DIY Halloween Costumes for Dogs: Chia Pet

Cutest Rabbit Breeds

When it comes to the cutest, most adorable pets, rabbits are pretty much near the top of anyone’s list – if not in the winning number one spot. But even though it’s undeniable that bunnies are generally cute as buttons, there are certain breeds that are especially fluffy, dainty, and oh-so-charming, and we’ve rounded up the 10 cutest of them all. If you want to learn more about the cutest rabbit breeds there are, read on to find out what their quirks and unique traits are!

Top Proteins - Which Protein is Best for Your Dog

Main Types of Protein In Dog Food: Pros and ConsProtein in pet food can be either animal-based or plant-based. Animal-based protein comes from meat, either muscle meat or organs, as well as meat meal, which is also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health. When it comes to plant-based proteins, in dog food, they usually come from legumes and grains, such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, or soy, to name a few.Naturally, animal-based protein is much better for dogs as it contains other essential nutrients as well, and it is easy to digest – dogs have evolved to digest animal protein with ease and to get crucial nutrients from meat, organs, eggs, etc. On the other hand, dogs may not digest plant-based protein as well and it can be considered an inferior source of protein for canines.What Protein Is Best for My DogAlthough we’ve already covered that animal-based protein is generally the superior protein source in dog food, it still doesn’t narrow the list down. Is it eggs, liver, chicken, turkey, beef, salmon…? The most common protein sources in pet food are beef, chicken, and fish, and there are varieties there, as well – it’s better to opt for cage-free chicken or grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and other quality types of real meat rather than a vague description of meat source. While most dogs will enjoy any of the three popular protein options, beef and chicken also happen to be one of the most common culprits for dogs with food sensitivities, so you might want to opt for a novel protein (Bison, Elk, Alligator, Kangaroo, Beaver) in that case.

Are Rabbits Good Pets for Children?

Over the years, rabbits have proven to be a popular choice as pets, for families of all shapes and sizes. They have many wonderful characteristics, certainly, but one has to wonder whether they are the perfect pet for young children in particular? While bunnies seem cuddly, fluffy, and cute – traits that are always attractive to kids – the harsh truth is that they might not be the perfect pet for every kid. There are several reasons why this is the case, and it is important to take a rational look at the rabbit as a pet for your child before you make any rash decisions.One of the most important facts that we need to consider is that rabbits simply require plenty of work and understanding, and a lot of responsible, adult care and supervision. In a family setting, when adults are always near and invested in the bunny’s wellbeing, they can be wonderful pets. But once this is not the case, trouble can soon arise. It should not come as a surprise to know that rabbits are rather skittish and easily frightened, especially if we consider that they are natural prey animals in the wild. Some of that reserved instinct survives in their life as pets as well. They can respond adversely to being handled and cuddled, especially in a carefree manner as young children are known to do. If frightened by sudden moves and stressed, they might lash out and take a bite at your kid. And you might not think so, but a rabbit's bite can be quite serious.This can be an even greater possibility if your rabbit is not properly socialized and used to handling from a young age. Of course, stress that ensues from such situations can cause bigger health problems for rabbits. With all that being said, it should be obvious that rabbits can be demanding as pets to some people – from diet to grooming, and all the way to handling. A young child wouldn’t be suited for a bunny-caretaker role, especially without proper adult supervision. On the other hand, a teenager with a greater sense of responsibility could care for a rabbit in a much better way. Of course, the best environment for a pet rabbit is a loving home where every member of the household would provide ample care.If you are thinking of getting a rabbit pet for your child simply because you think they are soft and cuddly and an ideal “kid’s pet”, you should think twice. Children, especially at a young age, can have a tendency to quickly get “bored” with their new pet, leaving it somewhat deprived of attention and affection. This means that you will be left with a pet that is potentially neglected, and that would require a lot of your daily care. If you are not prepared for something like that, it might be best to choose a different pet that is easier to care for. In the end, the simple truth is that rabbits are challenging pets with a lot of complex needs – contrary to the popular belief – and that adopting one is a big commitment. Be sure you are ready to make one before acting on an impulse!

After Running a Dog Fighting Ring, Vick Set to Receive 'Courage' Award

Animal lovers all across the nation are outraged at the news that the former Philadephia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick, is up to receive the ‘Courage’ award after being convicted for animal cruelty crimes in his leading role in running a dog fighting ring.In 2007, the (at the time) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was convicted for running a dog fighting ring. The police found over 70 dogs on his estate, many of them with visible signs of injuries and abuse, and only 48 survived the ordeal and went on to live in sanctuaries or foster homes. Dogs that have been deemed too aggressive towards other canines were sent to a sanctuary, and those that could have been rehabilitated were in foster families, some of them even got adopted eventually. In December of 2021, Frodo, the last of the dogs from Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring passed over the rainbow bridge at the age of 15. Needless to say, the story shook the nation and outraged animal lovers across the world – a professional athlete secretly running an operation of cruelty and abuse, admitting to even killing dogs – but he only received a 23-month sentence for his crimes.It’s been a while since the scandal, and Michael Vick even got his quarterback job and sports carrier back after being released from prison, but animal lovers are getting another slap in the face – not only that Vick got a light sentence and the chance to get his life back, he is now being honored for his “commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.” There’s no further explanation about what actual principles of sportsmanship and acts of courage a person who pitted dogs against each other to fight to the death and later killed those that didn’t live up to expectations could have shown, though.The Ed Block Courage Award, which was named for a former Baltimore Colts trainer who was an advocate for abused children, is traditionally given to a player on all 32 NFL teams, which is selected by his teammates.

