Behaviour & Training

Christmastime is an occasion for fun and merriment for all the family – including your dog! But unfortunately, there are lots of potential dangers and stressors during your dog at this time. If you want to make sure your dog’s happy and safe this Christmas, read our guide. The Christmas period is a time of great fun for all the family and that (usually) includes your dog too! There are many dogs who love to celebrate the holidays with us and spend all the time getting up to mischief – like sneaking your Christmas treats or collapsing the tree – and while this may all seem like good fun, the festive season can also bring a wealth of potential hazards that you’ll need to be on the lookout for. With Christmas on the way, you may be wondering how to ensure your dog’s Christmas is just as merry as your own, which is why we’ve created this guide on keeping your dog safe and happy this holiday. Dogs and Christmas trees As you know, one of the biggest Christmas traditions involves bringing a tree into your home, and to your dog, this is a dream come true. Your four-legged friend will look at this tree and their eyes will light up at the thought of unlimited sticks to chomp and if you have a male dog, they may see it is as an excellent new spot to have a wee. Some pet owners will be lucky enough to own a pup that’s unphased by this new addition, but if you have a dog that just can’t resist, you’ll need a dog-proof Christmas tree. Here’s what to look for. Fairy lights One of the dangerous elements to dogs and Christmas trees are the twinkling lights wrapped around them. They may look harmless, but some dogs think of the wires as shiny new chew toys – which is most common with younger dogs or puppies. Also, if you have a particularly boisterous pup that likes to play, they may get tangled up in the wires. An easy way to prevent your dog getting hurt by your Christmas tree lights is to cable tie any lose wires and then always disconnect from the mains when you go out. Alternatively, if you want to leave your lights on all the time, opt for battery operated ones instead and make sure that you place the battery pack in a place your dog can’t reach. Baubles and hanging decorations Another way to dog-proof Christmas trees is to make sure you’re only buying safe decorations. Avoid tinsel and angel hair on your tree as when consumed, they can cause a blockage in your dog’s stomach. Glass baubles are also a bad idea if you have a boisterous dog, as they may shatter which could potentially harm your pet. Instead opt for non-toxic plastic decorations. If you have more expensive ornaments which are essential decorations for your tree, place them near the top of the tree where your dog and their wagging tail can’t reach them. Also, don’t put edible decorations such as chocolates or candy canes on the tree as they’re highly toxic to dogs and many won’t be able to resist. Tipping the Christmas tree over

Thinking of new and exciting games to play with your pooch can be difficult, especially if you’ve exhausted the thrills of ‘hide and seek,’ and want to play a more exciting game than ‘fetch.’ With our list of outdoor dog games, you can be more adventurous at playtime and enjoy the great outdoors come rain or shine! 1. Teach your dog to catch a Frisbee Playing flying disc, or Frisbee, is a great alternative to throwing a stick or a ball and it’s an excellent form of exercise too! If your dog is already good at catching toys and bringing them back to you, they’ll be quick at learning how to play with a Frisbee and the game will be even more fun for the both of you. All you need to get started is a Frisbee and the great outdoors! Begin your game by throwing the Frisbee lightly, and once your dog has gotten used to catching and retrieving you can start to increase the height and the distance of each throw. This outdoor dog game is great if you’re short on time and aren’t able to go on a long daily walk. The quick bursts of energy spent running to catch the Frisbee and bringing it back will tire your enthusiastic dog out in no time!

Christmas is a season of connection, warmth, and love - and that includes the furry companions who bring joy to our everyday lives. The holidays are a perfect time to slow down and savour moments together. Here are ways to spend quality time with your pet this festive season. Include Them in Family Photos & Enter Our Competition! The holidays are all about togetherness, and what better way to capture that than with a photo featuring your beloved pet? Whether it’s a professional portrait or a spontaneous snap by the tree, these photos become treasured keepsakes of the joy you share. To make it even more special, share your photo with us and enter our festive competition "Paw-liday Moments with Purina" for the chance to win a Christmas Gift Pack valued at $50. Create a Pet-Safe Christmas Tree Decorating the tree is a cherished tradition, and your pet can be part of it too. Choose soft, pet-friendly ornaments and avoid tinsel or fragile glass baubles. Make sure the tree to secure to prevent from tipping, and keep cords tucked away. Add a few pet plush toys or treats as ornaments just for them - it’s a fun way to include your pet in the festivities. Check out our new TOTAL CARE, which includes cat toys and dog toys. Share a Special Holiday Meal While you're preparing a delicious spread for your loved ones, why not include your pet in the celebration? Whether their favourite flavour is chicken, turkey, beef, or seafood, Purina has a variety of protein packed option to make their holiday just as joyful. View the Purina range. Wrap Up Pet Presents Gift giving is more fun when your pet gets involved! Wrap up a few toys, treats, or cozy accessories and let them tear into the paper. Not only does it make for a bonding experience but a shared tradition you can enjoy with your family. Host a Pet-Friendly Christmas Party Invite fellow pet lovers for a holiday gathering where pets are welcome. Set up a play area, serve pet-safe treats, and enjoy the company of both two- and four-legged friends. It’s a wonderful way to socialize and celebrate the season with your extended furry family. Support a Pet Charity Together Spend time giving back by visiting a local shelter or making a donation in your pet’s name. You can even volunteer together if your pet is social and well-trained. Sharing kindness with others deepens the bond you have and spreads the holiday spirit. Did you know that Purina partners with a number of shelters across Australia? Explore our affiliate shelters here. This Christmas, the greatest gift you can give your pet is your time. Whether you're cuddling on the couch, playing in the yard, or simply sitting together by the tree, these shared experiences create lasting memories and deepen the love you share.

