behaviour & body language
Tail wagging? Ear pinning? It all means something. We’ll show you how to understand your pet (and communicate with them) with guides to decode the weirdest body language and behaviour.
We know your dog is always the best in your eyes, but which breeds are stealing the nation’s hearts?
Autism in dogs is often misunderstood – our experts debunk the myths
Why Does My Dog Nibble on Me?
Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand
It's time to reframe the situation
What Is Rage Syndrome?
It might be very rare, but its still worth knowing about
It’s all fun and games... until it’s not
Is Your Pup a ‘Velcro Dog’?
Is your dog overly clingy? Here ’s how to help them build independence
It’s not just ’cause its cute
Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first
Gear up and get out there – even when it’s pitch black at 4pm
Keeping your dog on a lead isn’t mean – sometimes, it’s the kindest choice
Think cats and dogs are natural enemies? Think again
Fancy putting your dog’s nose to the test?
If your female dog is not spayed, it’s crucial that you understand their fertility cycle
If your pet is recovering from surgery and hates wearing a cone, don’t panic
How to make sure you’re not missing any cues and that you both stay safe
From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season
If you think your pup’s basically James Acaster, science backs you up
It’s giving Lady Whistledown...
Help your dog overcome the fear of the unknown
Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says
Rolling on their back doesn’t automatically mean they want belly rubs...
Before you pet that stray dog on your holiday, find out how to protect yourself and still show compassion
The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases
Why Doesn’t My Dog Like Water?
All dogs love cooling off by splashing about and swimming in water, right? So why does yours... not?
Four legs up to the ceiling might not seem like a comfy napping position to us but pups seem to love it. How come?
Scientists from the Waltham Petcare Institute explain how one simple buy could help your nervous pup feel more comfortable by themselves
Got a distracted pup? Discover if it’s ADHD and how to help
This body language is not as simple as you probably think
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s your dog all stretched out like a frog
Is your dog scared of every little noise? Here’s how to turn the volume down on their anxiety
Is your dog too friendly with strangers or other dogs? Learn effective strategies to manage and train your overly sociable dog to ensure proper behaviour and safety
From the dog that detected a deadly hair treatment to the search and rescue hero from the Turkish earthquake, meet the pups who gave humans a second chance at life
A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?
Your daily walks together are a special time for both you and your pup. Here’s how to lower stresses and find more joy during your daily routine
Can dogs tell the difference between a day, a week or a month?
Think a holiday with your nervous pup is off-limits? You just need to make a few adjustments. Here’s how to have a dreamy trip that you and your anxious dog can enjoy
Different breeds need different things...
An animal behaviourist explains why they do (and don’t) get involved in the game
Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”
Why Does My Dog Eat Dirt?
That’s not food, mate
How Do Dogs and Cats Think?
How can we best understand what’s going on in the minds of our cats and dogs? A neurology specialist veterinary nurse breaks it down
How to Help Thunder-Phobic Dogs
Tips for comforting your pup during a storm
There's no good reason to ever do this to your dog
Blue is a good name for a dog – not a good mood
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own – instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.
There might be a language barrier, but these two animals can still become best buds
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Toys?
It’s more than just an adorable habit…
Chase? Wrestle? Tug-o-war? Find out which are fair game
Your Dog Can Read Your Mind, Kind Of
Researchers say dogs actually have a pretty good sense of what we’re thinking
Breed Does Not Equal Behaviour
A study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behaviour
Does It Matter Where I Walk My Dog?
We delve into the age-old debate
Why Breed Standards Don’t Work
Breeders, judges and historians talk about breed standards – learn how they’re supposed to work and why they don’t
Why Does My Dog Drink So Much Water?
Save some for later, hun!
Do Dogs Think About the Past?
Yep, your dog remembers that you didn’t take them out for a walk yesterday
We already knew our pups were smart – and this study confirms it
Is That... Stress Your Dog Smells?
A study finds that your pup can tell – er, smell – when you’ve been doom-scrolling
You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call
It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans
This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners
Beyond the fact that they’re your biggest admirer
“A PAD can be life-changing – and even life saving”
And they all say the same simple thing…
The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true
You won’t live with a rambunctious goofy teenager forever
Your pup doesn’t actually feel bad about eating your pizza
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Around?