How to Train Your Cat to Sit in a Stroller

But before you buy a stroller for cats, consider that your frisky feline might not be too keen on the idea—at least not at first. It may take some time to train your kitty and get her comfortable with being inside a stroller.Start Inside the HouseAfter buying a pet stroller, it isn’t a good idea to immediately put your kitty in it and go outside. Instead, set it up and let your cat inspect it, but don’t force her to spend a lot of time in it. Instead, let her decide when she’s had enough. To entice your cat to stay in the stroller, you could use treats, catnip, and toys. Be there while she’s in the stroller so you can pet her, give her some food, and tell her how good she is. That way, she can start to see it as a safe and happy place. Then, take additional steps to prepare for going outside. For example, get your cat accustomed to wearing her harness little by little, especially if she’s never worn one. And get her used to having the top of the stroller closed around her—you might close it for mere seconds the first few times, depending on how she reacts. The next step is to start moving the stroller around the house. The motion might be jarring for your kitty at the beginning, so be patient and consistent. Take It OutsideIt might take days or even weeks for your cat to feel totally at ease in an enclosed, moving stroller. Once that happens, you can start taking her outside. It’s best to go slow again, as this will be a new experience. Calming pheromone sprays, treats, and plenty of reassurance may help at this stage of the training process as well. Stay close to home, such as by only going into your backyard. A few minutes might be all that she’ll tolerate at first. Do this often and consistently, keeping an eye on your pet’s reaction every time. When both you and your cat are ready, you can take it to the next level by going for short walks near your home. If you live near a park, you might even walk there and sit for a while as your cat takes in the surroundings. Take Your Time and Consider Your Cat’s PreferencesAlthough you might really want to take your cat for a walk in a stroller, the truth is not all kitties will enjoy the experience. If you find that your pet just isn’t having a good time, and no amount of training is making a difference in how she feels, it may be best to let go of the idea of taking her outside. Or, there might be other things you can try, such as using a catio to give her the opportunity to spend time outdoors safely. Ultimately, it’s all about working with your unique kitty so you and your pet can be happy.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Parrot Screams From Morning Until Night

Dear Shannon, My new parrot, Sylvie, and I are a true love match. I rescued her when I went to the local SPCA to adopt a dog. Sylvie, a yellow-crowned Amazon parrot, had just arrived and the staff hadn’t quite figured out where to put her yet, so she was in her cage on the counter at the main intake desk. The moment she saw me, she came over to the corner of her cage closest to where I was standing and pressed her whole body against the bars. She started singing “you are my sunshine” and my heart just melted. But ever since she came home with me, she has gotten louder and louder. I own a townhome and share one wall with a neighbor, who is home most days and has started to complain. I work outside the home and I don’t know how to keep Sylvie calm and quiet while I’m gone during the day. The SPCA didn’t have much history on Sylvie and they couldn’t tell me how old she is or what her life was like before she came to me. So I’m basically at my wit’s end. Can you help? Smitten and stressed parrot mama DoloresShannon’s reply:Hi Dolores,Situations like what you describe with Sylvie can be complicated. We want to look at her situation from all aspects such as health, species-specific traits, past history, current situation. So of course I want to encourage you to have Sylvie checked by an avian veterinarian just to rule out any underlying health issues. That aside, animal communication can definitely help with some of this, and we will explore what Sylvie had to share when I talked with her. When I tune in with Sylvie, I do get the sense she is past the point of parrot adolescence – what some parronts (parrot parents) like to call the “terrible twos.” This is a time period when parrots are reaching sexual maturity. For larger birds in particular, it can be a time when they bond intensely to one human family member and reject all the other humans in the family. And it can be a time of acting out, screaming, throwing temper tantrums and all the other displays we often see in young humans going through the same process.Because my sense from Sylvie is that she is older – perhaps around eight or 10 or even in her early teens – this would theoretically rule out pure hormonally-motivated vocalizing. In fact, when I ask Sylvie what the screaming is about, she broadcasts pure anxiety. She keeps showing me a woman walking away from her and the further away the woman gets, the more Sylvie’s stress level rises. By the time the woman disappears from Sylvie’s line of sight, she is screeching with panic.Even from a purely species-specific standpoint, this doesn’t surprise me. As a longtime parrot lover and parrot carer myself, I am aware that nearly all parrot species are social animals both in a wild setting and in captivity. Yellow-crowned Amazon parrots are known to be especially social, congregating in small groups during daylight hours and regrouping in larger flocks to roost at night. Being alone at any time is super scary to this prey species, as the birds rely on each other to keep a sharp eye out for dangers like approaching predators.When I ask Sylvie what her idea of a perfect day looks like, she shows me an unmistakable scene of you being there with her all day long. You are singing together, eating together, walking around the house together, driving in the car together, running errands together and doing everything together. So we know Sylvie is going to need some extra help to cope with your absence on work days. To identify the things that are most likely to help her, I used applied kinesiology (also known as muscle testing). Sylvie tested positive for soothing music, natural sounds of birdsong (I recommend Pet Acoustics Avine for this), essential oils (you can work with a pet aromatherapist trained in zoopharmacognosy to learn how to allow Sylvie to self-select the ones that will help her the most) and parrot foraging and puzzle toys to help keep her mentally busy during the day. Sylvie also tells me she wants you to talk to her each morning and tell her exactly what to expect during the day. Tell her when you will leave and when you will be home. If that changes during the day, talk to her on the inside and tell her when you will actually return home. This will help her feel connected to you and reduce the chances of avian panic. Before closing out my conversation with Sylvie, I did three rounds of emotional freedom technique, aka EFT tapping, to help her move some of her residual anxiety out of her body. The phrase I used with Sylvie while I tapped was “even though I feel utterly panicked when Mom (you) leaves and I am afraid she will never come back, I affirm that I am the pure and perfect parrot just the way I am.” I encourage you to download my free EFT for Pets four-part tapping series https://animallovelanguages.com/eft-for-pets/ to learn how you can use EFT for Sylvie at home. I also encourage you to use EFT to ease your own anxiety about leaving Sylvie, which is also covered in the four-part EFT for Pets series.Dolores, I truly hope this information helps you to help Sylvie settle into her new forever home with you. Please do keep in touch and let me know how you both are doing.From my heart,Shannon

