I can’t be the only dog owner who notices a significant change in their daily dog walks at this time of year. Our quiet little corner, on the edge of the Fens, is transformed. For starters, where have all these new dogs and their owners come from? And where were they in January when the arctic winds were blowing across the frozen landscape straight from the Urals?

And then there’s the sudden explosion of wildlife and new scents and smells. Even my often most unterrier-like of terriers has a definite spring in his step, a rather uncharacteristic desire to chase anything that moves, and an obsession with investigating every clump of grass we pass!

Yes, walking the dog can definitely be wonderful in the spring, but it also presents some challenges, which is why behavioural trainer Jackie Drakeford has some advice for us all this issue, so we can make the most of our seasonal dog walks — see page 12.

This month also sees the start of our new series ‘My problem puppy’, and we’re very pleased to be welcoming dog trainer Steve Mann onto our contributor’s team, Steve, the founder of the Institute of Modern Trainers, will be helping all you puppy owners out there, with tips and advice; this month it’s toilet training.

And if, like me, you enjoy getting out and exploring with your dog in May, just stop and have a think about how your pet travels in the car and just how safe he is. Karen Bush and Toni Shelbourne have some good advice on page 34.

Of course, this is just a taster of what’s in this month’s magazine. Have a fl ick through and you’ll discover lots more great reading.

Enjoy!

Sarah Wright, Editor