Top 10 Workouts For Your Dog’s Brain

Top 10 Reasons To Put Your Dog In Doggie Daycare

It’s the “in” thing to do right now. People are putting their dogs in doggie daycare and loving it. It may seem unnecessary to some, but us dog people know that doggie daycare has a multitude of advantages. If you’re still convinced about the benefits of doggie daycare, we want to convince you to our top 10 reasons to give it a go!Photo credit: Jagodka/Shutterstock

Top 10 Things To Do On Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

After a long Canadian winter, my dogs and I are so ready for the dog days of summer! To make the most of our summer time fun, I have devised my ultimate summertime bucket list. Check ups. Maybe not all dogs’ favorite activity, but we start our summertime off with a quick check-in with the vet. It doesn’t take long to make sure our heartworm, flea and tick medications are all up to date. In addition, we review our vaccination schedule. After all, an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure. Picnic in the park. The first nice day, you will find me at the park with my dogs! I pack a picnic for the family and dinner for the dogs. Some fresh air, in the warm spring sunshine gets in in the mood for the adventures to come. I am always sure to pack extra water and blankets for my dogs. While my dogs may appear my dogs are spoiled, bringing their own blankets helps them know where to lay down, away from my food! Try a new hike. The dark days of winter are for planning summer time hikes! These days I get plenty of my hiking ideas from social media groups. Beautiful scenery, with a water course nearby is sure to draw my attention. I read as much as I can about the new hike before I go, so I can plan and pack accordingly. Patio pups. My city is pretty barren when it comes to place for pups to chill on the patio. But that’s okay. We have our own spot in the backyard to chill out. To help the dogs get their chill game be strong, we offer up plenty of frozen treats and have at it! Nap in the sun. As my dogs have aged, they increasingly enjoy the feel of warm sun on their bodies. Besides just feeling good, soaking in those rays, helps dogs produce vitamin D. Which supports bone formation, and muscle and nerve control. Camping. My dogs and I enjoy some in-tents moments during the summer. Camping gets us out to the great outdoors. In close proximity to nature and each other. This is where we make our memories and enjoy the easy pace of summer life. Most dogs are ready born campers, happy to take up a weekend adventure. Pack light and focus on the fun! Road trip! Nothing says summer like a road trip! Seeing new places, smelling new things, new places to pee! It doesn’t matter where you go, or for how long, take your wild thing and get out on the highway! You will find adventure at every turn. Spa day. I am so not a spa guy, but even I have to admit that it feels good to be pampered. A good bath, a long brushing session, gets rid of all that dead fur and leaves your pup feeling lighter, fluffier, faster! Ready to take on the world! Or maybe even just ready to go get muddy again! Hit the beach. Swimming. Or in some cases, just wading around. It doesn’t matter your dog’s swimming style, just so long as you get out there and get wet! Beach days are great ways to keep cool, soak in the rays and make the most out of summer. Pack a few floating toys and a good towel or five and you got the making of an epic summer day. Doggy Paddle. Whether your style is floating down a lazy river on your SUP, exploring a quiet bay by kayak or tackling a multi-day canoe trip, it doesn’t matter. Just pack your canine PFD and get out on the water. Doggies and paddles are a great combination. Head out there and make the most of your summer!

