Messy Dog Life
& Dog-Friendly Days Out

Your dog aced recall at six months and is now pretending you don't exist. Welcome to dog adolescence — the phase nobody warns you about clearly enough. It's real, it's maddening, and it ends.

The landshark phase is real, temporary and survivable. Here's what actually works for teething puppies — from frozen yogurt bites to protecting your furniture — learned across several dogs.

Getting a puppy used to the car takes a little thought, but the effort pays off for years. Here's what actually helps — from first introductions to keeping dogs safe and comfortable on every journey.

Toilet training takes patience, consistency and the honest acceptance that every puppy moves at their own pace. Real experience across five dogs — including Boo, a natural, and Mouse, still getting there at eleven months.

The best first day with a new puppy is usually a quiet one. Practical, reward-based advice from someone who has welcomed five dogs — covering arrival, introductions, safe spaces and the first night.

The Instagram posts don't show the hour on your hands and knees moving things you forgot you owned. Honest, practical puppy preparation from someone who's done it five times over.

Two dog-friendly shops, a handful of treats and back by lunch. That was the plan. Mouse had other ideas — and I had somehow left every poo bag I own at home.