Adoptable Dog of the Week- Rosie

Adoptable Dog of the Week-Rosie

If they were giving out prizes for cuteness, guess who would have won first place? Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Rosie, a 2 years old Chihuahua mix from Des Moines, Iowa. This beautiful petite gal is spayed and vaccinated and ready to go to her furever home. Owing to her ruff past, she’d do best in a quiet, adult-only home where she would be the only pet in the family. Rosie’s Tale When Rosie came to the rescue, she had such severe skin infection that her whole body was covered in sores and open wounds. Luckily, with a lot of love and the right medical care, Rosie managed to make a complete recovery- and she’s now completely healthy and ready for adoption. HELP NEEDED: Rosie was in so much pain she couldn’t bear to move. When she arrived at the ARL just days ago, her body… Posted by Animal Rescue League of Iowa on Thursday, September 12, 2019 While a sweet and affectionate pooch, Rosie is initially shy and can be very fearful, especially when meeting new men. However, once she relaxes and gets to know you a bit, she turns into a true cuddle bug that loves nothing more than to be by your side at all times. On the other hand getting treats is a close second to getting your attention, so if you want her to warm up to you, you know what to do! Rosie can be a bit possessive with her toys, food, and humans, so she might not be too thrilled with the idea of sharing her new home with another pet. She is fine with other dogs that have a similar temperament, but would prefer to be the only fur child in an adult-only family. If you have the patience to win over this lovely little pooch, you’ll earn a friend for life. In case Rosie stole your heart and you think you can offer what she needs, contact Animal Rescue League of Iowa for more information on how to adopt her

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Rosie

Say hi to Rosie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Rosie is a young Golden Retriever mix from North Little Rock, AR. She is already spayed, housetrained, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. Rosie’s Story: Meet Rosie, an adorable Golden Retriever mix puppy. Rosie is a playful one-year-old puppy with a rich, lustrous copper-coloring. She is a playful sweetheart, who absolutely loves everyone she meets, people and dogs alike! Rosie is highly energetic, and she learned to play fetch in just one day. Playing fetch and playing keep-away are Rosie’s two favorite games. Rosie adores her foster brother, Kennedy and it is imperative that Rosie is adopted to a home that includes a doggie buddy. (It’s not a must, but she would be absolutely delighted if she was adopted with Kennedy!) Rosie loves to run like a racehorse, so she will need a fenced yard to run off some of that puppy energy. Rosie weighs around 60 pounds. She tested negative for heart worms; is up-to-date on her vaccinations, including her Rabies vaccination; is on heart worm preventative; is on flea and tick preventative; and has been spayed. Goldens make wonderful family companions, as they are friendly, loyal, kind, and spirited. In true Golden fashion, Rosie is a sweet and loving girl. To learn more about Rosie and other adoptable dogs, please visit Adoptapet.com.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nona

Sweet, goofy, and charming as they come, this little gal is looking to settle down with a furever family! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nona, a 3 years old mixed-breed dog from Madison, Wisconsin. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccinations, microchipped, and dewormed. Nona gets along with other dogs and doesn’t seem to mind cats or little kids.Nona’s TaleThis adorable pooch weighs only 16 pounds, but she has a lot of spirit! At first, when she was rescued, she was a bit shy, but now, her personality shines – she is friendly. affectionate, silly, and playful. Nona loves getting pets and head rubs, but she also enjoys playing with all sorts of toys, especially those she can chase after. She’d love to have someone to take her on hikes where she could explore the great outdoors, but she’d be content with having a fenced-in backyard where she could continue with one of her favorite activities – chipmunk stake-outs.Nona was fostered with dogs of all shapes and sizes and has done great with all of them, so she wouldn't mind being adopted into a family that already has a dog. She was also OK with the cat she’d been around – as in didn’t show interest in her – so she could get along with a feline that doesn’t acknowledge her or wants to play. Children are also fine with Nona, as she liked any kid she had a chance to meet – as long as they are respectful and gentle with a dog.She is crate trained and her house training is going great, so you won’t have your hands full with Nona. If she sounds like the perfect dog for your family, contact Paddy's Paws rescue to learn more about her and the adoption process.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Robin

