Dogs have pulled things for humans throughout history: sleds, carts, and many types of cargo. In today’s sport version, dogs wear a padded harness that attaches to a so-called trace (two side straps), which connects to either a sled, wheeled cart, or rail carts. Competitions mostly attracts bully breeds—Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Boxers—but the sport is open… Read more »
Aesop wrote his fables a very long time ago. In 1877 Black Beauty galloped onto the stage, and mid-twentieth century, John Steinbeck wrote about his poodle-accompanied road trip in Travels with Charlie. Stories about animals have always been around, but precious few transcend the fluffy-edged sphere of children’s literature. Not so anymore. Ten or twelve… Read more »
A trim figure is fundamental to good health for dogs. Statistically, lean dogs live longer than their chunkier buddies and have fewer health problems.Overweight dogs are more likely to develop pancreatitis, diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain. If the pounds have snuck on (if you can’t clearly see your dog’s waist), consult your veterinarian about… Read more »
Dogs are more sensitive to high temperatures than humans because they rely on breathing out hot air and breathing in cold air to regulate their body temperature. If the air is hot, particularly if it’s close to body temperature, they overheat. Short dogs and dogs with squat faces have an ever-harder time than other dogs… Read more »
If you are among the fortunate who get to bring your furry sidekick to work, preserve the privilege by turning your dog into Canine Employee of the Month: Mind the manners. Beef up on those manners cues, so Sit, Stay, and Quiet are nice and reliable. Come prepared. Your doggy daypack should include food, treats,… Read more »
Olympic-class athlete, best friend through thickets and thistles, hunter extraordinaire—the German Wirehaired Pointer is a dog of many distinctions. This exercise junkie needs vigorous daily mental and physical stimulation to thrive, and when he gets it, the GWP is mellow at home with his human(s), happy to snuggle up and watch reruns. An all-weather, off-road,… Read more »
Treats are an essential part of doggie life—ask any dog. Not only great for every teachable moment and training session, treats can help you build a positive reaction in your dog to something new or scary. But by definition, treats are delicious and desirable, and treat makers often achieve this with extra fat, salt, and… Read more »
Flyball is a team sport for dogs; the canine equivalent of a relay race. Dogs sprint over a series of hurdles, trigger a spring pad to release a tennis ball, catch the ball, and dash back. It’s a spectator-friendly sport, as popular with hobbyists as with serious competitors. Flyball is the perfect energy outlet for… Read more »
These days, the concept and merit of animal assisted therapy is well known and accepted, even if large-scale research studies on the emotional aspects of the topic are still relatively scarce. It’s hard to pinpoint when the therapeutic potential of animals was first recognized, but many credit Florence Nightingale, an influential figure in the development… Read more »
Puppies are great. They spread joy, provide endless entertainment, and most could win cuteness contests all day long just by existing. But puppies are also fast-growing, potentially havoc-wreaking little learning machines. Nature packs in as much information intake as possible in those first few months and if you’re not prepared? Your puppy may learn all… Read more »
Genetically speaking, dogs and wolves are almost the same: more than 99% of their DNA is identical. How big a difference can that one percent really make? Well, consider this: Humans share up to 98.9% (depending on which model of comparison is used) of genetic material with chimpanzees. Fabulous as chimps are, it’s safe to… Read more »
Teaching your dog to go lie down on his mat or bed on cue gives you a wonderfully versatile tool in your doggie management box. Say you want to work at your desk and not have him underfoot. Or you are cooking and would prefer not to trip over a hopeful canine tracking your every move around the kitchen. Maybe guests are visiting for dinner and they aren’t the belly-scratching kind. There’s no shortage of scenarios where it might be handy to have your dog politely lying on his mat, out of the way of the two-leggeds. Here’s how to train it:
