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What is my dog thinking?

Inside the canine mindAs a dog owner, you don’t have to be told your dog has an interesting inner life. Sometimes he even seems to know you better than some family members. You’d love to know what he’s thinking about when he’s dreaming, or when he looks at you with those big brown eyes. But how do you know what he’s thinking, or whether it’s just you projecting human emotions onto your pooch? We look at some common scenarios to help you better understand how your pup thinks and fee...

Why you should be using hand signals for your pooch

The benefits of dog hand signals Humans and their pets speak different languages. So how do we overcome this hurdle? With the language your dog understands best: body language. It’s not that your pooch doesn’t understand a word you say. The average dog can understand 165 words, and the record is held by an American border collie named Chaser, who knows more than 1000 words. So why use dog hand signals? Here are five reasons why hand signals beat verbal commands: 1. Your pup will respond bett...

Should you leave your dog at home?

When leaving your pup at home, you want them to feel comfy and secure ‒ not anxious and tearing up the place. Here are some tips for making their stay at home comfy and productive, without any damage to your home or their emotions. ...

5 common myths about dog breeds

Chihuahuas are universally associated with a yappy bark. Some people also have the idea that all small dog breeds yap a lot. This simply isn’t true. When properly socialised and trained, any small dog, including chihuahua, will learn acceptable behaviour. Remember to always be patient with your chihuahua. This breed doesn’t like being rough-handled and might be wary of strangers at first ‒ that’s because chihuahuas are fiercely protective of their owners. ...

When dogs provide a vital service

As dog owners, we know dogs can often sense our emotions or needs – sometimes even before we do. It’s no wonder, then, that therapy dogs are popular for a wide variety of people who need assistance and companionship. We have some stories about man’s best friend that will truly warm your heart. ...

Wet weather fun for your pup

When it’s raining outside, you might be at a loss for how to keep your pup entertained, engaged and exercised. Don’t worry – here are some fun ideas.Dogs thrive on exercise that provides both mental and physical stimulation, and tug of war is a great example of this type of exercise. All you need is a tough rope and some ground rules, like ending the game when her teeth touch your hand. Experts say dogs that play tug of war increases dogs’ confidence and also makes them more obedient. Yo...

5 Auckland dog parks to enjoy this month

A good exercise routine for your dog involves physical as well as mental stimulation. Exploring a new track is a great way for your pooch to get both. So if you and your furry friend are looking for walks around Auckland, here are some of the best dog parks in the city. 1. Waiatarua Reserve, Meadowbank Open 24 hours a day. If you love bird watching, wetlands and getting away from it all, this dog park is for you. Waiatarua Reserve truly makes you feel you’re far away from the city, with shady...

Beach etiquette for dogs

When it comes to sharing the beach with people and their pets, it’s good to keep some doggie etiquette rules in mind. Here are some tips for keeping beach trips fun for everyone. 1. Check out the rules Do dogs have to be on a leash? Are they only allowed on certain areas of the beach? It’s always best to read up on the rules before you and your pup head to the beach. 2. Keep an eye on your dog Dogs can get exuberant once they’re off their leash. But dogs running up to people and bowling t...

Camping with your dog 101

Tent? Check. Clothes? Check. Bug spray? Check. Food? Check. A canine first aid kit? What’s that? Don’t stress if you don’t know - we’re here to help you tick all your boxes on your camping canine checklist. ...

Top tips for traveling with your dog

Tis the season of holidays and road trips, but before you head out camping with your dog, you’ve got to make sure you're traveling safe! Whether your pup likes riding with his head out the window, or chilling in the backseat, it’s important to think of safety first. Here are a few top tips for pet travel... ...

How much exercise does my dog need?

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Keep your dog safe during the holidays

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Keep the spirit with these doggy gifts

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Dog grooming for a perfect coat

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How to stop your dog barking

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What to do with a sick dog

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Take the lead with dog walking

When it comes to dog walking and teaching your dog how to behave on a lead, the first thing we would like to talk about is patience. As with any other type of training, it all comes down to how you train your pup. The calmer and rewarding you are, the better chance your dog will pick up the right behaviours more quickly. First things first: learn how to walk your dog on a lead According to dog whisperer, Cesar Millan, walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. If your...

Which dog bed is the best for your pup?

We all love our sleep. It is precious and, sometimes, hard to come by. This is why having the right bed matters -- it means you can enjoy the most out of life. This, of course, trickles down to our furry best friends. Their quality of life is tied directly to where they sleep as they spend a majority of their time sleeping …  must be nice! So how do you choose the best dog bed? It’s much more than just picking small dog beds for small dogs or large dog beds for big dogs. Comfort an...

What’s the best way to adopt a dog?

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Auckland’s best dog-friendly cafes

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A healthy dog diet -- what is it?

Photo courtesy of Georgie Pauwels Dig into these doggy diet tips! A healthy dog diet means a stronger, more energetic pup, and most importantly, more years to spend with your best friend. But when it comes to deciding what to feed our hungry pooches, the information out there can often be overwhelming. From dog food brands marketing “gourmet” and “premium” foods to experts claiming there’s benefits to be gained from a  raw dog food diet, it’s hard to know what’s right for your pu...

Why does my dog bow his head?

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Where should my dog sleep at night?

Pros and cons to letting your dog sleep in your bed Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - and sleeping habits! An average dog will sleep around 14 hours a day. That’s a lot of time spent snoozing! Like humans, it’s important for dogs to get the right amount of sleep to keep them healthy and healthy. So where should your dog sleep at night? ...

How to train your dog to sit

Basic tips to teach your pup an important command When it comes to our pups, they can often be a handful to control. While it’s easy enough to get them running around and fetching, getting them to sit still can be a bit more of a challenge! Teaching your dog how to sit is a great first step in basic dog obedience and is a great way to bond with your pet. There’s nothing scarier than your dog darting onto the road to chase a car. Teaching basic obedience means more opportunity to explore and ...

Struggling with the art of brushing dog teeth?

Our tips help you get the job done while keeping your dog happy First things first: you cannot use a human toothbrush or toothpaste when brushing dog teeth. You must use a proper dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Using the wrong tools can easily put your pup off toothbrushing and could poison your best friend. ...