Lemons are toxic to dogs and ingestion can result in several potential health issues. While dogs might eat small amounts of lemon without any serious adverse effects, both the high citric acid and sugar content can be problematic for them.The good news is your dog will likely be equally as enthusiastic about chomping down on a sour, bitter-tasting lemon slice as you are. Lemons have a flavor most dogs would usually try to avoid.So, while a dog who licks or attempts to eat a lemon may have a strong reaction to the taste that may seem comical, feeding your dog a lemon isn’t a joke. Why Do Dogs Have a Strong Reaction to Lemons? “Dogs do not like bitter taste and will generally have a negative reaction,” Purina nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS explains. “Sour taste can also be detected, but it’s not always negative. Dogs have learned to avoid bitter tastes due to association of poisonous foods, leading to better survival rates.”Today, dogs don’t usually eat lemons, and for good reason. Citrus fruits contain essential oils and a chemical compound toxic to dogs. They’re found in the plants, tree parts, skin and pithy white parts of the lemon. Are Lemons Bad for Dogs? Yes, lemons are bad for dogs. Dogs tend to eat things they shouldn’t, including grapes, plants and even poop. In minimal quantities, lemons might be fine for a dog, assuming they would be willing to eat it. But lemons are loaded with compounds, essential oils and acids that are toxic to dogs. They’re also high in sugar. Lemon Components Toxic to Dogs Citric Acid: Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, certain berries and lemons have high levels of citric acid. While humans are fully capable of ingesting citric acid, dogs are different. Just a few pieces of these fruits can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. Larger amounts can give your dog more serious health issues like central nervous depression. Symptoms of central nervous depression can include drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination and loss of consciousness.Limonene: This terpene is produced by all citrus fruits, including lemons, and gives citrus fruits their unique odor. Limonene is also toxic for dogs who ingest it. d-limonene contains insecticidal properties that, if ingested by a dog, can cause serious harm when it metabolizes in the liver. The consequences of d-limonene ingestion can include toxicity, poisoning, liver damage and even liver failure.Linalool: Found in all lime trees and responsible for the floral aroma of citrus fruits is linalool. This terpene is, like limonene, an insecticide and is often used as an ingredient in soaps and lotions. Both leaves and the lemon fruit itself have high concentrations of linalool and if your dog ingests them, it’s a cause for concern. Linalool can cause long-lasting and severe symptoms for dogs, including liver damage and liver failure.Psoralen: Present in citrus, including lemon and lime trees, psoralen is a plant compound that can cause phototoxicity or photosensitivity in dogs. The symptoms of psoralen can include skin and eye sensitivity to sunlight. Health Risks for Dogs Who Eat Lemons Lemon poisoning in dogs can lead to a wide range of possible health risks for dogs, including:Rash or skin irritationWeaknessDrowsinessNervous depressionConfusionDiarrheaLoss of coordinationCollapseExcessive droolingLow blood pressureTremorsVomitingPhotosensitivityIf you observe your dog displaying any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.Are Other Citrus Fruits Bad for Dogs?There are a few other citrus fruits that are also not good for your dog. Most of them happen to be tart or sour. Limes, just like lemons, are high in citric acid, so your dog should not eat them. Another fruit to keep out of reach is grapefruit.What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? There are a lot of fruits that are healthy for your dog and some that aren’t, so it’s best to do your research. Dogs can eat apples (once the seed and core are removed), blueberries, watermelon and more.These fruits are less acidic than citrus fruits and may have some benefits for dogs, too. It’s essential, however, to feed fruit as a treat and in moderation. The majority of your dog’s diet should come from a complete and balanced dog food.How Much Fruit Can Dogs Eat? How much fruit a dog can eat depends on the size of your dog and their nutritional needs. The 10 percent treat rule is a good guide. “We recommend feeding your dog no more than ten percent of their total calories for the day, whether it’s fruit or another treat,” advises Carbo-Johnson. That means a few pieces of fruit are enough.Discover more foods that you can feed your dog and others you shouldn’t by visiting our Pet Expertise page and hear from our pet experts.

