Over the many years that I have been involved with dogs, my view of them has changed significantly. I'm sure most dog owners have to familiarise themselves with the details of dog (body) language first. Of course, I have also learnt a lot in this area, but above all I have been sensitised to pay attention to the smallest details of a dog's movements. The way a dog runs, jumps, carries its tail, sits down, lies down - all this helps to assess how it is feeling and, above all, whether something is hurting it. Unfortunately, the latter is much more often the case than you would expect. That's why I think it's all the more important for dog owners to familiarise themselves with their dog's musculoskeletal system, which is why this is the main topic of this issue. The magazine also offers you some exciting highlights in all subject areas. For example, Dr Leopold Slotta-Bachmayr provides an insight into the training and everyday work of cheetah scat dogs in Kenya. Ariane Ullrich explains in detail how a drag lead can be used to train dogs in a safe mode and Corinne Keller writes about rituals that make everyday dog life more relaxed.

Dagmar's column

• "As a dog trainer, I often find myself in a dilemma" (Dagmar Spillner)

The dog's musculoskeletal system

• "I wish dogs were allowed to run" (Interview with Prof Dr Dr Martin Fischer)
• On your paws, get set, go! Physiotherapy makes dogs mobile and relieves pain (Sabine Zemla)
• Of mouse steps and seven-league boots: What motor skills tell us about the psyche (Karin Jansen)
• Anatomy and biomechanics of the dog: An overview (Hardy Keller)
• Sport is murder? Stress in dog sports (Lisa Margraf)

Dog & Health

• Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs - symptoms, diagnostics, surgical methods and physiotherapy (Martina Floken)

Accessories & trends

• Collar or harness - a question of faith? (Lisa.