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springer

The Gundog Training Equipment

If you are thinking about training a gundog or have already started the process then you are going to need to look at this guide. In it I will talk about some of the training tools and equipment you will need for the training of both young and older dogs, why you need them and how to use them.   READ MORE

golden Labrador

How to Keep Your Pet’s Skin Healthy

Skincare is very important for pets in order to avoid infections, rashes, and anything else that can cause a pet to get sick. A healthy coat can be able to prevent matting, cat dandruff as well as a bad odour from dogs.

Winter can bring on more skin conditions when compared to summer and this is due to the fact that the weather is colder, drier and has lower humidity. Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons people take their pets to the vet. However, there are simple ways to help make sure that your pet’s skin is healthy.
READ MORE

small jack Russel

Should I put my dog down?

This is a question put to Veterinary and Canine professionals daily.

You are the only one that can make that decision.

It’s the decision no loving dog owner ever wants to make, but unfortunately, we have to think if our dogs are suffering with their health and there is no sign of get this getting better you may find the kindest option is to put your dog to sleep.READ MORE

GSd and girl

Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids?

Top 20 Rated Dog Breeds

What is the best small dog for your family? That depends. Every breed has some unique characteristics and challenges.

There are a lot of things to consider, like:

  • Will this dog play nice with my children?
  • Will this dog be a nightmare to train?
  • Will this dog bark non-stop and annoy the entire neighborhood?
  • And on and on it goes…

READ MORE

corgi running

Fight or Flight

Dogs have a natural fight or flight response, and much like any other species including the human this is linked to survival.

But what does it truly mean?

Well the definition is this; The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. It was first described by Walter Bradford Cannon. His theory states that animals react to threats with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system, priming the animal for fighting or fleeing. READ MORE

bull dog

How CBD Can Lower Pet Anxiety

At one point or another you’ve felt anxious. The same holds true for our pets, however they’re not as vocal about it. Sometimes managing your pet’s anxiety is a guessing game, since they cannot directly let you know how they are feeling. READ MORE

labrador puppies

Littermate Syndrome

The Siblings

Many experts including trainers, behaviourist, breeders and rescues these days are discouraging people to take on canine siblings.

The question is Why?

Well research produced has suggested that the potential for behavioural issues arising is higher during key development periods in siblings due to their deep routed bond.READ MORE

boxer puppy

11 Things You Should Know about the Boxer

Intelligence. Protection. Devotion. Great with your kids.

If you’re looking for the breed that embodies all the best characteristics of a dog, you might want to start – and end – your search with the Boxer.READ MORE

labrador

Knowing the Fundamentals of CHF in Dogs Can Save Your Pet’s Life

The threat of heart problems in dogs is very real and one that’s not easily detected. Congestive heart failure in dogs is not really a disease. It instead is a condition that might manifest following a disease or defect.

Even if you are not a medical professional, it’s not complicated to decode what the term congestive heart failure might mean. Congestion describes the clogging up of arteries and valves resulting from fluid accumulation, lipid buildup, or heartworms. READ MORE

living room

Clean House Clean Mind

The Mind Boosting Benefits of an Organised Home

Kipple is useless objects, like junk mail or match folders after you use the last match or gum wrappers of yesterday’s homeopape. When nobody’s around, kipple reproduces itself.
For instance, if you go to bed leaving any kipple around your apartment, when you wake up the next morning there’s twice as much of it. It always gets more and more. – Phillip K. DickREAD MORE

wipet dog

DIY Christmas gifts for your four-legged friend

Christmas is the perfect excuse to spoil your loved ones – and that includes your beloved pets! Whilst everyone else is busy unwrapping their presents on Christmas morning, why not give your four-legged friend something of their own to unwrap? It might even distract them from mischievously unwrapping yours.READ MORE

small dog laying down

5 Health Indicators that you should not ignore

Can your pets tell you when something is wrong? I believe they can if we watch out for the indicators. Most pet owners will notice if something is different, it is that time your instincts tell you something is not quite right.