With special celebrations such as Christmas, Ramadan, and birthdays, it's important to remember that some of our favourite foods can be harmful or even toxic to our furry friends. While it may be tempting to share the joy of the festivities with our dogs, certain foods can pose serious health risks. To ensure their safety and well-being, it's best to stay away from the following foods: Grapes and Raisins Grapes and raisins, often found in fruitcakes, desserts, or even as a snack, can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is still unknown, but ingestion can lead to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and increased thirst. It's best to keep these treats away from your furry friend and ensure they don't have access to any dishes or desserts containing grapes or raisins. If your dog accidentally consumes grapes or raisins, seek veterinary attention promptly. Chocolate Chocolate is a beloved treat during celebrations, but it contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine, making it even more dangerous for dogs. It's crucial to keep all chocolate products securely out of your dog's reach and avoid sharing any chocolate treats with them. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Onions and Garlic Onions and garlic, commonly used in savory dishes, contain compounds that can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, pale gums, increased heart rate, and even collapse. It's important to avoid feeding your dog any foods seasoned with these ingredients and be cautious of any dishes that may contain onion or garlic powder. Keep all onion and garlic-containing foods securely out of your dog's reach. Nuts While nuts can be a tasty snack for humans, some varieties, such as macadamia nuts, can be toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause symptoms like weakness, tremors, vomiting, and an increased body temperature in dogs. Other nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can also pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal upset. It's best to avoid sharing any nuts with your furry friend and be cautious of any dishes or desserts that may contain nuts. During celebrations, it's crucial to consider your dog's health and safety and be mindful of the foods you offer them. Instead of sharing potentially harmful human foods, opt for dog-specific treats that are safe and enjoyable for them. There are many delicious and festive dog treats available that can add to the joy of the festivities without compromising your dog's well-being. You can also involve your dog in the celebration by giving them their own special treat or toy to enjoy. If you suspect your dog has ingested any harmful foods, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and assistance. They can provide appropriate advice, recommend any necessary treatment, and monitor your dog's condition to ensure their health and safety. By being proactive and cautious, you can ensure a joyful and hazard-free celebration for both you and your furry friend.

Spread on some toast and paired with poached eggs and some chili flakes, avocado can be one of the most delicious breakfast foods and has gained world-wide popularity as an ingredient. But while it’s great for humans, is its consumption by animals okay and can cats eat avocado? It’s a fruit full of nutrients and vitamins that are very useful for people, but might not be as great for cats, it seems. In this article, we’re going to dive right in and go through some of the reasons why avocados are not the most beneficial food for felines. Can Cats Eat Avocado? Even though avocado has many benefits in a human diet, they contain a toxin called Persin that can be harmful to animals, cats and dogs alike. Persin is mostly found in the skin, leaves, and pit of the avocado and when consumed in large quantities, can cause health issues in cats. For humans, avocado oil is considered a “good fat” but if eaten by a cat, it can affect their GI tract and cause inflammation in their pancreas. Avocado can also trigger allergies in some cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing or eating. If avocado is consumed by your cat in small amounts, there’s nothing to worry about. However, it’s recommended that you stick to cat food when deciding upon a diet for your cat because commercial cat foods will provide your pet with all the nutrients and vitamins they need. How Much Avocado Can a Cat Eat? It’s normal for your cat to want to show interest in trying out some of the foods you’re eating and in the case of avocado, you can give them a bite. A tiny one. In fact, your cat will probably enjoy avocado because of its smooth texture and rich flavor so expect your feline friend to be begging for more as soon as they try it. It’s important not to cave in though, no matter how tempted you might be to give them another bite. A tablespoon, or 15 grams, is enough. Benefits of Avocado for Your Cat Although commercial cat food has the best combination of vitamins and nutrients for keeping your cat in great health, avocado also has a few benefits. Check them out below: It’s low in cholesterol and sodiumIt contains protein – 18 amino acids are found in avocado all of which can help boost your cat’s immunityAvocado has healthy fats – these are known to have anti-inflammatory propertiesIt has antioxidants which can prevent the growth of cancerous cells and lead to improved eyesightFiber – avocado contributes to healthy bowl movementsAvocados contain potassium which can help to reduce blood pressure How to Feed Avocado to Your Cat Avocado is one of the easiest and fastest fruits to prepare. If you want your cat to try it, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make sure they do it in a safe way. Carefully peel the avocado skin, remove its pit, and cut it into very small piecesFeed it directly to your cat or place it on top of their regular foodOnly offer your cat avocado in very small amounts and once in a whileMake sure your cat doesn’t have access to the trash or other places where they can find avocado skin, pits, or leaves because consuming these might be harmful to them In conclusion, Can cats eat avocado? Yes, they can, as long as it’s not very often and not in large quantities. Even though it should be safe for them to try it out once in a while, it would be best to contact a vet before doing so as they’d be able to offer you better guidance while also considering your cat’s health history. For more expert tips on cat feeding, explore our other what can cats eat articles.

