Ireland is an incredible place. From the metropolitan cities to the open landscapes, it’s always been one of my favorite regions to visit. I spent some of the most memorable days of my childhood there, messing about in boats and chatting with the friendly locals. Irish dog names are a lovely way to give a …

The Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is a designer dog that has been around for a lot longer than that term has been popular. They are almost the antithesis to the modern trend for hybridization, combined historically by gamekeepers wanting an all purpose hunting and retrieving companion for long days out in the fields. And these …

I used to put myself under an insane amount of pressure when I named new pets. And puppies were the worst. Well, obviously, no, puppies are the best. But the weight of the world can feel on your shoulders when making such an important decision. But slow down, it’s not actually such a struggle when …

Dog names that start with D are fabulous choices for people like us who love a bit of alliteration. Doug, Dana, Darrell or Denise the dog? Denver, Driscoll, Doc or Dodo the dog? Using the first letter to launch your puppy name search makes so much sense, and it’s a trick I use for plenty …

There is no shame in realising you can’t afford to keep your dog, and looking for a safe and ethical way to give them the life you aren’t able to right now. Price rises, income drops, medical bills and job losses feel like they’re rife at the moment. No one brings a pet into their …

I grew up with Jack Russell Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. My rural homelife brought into stark contrast the ways in which these breeds have very different personalities, and jobs to do. When working our Labs sat beside pegs, or retrieved over long distances. They were patient, confident and focussed. The Terriers scrapped through the undergrowth. …

Sharing is caring right? Well not always. There are plenty of human foods that are not good for dogs, and some that are positively dangerous.  The internet is awash with articles entitled: “can dogs eat (insert the food of your choice here)”. From the everyday to the bizarre it seems that we are driven to …

Country dog names come in two general categories – those inspired by the country music industry, and those that give a nod to deep South ranch life. These ideas really lend themselves to puppy names, because the associated words tend to have clearly enunciated letters, and stand distinctively apart from your usual doggy commands. Dog …

The best puppy toys for Labs and other large breed dogs have to be really tough to last more than a few weeks. Good puppy toys are not cheap, and most puppies are very hard on their toys. Puppies like to chew on materials with different textures so you’ll need to buy several different types …

The best homemade dog shampoo will keep your dog’s coat fresh, skin in top condition, and your bank balance in the green. A DIY dog shampoo is a great way to avoid abrasive or potentially irritant ingredients. Homemade dog shampoo recipes make up lovely organic, natural, and wholesome coat care solutions. Why Should I Use …

The white Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix dog, with a chalky coat. White Labradoodle puppies inherit their snowy fur from the Poodle parent. This coat color isn’t caused by the albinism gene, and your pale Labradoodle puppy will have dark irises, eye rims and claws. White Coats and Important Jobs? The Labradoodle …

Labs and Rottweilers are both high energy breeds that need plenty of exercise and thorough training. If you are not sure which breed will suit your family best, then the most important factor for you is going to be temperament. Differences in coat, color and size are likely to be a lesser consideration. I’m not …

I’ve always gravitated towards Southern culture. And not just because I’m obsessed with the music. Insanely high levels of hospitality, perfect manners and unique food just scratch the surface of the great South. The best Southern dog names give a shout out to our favorite region. From epic singers to stunning locations, rural ranch work …

P is the perfect first letter for a puppy’s name. That’s because P dog names begin with a hard, distinctive sound that will help to catch your pup’s attention. It’s not the first letter of any common canine commands, and yet it isn’t over used or too popular either as a dog name starter either. …

I was once accused of being cruel for running with my Labrador. That’s right, the claim was totally sincere. My companion announced that running deprives dogs of sniffing opportunities, and chances for a casual doggy chat with other curious canines. And was therefore deeply, fundamentally unkind. Honestly, I couldn’t have disagreed more. A tricky situation …