How To Train a Search and Rescue Dog

So, your little kipper has proven highly successful at finding and recovering errant treats from between the sofa cushions. And now you’re thinking he might just have what it takes to move up the ranks to search and rescue status. Let’s be honest, you may be over-estimating your dog’s seek-and-find skillset. Then again, maybe you’re not.You see, Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs come in all shapes and sizes. And while most lean towards the Bloodhound, German Shepherd and Retriever set, a lot of what it takes to succeed in this field comes down to personality, a willingness to train and having a strong connection with their handler. If you’re thinking check, check and check… it may be time to explore what goes on behind the scenes when training these unique dogs.The Role of a Search and Rescue DogJust as the name implies, it’s down to search and find followed by a rescue or recovery. These dogs are specifically trained to search for lost or missing people as well as work in the aftermath of natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to floods, avalanches and of course, who can forget the canine teams climbing over the jagged remains of the World Trade Center in 2001.Working alongside trained handlers (that’s you by the way), SAR dogs bring unique qualifications that are suited to searching vast areas that might otherwise take a search team days to cover. They’re able to hone in on a specific scent, expedite the rescue and ultimately save lives. As a result, this type of dog is specifically trained in the areas of tracking by way of an individual’s scent, a mere trace of scent on the ground such as footprints, or from what’s called “air scent” which is what would be used in a natural disaster when searching for survivors versus specific individuals.Once their goal has been met and the individual found, an SAR dog is trained to either sit, stay and bark or to return to the handler and lead them to the location.The QualificationsRemember what we said about any breed being able to qualify for this specialized training? Here’s where we start zeroing in on the physical requirements your pet will need to possess, the skills he will need to learn as well as the tasks he will need to perform.Size and Strength– due to the possibility of onerous jobs that may require your dog to move through rough terrain, he’ll need to be in excellent health, be a medium- to larger-sized breed, and have strong legs and a sturdy body. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Above Average Olfactory Sense – an SAR dog needs to pick up a scent quickly and be able to track it over long distances, in any weather condition, and often even days after the scent was left. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds and Beagles.Motivated and High Energy – having the tenacity and problem-solving skills to pursue a search regardless of weather conditions, terrain and length of time. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Malinois, Coonhounds and Giant Schnauzers.Intelligent and Focused – time is always of the essence in any rescue mission and dogs leading the search need to be single-minded, focused and not easily distracted by other animals. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Border Collies, German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retrievers.Responsive and Trainable – in a crisis situation, an SAR dog needs to take commands quickly, focus on the task at hand and respond instantly to changing conditions. Some of the more suitable breeds include: Standard Poodle, Border Collies and any type of Pointer.The TrainingDogs being dogs, it’s likely you’ve met many of these criteria because your pet is already curious, an avid “hunter” and super tenacious. But as the above qualifications show, there’s more to this role than just being a willing participant. And that goes for both you and your dog. In fact, once he’s passed the basics, the rigorous certification process begins. And this is where you’ll want to bring in professional trainers.According to the Federal Emergency Measures Agency (FEMA), both you and your dog must pass national certification in urban search and rescue before your pooch is ready to go out into the field. It’s typically conducted after your dog reaches the 2-year mark to ensure he is both physically and emotionally mature enough to take on this important work. And the certification must be renewed every 3 years What we’re offering below are a few simple steps that will help ready you and your pet for the tougher training that follows. Consider it a preliminary test to see if your pooch is ready to advance to the next level.Five Basic CommandsThe first step in turning your dog into an SAR superstar is for him to have completed obedience training – meaning he will instantly respond to the five commands of Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Leave It, and Heel. If he’s not there yet, you’ve got some work to do before you move on to the next phase of training - which can take up to 600 hours before your dog is field ready.Tracking a ScentTo your dog, this task is just like the games you play at home. He has to find something and you then reward him. When tracking the scent of a particular individual, he’s given their scent through a personal item of clothing and then has to find that individual (who has hidden several yards away). Gradually increase the time and distance to encourage your dog to begin using ground and air scent tracking.Overcoming ObstaclesOnce he’s proven he can track a scent, you need to up the ante by adding obstacles that can include other dogs, or animals, inclement weather, and noisy conditions. And to help motivate his ground scenting, try burying his treats or hiding them in areas where he has to dig to get to them.When your dog has mastered these skills, he’ll be ready to begin his SAR training where he’ll be tested on his agility, persistence, willingness to continue in poor conditions and ability to deliver a focused bark when communicating back to his handler.As the handler, you’ll also require training that can include CPR, orienteering skills, crime scene preservation and more. You’ll be tested on these skills as well as your search tactics, mapping, briefing and debriefing skills as well as your dog handling skills.What Next?Once you and your dog have received certification, you’ll need to register and your contact details will be given to your local search and rescue organizations. At that point, you’ll be on call for duty as needed. Below are just a few of the nationally recognized SAR organizations that provide training, testing and certification. FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Certification National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) Search and Rescue Dog of the United States (SARDUS)

