If you’re a dog lover, the chances are you have a particular breed that just makes you go weak at the knees. You probably even own one of that breed or would one day love to. This week we’re going to take a look at some of the UK’s most popular dog breeds and try to work out why that is! Read on to see if your perfect pooch is part of the party!

1. Labrador Retriever – aside from this being a very pretty pup, the Labrador retriever is one of the most loyal, most loving, caring and affectionate dog breeds out there! Their good nature make them wonderful family pets. They do require training from an early age like most dogs and can be wayward, but if given the right amount of love and attention, they make friends for life.

2. English Springer Spaniel – this dog is very gentle and even-tempered. Not only that, but they are incredibly intelligent animals capable of learning very quickly. Their tails never seem to stop wagging, making them one of the most cheerful, life-loving dogs out there!

3. German Shepherd – a lot of people might think ill of this misunderstood pup, but German Shepherds make excellent companions. They are very active dogs, are keen, courageous and also very strong. If owners make it clear who is in charge, they make for excellent family pets and will guard and protect their loved ones with their lives.

4. Boxer – these are exceptionally loving and friendly dogs, despite their slightly intimidating appearance. They are very curious and energetic and will keep their owner as fit as they are! They bond with their family and are very affectionate and sociable.  They are also very well known for getting along with children, making them the perfect family pet!

These are just a few of the UK’s most popular dog breeds, but if you’re interested in finding out about more, visit the UK KC website.

A few weeks ago we looked into how best to tame rabbits showing aggressive behaviour, so this week we’re going to tell you all about the best way to encourage your furry rodent friends to be sociable. Young rats are usually very easy to get used to handling and human interaction, but older rats can often be very wary and may even bite if they feel particularly threatened. This can differ between male and female rats; male rats are much more likely to be aggressive.

If they come from a good breeder, baby rats will be well socialised before they are sent off to new owners or to pet stores, however, this isn’t always the case and some rats are just naturally fearful. The best thing to remember with young rats or older rats, is no sudden movements. Rats, like a lot of animals, are easily spooked by sharp movement so always remember to be slow and careful. If your new rat/rats don’t automatically run to you for attention, allow them to get used to the new cage first before attempting to handle.

First of all, very slowly put your hand into the cage, near to but not right beside your rat. If they don’t run for cover, very slowly move closer until you are touching their fur and if this still causes no reaction, gently stroke the top of their head. It’s best to avoid stroking anywhere else on their body at first as this can startle them! If you repeat this process until they seem comfortable with it – not very tense and on edge – then you can move onto the next step.

Some rats just don’t enjoy being held. If this step doesn’t work, you have to just accept that. First of all, now they are comfortable with being stroked and petted, very gently lift your rat – don’t move them, just place them down again. When they seem happy with this, move them around the cage, gradually increasing the amount of time your rat is in your hands. Once this step is complete, try removing them from the cage and see how they react. If they show signs of stress, don’t try to hold them tighter, just let them hop back into the cage and repeat the process as many times as necessary.

A good way to build up trust between you and your rat is by hand feeding. Try treats or normal food. Babies are usually relcutant to take food, purely because they’re unsure what it is. They might nibble it a little to test and and seem otherwise disinterested, but once they get used to you, they will probably snatch it from your fingers the second they see it!

It might surprise you to realise that pigs are becoming very popular pets. The most recent addition to the pet craze is the miniature pig, a teeny, tiny bundle of peachy skin and fluff that weighs no more than 9oz at birth and is no bigger than a teacup. When fully grown they stand at no taller than 14 inches. They’re said to be like any household pet and are relatively low maintenance. However, not only are they in extremely high demand, but they cost anywhere between £200 – £700.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get a piggy of your own, of course, but there are a few things to consider before you decide to commit:

1. What do you want a pig for? If you just think it’s a little bit of a novelty and that you will eventually get bored of it, just don’t do it. Like any other pet, they need love, care and attention and it isn’t fair on the animal if you’re not willing to provide it with everything it needs for the rest of its life. On the other hand, you might want to eventually eat Little Piggy, which is entirely up to you, just don’t tell the children about it.

2. Do you have the space for a pig? They can grow to quite substantial sizes and much like large dogs, they need a lot of space to move around. Ideally, they will need a pen to keep them safe. They like to cause a bit of havoc digging things up, so don’t expect your trimmed garden to stay neat and tidy for very long!

3. Where are you getting your pig from? Always use a trusted breeder because that way you can guarantee the health and quality of the animal. If you plan on breeding them yourself, ensure you see proof of pedigree documents before making any purchases.

4. Can you afford it? Not only will you have to buy the pig first, but then you have to consider the fencing you need to put up, the food it needs, the shelter and any vets bills you might incur. Just like dogs and cat, pigs can suffer from any manner of illnesses, and you need to be prepared for unexpected costs.