It is these times you can not ignore these signs as your dog could be suffering with a serious medical condition.READ MORE

English Cocker Spaniel

10 Things you Should Know About the English Cocker Spaniel

If you haven’t already noticed, I LOVE Cocker Spaniels.  I love their cuddly, fun, energetic personalities. Every dog is an individual, they don’t all follow the stereotypes, but there are some general breed characteristics.  Want to know more about the breed and its history? Here are some well known and lesser known details about these floppy eared cuddle monsters.READ MORE

pamper pets

How to pamper your pet

Whatever the occasion – whether it’s Rover’s first birthday or Garfield has gone a whole day without knocking a glass off the table – our pets always deserve to be pampered. Sometimes dog treats from the shop just don’t cut it when you want to do something special for your pet and treat them to a little bit of luxury. That’s where our top tips for pampering your pet come in.READ MORE

dog laying down

My dog is afraid of men!! Solutions!

Guest Post By MD Abu Selimof

Does your dog always bark when men walk by?

Are they afraid when a man moves toward them?

Being afraid of men is a common problem in dogs. Notably, many dog owners commonly report that “My dog is afraid of men.”READ MORE

three dogs sitting

Enough is Enough

When does your dog become too social

Interesting concept as we are told to socialise our dog as much as we can from an early stage, however, when is it enough and when does your dog become too social.

Socialization, the process whereby an individual learns to adjust to a group (or society) and behave in a manner approved by the group (or society). According to most social scientists, socialization essentially represents the whole process of learning throughout the life course and is a central influence on the behaviour, beliefs, and actions.READ MORE

great dame

6 Ways to Relieve Your Dog’s Arthritis

You need to take care of your dog if you want it to live a happy life. You should take it to the vet at least once a year, and include exercise, a healthy diet, and a lot of hydration into its life. Also, a wide variety of medication is available for any type of disease that dogs can experience.

But still, sometimes it is hard to avoid strong hereditary factors. Arthritis is one of the most common health problems among dogs. One in five dogs suffers from this disease, so you need to pay attention to your dog’s behavior to detect the signs. Arthritis is very painful for your dog, so follow these steps to make your dog’s life a little bit easier.READ MORE

dog on a beach

What is Spatial Awareness

Creating and developing spatial awareness

Not many trainers talk about creating spatial awareness, but this is a natural part of the canine development process. Spatial awareness is the ability to be aware and have an organised knowledge of objects in relation to space around us. READ MORE

dog yawining

Everything You Need to Know About How Dogs Sleep

There are few things more smile-inducing and “awww”-inspiring than seeing a cute pup sprawled out and snoozing away. But dogs don’t just sleep because it’s adorable. Just like in people, sleep for dogs is a critical aspect of their health.

When you start thinking about a dog dozing off, it raises a handful of questions: how is dog sleep like human sleep? How much do dogs need to sleep? Can they sleep too much? And do they dream like we do?READ MORE

child and pug dog

Do dogs enhance our life’s

A few benefits of owning a dog

It may seem like a silly statement, but many people are dog owners but are we sure about the benefits of dog ownership and how much they can enhance our life’s. So, we are looking deeper to unlock and share some of these benefits with you.READ MORE

pug

Dog Obesity

Are our dogs getting fatter

Are our dogs getting fatter? If so why, is this a knock-on effect of human obesity or is that we are not aware of the harmful fat levels in the foods we feed our dogs.

Obesity is sadly an extremely common and preventable problem affecting our dogs on a day to day basis, with Veterinary surgery’s seeing more cases every year.READ MORE

pug on sofa

Dog Tracking Devices

cWhy get a dog tracker?

Dog trackers and GPS collars have been on the market for longer than you expect, however over the last 3 years they have become more popular as we head further into a technology driven future.READ MORE

dog sat in a park

The Dog Park

Dog Park Pros and Cons

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers is an organization that was created to educate its members, the public, and other pet-care related industries in the proper management of pet dogs. READ MORE

dane out poster

Great British Dane Out

As the floodgates open for beach goers in the summer months, they also close for dogs. Many public beaches have restrictions during summer months that forbid four-legged visitors.READ MORE

woman holding a puppy

Born to be Separated

When we first separate them
Author: Paul Daly

When puppies are born, they are destined to be separated from each other. This sad fact is so often overlooked by us as we are eager to welcome the new addition to our family.READ MORE

boxer

Do the same thing

We need to change to progress

There is an old saying which goes “The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result”.

