How It Works: The Dog

Dogs make wonderful companions. Every morning, there they are, by your bed, with a happy face and a wagging tail. They are warm and affectionate; never happier than when they are by your side.

Their need for regular walks will keep you fit and get you out in the fresh air. You can also become friends with other dog-owners and discuss how much better your dog is than theirs.

Not everything a dog does will make sense; they seem to be obsessed with tennis balls, will hide your shoes, become scared of certain theme-tunes or pieces of clothing, and they may become amorous with your leg. But they are always very, very happy to see you.

"It’s enough to make Peter and Jane choke on their watercress sandwiches." – The Independent

Do you ever find yourself longing for a simpler time? That time before the horrors of speed-bumps, automated supermarket checkouts and infernal switchboard options; the days when telephones had wires and a reassuring rotating dial, a tweet meant birdsong and Brexit might possibly have meant a new kind of breakfast cereal?

Fear not, for you are not alone. What you need are the new manuals for our times, simple primers for the everyday predicaments we find ourselves in.

Dear friend, what you need is a Ladybird.

Part of the Ladybird Books for Grown Ups series.