Are you considering adding a new dog to the family, but you’re worried about how they will interact with your current pup? If so, this adorable boy may be the perfect fit! Robin is an adult mutt, but don’t let his lack of pedigree hold you back. He’s currently waiting in Houston, Texas for his forever home, where he’s referred to as “dog’s best friend.” Why? He is happiest spending his days with another dog companion. Included in his adoption fee, Robin will be neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, and up to date on his vaccinations.Robin’s TaleWhen Robin came into the care of Best Friends Houston, they quickly noticed that he was pretty shy around people. He’s a low-key homebody that would be happiest trading in his social life to spend time at home with another dog friend. This isn’t to say that he will never warm up to some quality time with his people. He does love sharing the couch, taking naps on his person’s bed and enjoys a belly rub from time to time. But he’s not the kind of dog interested in constant attention or travelling to high-traffic public areas.He is a great addition if you already have some furry family members. In the time he has been fostered through Best Friends Houston, he has lived with dogs and cats and gotten along with both. In fact, his ideal home would include a doggy pal he can hang out with.Robin has been working on his basic obedience under the direction of his foster mom. He is housetrained, knows how to sit on command, and takes treats gently from people he feels comfortable with. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in your yard, he’s happy to join in. Many of his favorite things to do are outdoor activities, including playing chase with his dog friends, sunbathing, and letting the local squirrels know who is in charge. When he’s in the house, he’s content playing independently with Kongs and chew toys.If Robin sounds like the perfect fit for you and your family, contact Best Friends Houston for more information. 

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Hannah

This lovely girl needs someone to give her a second chance at a happily ever after! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Hannah, a six year old Labrador Retriever and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is spayed, current on her shots, and house trained. Hannah doesn’t mind older children and does well with dogs (that have a personality similar to hers), but hasn’t been tested around cats. Hannah’s TaleHannah has been picked up as a stray dog by a local shelter, but has been very stressed out in the shelter’s kennel – she has significantly relaxed since being transferred to a rescue. She is a sweet dog that only wants to have a family of her own, where she could really blossom and show her beautiful personality to the fullest. She is playful (balls are her favorite toy ever), but isn’t too energetic or demanding – she’d do great with a family that leads a quiet lifestyle and wants a mellow companion that doesn’t need daily adventures to be happy.While Hannah can be a bit shy and distrustful at first, once she gets a chance to meet you, she will quickly warm up to you and shower you with affection once she feels safe and relaxed around you. She’ll love to snuggle up to you, kick it back, and simply unwind while she’s getting some much-wanted ear scratches and belly rubs – she really is a loving dog that only wants that love to be returned by someone.Hannah is house-trained, has great leash manners, and has never made a mess or an issue when left alone – she is a very well-behaved gal. She has been around kids in the rescue but has been scared and startled by curious toddlers, so it’s best if she goes to an adult-only home or a family with older children. Hannah is good around dogs but gets really stressed by young, energetic dogs that can be pushy, and it would be better if her canine sibling would be an older dog or a pooch with a similarly mellow character.If you want to learn more about Hannah or adopt her, contact S.O.A.R. Initiative, Inc. for additional information.

Working Dog Gets Stolen and Dropped in a Shelter 700 Miles From Home

We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

What Should I Do If My Dog is Afraid of Nail Trims?

The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

UK Wildlife Park Rehabilitates Potty-Mouthed Parrots

The struggle is real! Profanity-laced parrots may turn park's aviary into an adult-only zone.

