How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

by Kate Barrington

Published: September 21st, 2020

how to use treats for positive reinforcement dog training

Come! Sit! Stay! Good dog – here’s why using treats for positive reinforcement dog training will get your dog motivated to learn good behaviors.

When you’re bringing home a puppy or a new dog, one of the most important things you must do is train that pooch. Everyone wants a puppy for the vibrancy and sheer joy that they bring into their lives. However, puppies are also hard work. Training is your biggest responsibility as a puppy owner. Do it right and you’ll end up with the dog of your dreams. Do it wrong and you’ll be paying the price for the rest of your pupper’s life. It’s not easy, but it is important and it’s all on you.

There are, of course, a variety of training methods out there for any puppy owner, but some of them are not recommended because they just don’t work. Specifically, negative reinforcement training is a trap that too many dog owners fall into, thinking it’s their only option. The fact of that matter is that leaning too heavily into punishment and negative reinforcement is far closer to abuse than it is training. This approach will never yield the results that you crave and more importantly, it’s a horrible way to raise your dog. Do not fall into this trap. You will regret it and if punishment and shame is your approach to puppy training, then you don’t deserve to have a dog in your life in the first place.

In fact, all puppy owners should be going in the absolute opposite direction in their approach to training. That’s because perhaps the most effective approach to raising a puppy is through positive reinforcement dog training. This form of training is rooted in using tasty treats as a reward for good behavior. Raising your pupper through support and love will deliver the ideal results and deepen your relationship with your doggo. It’s really the only responsible approach to puppy training. So, if you’d like to know how to do it, let’s go over the basics about positive reinforcement dog training and how to use treats in conjunction to get the best results.

What is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

Simply put, positive reinforcement simply involves rewarding the dog for good behavior in order to encourage him to repeat it. For example, if you want to train your dog to do his business only in one section of the yard, you would take him over to that section when you let him outside and then reward him when he does his business there with a tasty treat. It should only take a few repetitions for your dog to make the connection between the behavior and the reward, after which he will be eager to repeat the behavior in hopes of earning the reward. This will ensure that every time your puppy goes into the yard to do his business, he will race over to your designated area without even being instructed.

Positive reinforcement is an element of operant conditioning, a type of conditioning developed by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Skinner originally used rats to develop his theories of operant conditioning and he experimented both with positive reinforcement and punishment. Whereas positive reinforcement involves the use of rewards to reinforce behavior, punishment is used to decrease the occurrence of a certain behavior. Because canines are much more likely to respond positively to rewards rather than punishment, positive reinforcement dog training methods are highly recommended. This training approach will yield the best and longest lasting result from your puppy and should always be your default method of training. Don’t even consider the alternative.

Using Treats Correctly

While leaning into positive reinforcement training might sound easy, it’s still a technique that requires care and effort to pull off with success. When using positive reinforcement methods, there are right and wrong ways to use the food rewards such as treats. It may seem simple from the outside, but it’s not. So make sure to follow the following steps in order to ensure that your positive reinforcement training goes as smoothly as possible.

First, you should make sure that the treats are small so they do not significantly add to your dog’s overall daily caloric intake. You don’t want your pooch to become unhealthy from training after all. So make sure to carefully read the nutritional information on a treat package before committing to it throughout training.

Second, you should only reward the dog when he successfully performs the desired behavior. Give your dog the reward each time he responds appropriately for the first five or six times. By this time, your dog should have made the connection between the reward and the behavior. After this point you can start to phase out the food rewards. You don’t want to have to reward your dog every single time that he behaves appropriately as that will develop an unhealthy dependency. So carefully phase out the treats over time. How do you accomplish this? Well…

Phasing Out Food Rewards

As stated above, it is important to phase out the food rewards after your dog makes the connection between the behavior and the reward because you don’t want him to become dependent on the reward to perform the behavior. Once your dog has the hang of the behavior in question, it’s time to start to rewarding him only every other time. You should continue to praise your dog for behaving correctly and you can start to offer a toy or a few seconds of belly rubbing instead of the treat. Gradually shift away from rewards entirely and eventually your pup will start to naturally perform the behavior as a second nature.