Spinach is widely regarded as a "superfood" for humans. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, and we tend to enjoy this leafy green vegetable in a great deal of different dishes – from salads to curries. Because spinach is so good for people, you may be wondering if cats can eat spinach too, and if they can see the same benefits that we do? Keep reading and find out all you need to know about cats and spinach.Can Cats Eat Spinach? Yes, cats can eat spinach! In fact, there are even commercial cat food diets that include spinach as one of their ingredients. However, although spinach is safe for cats to eat, there’s no need to supplement their diet with this food, as a high-quality cat food should contain everything they need to meet their nutritional requirements.Is Spinach Good for Cats? As mentioned previously, cats don’t need spinach in their diet, as a good quality cat food will normally contain all the nutrients they need. With that being said, even a small amount of spinach contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, K, B6, B2 and E and it’s a great source of magnesium, folate, calcium and potassium too.However, there are some occasions where spinach is not so good for cats, for example, if they have kidney or urinary problems. This is because spinach contains calcium oxalate which may cause cats to develop harmful crystals in their urinary tract and cause further issues. Because of this, it’s important to only feed a small amount of spinach to your cat as a treat, and always speak to your vet first. Good quality feline diets containing spinach should also only contain amounts of this ingredient that are safe for your cat.How to Feed Spinach to Cats Spinach for your cat to have as a small snack is relatively easy. We recommend just steaming it and not adding any salt, spices or seasoning, as these aren’t good for your feline. Offer your cat a small amount of cooked, plain spinach to see if they like it, but don’t be surprised if they don’t! Many cats aren’t so crazy about vegetables or fruits, and would rather snack on some tasty, cat-specific treats or a nice piece of lean meat instead.If your cat does want to eat the spinach you offer them, only ever feed them a small amount of this food on the odd occasion as a treat. When feeding your cat treats, always remember to follow the rule of 10%, making sure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake, with the other 90% coming from a complete and balanced cat food.Now you know the answer to, Can cats eat spinach? Remember that cats don’t need this leafy green vegetable in their diet, so it doesn’t need to be a permanent fixture, and you should never substitute it for their main cat food.For more expert tips on cat feeding, explore our other what can cats eat articles.