Well I do not believe this to be true, in my eyes it is knowing that by doing the same thing repeatedly brings the same result is insanity. However, so many people are stuck in this ridiculous cycle.READ MORE

dog being patted

UK Dog Theft

Facts and figures for dog theft in the UK

This is every dog owner’s worst nightmare, but the shocking truth is that 60 dogs per week either go missing or are stolen.

The fact is Dog theft have risen by 24% in the last three years, which equates to 60 dogs going missing per week and not all the most commonly stolen dog types are pedigree dogs. This is organised with gangs operating across the country and are often targeting specific dogs and sadly only one in five dogs stolen are reunited.READ MORE

man training a dog

The Clicker

The Clicker is a worthwhile tool

I am asked on a daily basis what type of trainer am I. My instinctive reply is positive training but then when I think about most people now associate positive training with the clicker treat system.READ MORE

labrador

Top Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Looking Fabulous

From the short-haired Malinois, the fluffy and curly poodle, all the way to the impressive mane of a Komondor, every dog has its own needs when it comes to grooming. Just like with us, humans, their fur is a reflection of their health and overall wellbeing, but also a factor in how comfortable they’ll feel throughout the year, and how messy they’ll leave your home!READ MORE

boy sat with puppy

Benefits of Pets for Kids – The Essential Guide

Author: Michael Morris, Freelance Write
We’ve had a love for pets ever since early man first trained wolves to obey commands. You won’t find many wolves in family homes today, but dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and rabbits are commonplace.

Unsurprisingly, young children are particularly fond of having their own pet. This guide will look at the impact pets have on children, what it takes to own a pet, and will demonstrate how a pet is a healthy addition to any child’s upbringing.READ MORE

Paul daly in Abington park

What is dog training?

What is dog training and how does it help our pets?

Dog training is the process of teaching skills or behaviors to your dog. This can include teaching your dog to respond to certain commands, or helping your dog learn coping skills to certain environments.

READ MORE

Paul day in wellingborough

Dog leads and collars, which one suits your dog

Choosing the right Tool

When you trawl through the internet or walk through a pet shop you will be confronted with a scary amount of different dog leads and collars. Choosing the right one for your dog can unfortunately be an expensive hit or miss game.

Many of you will know how this feels and will have a draw or cupboard full of leads, collars, harnesses ect that you have brought. Each one just didn’t work the way you where expecting them to or promised by the manufacture.

Many dog leads and collars just don’t work unless you put the training in from a very early stage and more importantly creating a positive to the lead.

Head collars work, however not all dogs will accept them and fight them constantly.READ MORE

labrador

The Modern Labrador

The history of the faithfull Labrador Retriever

The modern Labrador’s ancestors originated on the island of Newfoundland, now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The founding breed of the Labrador was the St Johns Water Dog, a breed that emerged through ad-hoc breedings by early settlers of the island in the 16th century. The forebears of the St. John’s Dog are not known, but were likely a random-bred mix of English, Irish, and Portuguese working breeds. The Newfoundland (known then as the Greater Newfoundland) is likely a result of the St. John’s Dog breeding with mastiffs brought to the island by the generations of Portuguese fishermen who had been fishing offshore since the 16th century.READ MORE

two labrador laying down

Grass Seeds and Dogs

The dreaded grass seeds

Running around can be great fun for your dogs, however during the summer months it can cause serious pain and misery for your dog.

READ MORE

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The Time Factor

Understand it is about Time

Time is not an object or substance we can touch or see. But neither is it merely a dimension, quantity or a concept

What is the definition of time?

