Joyful Dog

02/07/2025

🐾 Training Tidbit: Indoors Enrichment for Rainy Days ☔

Summer showers keeping you indoors? Build your dog's skills and burn energy with a DIY enrichment maze or treat trail using cardboard boxes and towels.

Ideas to try:

• Scatter kibble in a snuffle mat or hide treats in rolled-up towels.

• Let them “hunt” through boxes layered with paper.

• Practice simple cues like “find it,” “touch,” and “wait” to engage their brain.

Mental enrichment can be even more tiring than physical exercise—and a lot more fun on a rainy day!

Interested in Learning more? Check out Marnie’s Blog, Enrichment: The Spice of (Your Dog’s) Life!: https://joyfuldogllc.com/enrichment-the-spice-of-your-dogs-life/

30/06/2025

What do a Pug and a Persian cat have in common? More than you might think.

A new study published May 1, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that some dogs and cats have evolved nearly identical skull shapes—thanks to human-driven selective breeding. Led by Dr. Abby Drake of University College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Jonathan Losos of University in St. Louis, the research analyzed 1,810 skulls using 3D morphometric mapping. The surprising result? Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Persians now resemble each other more than they resemble their own wild ancestors.

Despite 50 million years of separate evolution, our desire for “baby schema” features—big eyes, short snouts, and round faces—has shaped both species in eerily similar ways.

But there’s a downside. This aesthetic convergence, known as brachycephaly, brings with it shared health risks including:

▪️ Breathing difficulties
▪️ Eye and dental issues
▪️ Reduced quality of life

The study also shows this convergence happened multiple times independently in both species—a powerful testament to how rapidly selective breeding can rewrite nature’s script.

👉 Read the full article at Finds: https://studyfinds.org/evolution-dogs-cats-identical-skulls/
and the full study here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413780122

28/06/2025

🐾🧬 How Dogs Are Helping Humans Understand Disease 🧬🐾

Did you know that dogs are helping to save human lives?

Cushing’s Disease is a condition that’s much more common in dogs than in people, and because of that, our four-legged friends are playing a crucial role in advancing medical science. Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) are studying canine cases of this hormone-related disorder to develop better diagnostics and treatments for humans.

Here’s how it works: in both people and dogs, a tiny tumor can cause the body to produce too much cortisol—sometimes called the "stress hormone." In dogs, this often shows up as a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, increased thirst, and other changes that guardians may notice quickly. In humans, it’s harder to detect, often misdiagnosed, and potentially devastating over time.

But with dogs as part of the solution, there’s hope. This innovative research is part of UGA’s Precision One Health approach, uniting veterinary and human medicine to uncover lifesaving solutions across species.

Watch the video and read the full article to learn how dogs are making a difference: https://research.uga.edu/news/connecting-canine-human-health-to-fight-cushings-disease/

25/06/2025

“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.” – Robert Falcon Scott

23/06/2025

July 4th Prepping Your Pup for July 4th Festivities

As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day with BBQs, fireworks, and family gatherings, it’s important to remember that for many dogs, July 4th is less about freedom and more about fear.

Loud noises, bright flashes, and unfamiliar guests can be unsettling or even terrifying for our four-legged companions. Here are a few ways to help your dog feel safe and supported during the celebrations:

CREATE A COMFORT ZONE
Set up a quiet, cozy space where your dog can retreat. Include their favorite blanket, toys, and something that smells like you.

SOUND SOOTHER
Leave on a fan, white noise machine, or calming music to help mask the sound of fireworks.

KEEP BUSY
Offer a favorite chew, food puzzle, or stuffed Kong to keep them occupied and mentally engaged.

STAY SECURE
Ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are current. Even well-trained dogs may bolt if frightened.

STAY HOME IF YOU CAN -
We recommend staying indoors with your dog during peak fireworks times.

NATURAL CALMING AIDS
Consider pheromone diffusers or gentle methods like Tellington TTouch to reduce stress. Curious about how TTouch can help? Reach out to us for more information.

