how to train your dog by reading this article on the 5 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Dog next.

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.

Many people believe that dogs growl due to aggression, however there's so many different reasons why your dog may be growling. Read our guide to find out the different types and what they mean. Dogs try to communicate with people in different ways, one of which is growling. As pet owners, we often assume that dog growling is a signal of displeasure or aggression, but it isn’t always that simple. There are a range of things that your dog may be trying to convey when they make these growling noises, and if you listen closely, they may not all sound exactly the same. Read on for more information on the different types of dog growl and what they may be trying to tell you when they do so. Why do dogs growl? Dog growling is simply a method of communication – it’s your dog trying to tell you something. Dogs growl to communicate lots of different things, from fear and aggression to encouraging play. That’s why you need to understand the types of dog growl to interpret what the sound means. Always pay attention to the situation that your dog is in when they growl. You may find that your dog makes different types of growling sounds in different situations, and learning to recognise the circumstance of each dog growl will help you to identify what it is your dog is trying to say. Those sounds may seem similar to us, but it’s all about context! Where one growl may be saying: ‘I feel threatened’, another could be saying: ‘I’m having fun!’ Dog growling when playing You may have noticed your dog growling during play. It can seem strange when dogs do this – why would they suddenly make a sound of aggression when you’re having fun together? The simple answer is: they aren’t! This type of dog growling indicates that your pet is having fun; your dog might even be trying to tell you that they want to keep on playing! Although it’s hard for the human ear to pick up on subtle differences in dog growling, play growls can be distinguished from other more aggressive types of growl. Although every dog is different and has their own vocal range and individual ‘voice’, in general dog play growls will sound higher pitched than other kinds of growling. They will also often be shorter, and may be accompanied by body language like bounding motions, or your dog bending down onto their front legs, raising their rear-end in the air. Don’t be intimidated if a dog growls during play, with either a person or with another dog. Do keep an eye on the situation in case it escalates, but usually growling during play indicates that a dog is just having fun. Aggressive dog growling Aggressive dog growling is all about an expression of power. A dog might be trying to establish their position as the ‘alpha’ over another animal, or they may have spotted something that has triggered their natural hunting instinct. It’s important to not encourage this kind of dog growling, and to try to separate your pet from what is triggering their aggression. Always be cautious and take into account the situation your pet is in when dealing with aggressive dog growling.

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.

It’s every dog owner’s worst nightmare; one minute your dog’s there, the next they’re not. Of course it’s upsetting and stressful for you when your dog is missing, but there’s also the added worry that your pet may be scared or hurt. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to maximise your chance of finding your dog. Home is where the heart is If your dog has disappeared from your home, the chances are that they won’t have gone far. They may have been distracted by a passing cat, or have been tempted to wander off in search of food and simply got disorientated. Alternatively they may have been spooked by a loud noise or a rumble of thunder, and sought safety in the garden or garage of a neighbour.