Top 10 Reasons To Dress Up Your Dog

Top 10 Daily Toxins That Can Harm Your Dog

Your pet is a living being that can succumb to toxins in the environment we don’t even think about. Here’s what they are and how to get rid of them. There are things that we use in our home and environment every day we don’t think twice about. But these same conveniences can be dangerous to our dogs. Be aware of these common toxins and go with an alternative: Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes Dogs have died from being left outside during aerial spraying, or end up with neurological disorders. Make sure you hose down the yard afterwards to remove any pesticide residues and chemical toxins from the spraying. You could cover the area with a tarp where your dog usually plays and lies in the backyard, and then discard the tarp after the spraying. Related: Poisonous Plants For Dogs Plastics in Water Bowls Plastics are endocrine system disruptors that are linked with different types of tumors and cancers of the reproductive organs. Spend a little more and purchase your dog’s dinnerware in stainless steel or ceramic. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) More common in the winter, antifreeze is a common cause of poisoning in small animals. Dogs find its smell and taste appealing, so steer clear of sidewalks and driveways when you see it, and refill your tank when filling up with gas. Chemicals/Artificial Preservatives in Dog Food Dogs can be sensitive or can become sensitive to chemicals and artificial preservatives found in dog kibble. If you’ve noticed digestive or skin issues, you may want to try a home cooked or raw diet. Related: 4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs Fertiliser They may make your lawn green, but fertilisers can contain varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium compounds, as well as additives such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Forgo the lawn chemicals and go au natural. Chemically Treated Shampoo It not uncommon to hear of dogs suffering from skin conditions and hot spots. These can be irritated by the chemicals in certain grooming shampoos. Thankfully, there’s a growing selection of dog shampoos and conditioners that contain natural ingredients without all the chemicals. Black Mold Black mold kills not only humans but also pets. And the problem is that the pet will go first. Be vigilant about black mold in the home and do something about it if you find it. Don’t wait. Formaldehyde in the Carpets and Drapes If you’ve got carpets and drapes in the home, you’re breathing in formaldehyde on a daily basis. Consider switching to rugs or real wood floors that are not treated with chemicals, and purchasing or treating curtains with an environmentally friendly solution. VOCs in the Particle Board Furniture VOCs are volatile organic chemicals – and toxins – that can be inhaled. Interestingly, particle board furniture and the glues in them can cause damage for up to 10 years. Switch to real wood furniture made without glues and particle board. Ant Baits Ant baits contain boric acid – this can be toxic to dogs. Ant baits have a sweet smell and taste to attract ants, but that backfires when you have a dog. Instead, spray openings where you’ve seen ants come out of with pure lemon juice.

New Art Exhibit Designed Just for Artsy-Fartsy Dogs

These modern and interactive art exhibits in London are prove that bipeds are not the only ones who enjoy culture and artistic genius! Ever been to a museum that scared you to just look at it? You know, you felt like if you took a wrong breath, the whole place would come crashing down and your entire life savings with it? Yeah, us too. And those places are simply…well, not fun. Which goes entirely against award winning British artist Dominc Wilcox’s life philosophy – as Wilcox claims that he is, “Deadly serious about being playful. It’s really important.” And guess what? Your furry friends couldn’t agree more! Wilcox, along with other well-known artists such as Nick White, Clare Mallison, Joanne Hummel-Newell, Robert Nicol and Michelle Thompson, was commissioned by More Than Pet Insurance to create interactive, multi-media art exhibits for your dog. Related: Cat-inspired Art Exhibits Yes, your dog! Wanting to encourage more pet owners to play with their pets, the company encouraged the design of exhibits such as The Watery Wonder exhibit – where dancing water jets that jump from one dog bowl to another allow dogs to chase the water (and soak their humans in the process!), and Dinnertime Dreams, a ball-pit fit for a pooch. Over 1,000 balls made to look like dog food fill a 10-foot dog bowl, and dogs jump and play as long as they like.

Teach Your Dog to Sit… Without Treats!