Top 10 Best Gentle Horse Breeds

Those who are new to the world of horses, and looking to take their first steps as proud horse owners, will often have issues finding the right breed to start with. Some horses can be hot-tempered, full of energy, and difficult to handle – not good for first-time owners. The ideal horse should be hardy, calm, loyal, and gentle, embodying all the positive traits that every owner will learn to appreciate and cherish. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best gentle horse breeds that are fantastic for beginners in every way. If you are looking to lay a good foundation with your very first horse, one of these breeds is bound to be a perfect choice.

How to Train Your Pet to Be a Visiting Therapy Dog

So, you think your gentle, people-loving pooch would be a great fit as a nursing home Therapy dog? Let’s start by saying congratulations on exploring this option. Pet visitation programs have become popular across the globe because of their proven ability to enhance the quality of life and help improve the health of seniors including those suffering from depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.And while you may be right about your little buddy being an ideal candidate for this type of work, there’s more to it than simply a winning disposition and disarming grin.Breeds that QualifyWonder which breeds qualify? The short answer is that all breeds qualify however due to potential liability issues, each dog requires a certain level of certification before he gets to share the love. And because what this certification actually looks like can vary from state to state, province to province and even between the various retirement communities, you’ll want to start with the basic accreditations.Let’s Get StartedThe American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) offer behavioral certifications called the Canine Good Citizen (AKC) and the Canine Good Neighbor (CKC). Both programs include a series of tests that your pooch must perform and pass in front of a live evaluator.Each club’s testing system requires among other things, that your dog to be friendly with strangers, that he come when called, sit and stay on command, be receptive to patting and have a clean, well-groomed appearance. The TestsThe requirements below, are pulled from both the AKC and CKC testing requirements. For each objective, we share training tips on how to get your pooch up to speed and ready for his final evaluation. That evaluation takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes and is conducted by accredited, dog-friendly folk who are located throughout North America and are both supportive and rooting for your best buddy to claim his title.1. Willing to accept the approach of a friendly stranger reaching out to shake hands with you.Socialization is key here and if your pet wasn’t introduced to new sights, sounds, and faces when he was a fearless little pup, he’ll likely feel anxious when taken out of his comfort zone as an adult. Your goal is to build his confidence and lessen his fears by providing him with gradual, controlled exposure to new situations. Plan to:· Bring him to a dog park and remain within sight in case he feels crowded or overwhelmed by other dogs.· Introduce him to new faces – both adults and children. Progress can be measured in his reaction to these new situations. Is he comfortable when strangers approach – meaning he doesn’t growl, bark, lunge, or hide behind you?· As he progresses, consider dropping him at a doggie daycare center from time to time. This allows him to mix with new faces in a supervised situation where you’re not present. And staff are great at sharing report cards on just how well your dog integrated with others and if there were any hot buttons.2. Sit politely and accept being patted over a period of time without shying away or showing wariness. Meeting this requirement relies heavily on how well socialized your dog is. If he’s passed the meet and greet phase with flying colors, it’s time to introduce him to the sensation of being patted and touched by strangers. Start with people you know but who your dog may not be as familiar with. He should be able to sit, stay and accept the pat without mouthing, pulling back or feeling threatened (treats help keep your pooch on point).This needs to happen in a controlled manner, one person at a time, and with them instantly withdrawing if your pet becomes anxious. His comfort level with being touched and cuddled by strangers will grow with continued exposure. It’s not a process you can rush and is a step that is critically important to how well he will perform as a therapy dog.3. Be responsive when taken for a short walk including completing, left, right and about-turns as well as stopping. One of the five basic commands, “heel” can be a tricky one to master when your dog is excitedly tugging and pulling in an effort to get the walk started. Because this is an important discipline for a Therapy dog, clicker training might be the way to go. And it’s a fairly simple process. Call your dog to come to you as you start to walk (the standard heel position is on your left side). When he arrives, say “good boy/girl” while at the same time clicking the clicker and offering up that all-important treat.Practice this a few times until your pet has the hang of it. Then eliminate the verbal command and simply use the clicker to draw your dog over to you and into position. Once the task has been completed successfully, mix it up by changing your pace or direction to require your dog to regain his heel position and adapt his stride.4. Be comfortable moving through a crowd of strangers without jumping up.Here’s another requirement that relies on your pet being fully socialized and capable of interacting with strangers, minus fear, aggression, or