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Richard Cross

Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He's written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK's biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he's not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports.

Latest Articles From This Author

A guide to dog tail breaks

Broken Dog Tail: Symptoms and Treating Your Dog’s Tail

It can be scary if your dog’s tail stops wagging, hangs limply, or develops a bend or kink. These symptoms could mean that the tail is fractured or dislocated. However, ... Read more
An image of a dog running with tail visible

Why Do Dogs Have Tails? 5 Surprising Reasons

Why do dogs have tails? They’re not just cute appendages! Tails help dogs move, communicate, and even stay warm. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why dogs have evolved ... Read more

Ethics and Editorial Policy

At The Dog Clinic, our goal is to help dog owners give their pets the best possible life. To achieve this, we teach how to care for dogs in a ... Read more
Why do dogs wag their tails?

Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? The Truth Behind Wagging

Ever wonder why dogs wag their tails? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always about happiness. In fact, tail wagging can indicate a range of emotions in dogs, from excitement ... Read more

Dog Body Language

Dogs can’t talk, but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate! In this section, learn how to understand your dog’s body language and decipher what they are trying to tell you. ... Read more
How to Safely Hold a Small Dog Without Hurting Them

How to Safely Hold a Small Dog Without Hurting Them

Being able to pick up your dog is an advantage of owning a small breed – and not just for hugs! Picking up your pet can be useful in stressful ... Read more
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Afraid To Walk Up Stairs?

Why Is My Dog Suddenly Afraid To Walk Up Stairs?

It’s not unusual for adult dogs to worry about staircases if they didn’t use them as a puppy – especially if they were brought up in a single-story house. However, ... Read more
Can Dogs Chew On Sticks?

Can Dogs Chew On Sticks?

A dog bounding through a field holding a stick is a classic image we’re all familiar with. But is it actually safe for dogs to chase or chew sticks? Unfortunately ... Read more
Why Is My Older Dog Sleeping All Day?

Why Is My Older Dog Sleeping All Day?

It’s normal for a dog to sleep longer as they get older. Just like humans, elderly dogs often need more sleep to feel well-rested. Is it worrying if your dog ... Read more
Why Is My Elderly Dog Pacing: 5 Potential Reasons

Why Is My Elderly Dog Pacing: 5 Potential Reasons

It’s sadly common for elderly dogs to pace or become restless. This can be distressing for owners, especially as it’s not always obvious how to help your pet. There are ... Read more
Why Does My Dog Roll Around After Eating?

Why Does My Dog Roll Around After Eating?

It can seem strange when a dog rolls around after eating. Most humans are ready for a relaxing nap after a meal, rather than a burst of physical activity! There ... Read more
How Many Dogs Is Too Many? (In-Depth Guide)

How Many Dogs Is Too Many? (In-Depth Guide)

It’s always tempting to adopt another canine companion. After all, what could be better than bringing another loving pup into the family! How many dogs is too many for a ... Read more
Are Pine Cones Bad For Dogs?

Are Pine Cones Bad For Dogs?

Dogs often chew random items they find on a walk – and pine cones are a common example (especially in fall and early winter). But are pine cones safe for ... Read more
Black Spots on Dog's Paw Pads - What Do They Mean?

Black Spots on Dog’s Paw Pads – What Do They Mean?

Have you noticed black spots on your dog’s paw pads? If so, you’re probably wondering what’s causing them and whether they could indicate a medical issue. Black spots are often ... Read more
Do Dogs Sleep Better In The Dark? (Including Puppies)

Do Dogs Sleep Better In The Dark? (Including Puppies)

Do dogs sleep better in the dark? It’s a good question, as switching off all the lights at bedtime can sometimes feel mean to your dog. The good news is ... Read more
12 Reasons for a Dog's Front Leg Shaking When Sitting

12 Reasons for a Dog’s Front Leg Shaking When Sitting

Have you noticed your dog’s front leg shakes when sitting? Front leg shaking can indicate behavioural or medical issues, so it’s not something to ignore. In this article, we’ll discuss ... Read more
Should You Cover Your Dog's Crate With A Blanket?

Should You Cover Your Dog’s Crate With A Blanket?

Dog crates can be a helpful training tool. But it’s essential that your dog feels physically comfortable and emotionally secure inside their crate. With that in mind, is covering the ... Read more
How to Train a Dog to Pee on Fake Grass

How to Train a Dog to Pee on Fake Grass

Fake grass pads can be an alternative to taking your dog outdoors to pee, especially if you live in a tall apartment block or don’t have a private garden. Grass ... Read more
How To Tell if Two Dogs Are Bonded to Each Other

How To Tell if Two Dogs Are Bonded to Each Other

If two (or more) dogs are part of your family, it’s natural to want to know whether they trust and like each other! Fortunately, there are some easy ways to ... Read more
How to Tell if Dogs Are Playing Or Fighting

How to Tell if Dogs Are Playing Or Fighting

We often get asked how to tell if dogs are playing or fighting. This might seem like a simple question – but canine play is a more complex topic than ... Read more