All the reasons dogs go everywhere we go
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest of them all?
And should you be worried?
I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?
What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?
Do Dogs Understand Our Words?
Say what? A look at the types of words that dogs understand
At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done?
Why Do Dogs Sneeze When They Play?
It’s adorable, but there are actual reasons behind the behaviour
Will My New Dog Ever Love Me?
What to do when you don’t feel the close bond you want
Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality
A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal
A study found that dogs can process numbers in a similar fashion to their humans
How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
It’ll make life easier for both of you – eventually
Meeting your new partner’s pet is an honour – winning them over is another story. Here are some tips for being friends with your significant other’s best animal pal
How many kisses is too many kisses?
Are You a Helicopter Dog Parent?
It’s normal to worry – but your pup might also need some space
And why stress could be to blame
Can Dogs Sleep With Their Eyes Open?
Dogs: they’re not just like us
You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward
Two trainers advocate against using these devices – here’s why
Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted
Leaving your dog alone at home can be guilt-inducing... but it doesn’t have to be
Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside
Why Do Dogs Lie on Your Feet?
Not that anyone’s complaining...
Here‘s how your dog’s ears can clue you into how they’re feeling
Time to whip out The Notebook for a doggy movie night
How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation
The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Here’s what you can do
If you’re considering applying for an assistance dog, or you have a dog that assists you in your daily life, here’s everything you need to know
If only there were a dog version of University Challenge
It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all
There are plenty of ways to spice them up
Boundaries, right? But if they end up sleeping in your bed, that’s cool
Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted
What to expect in the first three days, three weeks and three months
The more the merrier – except when it’s not
7 Weird Dog Behaviours Explained
Chasing their tails, eating grass and rolling in rubbish – should you worry?
Seven signs your pup and their pal have BFF potential
How to make sense of all those grunts and whines
A ‘sniffari’ gives your dog a chance to be the boss
Prey Drive in Dogs: Fact or Fiction?
Is the term ‘prey drive’ correct terminology or meaningless jargon?
Decoding Your Dog’s Growls
When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll probably be able to understand what they’re feeling
Are Laser Pointers Bad for Dogs?
Learn why these red beams of light are bad for dogs
Is Your Puppy Sleeping Enough?
Four signs your puppy is ready for a nap
Why Do Dogs Bark in the Car?
What to do when your dog barks at everything from other cars to people
How to Speak ‘Dog’
Lili Chin’s book, Doggie Language, illustrates how dogs communicate – beyond ear perks and tail wags
There’s a difference between being affectionate and being annoying
This has nothing to do with a werewolf named Jacob in a series called Twilight, but here’s what it is all about
How to teach your pup to play nice
Turns Out Dogs Can... Smell Time
There’s no time like the present, according to your pet
Also called the ‘propeller wag’ or ‘helicopter tail’, this behaviour is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy
Why Does My Dog Chew On Blankets?
A (seemingly) unstoppable nibbling obsession with all the blankets
How Deep Is the Love For Our Dogs?
The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legends
Expert solutions for your pup’s flatulence
After a Fight, Do Dogs Forgive?
Studies have shown why some dogs choose to be friendly after a fight
Animal behaviourist Dr Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond
Baby Face: The Allure of Cute Dogs
Kindchenschema might explain why pet parents anthropomorphise their cuddly companions
Research says your dog is as special and perfect as you tell them they are
‘Piloerection’ Is Not a Dirty Word
Weirdly, this is what it’s called when your dog raises their hackles. And here’s why they do it...
Dog trainer Emma Bowdrey helps explain this common canine behaviour
Advice on how to deal with your dog’s humping habit
Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play
Turns out, the teenage years aren’t just tough for humans – they can be rough on dogs, too
There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog – for both of you
What Are You Smiling At?
There’s a big difference between a dog smiling and showing their teeth
7 Weird Dog Behaviours Explained
Chasing their tails, eating grass and rolling in rubbish – should you worry?