over-exuberance. And it’s an important skill for Therapy dogs who may need to move through crowded nursing homes or hospitals while remaining calm and focused. Start with taking him on short, leashed walks of no more than five to 10 minutes through a crowd where he can still see ahead and to the sides. Offer plenty of verbal praise (with treats) as he remains focused on the walk and non-reactive to the outside stimulation.Over time, your pet will change his association with crowds and strangers from a fearful experience to one loaded with encouragement and treats. Gradually extend the length of your walks to help reinforce the positive/non-threatening nature of these situations.5. Sit and stay on command, then remain in the stay position when you walk away before returning.The American Kennel Club emphasizes the need for a start and finish to the Stay command. Choose a word to be used exclusively to release your pet from the Stay position. It could be “over” or “OK” or “free” - you pick. Now, because it should be strictly for releasing your pet from his Stay, avoid choosing his name, “come”, or any other command word that might confuse when used later.When your pet has assumed a Sit or Down position, use the Stay command. Within a few seconds, use the release word and issue a treat. If he remains in his Stay position, encourage him to get up and come toward you.6. Sit, stay, and then come when called from a 30-foot distance.Once the Stay/Release command is mastered you’re ready to move on to the three Ds: Duration, Distance and Distractions.Duration is how long your dog remains in a stay position, Distance is how far you move away from your pet, and Distractions are all that stuff that can happen around him while he’s patiently waiting in the Stay position. All can be trained and controlled.· To build on Duration, issue the Stay command, count to three, then issue the release word with a treat. Repeat the process, increasing each interval by a few seconds. If he releases early, repeat the Sit/Stay commands and begin again.· Distance training takes longer and requires a little more patience. Deliver the Sit/Stay commands, then take one step back from your dog while he remains in the Stay position. Pause, then step back toward him and deliver the treat if he’s remained in place. Next, take two steps back, then forward to your dog. Repeat the process, adding an extra step each time.· It’s important to have mastered the Distance and Duration commands before adding Distractions. Noise, a squirrel, anything can draw your dog’s attention away from the task at hand. To de-sensitize your pet, add small distractions in a controlled environment such as your backyard. Increase the number and level of distractions, then move to a different environment and repeat. And up the game as it relates to treats. AKC recommends “higher value” options for this one.Want a handy training tip? Always hold treats up at chest level to prevent luring (dog just following the food versus the command).When your training is complete and your pet has received his Canine Good Citizen or Canine Good Neighbor certification, you’ll want to align yourself with an established Therapy dog program that can identify those facilities that are in need of this service. In the United States, the AKC website has a list of Therapy dog organizations including the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Therapy Dogs International. In Canada, organizations such as St. John’s Ambulance are good places to start once you feel your dog is ready to start spreading the love.

Survey: Over 50% of Pet Owners to Take Their Pet Trick or Treating

Autumn is here – and it’s the favorite season of the year for many people, for some particularly because it is the time when we celebrate Halloween! And if Halloween is a holiday near and dear to your heart, it only makes sense you’d want to share it with your four-legged best friend. Trick or treating is one of the most loved Halloween traditions, and this year, more and more pet parents are deciding to bring their pets to enjoy the fun of getting free treats (an activity all pets love, you’ll agree). According to a survey that Wag! conducted with the help of over 1,000 cat and dog owners across the United States, 59% of them are planning on taking their kitty or pooch trick or treating with them. For around 12% of them, this will also be the first time to go trick or treating with their pet in tow! The survey uncovered more interesting facts about how pet owners view the spooky season, revealing that 95% of surveyed people are looking forward to celebrating Halloween with their pets, with some big plans for their cat’s or dog’s costume – over a half of pet owners anticipate their cat’s or dog’s costume will cost over $25. Interestingly enough, the ideas for pet costumes are divided, roughly by half, with 50% of pet parents looking into superhero costumes for their four-legged bestie and 54% wanting to dress up their pets in a funny costume.Even though no one can deny that celebrating Halloween with your pets is tons of fun, you shouldn’t forget to take safety precautions. Needless to say, there’s tons of chocolate going around during the holiday and chocolate is toxic to dogs, so be sure to keep a close eye on any treats your pet has access to if you want to avoid unfortunate scenarios and visits to the vet office. Also, make sure that the Halloween decorations in your home are pet-friendly, without any small, tempting pieces that could easily be ingested, and keep the decor away from your pet’s reach if ever possible. Finally, when it’s time to go trick or treating with your pet, be sure that you have a firm grip on the leash and keep your eyes on your four-legged friend: they might get spooked or anxious around people in costumes or loud noises and try to bolt from you.

