Supporting pets who’ve piled on pandemic pounds

Editor’s letter

With Christmas only a matter of weeks away,

BIGGEST ʻPANDEMIC PUPPIES’ PAPER PUBLISHED

NEWS. CHAT. INTERVIEWS. PICTURES. COMPETITIONS. Research has revealed

POLICE DOGS AND HANDLERS HONOURED

PC Paul Hopley and PD Stark won the

News HOUND-UP

MIND GAMES Researchers at Germany’s Goettingen University have

OPIE’S BUCKET LIST

Opie with Julie’s son, firefighter Rob. Opie. F

World pupdates

● TURKMENISTAN: The Central Asian country has honoured

POPULAR PUB IS NAMED TOP FOR PUPS

Set in the heart of Derbyshire’s beautiful Peak

CONGR ATUL ATIONS, CHESTER!

I t’s official —a working Cocker Spaniel has

Insecure or easy going?

CHECK OUT YOUR DOG’S PERSONALITY PROFILE

Share some canine compassion

Dogs are incredibly good for our physical health and mental well-being. You can share those benefits with others, by registering your dog with the national charity Pets As Therapy (PAT ). Julie Hill tells us more

A veterinary EMERGENCY

It’s essential that a dog owner is aware of bloat because that awareness could save their dog’s life, as Vicky Payne explains

Let’s get festive!

The countdown has begun, so follow Karen Bush’s advice on how to have a fun, happy, and safe Christmas for you, your family, and your dog

SPOILT for choice!

With such a huge range of different diets available for dogs, how do you choose which to feed? Dr Jacqueline Boyd advises

Pawfect presents

More and more besotted pet parents are commissioning portraits of their dogs, and with Christmas just around the corner, they can make an ideal gift. Alison Gallagher-Hughes looks at their increasing popularity

Countdown to CHRISTMAS

Get organised and be prepared with these great gift ideas for dogs and their owners

ARMCHAIR TRAINING

At this time of year, an armchair by the fire may seem more inviting than a trip outdoors! And there are alternatives when it comes to your dog’s training, as Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush explain

LETTERS

GET IN TOUCH ... Email your letters to

BUMPER FREEBIES

Since Christmas is just around the corner, we’re treating you to a double helping of giveaways. Enjoy!

Travellers’ tales

Taylah Stewart and Dizz y have been inseparable since their paths crossed in Por tugal two years ago, despite a serious vector-borne disease threatening the former stray ’s life

Looking to the future...

For trainer Victoria Stilwell maintaining the drive towards progressive dog training and truly changing dogs’ lives is the ultimate aim

Just whistle...

A short story by Karen Bush

The Gallery

Give your dog his five minutes of fame

Canine castaways!

Personalities from the dog world reveal which dogs they’d choose as castaway companions — and why

Dog SHOPPING

Looking for some dog-themed festive gift inspiration? You’ll be spoilt for choice with these super shopping suggestions…

COULD IT BE ANAL GLANDS?

QHow can you tell if your dog needs

DOG Answers

Got a problem with your dog? Whether it’s

HE GETS AGGRESSIVE BEFORE A WALK

Going for a walk is very arousing for

A CURE FOR A SCURFY COAT

QWhat grooming routines would you recommend for my

CAN HE SEE PROPERLY?

QI’m a little worried about my dog’s eyesight.

RECOGNISING CUSHING’S

QHow common is Cushing’s disease in dogs? What

Quick-fire questions

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S EARS? I

MY STOP AND SNIFF WALKS

DOG Answers Allow your elderly dog plenty of

FLAGGING UP PAIN

QI’m concerned that my 10-year-old cross-breed dog may

COCKERPOO COAT CARE

QCan you give me any general tips on

VET SHORTAGE?

QI’m hearing that a lot of people are

Quick-fire questions

MY DOG HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A LUXATING