Q: My dog drags its rear end along the ground frequently. I am told this is a sign that he needs his anal glands emptied by a vet. Why is this a recurring problem for him when other dogs don’t seem to suffer to the same extent? View this…
Gundogs
Which gundog breed would suit me best?
There are 34 different registered breeds of gundog, so how do you know which one is right for you?
How to stop your dog chasing livestock on a farm
If you are going to work your dog on a shoot, there is one thing of which you can be certain: sooner or later you will encounter livestock. As a responsible gundog owner, the last thing you want is for your dog to show an unhealthy interest in farm animals.…
Stinging nettles are a menace to dogs
Have you any advice on how to protect my gundog's pads when working?
How to teach a gundog puppy to run straight
Gundog training: Tony explains how to train your dog to take a line straight to the fall.
Are British gundogs the best in the world?
Gundog standards: HM The Queen's reign has coincided with rising gundog standards in all areas.
Why is my dog losing weight?
Gun dog health: My dog has always lost a lot of weight towards the middle of the shooting season.
How to cure firework fear in dogs
Find out how you can train your dog to stop being scared of fireworks and loud bangs
Could my dog catch ear mites from another dog?
Q: My next-door neighbour’s dog has mites, which has led to an ear infection. We walk the dogs together each day and I was wondering if mine would be at risk? What are dog ear mites and are they catching? What dog owners need to know about ear mites Ear…
When should I introduce my puppy to gunfire?
A reader also wants to know reaction to aim for when training a dog to drop to shot
How do I keep my dogs warm in kennels in winter?
I have two labradors kenneled outside and want to sort out the best type of bedding for them for the coming winter.
Just how serious a threat is lungworm to dogs?
Q: How serious is lungworm and should I be routinely treating my dogs? An emerging disease A: Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) infection is what we call an “emerging” disease. Initially found mainly in the south of the UK, it is gradually becoming more common. How is lungworm transmitted? Lungworm is not…
How can I get a dog passport from the UK – and should I take my dog abroad anyway?
Q: “I am considering taking my dog abroad to Europe but confess to being slightly bewildered by all the rules and regulations. What is the simplest route to take to get a dog passport?” Emma Young, Northumberland Getting a dog passport A: It is nothing like as complicated as you may…
How can I protect my dogs from horsefly bites?
Q: I usually take my two Labradors with me when I tend to my horses and have noticed that there seem to be a lot of horseflies around this year, which can give a nasty bite. I generally spray myself with insect repellent to keep them away from me, but…
Should dogs drink ice-cold water?
Q: I have heard that I should not allow my dog to drink iced water in hot weather because it causes bloat. Can you tell me if this is true? If not, can I safely give my dog iced water? A: As far as I am aware there is no real…
My Labrador won’t walk at heel properly – what’s wrong?
I’m training a seven-month-old gundog and I cannot make him walk to heel without constantly pulling on the lead. Can you suggest anything?
What treatment can I give my constipated dog?
Q: My Labrador seems to get constipated; she gets into position to relieve herself but with no success. What can be done to relieve constipation? A: Constipation is a relatively common digestive disorder and most dogs can suffer from a bout at some point during their lives. Feeding a diet…
Dog theft is on the rise – here’s how to prevent it happening to you
Janes Hayes, of the charity Doglost, offers her views on ways to secure your dogs from thieves
