Key Life Stages of a Dog

Dogs are social and crave company by nature – that’s why they bond so well with us. However, if they’re not taught how to deal with being alone, this can lead to separation related problems, commonly known as separation anxiety. Keep reading to discover the common symptoms of puppy separation anxiety, and find out how you can help them overcome it with our useful guide.

There are only certain times during the development of your puppy’s brain when you can help them become a friendly and outgoing companion. This is how to support them during their first encounters with adults, kids, dogs and anything else life throws at them.

Healthy and happy puppies need their fair share of exercise. This is how to use play and walking effectively without going overboard.

Sports and activities can be a great way to strengthen your bond with your puppy, whilst also building fitness for both you and your dog! Find out what dog games and sports you can try in this article.

Exercising isn't just about daily walks, it's about stimulating your puppy's brain as well. Keep reading to find out what games you can play with your puppy to improve their concentration and engage their brain.

When your puppy reaches 6 months of age they'll turn into a teenager! This can be a challenging time for pet owners, which is why here at Purina, we've created this handy guide to help you through it.

When your little puppy grows up their requirements change, which means that you need to think about what kind of equipment your dog needs as they become a teenager! Read our guide for our top tips and advice to make the teenage years a breeze.

Your dog's sense of smell is one of their most powerful senses, so it only makes sense to start nose training when they're puppies! Learn more about how to scent train your dog with our helpful guide and advice.

Now that your puppy's become a teenager you can start to work toward some more serious training. Read our article for our advanced puppy training top tips!

If you have a new puppy, it’s common to have questions about how to stop puppy play-biting, mouthing and jumping up. Find out more with Purina.

When a dog dies it can be an incredibly sad time for owners, and it can be difficult to know what to do. Make sure you're prepared during this upsetting time with our essential guide.

Puppies are naturally curious and love mischievous play with their littermates. With so much to learn in their first weeks and months it’s not surprising that they will need a little guidance.

In all the excitement of bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to remember to start their training right away. The sooner you introduce good habits, the better it will be for both of you as your puppy beings to understand basic commands and gets to grips with your house rules.

It’s wonderful that you’re bringing a puppy into your happy, loving home! Once you’ve chosen your perfect breed, the next step is to find a responsible rescue centre or breeder where you can find a puppy to add to your family.

Your puppy seems small now, but they have a lot of growing up to do in a short space of time! In just 12 months (up to 24 months for larger breeds) they'll become fully-fledged adults.

New puppies are full of mischievous energy, and their endless curiosity means they get their little noses into everything. That’s how they learn but it’s also how they get into trouble!

You may have noticed some grey hairs on your dog, or sensed that they’ve started to slow down a little – this is all perfectly normal as they approach their senior years.

When your dog reaches the age of about seven – a little younger in large breeds (five to six) and older in small breeds (around nine) – they’re generally considered to be ‘senior’.

Sometimes older dogs might undergo behavioural changes that seem unusual or a little more noticeable than just ‘slowing down’. Until recently, experts had attributed these things to the aging process, about which little can be done. More recently, however, unusual changes in older dogs have been attributed to a disorder called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).

When we’re working out how old a dog is in human years, the popular opinion is to multiply their age by seven. While it’s true that one year for human development is quite different to one year for a dog’s development, the actual number of dog years to human years depends on several factors, such as breed and size.

As with any of our loved ones, we don’t like to think of our dogs getting on in years. Aside from a few grey hairs, your pet might not show signs of ageing on the outside.

No dog owner wants to think about putting a dog to sleep, but it’s a decision that you may find yourself making towards the end of your dog’s life.

When our cherished pet is no longer in our lives it can be devastating, whether you are coping with the loss of a cat, the loss of a dog, or indeed any other pet. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Welcoming the pitter-patter of tiny paws into your home is an exciting time for you and your dog. Find out how to spot the signs of a pregnant dog here.