Get out the toys and puzzles
The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems
Boost your dog smarts with these cool facts
What Dogs See When They Watch TV
Can your dog really see what you see when they watch TV?
Do Dogs Grieve When Other Dogs Die?
A new study confirms our pets can have heartbreaking reactions to the loss of a canine companion
If hypothyroidism is to blame, it’s best not to let sleeping dogs lie
Do English Bulldogs Face Extinction?
One of the most popular breeds in the world is also one of the least genetically diverse, causing huge implications for the breed
Do Small Dogs Wee More Often?
Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs
A fascination with lights and shadows is common in high-energy dogs – but it can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder if it gets out of hand
To pet parents, a whimpering dog sounds as sad as a crying baby. Here’s why
How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night
Two animal behaviour experts agree that it’s usually play fighting. Here’s how you can tell
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
When to worry about your pup’s grass consumption (and when it’s not a problem)
If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease. Here’s everything you need to know
If one hand isn’t stroking a furry dog belly, what are you doing?
Why Dogs Demand Bum Scratches
When your dog looks back at its bum, you know what to do
Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk
Paging Dr Doggo
Your pup may know you’re sick before you do
Is Your Dog Sad?
Or are they just peacefully resting? Behaviourist Karen London explains how to tell the difference
Dog Speak: The Sounds of Dogs
Decoding the many sounds your pup makes
Crotch Sniffing: Crude Or Customary?
Is it time to teach your dog some boundaries?
They can’t take in as many colours as you can, but their world isn’t just black and white
World-renowned behaviourist Patricia McConnell explains
Apparently even experts have a hard time defining these terms
The sentiment is nice, but...
Animal behaviourist Karen B London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting
Humping. Why, Though?!
Animal behaviourists weigh in on what’s behind all this bumping and grinding
There’s no winning this argument, but here’s what you should know about parenting each perfect pet
6 Things to Know About Dog Zoomies
Not counting how fun they are to watch
Noise Sensitivity and Pain in Dogs
Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super-sensitive to sounds
Dogs need more sleep than humans. Here’s how much is healthy
Their toes might smell like Monster Munch, but there’s no way they taste that good
We all have our talents
Does Your Dog Hate Citrus?
It’s the one food most dogs can't stand. Here’s why – plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage
No need to panic, but keep that video you took in case a vet needs to see it
What’s behind the desire to burrow and is it safe?
If your dog zones out under tree branches or dangling cloth, they might have Trance-like Syndrome
How to help a howling dog turn down the volume (or even hit the off button)
Is your dog showing empathy? Or just plain annoyance?
There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you’d think
Are Gamer Dogs On the Horizon?
Don’t just assume that your dog’s golden years should be spent quietly relaxing – they could be gaming
Trust me, I’m a dog trainer
Six animal behaviourists share pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog
Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.
Why Is Your Puppy Such a Shy Guy?
It actually has a lot to do with genetics.
Remember, dogs have more than one emotion
How the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin connects us with our pups
Spice Girls reference aside, just because your dog is graying around the eyes doesn’t mean those eyes don’t light up at playtime.
“No touch-y!”
A psychologist explains how stimulating scents can influence a dog’s behaviour
Boundaries, folks. Boundaries
Not all fearful dogs have been mistreated.
Despite plenty of reasons to get mad, an animal behaviorist says dogs rarely express real anger.
What Is a Pit Bull, Exactly?
Everything you need to know about the five breeds dubbed “Pit Bulls.”
How Dogs React to Pregnant Women
Why pups' behavior may change when you’re expecting.
Enrich your dog’s life by doing what comes naturally.
Help! Should I take my young dog to the dog park for “socialization”?
But first, how to spot the early signs of hearing loss.
How to tell the difference between dog aggression and communication.
Tips on helping a dog deal with their daily stress.
Rainy day? These activities will keep your dog (and you!) from going stir crazy.
In case you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a dog society.
What’s the Point?
Studies explain dogs’ ability to follow gestures.
Your dog’s keen sense of smell isn’t the only clue.
From puppy to partner, guide dogs are a special breed.
Your Dog is Smarter Than You Think
Dogs have the ability to understand much more complex things than you give them credit for.