Did you know that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year? For a drill down into statistics see the Pet911.org “Pets Lost in America Report” which states that a staggering 40% of pet losses occur during July, with reports increasing by 41% on July 4th!

https://pet911.org/post/lost_found_pets_usa?from=inst

For more tips on creating a fear-free July Fourth, visit Free Happy Homes: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/give-your-pets-a-fear-free-fourth-of-july-infographic-2/

Let’s make this July 4th a celebration for all members of the family—tail wags included.

Need support? We’re here to help. Contact us at [email protected].

20/06/2025

It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day—Meet Fleet, Our Canine Colleague

At Joyful Dog, we know firsthand the value of dogs in the workplace, because one of our most valued team members is Marnie’s dog Fleet.

Fleet, a willing training partner, often helps Marnie when working with dogs who can be reactive. “Reactive-ish” himself, he loves working around other dogs, modeling and practicing calm behavior.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a chance to celebrate the unique gifts dogs bring to our lives, including in professional settings. Whether offering emotional support, providing opportunities for enrichment and breaks, or simply reminding us to move with intention and kindness, dogs have a place in many types of work environments.

Not every dog is suited to office life, and that’s okay. But for those who are, the experience can be enriching for everyone involved—canine and human alike.

If you brought your dog to work today, we’d love to hear about it. Share your photos or stories with us, or email [email protected].

18/06/2025

Free webinar THIS SUNDAY!

FREE Welcome Home, Pup! webinar coming up next Sunday, June 22nd at 2pm ET with !

Sign up for free at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/

If you've recently adopted a dog or brought home a new puppy, or if you're fostering for a local shelter or rescue organization, your pup has experienced a big change and will likely need some time to adjust. This webinar is designed to give you the skills you need to help your pup through this transition.

We'll discuss helping your dog feel safe; prioritizing training skills; developing daily routines; and tips for organizing a dog-friendly home.

All dog parents are welcome to attend, even if your dog has been with you for years.

There will be plenty of time for questions!

18/06/2025

New Study Highlights the Mental Health Benefits of Therapy Dog Drop-In Programs for First-Year Students

A new randomized controlled trial from , published in Pets (February 11, 2025), considers how regular access to therapy dogs can help ease the transition to university life, especially for students experiencing pet separation.

The study, “Effects of an Animal-Assisted Drop-In Program on First-Year University Students’ Trajectory of Psychological Wellbeing” by Alexa M. Carr and Dr. Patricia Pendry, followed 145 first-year students who had left family pets behind to attend school. Participants were randomly assigned to either a biweekly drop-in program featuring therapy dogs, or a waitlist control group.

Key Findings:
Students who attended the therapy dog sessions were better equipped to handle the challenges of their first semester. Compared to those who didn’t attend, they experienced:

Less increase in feelings of depression
Lower levels of ongoing worry
Reduced stress over time
A noticeable boost in self-compassion, which supports emotional resilience

In contrast, students in the control group showed a gradual decline in their mental wellbeing as the semester progressed.

These findings are among the first to show that regular, unstructured access to therapy dogs on campus can play a protective role in student mental health, especially for those missing the support of a beloved pet left at home.

Citation:
Carr, A. M., & Pendry, P. (2025). Effects of an Animal-Assisted Drop-In Program on First-Year University Students’ Trajectory of Psychological Wellbeing. Pets, 2(1), 8. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9372/2/1/8

16/06/2025

🐾 Quick Tips: TARGETING WITH A BUOY STICK—Starring Cookie 🐾

In this month’s Quick Tip, we’re revisiting the foundational skill of targeting—this time with a buoy stick and the help of a very special canine teacher: Marnie’s beloved cocker spaniel, Cookie. 💛

In the video, Cookie follows the movement of the buoy stick with gentle focus and enthusiasm, encouraged by tasty treats and Marnie’s cheerful “bing!” to mark her success. Meanwhile, Fleet watches calmly from his crate—a quiet witness to this sweet moment of learning.

Why use a buoy stick?

✨ It’s an extension of your hand—great for small dogs, shy pups, or guardians with mobility considerations.
✨ It helps shape movement at a distance, ideal for agility foundations, cooperative care, or trick training.
✨ It invites fun, focused engagement in a way that feels like play.

