Your Dog – November 2022
Summary
Toni Shelbourne kicks off Your Dog November 2022 at page 10 with a hard look at pain as the hidden trigger behind behaviour problems, urging owners to read physical cues before calling a trainer. Springer Spaniel Henry, Britain’s first hedgehog detection dog, arrives at page 30 after five failed homes. First-aid expert Kerry Rhodes at page 14 names three carry-everywhere items every owner needs. Akita pup Tupac fronts the cover at 10 weeks old, photographed by Mark Taylor.
The 61-page issue packs 10 features plus six regular columns. Winter Worries at page 22 lists seasonal ailments vets prepare for as temperatures drop. Nutrition Nasties at page 46 separates safe from unsafe foods, and the small-dog-syndrome investigation at page 52 asks behaviourist Rachel Rodgers whether the label is fair. Labrador puppy Parker’s leptospirosis survival story at page 50 adds an emotional anchor.
Regular columns including Talking Dogs news, Dog Shopping buys, and Dog Answers advice keep the rhythm between features. The Gallery at page 61 runs reader pet photos, and the Freebies column at page 29 offers reader prizes. A practical-focused issue that prioritises health literacy over lifestyle content.
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Content Guide
▸ Health & Behaviour
p.10 · Ouch, That Hurts!
Animal behaviourist Toni Shelbourne argues that undiagnosed pain is the root cause behind many labelled behaviour problems. She lists physical signals – flinching when touched, reluctance to jump, changed eating posture – that owners mistake for stubbornness. Video your dog walking from the side and check for a shortened forward stride before booking a behaviourist.
p.14 · How to Cope in a Canine Crisis
First-aid expert Kerry Rhodes names the three items she carries at all times: a conforming bandage, a foil blanket, and a muzzle. She walks through what to do when a dog collapses, bleeds, or stops breathing. Time yourself practising recovery position on your dog twice a year to keep the skill current.
p.46 · Nutrition Nasties
A safety guide separating safe from unsafe foods in a dog’s diet. It covers common kitchen ingredients that cause toxicity and lists safer alternatives by food group. Keep a fridge magnet list of the top five dog-toxic foods visible in your kitchen.
▸ Features
p.30 · Hooray for Henry!
Britain’s first hedgehog detection dog, Springer Spaniel Henry, had been through five homes before trainer Louise Wilson of Conservation K9 Consultancy found his detection talent. His work locating hedgehogs for conservation surveys is explained with field photos. Rescue dogs with high prey drive often excel at scent-detection work if redirected properly.
p.38 · A Job Well Done
A behind-the-scenes look at search and rescue dog training. The feature follows the selection process, the two-year training timeline, and the pass-rate statistics for operational certification. Start with a local scent-work class before committing to search-and-rescue assessments.
p.50 · Defying the Odds
Labrador puppy Parker survived leptospirosis after intensive veterinary treatment. The article details the symptoms that caught his owner’s attention, the diagnosis timeline, and the recovery protocol. Ask your vet about leptospirosis vaccination if your dog drinks from puddles or streams.
▸ Seasonal & Lifestyle
p.22 · Winter Worries
Vets list the ailments they prepare for as winter approaches: antifreeze toxicity, seasonal arthritis flare-ups, and cracked paw pads from road salt. Each condition has a prevention tip and a when-to-vet threshold. Rinse your dog’s paws with warm water after every winter walk and check for salt crystals between the pads.
p.24 · Bonding with Baby
Preparing your dog for life with a newborn: scent introduction, boundary training, and managed first meetings. The article includes a timeline starting 12 weeks before the due date. Play newborn crying sounds at increasing volume three times a week during the pre-baby phase.
p.52 · Small Dog, Big Attitude?
Julie Hill investigates small dog syndrome with behaviourist Rachel Rodgers, who specialises in helping small breeds. The feature questions whether the label itself creates the problem by excusing poor handling. Train a small dog the same cues you would teach a large dog – size should not change the standard.
▸ Regulars
p.56 · Dog Answers
The regular advice column covers training, behaviour, health, and general care questions. Each answer is attributed to a named expert with their qualifications listed. Write down three specific examples of the problem behaviour before emailing an advice column.
p.44 · Dog Shopping
The latest product buys for autumn 2022: winter coats, reflective gear, and paw protection. Each item has a price and a short usability note. Measure your dog’s back length and chest girth before ordering any coat online.
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Editor’s Take
This is the strongest health-focused issue Your Dog has produced this year. The pain-behaviour connection feature by Toni Shelbourne is genuinely useful – it could save owners hundreds on behaviourist bills if they check for physical causes first. Henry the hedgehog detection dog is a memorable cover story that earns its page count. The Nutrition Nasties guide is clear and actionable. On the weak side, Bonding with Baby covers ground that has been done better in other issues, and the Winter Worries piece at 4 pages is shorter than the topic deserves. Advertising density is moderate, with Burns Pet Food taking a full-page spread. The Gallery reader-photo section feels like filler at 60 pages deep. This issue belongs in every new puppy owner’s hands before winter.
Strengths
• Pain-behaviour link article with clear physical symptom checklist
• Henry’s hedgehog detection story with conservation context
• Three-item first-aid protocol that fits in a coat pocket
Weaknesses
• Winter Worries underdeveloped at four pages
• The Gallery reader page adds no educational value
Verdict: Essential — The most practically useful issue of the year for health-conscious owners, with first-aid and pain-detection content that could prevent real emergencies.
