Table of contents for October 2024 in Your Dog

Welcome to the October issue of Your Dog, where we embrace the changing seasons with a wealth of inspiration and expert advice to ensure you and your dog have the best autumn yet. As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, many of us are starting to think about cosy getaways. This month, Andrea McHugh takes us on a journey through some stunning holiday accommodations perfect for trips with family, friends, and, of course, our beloved dogs. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene retreat or a charming cottage, Andrea’s guide will help you find the ideal spot. For those who love a walk with a view, our short feature on Achnahaird Bay in the Scottish Highlands might make you want to plan a short break up there. Picture yourself…

* Check before travel. DOG-FRIENDLY DAYS AT LINCOLN CASTLE OCTOBER 19-20 Lincoln Castle knows that your furry companions love adventure just as much as you do. Bring your dog along as you explore the castle grounds and take a step back in time with the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison, and Magna Carta. After your historical journey, reward yourselves with a visit to the castle grounds where you can enjoy a takeaway treat—now featuring the new Puppaccinos—for both you and your pup! ● Find out more by visiting www.lincolncastle.com/events RUTLAND PET FESTIVAL, OAKHAM CASTLE OCTOBER 6 Running from 11am – 4pm, Rutland Pet Festival is a great day out for all the family. With a host of pet stalls both inside and outside Oakham Castle, with food and drink stalls…

CRATE EXPECTATIONS A crate is a ‘must-have’ for most new puppy owners as it comes in very handy when house-training, and is also a safe ‘nest’ where your pup can go when they need some peace and quiet. We were sent a Fido Classic crate by Omlet. As well as being a fixture in our kitchen, this crate was portable, which meant we could use it when we went away and also in the car. It folded down flat, and had a handle at the top making lifting and carrying it easy. With its double doors, secure latches and plastic tray, (for accidents), it really was a ‘classic’, no-frills crate. Do be aware that if you intend to use your crate beyond puppyhood, make sure that you get it big…

There are a number of dogs that were bred to excel on the farm due to their intelligence, work ethic and natural herding instincts – from Border Collies to Australian Cattle Dogs – we’ve hand-picked a few of the best below… Border Collie ● Known for their incredible intelligence and work ethic. ● Highly energetic, and excel at herding sheep and other livestock. ● Requires mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Australian Shepherd ● Versatile and hardworking, great for herding sheep, cattle and other livestock. ● Very intelligent and easy to train. ● Energetic and needs plenty of exercise. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) ● Bred for driving cattle over long distances. ● Extremely tough, agile and intelligent. ● Loyal and protective, making them great for farm life. ●…

Steps: 1 Get your dog’s attention: Make sure your dog is calm and focused. You can use their favourite treat to get their attention. 2 Sit command: Start by asking your dog to sit. This provides a stable starting position. 3 Show the treat: Hold the treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it so they know it’s there. 4 Give the command: Say “Shake” in a clear and upbeat tone. 5 Lift their paw: Gently pick up one of your dog’s front paws with your free hand while showing them the treat. 6 Reward immediately: As soon as you lift their paw, praise your dog and give them the treat. This helps them associate the action with the reward. 7 Repeat: Repeat this process several times during…

Gut health is a topic that attracts more attention now than ever before. We are increasingly aware of the health of our own digestive systems and what we can do to support a healthy gut, as much as what might negatively impact on the health and function of our gut. In parallel, knowledge and understanding about canine gut health has increased significantly. Discussions about probiotics, prebiotics, diet types and choices are now standard amongst canine caregivers. Supplements, foods, pills and potions, all claiming to aid gut health, line the shelves of pet shops. But what can we do to help keep our dogs’ guts happy and healthy? Let’s examine how we can promote gut health and explore the world of pro-and prebiotics for our dogs. YOUR DOG’S DIGESTIVE SYSTEM The…

