Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Your Dog

Till death did them part Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 – 1587) adored her dogs, and during her 18-year imprisonment, they became her closest companions. After her botched and grisly execution, a blood-soaked and terrified little dog was discovered cowering beneath her skirts. The dog had to be forcibly dragged away from the body and secreted away by one of Mary’s ladies, as instructions had been given that anything soiled with Mary’s blood had to be burned. The dog was bathed to remove telltale stains, but sadly caught a chill and died. Music to a dog’s ears Canines are discerning listeners when it comes to music. Research conducted by universities in Belfast and in the US revealed that dogs were soothed by classical music (with Bach coming out tops), were…

Dog walker Nicci Hindson from Newark in Nottinghamshire is living her dream life, thanks to a red and white Border Collie called Elsa. On listening to Nicci’s story, it’s easy to see that destiny played a huge role in bringing this pair together, creating a partnership that was always meant to be. With six Crufts heelwork to music titles to their name, they are poetry in motion to watch, with a bond that is unbreakable. Q: Is Elsa your first dog? A: No, she’s my third dog. Years ago, I saw legendary heelwork to music handler, Mary Ray, work four red Border Collies together at Crufts in a spotlight performance. I remember watching in awe and thinking, that’s what I want to do! I borrowed a few dogs at first,…

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Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) is a general term that incorporates a lot of different atypical behaviours. These out of the ordinary actions are often repetitive and out of context, for example a dog chasing his tail. There is a long list of activities that can be classed as compulsive actions in dogs. As well as tail chasing, these include: • Chasing shadows or reflections Sucking or licking themselves continually • Sucking or licking furniture or flooring • Snappping at imaginary flies • Persistent barking • Pacing and spinning • Pica – eating inedible objects like stones • Toy or object fixation • Polyphagia or polydipsia (eating or drinking obsessively) • Hallucinations (seeming to stare into space or having bouts of sudden fearfulness with no known cause) CCD can occur due…

Establishing good habits early When you first bring your puppy home, assume that he has no understanding of where he should or shouldn’t toilet. Everything is new to him… the house, the smells, the people. Toileting is simply something he does whenever and wherever the urge takes him. Your job is to build strong habits from day one. That means taking your puppy outside regularly, ideally every 20-30 minutes during the early stages, and especially at predictable times, such as: • Immediately after waking from a nap or night-time sleep • Straight after eating or drinking (puppies often need to go within minutes) • After play, which can stimulate the bladder • Whenever he becomes restless, starts sniffing the floor, circles, or wanders off… these are early signs he needs…

Dominating the skyline of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat is one of the most dramatic city parks in Britain. It’s a rugged, ancient volcano (that erupted approximately 340 million years ago) offering wide-open space, breathtaking views, and some of Scotland’s best urban dog walks. Rising 251 metres above sea level, the summit forms the high point of Holyrood Park, a 650-acre expanse of wild grassland, crags, and lochs on the edge of the capital. Though it feels like the Highlands, it’s just a short stroll from the Royal Mile. For dogs and owners, it’s a great place to explore. Follow the trails through meadows alive with birdsong, past rocky outcrops and up towards sweeping panoramas of the city. The main paths can be steep in places, but there are gentler loops around…

The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) warns of the dangers posed by smugglers when buying pets online, with more than 400 adverts found to include red flags. PAAG has introduced a set of advertising standards, allowing websites to register and giving potential adopters greater assurance of pet welfare. All participating websites make an annual declaration to commit to upholding these standards and to learn from yearly moderation, helping to improve the welfare of animals for sale on their sites. • The main standards breached in 2025 were: • The requirement to include a recognisable photo of young animals with their mother • The inclusion of a clear and accurate photo of the animal • Clear ‘for sale’ listing information To help buyers spot an advert that could be a scam,…

To mark the occasion, The Kennel Club commissioned a special ‘21-dog salute’ outside Windsor Castle, featuring a host of the UK’s most loved, celebrated and vulnerable dog breeds including a few familiar faces. For the first time in its 150-year history, the organisation is also expanding its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs in the UK, marking the most significant transformation in its history. Central to this evolution is the launch of the UK’s largestever Dog Census, the reinvention of Crufts as a year-round community for dog lovers and owners, and the extension of the RKC’s renowned health programmes to benefit every dog. A census for every dog in Britain The RKC is inviting every dog owner in Britain, regardless of breed, to take part in the UK’s largest-ever…

