'Intelligent, calm, cautious and thoughtful': Why donkeys keep charming us
With the ability to offer silent, unwavering emotional support, donkeys are stoic and devoted creatures that can boost mental health and melt the hardest of hearts.
Dogs & Animals
From perfect pedigrees to loveable canine scamps of unknown origin, we celebrate man’s best friend.
Looking for a new dog? Head straight for our article on how to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home.
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Ben Randall: Q&A with the award-winning dog trainer
We speak to Country Life's canine agony uncle Ben Randall.
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'Neither fish nor flesh': The beguiling world of the otter
A creature of bewitching contrasts, the otter is ‘an animal that might have been specifically designed to please a child’ and has captured our imaginations since first we encountered its bright-eyed gaze.
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One lump or two? The homes where horses come inside the house
No tea party is complete without a four-hoofed friend in attendance, says Flora Watkins. Just be mindful of where you put the sugar lumps.
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'World's cutest sheep' for sale in North Yorkshire
Are your sheep ugly? Do you want new, pretty ones? We have just the sale for you.
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How to stop your dog from being protective and barking at builders
Barking can be annoying and unsettling for visitors. Ben Randall looks at how to get a little peace and quiet.
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Rarer than pandas: Meet the native breeds that have a crucial role to play in food security and conservation
Some treasured native farm animals have fallen dangerously low in numbers. Kate Green meets the breeders keeping the flame alive.
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How to deal with a labrador who won't stop barking
Labradors tend to be placid, calm dogs, but that's not always the case. Ben Randall helps a reader whose lab is giving some trouble.
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How to deal with an aggressive dog that's trying to bully other dogs
Aggression in dogs isn't easy to deal with — especially if it's in a dog which isn't yours, but which you're looking after. Ben Randall answers this week's reader query.
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How to get your dog ready to stay in kennels when you go away
If you're heading off on holiday and leaving your dog behind, Ben Randall has tips for how to make your pet's holiday as enjoyable as your own.
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How to 'reboot' an older dog whose training has fallen by the wayside, by expert trainer Ben Randall
The saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' simply isn't true, explains Ben Randall.
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How to toilet train a dog who just doesn't get it, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall
Most dogs take to toilet training quite quickly, but for owners of dogs who don't, it can be an exhausting battle. Ben Randall shares his advice.
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'My dog is scared of loud noises — and now a building site has appeared next door. What can I do?'
Award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to help your dog get used to loud noises.
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How a dog taught me an unbeatable technique for calming down a misbehaving dog, by A-list trainer Ben Randall
Ben Randall explains his simple technique for calming down an overexcited or nervous dog who has stopped responding to your training commands.
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How to stop a puppy biting when it gets excited
A dog that nips isn't youthful exuberance — it's also a sign that other things are going wrong in your training and relationship with your pet. Ben Randall explains.
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How to train a 250lb pooch who is a mountain dog in every sense
Ben Randall helps a reader who has unexpectedly ended up caring for 18 stone of Newfoundland dog.
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How to stop your dog from chasing and barking at cats, by expert trainer Ben Randall
The conflict between cats and dogs seems to be as old as time, but it really doesn't have to be that way as award-winning trainer Ben Randall explains.
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Rough collies: The dogs made famous by Lassie that are hardy, clever, agile, and 'good for the soul'
With the initiative to rescue sheep and the daring to question its master, the rough collie not only lives up to its heroic reputation, but is always right, discovers Katy Birchall.
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How to stop a puppy waking up at 5am, by award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall
What to do when your four-legged friend becomes a four-legged alarm clock.
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How to help a rescue dog with food issues and separation anxiety, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Saving a street dog from a harsh life is a noble thing to do, but often comes with issues. Expert trainer Ben Randall explains what to do.
