Dogs & Animals
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You don't need to teach your dog to lie down, but you do need to nail the 'sit' command — by top trainer Ben Randall
A reader writes this week to ask Ben how to persuade her dog to lie down on command — but is it really something she needs to teach?
By Ben Randall Published
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What's the best name to give your dog?
It may be time to park Rover and consider something more imaginative, says Jonathan Young.
By Country Life Published
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'Every time I got near my dog, she ran off with the fish!' Ben Randall on how to train a disobedient dog
Some dogs quickly pick up the basics of training — yet somehow only respond seven or eight times out of ten. If that sounds like you, help is at hand: expert trainer Ben Randall explains how to train a disobedient dog.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to stop a dog constantly begging for treats, by top trainer Ben Randall
Reward-based training has transformed our relationships with our dogs — but it can go wrong. Ben Randall explains how to put things right if your pooch goes off track.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to handle a dog that's spent most of its life chained up
A heartbreaking letter from an overseas reader gives our resident dog training expert Ben Randall one of his toughest challenges to date.
By Ben Randall Published
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Should you let your dog sleep in your bed? Expert trainer Ben Randall shares his advice
Some dogs and owners share a bed — but should they? Ben Randall shares his wisdom on how to make it work.
By Ben Randall Published
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Country Life's top 10 dog stories of 2022
From beautiful breeds to superb advice from our training expert, these are our best dog-related stories of the last 12 months.
By Toby Keel Published
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The Christmas foods that you can share with your dog — and the ones to avoid at all costs
It's natural to want to be able to give your dog a treat at Christmas, but you need to be very careful about what to give them. Canine nutritionist Alison Frost shares her advice on what will and won't be okay.
By Toby Keel Published
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Cocker Spaniels: The irresistible dogs with loyalty to melt the coldest of hearts
As the dog world prepares for Crufts 2020, we take a look at the breed of dog which has been crowned Best in Show more often than any other: the cocker spaniel.
By Emma Hughes Published
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How to teach a dog tricks, by expert trainer Ben Randall
If you want to teach a few party tricks to your pup you'll need to tread carefully, explains Ben Randall.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to leave a dog alone in the house without it getting stressed, by training expert Ben Randall
With millions of people heading back to the office more regularly, leaving a dog on its own is more common — and it doesn't always go well. Ben Randall explains what you can do to help.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to train your dog to leave things on command, by expert dog trainer Ben Randall
Teaching a dog to stop stealing food, clothes, TV remotes or anything else that they like to pinch can feel like an uphill battle — but by coming at it from a different angle, you can mend your dog's thieving ways. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how.
By Ben Randall Published
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What to do if your puppy keeps biting you, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Getting a new puppy is a joy — most of the time. But it's not always easy, especially if your new pup starts nipping and doesn't stop. Ben Randall shares his advice on what to do when reality bites.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to keep a dog off the sofa, by top trainer Ben Randall
Fed up with Fido leaping onto the furniture — whether it's your sofa, armchair, or your bed — whenever he or she fancies it and leaving a trail of muddy pawprints — not to mention a layer of dog hair — in their wake? Celebrity dog-trainer Ben Randall explains how to keep a dog off the sofa.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to stop your dog jumping out of the back of the car, by top trainer Ben Randall
You can understand your dog's excitement to stretch his legs after being cooped up in a car — but a pooch who hares out of your vehicle before the tailgate is even open can be a danger to himself and others. Ben Randall talks about how to deal with this problem.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to stop your dog from barking on a walk: Five tips from top dog-trainer Ben Randall
While out on a walk, it’s not always easy to stop your dog from barking at people — and if you’re worried that they’re in the habit of doing so, your apprehension might just make things worse. Expert dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop your dog yapping at passers-by.
By Ben Randall Published
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How to deal with a dog who loses its cool when another dog comes near
How can I stop my usually placid dog getting grumpy with certain dogs? Award-winning trainer Ben Randall advises on how to avoid conflict.
By Ben Randall Published