Positive reinforcement dog training methods are not only some of the easiest training methods to employ, but they are also highly effective. That’s why we highly recommend it as the optimal training technique. However, we recognize that the form positive reinforcement takes can be completely different for every dog owner. We all have our own approach to positive reinforcement training. So what’s yours? What kinds of treats do you use when training your dog? Do you find that a certain treat is more effective when it comes to training your dog? We would love to read about your approach to the training process. So please share your training treat suggestions in the comment section below so that all of our readers can benefit from your experiences.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Dogs Respond Slower To an Angry Human’s Commands

While the idea of dogs understanding particular emotions is nothing new, this study shows that dogs who are given commands by an angry or irritated stranger are slower to respond that those who talk positively. Brigham Young psychology professor Ross Flom and his research team recently conducted an experiment to see how dogs respond to a stranger should they speak in a positive or negative tone of voice. “We know that dogs are sensitive to our emotional cues,” Flom said, “but we wanted to know: do they use these emotional cues?” The experiment was broken up into two parts. Some adults showed positive behaviors (such as smiling and speaking in a pleasant tone) while making a pointing gesture. The other group exhibited negative behaviors while pointing, such as frowning, furrowing their brow and speaking harshly. Related: How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training It is important to note that the people who participated in the experiment were not the dog’s owners, but were complete strangers. But it didn’t seem to matter – as most of us would predict, the dogs who were given commands in a negative tone of voice and body language were less cooperative and slower to react. There was also a group of dogs who were given these commands in a “controlled” group. We can only assume that the dogs in the controlled group were given orders by strangers whose faces were emotionless and voices did not display anger nor contentment. When comparing these three group of dogs, Flom found that while dogs who sensed anger in adults reacted more slowly but dogs whose pointing adults reflected a positive attitude didn’t react any faster than those in the controlled group. Flom concluded that dogs use our tone and emotion to determine how fast (or slowly) to follow an order. Related: 6 Common Mistakes You’re Making When Training Your Dog “Together these results suggest that the addition of affective information does not significantly increase or decrease dogs’ point-following behavior. Rather these results demonstrate that the presence or absence of affective expressions influences a dog’s exploratory behavior and the presence or absence of reward affects whether they will follow an unfamiliar adult’s attention-directing gesture.” Case in point: if you’re training your dog to do something new or want them to follow your command, speak in an even tone of voice and do not look (or sound) impatient and annoyed. Canines are smart animals and know when you are growing angry and will be less likely to obey your commands.

