How to stop a dog pulling on the lead and start walking to heel
This wasn't just our biggest dogs article of 2022 — it was the most successful article of any kind newly published in the last 12 months. And quite right too: Ben Randall's superb advice has helped hundreds of thousands of owners around the world, and we're delighted that he's gone on to write many more pieces for us. (You'll notice more than a few of them in the list below.)
How to stop your dog jumping up on people
It’s easy to dismiss our dogs’ love of jumping up on us — and other people — as friendly boisterousness. But it's something you can't ignore.
The top 20 cutest dog breeds in the world, ranked according to science
'You might as well rank the beauty of flowers,' we wrote in this article, originally published in 2021 but still relevant today. And yet despite the inherent futility of such a list, it's hard not to be intrigued by the result.
How to leave a dog alone in the house without it getting stressed
Ben's dog training advice is a hugely popular part of Country Life, but even still the response to this piece just a few weeks ago has been astonishing.
Cocker Spaniels: The irresistible dogs with loyalty to melt the coldest of hearts
Our look at the irresistible cocker spaniel is perennially popular on the Country Life website. Emma Hughes's piece is full of facts and anecdotes to put a smile on your face.
How to stop your dog barking at the door
Few things are more grating for dog owners — or more disconcerting for dog owners' visitors — than a dog barking at the door every time someone knocks or rings. Ben Randall explained how to train your dog to keep calm when it happens — ideally, with a little help from your friends and neighbours.
How to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home
Those who grew up with dogs probably already know which breed they want to own, and have done for years. But the rest of us might need a bit of help — and this piece gathered expert advice that you'll be so glad you knew before taking the plunge.
How to stop your puppy crying at night
Having a puppy really isn't that different to having a baby — not least in our reaction to them crying. The plaintive whimper of a puppy is enough to melt the hardest of hearts, and tear the softest hearts into tatters; here's how to hear it less.
The Queen’s Corgis: All about Her Majesty’s most loyal subjects
As we mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we took a look at her corgis, the dogs that were such a part of her life.
Have you been walking your dog wrong all these years?
If you let your dog roam free on a walk, you might be setting yourself up for problems in other areas of training. Katy Birchall spoke to top trainers to see how to let them have fun without running wild.
See Country Life's top 10s of 2022
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'To exist in this world relies on the hands of others': Roger Powell and modern British bookbindingAn exhibition on the legendary bookbinder Roger Powell reveals not only his great skill, but serves to reconnect us with the joy, power and importance of real craftsmanship.
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Spam: The tinned meaty treat that brought a taste of the ‘hot-dog life of Hollywood’ to war-weary BritainCourtesy of our ‘special relationship’ with the US, Spam was a culinary phenomenon, says Mary Greene. So much so that in 1944, London’s Simpson’s, renowned for its roast beef, was offering creamed Spam casserole instead.
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Arthur Parkinson: ‘I want my chicken coop to look like the one from “Far from the Maddening Crowd”’In his second instalment of all things chicken keeping, our columnist outlines the dos and don'ts of hen house maintenance.
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Everything you need to know, plus our top tips and tricksCountry Life editors and contributor share their tips and tricks for making the most of Chelsea.
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What the cluck? Waitrose announces ‘trailblazing’ pledge to help improve chicken welfare standardsWaitrose has signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment, but does the scheme leave Britain open to inferior imports?
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Having a ruff day: Kennel Club exhibition highlights the plight of vulnerable spaniel breedsPhotographer Melody Fisher has been travelling the UK taking photographs of ‘vulnerable’ spaniel breeds.
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'There is nothing like it on this side of Arcadia': Hampshire's Grange Festival is making radical changes ahead of the 2025 country-house opera season -
Arthur Parkinson: I am a cleaner, security guard and matron to my happy hens
In his first regular chicken-keeping column for ‘Country Life’, Arthur Parkinson introduces his brood and touches on the importance of good housekeeping.
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Is anyone more superstitious than a sports star?When it comes to worrying about omens and portents, nobody gets quite so worked up as our sportsmen and women.
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The humble hazel dormouse — 'the flagship species of the health of our countryside'The sleepy and very sweet hazel dormouse is one of Britain's rarest mammals.
