Learn how to support your dog's health, behaviour and wellbeing. Explore advice on understanding dog behaviour, practical tips on training, enrichment, exercise and caring for your dog at every stage of life.
Understanding canine communication
Dogs communicate through body language, facial expressions and behaviour. Learning to recognise these signals can help you understand how your dog is feeling and reduce the risk of misunderstandings, accidents and bites.
Take the dog body language quiz
Test your knowledge and learn how to recognise signs that a dog is feeling relaxed, anxious, fearful or uncomfortable.
Take the dog body language quiz
Stay safe around dogs
Whether it's your own dog or someone else's, understanding dog behaviour can help keep everyone safe.
When meeting a dog:
- Approach calmly
- Avoid running towards a dog
- Always ask the owner's permission before patting their dog
- Look for relaxed and friendly body language before approaching
Children should be taught to:
- Stand still and "be a tree" if a dog runs up to them
- Avoid disturbing dogs that are eating, sleeping or caring for puppies
- Look for signs that a dog is comfortable before approaching
Choosing the right dog
Choosing a dog is a long-term commitment. Before bringing a dog home, think about your lifestyle, home environment and the time you can commit to exercise, training and companionship.
Before choosing a dog, consider:
- Energy level – will they suit your daily routine and activity level?
- Size and space – does your home and yard provide enough room?
- Temperament – are you looking for a relaxed companion or an active, playful dog?
- Care requirements – grooming, training and ongoing health needs
Choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle helps build a strong bond and gives your dog the best chance to live a happy, healthy life.
What is normal behaviour for a dog?
Dogs explore and communicate with the world in ways that are natural to them. Barking, digging, chewing, sniffing and playing are all normal dog behaviours.
These behaviours only become a concern when they happen excessively, cause damage or create a safety risk. In many cases, unwanted behaviours can be a sign that your dog needs more exercise, training or enrichment.
Understanding what's normal can help you set realistic expectations and recognise when your dog may need additional support.
Choose the right enrichment for your dog
Enrichment helps keep dogs happy, healthy and mentally stimulated. The best activities for your dog will depend on their age, breed, energy level and personality.
Some enrichment ideas include:
- Food-based games, such as treat-dispensing toys, puzzle feeders and scatter feeding
- Scent activities, including sniff walks and scent trails
- Physical exercise, such as walks, fetch, agility activities and swimming
- Social interaction with other dogs and people
Providing a variety of activities can reduce boredom, prevent problem behaviours and support your dog's wellbeing.
Discover what your dog loves
Every dog is different. Some enjoy long walks, while others prefer sniffing games, swimming or spending time with their family.
Taking time to discover your dog's favourite activities can strengthen your bond and improve their wellbeing.
Try different forms of exercise, enrichment and play to find what your dog enjoys most, then make those activities part of your regular routine.
How much rest does my dog need?
Most adult dogs need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep or rest each day. Puppies, senior dogs and larger breeds often need even more.
Rest is important for your dog's physical health, learning and emotional wellbeing. Dogs that don't get enough rest may become overexcited, irritable or develop unwanted behaviours.
Provide a quiet, comfortable place where your dog can relax without being disturbed.
Understanding your dog's social preferences
Not all dogs enjoy the same level of social interaction. Some love meeting every person and dog they encounter, while others prefer a smaller circle of familiar companions.
A dog's social preferences can change throughout their life due to age, health and experiences.
Paying attention to your dog's comfort level and giving them choice during interactions can help create positive experiences and reduce stress.
Are retractable leads a good idea?
Retractable leads can give dogs more freedom to explore, but they can also create safety risks for dogs, owners and other people.
Some common concerns include:
- Less control in busy areas
- Injuries caused by tangled cords or sudden stops
- Encouraging pulling behaviour
- Locking mechanisms failing unexpectedly
A fixed-length lead usually provides greater control and helps create a safer walking experience for everyone.
Discover what your dog loves
Every dog is different. Some enjoy long walks, while others prefer sniffing games, swimming or spending time with their family.
Taking time to discover your dog's favourite activities can strengthen your bond and improve their wellbeing.
Try different forms of exercise, enrichment and play to find what your dog enjoys most, then make those activities part of your regular routine.
Are muzzles always a bad thing?
Muzzles are not always a sign that a dog is aggressive. When used correctly, they can be a helpful tool that keeps dogs, people and other animals safe.
A dog may wear a muzzle when:
- Visiting the veterinarian or groomer
- Learning to stop scavenging food during walks
- Meeting legal requirements
- Participating in behaviour modification programs
With positive training and a gradual introduction, many dogs can learn to wear a muzzle comfortably and confidently.
Caring for a senior dog
As dogs get older, their needs change. Senior dogs may slow down, need more rest and benefit from extra support to stay healthy and comfortable.
You can help your senior dog by:
- Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups
- Adjusting exercise to suit their mobility and energy levels
- Providing a warm, comfortable bed
- Keeping their mind active with gentle enrichment activities
Small changes can make a big difference to your dog's comfort and quality of life.
Why training is for life
Training isn't just for puppies. Ongoing training helps reinforce good habits, provides mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Even a few minutes of training each day can help:
- Keep behaviours reliable in different situations
- Build confidence
- Provide mental enrichment
- Prevent unwanted behaviours from developing
Training is a lifelong investment that helps your dog remain happy, engaged and well behaved throughout every stage of life.