Good Dog! The Best Ways To Reward Your Dog

How do you tell your dog he’s done a good job… especially if you want him to do it again? Here are the best ways you can reward your dog Training is one of the most important aspects of dog ownership – if you do not properly train your dog you will be faced with any number of problems including unwanted behaviors, destruction of property, and more. Dog training is not necessarily difficult, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The most effective method of dog training involves the use of positive reinforcement, or rewards for good behavior. Here are our best ways for rewarding your dog in a way that will encourage him to repeat desired behaviors. Using Food Rewards As you have probably already learned, your dog will do just about anything for a treat. All you have to do is open the treat bag and your dog will come running. Using food rewards is the quickest way to teach your dog new tricks but you need to be careful about making your dog dependent on those food rewards. The last thing you want is to train your dog such that he only performs the desired behavior if he receives a treat after – your dog should follow your commands whether he receives a reward or not. To make this happen you need to slowly phase out the use of food rewards after your dog catches on to the new trick you are teaching him. As an alternative to food rewards, then, you have several other options to try out. Related: How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Outdoor/Play Time If your dog is like most others, he gets excited when you pick up the leash. Once you phase out food rewards during your training sessions, you can use extended outdoor play time as an alternative reward. If you usually take your dog for a quick walk around the block, add an extra lap or stop for a game of fetch in the front yard. This reward is particularly effective when used in conjunction with potty training. When you are teaching your dog to do his business outdoors, keep him on a leash and lead him to the area where you want him to do his business. When he does, praise him and let him off the leash for a little outdoor play time. If your dog doesn’t go, try again later. By using this technique your dog will learn that doing his business in the right area earns him the reward of outdoor play time and you won’t have to use any food rewards. Related: Why Your Dog Wishes You Would Stop Talking And Start Petting Toys and Games Though some dogs simply don’t have much interest in toys, if your dog does then it may be a good alternative to using food rewards during training. To make the best use of this method, reserve a few special toys for use only during training sessions. When training your dog you can present the toy in the same way you would a treat and then reward the dog with a minute of play time when he responds correctly. Toys that squeak or bounce may hold a special appeal for your dog, ensuring that you have his attention during training and that he actually wants the reward you are offering. Other rewards you might give your dog during training include extra attention in the form of a belly rub or some snuggle time on the couch. As well, always follow up a positive action with verbal praise. Some dogs particularly enjoy playtime with other dogs or a visit from a friend. The key to phasing out food rewards is to be creative with the use of alternative rewards to maintain your dog’s interest so he continues to perform well. What rewards does your dog respond to? Do you have a go-to treat that works every time? Share what works for you in the comments below so we can try them!

Bestselling Dog Psychologist Says Alpha Dog Mentality is a Myth

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Alexandra Horowitz believes the ‘Alpha Dog’ mentality many use in dog training is a myth, and not a great way to build a meaningful, authentic relationship with your dog. Dr. Alexandra Horowitz is a professor at Barnard College in New York, and also operates the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Columbia University. Dr. Horowitz works to build better relationships between people and their dogs by studying their natural settings. She has also studied the olfactory receptors dogs use to ‘see’ the world, and not long ago, released the book, “ Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell.“ Dr. Horowitz recently shared that the ‘Alpha Dog’ mentality-a theory that says dogs prefer to be members of a pack, with one ‘alpha’ or leader and that proper training requires a human to instill in their dog that the human is the ‘alpha’ of the pack–is really a myth. Related: 6 Common Mistakes You’re Making When Training Your Dog Dr. Horowitz says that this theory stems from old research done on young male wolves in a contained group. This group appeared to establish a dominance hierarchy in which one ‘alpha’ dog seemed to lead the pack in eating and other activities like mating and so forth. She believes that though that may be true for wolves in enclosed groups, it is not actually the way wolves in the wild act, and certainly not the intrinsic, instilled behavior preference of the common companion dog. Her theory is if dogs (or wolves) do present as ‘alphas’ it is typically because they are parents, and like human parents, take the lead for the young members of their families (or packs). The mentality that you have to be loud and dominant over your dog to ‘show who the alpha is’ is not a great way to build a relationship with your dog, and though you may have a scared, obedient dog who will listen to you, that’s not really fair to your dog (or to you!). Related: How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training The researcher adds that not only should we view dogs as members of our ‘packs,’ but we should take into account their ‘points of view’ as family members to make the most of the relationship benefits dogs offer to us as their humans. So the next time you are at the dinner table and your dog is begging for a little taste of that steak? Go ahead. (But just a little!) You’re not losing your place as the Alpha…your cementing your place in his heart!

