Unleashing the Truth: Amazing Dog Facts You Didn’t Know!
Dogs have earned their title as "man’s best friend" for countless reasons, from their unwavering loyalty to their remarkable intelligence. These beloved companions bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to our lives. But beyond their playful antics and cuddly appearances, dogs are filled with fascinating traits and abilities that often go unnoticed. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of fun dog facts that highlight their unique characteristics, behaviors, and the special bond they share with humans. Whether you’re a proud dog owner or simply an admirer of these incredible animals, you’re sure to discover something new and delightful about our furry friends!
Let Them Sniff
Written By: Holly Stephens ABCDT, ABCCT, FF
You are visiting your favorite theme park. Every sense is on high alert—the stunning architecture transports you to another time and place, vibrant gardens burst with color, and the delicious aromas of tempting treats fill the air. You hear laughter and screams from joyful riders, and your eyes are drawn to captivating merchandise in the window displays. You're ready for a day of fun and adventure. But then, out of nowhere, someone grabs your arm and shouts, “NO! You’re here to watch only.”
Why You Should Hire a Pet Sitter Instead of Taking Your Pet on Vacation
Planning a vacation can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to deciding what to do with your beloved pets. While some pet owners might consider taking their furry friends along for the ride, hiring a pet sitter can often be a better choice. Here are several reasons why opting for a pet sitter may be the way to go.
Planning for the Future: Why Dogs On The Run Should Be Part of Your Pet Succession Plan
When it comes to our furry family members, planning for their future is just as important as planning for any other aspect of our lives. Pets depend on us for their care and wellbeing, and it’s crucial to ensure they will continue to be loved and looked after should anything happen to us. That’s where Dogs On The Run comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore how Dogs On The Run can be a vital component of your pet succession plan.
Emergency Planning Guide for Pet Parents
As a pet parent, your furry, feathered, or scaly companions rely on you for their safety and well-being, especially during emergencies. Natural disasters, health crises, and other unforeseen events can happen without warning, making it essential to have a well-thought-out emergency plan. This guide provides pet parents with the necessary tools and strategies to prepare for various emergencies, ensuring that both you and your pets are ready to face challenges together.
Tips for Making Halloween Less Spooky for Pets
Written By: Alison Huntley
Ahh, Halloween! A fun filled day for children and adults alike. But pets? Not so much. Strange costumes, constant outdoor commotion, and an abundance of dangerous candy in the house can make Halloween a stressful night for our four-legged friends.
“A dog’s natural instinct is to protect their home or to alert you that a stranger has arrived,” reminds Amy Nichols, Vice President of Companion Animals and Equine Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. “And cats typically prefer a quiet environment with their family. Trick-or-treaters continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell can be very stressful to both dogs and cats.”
Your Dog Wants You to Know This: The Importance of Recognizing and Preventing Bloat
Written By: Selena R. Price
Hey there, dog parent! Your furry friend has an important message about a serious condition called bloat. If you have a large dog—especially those deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds or Great Danes—this is especially vital.
Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and can twist, leading to a life-threatening situation that can escalate quickly. Unfortunately, it has a staggering 95% fatality rate if not treated immediately. But don’t worry! By understanding the signs and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your dog safe.
How One Nonprofit is Helping End the Cruelty of Dog Chaining
Written By: Lady Freethinker
Some days, Dana, a husky from the Philadelphia area, was tethered to a leash draped from an apartment window, Fox 29 reports. Other days witnesses say she was chained to a cinder block. The husky was photographed by a concerned neighbor chained outdoors mere hours before her body could no longer take the heat and she tragically died. Witnesses report she was restrained for hours at a time in the hot sun – and Dana’s guardian didn’t refute this.
Stories like Dana’s inspired animal protection nonprofit Lady Freethinker to launch their Break the Chain campaign – advocating for an end to the dangerous and cruel practice of tethering dogs and urging people to bring their companion animals indoors.
THE BARE-BONES BASICS
Written By: Courtney Roberts
“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” - Orhan Pamuk
As our dog’s stewards, it’s our job to learn their language, be keen observers, and really get to know them for the unique individuals they are. Ask questions like: What do they move towards? Move away from or avoid? Do they have treat preferences? When and where do they like to sleep? How do they like to be pet? What’s their favorite toy? When do they have the most energy? When we make note of their daily activities and preferences, it is much easier to create routines that will optimize their overall welfare and ultimately eliminate undesirable behaviors. Behavior is never purposeless. Dogs simply do what works best for them at achieving their desired outcome.
The Real Deal on Itchy Pets!
Written By: Megan Stoll
You know that old saying…If I had 10 cents for every time somebody told me “x” (insert: my pet is itchy) I’d be a millionaire! Well, it might actually be true for me!
It’s safe to say that at one point or another almost every pet parent has experienced the torture of having an extremely itchy pet. In some cases, it seems like an easy fix and for others it can feel like a lifelong battle. As a holistic pet store owner, I am seeing more and more pets who seem to be fighting an ongoing war with the “itchies” WHYYYY??