Integrate “life rewards“ into your dog’s training to encourage polite behavior without the need for treats. One of the common misconceptions about positive training is that you have to give your dog treat rewards every time he sits for the rest of his life. While there are some situations that may require long-term food rewards, there are also many others that rely on other kinds of reinforcement for good behavior. Life Rewards The main principle of positive training is that polite behavior such as sitting is rewarded, making it a win-win for both dog and owner. Failure to do the polite behavior generally results in the owner withholding a reward. Therefore, only polite pups get what they want. But who says the reward has to be a treat? Enter life rewards, calorie-free reinforcement that gives your dog access to everything he wants… as long as he sits first. When to Use Life Rewards When teaching Sit for the first time, the average dog will learn more quickly and smoothly if you use food rewards. This is because you can easily lure him into the sitting position with food and then reward him for plopping his rear on the floor. But once he has learned what “sit” means, it’s time to incorporate life rewards. Your daily life provides numerous opportunities to practice polite behavior. Barkley wants you to throw a toy? Sure, but he’s got to sit for it first. No sit, no toy. Sparky wants you to put on his leash and go for a walk? Great… but only if he sits while you clip the leash. The moment he breaks the Sit, you walk away for several seconds before starting over. (Yes, this is tedious in the beginning but stay strong!) After the leash is on, Sparky has to sit while you open the door, too. Any attempts to door dash will be thwarted by you closing the door before he reaches it. Doggie dinner is a perfect time to require a Sit while you prepare the food. If Delilah stands or jumps up, you walk away from the kitchen for a few moments. Access to the couch must be earned. Sadie can ask for permission to join you on the sofa by sitting and waiting for your invitation. Should she jump up uninvited, she will find herself back on the floor (gently please). Note that this only applies when you are already sitting on the couch. How to Implement Life Rewards Let’s use the example of sitting while the leash is clipped, as it is often the most challenging. Stand near the leash. Ask your dog to sit, only once.If he doesn’t sit within 5-10 seconds, don’t repeat the cue. Instead, walk away and try again a few seconds later. The moment he sits, grab the leash and calmly put it on. Off you go!If he gets up at any point during this process (and in the beginning he will), put the leash away and turn away. He just lost his chance to go outside. Wait a few seconds before starting over. This activity teaches your pup a few things: 1) when you say “sit” once, you mean it, 2) it is wiser for him to respond the first time rather than waste time jumping and barking, and 3) sitting is his ticket to walks and other cool stuff, so it will become a default behavior. And all of this is accomplished without either treats or punishment. Now it’s your turn. Make a list of the things your dog wants access to, and always ask him to “sit” for them!

Teach Your Dog to Love His Carrier

Have dog, will travel. Just make sure your dog is as excited about the trip as you are! Follow these guidelines to teach your dog to love his carrier. It’s getting increasingly easier to take your dog with you to hotels, cafes, bars, and all kinds of shopping. If subway, train, or even air travel are needed to get there, first you’ll have to teach your pup how to travel comfortably in a bag. Choosing a Carrier Here in New York City, even large dogs are permitted to travel on the subways, provided they are enclosed in a bag, stroller, or crate. Look for a bag that zips fully closed and can handle your dog’s weight. Zipping your dog in the bag ensures he won’t jump or fall out, and also puts dog-averse passengers at ease knowing you’re being a responsible owner. If you must choose the tote-style bag with an opening for the head, ensure the top can close and there is a built-in tether that attaches to the dog’s harness. (For safety, don’t attach the tether to a collar or head halter. Can you imagine the damage to your pup’s neck if he tumbled out?) Before taking his first ride, your dog needs to learn how to get (and stay) in his carrier. The steps here are just a guide. You may find your dog leaps right into the bag, or on the other end of the spectrum, he might be suspicious of this dog-devouring monster for a while. Work at your dog’s pace, even if it’s slower than you’d like. How to Teach It Get your dog interested in the carrier. Sprinkle several treats (or his entire meal, if dry food) in the bag. Put it on the floor, and walk away. If your dog can’t access the opening, rest the bag on its side to make it easier. Let your dog interact with the bag at his own pace for five minutes. Repeat this activity until your dog is confidently diving his head in for the food.If the bag’s shape permits, lure your dog with treat into the carrier, and then give him several treats while he’s inside. Otherwise, pick him up and gently put him inside the bag. Before he gets fed up, lift him out of the bag. Practice this until it’s smooth. Put it on cue. Say a word or phrase, such as “get in your bag,” and guide him in as before. Practice several times.Now, start lifting and briefly carrying the bag with your dog in it. At first, just gently carry it (or roll it, if a stroller type) around your home, dropping a treat into the carrier every few seconds. Release him from the bag before he gets uncomfortable.Hit the road! For your first outing in the carrier, go somewhere your dog will love: the park, the pet supply store, or a friend’s house… not the vet’s office! Bring a long-lasting chewy to keep him busy, so he won’t get overwhelmed by the sounds or movement on the train. If your dog gets startled by a sudden noise or movement, immediately drop a few pieces of an extremely high value treat into the carrier. This keeps the situation positive. If people want to pet your dog, it’s best to politely decline. After a few rides to the park, your dog will learn that the travel bag and even the noisy train are to be loved, not feared. Happy travels!