The Good Stuff Pet Truck Is Coming Soon To a City Near You

With over half of dogs in the United States carrying unnecessary weight, the Good Stuff Pet Truck shows you how to teach your dog some tricks without putting on the extra pounds. If you happen to see a delightful neon bone sign on a truck roll by your hometown, leash up Fido and head out the door because you’ve just spotted the Good Stuff Pet Truck! The truck will be stopping in cities across America this spring and summer to educate pet owners about how to use positive reinforcement (a.k.a. treats!) to train your dog to perform all kinds of neat and useful commands. Related: The Best Way To Reward Your Dog Using a treat or a piece of kibble is the fastest and easiest way to get your four-legged friend to successfully (and happily!) perform tricks such as rolling over or even basic commands like sitting, staying and laying down. Although using this training method is the best way to ensure your dog learns as fast as possible, do be wary of the amount of treats you give your fur baby, a you wouldn’t want them to gain weight. According to Dr. Ruth MacPete (nationally known as Dr. Ruth the Pet Vet”, overweight dogs have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, osteoarthritis and even cancer. Related: How To Use Treats for Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Pet parents who stop by the Good Stuff Pet Truck can also participate in some free dog-training demos as well as have any questions answered by a pet expert. Better yet, you’ll also find a cute backdrop for an awesome photo opp in the backyard-styled doggy lounge complete with some faux grass and a picket fence. If you happen to snap a photo, be sure to tag it with The Pet Truck will be cruising through the Pacific Northwest (Boise, Seattle, Auburn and Portland) May 17-23, and will be visiting Northern California between June 9-14. They’ll be stopping for four days in Chicago on June 7-11 and while official dates have not yet been set, the truck is planning to stop in the Mid-Atlantic in late July and the Northeast in mid-August. To see when the pet truck will be visiting your city, be sure to head on over to their website at Good Stuff Pet Truck.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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This Farm Offers Cuddle Sessions With A Pack Of Adorable Goldens

For decades,  Golden Retrievers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States – heck, in the world. It’s no secret that Goldens are simply everyone’s favorite! Cute, goofy, and cuddly, these dogs are such a wonder and so much fun to be around. And now, thanks to Golden Dog Farm from Jeffersonville, Vermont, the fans of this famed breed can enjoy a very special experience centered around these adorable furballs.This family-run farm launched a special Golden Retriever Experience – a one-hour session allows guests to enjoy refreshments such as cider and snacks, all in the company of a huge group of cuddly golden retrievers called “happy”. The session is usually called the “happy hour” just because of this, and allows anyone to immerse themselves in the company of “at least '' 10 dogs Umm, sign me up for any activity that includes dogs, especially ten of ‘em! The Golden Dog Farm is run by Doug and Becca Worple and in an interview with  USA TODAY, the couple happily exclaimed that the bookings for the experience sold out incredibly quickly. It was certainly not what they expected earlier this year when they came up with the idea and started it all. Not at all surprisingly, it was COVID that caused the idea to come to fruition. During the height of the virus rampage, Doug Worple’s job, based at a travel-oriented global digital advertising agency, suddenly experienced a major hiccup. Trying to get a bearing at this trying time, Doug said he “used the moment to take a step back and consider what was next.” And, together with his partner Becca Worple – herself a photographer and a media representative at a radio station – Doug decided it was best to sell their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, in hopes of moving to a family cottage in Ontario. It was a time of big changes."Then the border closed," Doug Worple said. "Now we're two weeks out of closing on our house and didn't know where to go, so we decided to buy an RV and traveled to 35 different states, 17,000 miles in the RV with two of the dogs."And during this incredible and life-changing adventure, the couple decided to start a golden retriever-based business, and to finally settle in beautiful Vermont. "We've just always loved goldens and always wanted to have a lot of goldens," Worple said. "With what I was doing, I saw the power of influencers and social media and all that and I joked we need to have an Instagram farm full of golden retrievers, and soon we started looking at what that might look like."And once they arrived at Jeffersonville, Vermont, a sign they were looking for appeared – and they were left speechless. While driving through town, they suddenly spotted a truck full of golden retrievers, driven by Dana Menne of Butternut Goldens. It was a match made in heaven. "(Becca told me), 'If God were to send to me a sign we needed to move someplace, it would be a truckload of goldens,'" Doug Worple said.In no time, their idea about a golden retriever “happy hour” began to take some serious shape. And especially thanks to the Butternut Goldens.  "Collectively both of us wanted to do something like this but they didn't have a place to do it and we didn't have enough goldens," Doug Worple said. "But together we could make it happen."At the moment, their “happy hours” are sold out until Dec. 17, but the Worples have plans to extend the dates to April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this experience. The one-hour experience runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and costs $75 for adults and $50 for children."People are so happy when they're here, they have this childlike joy on their faces," Worple said. "People cry because they're so happy."What about you? Would you enjoy an hour cuddling with golden retrievers?

