Have you ever caught your dog lounging on the sofa after you swore they knew it was off-limits? It’s easy to wonder: is my dog being sneaky and manipulative, or is there something deeper going on? As a dog trainer, I can tell you that the answer lies in understanding how dogs think and what motivates their actions. Spoiler alert: your dog isn’t plotting world domination—they’re simply showcasing their unique form of intelligence.

As dog owners, it's natural to wonder how our dogs stack up against others. Are they smart? Loyal? Skilled? Often, people turn to canine IQ tests, such as those devised by Stanley Coren (2006), to measure their dog’s intelligence. However, these assessments primarily evaluate how well a dog can perform tasks requested by humans, not necessarily what they’re inherently good at or how they naturally think and learn. So, when we ask, "Is my dog better than yours?" perhaps the real question should be, "Better at what?"

Puberty in dogs generally starts between 6 and 18 months of age, with the average being around 11 months. While male dogs can technically fertilize females as young as 5 months, they don’t become fully fertile until they’ve undergone puberty. Female dogs can’t conceive until they have also reached sexual maturity, which happens during the same timeframe.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioural issues dog owners face, second only to aggression (Bradshaw, 2012). It can be a distressing problem for both dogs and their owners, leading to destructive behaviours and emotional turmoil. Let’s explore what separation anxiety is, how to recognize it, and what steps you can take to help your furry friend feel more secure when left alone.

Have you noticed your dog losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, like playing with toys, eating their favourite treats, or seeking your attention? This could be a sign of "learned helplessness," a condition where a dog shuts down emotionally and behaviourally due to repeated exposure to unpredictable punishment or negative experiences (Lindsay, 2000).

As a dog owner, you know how much your furry friend relies on you for love, care, and guidance. But did you know that your stress levels can directly impact your dog's well-being? Recent studies have shown that there is a strong connection between the stress levels of dogs and their owners, with both experiencing increased cortisol levels during times of stress (Sundman et al., 2019). Understanding this relationship can help you create a healthier, more harmonious environment for both you and your dog.

As a dog owner, you might have heard that the first few weeks of your puppy's life are incredibly important for their social development. But what exactly is this "socialisation period," and why does it matter so much?