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Best Dog Stockings

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  September 1st, 2021

Dog stockings allow you to incorporate your pet into the Christmas festivities – and they look so dang cute. Check out our list of Christmas stockings for pets to find the perfect match for your four-legged bestie!

Christmas time is without a doubt the favorite time of the year for the whole family. And we mean the whole family. Of course, that includes our furry friends! When the festive spirit takes hold, and everyone enjoys the fun and loving atmosphere, our pups will also want to be a part of that. And when Christmas comes, no one is left out – especially not our loved pets. That’s why many pet parents do all they can to fully incorporate their pet into all of their Christmas celebrations. Our pets more than deserve to experience the joys of festivities, and even snag a little present or two. Where better to hide those presents than in specially designed dog stockings? That’s right! Hang a lovely little stocking for your pupper and fill it with a variety of treats and toys. Greet your pet with these goodies on Christmas morning and you can all share that truly wonderful holiday spirit.

Why do I need stockings for my dog?

Dog stockings will make sure your pooch isn’t left out, and he gets to enjoy the same things you do at Christmas. Holidays give you the opportunity to surprise your pet with some tasty treats, or some exclusive sweets and meals that they don’t get often, and these cute accessories are perfect to hold those goodies. The market offers unique designs that already incorporate specialized treats and goodies, already hidden in the stocking. The stocking stuffing part is completely up to you, of course, as you know best what your pooch likes! When choosing dog stockings, it’s your preferences that count – pick something that will look cute in photos and go with your other holiday decor.

Today, we’re helping you jazz up your next Christmas celebration! Decorate your mantelpiece with goofy designs, festive images and unique dog stockings that will truly steal the show and make for a Christmas to remember. From all-in-one designs to special edible treat stockings, and all the way to timeless styles that hide surprises: there’s no shortage of choices.

To help you find the perfect Christmas dog stocking from the crowd, we’re bringing you our specially curated list of the best dog stockings on the market. Find the one that’s perfectly tailored to your budget, style, tastes, and of course, your pet’s gifts. Get ready – Christmas is about to get more pawesome than ever!

1. Editor’s Choice: Valery Madelyn Joyful Pet Christmas Stockings

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If you want something really special, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous pet stocking. I mean, it’s a pooch shaped like a sock – what can be more adorable than that? Measuring around 21 inches diagonally, this stocking fits perfectly along with other decorations and can hold quite a few treats. The first thing to notice is the variety of embroidery and details that make this stocking truly pop out. It doesn’t hurt that it also has a funny (but true!) message embroidered –- it will make any pet parent smile. This well-made dog stocking is affordable, cute and stands out with its unique design – what more could anyone want?

2. Best Traditional: GEX Christmas Stockings for Dogs

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For a more traditional choice, we have this GEX stocking which follows that good old design we all know and love. A large 22-inch stocking with traditional Christmas festive design but reimagined to make it dog-friendly, with details such as holly and dog bones combined into one. It’s made from quality mercerized velvet material and is soft and plush to the touch. The inside is also padded and soft, and will hold a solid amount of goodies. There are 6 color choices, with the standard green and white combo or the red and white alternative, so you can ensure a perfect match for your Christmas color theme.

3. Best Cute Design: Clever Creations Kitty Cat Stocking

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This Clever Creations design is one of the absolute cutest on the market. A kitty, complete with separate ears and tail and a Santa’s hat, will greet you from the mantlepiece! It’s 17 inches tall so you won’t have any problem putting a few toys and treats inside to surprise your cat. The stocking is made from high-quality soft fabric and has padding inside. It’s also extra wide. Of course, the whole design is filled with quality embroidery and three dimensional stitched details that almost make this stocking come to life.

4. Best Handmade: Glitzhome Handmade Hooked Dog Christmas Stocking

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Ho ho ho, it’s time to get those dog-friendly gifts out and include your pooch in the festivities! This handmade dog stocking is made in the same technique hooked rugs are, and it’s as soft and textured as well. The Glitzhome Handmade Hooked Dog Christmas Stocking is made from durable 100% polyester at the back, and with 100% acrylic fiber at the front. Both of these materials are super soft to the touch, and quite tough – they’ll handle some accidental clawing from all that pupper excitement when they sniff out those yummy stocking stuffers.

The front part of the stocking features a dog in a winter landscape, his scarf fluttering in the wind, with the words WOOF embroidered on top (so there’s no confusion about who gets the goodies from this particular stocking). At 19″, this Christmas stocking is quite spacious and can hold a lot of holiday-themed doggy gifts.

5. Best Bone Shaped: GEX Bone-Shaped Stocking

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How about an attempt to completely reinvent the stocking design? GEX made an attempt with this super adorable bone-shaped stocking! Try something new and spice up your traditional decorations with these super soft and fluffy bones. They can still hold a lot of goodies, just like traditional stockings, and the only difference is that they are pet-themed. They come in a variety of colors, with unique patterns like polka dots or zig-zag lines so you can make sure you have a match for your other holiday decor. These dog stockings measure 16 inches in lengths and 8 inches in width so there’s no need to worry about fitting everything in – just keep in mind that the opening is 5.5 inches wide so bulky items might not be a good choice for this stocking.