How to Teach a Rock-Solid Stay

The doorbell rings. Lola starts frantically barking, jumping, and clawing to get the door open. You howl, “Lola, sit… stay. Stay! STAY!!” to no avail. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to give your dog’s Stay a makeover. Many dogs learn to stay when it’s convenient for them. This may include waiting politely while you prepare her food or standing still for brushing. But when your dog is faced with an intense distraction, such as a ringing doorbell or food that’s fallen from the table, Stay becomes much harder for her to maintain. Nailing these more challenging Stays starts with teaching relatively easy ones and gradually working your way up to high level distractions. We’re going to follow the popular method of teaching Stay using the Three D’s: Duration, Distance, and Distraction. This method isolates one variable (or “D”) at a time, so your dog won’t get overwhelmed or stressed. Phase 1: Duration This is an important warmup for the more challenging Stays ahead. Ask your dog to stand, sit, or lie down (whichever is most comfortable). Then, say “stay” once and hold out your palm like a traffic cop. Drop your hand. Look away and count one second in your head. It’s important to look away, so your dog learns to stay put even when you’re not actively watching her. When you look back to your dog, is she still in the Stay position? If so, mark (“good dog!”) and reward while she is still doing Stay. Then, release with “okay!” However, if she gets up at any point, say “oops!” and remove your reward. Start over. With each successful rep, add one more second to the Stay. Don’t step away from your pup yet, as we’re focusing on Duration, not Distance. Phase 2: Distance Now for the fun stuff. You will walk away from your dog while she is in the Stay position. Same as before, ask for a Stay and briefly extend your palm. Turn your head and torso 180 degrees or so, so you’re looking behind you. Only turn for a moment; don’t linger. When you turn back to your dog, mark and reward for staying. (If she got up, just say “oops” and next time, only turn 90 degrees.) Then release with “okay!”With each successful rep, start to walk away slightly more and more. It will likely be a quarter step at first, then a half step, then a full one, and so on. The first step or two are the hardest, so be patient. Tip: Make sure to turn your back to your dog (rather than shuffle backwards) as you depart. Also, always come back to your dog to mark and reward while she’s still staying, so she gets the reward while performing the Stay. Think of yourself as a boomerang. Phase 3: Distraction You can practice with any distraction by introducing it at a low intensity first, then gradually building it up. Here’s an example of having your dog stay while you pick up food that’s fallen. Ask for a Stay as before. Take about four steps away, and then bend your knees slightly. Return to your dog to mark and reward. Next time, bend down a little lower. After each successful rep, continue bending lower each time until your hand can touch the floor. Then, as you bend down, gently drop a few treats on the floor. Pick them up again and return to your dog to mark and reward. Vary the level of distraction by changing the distance, the food item you drop, and how far you bend. Only change one variable at a time. By practicing at a slow and steady pace, your dog will learn Stay no matter what kind of distraction he encounters. Remember that developing impulse control is a lot of work for a dog, so reward him sufficiently for a job well done!

