Out & About
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Thorington Theatre: How a WW2 bomb crater in Suffolk became one of Britain's most beautiful theatres
Amid the sweet chestnuts, walnuts and cobnuts of a Suffolk farm, a natural amphitheatre has been transformed into a glorious sylvan venue for touring companies to tread Nature’s boards, finds Jo Caird.
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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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William Shakespeare: The original Nature boy
William Shakespeare wasn’t only the greatest playwright of our history, he was an avid ornithophile, a green man and a master of transposing the true power of Nature onto the page, says John Lewis-Stempel.
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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 a British team of mountaineers conquered Everest, the 'goddess of the sky'
Seventy years ago, on the eve of the Queen’s coronation, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. Octavia Pollock considers the legacy of their achievement and what it meant for British mountaineering.
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How to stop a puppy getting overexcited and peeing on the floor, by expert trainer Ben Randall
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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Alexandra Palace: How it's survived fires, bankruptcy and even gang warfare in 150 years as London's 'palace of the people'
Alexandra Palace has suffered every imaginable disaster, yet remains enduringly popular even a century and a half after its official grand opening. Martin Fone takes a look at the history of one of Britain's great public buildings.
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How the sheep of the Cotswolds outlasted the Roman Empire and the Black Death to help build one of Britain's most beautiful areas
From warm cloaks for the Roman army to many handsome churches, much of England’s might and wealth once rested on the back of the Cotswold sheep’s ‘golden fleece’, says Charles Harris.
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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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'How do I get my dog to stop chewing the furniture?' Award-winning trainer Ben Randall has the answer
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.
