Guides for dog owners

Practical guides for UK dog owners, based on advice from animal charities and the law.

Lost and found

Lost your dog? What to do straight away: If your dog goes missing, acting quickly and telling the right people gives you the best chance of getting them home. These steps follow Dogs Trust's advice for owners in the UK.
Found a dog? What to do next: If you find a dog that seems to be lost, a few quick steps can get it home safely. These follow Dogs Trust's advice for the UK.
Dog stolen? What to do, and how to prevent it: If you think your dog has been stolen, act straight away. These steps and prevention tips follow Dogs Trust's dog theft advice.

Fireworks and your dog: 5 things to do before the bangs start: Dogs Trust's tips for Bonfire Night and New Year, and what to do if your dog gets out.
Halloween and dogs: how to keep your dog safe: Knocks at the door, costumes and bowls of sweets can all be a lot for a dog. These tips follow Dogs Trust's Halloween advice, with PDSA's vet advice on chocolate.
Walking your dog in the dark: how to stay safe: The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026, so more walks will be in the dark. These tips come from PDSA, Dogs Trust and the Highway Code.

How to train your dog to come back when called: Good recall means your dog comes back to you whatever is going on around them. Before you let your dog off the lead, you need to be confident they'll return. These steps follow Dogs Trust's recall training advice.
Why does my dog keep running away?: Dogs run off for a reason. Working out which one applies to your dog is the first step to stopping it. These reasons and tips come from Dogs Trust.
How to stop your dog escaping the garden: Dogs get out by jumping, digging, chewing weak spots or testing gates. Most escapes can be prevented with a few checks and some changes at home. This follows Dogs Trust's advice.
How to stop your dog pulling on the lead: Dogs pull because it works: pulling gets them where they want to go. Teaching them that a loose lead is what gets them moving takes patience, but it works. These steps follow Dogs Trust's advice.
Dog separation anxiety: signs and how to help: Some dogs find being left alone genuinely distressing. The RSPCA calls this separation-related behaviour. Here's how to spot it and what helps, based on the RSPCA's advice.
How to stop your dog barking too much: Barking is how dogs communicate, so the aim isn't silence. If your dog barks more than usual or won't stop, there's usually a reason you can work on. This guide follows the RSPCA's advice.

New puppy checklist: what you need before they come home: A bit of preparation makes the first weeks with a new puppy much easier. This checklist follows Dogs Trust's advice and also works for an adult dog you're bringing home.
How to stop a puppy biting: Mouthing and nipping are normal for puppies, but they can still hurt. The good news is that a calm, consistent response works. This guide follows Dogs Trust's advice.
How to get a puppy used to a collar and lead: You can start as soon as your puppy comes home. Go at your puppy's pace and keep it positive. These steps follow Battersea's advice.
How to toilet train a puppy: Toilet training comes down to routine and rewards. Puppies learn at different speeds and accidents are normal. This guide follows PDSA's advice.

How to measure your dog for a collar: A collar that's too tight is uncomfortable, and one that's too loose can slip off, taking your dog's ID with it. Here's how to measure and check the fit, using Battersea's advice.
Flea and worming treatment for dogs: what you need to know: Fleas and worms are easier to prevent than to treat. This guide covers the basics from PDSA's advice. Your vet is the right person to choose the product and schedule for your dog.
Moving house with a dog: a checklist: Moving day is busy, with doors left open and everything unfamiliar. A bit of planning keeps your dog safe and helps them settle. This checklist uses advice from PDSA, GOV.UK and Dogs Trust.

Microchip, QR tag or GPS tracker: which does your dog need?: They do different jobs. A microchip is a legal requirement, a QR tag helps whoever finds your dog reach you quickly, and a GPS tracker shows you where your dog is. Here's how they compare.
Dog ID tag law in the UK: what must be on the tag: In England, Scotland and Wales, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 says a dog in a public place must wear a collar showing who owns it. Here's what that means in practice.
How do QR dog tags work?: A QR dog tag is a code on your dog's collar that any phone camera can read. Scanning it opens an online profile, so whoever finds your dog can see who they belong to and get in touch. Here's how it works, using PawTrak as the example.
How to update your dog's microchip details: A microchip only gets your dog home if the details on it are right. If you've moved house, changed your number or taken on a dog, here's how to update them. This follows GOV.UK guidance for England and Dogs Trust's advice.
GPS dog trackers: what to look for before you buy: A GPS tracker shows you where your dog is on your phone. Dogs Trust says it can help you find a dog quickly in an emergency. Trackers vary a lot, so here are the questions worth asking before you buy one.