3 of The Biggest Dog Owner Concerns Revealed – Country Living

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And how to deal with them
Being a pet parent is not always a walk in the park. From battling dog obesity to handling aggression, new research has discovered the top concerns many dog owners have.
According to findings from Pet insurance providers, Cliverton, Google search data found that some of the most searched-for dog owner queries include terms such as ‘dog barking and loneliness‘, ‘dog obesity‘ and ‘aggression and negative behaviour‘. In fact, searches for ‘how to stop dogs barking‘ were up by 27,100 as owners spent more time at home.

“Lockdown certainly fuelled our desires for pets. Being stuck indoors is made significantly better with a furry friend to lower our stress levels and give us something to care for day-to-day,” the researchers say. “Many owners believed they were prepared to be a dog parent but weren’t actually aware of the responsibilities having a dog brings.”
If these are some of your concerns, take a look at what the experts say:
Barking is normal dog behaviour, with many pups using it as a way to communicate with their owners. According to the RSPCA, dogs may bark when calling out to other dogs, expressing emotion, being territorial or when trying to grab their owner’s attention.
“Understanding the different types of dog barks will let us know whether our dog is being a nuisance or needs something in particular,” the team say. “If your dog is barking excessively, the first step is understanding why.”

Some of the barks to look out for include:
As well as barking, many owners were concerned about loneliness in pups. When possible, popping home regularly during the working day gives your dog a break from solitude. Top tip: make sure you’re giving your pet focused attention when you are around to help get them back on track.
Dog owners have also shown concern over their pet’s health. According to Google search data, ‘anal glands in dogs’ had 14,800 average monthly searches during the pandemic, with many owners worried about weight gain in their pups.
Like people, dogs can become obese if they aren’t given a healthy and nutritious diet or frequent daily exercise. Obesity can impact the functioning of anal glands, preventing them from emptying properly. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can be painful, and if untreated, can result in costly surgical repair. To help dogs with anal gland problems, exercise and weight loss are essential.
In separate research conducted by Readly, the most popular search term for owners is surrounding dog health. In fact, 44% will check information on diet or nutrition, while 39% will make a search based on unusual behaviour.
According to Cliverton, research also found that owners have been searching for ‘dog biting’, ‘dog behaviour’ and ‘dog aggression’. While aggressive pups might seem like a scary concept, a qualified vet or expert will be able to guide you in the right direction.
“Most mouthing, which is light biting without applying pressure, is expected in dogs, but if a dog is biting and nipping, this can indicate fear, frustration, or problems with aggression,” the team say. “If your dog is being aggressive, you will notice that their body is stiff with a wrinkled muzzle and exposed teeth.”
Try looking out for this type of aggressive behaviour:
Suitable for dogs of all sizes, this affordable dog nail clipper has a safety stop guard, which helps to prevent over-cutting. 
In a soft green hue, these stainless steel trimmers are perfect for every owner. Top tip: for best results, cut your dog’s nails immediately after bathing so they are softer.  
READ MORE: 7 ways to care for an older dog
With an anti-slip, easy-grip handle for safe and comfortable grooming, these nail clippers are ideal for all dog breeds. They have spring-loaded action and a safety lock on the handle for safe storage. 

Designed with safety in mind, this pair of nail clippers has been created by professional vets. With easy-grip rubber handles, you can ensure the clippers carefully trim your pup’s nails.  
Suitable for dogs and puppies of all sizes, this pair of silver clippers will help you achieve a professional look at home. The comfort grip handle helps you have full control over the scissors whilst trimming.  
Ideal for larger dog breeds, these veterinary quality steel clippers have a safety lock and plastic handles for easy grip. Perfect for at-home grooming.  
Designed to clip just the tip of the nail, these clippers have a unique patent-pending conical blade that doesn’t crush the nail like other standard clippers. Recommended by veterinarians and groomers, they also come in a range of sizes so you can find the right one for you. 
Suitable for all breeds, this battery-powered pet nail grinder will trim your pet’s nails safely and quickly. Easy to use and hold, it aims to reduce the risk of clipping the nail too short or hurting your pet. 
Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, these clippers are perfect for smaller dog breeds. 
READ MORE: 10 of the best dog breeds for small homes 
Take good care of your pup’s hygiene at home with these affordable lilac nail clippers. Choose from two sizes to find the right one for your breed. 
Looking for a nail grinder? Featuring two speeds, this style from Christies Direct is a fast and comfortable way to trim pet’s nails. Suitable for both dogs and cats, it has a run time of three hours. 
These professional dog nail clippers provide a quick solution to trim your pet’s nails with precision, avoiding any mess or pain. They have a unique safety stop function that prevents over cutting, as well as a soft handle grip. 
We love this handy nail trimmer, which comes with a practical LED light. As well as this, it also has a nail trapper which helps catch nail clippings for an easy cleanup. 
Ideal for smaller breeds, these affordable clippers allow you to cut in one smooth action. Thanks to the new precision cutting blades, these clippers have been designed to be long-lasting and durable. 

Designed to cut any type or thickness nail safely, painlessly and quickly, this clipper set also comes with a handy file so you can get your dog’s nails just right. 
Ideal for medium to large breeds, these white and blue clippers have a safety blade to reduce the risk of cutting nails too short. When not in use, the lock function fixes the closed position, ensuring it’s safe when stored away. 
Give your pets the love and care they deserve with this nail file grinder. Perfect for grooming at home, it provides safe grooming using a powerful motor. 
Don’t be put off by the industrial-looking appearance of these nail clippers: they are an all-in-one scissor and nail file to keep your pup with perfectly manicured paws.
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