Treats More Likely to Get Your Dog's Attention Than Calling Their Name

Did ever crinkling a bag of chips or opening the fridge door manage to get your pooch’s attention even when they’re seemingly deeply asleep, in another room? Yup, we’ve all been there. It’s no secret that treats are the favorite thing in the world for most pets, but did you know that their love for yummies is so strong that they even react to the very word treat? A new study showed that it’s much likelier for a dog to respond to their owner by saying the word treat than by calling out their name.The study was commissioned by Cliff Pet, and the survey included around 2,000 dogs and their owners – around 52% of those dogs were reported to come running when they hear the word treat or cookie. On the other hand, when called by their name, only 37% of dogs would consistently respond. I mean, who’s to blame them – it doesn’t guarantee you a yummy reward when you show up! Furthermore, 67% of dog owners reported that their pets are very food motivated, and 47% of them say their dog comes running when they open the treat container. With all that in mind, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that 4 out of 10 pet owners used treats as a reward, and 3 out of 4 believed that without using treats, they wouldn't have been able to successfully train their dog. In fact, the surveyed dog owners concluded that around 20% of their dog's vocabulary is treat-based, and that treats make for almost a third of their overall caloric intake, at 27%.However, there can be ‘too much of a good thing’ when it comes to treats. While it’s undeniable that delicacies are a great motivator and a way to reward good behavior or a job well done, experts agree that treats shouldn’t make up for more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Instead of pampering your pooch with the canine version of junk food and snacks, it’s best to opt for moderate portions and treats made with wholesome, healthy ingredients that will nourish your pet’s body instead of contributing to issues such as obesity. When it comes to training, you might want to look into specific training treats that are small and low on calories precisely so they can be given more often as a reward for successfully learned commands and tricks. And it’s not only using treats as bribes that should make you more mindful about the quantity and the quality of treats you’re giving to your pooch. When you consider that over 60% of owners said that they give their pet treats to cheer themselves up – seeing your pet happy is a quick way to boost your mood, after all – it’s clear that it’s very important to consider the quality of treats and canine nutrition overall. The best thing you can do for your dog is to feed them healthy foods – even though they might wag their tail for a treat that’s artificially flavored and calorie-laden, in the long run, it can only cause trouble for them and that’s the last thing any dog owner wants.

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

A new study has found that the Belgian Malinois sits at the top of the intelligent pack when it comes to dog breeds. Researchers from The University of Helsinki assessed 1,000 dogs of 13 various breeds. They assigned seven cognitive and three behavioral tasks to the dogs. The tasks assessed everything from independence, quickness to head to a human for help, ability to read human gestures, and problem-solving to get food rewards. There were a total of 39 points available on the ranking scale and the Belgian Malinois had the highest score of 35. The Belgian Malinois is often used for protection, guarding and investigation, and it’s no wonder with their scores.Coming in second place were Border Collies with 26 points. Not surprisingly, as Border Collies are a breed many think are ‘too smart for their own good,’ Hovawart, an old German working breed, came in third place with 25 points. Interestingly, family favorites like the Golden and Labrador Retrievers were in 13th and 19th places, respectively, as they scored highly on gesture recognition but poorly on others. Dr. Katriina Tiira is one of the study's co-authors. In an article in The Sunday Telegraph said that the Belgian Malinois stood out in many cognitive tasks and had very good results in the majority of the tests. Dr. Saara Junttila is a co-author of the study and said that most breeds had strengths and weaknesses with each of the tasks. For instance, Labrador Retrievers were good at reading human gestures but not as good at spatial problem-solving. The Shetland sheepdog scored pretty evenly in all the tests, as did several other breeds. The breed choices were based on their general interest in working for food and their lack of aggression toward people. The dogs were between a year and eight years old to compensate for youthful and elderly cognitive function. The research was done as part of the smartDOG testing between March 2016 and February 2022. There are over 5000 dogs in the smartDog database and more testing can help give breed-specific information that helps in selecting the best breeds for your needs and wants.