We spend time, money, and love making sure our dogs have the best food, the safest toys, enriching walks, grooming sessions, and regular vet checks. But there’s one essential that often slips under the radar… sleep. Not just napping, but deep, restorative, undisturbed sleep that keeps your dog healthy, happy, and emotionally balanced. Sleep affects every system in a dog’s body: brain, lungs, heart, immune system, metabolism, mood, behaviour, and learning. Without enough of it, even the best cared for dog can struggle. How much sleep do dogs need? Most pet dogs sleep 12–14 hours in every 24-hour cycle. But there’s no one-size-fitsall formula. ◼ Puppies often need 18–20 hours. Growing is exhausting! ◼ Senior dogs also need more downtime ◼ Large breeds are natural snoozers ◼ Working dogs sleep…

Originally developed in America, the sport quickly gained popularity across Europe before reaching British shores and, in 2017, Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK) was established as the official governing body. Today, hoopers has become one of the most accessible ways to enjoy training, teamwork, and competition with your dog. At first glance, hoopers looks a little like agility, but with one major difference: there are no jumps. Instead, dogs run through a series of ground-level hoops, weaving their way around a flowing course that may also include tunnels and barrels, depending on the class. This simple change (removing impact) makes hoopers suitable for an extraordinary range of dogs. Puppies whose joints are still developing, senior dogs who may no longer be comfortable jumping, and dogs recovering from injury can all take…

The reactive label The label ‘reactive’ tends to be an umbrella term thrown around in dog training. Firstly, let’s clarify what the word reactive implies. These two dictionary meanings are useful: ‘Showing a response to a stimulus’ and ‘Acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it’. In terms of what it looks like, your dog may be scared and display barking, lunging, or biting behaviours. He could also be frustrated and overaroused, straining to get to another dog. Whatever the cause, it can be tough to live with. Catch-22 Many of you might feel you cannot let your dog off lead safely; you are acting responsibly. However, this then leads to a whole new set of problems where you need to navigate other dogs, or people,…

“Big, beautiful and very lovable. St Bernards have big hearts, and are calm, caring, and courageous. Did we mention big?”James Buzzel, editor A little bit of history… The St Bernard’s story begins in the eighteenth century, high in the Swiss Alps, where monks at a remote hospice bred powerful dogs to help rescue travellers lost in snow and storms. Records from 1774 show these dogs were already being used for search and rescue. Their fame spread quickly. For a time they were known as Good Samaritan Dogs, celebrated for their ability to locate stranded travellers and lead them to safety. It’s estimated that more than 2,000 lives have been saved by St Bernards over the centuries. One remarkable dog, Bamse, became a wartime hero. Serving aboard a Norwegian minesweeper during…

1 Lovelock Bridge, Bakewell Lovelock bridge, by name only now, has banned the tradition of locking padlocks to the bridge and has even since widened the bars to discourage the tradition. But the town of Bakewell itself hosts several dog-friendly pubs and cafés that would pad out a romantic getaway, also providing a respite if the weather were to sour. Coupled with level paths that surround the town and countryside, this romantic and gorgeous Derbyshire spot would top my personal recommendations. 2 Rhossili, Gower With sweeping coastal views and dramatic cliffs, there is something beautifully intense about this coastline. It also offers a vast, sandy and fully dog-friendly beach, with designated off-lead play areas for your furry companions. The area boasts several routes, including a popular three-mile circular walk that…

Fen Farm Caravan Site offers a peaceful, rural escape surrounded by nature. A path leads directly to a dog-friendly beach, and at low tide you can walk along the shore from the site into Cudmore Grove Country Park, home to abundant wildlife and extensive trails. On site, there are dedicated dog walks including a wildflower and conservation area. Pitches with electric hook-up are available, and dogs stay free of charge (up to three per pitch). Facilities include toilets, showers, a washing-up area, laundry room, a family shower room, and wheelchair-accessible toilet and shower. Why Dogs Love It • Direct access to a dog-friendly beach • On-site dog walks with wildflower and conservation areas • Easy walking routes to Cudmore Grove Country Park • Dogs stay free (maximum three per pitch)…

