'Help! My dog will only eat if I feed him by hand!': Ben Randall answers your canine questions
Expert dog trainer Ben Randall deals with one of his most unusual problems so far: a dog that will only eat out its owner's hand.
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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How to stop a dog barking whenever they leave the room, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Some dogs enter defensive mode every time a door is opened or closed, something which is exhausting for owner and pooch alike. Ben Randall explains what is happening, and how to handle it.
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How to stop your dog rushing at the door, by top trainer Ben Randall
Enthusiasm and excitement are one thing, but when a dog launches itself at the door in desperation to go outside you have a problem. Ben Randall is here to help you solve it.
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How to introduce a puppy to your kids, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Ben Randall, a dad as well as one of Britain's top dog trainers, shares his expertise on how to welcome a puppy in to your young family.
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How to stop a dog biting and nipping, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall
Biting and nipping is top of the list of issues that dog owners most fear that they'll have to deal with. Ben Randall takes a look at the problem and the steps to put things right.
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How to stop a dog barking at the fence, by leading trainer Ben Randall
A dog barking through the fence can be scary for those who live around your house — Ben Randall gives advice on how to stop it from happening.
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How to keep your dog calm in the car, by top trainer Ben Randall
Plenty of dogs get excited when going on a car journey, but for some that over-exuberance tips over into behaviour which could cause serious problems — including distracting the driver. Ben Randall shares his tips on how to keep your canine companions calm — and safe — on a journey.
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Ask Country Life's canine agony uncle a question about your dog
Over the past few months award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall has been sharing his advice to Country Life readers.
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How to stop a visiting dog disturbing the peace, by leading trainer Ben Randall
Helping out a friend or family member by looking after their dog can be fun and rewarding — but not if the visiting dog's behaviour is causing a problem. Ben Randall takes on a case from a reader facing this tricky situation.
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How to stop a puppy peeing on the floor
A problem familiar to almost all owners who have raised a dog from its earliest days comes in for Ben's advice this week: how to stop a puppy peeing when it gets excited.
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Jack Russells: Feisty, funny, and the first dog in history to inspire a queen's coronation gown
Small, but mighty, the feisty Jack Russell is as popular as ever, not least as it’s The Queen Consort’s breed of choice. Fellow terrier owner India Sturgis recounts why these tiny tearaways remain so perennially appealing. Photographs by Sarah Farnsworth for Country Life.
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How to choose a rescue dog, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Adopting a dog in need of a new home can be a fabulous experience that will transform your life for the better, but you need to think carefully before you take the plunge. Ben Randall is here to help.
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How to choose the right kennel to leave your dog while you're on holiday
Our resident expert Ben Randall isn't just a dog trainer: he and his family also run an award-winning kennel in Herefordshire. So who better to share their wisdom with a reader who is desperate to find the best kennel for her dog while she's on holiday?
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How to take your dog to a coronation street party, by top trainer Ben Randall
The upcoming celebrations across the land can be fun and enjoyable for all the members of your family, whether they have two legs or four. Ben Randall explains how to take your dog to a street party.
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How to train a dog with a whistle to get perfect recall every time, by expert trainer Ben Randall
If your dog is struggling with recall — particularly in big, open spaces like parks — a dog whistle could be an excellent way to stop the behaviour. Ben Randall explains what to do.
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A training tip that could literally save your dog's life: How to stop your dog from eating things
Many owners find it hard to get their dog to stop eating once they've started tucking in — and while it's a tricky skill to learn, it's something you absolutely must master, says expert trainer Ben Randall.
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Britain’s birds of prey: The Country Life guide to all of the UK’s raptors
Raptors’ supersonic vision, effortless aerial acrobatics and ruthless hunting instinct make them the undisputed masters of the skies, but can you tell a merlin from a hobby or a goshawk from a sparrowhawk? Simon Lester explains the basics of these fascinating creatures and then gives a rundown of all 15 of Britain's raptor species.
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How to get your dog to stop chewing the furniture
If you've got a young dog who can't stop chewing anything and everything in sight, Ben Randall has the solution.
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What to do if your dog is scratching things at night, by expert trainer Ben Randall
An older dog's new habit is the subject of this week's Paws For Thought, with Ben Randall explaining what to do if your pet has started scratching at night.
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'My dog behaves for my partner, but not for me — what can I do?' Expert trainer Ben Randall has the answer
Training a dog is one thing. Getting a dog trained so that it responds just as happily to everyone in the family can be another matter, as Ben Randall discusses in this week's Paws for Thought.