Here Are the 10 Most Popular Dog Names for 2022

With 2022 nearing its end (whew, is it that time of the year already?!), many companies are sharing their anticipated list of their yearly statistics – such as which movies earned the most money in theaters or recaps of the best and worst moments of the year. However, as pet lovers, we are always more interested in data concerning the man’s best friend, or in this case – Trupanion’s list of most popular dog names and breeds for 2022. As the leading pet insurance house in the United States, Trupanion has an impressive database of pets, which means plenty of fun information that gives us a better insight into the world of pets and their owners. This year, they’ve sifted through whooping 800,000 insured pets to find out which names were most commonly chosen by new owners in 2022, and which breeds of dogs seem to be the most popular – and while there were some deservedly expected wins on the list (such as Labrador Retrievers or names like Charlie), there are a few fun surprises, too.Without further ado, here’s how the list of 10 most popular dog names for 2022 looks like, according to Trupanion’s research: 1. Luna2. Charlie3. Bella4. Daisy5. Milo6. Lucy7. Cooper8. Bailey9 Teddy10. MaxAnd here’s what are the 10 most popular dog breeds for 2022:1. Labrador Retriever2. Goldendoodle3. Golden Retriever4. French Bulldog5. Labradoodle6. German Shepherd7. Shih Tzu8. Chihuahua9. Yorkshire Terrier10. Cavalier King Charles SpanielAre you surprised by the results, or are you among pet parents that named their new pet Luna or Cooper this year or recently adopted a German Shepherd or a Goldendoodle? Either way, it’s nice to see that there’s a little bit of both the well-loved classics that have been on lists such as this one for many years back, as well as fresh new faces that you might have not yet considered as your new companion, but you will now.

BARK Customizes Dog Food To Ensure The Best Diet For Your Best Friend

They’re all great products and there’s nothing dogs look more forward to than a fun package full of goodies arriving at their door just for them! Except now maybe they’ll be even more excited because BARK has breed-specific dog food, BARK Food. As is BARK’s usual, there’s a lot more to it than just a great product. Their website is full of useful information for your dog and their breed, and even the pickiest of dogs seem to love the delicious, made-in-the-USA formulas. And now, you can save 30% off your first BARK Food order with code PETGUIDE30.What’s Included?BARK Food is one of the products parent company BARK offers for delivery to your furry best friends. BARK was founded in 2012 and has grown to be an industry leader in subscription options for dogs. BARK’s goal has always been to enhance the lives of our dogs, and in an easy way. What’s easier than something coming straight to your door and making your dog’s day? Not much, we say.BARK Food: The Same Great Customer Experience as All Their Other Products

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Cat Keeps Eating Our Plants

Dear Shannon, I am co-pawrent to a four-year-old Maine Coon cat named Ernie. Ernie came to us as an already oversized kitten and has always had a hearty appetite – we used to free-feed him but now he only gets his food twice a day because he would eat so much of it! Now Ernie has started attacking our house plants. We usually don’t let him go outside but we take him on leash walks a few times a week and when he does get out, he will immediately start eating grass and plants and even flowers. I’ve never heard of a cat eating plants before. Is this Ernie’s way of telling us we are not feeding him enough? Sincerely, Barrett, Ernie’s co-pawrent Shannon’s reply:Hi Barrett,Ernie clearly has a personality just as big as his furry body! I’m glad you reached out with your question – this is a situation where we want to hear from Ernie directly about what is going on.I also just want to encourage you (if you haven’t done so already) to take Ernie to his feline veterinarian for a “well cat” exam to rule out any underlying health concerns that may be contributing to Ernie’s newfound interest in plants and grass. This is important both for Ernie’s health and for your own peace of mind.When I initially tuned in with Ernie, his energy felt intelligent, lively, and inquisitive. I asked him what he likes to do and suddenly, I was seeing some very blurry images – like what you would see if you wore somebody else’s prescription glasses. I asked him what they were, and he must have backed up, because suddenly the images were farther away and in focus. The message is that Ernie likes to explore his world tangibly – he is tactile and hands-on and likes to touch and taste and sniff things up close. Next, I asked Ernie directly about his new hobby of attacking houseplants and eating grass. Why does he do this? Again, he sent me the blurry images that got clear as he backed up. But since you mention Ernie has just started this new behavior, I asked him why now and not before? I don’t think Ernie understood since he sent me the same blurry-to-clear image sequence a third time. So, I decided to pursue what I call the “20 questions” route to try to identify the source of the new behavior. First, I asked him what his favorite food is, and he showed me a big meaty bone. I asked him what he eats every day, and he showed me a silver dish with little pellets in it – kibble, I think? Using applied kinesiology (what some practitioners call muscle testing) I asked him if he likes this food and received a “yes” response. I asked him if he feels full after eating and received a “yes” response. I switched the line of questioning to ask him more about his daily routine. I asked him what he does during the day, and he sent me several images of him sitting in different places – on a high shelf, on the back of a chair, on a window ledge. Suddenly I got an inner feeling of boredom and an inner knowing that he is the head of his own activities committee. In other words, he makes his own fun. And this fun includes attacking the plants and tasting grass and getting up close and personal with anything that interests him.If time and budget permits, it feels like Ernie might be one of those cats who could enjoy feline training – learning to do tricks, playing with you using interactive cat toys like puzzle games and going for leash walks more often. He clearly has the smarts and the initiative (especially since he is already leash-trained) and so perhaps all that is missing is more opportunity. Even though Ernie reported that his meals do fill him up and he likes the kibble, since he showed me something different for his favorite food, I always like to recommend feeding a fresh foods (complete and balanced) diet whenever possible. Fresh foods are easier for a cat’s body to absorb and make use of and fresh meals also can add a lot of enjoyment to a cat’s life! You may want to talk to Ernie’s veterinarian about the best way to switch him over to a fresh food diet. It is true that sometimes cats will eat plant matter to self-medicate (zoopharmacognosy) in the way wild animals are known to do. Ernie’s veterinary exam can help to identify any nutrient imbalances or health issues that may be contributing factors. But from what Ernie shared with me, it does feel like his primary reason is curiosity and just exploring his world. By providing some engaging alternatives through feline training, interactive cat toys and more leash walks, you may be able to successfully redirect Ernie’s attention away from your indoor plants. Another fun and safe alternative might be to get Ernie his own little “garden” indoors which you could seed with cat grass and cat-friendly herbs. Barrett, I hope this eases your concerns about Ernie eating plants and grass. Please do keep me posted and let me know how Ernie is feeling and doing after he sees the vet.From my heart,Shannon

