Behaviour & Training

The rivalry between cats and dogs is world renowned and many believe that the two species can't get along because they're just too different. Keep reading to discover the reasoning behind why they could distrust each other and find out if it's possible for them to be friends with Purina. The rivalry between cats and dogs is one that’s known around the world. It’s depicted time after time in cartoons and films and you’ve probably heard of the saying ‘they fight like cats and dogs.’ Many believe that the two species can’t get along and that it’s just a simple case of them being too different from one another, as dogs are often exuberant and full of energy, while cats are generally more solitary creatures who prefer peace and quiet. But what’s the actual reason behind the potential battle of the species’, and most importantly, can they ever get along? Keep reading to find out about the possibility of cat and dog friends and discover the reasoning behind why they are thought of as being legendary enemies.

What we often consider attention-seeking dog behaviour is common – and totally natural. Dogs are social animals – and it is what helps them bond so closely to us – and we all want attention from our loved ones. You can see this behaviour in very young puppies - they love playing with their littermates, need the care and attention their mother gives them, and are learning how to interact socially with others – canine and human! This social behaviour – which people can often think of as ‘attention-seeking behaviour’ in dogs is common – and is a totally natural survival mechanism in puppies who rely totally on the care of their mother. Once we take puppies into our lives, we become their family, and it is our attention that they need – so they will try and find ways to build bonds and to get the interactions that they need.

If you’re a dog owner you’re probably familiar with the constant stopping so they can sniff and you’ll likely respond to this by nudging them along – but did you know that sniffing is really important for them? Your dog’s sense of smell is pretty much a super power and their daily sniff routine can help them identify what’s happening in their environment as well as lower their stress levels. Getting out for a walk is one of life’s joys and it gives us a chance to experience all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors - whether on our regular walks or exploring new places. As we soak up these sensory experiences, we often forget that our dogs see the world very differently to us - and while we are looking at the sights, our dog is discovering far more about the area by its smells. So often owners get irritated that while they want to stride off across the countryside or have an active walk around the park to make sure their dog gets their daily exercise, their dog pretty much ignores them while he puts his nose down and ‘just’ sniffs. It’s easy to drag them away thinking they are wasting precious exercise time but that’s purely because we do not have anything even close to a dogs sense of smell, and we don’t understand just how fabulous our dog’s nose is - or that this incredible ability means that unlike us, they see the world in smell-o-vision. While they are sniffing, they are finding out about the area, who lives there, who has passed by recently, and even what kind of mood they are in. All the time they are sniffing, they are processing information about the environment and who and what is in it.

Working dog breeds are canines on a mission. They love nothing more than a job to do and will work tirelessly to get it done. Here is what you can expect if you decide to bring a working dog home. Working breeds are dogs with a job to do and a body ready to work hard at it. But they show off plenty of different characteristics across the group: from agile guarding dogs, to gentle giants and sled dog, also known as the long-distance runners of the canine world. Here is everything you need to know about these beloved dog breeds.

Utility dog breeds are a somewhat miscellaneous category, created to group together dogs that don't fit into other dog groups. Here is why they don't belong to a particular group and how to discover the personality traits of a utility dog. Some of the most loved and well-recognised dogs sit in this category, so chances are this is where you'll find your perfect companion.

Your dog is unique and they deserve a moniker just as special. We've put together the list so just go and find that unusual and unique dog name you're after. You're getting a new puppy - congratulations! Now on to the fun task of finding the perfect name for your new best friend. But you don't want something obvious - your dog is as unique as you are. To help, we've done the research and put together some of the best unusual dog names out there. Here is a list of unique dog names you wish you had come up with yourself:

Dogs are forever loyal to their people and always willing to help us in times of need. This fierce loyalty and love to please means they make great assistance dogs for those with disabilities, impairments or mental health disorders. Read our guide to find out more about the different types of service dogs and the incredible jobs they do.

Toy dog breeds are the ultimate companions in the canine world. But there is more to them than their tiny demeanour. If you're considering adding a toy dog to the family, here is what you need to know. Toy dog breeds have the unique ability to make us fall in love with them at first sight. They're tiny, never too far behind their owner and with a resolute determination to spend hours in their lap if given the chance. They're the perfect companion by nature, but there are a few things to know before adding them as a new member to the family.

Dogs are super intelligent animals, they can learn a huge amount of human language and can even understand your moods! But did you know that some dog breeds are smarter than others? Keep reading to find out what the top 11 smartest dog breeds are. Over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be specialists at doing certain jobs, so some breeds excel at certain skills more than others. For example, Bloodhounds can follow a week-old scent for over 100 miles, while Border Collies are incredibly talented when it comes to showing off their tricks and agility. However, some dog breeds are particularly good at learning new things, including tricks and commands. So, we've put together a list of the top five smartest dog breeds from around the world.

Intelligent, strong but obedient, these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds will be happy to become part of the family. Find out more about their personalities and what it takes to be their owner. Wolves are majestic creatures that never cease to fascinate us. Perhaps because we've always had them in our homes, wrapped in the myth and mystery of our bedtime stories, art and film, we want wolf-dog breeds physically in our lives too. After all, they are the wild alter-ego of a pet pooch - powerful and fearless. The good news is that you don't need to be Little Red Riding Hood to have a wolf in your home, with these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds. There are many dogs that look like wolves, with long pointed muzzles, thick fur and bushy tails. And the good news is that they make great family pets. They're quite energetic and love long walks and playing games with their owners.

We love all the different names people give their dogs. So here's our fun and entirely unscientific guide to the characters of some of the most popular ones.

Pastoral dog breeds come in many shapes and sizes, but they all love nothing more than having a job to do. Here is what you need to know about these hard-working canines, from grooming requirements to the type of exercise they like best. Pastoral dog breeds love working with their owners and will wag their tails whenever the whole family gets involved, whether it's training, exercising or play time. Given their expertise in moving and protecting livestock, it's no wonder that pastoral dogs can easily become reliable members of the family, always happy to cooperate, but extremely keen on large amounts of exercise. Find out what makes these dogs such beloved companions and discover the diverse line-up of pastoral breeds, including the short, but sturdy Welsh Corgi as well as the larger German Shepherd.