Moving house is reckoned to be one of the most stressful experiences we can have and most of us would agree with that. But it is even more stressful for our dogs, who don’t know what is going on, and so, may feel extremely worried and upset. Here are some ways that we can make things easier for them. The stresses start before the big day, with us packing as many of those items we are taking to the new home, but planning to do without in the short term and getting rid of possessions that we have decided to move on, while dealing with demanding calls from solicitors, surveyors and estate agents, as well as prospective new owners. This is disruptive enough for us, who know what is going…

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR DOG CONTENT EDITORS REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS/EXPERTS ANDREA MCHUGH, JACQUELINE BOYD, JOANNE BEDNALL, TONY CRUSE, TONI SHELBOURNE, TAMSIN DURSTON, VICKY PAYNE, JACKIE DRAKEFORD, HOLLY MASH Your Dog Magazine, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH Call 01778 395070 Email: Editorial@yourdog.co.uk…

OLD LANWARNICK COTTAGES CORNWALL With five luxury dog-friendly holiday cottages and a farmhouse available to rent, Old Lanwarnick Cottages near Liskeard in Cornwall is perfect for a group getaway. Vicky Brown and her husband Matthew bought the business three years ago, and have been busy making it as family and dog-friendly as possible. “We are dog owners and we love dogs, and we wanted them to be really welcome, so we have opened up all of our 34 acres into three secure fields for them to explore,” says Vicky. “Nearly everyone who comes here has a dog, but there is so much space it’s never a problem. We’ve even got an agility course set up for the dogs to try. “Dogs can go anywhere, and we have leather sofas and…

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a South American canid that thrives in a variety of habitats, including savannas, forests, shrublands and grasslands. It is especially prevalent in regions with a mix of open and wooded areas, which provide ample foraging opportunities. This adaptable canid is found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. It prefers areas near water sources, such as rivers and wetlands, where its primary diet of crabs and other aquatic prey is abundant. The fox’s ability to live in diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to dry savannas, highlights its ecological flexibility and resourcefulness. Their distinctive appearance is characterised by their slender, agile body and bushy tail. Typically, it has a grizzled grey to brown coat, which provides effective camouflage in its natural habitat. The fur…

The Irish Setter is one of the most iconic and beloved dog breeds. Known for their stunning mahogany coat and exuberant personality, a friendly nature and boundless energy, they are the perfect blend of beauty and brains. Originating from Ireland, these Gundogs were initially bred for hunting game birds, but their affectionate demeanour and playful spirit have made them popular family pets. More suited to country than town, the Setter loves free gallop and will take plenty of exercise to occupy its mind. They require firm and consistent training, otherwise can be quite a handful. A fast dog who is clean, intelligent and generally loves life. The Irish Setter is also often called the Red Setter (or Madra rua, which means ‘red dog’ in Gaelic) because of his stunning coat. It is said…

Eery dog owner who finds a lump on their pet fears the worst. Cancer is an increasingly common diagnosis in dogs, just as it is in people. In dogs the reasons include increased life expectancy and inherited genetic risks. Neutering can increase the risk of some tumours, but reduce the risk of others. Environmental pollution, processed foods, and preventive medications are also often blamed, but there is currently little research to support these claims. Vets are required to do extra training every year, and one of my favourite ways to meet the 35-hour minimum is to go to a conference. This year I chose BVA Live, which gave me the opportunity to listen to lectures on a wide range of subjects, including oncology. The first oncology lecture was on diagnosing Lymphoma.…

● Name: Charlie (Male) ● Age: 4 ● Rottweiler Charlie, a nearly four-year-old Rottweiler with a heart as big as his paws! His journey hasn’t been an easy one; he was found as an unclaimed stray, leaving his past shrouded in mystery. Despite his rough start, Charlie’s resilient spirit shines through, and he’s now eagerly seeking a loving forever home where he can thrive. Charlie is a quintessential Rottweiler, embodying many of the breed’s wonderful traits. He’s fiercely loyal, forming strong bonds with his human companions. Charlie’s affection knows no bounds, and he’ll shower you with love and devotion every day. He’s a true protector at heart, always keeping a watchful eye over his loved ones. As with any Rottweiler, Charlie requires a dog-savvy home that understands his breed’s unique…

If you find yourself exploring the Scottish Highlands with your dog, Achnahaird Bay is well worth a visit. Located just west of Ullapool on the isolated Coigach Peninsula, it is the biggest beach here and offers stunning views across to the Sgorr Tuath, Beinn an Eoin and Ben More Coigach mountains on a clear day. The beach itself is around a five-minute walk from the car park (which gets full quickly, so best get there early), and is an excellent location for a dog walk. You can enjoy the sandy beach and explore the tidal pools, and your dog can play in the water whilst you can soak up those incredible views of the bay. For an easier walk, it would be advised to stay in the sandy bay, but…

For one small spaniel from Avon and Somerset Police, working as part of a huge international security operation in Paris alongside 150 dog teams, was just another day at the office. PD Hope and her handler, Sergeant Ben Smith, were selected to travel to the French capital to help the Police Nationale provide security in the Olympic Village for nine days ahead of the 2024 Games. Initially, Sgt Smith wasn’t sure how his young English Springer Spaniel x Cocker Spaniel would cope with the pressures and demands of the job, as she only graduated as a fully-fledged explosives detection dog last October (2023). But he needn’t have worried. Hope not only undertook her duties like a seasoned professional, but shone on the world stage, impressing the French police with her diligence…

Post-grooming or bath: After a bath or grooming session, many dogs get the zoomies. This might be due to the relief of being free from the grooming process, or simply because they feel clean and fresh. Playful instincts: Zoomies are also a natural part of a dog’s playful behaviour. Young dogs and puppies, in particular, are more likely to experience these bursts of energy as part of their play. Excitement and happiness: Zoomies can occur when dogs are extremely happy or excited. This could be in response to seeing their favourite person, after a bath or during playtime. Excess energy: Dogs often get the zoomies when they have a lot of excess energy that needs to be burned off. This can happen after being cooped up for a while or…

Here’s your chance to let us know about all your favourite musthave products – in the Your Dog Products Awards 2025. Voting is easy – just complete the entry form online at www.yourdog.co.uk/product-awards, live from 16th September. You can select a product from the shortlist or enter an alternative product in the space provided. Readers who vote will be automatically entered into our prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher and the lucky winner will be picked at random after the closing date for entries of 14th October 2024. DATE FOR THE DIARY 16TH SEPTEMBER Have your say! ● For full terms and conditions, visit www.warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms THERE ARE 16 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES IN THE YOUR DOG PRODUCT AWARDS 2025: ● Best specialist food ● Best dry complete food ● Best wet…

LC: What specific signs and behaviours should owners look for to identify aggression or reactivity? TC: Dogs will display various behaviours from lunging, barking, snapping, biting, cowering, moving away, or just losing their mind and jumping all over someone. I count that as reactivity. It’s generally fight, flight or fool. A dog may growl and lunge – let’s call that the ‘fight’. The dog may cower and back away, let’s call that ‘flight’. The last one, which people don’t tend to address, is a dog may act the fool and jump all over another dog or another person and just not be acting very rationally. This can cause the other person, or the other dog, a lot of distress. It can also lead on to aggression, particularly from the other…

Nobody enjoys having injections. They can be painful and if your dog fears the vet anyway, tensing his body will only make it more so. If you know your dog is wary of vets and has shown concern over injections before, or even if he has never had an injection, preparing your dog means less stress for everyone. We often focus on obedience training like recall, but how much time do you spend teaching him to be comfortable with minor veterinary procedures like injections. Husbandry training can be just as fun and sets your dog up for success at the veterinary practice. There are several types of procedures where your dog may come across a needle: things like vaccinations, antibiotics, or pain relief (Subcutaneous injections), a sedative or pre-med for…