COLLOCATIONSverbshave a dog (=keep one as a pet)We have one dog and two cats.walk a dog/take a dog for a walkShe loves walking her dogs on the beach.a dog bites somebodyTheir dog had bitten a little girl on the leg.a dog barks (=makes short loud sounds)The dog barks every time someone comes to the door.a dog yaps (=barks – used of small dogs)A little dog was yapping at her heels.a dog growls (=makes a long deep angry sound)The dog growled at me as I walked towards it.a dog snarls (=shows its teeth and makes an angry sound)When a dog snarls, it is threatening attack.a dog whines (=makes a long high sound because it is unhappy or in pain)I could hear the dogs whining outside the door.a dog howls (=makes a long loud sound like a wolf)We knew something was wrong because the dogs were howling.a dog pants (=breathes quickly usually with its tongue hanging out)The dog was panting heavily beside her.a dog wags its tail (=moves its tail from side to side to show pleasure)The dog stood up and wagged his tail.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + doga pet dog (=that you keep in your house)Some owners give their pet dogs too much food.a family dog (=that belongs to a family)Labradors make a great family dog.a wild dogPacks of wild dogs roamed the countryside.a stray dog (=a pet dog that is lost)He was always bringing home stray dogs.a guide dog (=trained to guide a blind person)No dogs except guide dogs are allowed in the store.a guard dog (=trained to guard a building)The guard dog growled at him.a police dog (=trained to help the police)Police dogs helped in the search for the missing child.a sniffer dog British English (=trained to find drugs or bombs)Police and sniffer dogs have become a regular presence at the airport.dog + NOUNdog fooda can of dog fooda dog ownerDog owners must be responsible for controlling their animals.a dog lover (=someone who loves dogs)Britain is a nation of dog lovers.a dog handler (=someone whose job is training and working with dogs)Dog handlers decided that the dog was dangerous and should be shot.a dog show (=competition for the best dog)Crufts is the largest dog show in the world.phrasesa breed of dog (=a type of dog)It is one of the most fashionable breeds of dog.a pack of dogs (=a group of wild dogs or stray dogs)There are packs of wild dogs in the mountains.Good dog! (=said to a dog when it obeys you)Sit! Good dog!Beware of the dog! (=a sign warning people that there is a dog inside a place)There was a sign on the gate saying 'Beware of the dog!'.