6. Best Pre-Packaged: Sub-Gift Christmas Stocking for Dogs

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It’s no secret that many of us are at their busiest right before Christmas, and that leaves so little time to go gift shopping! Luckily, these clever stockings from Sub-Gift can help you immensely. They come already filled with goodies so you don’t have to wander around looking for stocking stuffers. That’s right – surprise your dog with this stocking and all the toys it hides inside. There are no treats here, but there are four unique squeaky toys that will definitely occupy your pet’s attention.

7. Best Needlepoint: Yorkshire Terrier Needlepoint Christmas Stocking

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This stocking is a special shout-out to all the Yorkie lovers! If you’re looking to show off your love of the breed this holiday season, this stocking will look incredible hanging on your mantle. Measuring 11″ by 17″, it’s large enough to hold a wide variety of treats, toys and goodies.

The 100% wool needlepoint design is beautiful with all its details. It’s then backed with 100% polyester velveteen, a soft and durable fabric that will stand up to use year after year. After each season, it should be dry cleaned or surface cleaned to protect the embroidery. Whether you’re shopping for a stocking for your furry friend or looking to find the perfect option for yourself, the proud dog lover, you will fall completely in love with this one.

8. Customer’s Choice: Wohouse Dog Christmas Stocking with Front Pocket

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Made from a combination of felt and other fabrics, this three-dimensional stocking is a fun way to add a little festive joy to your holiday decorations. On the front, a cute cartoon dog is holding a bone-shaped Christmas gift which is an additional pocket. This is a great option for small treats for your kids to help the family dog leave a personalize note for Santa on Christmas Eve. Across the top, a message reminds everyone that your pup has, of course, been a ‘good doggie’ this year.

The stocking itself offers a lot of room for gifts, toys, and treats. It measures 18″ tall, 8.3″ wide at the top opening and 10.3″ along the bottom with the toe of the stocking. Despite its larger size, the stocking does a great job of holding its shape when packed full of fun surprises for the season.

9. Best Tactical: SPEED TRACK Pet Tactical Christmas Stocking

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Whether you’re shopping for a military veteran, a law enforcement officer (possibly K9), a hunter, or a tough pup with an image to uphold, this tactical Christmas stocking is a great option. The stocking is made from thick Oxford canvas in the shape of a bone. It measures 19.5″ by 11″, so there’s plenty of space to stuff this stocking with all of your dog’s favorites this holiday season. Waterproof PU coating inside will keep the rest of your holiday gifts safe if there happens to be a leak or a little extra slobber involved.

The front of the stocking features an American flag patch. A hook and loop patch also allows you to customize the stocking with a name plat if you’re looking for that extra special personal touch. It’s all topped off with a durable handle that makes it easy to move your dog’s stocking as needed, even when it’s packed full.

10. Best Basic: Midlee Toy Filled Christmas Dog Stocking Gift Set

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To round out our list, this is another great option if you’re in a hurry and would prefer a stocking already filled with goodies. The toy-filled stocking features a bunch of gifts for your pet, including fluffy Christmas-themed toys and tennis balls. A little vinyl Santa is a great chewy toy, while the squeaky balls are perfect attention grabbers!

Best stocking stuffers for dogs

When Christmas time arrives, we all get into that special festive mood, and it brings out the very best in all of us. Furthermore, it’s the time when our creative side gets to shine! We can finally work on all those ideas we had in mind for months and surprise our loved ones with all sorts of gifts and treats. But when it comes to our pup, we need to find the perfect gift to make them feel special and happy. Of course, the truth is that our pets won’t require much to get ecstatic with joy, but still, that’s no reason not to go the extra mile and find that perfect gift.

What should you consider when choosing dog stockings? This will depend on your budget, what will match your home decor, and just how creative you feel like getting when spoiling your pup this year.

With these factors in mind, what are some good ideas for dog Christmas gifts? Well, for starters, how about that coveted special treat that your pet doesn’t always get to munch on? Special yummies or delicacies that you usually avoid giving to your dog (because of their price tag or caloric value) can be given as a treat at this time of the year. There are many special cakes, chocolates, and all sorts of “sweets” that are perfectly safe for dogs and made from healthy ingredients. Why not make Christmas unforgettable and get that tail wagging? After all, what dog doesn’t have a sweet tooth?

Another great idea for filling out the stocking is to put a special toy inside it. This is always a great gift for dogs – because as we all know, there’s nothing that our puppers like better than new toys. Squeaky, chewy, bouncy, plush – new toys have so many shapes and sizes, but they’re always welcome in all their forms. You can also go an extra step and get your pet a special training toy that will require them to get intuitive and creative, with a treat or two as a reward.

Other Christmas traditions to include your pet in

Of course, dog stockings aren’t the only way for you to make Christmas pet-friendly. There are a ton of other cute ways and traditions that many pet owners are exploring for the first time, and loving them! As a matter of fact, including your pooch in Christmas festivities can only make you appreciate this time of the year even more.