READ MORE

a pug with a biscuit

How to Choose Dog Food, According to Science – 8 Factors to Consider

How to choose dog food

Picking out the right food for your dog also means picking out the right ingredients. As a responsible pet friend, one of the best things you can do for him is serve healthy, well-balanced food. Good dog food has the right nutrition your dog really needs, depending on his age, breed, and activity level.READ MORE

dorky dog

8 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People with Allergies

Pets make good companions at home. They can bring joy and remove stress after a long day at work. Not only are they lovable, but they have quite an ability to make life less lonely. Pets come in many forms; they can be dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, etc.  But among them, dogs are the most common and popular choice as pets. READ MORE

beagle eating food

Best Dog Food

It’s All About Quality Ingredients: Best Food for a Safe and Healthy Dog

Article written by Review.com

In early 2015, the law firm of Morgan and Morgan filed a class action lawsuit against Purina over ingredients found in its line of Beneful dog food. Despite this lawsuit — and the thousands of complaints of kidney failure that led to it — the products remain available to purchase at a store near you.READ MORE

dog in a car

Travel Anxiety

Car Phobia’s and Fears in Dogs

Do you dread the days you must take your dog in the car; does he make a run for it when he sees the keys? Or is he just a poor traveller but braves the stress of the road?READ MORE

dogs & technology

Dog technology

Technology, we all use it. But do we all need it or is it a case of wanting it?

Need and want are two issue’s I debate at least once a year, slight lie. Every time Apple drops another ore inspiring piece of technology, my inner child goes to war with the grown up within.

I’m sure you can relate, but now the innovators have turned their beady little eye to our pets. How can our dogs benefit?READ MORE

black Labrador

Creating a calm dog

Do you have an excited or a calm dog

Sometimes when working on a 121-behavioural consultation, the owner will try to justify the overexcited barking and leaping about as the dog just being excited.

What I see however, is so far removed from a calm dog it has become unbalanced unhealthy within its own mind.READ MORE

child stroking a dog

Dogs and babies – creating the perfect plan before the expected arrival

For many people, their dog is their baby.

In their eyes, the dog is their cherished son or daughter. But what happens when you bring a new baby into the family? A new-born can dramatically change not only your life but your dog’s life as well. As your routines change your attention will shift from the dog to the baby.READ MORE

dog laying on sofa

Is our labelling obsession affecting our dogs behaviour

Are we wasting our natural intelligence applying labels to behaviour?

Your dog’s behaviour is simply natural coordinated responses which can be triggered by internal and external stimuli.
A dog’s natural intelligence over the years has been gauged by their ability to perceive information and retain it as knowledge for applying to solve problems.

READ MORE

irish hound laying down

Dog Pregnancy Guide

What to do during dog pregnancy

By Mary Nielsen, My Sweet Puppy 

When your dog becomes pregnant, it will last for approximately 63 days on average. Each dog goes through 3 trimesters, just like humans do, they may go through a morning sickness phase, usually within the 3rd or 4th week of pregnancy, and it is a good idea to get her into the vet at about 2 or 3 weeks after mating.READ MORE

jack Russell holding lead in his mouth

11 steps on how to walk your dog on a lead

Walk your dog on lead & stay in control 

1Be aware of your energy and body language while walking your dog.

Pre Walk Check list

  • Are you communicating a cool, calm canine state of mind?
  • Is your body language sending the message: ‘I am a confident pack leader that is in control’?

READ MORE

French dog

Finding a dog walking service you can trust

Questions to ask when choosing a professional dog walker

Many people use a professional dog walker, especially if they work during the day, to get the dog out of the house for a sniff, leg stretch and toilet break when they are being left for long hours.READ MORE

dog laying in basket

The Adolescent Dog

Stages that occur in adolescent dogs

This is a very difficult time for your dog, however with continuous training and establishing a good foundation through true understanding, both of you will build a solid relationship.

READ MORE

poster for microchipping

Pet Microchipping

Do I have to microchip my dog

From spring 2016, all dogs over 8 weeks in England, Wales & Scotland will be required by law to be microchipped & registered to an approved database.

READ MORE

poster for pets reunited

What to do if your pet goes missing

Why do pets go missing?

It can be very upsetting when a pet goes missing. Knowing what to do if it does
happen could provide some comfort, and improve your chances of getting your pet back.