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt, but only certain kinds of yogurt and in small quantities. The good news is yogurt contains calcium and protein – plus, it’s a tasty treat. Keep reading and find out the answer to the question, Is yogurt good for dogs? What is the Best Kind of Yogurt for Dogs?According to Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, “Plain or non-fat plain without any sweeteners or preservatives is the best kind of yogurt to give to your dog.” There are yogurts your dog can enjoy and may even be good for them. You need to check the ingredients first, though. Dogs should never eat any yogurt containing xylitol (also known as birch sugar or birch sap), a common sweetener in human foods. Even a small amount of xylitol-sweetened yogurt is toxic for dogs and may lead to liver failure because it accumulates in the liver tissue. It’s also best to stay away from yogurt flavored with fruits or any “mix-ins,” as these frequently have added sugar in the form of syrups and may also use artificial sweeteners. Also, dogs may have difficulty digesting the lactose in yogurt. After puppyhood, dogs’ ability to digest lactose usually decreases. As a result, ingesting too much lactose can result in gas, GI distress, diarrhea and vomiting. How Do I Know How Much Yogurt to Give My Dog?The right serving size for dogs varies based on the kind of yogurt and your dog’s: Size Weight Daily calorie intake Underlying health issues Activity level Neuter status When you know your dog’s daily nutritional needs, you can determine how much yogurt your dog can have. “Yogurt should be fed as a treat; therefore, yogurt should be no more than ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake,” Carbo-Johnson explains. Where Can I Find Nutritional Information About Yogurt?The amount of yogurt you can feed your dog will vary based on the type of yogurt. Check the label and pay attention to the calorie and fat content so you can measure the right serving size. You don’t want to let your dog have too much yogurt. “Adding a tablespoon for an average-sized dog is a fun way to incorporate new textures while limiting calories,” Carbo-Johnson suggests. Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?Yes, Greek yogurt is great for dogs, provided it is xylitol-free. Your dog may even like the texture of Greek yogurt more. It’s thicker because the whey gets strained out. Other kinds of yogurt your dog can enjoy include: Plain Low-Fat Naturally flavored Frozen Are the Probiotics in Yogurt Good for Dogs?Probiotics are good for you and your dog. If you’re following the 10 percent rule, though, this amount of yogurt won’t be enough to get many probiotic benefits from its active cultures. Instead of feeding your dog more yogurt, talk with your veterinarian. They can recommend a specially formulated probiotic supplement or dog food that will better support their needs. When it comes to dog treat and food recommendations, hear from our pet experts at our Pet Expertise page.

Bananas are wonderful healthy snack for us humans. They’re great to grab quickly on the go, add into a smoothie or serve as a fantastic dessert topping – and to top it off, they contain a great variety of healthy nutrients and they’re a good source of fibre. Knowing the nutritional value bananas bring to our diets, many pet parents have paused to ask the question “can dogs eat bananas?” We’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about bananas for dogs so you can help your four-legged friend snack responsibly. Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, dogs can eat bananas! Unlike other fruits, no part of the banana is toxic. However, dogs can find the peel hard to digest, so it’s best to avoid feeding this. Also, if your dog’s currently on a special diet or has certain health issues such as gastroenteritis or diabetes, bananas might not be the best idea. In these situations, it’s worth checking in with your vet prior to feeding to get custom advice about what’s best for your dog. Are bananas good for dogs? Just because bananas are fine for your dog to eat, this doesn’t mean that they’re the best food for dogs. Although bananas contain nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, we only recommend giving banana in small servings, so these nutrients won’t make much difference overall. Additionally, your dog will get everything they need to thrive from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to add banana as a supplement. Another thing to bear in mind is that bananas contain natural sugars and too much of these can cause weight gain which could lead to health issues such as obesity. Always follow the rule of 10% when offering treats to your dog and ensure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. How should I feed my dog bananas? When giving your dog bananas, you should always peel them first. As mentioned previously, the peel isn’t actually toxic but it contains a very high amount of fibre which could cause diarrhoea. It’s also very hard for your dog to digest and it could even cause a blockage in their digestive system. The best way to feed your dog bananas is to cut the peeled fruit up into appropriate bite-sized chunks, and offer a small piece to try. You can also try mashing it up and stuffing it in a Kong dog toy as it makes a fun and tasty filling. Alternatively, if your dog’s not a fan of the texture of bananas, you can freeze the fruit in small cubes. This makes a wonderfully refreshing treat on warm summer days! Before introducing any new foods to your dog it’s always best to check with your vet as they will be able to recommend serving sizes and also give advice on whether or not it’s a good idea to feed the food in question to begin with. Now you know that dogs can have bananas! Want to find out more dog feeding tips and guides? Check out our article on can dogs have strawberries, next!

As a dog owner you can sometimes find yourself obsessing over dog poop. From the colour of it, to the shape and consistency, you may be wondering what's normal. Our guide to dog poop aims to answer all of your questions and more. Every dog poops, this is true. Poop can seem like an unremarkable thing; but did you know that your dog’s poop can be a great indicator of your dog’s overall health and even prevent some health issues down the road if you know what to look for? That’s why over at Purina (and at your vet’s office!) we like to get personal about the poop-scooping experience. The next time you’re out on a walk with your dog, take a good look at your dog’s poop – this way you’ll be able to get a good whiff of the important information that your dog is trying to tell you.