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

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Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Cat Shedding in October?

The fall colours are out on full display, and temperatures are starting to dip, but for many cat parents, this time of year introduces another interesting change – their cats are starting to shed much more than usual. But if you’re suddenly noticing a trail of fur around your house, you have a few questions, including: Why is my cat shedding in October? Is it normal for a cat to shed more during the fall season? When should I be worried about my cat’s shedding? Don’t worry. We have you covered! This blog post will discuss seasonal shedding and how it may affect your cat. Plus, we have assembled a list of tips and tricks to help you deal with the increased shedding during fall, ranging from how to help your cat stay comfortable to keeping your house clean (or as clean as can be expected). Let’s dive in… Why Do Cats Shed? Whether you are a first-time cat owner experiencing shedding for the first time or a lifelong cat lover who simply hasn’t explored the reason why our cats shed – let’s talk about why this occurs. After all, isn’t losing hair a sign of illness or disease in humans? Shedding is a natural process in animals like cats where dead or damaged hair falls loose. This is essential for your cat’s skin and coat health. The amount of hair your cat sheds will depend on several factors, including the breed, age, overall health, and the time of year. That’s right, the time of year does have an impact on the shedding cycle…Is it Normal for Cats to Shed in the Fall? There are two times each year when you may notice an increase in hair collecting around your house. Commonly referred to as “shedding season,” this heavy shedding activity falls in the spring and the fall as your cat’s coat adapts to the change in temperature. The heavy winter coat is shed in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, the reverse happens in the fall as they set themselves up for the best chance of survival during the cold of winter. Check the temperature – if it’s starting to drop and there are colder days ahead, you can expect to see the shedding activity pick up in the coming days.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?

While dogs can be picky eaters, they’re not really known as pets with the most refined pallets. Pooches tend to be voracious and their appetites are indiscriminate, so they’ll munch on anything – anytime.However, as a responsible owner, you should make sure that whatever they’re snacking on is something that’s safe for them to eat – which can be a bit stressful. For instance, the image of a dog with a bone is all but ingrained in people’s brains, but do dogs really need to chew on bones? And, if so, are raw bones fine or do you need to cook them first?Many owners are fearful that bones are not entirely appropriate for dogs, both because of potential bacterial contamination and the risk of bone splintering. Because of this, feeding dogs raw bones can be a controversial topic, and it's important to consider various factors before deciding whether or not to offer this natural snack to your pet. Before you make your decision, here are some important aspects to take into account.Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?Whether it’s a childhood memory or a scene in an old cartoon, you’ve probably seen a dig happily gnawing on a bone (and a cat drinking cow milk), but are bones really good for dogs – or is it just a myth that they enjoy them? While raw bones for dogs can have some benefits, such as offering important trace minerals, or a way to naturally  remove plaque buildup from a dog’s teeth, there are some risks to giving your pet raw bones. Mainly, two things about raw bones concern dog owners – their tendency to splinter and potential bacterial contamination. When it comes to splintering, it is much less likely for a raw bone to splinter than a cooked one, but still, it is wise to choose bigger bones to minimize the risks even more. As for the chance for the bones to be contaminated with salmonella or E. coli, the key is to source the bones from a trusted, responsible supplier.With those things in mind, if you are still interested in giving your dog raw bones, here are some key steps to follow to make sure that your pet is safe and enjoys their natural chew treat without any adverse effects:#1 Always supervise your petIf you decide to give your dog a raw bone, it's essential to supervise them closely. This helps prevent potential choking hazards, broken teeth, or possible injuries if splintering does occur.#2 Pick the right size

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

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