behaviour & body language

XL Bully cats might appear tough and muscly, but are they actually dangerous? 

It’s just one of approximately 10 million adorable behaviours your cat does every day. But why?

Learn all about this frankly adorable behaviour

Was your kitten separated too early? Here are the signs to watch for and how to help them

We know your dog is always the best in your eyes, but which breeds are stealing the nation’s hearts?

Overwhelmed by BKE? (Big Kitten Energy to you and me...)

Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand

It's time to reframe the situation

It’s all fun and games... until it’s not

Discover how to safely keep your kitty from counter-surfing

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

Is your dog overly clingy? Here’s how to help them build independence

It’s not just ’cause its cute

The science behind the feline ability to land on their feet

Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first

Gear up and get out there – even when it’s pitch black at 4pm

Keeping your dog on a lead isn’t mean – sometimes, it’s the kindest choice

Work with your cat and not against them

Think cats and dogs are natural enemies? Think again

Fancy putting your dog’s nose to the test?

If your pet is recovering from surgery and hates wearing a cone, don’t panic

Taking “if I fits, I sits” to a whole new level...

How to make sure you’re not missing any cues and that you both stay safe

From ‘Cat TV’ to Netflix, discover why your feline is hooked on the screen – and if it’s actually good for them

From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season

Thanks to your neighbour’s treats, your kitty’s over-the-fence visits are starting to become uncomfortably regular...

If you think your pup’s basically James Acaster, science backs you up

It’s the key to a happy cat

It’s giving Lady Whistledown...

Help your dog overcome the fear of the unknown

Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says

Hiding treats in your pockets out of sheer desperation? Learn how to make your thighs the Chosen Ones

Rolling on their back doesn’t automatically mean they want belly rubs...

Before you pet that stray dog on your holiday, find out how to protect yourself and still show compassion

The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases

All dogs love cooling off by splashing about and swimming in water, right? So why does yours... not?

Four legs up to the ceiling might not seem like a comfy napping position to us but pups seem to love it. How come?

Scientists from the Waltham Petcare Institute explain how one simple buy could help your nervous pup feel more comfortable by themselves

They do love to stare at absolutely nothing

Got a distracted pup? Discover if it’s ADHD and how to help

They’re trying to tell you something... but what?

This body language is not as simple as you probably think

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s your dog all stretched out like a frog

Is your dog scared of every little noise? Here’s how to turn the volume down on their anxiety

What is enrichment and why is it so important to keep your kitty happy?

Is your dog too friendly with strangers or other dogs? Learn effective strategies to manage and train your overly sociable dog to ensure proper behaviour and safety

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

From the dog that detected a deadly hair treatment to the search and rescue hero from the Turkish earthquake, meet the pups who gave humans a second chance at life

A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?

Your daily walks together are a special time for both you and your pup. Here’s how to lower stresses and find more joy during your daily routine

Can dogs tell the difference between a day, a week or a month?

Think a holiday with your nervous pup is off-limits? You just need to make a few adjustments. Here’s how to have a dreamy trip that you and your anxious dog can enjoy

Different breeds need different things...

An animal behaviourist explains why they do (and don’t) get involved in the game

Are faeces in your flower beds ruining your garden?

With consent, of course...

Add this unusual sound to your feline-to-English dictionary

Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”

Walk this way...

How can we best understand what’s going on in the minds of our cats and dogs? A neurology specialist veterinary nurse breaks it down

Tips for comforting your pup during a storm

There's no good reason to ever do this to your dog

Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting

Blue is a good name for a dog – not a good mood

We discover the reasons your cat enjoys so many strange things

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own – instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.

There might be a language barrier, but these two animals can still become best buds

It’s more than just an adorable habit… 

Or are they just ignoring you...

Chase? Wrestle? Tug-o-war? Find out which are fair game

Your brand new iPhone, antique figurine, full glass of water – they will swat it off the table. A cat behaviourist explains why

You could solve the mystery that is your kitty

Researchers say dogs actually have a pretty good sense of what we’re thinking

A study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behaviour

We delve into the age-old debate

Breeders, judges and historians talk about breed standards – learn how they’re supposed to work and why they don’t

Save some for later, hun!