Start the same way you would with hand targeting: present the buoy near your dog’s nose, mark with a sound when they investigate, and reward. Soon, they’ll be eagerly following that target with confidence and joy!

Have questions about buoy targeting? Want to build a stronger connection with your pup through games like this? We’d love to support you. Reach out anytime at [email protected].

And Cookie—thank you for the lessons and the love. 🐶💖

14/06/2025

Happy National Dog Dad Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the men who go the extra mile for their canine companions—those early morning walkers, patient trainers, skilled belly rubbers, and steadfast adventurers. Whether you’re teaching recall in the rain, carrying treats in every pocket, or simply showing up with consistency and love, we see you.

Being a dog dad isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up every day with empathy, clear communication, and a commitment to building trust.

At Joyful Dog, we know the impact dog dads have—not just on their own dogs, but often on our broader community of guardians. You model patience, curiosity, and kindness. And for that, we’re grateful.

We’d love to hear your stories—whether you're a dog dad yourself or you want to shout out a special someone who’s making a difference in a dog's life.

Share a photo, a moment, or just a name in the comments—or email us at [email protected] to tell us more. Let’s celebrate the love, loyalty, and laughter that dog dads bring to the world.

11/06/2025

Training Tidbit : PREPARING FOR TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY—OR ANY PEOPLE-FILLED OUTING

June 20 is Take Your Dog to Work Day. If you're planning to take your dog to work that day or just generally planning to bring your dog to a friend’s home or a community event, preparation is important—especially for dogs who are sensitive to new environments or people.

Here are a few steps to support a calm, positive experience:

1. Practice Ahead of Time
Start with short visits to unfamiliar places where your dog can get used to new sounds, sights, and scents. Gradually build up the duration and complexity of the environment.

2. Bring the Familiar
Pack your dog’s bed, water bowl, treats, and a toy or chew that can help them self-soothe. A familiar scent and texture can help reduce stress in unfamiliar settings. You can even set up the new area in advance with your dog’s favorite things.

3. Plan for Breaks
Identify quiet areas where your dog can rest and regroup. Even social dogs may need downtime between interactions.

4. Brush Up on Skills
Cue reliability can be your best tool. Practice behaviors such as “settle,” “wait,” “leave it,” and “touch” in calm environments before taking them on the road.

5. Advocate for Your Dog
Let colleagues or event attendees know how to approach (or not approach) your dog. Ask people to allow your dog to initiate contact and never feel pressured to push interaction if your dog isn’t ready.

Taking the time to prepare can help ensure that your dog associates these experiences with safety, not stress.

Looking for individualized guidance on how to prepare your dog for people-filled environments? We’re happy to help—reach out at [email protected].

09/06/2025

Dogs, But Not Wolves, Use Humans As Tools - A Social Cognition Perspective on Domestication

Why do dogs look to us when faced with a problem, while wolves—even those hand-raised by humans—do not? An insightful article by Jason G. Goldman, published in Scientific American on April 30, 2012 (an oldie, but a goodie!), explores this fascinating question by comparing the behavior of dog and wolf pups raised in near-identical human environments.

In the studies reviewed, both groups of animals were hand-reared from days after birth, immersed in human life. Yet when presented with challenges they could not solve—such as inaccessible food or puzzle boxes—dogs spontaneously sought help from their human caregivers. They looked back, made eye contact, and attempted to engage socially. Wolves, however, did not. Despite intense socialization, they treated the same problems as mechanical puzzles rather than social interactions. The key difference? Domestication.

In one striking interpretation, dogs are seen as using humans as tools—a reversal of the usual narrative. It’s not a loss of independence, but a sophisticated social strategy.

For dog guardians, this reminds us that our dogs don't just tolerate our presence—they often look to us as problem-solving allies. This underscores the importance of our role in training, enrichment, and building mutual trust.

Read the full article by Jason G. Goldman in Scientific American here:
🔗 https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/thoughtful-animal/dogs-but-not-wolves-use-humans-as-tools/