Teach the “Drop It” Command, For Safety’s Sake

You’ve heard the horror stories where dogs eat anything they find on the ground. Teach you pup a reliable Drop It cue before you have a traumatizing story of your own. “Drop It” instructs the dog to immediately spit out whatever is in his mouth. In extreme cases, it can mean the difference between life and death. The problem is, your dog put that half-eaten pepperoni pizza slice in his mouth for a reason — he wants it! Once it’s firmly in his mouth, it’s really up to him whether he will drop it or not. So it’s your job to convince him that spitting out the pizza is actually more fun and rewarding than eating it. Here are three levels of Drop It. Work your way up by increasing the difficulty in very small increments, to ensure your dog is successful at every step. In real life, do not tell your dog to “drop it” unless you are almost certain he will. If your dog is still a the beginner levels of Drop It and he picks up something delicious (to him) on your walk, use the Level 1 method to handle snacking emergencies. Level 1: Emergency Drop It This is a starting point for dogs with unreliable Drop It skills. Use this method for real-life emergencies until your dog fully learns to drop things on cue. Remember to bring extra tasty treats on your walks, in case such an emergency should arise. When your dog grabs a chicken bone or other dangerous item, immediately dump all of your extra tasty treats on the ground. Scatter them in all directions.Your dog, seeing this treat explosion, will spit out the chicken bone and start vacuuming the treats.While he’s doing this, remove the chicken bone from your path and then continue on your walk. Level 2: Share an Item This teaches the principle of Drop It, showing your dog that spitting out an item will get him something even better in return. Repeat this activity with as many different (safe) items as you can find. Share a long toy (like a rope toy) or long chewy (like a bully stick) with your dog. Do not let go.Before he gets too invested in the toy, say “drop it” once. Immediately trade the toy for a “surprise” treat from your pocket. He will spit out the toy when he sees the treat. Mark “good dog!” and reward with the treat.Practice this no more than three times. Do a few short sessions for several days, until he’s dropping items with ease.Now, delay the reward. Say “drop it” and wait for him to spit it out. When he drops it, dig into your pocket for the reward. Level 3: It’s All Yours (for the Moment) Now you will give your dog the entire item, rather than share it. To ensure success, start with a very boring object to drop. You can also put him on leash to prevent him from running off. Give the dog full possession of a low-value item, only for a second or two. Say “drop it” once and wait for him to spit it out. When he does, reward with an even better treat or toy. (If he doesn’t drop it, go back to level 2.)Practice in short sessions, inside and outside, using a variety of (safe) items to drop. By convincing your dog that Drop It is a actually fun game with big rewards, you can turn your sidewalk snacker into a master of spitting things out.

Dirty Dogs Contest Lets Dogs’ Personalities Shine

What better year than the Year Of the Dog to showcase how the ‘makeovers’ of hundreds of shelter dogs as part of the Dirty Dogs Campaign can make a tremendous difference in a dog’s life? Each year, Wahl and GreaterGood.org team up to transform the looks and lives of over thousands of shelter dogs with their Dirty Dog Campaign. The campaign raises money and donates funds and supplies for grooming to rescues and shelters all over the country.

New York Rangers Add A Furry Teammate To The Roster

The National Hockey League is adding a new guy to their ranks–a yellow Labrador puppy who is training to be a service dog for a child with autism. The New York Rangers have a new team member–an adorable 6-month-old puppy named Ranger they are helping train as a service dog for a child with autism. The team paired with a non-profit group that trains and offers service dogs to those with autism. Michelle Brier is the vice president of marketing and development for BluePath and says they are excited to partner with the Rangers to help raise understanding and awareness for those with autism. Related: Hockey Hounds Make a Power Play With PetSmart’s Maple Leafs Line Brier says the service animals offer companionship and safety for those with autism to do things independently and Ranger will learn a lot of unique skills that will help his human as part of the ‘team.’ Ranger is already a bit of a celeb, as he gave fans a bit of ‘barkground’ information on his Insta account. He told fans his pre-game treat is peanut butter and he has been enjoying learning how to handle pucks. As well, Ranger says he is mastering the subway like a boss dog. Some barkground on me:I’m a Lab.Born on 1/31/18.My first collar was blue and now I get to be a Blueshirt!My pre-game treat is peanut butter!I’m learning to handle pucks!I love to take the subway to MSG! pic.twitter.com/wn3ViGtqQY — Ranger (@NYRangersPup) August 7, 2018 Adam Graves is the Rangers’ former left wing and he had the pleasure of sharing the new teammate’s big news with the world on his Insta story. RangersTown, meet our new best friend, Ranger! In partnership with BluePath, @NYRangersPup will be training to become a professional service dog for a child with autism. Learn more about the path that Ranger is on ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p5nCJj3e4P — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 7, 2018 The team seems to be in approval of the new guy, as defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk tweeted a welcome to Ranger, saying he might be Shattenkirk’s new favorite teammate. Related: Baseball Bat Dog Proves It’s Better to Run the Bases Than Retrieve I have to agree–if ever anything would get me to watch hockey, this cute little guy might be it! Rookie would like to invite Ranger to our Bark-In-The-Park game on Sunday August 19. He can help Rookie with Hockey and Rookie can teach him about baseball. Plus he can meet dozens of other dogs. pic.twitter.com/VtEpCyWY50 — Trenton Thunder (@TrentonThunder) August 8, 2018 He’s already gotten a few invites to some new venues as well, including a fun invitation from Trenton Thunder’s Rookie to trade hockey skills for baseball skills!

