As the weather turns, and we face the prospect of walking in the dark, juggling torch, lead, and poo bags, those beautiful, bright summer mornings we enjoyed back in June may seem like a lifetime ago.

At this time of year, when doing the daily dog walks can be a bit of a necessary chore, nothing beats getting back home, settling down on the sofa with your dog, and reading up on your favourite subject — and there’s plenty to entertain and inform in this month’s Your Dog Magazine.

For starters, there’s behaviourist Sarah Fisher’s fascinating new series on Free Work, a low-impact activity that will help you to understand your dog better, improve your communication, and enhance your relationship — check it out on page 10.

Another new series is Dr Jacqueline Boyd’s ‘Food stories’. When it comes to feeding, most dog owners just want to do the best for their pets to ensure they have a happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. But the messages about feeding can be so contradictory and confusing that it’s impossible to tell if we’re doing the right thing. In this three-part series, Jackie examines some of the facts and the fiction surrounding nutrition and helps readers to make informed decisions.

Anyone who has lost a much-loved pet will know how difficult it can be deciding whether to get another dog. In our feature ‘Are you really ready yet?’ Carol Price discusses what is a very personal choice and outlines some of the fears and concerns you may have to consider before you decide.

Finally, as if we ever needed it, even more proof of just how amazing dogs can be. Meet Mack, Mick, and Buddy, the country’s first Japanese knotweed detection dogs. This super-talented trio can sniff out Britain’s most destructive weed in a matter of minutes and are impressing with their efficiency and accuracy. To top it all, Buddy is a rescue dog who really has found his calling, and adores his new job. Enjoy!

Sarah Wright, Editor