Here's why: Physical Health: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and supports overall physical development. It also helps to prevent health issues such as obesity and joint problems. Mental Stimulation: As an owner, you play a crucial role in providing your dog with the freedom and exercise it needs. These opportunities [...] The post Freedom and exercise are vital for a dog’s growth and happiness appeared first on The Dog Man ..read more

As I journey around, I often contemplate the similarities between the well-behaved nature of people experiencing homelessness and that of their dogs. As a dog trainer and behaviourist, I can't help but ponder the reasons behind this unique relationship and lifestyle. Picture was kindly given by João Saplak - photography Their dog is more [...] The post For many homeless, their dog is more than just a pet appeared first on The Dog Man ..read more

Freedom and exercise are crucial for the development and well-being of any dog for several reasons: Physical Health: Regular exercise, such as brisk walks, interactive play sessions, and agility training, helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and supports overall physical development. It also helps to prevent health issues such as obesity and joint problems. Mental Stimulation: Freedom and exercise provide essential mental stimulation. For example, allowing your dog to explore new environments, play with interactive toys that require problem-solving, or learn new tri ..read more

As a dog owner, it’s important to remember that your canine friend’s health and well-being are in your hands. Regular exercise is a crucial component of their overall health, and it’s up to you to provide them with the physical outlet they need to stay healthy and happy. Not only does exercise prevent health problems, but it also improves their mental state and helps them avoid unwanted behaviours. Summer is here, and the UK is a great place to spend time with your dog. Plenty of dog-friendly activities, from pubs and cafes that welcome your furry friend to green spaces perfect for playing ca ..read more

What is impulse control?  Dogs are just like humans, and their impulses to do things are like ours! Dogs’ urges to get out the front door or out of the car often override any sense of safety or comfort for themselves and the people nearby. Owners must teach their dogs impulse control using focus training, a method that involves redirecting the dog’s attention to a specific task or command. This is a life skill every dog needs to learn. Dogs need more focus… It’s not just your dog. It’s a common trait among our canine friends to be too pushy and impatient. They love jumping up and over, g ..read more

Can my dog understand me? Have you ever thought about what is occurring behind those loveable dogs’ eyes, slobbery grins and wet noses? Do you ever think your dog understands what you are saying? According to Craig The Dog Man, your dog does understand you. From three decades of experience, he has found that dogs make eye contact and listen for prompts from their owners, similar to a very young child. Have you ever noticed that endearing head tilt that your dog sometimes does when you are talking to him? That head tilt may mean he understands your facial expressions and nonverbal signals. Dog ..read more

CONSTANT barking can be difficult to cope with – even for the most patient dog owners.  It’s easy to say that it is best to ignore such behaviour because incessant noise can drive us all to the edge. However, did you know that yelling and shouting can reinforce the bad habits you want to eradicate? That’s because you reward your puppy or dog with attention when you should address the problem instead.  Causes of constant barking  There can be many reasons why your dog makes a racket.  For a start, particular breeds (Beagles and German Shepherds, to name a few) have been del ..read more

The concept is that owners can let their dogs off-lead in an enclosed field without worrying about their dogs’ reaction to other people, livestock or wildlife or even not coming back. It also gives owners an area to train their dogs and further reinforce their training, like recall, without worrying about escape or getting into bother. Rural setting with a secure off-lead exercising area. Customers can book a slot online, typically 50 minutes, so they have exclusive use of the field during that time. They receive a code to allow them to unlock the gate and prevent unwanted visitors. One o ..read more

The Dog Gone Good Rapid Reward treat bag is, without a doubt, THE BEST treat bag I’ve used during my long service in dog training and professional handling.  The features are: The main pocket has an excellent magnetic shut which is easy to open with your index finger and shut with a flat palm.  The pocket liner is rigid enough that food doesn’t get into creases. A smaller rear pocket inside closes with velcro for jackpot rewards for those that rely on high-value food. Two small pockets on the sides can hold a Starmark Pro trainer clicker. If you can press the Clicker while still in ..read more

Playing is not an add-on.  Many owners, unfortunately, overlook a dog’s welfare and well-being. It is a key area and needs to be taken more seriously. Playing is crucial to mental health. This seems obvious, but from Craig’s experience, owners must play correctly with their puppy or dog. Another dimension. I would be devastated and concerned if I had a 4-year-old child that didn’t play or interact. As a parent, you would do everything to try and resolve the problem. Play is crucial in development. It is a way of learning. Importantly for our dogs, it is an important expression, including ..read more