We can tell when cats are happy, but we’re pretty bad at figuring out when they’re not

Finally, the secrets to my cat’s outdoor life have been unlocked

Yep, your dog remembers that you didn’t take them out for a walk yesterday

We already knew our pups were smart – and this study confirms it

Forget everything you think you know...

A study finds that your pup can tell – er, smell – when you’ve been doom-scrolling

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call

It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans

A veterinary nurse and cat behaviourist explains the relationship between foxes and cats

Whether you have a friendly feline or a senior sourpuss, it’s important to help your cat adjust to a new kitten in the house

This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners

Beyond the fact that they’re your biggest admirer

More importantly: do they want to?

“A PAD can be life-changing – and even life saving”

And they all say the same simple thing…

The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true

You won’t live with a rambunctious goofy teenager forever

There could be a reason they seem to be a little more obsessed with you than usual

Your pup doesn’t actually feel bad about eating your pizza

Seriously, your kitty’s a little Olympian

All the reasons dogs go everywhere we go

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest of them all?

I introduced my cat to an automatic litter box, and let’s just say it went off with... multiple hitches

And should you be worried?

I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?

Their noses are as powerful as they are cute

What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?

Say what? A look at the types of words that dogs understand

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

It’s adorable, but there are actual reasons behind the behaviour

What to do when you don’t feel the close bond you want

Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality

A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal

A study found that dogs can process numbers in a similar fashion to their humans

Keep track of all their fun phases with these guidelines

It’ll make life easier for both of you – eventually

Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends

Meeting your new partner’s pet is an honour – winning them over is another story. Here are some tips for being friends with your significant other’s best animal pal

How many kisses is too many kisses?

It’s normal to worry – but your pup might also need some space

And why stress could be to blame

Dogs: they’re not just like us

Learn how you can get your chronically anxious cat to chill

You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward

You love them like a child, but is the feeling mutual?

Communication is key, and pheromones are your cat’s version of DMs

Two trainers advocate against using these devices – here’s why

There’s more to it than you might think

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted

They have up to 200 million odour receptors that can pick up all the good (and horrible) smells. Learn how to best support their sensitive sniffers

Leaving your dog alone at home can be guilt-inducing... but it doesn’t have to be

Cats have evolved to be skilled hunters, but how and why do they still do it?

Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside

Not that anyone’s complaining...

How to help your kitty warm up to your SO

Here‘s how your dog’s ears can clue you into how they’re feeling

Boundaries are the name of the game with this one

Time to whip out The Notebook for a doggy movie night

If so, they’re probably about going to the vet in that stupid carrier

Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution

How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation

The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Here’s what you can do

They’re not so mysterious after all

If you’re considering applying for an assistance dog, or you have a dog that assists you in your daily life, here’s everything you need to know

Find out if your cat has seasonal depression, and how to combat it

If only there were a dog version of University Challenge

It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all

There are plenty of ways to spice them up

Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted

How to make sense of all those grunts and whines

Is the term ‘prey drive’ correct terminology or meaningless jargon?

When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll probably be able to understand what they’re feeling

Maybe even better...

Four signs your puppy is ready for a nap

There is a right and wrong way

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo’s got a game plan

What to do when your dog barks at everything from other cars to people

Lili Chin’s book, Doggie Language, illustrates how dogs communicate – beyond ear perks and tail wags

There’s a difference between being affectionate and being annoying

Which cats are more likely to have stranger danger? Bite the hand that feeds them? Get the zoomies? Scientists studied 5,700 pet cats and discovered some interesting traits

Cat behaviourist Kristiina Wilson on the importance of socialising cats

Here’s what to do when your cat starts pawing at your face before the sun has even come up

From health predispositions to breed history, Wisdom Panel’s genetic testing revealed my cat’s internal world

This has nothing to do with a werewolf named Jacob in a series called Twilight, but here’s what it is all about

How to teach your pup to play nice

There’s no time like the present, according to your pet

Also called the ‘propeller wag’ or ‘helicopter tail’, this behaviour is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo on how to read cat eyes

A (seemingly) unstoppable nibbling obsession with all the blankets

A very sleepy kitty isn’t usually a problem, but watch out for these signs of medical distress

The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legends

Expert solutions for your pup’s flatulence

Five surprising ways cats show affection (and how you can show it back), according to a cat behaviourist

...Is it something I said?