I love dog names that have an official slant to them. Something short, snappy, formal and tough in tone. Chief, Sarge, Sabre. Dao, Glaive or Marshal. Military dog names range from popular weapons to battles, vehicles and even through the ranks. Whether you are a military history buff or a modern tactician fan, dog names …

The Terrier is a feisty dog with a diverse history full of digging, chasing, rushing about and working in a gang. Depending on their modern purpose, they can also be extremely loyal and protective too. The Labrador Retriever, whilst it has split into two types in modern times, is a rather more reliable character. Outgoing, …

Being unique is not an impossible dream. But truly creative dog names don’t come from your standard quirky baby naming books. They have origins in something else. Unique dog names have a basis in the extraordinary or unusual. The only way to truly individually name your pet is to start from a premise that other …

The Springador is a medium sized, energetic, mixed breed dog. It’s a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an English Springer Spaniel. The Springador will often have a black or brown coat with some white markings and the ones I have known have all had a friendly, outgoing nature.   Contents In the UK Springadors are …

There is no doubt that Whippets and Labradors are two of the very best pet dogs you can find. Labradors will always have my heart, but Whippets are a close second. I’ve grown up with the loyal, dependable Labrador Retriever. They are intelligent, focussed, and loyal to a demanding fault. Whippets are less clever, harder …

Heidi, Howard, Hank. Horacio, Henny or Hopscotch. Whether it’s for a boy or girl, dog names that start with H are the best choices for puppy naming because they are so varied! It’s one of those letters that encompasses words with a broad range of ideas, thoughts and feelings. Whether you’re in love with hardcore …

Gretel, Gabe, Gloria. Giggles, Gabby or Goal. The letter G has huge appeal when it comes to naming your puppy, because it’s not an overused member of the alphabet. Dog names that start with G do include some classics, like Grace, George, Gabriel and Grayson, don’t get me wrong. But they also allow you to …

Chocolate poisoning in dogs is not uncommon. Yet not every dog will be poisoned by eating chocolate. This often leads to confusion. I’m going to explain why some dogs suffer ill effects from eating chocolate while others do not, and why I never give chocolate to my own dogs, under any circumstances.  Contents Why Can’t …

LIMA dog training stands for ‘Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive’ dog training. So it’s not a specific method or protocol, but rather an over-arching philosophy, which you can apply to every training situation. Many professional dog trainers, including all those affiliated with the CCPDT and the APDT, commit to training in accordance with LIMA principles. And …

The iconic Blue Heeler is a stocky, driven and a vigorously zealous cattle driving partner. The Labrador Retriever was also born and bred for work in the field, but their hunting role required more patience and less pizazz. It’s therefore no surprise that the Blue Heeler Lab mix, fondly known as the Labraheeler, is a …

I don’t know about you, but my dogs’ main recall cue is their name. They are whistle trained too, for when the command inevitably gets ruined by my kids calling them repeatedly, but each dog’s name is still the everyday go-to for getting them to come running. Short, snappy, individually sculpted 1 syllable dog names …

A rash on the groin is a sensitive and uncomfortable matter for our dogs! Dogs can experience the same skin problems on their undercarriage that they suffer anywhere else on their body. Rashes can be brought on by bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, allergies, or atopic dermatitis. Groin rashes can be difficult to treat because …

Black nails on a dog are completely normal for some pets. Dogs with solid black coats almost always have black nails. And surprisingly, so do lots of white dogs! It’s also possible for one dog to have a mix of black nails and clear nails on different toes. Dogs’ nails don’t usually change color unless …

Whether you own a heavy shedding Labrador, or a tiny short-coated Italian Greyhound, if you live with a pup, you’ll need to learn how to get dog hair out of carpet. Dog hair sheds so that new hairs can take their place. This maintains the quality of their coat, and also makes seasonal changes possible …

Why do dogs hate cats? Dogs’ hatred of cats is legendary. Indeed, my own dog loudly chases cats out of our yard the moment he sets eyes on them. But surveys of people with pet cats and dogs living under the roof suggest that most of them live together very harmoniously. What’s more, when dogs …