When I think back to my childhood, our family dog’s life was so different then. There were few houses with fences. Most dogs were not desexed. He frequently visited other houses where he would often receive a second breakfast. He had offspring scattered through the neighbourhood. Times have changed. Nowadays dogs must be on lead unless in a dedicated dog park and are well socialised with other dogs when puppies. And we have books like this one to help us to have happier and healthier dogs in our families.

Eat, Play Love is a great all-round guide for dog owners. Apart from being a dog trainer, Lara Shannon is also pet nutritionist, so the book has really useful information on feeding your dog. The difference of wet food to dry, raw food diets to special diets, additives, allergies, tips and tricks – everything is covered. My dog now eats his dry food for breakfast scattered across the lawn.

Shannon also covers the full gamut of training. Signs to watch for a bored dog, ways to occupy them while you’re out, tricks and games to learn, exercise (‘use it or lose it’ also applies to dogs!) and the importance of timing and consistency when training. She tells us what we should know about our dog’s health, canine anxiety, puppies, travelling and caring for a senior dog.

This book is packed with great information and could easily become the go-to bible for dog owners. It’s is a perfect book for a new dog owner but, even as a current dog owner, you’ll find information that might make you revisit how you manage your dog at the park and at home.

My dog is now practising to give me a high five.

Reviewed by Harriet Turner