Studies have shown why some dogs choose to be friendly after a fight

Between actual cats...

Animal behaviourist Dr Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond

Kindchenschema might explain why pet parents anthropomorphise their cuddly companions

How to decode your cat’s love language when one meow has many meanings

Surprise: it doesn’t always mean they’re happy

A cat behaviourist says ‘making biscuits’ could mean your cat thinks you’re their mum...

Research says your dog is as special and perfect as you tell them they are

Your cat’s hissy fit could mean ‘Don’t test me’ or ‘Let’s do this’. It’s best not to call their bluff

Weirdly, this is what it’s called when your dog raises their hackles. And here’s why they do it...

Dog trainer Emma Bowdrey helps explain this common canine behaviour

Advice on how to deal with your dog’s humping habit

Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play

Turns out, the teenage years aren’t just tough for humans – they can be rough on dogs, too

There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog – for both of you

There’s a big difference between a dog smiling and showing their teeth

Not into cuddling? Too bad – they’re spending the night

Hey, everybody’s got their thing

Why do they do it? A vet on the top three reasons your cat twitches in their sleep – from sweet dreams to scary spasms

Fast, furious and officially normal – according to a cat behaviourist

Are they saying “Hi” or trying to high-five? Cat behaviourists decode your pet’s cryptic paw signal

No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA

Chasing their tails, eating grass and rolling in rubbish – should you worry?

Get out the toys and puzzles

I’m so high right meow

The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems

Boost your dog smarts with these cool facts

Can your dog really see what you see when they watch TV?

Cats are enigmas. But their tail movements can reveal a lot about their moods

A new study confirms our pets can have heartbreaking reactions to the loss of a canine companion

If hypothyroidism is to blame, it’s best not to let sleeping dogs lie

One of the most popular breeds in the world is also one of the least genetically diverse, causing huge implications for the breed

People have strong opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know

You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal with it

Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs

A fascination with lights and shadows is common in high-energy dogs – but it can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder if it gets out of hand

And will they do anything about it if they do?

To pet parents, a whimpering dog sounds as sad as a crying baby. Here’s why

It’s a little more complicated than that

If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of scepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night

Two animal behaviour experts agree that it’s usually play fighting. Here’s how you can tell

When to worry about your pup’s grass consumption (and when it’s not a problem)

If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease. Here’s everything you need to know

If one hand isn’t stroking a furry dog belly, what are you doing?

When your dog looks back at its bum, you know what to do

Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk

Scientists believe they could be mimicking the calls of their prey

Your pup may know you’re sick before you do

Or are they just peacefully resting? Behaviourist Karen London explains how to tell the difference

Decoding the many sounds your pup makes

Is it time to teach your dog some boundaries?

They can’t take in as many colours as you can, but their world isn’t just black and white

World-renowned behaviourist Patricia McConnell explains

Apparently even experts have a hard time defining these terms

The sentiment is nice, but...

Animal behaviourist Karen B London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting

Animal behaviourists weigh in on what’s behind all this bumping and grinding

There’s no winning this argument, but here’s what you should know about parenting each perfect pet

Not counting how fun they are to watch

Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super-sensitive to sounds

Apparently, you should take it as a compliment

And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business

Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?

Short answer: yes – but not the way we do

Dogs need more sleep than humans. Here’s how much is healthy

If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry – it won’t last forever

Their toes might smell like Monster Munch, but there’s no way they taste that good

We all have our talents

It’s the one food most dogs can't stand. Here’s why – plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage

No need to panic, but keep that video you took in case a vet needs to see it

What’s behind the desire to burrow and is it safe?

If your dog zones out under tree branches or dangling cloth, they might have Trance-like Syndrome

How to help a howling dog turn down the volume (or even hit the off button)

Is your dog showing empathy? Or just plain annoyance?

There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you’d think

Don’t just assume that your dog’s golden years should be spent quietly relaxing – they could be gaming

Trust me, I’m a dog trainer

Yes, they are right behind you

Six animal behaviourists share pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog

Feeling like you have a little shadow these days? A cat behaviourist explains why that’s happening

Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat

Remember, dogs have more than one emotion

How the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin connects us with our pups

A psychologist explains how stimulating scents can influence a dog’s behaviour

Boundaries, folks. Boundaries