Fur-bulous Back-To-School Supplies

It’s that time of year again…shiny bookbags and lunchboxes are hanging on the walls, ready to deck the school halls. Want to show how much you love your pets while you’re being too cool for school? Check out our pet-themed back-to-school supplies.

The Quest For Dog: 6 Steps For Prepping Your House For A Puppy

Amanda Schlee doesn’t have a dog… yet. But she’s in full doggy mode and is doing all her research before she and her husband decide on the right dog for them. In this article, she’s sharing what she’s learned about what you need to do to prep your home – even before your new puppy joins your family. What an exciting time! You’re getting ready to bring home your very own puppy! I tend to think puppies are like toddlers; they get into everything therefore requiring a house to be puppy proofed. This is an essential step, most importantly for the safety of your puppy, but to also protect your goods you worked hard to pay for – like your favorite pair of shoes or your beloved comfy couch. These are some important things to think about when getting a house ready for a new furry bundle of joy. Step 1: Pick a space in your house you can dedicate as the puppy zone This space needs to be large enough to fit a crate for the size of your growing puppy, some toys, blankets and anything you think will bring comfort to them those first couple of nights He is in his new environment. I know lots of people leave shirts with their scent on it in their puppy’s crate. It’s probably best to keep this area away from any breakable décor; I personally recommend a corner of the room in a common area like the family room. This way you can enjoy playing with your puppy in the main hangout room for your house. Step 2: Shopping! Who doesn’t love shopping? Take a drive down to the local pet store and get out your credit card… it’s time to buy the puppy essentials. This is the time to purchase a puppy crate. It’s best to tell the experts at the pet store what type of breed you’re bringing home and let them recommend the size and type of crate to get. Not everyone has their dogs sleep in a crate, a lot of times their only used until the dog is house trained and to keep them in when being left home alone. Depending on the size of your breed, crates can be large and tall, they take up a lot of room in your house and aren’t nice to look at. So if you’re not interested in always having your puppy or dog sleep in the crate and you’re not a fan of letting them share your bed with you, I suggest also buying a puppy bed. This is something that will replace the crate in the puppy zone. Make sure it’s large enough for your full grown dog, which will avoid you having to upgrade in size as they get bigger. This is also the time to buy all the other puppy essentials like a collar, lease, food bowls, and chew toys. Don’t forget the chew toys because puppies love to chew whatever they can get their little paws on. Think about picking up a couple baskets to keep their toys organized and your house clutter-free when the toys aren’t in use. Step 3: Setting up your house Now that everything is purchased and set-up in the designated puppy zone, make a comfy and inviting environment for your new little buddy. Make a conscious effort to find a new home for anything out in the open they could possibly chew. Things such as shoes, throw pillows and blankets; anything you don’t want destroyed. A friend of mine brought her new golden retriever puppy home around Christmas time and she tried eating a few lower ornaments on the Christmas tree. Fortunately, after a day at the veterinary office, she was fine. Moral of the story: expect the unexpected with a puppy. Step 4: Research If you’re a real planner like me, you like to take care of things before they happen. Therefore, I think it’s a good idea to start researching which veterinarian you’re going to use. In my opinion, referrals are always a great way to go. If that’s not an option, then look up veterinarian offices in your area and go with the one who is accepting new patients and has the best office hours for your schedule. This is also a good time to start researching puppy classes. Obedience training is important no matter what breed you have. Small or large, having a puppy properly trained will make day to day life more enjoyable and less stressful for both you and the puppy. There are options to choose from and you can do group puppy classes or opt for one-on-one puppy training. Whichever you choose is up to you, but please choose one; it makes a world of difference. Step 5: Schedule Now is time to set a schedule to take care of your puppy. Whether you live alone or not, make sure someone is there to take care of your puppy’s needs. This includes being home to feed them, letting them out for bathroom breaks, cleaning up after them, house training them and getting them familiar and comfortable with their new home. This is a really important part for preparing for your puppy and deserves proper planning and consideration. Step 6: Pick up your puppy and enjoy your new addition!

