Why does a normally friendly dog growl or nip when being lifted or restrained? Ninety percent of the time five-year-old Show Cocker Rufus is the perfect dog. Recent growling and nipping Just recently he has begun to object when restrained or lifted. This might be when towelled down after a Read more
Why does a young dog completely ignore his owners when they call him?
Not only does 9-month-old German Shepherd Max look beautiful, he has a wonderful personality. Like many teenagers he’s full of himself and this is a lot better than being the opposite –fearful. He’s confident and friendly.
Max is a law unto himself! (more…)
Border Collie Chasing and Attacking Footballs and Geese Jasper is a wonderful Border Collie. He is beautifully suited to life as a house pet in his particularly lovely home environment. They have a big garden with a stream running through it, lots of lawn with rougher areas, two alpacas and Read more
Why do previously free-roaming dogs struggle when life suddenly requires boundaries? Two years ago when the couple were living in India they adopted a street dog – or she adopted them. After a few days, one at a time, she carried five puppies to them. Later they returned to England, Read more
Why does a dog understand ‘Come’ perfectly at home but ignore it completely when off lead? Layla really is the near-perfect little dog for her lady owner, particularly at home. She stable, confident and can be taken anywhere. When off lead, Layla won’t come when called. The one and only Read more
Why would a little rescue dog suddenly start barking at every person passing the house? Barking at the window and coming when called sound like two separate issues but are they? Jack Russell Candy is a near-perfect little dog. The lady has had her for about four months because her Read more
Can giving a dog too much freedom too soon lead to reactivity and trouble with other dogs? They love to see their dog running free, charging about and having fun. Freedom may come at a price. They adopted Boxer Bella sixteen months ago and she is having a wonderful life. Being with Read more
Is a dog really trained to come back if he only returns when he feels like it? ‘Well-trained’ isn’t always enough. The three dogs, 7 month old Rottie pup Kaiser, Jack Russell Buddy, 7 and Jack a Chihuahua Jack Russell mix aged 8 have been taught some impressive training tricks Read more
Is aggressive behaviour caused by dominance — or by fear, stress and feeling unsafe? Aggressive behaviour, is it through fear or something else? Delilah was in another room behind a gate when I arrived, barking but not for long. Her lead was already attached to her harness. When the gate Read more
Why does a dog react differently depending on which family member is walking him? The importance of consistency. I sat with the family – parents with late-teens son and daughter – and their dear little Tibetan Terrier, Archie. My first question was, as always, ‘What would you like to achieve from Read more