behaviour

It’s far easier to teach your pooch good habits from the start than to retrain your dog later. Danielle Chenery asks the experts for their top tips on stopping dogs from jumping up. Nothing says “I love you” like the full-bodied greeting of an excited pooch jumping on its master after any absence, long or […]

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handedness within dogs

Here’s one for the “well, I never” files: did you know dogs can be left- or right-handed, and that it may affect their personality and aptitude for certain tasks? Mel Hearse investigates. Handedness is not only a “thing” with canines, it’s also been the subject of some pretty serious study. In fact, research suggests that […]

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Preparing Your Dog to Star in a Film

On February 5th, 2021

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dog film set

Preparing Your Dog to Star in a Film

On February 5th, 2021

Want to see your dog on the big screen? Animal trainer and handler Peta Clarke tells us it’s important to have the right dog for the job.   It’s not every dog that loves the limelight. This is a really important thing to recognise as we move forward in looking for and ultimately selecting a […]

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good behaviour

Dogs with problem behaviour can be a danger to themselves and others. Kristie Bradfield discovers how rehabilitation can help them live happier lives. As a dog owner, you’ve probably had a few encounters with threatening or antisocial canines. You know the type: the minute you step into the dog park, they accost you with unbridled […]

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Hugging Can Make Your Dog Annoyed?

On October 5th, 2018

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hugging dog

Hugging Can Make Your Dog Annoyed?

On October 5th, 2018

Could some of the things you do every day be a source of constant annoyance for your dog? Tim Falk finds out. Do you ever get the feeling that your dog sometimes finds you a bit annoying? Does your pet ever roll his eyes at you or seem impatient when you’re slow to grasp whatever […]

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Boarding School for Dogs

On October 5th, 2018

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dog training

Boarding School for Dogs

On October 5th, 2018

Too busy to train your dog? Why not try canine boarding school. Kristie Bradfield finds out more about this new trend. The world has changed a lot in the past decade. Society moves so quickly these days that we barely have time to catch our breath, let alone keep up. To make the most of […]

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people dog

Animals that have been given up for adoption or abandoned are often fearful, anxious and distrusting. This can manifest in unwanted, often perceived aggressive and antisocial behaviours, which is why rehabilitation is paramount. Anastasia Casey investigates.   Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is truly one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have. […]

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You Ask – Experts Answer

On August 31st, 2018

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You Ask – Experts Answer

On August 31st, 2018

Ask the experts Chasing tail Q: Dear DOGSLife, One of my Aussie Shepherd, Larry, has a favourite activity —chasing his tail. It doesn’t cause us any real problems (although it is a little embarrassing when he does it down at the dog park!) but I was wondering is there a scientific explanation for why he […]

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dog on a leash

Got yourself a pooch and a leash? Melanie Hearse talks to the experts about how to handle any problems that can happen when you go walkies.   Nothing makes a dog’s tail and body say “oh boy, oh boy, oh boy” like bringing out the leash and getting them ready to go for a walk. […]

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dog digging

It is one of the most common “problem” doggy behaviours, but you don’t have to put up with digging, writes Laura Greaves.   Alison and Dallas Parker didn’t realise they had a digger on their hands until nearly a month after welcoming their Border Collie puppy, Logan. Aside from expected puppy mischief, the spirited little […]

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