Study: Little Dogs Lie About Size With Their Pee Stream

New research suggests that little dogs may be sending a special signal in their ‘pee-mail’ that tells other dogs they are bigger than they really are. Scientists have discovered that small dogs (as a small person myself, I prefer the term ‘fun-size,’) may be trying to trick other dogs into thinking they’re bigger than they are by lifting their legs higher when they mark trees and posts on potty breaks. The higher and more exaggerated stream marks tell other dogs that that scent came from a bigger dog (in theory) and shows that even to dogs, size apparently does matter. Related: Why Dog Pee Kills Grass (and What You Can Do About It) Lynda Sharpe is an ecologist with the Australian National University in Canberra who studied the scents that dwarf mongooses left from their anal glands when they were doing handstands. She found that that left scent marks that seemed deceptively higher than a dwarf mongoose might leave, and she believes that’s just what this new research about dogs supports. Betty McGuire is a behavioral ecologist at Cornell University and she and her team studied 45 dogs from two New York shelters. The chose adult males as they were more likely to lift their legs when peeing and then the researchers walked with the dogs regularly to document where they went to the bathroom, and with what aim they took. They recorded the eliminations with an iPhone and measured pee spots, though doing so without disrupting the dogs mid-stream was a challenge. Some dogs also had better aim than others, and some preferred to just let loose in tall grass so McGuire says the work of collecting data was time-intensive. When the dogs made marks, the researchers measured how high they were, and then with the help of the video made a measure of the dog’s leg angle when raised. They looked at several hundred leg lifts over two years’ time and found that the smaller the dog, the more extreme the urine angle, and the higher appearing leg lift.

FDA Recalls Pat’s Cat Turkey and Ground Lamb Dog Food Tubs

The makers of Pat’s Cat Turkey Cat Food and Ground Lamb Dog food are recalling batches of food because they are concerned they may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA has announced that G & C Raw has recalled 30 containers of Pat’s Cat Turkey Cat Food and 40 containers of Ground Lamb Dog Food because they believe there may be Listeria contamination. The cat food containers are one-pound containers while the dog food containers are the two-pound tubs. Listera monocytogenes can bring serious and even fatal infections in animals and there is even risk to humans who handle products that are contaminated. Related: Study: Some Raw Diet Products Contain Bacteria and Parasites Though pets with infections from Listeria monocytogenes occurring is rare, the symptoms include diarrhea, fever, anxiety, respiratory and muscular distress, depression, lethargy and even death. Infected animals can shed Listeria monocytogenes in their feces onto their fur and coats, as well as surfaces and places in the home that humans may have contact with, so the FDA recommends contacting your veterinarian if your pet has had any of the recalled product and these symptoms. In humans, Listeria monocytogenes can cause similar symptoms, and can spread through the nervous system–which means it can infect the brain and result in meningitis and other potentially fatal conditions. Pregnant women are at risk and especially prone to adverse reactions from the infection, including loss of their baby. The FDA recommends anyone who has been in contact with pets who had the affected tubs to monitor themselves closely for signs of infection. Related: GoPurePet Always Keeps Your Pet’s Water Clean and Fresh The affected tups were distributed in Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgia directly from G & C Raw, LLC. The affected lot number for the Pat’s Cat Turkey is WWPKTF0%1618 and the lot number for the Ground Lamb is MFF022718.

Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla Cat Breed History The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. The name “Chinchilla” is a reference to the cat’s fur, which is similar to that of the chinchilla rodent, and this is a feline that has been selectively bred to produce a specific coat color. This manmade cat breed has origins that date back to around 1882 in England. That is when a smoke-colored kitten named Chinnie was born after a stray tomcat mated with a blue Persian. Chinnie’s owner then had her mate with a silver tabby cat, and then one of the kittens from that litter would go on to give birth to the first male Chinchilla cat. Breeders continued to encourage the unique coloration in an effort to establish the breed, and that is how Chinnie’s descendants started to showcase the preferred appearance by the early 1900s. It was also during that time that the first standards for the Chinchilla breed were created by the Chinchilla, Silver and Smoke Cat Society. And, since 1920, this breed’s standards have not changed much. The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. Breed Traits

Lurcher

Lurcher Basics The Lurcher is a particularly unique breed of dog because its appearance can be greatly varied depending on breeding. Technically, a Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed, but it often takes the appearance of a Greyhound or Saluki. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting applications. These dogs are known for their working skills as well as their speed and excellent eyesight. A Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed. Origin The Lurcher dog breed originated in Ireland and various other parts of Great Britain, descendant from a breed known as the Norfolk Lurcher. These dogs are not purebred but rather the result of a crossing between a sighthound and some type of non-sighthound breed, often a terrier or some kind of pastoral dog. The breeding of Lurchers varies depending on the desired characteristics, though cunning and stealth are some of the most desired characteristics for this breed. To give the breed a working instinct, Collie crosses are also popular – this type of crossing gives the Lurcher both intelligence and speed, the ideal prerequisites for a hunting breed dog. In the United States, crosses with scent hounds are particularly common. Pedigree

Mal-Shi

Mal-Shi BasicsA popular designer dog breed, the Mal-Shi is an adorable little pooch that is ideal for a variety of lifestyles. This is a pup so beloved that it goes by three names. Also known as Malti Tzu, Mal-Tzu, Shih-tese and Shima, this hybrid is easy-to-train and a delight to have around your family. This breed was designed to be a low-shedder, making him a popular companion for those who suffer from allergies. But he’s much more than that; he’s great with the kids and is content to cuddle on your lap at the end of the day. This is a designer doggo who fits in with any family and lights up every room. Anyone would be lucky to bring this pooch home.Bold and outgoing, he’ll make friends with anyone he comes across, humans and animals. A wonderful family dog, the Mal-Shi can also make an amazing therapy dog, thanks to his naturally good nature. He will grow very attached to his family and want to spend every second around them. Ideal if you want a loyal and loving companion! But like most velcro dogs, there are downsides to this type of canine attachment. You’ll want to be sure that your Mal-Shi has constant companionship.The many wonderful qualities of this extraordinary animal make it one of the most popular designer dog breeds around. The Mal-Shi’s adorable looks, sweet nature, and adaptable personality are all very appealing to a wide variety of prospective owners. There’s a reason why this breed is growing in popularity all the time. But is the Mal-Shi truly the right dog for your family? Read on to find out.A popular designer dog, the Mal-Shi is an adorable little dog that is ideal for a variety of lifestyles.Origin Developed in the 1990s, the Mal-Shi was designed to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog. That’s right a dog created to be an ideal companion with minimal mess and no sneezes. Sources indicate that the breed originated in Australia, where the Mal-Shi has been one of the most popular mixed breed dogs in decades. However, this hybrid was not created to only be treasured in the land down under. Nope, these adorable and fluffy dogs have been gaining popularity in North America as well. The lovely character and appearance of the Maltese and Shih Tzu mix will leave no one indifferent. These dogs were practically designed to be loved and it’s only a matter of time before this hybrid becomes a worldwide sensation.Pedigree