READ MORE

Spaniel in Abington park

The Disengagement Theory for Dog Behaviour

Creating Natural withdrawal or disengagement

As professional trainers and behaviourists we are faced with strong criticism when we state that a dog’s adverse behaviour is just a momentary engagement caused by a change in the state of mind.READ MORE

springer spaniel dog

The day I lost my true Friend

Ziggy-the seemingly impossible Gundog

Over the coming weeks I was to be told by many people including the Vets that I was mad to take on such a dog. They said he would break me…..READ MORE

jack russel barking

How to stop your dog barking

Preventing dog barking within the home environment

Inappropriate dog barking is one of the most common issues for dog owners, often stemming from anxiety  when your dog does not like being left alone within the home environment.READ MORE

boxer dog

Desensitisation and Counter Conditioning in Dogs

The Key Factor to Successful Desensitisation and Counter Conditioning

Desensitisation and Counter Conditioning are two of the most successful techniques used to change unwanted behaviour in dogs and there are many methods in which to achieve this. <!–more–>However there is a key factor that is often overlooked and renders these techniques useless.

The term counter conditioning means conditioning or teaching a dog to display behaviours that is counter to the unwanted behaviour. The term desensitisation however means gradually exposing your dog to the situation or activity, without triggering any unwanted behaviour.READ MORE

dog with food

Don’t Take My Food Away

Control is essential to stop food aggression

Controlling the food is essential but if you follow the old fashioned approach that you must be able to take the food away this can cause insecurity, defensive and even aggressive behaviours.

READ MORE

Paul daly

The Balance Trainer

Balance training as opposed to aversion training

What is balance training? And why do many trainers and Behaviourist believe that aversive behaviourist and trainers can be recognised simply by the words they use like corrections, pack, dominance and pressure ect.READ MORE

Labrador

Being a positive dog trainer

Positive dog trainer is all about energy

Being a positive dog trainer is not about just using positive reinforcement and only  food and toy reward based training to create desired behaviours.READ MORE

picture of different

Top Ten Dog Breeds

Top Ten Dog Breeds Found In UK Homes

Are you considering buying a dog as a family pet? Want to know what the top ten dog breeds are in the UK right now!READ MORE

couple walking their dog

Important factors of Dog Ownership

What are the important factors of dog ownership we should consider?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dog. Taking on a dog is a serious and lifetime commitment and if you have not considered these factors then you are not ready to introduce a dog to your home and lifestyle.READ MORE

bulldog holding a ball

Obsession vs Focus

When obsession over takes the focus

When obsession over takes the focus then we have taken away the dogs natural awareness of the world around them. Many of us are totally unaware of the difference between obsession and focus as both states of mind are acted out in a similar manner by your dogs.READ MORE

dog poster

Dog behaviours explained

Understand what your dog is trying to tell you

In order to really understand what your dog is trying to tell you, it’s important to observe their body language and listen to the noises they make.READ MORE

dog in a crate

First steps to Crate Training your dog

Crate training from early stage

House training can become increasingly harder to establish and set a routine.  This is where the use of a crate can reduce the chances of your puppy toileting while you are absent.READ MORE

aggressive dog

Is Aggression normal in Dogs

Domestication means exactly what it says domestication.

Is aggression normal in dogs; answer is no it is not normal. Domestication means exactly what it says domestication. We domesticated dogs to such a point that they now live alongside the human and have become a part of our society.READ MORE

pug with food

The Grain Free Foods

The Grain Free Foods

Today, more and more vets are starting to recommend approved foods like the grain free foods. The reason for this is that grain free dog foods contain more protein and animal fats and fewer carbohydrates.READ MORE

Border Collie

The Working Dog Breeds  

The Working Dog Breeds should they be Pets

Not all working dog breeds have working potentially, it all comes down to the genetic lines they are bred from that makes them either working or pet.READ MORE

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Business advice for running a pet care sanctuary

Have you always wanted to spend your life helping animals?

There are certainly a lot of abandoned pets out there in need of care and support, and a lot of people who would like to help but can’t take them into their own homes.READ MORE

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The Power Dog Breeds:

Power Dog Breeds are they really so different

Mastiffs, Bull breeds, Rottweilers, Doberman these are all what we call power dog breeds. But are these breeds really any different from any other breed of dog.READ MORE

bordoue puppy

The Perfect Puppy

The perfect puppy comes from understanding; Knowing how they work and how they learn and how they see their surroundings.
It’s important to understand that our domestic dogs as puppies are unlike any animal as they are not born with the ability to walk. Their survival does not depend on this unique survival ability anymore.