Halloween is a festive and fun holiday that can be enjoyed by the whole family, including our furry friends. If you're wondering how to celebrate Halloween with your dogs and cats, here are some ideas to make the day enjoyable for everyone: Pet-Friendly Costumes Dressing up your pets in costumes can be a fun and adorable way to celebrate Halloween. However, it's important to ensure that the costumes are safe and comfortable for your pets. Avoid costumes that restrict movement, cover their eyes, or have small parts that can be chewed on. Opt for pet-friendly costumes specifically designed for dogs and cats. Halloween-Themed Treats Prepare some special Halloween treats for your pets. You can find pet-friendly recipes online or at your local pet store. Make sure the treats are safe for your pets to consume and avoid any ingredients that may be harmful to them. Treats shaped like pumpkins or ghosts can add a festive touch to the celebration. Pet-Friendly Decorations When decorating your home for Halloween, keep in mind the safety of your pets. Avoid using decorations that can be easily knocked over or chewed on. Keep lit candles and electrical cords out of reach to prevent any accidents. Consider using pet-friendly decorations such as Halloween-themed pet toys or pet-safe pumpkins. Trick-or-Treating Safety If you plan to take your dog trick-or-treating, ensure their safety by following these tips: Keep your dog on a leash and make sure they have proper identification.Use reflective gear or attach a light-up collar to make your dog more visible in the dark.Be mindful of your dog's comfort level around crowds and loud noises. If they become anxious or stressed, it's best to take them home.Avoid giving your dog any candy or chocolate, as these can be harmful to their health. Create a Safe Space Halloween can be overwhelming for some pets due to the increased activity and noise. Create a quiet and comfortable space in your home where your pets can retreat to if they feel stressed or anxious. Provide them with their favourite toys, blankets, and a cosy bed to help them feel secure. Pet-Friendly Halloween Parties If you're hosting a Halloween party, consider making it pet-friendly. Invite friends who have well-behaved pets and ensure that there is enough space for the pets to roam around comfortably. Provide water bowls, treats, and a designated area for the pets to rest if needed. Pet Costume Contest Organise a pet costume contest with your friends or neighbours who have pets. It can be a fun way to showcase your pets' costumes and have a friendly competition. Make sure to provide treats and prises for the winners.

If you're a dog owner, you may have noticed your furry friend scratching themselves from time to time. While occasional scratching is normal, excessive scratching can be a cause for concern. It's important to understand the reasons behind your dog's scratching behaviour to ensure their comfort and well-being. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why dogs scratch and what you can do to help alleviate their discomfort.

Dogs are known for their playful nature and curious personalities. However, sometimes their natural instincts can lead to problem scratching behaviours that can be frustrating for both the dog and their owners. Understanding why dogs scratch people and things is essential in addressing this behaviour and finding effective solutions. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the problem of scratching and provide tips on how to reduce it.

Does your dog lift their leg against every lamppost? Or insist on stopping at every street corner on your walk? Most owners accept that marking behaviour is an important part of their dog’s life (especially male dogs), albeit a part that humans cannot completely understand. We especially cannot comprehend canine marking behaviour when it occurs inside our homes!

If you've ever had a dog, you've likely experienced their affectionate and sometimes slobbery kisses. Dogs have a natural inclination to lick, and while it may seem like a simple behaviour, it serves various purposes.

Most dog owners have seen their dog eat grass or heard the advice that it’s because their dog is unwell, hungry, or bored, but it’s actually a very normal behavior. We explain why dogs eat grass below:

Dog humping, a misunderstood act, holds more to it than meets the eye. It’s not merely about dominance or mating; dogs engage in this behavior for various reasons, reflecting their complex nature.

Animal Behaviourist Dr. Jo Righetti discusses 5 things that dogs are far superior to humans at doing.

Teaching your dog new tricks can be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond you share, and can help develop a form of communication between you both. By following a few simple training rules, your dog will reach their training goals much sooner: