Why Do Dogs Lick People?

by Mary Simpson

September 22nd, 2020 12:00 AM

We all love dog kisses! But why is your dog doing it? There are several reasons why dogs lick people – and love just happens to be one of them.

I used to joke that when my dogs licked me, they were simply cleansing their palates between meals. I mean, I love them with all my heart, but between doggy breath and having seen what they scoop when out in the leash-free park, the cleansing towelettes are always close at hand.

And, while you may be thinking that your dog licks you because he loves the salty taste of his favorite human, you’d be both right and wrong. Dogs lick people for a number of reasons and while it is often linked to affection, there are some reasons that should be explored.

Communication

We’ve all had the “stare down”, where our dogs patiently wait to see if we’ll notice them. Licking is the same thing, but a more pro-active way of getting our attention. If they want to go out, lead you to their treats or an empty dish, you’ll find the licking to be unrelenting. When this happens, allow him to lead you to the source of his obsession – it may be important.

Pleasure

Licking releases endorphins in your dog and these make him feel relaxed and trippy. Just like when he was a tiny pup and his mom licked him while he nestled in with his litter mates. It takes him back to a happy place and this helps relieve the stresses of his day.

Affection

Okay, here it is. He loves you. And he wants to show you this by licking your hands, face, arms… Just like he would do with another dog he feels close to. It’s a care-taking action that shows he wants to look after you. And if you take it from a more primal standpoint, it’s a ritualistic greeting that pack animals do to one another.

Tasty

It could be all about him. Humans have naturally salty skin and particularly on a warm day or after exercise when you’ve worked up a nice salty sweat, it’s even more pronounced. His licking may be more in pursuit of that salty flavor rather than any sentiments of love.

Submission

If he’s feeling vulnerable or anxious, licking can be a sign that he’s trying to be friends. It harkens back to the theory that the less dominant members of a pack will often lick the alpha or lead dogs to show they are submissive.

But what do you do when the licking is compulsive? When this oral fixation isn’t restricted to just you, but to visitors, strangers, other animals and even inanimate objects? It can be a sign that your dog is bored, high-strung or anxious about something. And it’s not a one-off instance (think fireworks), but an ongoing problem. In this instance, seek advice from your veterinarian. If it isn’t physical but behavioral, look for solutions that indulge his need to lick, but in a controlled manner. Rubber kongs with hidden treats, or even licking mats where his wet food is spread out and he laps it up. When he starts to lick compulsively, simply redirect him to these pacifiers.

Mary Simpson

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Why Do Dogs Eat Sticks?

Dogs will put just about anything in their mouth – but sometimes there’s a reason for it. Read on to find out why dogs eat sticks – and is it safe to let them do it. When you are out and about with your doggo – in the park or in the yard – it is likely that you will spot them busy carrying or merrily chewing away at a stick. This might leave you wondering. Why would your doggo munch on an unappetizing, dirty stick? What is it that makes sticks appealing to dogs? The explanation might be simpler than you expect. One reason is just plain old fun. Sticks are all over the place and are basically free toys in the park. Once outside, a dog will be overwhelmed and full of that hyperactive joy – known as the zoomies. And when the zoomies hit, a simple thing as a stick seems like the most entertaining toy that ever was! Some dogs simply enjoy the texture of a stick and the feeling of gnawing on it – for reasons known only to them. But there is also a more natural explanation to the doggo-stick romance. And that leads us all the way back when dogs were wild and untamed. In their natural habitat, dogs would utilize sticks to sharpen their teeth and strengthen their jaws and gums. This practice survived to modern times and pet dogs – they will often chew on sticks and other hard things in order to keep their jaws trained and strong. If you don’t prefer your pupper to chew on dirty ol’ sticks, you can find plenty of specially designed dog toys that will train their jaws and teeth in the same way. Puppies and young dogs will also have a tendency to vigorously chew on sticks and other things. The reason here is similar: at this age, their teeth are still emerging and forming up. They might cause the dog some small discomfort, which they would want to counter and remedy by chewing away at a stick – or anything else for that matter. You can also help them by providing adequate toys. It might be best if you prevent your dog from chewing on sticks altogether. Occasional fetch and simple play can be ok – but vigorous chewing for hours on end is not OK. This is due to the fact that a stick that has been chewed for long will produce dangerous splinters and slivers, which your dog can swallow. On the other hand, a slimy stick covered in drool cannot be good – it can develop bacterias that you would want your dog to ingest. Also, some sticks can be covered with harmful material, such as pesticides and the like. A stick from a forest and a stick from a lawn by the side of the road are usually not the same. All in all, you want to pay attention to your dog’s behavior at all times. A bit of harmless fetch with a stick is not to be discouraged, but do make sure to take that stick away once the chewing becomes vigorous. Instead, apply positive reinforcement and offer special chewing toys in order to provide a healthier exercise for your dog’s jaws.

Why Do Dogs Get Eye Boogers?

Dog eye boogers – are they a cause for concern? Here you’ll find all the deets about why dogs get eye boogers and what to do when it happens. There is a lot of quirky stuff about dogs, some pleasant, and others – not so much. If you are a dog owner, there is no doubt that you noticed those pesky eye boogers appearing from time to time. While they are nasty to clean, moderate eye boogers are quite normal. However, if the discharge becomes constant or increases, it might be a sign of an allergy or some other underlying issue. There are a number of possible reasons for this, but none should be a reason for excessive worry. Here’s why eye boogers appear, and what steps you can take to make them disappear! Dog eye boogers accumulate over time. Usually, all they are the dried tears that gather in the corner of the eye, mixed in with the dust, pollen, and all the microscopic bits and pieces that might get in touch with your dog’s eyes. In a sense, these tears are your pet’s natural remedy against the possibly harmful stuff that can get into the eye. Special glands generate the tears, keeping the eye well lubricated and “flushing” out all the things that should not be there. In the end, all that discharge ends up in the corner of your pet’s eye – and we often call it “dog boogers”. Typically, dried dog tears, aka “eye boogers”, will come in a moderate amount and will gather in the corner of the eye. When dried and crusted, these secretions get a brown color and can leave marks as they run. The best way to clean these boogers is with commercial dog eye wipes or a damp cloth. It is crucial not to use any harmful liquids or commercial wet wipes, as these can damage the dog’s eyes. But when do eye boogers become an issue? Some of it is normal, but an excess amount certainly is not. If you notice too many boogers, too much discharge, and extremely wet eyes, it is likely something is amiss. Often enough, your dog will somehow let you know that something is not right, usually by showing some of the telltale signs. Is your doggo blinking a lot, constantly scratching their eyes, always squinting? Chances are, there is irritation at hand and a veterinary checkup might be needed. What you also need to take into account that certain dog breeds might produce more eye boogers and at a faster rate, and can also be more prone to eye infections and irritation. Eye boogers are produced in larger quantities in brachycephalic breeds. These are the so-called “flat-faced” breeds, with squat muzzles: Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, and others. With their short noses and large round eyes, these breeds will usually drool more and have more tears, so it’s good to notice when this becomes very excessive. All in all, dog boogers – and the brown stains that they leave behind – are not something you should be alarmed by. They are usually a sign of normal functioning of the eyes and signify that all the bad particles have been flushed away. However, nothing is good in excess amounts, so make sure to have a vet checkup if you notice something is not quite right.

Why Do Dogs Stink When Wet?

There’s always a distinctive smell coming from your pooch after he gets wet. Have you ever wondered why dogs stink when they get wet? You’ve just come in from the rain after having walked your now sopping-wet pooch. You enter the house, remove your boots, and stand back as he rigorously shakes all that wet away, and begins to wag his tail. While he’s a happy boy, you’re thinking “whoa, what on earth is that funky smell?” Well, that’s the smell of wet dog and until he has been thoroughly dried, he’s going to spread that dank scent throughout the house and onto any soft surfaces he cares to rub himself against. Related: Best Dog Wipes So, what causes that distinctive “wet dog” odor? It’s actually as bad as you’d think. It’s a stinky combo of microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria that naturally occur deep down, on your dog’s skin and just settle in for the long haul. And, like most natural organism, they excrete volatile compounds (AKA poop). Just add a little water and what you have is the answer to why wet dogs stink. Yes, that odor is in fact a cocktail of reconstituted feces from those millions of microorganisms. Now that you know what causes the smell, how do you prevent it from infiltrating your home, your car, and clothes? I mean, dogs will continue to jump in lakes, pools, get caught in rainstorms, run under hoses, and have baths, right? There are a few tricks you can use to banish doggy smell, such as: After his bath, you need to devote lots of heavily absorbent towels to blotting him off and preventing those drips. Yes, he’s still going to shake and run around trying to rub himself along the rug, bed, sofa… but with effective, preliminary towelling you can eliminate a lot of the excess moisture and help him dry more quickly.Introduce him to the blow dryer. Kept on a low speed at a minimal heat setting is a great way to move the drying process along. Towel him dry first, then run the hand dryer up and down his coat, slowly brushing as you go. Treats and soothing words can also go a long way in making this a positive, one-on-one process that he’ll look forward to.After toweling him dry (meaning he’s not dripping wet or sending out jet sprays when he shakes himself off), you could opt to let him air-dry. For colder days, let him free range around the house but don’t let him settle into his crate or bed – it will inhibit drying. If it’s a warm day, take him out for a walk. Warning: if you simply let him out into the yard to air-dry, he’s going to roll in dirt. No question about it, your dog will roll in dirt.Check out some of the many scent neutralizers designed specifically for use on a dog’s coat. Whatever you do, don’t resort to Febreze or home deodorizer sprays which can cause any number of serious reactions if applied directly. Check out sites like Amazon, Chewy or PetSmart to find a product that’s suitable for your pet.

Why Do Dogs Whine and Cry in the Car?

Does your dog hate road trips? Let’s find out what makes your dog whine and cry once he’s in the car. Have you ever been so excited you can hardly contain it? Well, that can often be the reason your pooch whines the moment he jumps into your back seat. He’s anticipating something great – like you taking him to run at his favorite leash-free park – and he just can’t wait for you to start the car and get moving. Dogs communicate their mental and emotional states through many means and whining is one of them. But, unlike whining at home where it can be down to a number of stimuli such as wanting another treat, to be let out for a wee, or to communicate that he’s bored or in pain, whining in the car can typically be narrowed down to just two causes – excitement or anxiety. Related: 6 Easy Ways To Pet Proof Your Car While those impatient, high-pitched whines are often down to eager excitement, its also possible that he’s starting to feel anxious and frightened. This is particularly true if his typical car ride results in a visit to the vet, groomer, kennel or just some place where he will be away from you for a period of time. For those of us driving with a whining dog in the back seat, have you ever noticed that dogs seem to have a built-in GPS system? The closer you get to your destination the higher the pitch and more incessant the whine? Simple car rides can become an endurance test and though we know they’re physically okay, wouldn’t it be great if they would just sit back, catch a breeze and enjoy the ride? So, what do you do to prevent your dog from having a total meltdown in your back seat? It’s not that difficult, and we’re sharing the tips: Desensitize his reaction. If he assumes that you’re going someplace fun (or some place bad), change it up. In other words, take him to different locations and provide him with different experiences so he doesn’t have an automatic assumption as to what he can expect. If his car rides only result in a trip to the vet, expand on this to include other, more pleasurable destinations.Create a fun place for him. Toss his favorite blanket and toys in the back seat to help calm him. Kongs stuffed with treats are another great distraction that can help redirect that excited energy toward something other than the back of your head.Tire him out. Get him out for a nice long walk beforehand so that his energy is somewhat depleted. Now, if the goal of your car ride is to a dog park for a good walk, try tossing the ball in the yard for a while to help him let off steam and feel more relaxed.Employ rewards-based training. Keep his favorite treats handy – front seat, pocket or car door pocket. Anything that’s out of his reach. When he whines, say “stop” or “quiet” or “no” and when he responds positively, provide him with a treat.

Why Do Dogs Nuzzle?

A sure sign of affection, we love when our dogs nuzzle us. But there’s more to a dog’s nuzzle that meets the eye – here are all the things it could mean. Nothing is more satisfying than cuddling up on the couch with your dog after a long, hard day. Even if it’s the middle of summer and you’re sweating through your clothes, the comfort of having your dog snuggle up to you is well worth it. When your dog nuzzles you, you probably consider it a sign of affection, but could it be something more? Related: How Do Dogs Show Affection? What Does It Mean When Dogs Nuzzle? Some dogs act like they just can’t get close enough to their owners. Whether you’re on the couch or lying in bed, your dog will position himself to obtain as much contact as physically possible. He’ll nudge his wet nose into your hand, nuzzle his face up next to yours, or snuggle up against you. These are common dog behaviors, but many dog owners don’t stop to think about the reasoning behind them. Here are some of the top reasons dogs nuzzle their owners: When your dog nuzzles you after you walk through the door, it is his way of greeting you and telling you he’s happy to see you.If your dog’s nudging and nuzzling starts to seem excessive, it could be an expression of dominance – this is more commonly done to other dogs than to humans.When your dog nuzzles up to your face and gives it a quick lick, it may be a sign of respect – a way of acknowledging the hierarchy of your relationship.Most dogs are not known for their subtlety, so sometimes your dog nuzzles you in an attempt to extract attention or a tasty treat.In some cases, nuzzling (especially to your face or another’s dog face) is a way of finding out whether there is food to be had – your dog can smell it on your breath. As you can see, there are a variety of reasons your dog could be nuzzling you and the underlying motivation may change from one instance to another. Read on to see whether it is okay to let your dog keep nuzzling or if you should try to discourage it. Should You Control Your Dog’s Behavior? Though repetitive nudging and nuzzling might get annoying at times, there is generally no reason to discourage this behavior. In fact, you may want to do the opposite. In the same way that your feelings might be hurt if someone rejects your show of affection, your dog doesn’t like to be denied either. Giving him a pat on the head or a quick belly rub when he nuzzles up to you will strengthen your bond and encourage your do to trust you. If your dog nuzzles you at inappropriate times or if it takes on an air of begging, you may want to curb the behavior a little. When your dog nuzzles you at the table, ask him to lie down or send him to another room until the meal is over. If your dog nuzzles visitors and they dislike the behavior, train your dog to sit when people come to the door and let the visitor offer attention if desired. Your dog loves you more than you will ever know, even if you don’t feel like you always deserve it. Nuzzling is just one way your dog shows you affection, so take it gladly as often as he offers it.

Portland’s Parking Kitty App Brings All the Coolest Cats to the Lot

Drivers in Portland, Oregon have the help of a new app, Parking Kitty, and Moshow the Cat Rapper has given his Meow of Approval, yo. The Portland Bureau of Transportation recognized that parking spots were hard to come by, and a frustrating part of driving around for its citizens. They designed the Parking Kitty app to help drivers find spots and pay for them with ease, and they are being promoted by Moshow the Cat Rapper, who has adopted Portland and its ‘weirdness.’ Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] The rapper grew up in the projects of Baltimore, Maryland, but the self-proclaimed “Cat King” says he loves rapping, loves cats and loves Portland, so it was a perfect match.In the epic video, Moshow does his rapping thing with his kitteh Ravioli, and they break it down all over the city. Driving and dancing in front of a 1956 Chevrolet Nomad, Moshow repeatedly sings the catchy, “Ima park my car with the Parking Kitty App,” and one can’t help but be drawn to downloading the app just to be part of the experience. The Parking Kitty app was released four months ago and allows users to pay for their spots online, as well as receive texts that tell them when they are about to run out of time and reload their meters if needed. And, as Moshow so eloquently tells us, “No receipt, and that’s a fact,” (because you can get the receipt through the app). Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] I love all things about this video, and have not been able to get “Ridin in my car with my Parking Kitty app,” out of my head, but my favorite part has to be Transportation Director Leah Treat giving a huge “Oh yeah, Baby,” wink at the end. I mean, if that’s not encouragement to use a parking app, I don’t know what is! You don’t have to live in Portland to download the app from the App Store or Google Play, but “Payin’ right here in Portland,” may be easier if you do!

How Do I Know What’s the Best Dog for Me?

You’re the kind of person who falls in love with every dog you see. But when it comes to ownership, an important question to ask is “What’s the best dog for me?” There are hundreds of different dog breeds out there and each one is unique. Some dogs are bred for a particular purpose such as hunting or retrieving while others are intended as companion pets. There are so many options out there. It’s like dog buffet and there are hundreds of furry entrees to choose from! So here’s the question: “What the best dog for me?” Let’s find out. Before You Start Looking Before you even start to think about what kind of dog might be right for you, you need to make sure that a dog is the right pet in general. Owning a dog is a big responsibility – one that will be yours for the next 10 to 15 years, depending on the breed you choose. Don’t bring home a dog unless you are able to commit to his care for the duration of his life and understand that this means meeting his nutritional needs as well as his needs for exercise, socialization, training, and veterinary care. Related: Teaching Your Puppy How to Focus You also need to think about whether you can afford a dog – think about things like food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary care. You should also consider the traits you want in a dog to help you narrow down your choices in terms of a specific breed. How to Choose the Right Dog Breed Once you’ve determined that you are able to commit to caring for a dog, your next step is to think about the qualities you want in a dog. Ask yourself the following questions: Will the dog be in an apartment or house?Will your dog interact with children, other dogs, or other pets?Will your dog be spending a lot of time home alone?Will your dog have access to a fenced yard and a daily walk?Will your dog be participating in dog sports?What’s my activity level set at?Do I have to work about allergies?What are the characteristics/temperament/health/training levels of a particular breed? Related: 5 Things To Bring To Your Puppy’s First Visit To The Vet Answering these questions will help you to determine what kind of life you can provide for a dog which will help you narrow down the type of dog that best suits your lifestyle and your home. If you live in an apartment or condo, for example, you might choose a small-breed dog with low exercise requirements and high adaptability. If you have children at home, you might choose a medium-sized dog that is gentle and playful. Think about how much time you have to spend with your dog each day as well as your ability to train and exercise him. Other factors to consider include shedding, territorial or guarding instincts, the amount of barking, and how well the dog adapts to strangers. Once you have chosen a breed, your next step is to research – finding a reputable animal shelter or a responsible breeder will play a huge role on the wellness of the dog. Once you’ve answered the question “what’s the best dog for me,” it’ll be time for you to be the best dog owner you can be!

Karma Rescue Pairs Hurricane Harvey Shelter Dogs With Inmates To Help

Hard-to-adopt dogs are made more adoptable after training from inmates in maximum security prisons. Karma Rescue’s program will take shelter dogs displaced from Hurricane Harvey and train them to help people with PTSD. Karma Rescue’s program takes rescue dogs that have been designated for euthanasia and puts them with inmates who have been taught by Karma trainers to train the dogs. The dogs go through the Canine Good Citizenship program with the inmates as their trainers, and when graduated, are placed as newly ‘highly adoptable’ dogs in their forever homes. Related: Wagging Support For Wounded Warriors Service Dog Act Karma has recently introduced shelter dogs from Hurricane Harvey in their newest program, designed to train dogs to assist those with symptoms of PTSD. Inmates teach dogs approximately 60 commands, many purposed to help their humans with emotional distress and to retrieve their medication for them. Many who receive the dogs are veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD. Now, a new batch of dogs will graduate from training at Lancaster State Prison on September 21 in Lancaster, California. Director of Operation for Karma Rescue and Paws For Life Alex Tonner said that the program is life-changing for the dogs, inmates who train and military veterans. The dogs are hand-selected and the inmates give back to society by preparing the dogs to help with veterans who have PTSD. Tonner says that saving a dog saves people as they go through this program and help with the nearly half a million people untreated for PTSD. The program looks to match veterans with dogs to solve the problem of abandoned dogs and untreated veterans. Related: Bipartisan PAWS Act To Help Veterans With PTSD Tonner says that saving a dog saves people as they go through this program and help with the nearly half a million people untreated for PTSD. The program looks to match veterans with dogs to solve the problem of abandoned dogs and untreated veterans. If you’d like more information about the rescue program or to donate to help save shelter dogs and U.S. Vets, you can go to Karma Rescue and learn more or donate.

Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus Music Goes To The Dogs… of Hurricane Harve

Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus has released a new song from the album Dog Songs, and all proceeds will go to the ASPCA, helping dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Mark Hoppus is bringing his vintage pop-funk to the masses and helping dogs who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey in the process. His new song, “Not Every Dog Goes to Heaven,” is part of his charity album Dog Songs. Travis Barker, Blink-182’s bassist, co-wrote the song, and performed with Hoppus and Goldfinger singer/guitarist John Feldmann. Related: Musically Inclined Dog Sneaks into Symphony Performance [Video] The musicians were channeling National Lampoon’s Vacation, which starred Chevy Chase and chronicled his ever-blundered attempt to take his family to the holy grail of amusement parks–Wally World. The lyrics reflect the movie’s dog character, Dinky’s, storyline in which he was tied up to the family car. Dog Songs by Allie Goertz, Casey Boyd, Mark Hoppus, Nerf Herder & More! Hoppus said he became friends with musicians Allie Goertz on Twitter not long ago, and she contacted him about writing a song that was dedicated to a television or movie dog and from which the proceeds would go to the ASPCA. Goertz and musician Casey Boyd organized the Dog Songs project. Related: Portland’s Parking Kitty App Brings All the Coolest Cats to the Lot [Video] Hoppus said that as a dog lover, he was excited to be asked and honored to be part of the project. He found it a fun experience to write an ‘anti-tribute’ to poor Dinky, as National Lampoon’s Vacation is one of his favorite movies. He said the experience with Barker and Feldman was only about 3 to 4 hours, but it’s a fun and energetic track that he is happy to have it on his album and for it to go to such a great cause. Go check it out! Proceeds do go to a great cause!

Dog Runs For Mayor on Platform of Fixing Pesky Potholes [Video]

When we take a look at U.S. politics, it’s easy to say, “A dog could do better.” In St. John’s, Newfoundland, that may hold true as a dog is seeking to become the mayor! Finn is an Australian cattle dog who has decided there are issues he wants to tackle, and he’s just the dog to do it. Dog trainer Glenn Redmond has shared a campaign video that shares Finn’s desire to be mayor of St. John, Newfoundland, Canada, and it’s making many bark up a new tree in politics. Related: South Korea’s New President Adopts Shelter Dog As Part Of Campaign Promise Finn’s on the campaign trail and wants to tell the local citizens about what he wants to do for local businesses and the community. Redmond says that Finn is a natural born leader, as he won’t stop working for his constituents to get things done. Redmond says that Finn will have a ‘paws on’ approach when it comes to resolving issues the city has. Related: Drag Race Winner Sasha Velour’s Dog Sports Fierce Looks on Instagram Some of the issues he’s looking at investdogating are how to more effectively and efficiently clear snow during the winter and how to get a handle on the pothole issue. Finn, being an extreme walker, knows that those are the issues people really care about, and he plans to put them at the top of his priority list.

Tulsa Cat Brings In Cash For Local Homeless

A rescue cat in Oklahoma is giving his fellow homeless (humans) a helping paw by raising money being the most adorable kitteh ever. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the ‘Cashnip Kitty’ helps raise money for the Tulsa Day Center For the Homeless. How, you ask? By being so stinking adorable people literally give money just for him to take it. Related: Portland’s Parking Kitty App Brings All the Coolest Cats to the Lot [Video] ‘Sir Whines A Lot’ plays a game with people sort of like peek-a-b00 in which people pop paper dollars through slots in a door and he takes the money. Hey–finders, keepers! The cat lives full-time at a marketing company downtown, GuRuStu. Stuart McDaniel is Sir Whines A Lot’s human, and the owner of the family-run business. He says that one day his dad recognized money on the floor outside the glass and they decided to begin fundraising for the homeless. They decided that he could make a difference for humans who have no homes themselves. As others have heard about the cool cat’s cash-affection, he’s become a celebrity in the name of helping the homeless. His Facebook page has lots of posts letting his fan club know what he’s up to, but mostly? Encouraging people to come on down and play the slots a little and leave some green. Related: 10 Reasons Why You Need More Kitty Fluff in Your Life Representatives at GuRuStu say that he’s already brought in $100 for the center, and they are hoping that his popularity grows so that they can do more to help the homeless.True to the life of a hip and happening hustler, the Cashnip Kitty brings most of his money in on Fridays and Saturday nights, but GuRuStu reps say that he’s up for playing the cash game any day of the week!

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Polly

Would ya just look at this face! Meet Polly, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Polly is a wonderful Spitz mix from Richmond, Virginia and is the happiest little lady you will ever lay your eyes on. She is pure white and weighs a light 20 pounds, so she won’t hurt your legs when she jumps up to kiss and love you! Polly is excellent with other dogs and loves children. She is also spayed, up-to-date with her shots, house-trained, and micro-chipped. Polly’s Tale: Woof! My name is Polly, want a cracker? Ha Ha Ha! I am a 10-year-old girl with a lot of energy and love to give. I like to approach life with a smile, even when I am chasing squirrels and birds out of the backyard. It is actually quite a hobby of mine, so you might find me relentlessly chasing those little boogers all over the place. Don’t worry though, I always have the energy to give unlimited love and kisses to my favorite human. You wouldn’t even guess I am 10-years-old! You’re only as old as you feel, am I right? I have a winning attitude which gives me the ability to adjust quickly in your home and make friends with your children or other pets. My favorite game is running, so if you have small children, we could run all day. Maybe even rid your backyard of birds and squirrels! If you’d like to learn more of adopt Polly, please visit

It’s Kitten Love For This London Labrador Retriever [Video]

Unusual celebrity couples come and go, but the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in the U.K. believe they’ve found a couple that will last the ages. It’s a [s]tail[/s] tale as old as time. Cat antagonizes dog; dog chases cat. Cat narrowly escapes, and starts the whole cycle over. Related: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Gets A New Royal Supporter An abandoned kitten who was just days old was taken to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for help. Megan Goldring is a nurse at the home, and watched sweet kitten Ava round the clock, feeding her with a baby bottle every two hours. Once Ava had a little bit of strength back, she found herself a new friend… Barney. Barney the dog. Barney is a three-year-old Labrador Retriever who was surrendered by his owners in 2014 ,and a Battersea nurse, Rachel Ab’dee, loved him so much she adopted him. She still brings him to work so he can socialize with the pets at the home. Turns out when Ava came along, Barney only had eyes for her. Ava and Barney Found abandoned in a London garden aged just days old little kitten Ava was rushed into Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. She is still so young that she needs hand-feeding every two hours and spends much of her day in the Battersea clinic office. This is where she met her new best friend, Barney.The three-year-old has taken his role of kitten-sitting very seriously – snuggling with Ava, playing with her, and monitoring her every move around the office to make sure she’s safe. He's a real top dog! Ava already has a home lined up but there are plenty of dogs and cats still searching: https://www.battersea.org.uk/ Posted by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Ab’dee says that Barney is always happy to see Ava, and when Ava isn’t being nursed, she seeks Barney out for lots of kitty-on-doggy cuddle time. Ab’dee says that since Ava is an orphan, the relationship is great for her. Barney acts as mom, dad, best friend, and play partner. Related: UK Parliament Seeks Pussies to Help Get Rid of Rodents Because they are so stinking cute together, many have fallen in love with sweet Ava and applied to adopt her. Ava already has a home ready for her when she is healthy enough to go home, but Battersea says that they have many other pets who are just as adorable and looking for their forever homes. In the meantime, the pair is soaking each other up. Here’s hoping her new home remembers their special bond and allows for fur play dates!

How Dog-Loving Strangers Ruin Well-Trained Dogs

Pet parents have heard this one many times: “It’s okay, I love dogs!” Guess what – it’s not okay! Here’s how to deal with friendly strangers who undo your training. You’ve sunk hundreds of dollars into obedience classes for your dog and spent countless hours teaching him not to jump on people. And all your efforts seem to wash away as soon as an overly enthusiastic dog lover crosses your path–arms flailing, baby voice squealing, exclamations of “It’s okay, I love dogs!” as your pup covers the person’s chest in muddy paw prints. Sigh. While there’s not much you can do to train the human in this scenario, you have some options to keep your dog under control during a greeting. Related: Should You Bring Your Nervous or Reactive Dog to the Dog Park? Be Prepared First, be prepared for the encounter well in advance. You often get signals that someone is excited to greet your dog well before they reach you. It’s as if your dog has a magnetic pull holding that person’s gaze and drawing them in for half a block. The moment you see such a person coming, body block your dog. This means if the person is approaching on your left, bring your dog to your right side, shorten your leash enough so your dog won’t lunge in front of you, and be prepared to use your body as a barrier between your pup and the friendly stranger. Related: 7 Reasons Why It’s Important to Properly Socialize Your Dog To Greet or Not to Greet From there, you have a decision to make: should I let my dog greet this person? You are under no obligation to stop and say hello to a friendly stranger. Granted, it’s a little cold to ignore someone who clearly wants to greet your dog, but keep in mind that the person won’t think twice about undoing your training simply because they want to pet something fluffy. It’s perfectly fine to keep a fast, forward pace and walk right past the person, giving a friendly smile and a quick “I’m sorry, we’re training” as you pass. If you choose to let the person greet your dog, have a plan to keep your dog under control through the encounter. Here is one strategy: If your dog is able to calmly sit while the person approaches, then pull over to the side a bit and ask for a sit. If your dog won’t be able to hold a sit while a friendly stranger is approaching, then a stand is fine. The goal is to keep all four paws on the ground.Continually treat, treat, treat while your dog is sitting (or standing). Reward him for maintaining the calm position and keeping his mind on you rather than this new potential friend walking towards you. The frequency of your treats will be determined by how bouncy your dog is. A moderately excited dog may only need a treat every five seconds to stay put, whereas a dialed-to-10 excited dog will need treat after treat with barely any pause. Make sure to use extra tasty treats, as you’re asking a lot of your bouncy dog.When the stranger reaches you, continue to treat-treat-treat as they pet your dog. This teaches your pup that it’s much more rewarding to sit or stand politely for petting, rather than jump up.When the person walks, away, the treats stop and it’s best to briskly walk away so your dog doesn’t try to jump on them as they go. You’ll find that, with practice, you’ll be able to add longer and longer pauses between treats, but let your dog’s excitement level dictate how frequently you dispense them. Slow and steady progress always yields the best long-term results.