Meet Maverick, the Winner of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Award

A six-year-old European Blue Great Dane was singled out from hundreds of other dogs and crowned the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog. Maverick’s job as a therapy dog is to support military members and their families from across the country.Maverick has an extraordinary ability to provide comfort to those who need it with a simple touch of his paw. “A sign of a good therapy dog is a dog that always wants to touch you,” explained Marverick’s owner, Kelly Brownfield, from Saint Robert, Missouri. “He just has a sense of knowing what people need.”Brownfield, who works as a manager at the Fort Leonard Wood United Service Organization, told Fox News that Maverick was born for a purpose. “Maverick’s superpower is his ability to calm people with a touch of his paw, giving them strength to move forward,” she said.This gentle giant supports service members after unexpected deaths in their units, escorts children to military funerals of their parents, and helps service men and women cope with trauma. Each week, Maveric spends time with students at school, offering support to children who practice their reading skills.Tipping the scales at 150 pounds, Maverick can initially seem intimidating, but “he is literally a gentle giant,” said Brownfield. “His whole aura about him is calming.”“He is the perfect size for everything that we do. He is literally their rock; they can lean on him, and he is there for them,” his owner added. “The one thing about this breed is that they have a heart to match.”Each year, people around the country nominate hundreds of dogs in five categories - law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs - for American Humane’s Hero Dog Award.Five semi-finalists, in each of the five categories, were chosen from hundreds of dogs. A competitive public vote has cut the list to only five four-legged finalists - one presenting each category. Maverick, who was competing against service dog Moxie, Coast Guard K-9 Buda, police dog Poppy, and emerging hero Raina, was crowned by the panel of judges as the winner. “We are so excited to name Maverick as the American Humane’s 2023 Hero Dog, a distinction that is well deserved for him and his owner Kelly,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “The duo has worked tirelessly to bring comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes through the United Service Organization (USO), all while they both were facing their internal beatles against cancer. It’s these types of incredible stories about sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion that this award aims to spotlight.”Maverick has also offered emotional support to his owner Kelly, who has been battling cancer for the past six years. “I truly believe he knew before anyone else knew,” said Brownfield, adding that Maverick was particularly clingy, touchy, and protective in the months leading up to her diagnosis. “To have him there, especially on hard days has been just an amazing support.”The six-year-old gentle giant also faced a cancer diagnosis last year but is now cancer-free thanks to a successful surgical procedure. Although Maverick spends most of his time in Missouri, he and his owner sometimes travel around the country for work. Together, he and Brownfield have completed hundreds of special mission requests over the years.Having a therapy dog around “can help change lives,” said Brownfield. “He senses the needs of every person.”Maverick and the four other finalists will be honored at the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards in Palm Beach, Florida. The award show will air on Thanksgiving Day and November 26 on A&E.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Newfoundland Dogs Deliver Your Tree at This US Christmas Tree Farm

“It’s a great way to expose people to the joy of Christmas but also teach people about Newfoundland dogs,” explained Lindsay Eshelman when asked about her family farm. “They’re big, and sometimes people are scared of big dogs, and we want to show that they’re gentle giants.”The Esheman family’s love of the breed is evident, with four Newfoundland dogs currently among their ranks. But they didn’t want to stop there. By inviting Newfies from far and wide to come together, they have rightfully earned the title “The Newfoundland Farm.” The event has become a big part of what they do, a tradition they excitedly look forward to year after year.“We are a destination for these dogs,” Eshelman said. “We actually have had people drive all the way from Vermont, Maine, Ohio – those are ten-plus hour-long drives.”Are you interested in joining the festivities next year, but your dog doesn’t quite fit the breed? Don’t worry! Their Facebook states that all dogs are welcome, not just Newfies. If your dog isn’t keen on public spaces, that’s okay too! Dog lovers are welcome to join in with or without a dog. There will be plenty of adorable pups eager to enjoy your attention.So, start planning your trip to Pennsylvania next year to participate in Newfoundland Day and make some unique holiday memories.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Rover Releases the Most Popular Pet Names of 2023

Whether you’re stumped for a name for your new dog or cat, or you’re just curious to know what people are naming their pets these days, Rover has some answers for you. The company released a list of the most popular pet names of 2023, and the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report also sheds light on the inspiration behind the names.Here are some of the interesting findings that Rover shared.

What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

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