Do kittens teeth? All kittens go through a teething process – it’s a natural part of growing up. But whilst some kittens deal with teething well, others may need a little reassurance from you. Whatever the case, rest assured that teething is completely normal. Keep reading to find out more about the process of kitten teething. When do kittens start teething? Just like humans, kittens do not have visible teeth when they are born. Your kitten’s 26 ‘baby teeth’ only start to appear at around three weeks of age. Once the baby teeth start to break through and pierce the gums you may start to see your kitten behaving differently – for example, they might begin to chew things. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. By about six weeks of age, most kittens will have grown all of their ‘milk teeth’ (or ‘baby teeth’). If your kitten hasn’t grown all of their teeth by this stage, don’t worry. Not all kittens’ teeth grow at the same rate. However, if there are a number of teeth missing once your kitten reaches nine or ten weeks, you may want to contact your vet to check everything is okay. At around six months of age, most cats should have lost their baby teeth to make way for their adult teeth. As the baby teeth are slowly replaced by 30 adult teeth, this is when the majority of kitten teething issues begin. The new teeth that are beginning to poke through will replace the baby teeth and will be the final set of teeth your cat will have, so it’s particularly important to take care of them. If you find your kitten’s baby teeth on the floor during this time, don't worry – kitten tooth loss is a natural part of the growing-up process. Kitten teething symptoms When your kitten is teething, they may be experiencing some discomfort. The most obvious signs of dental discomfort are: • Your cat has started to eat less. If they are chewing slower than usual, or more tentatively, it could be a sign their gums are hurting. It may be a good idea to pay a visit to your vet, just to be on the safe side, particularly if they also lose weight. • Urgency to chew. Another sign that your kitten is teething is excessive chewing. If your cat or kitten is chewing everything in sight including its bed, your furniture and its toys it may be a sign that teething has begun. • Inflamed or sore gums. As their adult teeth erupt, kittens may experience mild gingivitis, which can lead to inflamed gums and bad breath. If this is down to teeth erupting, it will usually resolve itself. • Other signs of dental discomfort are drooling, bleeding gums, and pawing at the mouth. These can also be signs of other dental conditions, so see a vet for a check-up. • Increased irritability. This is most likely due to sore gums and a sign that your kitten is teething.

Dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives, but when they fall ill it’s all too easy to worry about the cost of treatment. That’s where dog and puppy insurance comes in! We’re here to help you find the right policy for you and your pet. Veterinary care is improving all the time, but unfortunately, these treatments can be expensive. When your dogs under the weather, the last thing you want to worry about is having enough money to make them well again, which is why dog or puppy insurance is a great idea. Taking out a dog insurance policy can bring you real peace of mind by taking the worry out of many stressful situations. Even so, you’ll need to be careful when choosing the company and policy for your pup, as there can be a wide difference between them – it’s not fun, but this time you really need to read the small print! Have a chat with your vet about pet insurance for dogs and the different types of insurance cover you could benefit from. In the meantime, we’ve put together some things to consider when you’re looking for your new policy to help you on the way. What to look for in a dog or puppy insurance company When you’re thinking about how to choose dog insurance, it’s a good idea to look at the company, as well as the cover they offer. A good company means less stress for you should your dog need veterinary treatment. The first thing you should look out for is a good track record in terms of claims history, the types of claim made, and the frequency of claims. You can ask your veterinary practice for advice, or look for this kind of information on the company’s website. The dog or puppy insurance company should also be easy to contact and offer a straightforward service. Make sure you look at how you can contact them – whether this is by phone, email or live chat. The company you choose should always be open to queries, friendly and helpful, you may need to contact them at a difficult time, so it’s important for you to find them approachable.