PupPod Smartphone-Connected Puzzle Toy Wins Innovation Award

PupPod, an amazing interactive new dog toy, has recently won the 2017 Award of Innovation at the KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Fund. PupPod, the smartphone-connected puzzle toy that gets harder as a dog gets smarter, received the prestigious Innovation Award at the recent KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Forum. PupPod was among 18 innovative early-stage businesses in the animal health and nutrition industry to present at the event. So what makes PupPod stand out from all those other dog toys out there on the market? Well it’s tough to know where to start, as PupPod has so many fantastic features. Let’s start with the connectivity aspect. Your PupPod connects to your smartphone via an app. When your dog solves the PupPod puzzle, your phone will alert you and you can reward your dog with a treat. The app records the progress of your dog through the puzzles so you can see how his problem solving skills improve over time. You’ll also have achievement to aim for, which you can then share on social media. This is one dog toy that’s just as much fun for the owners as it is for the dogs! Related: Top 5 Puzzle Games for Cats So what exactly is the toy itself? Well, it’s housed within a red KONG Wobbler, and with a series of lights, sounds and sensors, your dog is given a puzzle to solve. When he solves the puzzle, your app will alert you to treat your dog – simple! But here’s where it gets even more clever. As your dog masters the puzzles, the puzzles automatically get harder and more challenging! How many times do you buy a puzzle toy, only to have your dog lose interest once he’s worked it out? With the PupPod, the puzzle is always new and fresh. Related: Fabulous Dog Toys From Global Pet Expo PupPod is great, even if you’re short of time. Of course it’s lovely to spend quality time playing with our pets. But with PupPod, there’s no need for your dog to miss out on his fun time just because you are in a hurry. The PupPod also works with a Bluetooth feeder which will automatically reward your dog when he solves the puzzle. Brilliant! PupPod certainly deserves this prestigious accolade and it will be interesting to see what new and innovative pet products they come up with next!

Bocker

Bocker Basics Both the Beagle and Cocker Spaniel are well-mannered, sweet dogs who would love to spend endless hours cuddling and playing with you. So you can imagine what a mix of these two dogs would be like – it’s a good thing there’s the Bocker! A designer dog with two purebred parents, this loving hybrid might not be one of the best known mixes out there, but he is rapidly gaining popularity. And for all the right reasons, too! The Bocker dog is sweet, easy going and relaxed. They make a perfect companion, family pet, and a cute little watchdog- all bundled up in one furry package. Of course, when it comes to designer breeds, every dog is different – your Bocker dog may look more like a Cocker Spaniel but their personality is like that of a Beagle’s, or vice versa. This is just a part of their unique charm- each Bocker is truly one of a kind! However, no matter how cute and sweet the Bocker is, these dogs are not a perfect fit for every dog owner. Like all breeds, this hybrid also has unique needs and quirks and will require a family that can provide him with the best life possible. To make sure that the Bocker really is the right dog for you, read on! Despite being sweet and easy going, training a Bocker may be a challenge as they like to do things their own way. Origin

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Schnoodle

Schnoodle BasicsAfter sliding its furry form into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. The Schnoodle seems to exploding in popularity exponentially, with dog lovers everywhere desperate to get their hands on this delightful animal. As a mixed breed, this adorable pooch has two purebred parents- the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This hybrid breed fills the role of many types of dog – lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and even a show stopper. You could say this is a well-rounded breed that will fill any position available! Not only is the Schnoodle cute and adorable, it is playful and lovable, making him the ideal family pet. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t fall for a Schnoodle.With a wide range of sizes available, Schnoodles come is small, medium and larger sizes. Depending on the size of Poodle and Schnauzer bred, your Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds (Schnauzer come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant, while Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes). And, because of the Poodle mixed in, this dog has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes him an attractive pet for allergy sufferers. Please read on to learn about this wonderful hybrid dog breed.In addition to Schnoodle, this designer dog is also known as Mini Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, Schnauzerdoodle, or Schnauzerpoo.So is this dog with multiple names, a variety of sizes, and endless reasons to love him worth bringing home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Schnoodle is about to be revealed!Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog.Origin Developed in the 1980s, the Schnoodle made its appearance due to an increased interest in Poodle mixes. The “culprit” for the popularity of all things doodle was the first designer dog to be created- the Labradoodle. Breeders came to realize that the exceptional intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle bring a lot of value to the mix. Crossbreeds with this breed in the family tree still remain one of the most popular hybrids!Although it’s not as popular as many other Poodle crosses, Schnoodle is gathering a dedicated following, thanks in part to its playful good nature and low- shedding, low-dander coat. Unfortunately, like most designer dogs, there isn’t much know about this specific breed’s history beyond those details. Sadly, there simply isn’t much documentation kept about the history of hybrid dogs, unlike purebreds.Pedigree

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