Dogs & Animals
From perfect pedigrees to loveable canine scamps of unknown origin, we celebrate man’s best friend.
Looking for a new dog? Head straight for our article on how to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home.
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How to stop your dog or puppy from biting when it's playing: Expert advice from Ben Randall
Playful behaviour is a great way for dogs to explore the world around them and make new friends — but sometimes an overexcited puppy can take it too far and nipping can be painful and dangerous. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop your dog from biting during play
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How to teach your dog to go to the toilet on the lead: Three tips from top dog trainer Ben Randall
It can be frustrating and stressful when your dog is stubbornly refusing to do its business while on a lead, especially if you’re in a scenario where you can’t let them roam free. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to encourage your dog to go on command.
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How to stop your dog from barking on a walk: Five tips from top dog-trainer Ben Randall
While out on a walk, it’s not always easy to stop your dog from barking at people — and if you’re worried that they’re in the habit of doing so, your apprehension might just make things worse. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop your dog yapping at passers-by.
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'Grumpy, stubborn, maddening, a one-off... but sweet, unusual, loyal and full of love. Above all else, he was our odd dog'
Lucy Baring says goodbye to a much-loved and missed four-legged family member.
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How to stop your dog digging up the garden
A dog’s enthusiasm for digging in the garden is not just hazardous for those prized petunias, but can be dangerous for our canine companions, too. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop your dog digging up the garden and destroying your lawn or flower beds.
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How to stop a dog pulling on the lead and start walking to heel: Six tips from top dog-trainer Ben Randall
Teaching your dog to stop pulling on the lead takes work, but it’s an important step in training that will transform daily walks from laborious battles of will to enjoyable strolls — and your shoulder socket will thank you. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to teach your dog to walk to heel.
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Fell ponies: Resilient, surefooted, sensible — and absolutely adorable
A royal favourite, the hardy and hairy little Fell pony can pull a sledge, emerge alive after weeks in a snowdrift and win hearts with a glance. Julie Harding celebrates the breed society’s 100th anniversary.
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How to keep a dog off the sofa, by top trainer Ben Randall
Fed up with Fido leaping onto the furniture — whether it's your sofa, armchair, or your bed — whenever he or she fancies it and leaving a trail of muddy pawprints — not to mention a layer of dog hair — in their wake? Celebrity dog-trainer Ben Randall explains how to keep a dog off the sofa.
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How to stop a dog chasing cars: Six tips from top dog-trainer Ben Randall
Watching your dog run after traffic can be heart-stoppingly scary — but it's also a difficult habit to break. Ben Randall, expert dog trainer, explains how to go about stopping a dog chasing cars.
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The ten worst things your dog can do in the office
As the nation starts to head back to desktop computers and ten minute tea breaks, Alexandra Fraser lives in fear of Wilfred disgracing himself at her new job.
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How to stop your dog jumping up, by expert trainer Ben Randall
It’s easy to dismiss our dogs’ love of jumping up on us — and other people — as friendly boisterousness, but it's a sign that all is not well. Ben Randall explains how to ensure your dog keeps all paws firmly on the ground.
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Bloodhounds, the brilliant, unique dogs as strong as horses: 'It’s like having a toddler — but one that can eat iPads'
Far from snoozing on a porch all day, bloodhounds are highly active pack-hunting dogs that require ‘slobber cloths’ when in company, discovers Katy Birchall.
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How to stop your dog stealing food, TV remotes or anything else it can get its paws on, by expert dog trainer Ben Randall
Teaching a dog to stop stealing food, clothes, TV remotes or anything else that they like to pinch can feel like an uphill battle — but by coming at it from a different angle, you can mend your dog's thieving ways. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how.
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How to train a dog to sit: Five tips from leading dog trainer Ben Randall
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most important things you can do — and it will help with all sorts of other commands. Ben Randall explains how to get your dog to do it, every time.
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Dog photography: How to capture perfect pictures of your pooch
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How to stop your dog barking at the door
We know they mean well, but few things are more grating for dog owners — or more disconcerting for dog owners' visitors — than a dog barking at the door every time someone knocks or rings. Award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop it from happening.
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Poodles: Bright, questioning and surprisingly hardy — and 'once you're an owner, you won't switch'
Originally known as ‘pudels’ or ‘puddles’, curly-coated standard poodles raise both smiles and eyebrows, not least with their distinctive pom-pom trim. Matthew Dennison discovers more, with photographs by Sarah Farnsworth.
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Dog lead training: How to introduce the lead to your four-legged friend, by champion dog trainer Ben Randall
Introducing the lead to your dog can be tricky, but with a consistent routine you'll build positive associations that will last a lifetime. Dog training expert Ben Randall explains how as he shares his dog lead training routine.
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Crate training a puppy: Six tips from expert dog trainer Ben Randall
Puppy crate training can be tricky, yet it can pay dividends in all sorts of ways — even making puppy toilet training easier. Award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to get it right from the start — and we do mean the VERY start.
