Paws for Thought

The three dog breeds that make the ultimate family pet, according to expert trainer Ben Randall

In decades of working with dogs, Ben Randall has seen every possible breed of dog — these are the three he'd recommend for family life.

Puppy aggression: How to nip it in the bud before it becomes a problem, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall

A reader whose lovely puppy is starting to show worrying behaviour writes — and Ben Randall has some expert advice.

How to deal with a dog who is scared of men, by expert trainer Ben Randall

This week, our A-list dog trainer Ben Randall deals with a tricky topic: an adopted dog who seems to be dealing with past trauma involving men.

'My dog keeps barking at my sister — what can I do?' Canine agony uncle Ben Randall has the answer

The A-list dog trainer Ben Randall shares his advice on how to deal with a dog who's taken against someone important in your life.

How to ensure your dog has the best Christmas ever, by top trainer Ben Randall

Dogs can enjoy Christmas just as much as their owners — and perhaps even more so. But there are a few things to be mindful of as we enter the festive season, as Ben Randall explains.

How to stop a dog peeing in the house, by A-list trainer Ben Randall

It's one of the nightmare scenarios for a dog owner: a pooch who suddenly forgets that they're toilet trained. Ben Randall explains what to do.

How to keep your dog calm throughout the Christmas period, by expert trainer Ben Randall

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, with houses festooned in merry decorations, loved ones coming to visit, piles of presents under the tree and festive food for all to enjoy. But how do you make sure it doesn't all get too much for your four-legged friend? Ben Randall explains how to enjoy the Christmas season with your dog.

How to stop a dog destroying your lawn

Ben Randall fields a question about how to stop a pooch with a penchant for digging holes in its owner's prized garden.

How to stop your dog barking constantly, by leading trainer Ben Randall

A dog who can't stop barking can drive you, your friends and your neighbours crazy. Luckily our resident canine agony uncle, Ben Randall, has several tips for encouraging any noisy four-legged chatterboxes to zip it.

How to train your dog not to wake you up even if you've nowhere to close them off at night

Training a dog into a night-time routine is a lot easier if you have a space for them to call their own — but what happens if you don't? Ben Randall explains more.

How to deal with a dog who's always looking for food, by leading trainer Ben Randall

Got a dog who is always hungry, just can't get enough of food, and doesn't have any qualms about playing up to get it? Ben Randall knows how to stop any gluttonous behaviour in its tracks.

How to stop your new puppy barking at the door by top trainer Ben Randall

Trying to prevent or discourage a fully grown dog from barking manically at the door every time the postman calls is one thing, but what about if you have a lovely, new young pup that you want to stop getting into this frenzied and annoying habit? As usual, Ben Randall knows exactly what to do.

How to train a dog who isn't interested in food, by expert trainer Ben Randall

The prospect of a hearty meal is enough to motivate almost any dog — but there are some who appear to resist. Ben Randall takes a look at why.

How to look after a dog who's scared of you, by expert trainer Ben Randall

Looking after other people’s dogs can be a lovely thing to do — but what happens when the dog is unaccountably terrified of you? Ben Randall explains.

How to stop your dog pulling on the lead, by A-list trainer Ben Randall

Top trainer Ben Randall talks through one of the most common problems dog owners face: a pooch who pulls on the lead as if they're trying to haul a locomotive.

'My dog doesn't like my husband. What can I do?' — Expert trainer Ben Randall has the answer

For many of us, our dogs are like members of our family, but what do you do when your canine companion does not feel the same way about your husband as you do? Ben Randall has all the answers.

How to stop your dog having a go at other dogs, by leading trainer Ben Randall

Some dogs are absolute angels around people of all ages — but for some reason can turn into little devils when around other dogs. Ben Randall takes a look at what's happening, and how to fix the problem.

How to stop your dog barking while you're trying to talk to people, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall

Having a dog who barks or jumps up while you're chatting to someone can be infuriating. Ben Randall explains what's going on and how to solve the problem.

How to stop a dog chewing things, by A-list dog trainer Ben Randall

Almost all puppies have an urge to chew things, but it usually passes as they mature. But what if it doesn't? Ben Randall is here to help.

How to stop your dog barking at loud noises and passers-by using the 'in' command, by Ben Randall

Dogs who become overly territorial and bark at loud noises or passers-by can be a headache for their owners — but it's a problem easily dealt with, as Ben Randall explains.