One of the loveliest Christmas traditions to spend with your dog is visiting the elderly, the lonely, and those in need. Christmas is the time when we all get together – but some simply spend it alone. Why not take your pupper and bring a smile or two to the elderly in your street, or those that simply need a bit of joy in their lives? You can also visit a local nursing home and regale the elderly. There’s no doubt that your four-legged friend will love the extra attention, and you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the smiles and positivity. Because, in the end, bringing joy to others is the true form of happiness.

On the other hand, if you love singing or you are a part of a caroling group, you can take your pet along! Bring the festive spirit in earnest to those in your street and neighborhood by bringing the Christmas carols to them! And who knows? Maybe your pet will take up and sing along.

Or if you like to stay at home, you can simply get creative. How about matching with your pooch – in an ugly Christmas sweater? It will make for hilarious and adorable pictures that will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Christmas is the time of the year where love and joy reign, and who better to share those feelings with than your four-legged family member? Their wagging tails and happy faces sure make everything better!

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

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!

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Ah, peanut butter –who doesn’t love a smear of this sticky butter on their toast? Whether you top it with bananas or jelly or something else altogether, spread on bread, mix in oatmeal, or add to smoothies, you likely enjoy the nutty goodness of peanut butter at least a few times a week. But can you share PB with your dog? While this tasty spread is generally safe for dogs as they have no issue eating peanuts in the form of butter, it’s the other ingredients that may be in the PB you’re eating that could harm them. This is what you should know before giving your pet peanut butter – whether as an ingredient of something else or on its own.Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs? To give you a short and straightforward answer, yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs when it’s made only out of peanuts as the single ingredient. However, that’s not always the case with commercially made peanut butter. To tweak its consistency, shelf life, or even modify its flavor, companies can add a variety of different ingredients to their peanut butter products, so it’s crucial to read the label before giving your pet even just a lick of peanut butter – and it wouldn't hurt to do so before eating it yourself, either. The most dangerous ingredient (for dogs) that could be added to peanut butter is  xylitol, or birch sugar, as it is sometimes labeled. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs as even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.Another thing that could be problematic about peanut butter for dogs is not a matter of a sneaky ingredient but the fact that it’s a high-fat food. If not given in moderation, peanut butter can largely contribute to obesity in dogs, and in turn, promote health issues such as  pancreatitis at worst and upset tummy at best. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to peanuts, the same as is the case with us humans. If you are giving your pet peanut butter for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs and How To Incorporate It In Your Dog’s DietIn addition to being yummy, peanut butter is also beneficial for dogs. It might be high in fat, but it is predominantly unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and immune system function in dogs. It is also a rich source of plant-based protein and will support your pet's overall health when given in moderation. So how do you ensure you don’t overdo it with PB and that your pet reap only the benefits of this nutty spread? While an excellent reward to utilize when training with positive reinforcement methods, peanut butter should be given sparingly rather than every time your pooch does a good job. Use a small amount – a teaspoon will work well for the job. Alternatively, if your pet loves the taste of peanut butter but you’re trying to maintain their weight, opting for peanut butter-flavored treats is a perfect compromise. My dogs prefer crunchy treats and are big PB fans, so one of their favorites is  American Journey Peanut Butter Recipe Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.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.

This App Helps Lost Pets Find a Way Back Home – Already Saving 8,000

PetRadar is a company like no other, helping desperate owners find their missing cherished pets. And now, after successfully reuniting 8,000 missing cats with their owners, the company has expanded to include missing dogs as well.According to the research done by  ASPCA, around 15% of all cats in the USA go missing over a five period. But that is not the worst of it. In just one year, around 10,000,000 dogs go missing in the United States alone. It is a truly alarming statistic, and PetRadar aims to change it for good. David Olthaar is the man behind PetRadar and created his brand almost spontaneously. The idea came to him when he saw a blurry “missing cat” poster on a rainy night. It was almost impossible for that poster to yield results. So he thought that a better way existed, especially in our day and age. And the result is PetRadar and its great success.  "We wanted to use social media ads for good. And what's better than reuniting lost pets with their owners?" David Olthaar said. Thanks to the benefits of the modern digital age, they used sponsored posts on social media to advertise the search for the missing cat in a 1km radius around its last address. The success was near instant. After the first missing cat was found, it became clear just how effective the idea was. "I remember when the first sighting of a lost cat came in. I couldn't believe it. Reuniting them was a beautiful moment. I was even invited for dinner as a thank you!"The idea soon became a major project and a successful worldwide system for finding missing pets. "After finding our 8000th missing cat, I knew we needed to start saving dogs, too!"So, after initially being named CatRadar, the company became PetRadar - expanding on missing dogs as well. And within a week, the first missing doggo had been reunited with his owners. We can only imagine the bright future that lies ahead of this project, and the happy end for many missing pets (and their owners) around the globe.

After 11 Long Years, a Cat That Was Presumed Dead Returns Home

Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

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