Why a Canine or Feline Nutritionist Should Be Part of Your Pet’s Health Team
Written By: Jessica Fisher
When it comes to the health and well-being of our pets, nutrition plays a critical role. Yet, many pet parents overlook the importance of consulting a canine or feline nutritionist as part of their pet’s health team. While veterinarians are vital for diagnosing and treating illnesses, nutrition is often not their primary focus, unless they have sought out specialized training outside of veterinary school. Incorporating apet nutritionist into your pet’s care can make a significant difference in their health, whether you’re aiming for proactive care or managing an existing condition. Here’s why this specialist is so important.
A Furry Friend at Your Wedding: Why It's a Great Idea!
Including your furry friend in your wedding can add a special touch to your big day. However, bringing your dog to the celebration requires careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly for both you and your pet. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when incorporating your dog into your wedding.
How Much Stress are You Giving to Your Dog from a Spiritual Medium
Written By: Lisa Gornall
Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They’re happy when you get home, they miss you when you go and when you’re having a really bad day, they’re there for you. Even if no one else is.
The problem is - dogs literally take on your energy.
When you don't feel good or you come home stressed out, they are glued to you and they’re absorbing that energy for you.
I had a friend sick with bronchitis visit my 3 month old Golden Retriever puppy earlier this year when I wasn’t home. I got pictures of her posing with my puppy and the message: just sitting with her I feel so much better.
My reaction was NO and a message back saying please don’t let my puppy take on your energy. My puppy was recovering from a severe vaccine reaction, yet she made my friend feel significantly better. That’s what dogs do.
Some people think it's cute or great that their dog does this, but it's not good for the dog.
Puppy Mills
By: Lisa Bregant
As a devoted pet parent and advocate for animal welfare, I understand the excitement of bringing a new dog into the family. However, there’s a side to the dog breeding industry that many people aren’t aware of – puppy mills. I hope to help fellow pet parents understand what goes on behind the scenes in these operations and why it's so important to make informed choices when adding a furry friend to your home.
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language: Enhancing Safety, Welfare, and Strengthening Your Bond
Written By: Lindsey Needs
Dogs are always communicating with us through their body language, often in subtle ways. By learning to interpret these signals, you can ensure your dog’s safety, promote their welfare, and build a stronger bond.
The Connection Between Behavior and Food in Dogs and Cats: Why It Matters
Written By: Jessica L. Fisher
As pet parents, we all want our dogs and cats to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved. While many factors contribute to your pet's behavior, one often-overlooked aspect is their diet. The food your pet consumes doesn’t just fuel their body; it also plays a significant role in shaping their behavior. Combined with a consistent training routine focused on positive reinforcement, the right diet can help your pet live a balanced and fulfilling life.
How Long Will It Take To Train My Dog?
Written By: Courtney Case
"How long will it take to train my dog?” This is a completely reasonable question that almost every client asks me as a professional dog trainer. The answer varies depending on the people in the household, the dog(s) and the situation. What I can always say is, “to a certain extent, you never stop training.”
The truth is, training isn’t a thing we do with our dogs and then stop doing one day because they “know better.” A mature dog has roughly the mental capacity of a toddler. Not to anthropomorphize too much, but we don’t expect toddlers to remember everything we teach them in every situation, and we shouldn’t expect our dogs to always know what to do. Even a dog without special needs like behavior issues is going to need the occasional reminder of what we want in certain situations and is (hopefully) being rewarded for that behavior. Dogs are living, breathing, decision making animals and sometimes they’re going to get distracted, forget things, and want to do things you don’t want them to do.
Why Natural Flea and Tick Prevention is Safer for Your Dog (and the Planet)
Written By: Jessica L. Fisher
When it comes to protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks, many pet parents reach for conventional flea and tick medications. However, these products often contain neurotoxins—chemicals designed to disrupt the nervous systems of pests—that can pose significant risks to our pets and the environment. Before diving into natural alternatives, let’s explore the potential dangers associated with these chemical treatments.The mechanism of action is also greatly misunderstood. Most people believe that by using chemical flea and tick medications they are preventing fleas and ticks from biting their dog or cat. This isn’t the case! Whether you are using a topical or oral medication, they are only effective in killing the flea or the tick after they bite your pet. Natural alternatives are actual repellants, keeping pests away from your pet.
Separation Anxiety Specialists Wish Pet Parents Knew…
Written By: Lauren Sorensen
Many people believe that when their dogs act destructively when left alone, they’re deliberately trying to spite us or are being “naughty.” It’s easy to fall into this way of thinking when our dogs' behavior becomes inconvenient for us. After all, this was not part of your plan for your dog's life—or yours, for that matter. But what if I told you this perspective is not just wrong but actually counterproductive?
Thinking of Getting a Pet?
Written By: Kristen Kruska
What do I wish every pet parent knew? It’s a topic that gets to the heart of what it means to be a responsible and loving pet parent. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the immense joy pets bring into our lives, as well as the challenges that arise when we aren’t fully prepared. If I could share one essential piece of advice, it would be this: a successful, fulfilling relationship with your pet starts long before they come home with you. It begins with thoughtful preparation, realistic planning, and a commitment to their well-being that lasts a lifetime.