READ MORE

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Presenting Dog Energy

Understand and Control Dog Energy

Dogs like any other living organism on this planet have a presenting energy. We used to know how to read it not just in dogs but in our own species as well.READ MORE

a dog laying down

Canine Epilepsy Symptoms

What are the canine epilepsy symptoms?

There is two type’s of Epilepsy, Grand Mal & Petit Mal. A brain disorder that can cause sudden, uncontrolled, recurring physical attacks, with or without loss of consciousness.READ MORE

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Preparing For a New Dog

Are you ready to get a new dog?

Author: by Sainsbury’s Bank

Owning a new dog can be very rewarding, offer a healthier lifestyle and a sense of companionship. However, it’s important to ensure you are ready for the responsibility that comes with it.READ MORE

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Dog Behaviour: Instinct vs Science

What differences does Instinctive or Science approach, create?

There are fundamental differences between the Instinctive approach to assessing problem dog behaviour in our pets and the Science approach.

The Science approach to dog behaviour being presented looks to put each type of behaviour into set categories.

With each category having a prescribed protocol to follow.READ MORE

dog pulling the lead

Dog Lead Pulling

Dog Lead pulling is the No1 behavioural issue

Dog lead pulling is one of the most common behavioural issue’s. So what is the cause, what is the effect and how do we solve it.READ MORE

dog being walked

What Defines a Well Trained Dog

Are we heading in the right direction when training a dog

With serious increase in unwanted dog behaviour comes the increase in different types of trainers and behaviourists.READ MORE

dog sat next to owner

The need to keep your dog on-leash

Dogs sometimes bite, growl or snarl when provoked

The occasional dust-up involving dogs and humans probably dates back to the time when early hunter-gatherers first attempted to domesticate wild canids.READ MORE

terrier dog

3 Steps to the Perfect Dog Recall

How do you achieve the perfect dog recall

There are many techniques used when it comes to dog recall training, some good some bad but whatever the technique you try it can mean nothing if your dog is not focused on you.READ MORE

dog looking at road

UK Weather – Dogs die in hot cars

Four dogs rescued after Police smash car window

The UK weather has certainly been nice to us this week.

With today pipped to be the hottest day of the year, one Police force called for dog owners to be responsible and not leave their dogs in cars.READ MORE

darwin

Darwins Dogs

Charles Darwin the voyager

Charles Darwin, was an English naturalist and geologist. He is best known for his contributions to the evolutionary theory. READ MORE

Understanding Your Dog

Confused about understanding your dog

There is no question that as humans we often misunderstand the needs of our dogs.

By observing our canine companions we will find that they do in fact communicate with us with through subtle, simple silent language.READ MORE

silku dog

Anxiety

Separation anxiety – how has it affected your dog

Research suggests that canine separation anxiety is one of the most common behaviour problems that many dog owners experience. A recent study, which was conducted in the United Kingdom, indicated that as much as 50 percent of dogs have shown some symptoms of separation anxiety when they are left by themselves.READ MORE

pug

Fears and Phobias in dogs

What is the cause of phobias in dogs?

It is a common issue for phobias in dogs to manifest from noises of thunder, vacuum cleaner, fireworks, guns and bird scarers. READ MORE

dog stealing food

Christmas food Dangers

Do you know the common Christmas food dangers for dogs

Christmas is a wonderful time of year and should be full of fun for all the family, dogs included.READ MORE

group of dogs

The Mind of the Dog

An introduction to the complexity of the mind of the dog

With all this diversity comes a very unique animal, with varying abilities and levels of intelligence.READ MORE

group of dogs

The Top 10 Most Popular UK Dog Breeds

Do you agree with these most popular uk dog breeds

Are you considering buying a dog as a family pet? Then you might be wondering what the most popular uk dog breeds are in the right now!READ MORE

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