Whether you enjoy a soothing meow every now and then or you’re growing impatient with all your cat’s attempts to make conversation, the reasons why cats meow are just as fascinating as the kittens themselves. Find out more here. As a proud cat owner, you are by now probably used to the daily soundtrack of meows and purrs your cat shares with you. But did you know that the way cats communicate with other cats is mainly via scent, and cat meowing is a language reserved for humans only? That’s to say, cats don’t meow at each other, only at humans, and meowing is a learned behaviour. Different meows tend to mean different things too and a subtle difference in one meow to another can indicate your cat is talking to you for a very different reason! Why would cats, who are better known for their “can’t be bothered” attitude, go to all the trouble to communicate with us? They must have something important to say. So if your cat won’t stop meowing and you need help deciphering what this means, here are the top reasons why cats meow. Why do cats meow? 1. To greet you If you’re used to a short meowing burst just as you close the door after returning home, congratulations – your cat actually noticed you were missing. These quick meows are your cat’s way of saying “hi” and “where have you been all this time”. A bit of affectionate petting and a few warm words are expected in return before your feline friend goes back to the usual preoccupations. Ah, the joys of being a cat owner! 2. To get your attention One reason why cats meow is to get your attention for play, petting or some nice treats. So if your cat keeps brushing up against you while belting out her signature meows, chances are you’re needed for some good old spoiling time. So if you’re wondering why does my cat keep meowing, that’s your cue to get the bag of treats out. If you need some inspiration, here are some cool cat games ideas to try. Have fun! 3. To get food If your cat won’t stop meowing at certain times, it’s always a good idea to check the food bowl. If it’s empty, you know why your cat is meowing! However, don’t fill up the bowl straight away – a good trick is to wait until your cat stops meowing before getting the food out. Otherwise your cat will learn that they can meow and get fed, so they’ll do it more. 4. To tell you they’re unwell Unfortunately, the reason why cats meow is not always easy to address, especially if the pitch and the frequency of your cat’s vocalisations are unusual. If your cat is meowing at night, they might be trying to tell you there is something wrong. In fact, many illnesses from kidney disease to urinary tract problems or arthritis can have your kitty meowing for help. If you notice anything unusual about the sounds your cat is making, it’s always better to visit the local vet to rule out a possible illness. However, be aware that it can be very difficult to read a cat’s body language and they often hide signs of pain, so just because they are not meowing doesn’t mean they are necessarily comfortable! If your cat is not a youngster anymore, watch out for a common culprit showing up in older cats – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Some of the symptoms include confusion and meowing at night, so make sure you discuss this possibility too with your vet. 5. To indicate stress If you notice extra cat meowing on top of the usual chat you’re expecting from your feline friend, think about any possible disturbances or changes in your cat’s environment. A new house, a new pet or a new baby can set off alarm bells in the mind of your furry companion. So be mindful of any changes and try to put your cat at ease by offering them more attention and some nice quiet time.

Now that your pup knows basic dog training, it’s time to teach them some cool dog tricks! Read our step-by-step article for advanced training top tips. We all love the idea of having a well-trained dog who hangs on our every word – and now your puppy has all the basics under their belt, it’s time to move on to the more advanced dog training techniques. Learning new tricks and games with your dog is going to benefit you as much as will benefit them and it will enhance your relationship as a result. It’s a win-win! Some of these fun dog tricks are based on mastering basic dog training skills, so if you need a refresher make sure you check our article first. How to focus your dog’s attention for learning dog tricks Having a dog who will give you their attention when you ask means they are ready to listen to you, and this is the first step in every other part of your advanced puppy training. The fun dog tricks below require your puppy’s attention for the learning process to begin. There’s no point asking your dog anything if his mind is elsewhere! Teach your pup to look at you when you say his name. This is something you should have been doing since puppyhood, but this is a good time to have a refresh. Have treats in your pocket while you’re in the house or garden. At various times when your dog isn’t expecting it, say their name brightly and enthusiastically. If they look at you, drop a treat on the ground between you, so the dog moves towards you to get the treat. You are teaching the puppy that their name means “give me your attention and good things happen”. Start doing this when there are no distractions and build it up until you can do it everywhere, no matter what is going on. Positive association like this is an important step in advanced dog training. Top tips for teaching your dog tricks • Be patient. It can take several repetitions over a few days before your dog gets the hang of these advanced tricks. Arm yourself with plenty of patience and treats before every session. • Keep the sessions short. Even when you’re the master of your pup’s attention, dogs will cease to be interested in what you have to say if the training goes on for ages. Limit the sessions to a few minutes each. It’s better to have multiple short dog tricks training sessions a day than a long one lasting the entire afternoon.