Henry Wag launches new adventure-ready waterproof Henry Wag has officially launched a brand-new colour in its bestselling Waterproof Coat range. Designed for dogs who refuse to let cold snaps or sudden downpours slow them down, the coat combines a water-resistant outer and soft fleece lining to keep dogs warm, dry and visible in wintry weather. Grant Rogers, CEO of 3P Enterprise Ltd, said: “Customers have loved our Blue Waterproof Coat from day one. Red has been one of our most requested colours and we’re delighted to expand the range.” Founded in the Forest of Dean, Henry Wag is known for a host of outdoor pet products. Officially dubbed the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, the legislation aims to restrict smugglers from mass importing pets for sale.…

As freezing temperatures hit parts of the UK, Dogs Trust is warning that rock salt and grit, often used on roads and pavements at this time of year, could cause health issues in our canine companions. Charlie Dobson, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, says: “Many dogs love to walk, regardless of the weather. But winter brings with it some hidden dangers for dogs. Grit can have a host of effects, including issues with paw pads, and if ingested, can lead to salt poisoning, which often induces vomiting or diarrhoea.” The most common symptoms of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, tremors and seizures. “Antifreeze is also extremely dangerous for dogs, and other pets, because even a small amount can lead to serious, often fatal, health issues. Unfortunately, because…

Let’s be honest - choosing dog food can feel impossibly complicated. Nearly seven in ten pet parents admit they struggle to decide what’s best for their dog*. Unclear labels, confusing claims, and endless options can turn a simple decision into a source of stress. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Arden Grange, the trusted British brand with three decades of expertise in natural pet nutrition, has just unveiled its new pack designs - and it’s all about making life easier for you and healthier for your dog. A Bold New Look, Built Around You Arden Grange’s refreshed packaging across its Daily and Advanced nutrition ranges has been redesigned with one goal in mind: to help you make the right choice, faster. The new design makes it easier to…

For most people and dogs, weight loss is as simple as portion control, reducing the high-calorie snacks, and taking a bit more exercise. But is it always that simple? The short answer is no, at least not for some of my patients. The first thing I always do with an overweight pet is ask owners to keep an honest food and exercise diary. It’s important everyone who cares for and may feed the dog is on board. In one case the food diary revealed that everyone was feeding the dog, a rather rotund Jack Russell, his bedtime biscuit! Instead of one milk bone, he was getting five or six a night! We introduced a pill organiser with his weekly bedtime treat in and he soon dropped down to a healthier…

Your dog relies on you to notice when something feels wrong, and the mouth is one of the easiest places to spot early signs of illness. Dental and gum disease can develop quietly, long before your dog shows discomfort, so regular checks are essential. Start by gently holding your dog’s lower jaw with one hand, and use the other to lift both the upper and lower lips. Look closely along the teeth and gums on each side of the mouth. When your dog is relaxed, open his mouth and inspect as much as you can of the inner cheeks, gumline, and tongue. Keeping these checks short and calm helps build trust and prevents stress. Gums Healthy gums should be moist and salmon pink. To test circulation, press the tip of…

If you want to try a camping holiday with your dogs, what sort of challenges might you have to plan for? If you are towing a caravan, legally your dogs should not be in it, but should travel in the car. If you need to pause your journey to give the dogs a toilet break, a lay-by with traffic whizzing by is not a safe option, so you need to plan for this, as you will need a lot more space than if you were not towing. Many camping sites that accept dogs may only allow two per booking, so if you have more dogs, you need to check in advance if the site will accept this. There is a difference between dog-friendly and dog-tolerant; some sites are better equipped…

Hankley Common is a large expanse of heathland and woodland, owned by the Ministry of Defence and managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. This unique habitat supports a wide range of wildlife, including deer, tiger beetles, and breeding birds such as nightjars and the Dartford warbler. Dog owners must remain mindful of wildlife, especially during nesting season. The common also boasts a fascinating history. In 1943, Canadian troops built a replica of the German Atlantic Wall here, used as a major Second World War training aid. Constructed with concrete, steel rods, and wire, sections of it still stand today. The landscape is wonderfully varied, ranging from soft sandy trails to wide gravel paths, forest tracks, and high viewpoints that look across the heath. With so many intersecting routes, you can create…