Study Shows That Personality Traits Are Not Linked to A Dog's Breed

No one can deny that there are plenty of stereotypes that follow dog breeds – such as their temperament and character. How many times did you automatically think that all Labrador Retrievers are goofy and friendly, Chihuahuas feisty and prone to nipping, or Poodles smart and classy? Well, it seems that these preconceptions are far from the truth – a study done on over 2,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs revealed that behavioral traits are not connected to a dog’s breed.Published in the renowned journal Science, the study was focused on dog genetics, or more specifically, the possible connection between behavior and genetics. The research involved surveying owners of 18,385 dogs (49% purebred) and sequencing the DNA of 2155 dogs, in hopes they’ll be able to isolate breed-differentiated traits. What they’ve found, however, is that while certain behavioral traits can definitely be considered hereditary, they are a product of thousands of years of evolution, not a dog’s breed. In other words, how friendly, smart, or aggressive a dog is doesn’t depend on his or her pedigree, but rather their parentage and the environment they are brought up in.Does that mean that breed plays no part in a dog’s personality and temperament? While, yes, this study shows that breed won’t fully dictate a dog’s traits, there are some factors that have been noticed – e.g. biddability in dogs with Border Collie ancestry – that can be said to have been influenced by breeding, but overall, the key takeaway is that behaviors we perceive as breed-specific, are actually a product of the evolutionary process and are common for dogs of all breeds and lineages. This leaves us with an important question to analyze – do our preconceptions of breed-specific dog personalities actually shape how certain dogs behave? For instance, if we treat every Chihuahua as a nervous, anxious dog from the get-go, are we setting them up for failure? The key is to be aware of the things that your dog’s breed can actually influence (such as their health) and don’t get stuck on perceived breed-specific traits, but rather focus on rearing a happy, balanced dog that will reach their potential and develop all those positive personality traits that thousands of years of evolution have made possible.

Petco To Offer Employees Pet Bereavement Pay

In the interview, Petco CEO Ron Coughlin talked about losing his dog Yummy, with CNN’s Julia Chatterley. Coughlin explained how the episode made him grateful to give all his employees paid pet bereavement leave.As Coughlin discussed ventures with Marriott and Nationwide insurance, he explained benefits for pet parents. He also shared personal stories about his beloved dog Yummy and how he was treated so lovingly. He said that the hotel would also put bowls and beds out for Yummy whenever he went to New York to help them both feel at home. Yummy was a double-cancer survivor, and Coughlin knows firsthand how important coverage like Nationwide offers is. The collaboration with Nationwide will help put pet parents at ease, and not quake each time a bill comes. Sharing that he saw bills that were $20,000-$30,000, he got emotional when Chatterley asked to talk more about Yummy. She mentioned that he’d been fighting cancer the last time the pair spoke, and she pointedly asked if he’d lost Yummy.That’s when Coughlin emotionally shared that Yummy wasn’t just his dog, but all of Petco’s dog and beloved by all. The employees of Petco called him the Chief Dog Officer. He went on to say that Yummy was the epitome of what Petco’s mission to save lives looks like. Yummy lived to be 15, which Coughlin said was a long time for a Chocolate Lab, and he knew that it was because he’d been so loved and well-taken care of.Chatterley agreed and concluded how important it was to honor the loss of our pets because the love they give is so innocent. It’s like the loss of a family member.Coughlin agreed and told about his first week on the job and how he’d gotten an email from a Petco partner that said it didn’t make sense that a pet company would have human bereavement but not pet bereavement.Coughlin was proud to say that he put paid pet bereavement in place for all Petco employees a week later, sharing that he definitely needed time off when Yummy died.As do we all when a furry family member passes. They’re not just animals, they’re pieces of our hearts, and we need time to honor that love we shared.

Adopt-a-Dog Event at the Rivian Hub

You are welcome to bring any four-legged friends as they will have Rivian branded bandanas and dog treats available for those who stop by as well as live demonstrations of the newly released Pet Comfort Mode. More on Pet Comfort Mode here. Here’s the link to the event listing.

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