Latest news with #DogsTrust
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Amazing news for pet owners as dogs now live two YEARS longer – here are the reasons why
DOGS live two years longer on average than they did ten years ago, data research shows. Pooches now have a life expectancy of 12-and-a-half years, compared to just over ten a decade ago. Experts say it is down to improved vet treatments and owners feeding them healthier food. Pet food firm Bella+Duke, which did the study, also said 58 per cent of owners reckon their dog is as much a part of the family as the humans in it. The study said owners are 'investing more time and money in their pets, elevating the bond to one mirroring the connection between parent and child'. The report looked at data on 580,000 pets collected by Liverpool John Moores University and dog organisations the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust B+D co-founder Tony Ottley said many dog lovers are adopting healthier diets for themselves and want the same for their pets. He said: 'Increasingly, we hear, 'If I wouldn't eat processed junk, why should my dog?'. 'Pet owners are demanding minimally processed, nutritious food.' The majority of dog owners care more about their pet's health than their own 1
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Golden Retrievers Left Alone for First Time, Shock at What Owner Returns to
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Internet viewers are in disbelief over what happened when two golden retrievers were left alone together for the very first time. TikTok user Patrizi (@patrizi_golden_boy) shared the aftermath of destruction caused by her two dogs, Bentley and Beau, after she left them unsupervised. The video, which quickly captured viewers' attention, racked up more than 8,000 likes and over 223,000 views on TikTok. "When you leave your dogs home alone for the first time together and come back to this …," reads the text overlaying the footage. "Tell me you have dogs without telling me you have dogs," she captioned the post. The clip reveals a completely ransacked living room, with debris and items thrown across the floor, while Bentley and Beau lounge nonchalantly—clearly unbothered and acting as if they had no part in the chaos. While the video amused many viewers, it also sparked a wider conversation about the reality of leaving dogs home alone—especially for the first time. The charity Dogs Trust says that it is important to gradually build up the time your dog spends alone. Start with short separations, offer them enrichment activities, and avoid making a fuss when leaving or returning home. This helps reduce anxiety and destructive behavior. PetMD also advises owners to manage chewing and scratching by giving dogs safe chew toys; ensuring plenty of exercise; and limiting access to areas with tempting objects. Using baby gates or closing off rooms can make a big difference in preventing damage. Another popular option is crate training. The American Kennel Club says that "crate training provides dogs with a safe, quiet space" and can help prevent accidents when owners are away. It also protects dogs from potentially dangerous items around the home. Stock image: A large black dog ransacks a living room. Stock image: A large black dog ransacks a living room. MichalRenee/iStock / Getty Images Plus TikTok users were quick to chime in with their own experiences and opinions: "People give me a hard time about still using a crate for our 3 year old goldens when we leave the house. This is why," wrote Kate. "First of all, someone broke in and made a mess. Be happy they left the dogs," posted Kristy. "The golden teenager phase is not for the weak," commented Michelle. "I've seen too many good examples as to why I will never leave my dog out of his kennel while I'm gone," added CJ. "My German Shepard is almost 4 and we've never kenneled her, she has been an angel up until this last year! She gets into the garbage every time we're gone! Had to buy a garbage can with a lock," shared Bee. "A crate would prevent all of this, safer for the dogs and cheaper on your pockets," wrote Maya. Newsweek reached out to @patrizi_golden_boy for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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Scotsman
3 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Dog Health 2025: Here are the 26 most and least healthy breeds of adorable dog - from Border Collie to loving Labrador 🐶
We're a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend . By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that's a scientific fact. The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds . Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don't have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies. There's also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust . There's even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren's book 'The Intelligence of Dogs' ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt. And one thing you might like to consider is that some breeds tend to stay healthier for longer, meaning your vet bills shouldn't be too painful and your pet has a better chance of a pain-free and lengthy life. Meanwhile others - including some of the most popular breeds - are prone to developing health problems. Here are the 26 most - and least - naturally healthy breeds of dog. 1 . Poodle We're starting with the breeds of dog who should need the least visits to the vet. No matter which size of Poodle you go for - Standard, Miniature or Toy - these immaculate dogs tend to stay in good health, with a lifespans of up to 18 years. Only older dogs tend to develop the joint and eye issues common to the breed. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Havanese Hailing from the capital city of the Carribean island of Cuba, like many small dogs the Havanese has more chance of developing liver and kidney disease than their larger cousins. Otherwise these loving characters can be expected to remain healthy for most of their lives. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Australian Cattle Dog A relatively rare breed in Britain an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey made it into The Guiness Book of Records as the world's oldest dog. He reached the amazing age of 29. While longevity and health don't always go hand-in-hand, the breed are known to stay fairly fit until a ripe old age. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Belgian Malinois Bred as herding dogs, the Belgian Malinois is a close cousin of the more popualr German Shepherd. Like many working dog breeds they are naturally intelligent, very hardy and tend to stay healthy. The one condition they are predisposed to is cataracts. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales
Daily Record
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Dog trainer shares how to 'get more attention' from your pet and it's so easy
Getting your dog's attention is a crucial part of training and one expert has shared the 'best way' to get more attention from your pet and improve your relationship with them A dog trainer has revealed the 'best way' to secure your pet's attention and improve your bond with them. Ensuring that dogs listen to their owners, especially in communal areas like when taking a stroll in the park, is crucial but it can be challenging at times to make your furry friend attentive and responsive. Getting your dog's focus is an essential aspect of training, and Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training has offered up some professional tips. Since 2012, Adam has been training dogs, earning a stellar reputation for his candid methods and direct attitude. He also wrote How To Train Your Dog and How To Raise The Perfect Dog. In a recent TikTok video, the experienced dog trainer outlined techniques to garner more attention from your canine companion. Adam advised: "So before your dog gets anything fun or exciting, you wanna make sure you're waiting for eye contact." He recommended that owners should seek eye contact with their pet in a variety of scenarios, such as before taking a walk, attaching their lead, unclipping the lead, or allowing them into the car or garden. The canine professional detailed: "The more the dog learns acknowledgment of you leads to good things [and] the more the dog pays attention to you. "When you're outside anytime the dog checks in with you, mark and reward. Mark random check-ins constantly and your dog will be a lot more attentive on you and if you really want to step it up, start hand feeding." Adam added that improving your bond with your dog involves making them "work for every single bit of food." He hailed hand feeding as a "game changer" and clarified that it requires you to "interact with your dog and get them to do something to get their food." Dogs Trust, the UK's leading dog welfare charity, has indicated on its website that securing focus and attention from your pet is vital for training. Without first ensuring their attention is on you, your dog "will likely be distracted and more interested in other things." The organisation has set out two key steps to capture your dog's attention. The initial step is to train your pet to look at you upon hearing their name. Dogs Trust advises: "Say their name and reward them with a tasty treat the moment they look at you. "Repeat this several times, at least twice a day for about a week until they can reliably look at you when you say their name." They recommend refraining from using their name unnecessarily over the next couple of weeks until it's clear they've grasped that their name being called means they should look at you. The second step they propose is to introduce a marker word once your dog consistently responds to their name, such as 'yes', 'good girl' or 'good boy.' Dogs Trust explains: "We introduce this word so that when we are training our dog and they do a nice behaviour that we like, we want them to look at us so we can give them a reward. "With enough practice, you should notice that if they do something good and you say their marker word, they should look at you, expecting a treat or other reward."
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Puppy Left Feeling 'So Mad' at New Owners, Reason Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A Hungarian Vizsla puppy has gone viral on TikTok after sulking in an adorably dramatic fashion when told off for biting his dad's hand. Annalee (@otisbegotus), from Georgia, shared a clip of her 12-week-old puppy, Otis, lying flat on his back, visibly upset after being scolded for playful biting. His mood worsened when his pawrents laughed at him. The video struck a chord online, racking up more than 47,000 likes and almost 300,000 views on TikTok. "He sometimes will sulk if we tell him no, but that video was the most dramatic sulk yet. He usually is very playful and happy! His skin is so loose, and he has so many wrinkles that it just makes him look like even more of a grumpy old man when he pouts," Annalee told Newsweek. In the now-viral video, Otis lies limp and unimpressed while his dad, Jake, strokes his leg with a concerned arm around him. When Annalee asks, "Are you mad?", the puppy responds with a pointed side-eye that viewers have called Oscar-worthy. A split image showing Otis the puppy sulking. A split image showing Otis the puppy sulking. @otisbegotus/@otisbegotus According to Annalee, Otis is a clever and affectionate pup who loves to cuddle and be close to his humans. She described him as having a "big personality" and being "very sassy," often responding to their questions with whines and vocalizations. He enjoys playing fetch and starting his day outdoors listening to the birds. The dramatic episode began when Otis was sitting in Jake's lap, nibbling on his hands with his sharp puppy teeth. After being told "no," he stopped immediately—but the playtime cutoff didn't go down well. His pouty face and full-body sulk made it clear he wasn't ready to quit. Despite his theatrical tendencies, Annalee said, Otis is a wonderful companion. "He's such a great pup and we are so lucky to have him. He's going to make a great life companion!" For those dealing with similar puppy antics, charity Dogs Trust advises teaching puppies to stop biting by redirecting their attention to toys, using consistent commands, and ensuring they have plenty of stimulation and rest. Puppies often explore the world with their mouths, but with calm, reward-based training, most grow out of the behavior. Otis's emotional spiral resonated with many dog owners in the comments. "Our viz is almost 7 and he still stomps his feet, strops if we dare go up to bed later than 9pm, and puts his gums up if we don't understand what he's whining to us about. But he is my best friend in the whole world," shared Gem. "Don't you dare laugh at that sweet boy ever again … he's sensitive," added Ashley. A third user wrote: "My puppy was just like this. A simple 'No' sends him into a shame spiral. The benefit is he only needs told no once and he'll never do it again." One Vizsla owner posted: "My older vizsla could tell when you were making fun of her or laughing at her and let me tell you, she did NOT like that." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
