IXdogs

12/02/2023

Is Your Dog Linguistically Gifted?
Some dogs, like Chaser, the Border Collie who famously knew the name of over 1,000 toys, are able to learn hundreds of vocabulary words. But, according to researchers, this skill is rare.

“We know that dogs can learn commands or cues or sound stimuli or any stimulus for a behaviour, which is basically a process of association,” says Dr. Claudia Fugazza, a researcher of dogs' social cognitive abilities at the Department of Ethology in Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. “But there was [no existing research] about learning the names of objects. So, we started investigating and we found that irrespective of the age when you start training, most dogs do not learn the name of objects. We trained a group of dogs very intensively for three months—we included a group of puppies around three months old and a group of adult dogs—and none of them could learn any words.”

Some dogs, like Chaser, the Border Collie who famously knew the name of over 1,000 toys, are able to learn hundreds of vocabulary words. But, according to researchers, this skill is rare.

12/02/2023

What to do About a Fearful Dog
Sure, to you, they look like delivery folks, vacuum cleaners, and kids on skateboards. But your dog is convinced they may be potential serial killers, demons, and monsters. Don’t you wish you could just tell him everything is okay? If only it worked that way. Fear is not rational. Some fears are easy to slay, but others may take years to overcome—and your reaction will have a big impact on whether your dog thinks there’s something to worry about. So, how should you help a fearful dog? Should you comfort a dog that is scared? Read on to find out…
First off, is your dog afraid? Some signs of fear are more subtle:

• Balking. For example, your puppy refuses to walk in your neighbourhood. You may think she’s tired or walking far is too hard for her yet, but in many cases, she is simply afraid of the environment and doesn’t want to continue forward.
https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/what-do-about-fearful-dog/135699

06/02/2023

Dog Quickly Shows Owner The Effectiveness of Months of Toilet Training
New puppy is all fun and games—until they start urinating in places they shouldn't.
In a viral clip that has eight million views, TikTok user can be seen rolling a large cream rug onto the floor. She is shortly joined by Cleo, a Bichon Frise, who then decides to wee on the rug, leaving Kim in complete shock.

She added the following text to the video: "bringing my rug back out after months of training my dog not to p*e inside."

https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-dog-quickly-shows-owner-effectiveness-toilet-training-1779170

https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-dog-quickly-shows-owner-effectiveness-toilet-training-1779170

The top comment has 89,000 likes, it said: "Noooo. She knew what she was doing."

06/02/2023

Nutrition trends for canine athletes
What do you feed your sporting dog? He may wolf down any brand of dog food, but is it what he needs as a canine athlete? For any dog owner – whether yours is a family pet, furbaby or a sporting companion – nutrition forms the cornerstone of your dog’s health and wellbeing. Understanding good canine nutrition is important for good health.

Lifestyle and diet

When choosing the best diet for your dog, you need to consider his age and size. A puppy will transition to adult dog food at about one year of age for small and medium breeds, and one-and-a-half years of age for large and giant breeds. We also need to consider the dog’s lifestyle and energy levels. Working and sporting dogs need additional energy and, depending on the type and duration of the sport, the amount of energy required can far surpass that of the average pet dog.

The need for high-performance diets can also be seasonal, depending on when the dog trains and competes and requires the additional kilojoules. Overfeeding can cause weight gain, which in turn increases the dog’s risk for injury, so it is important to consider when a decrease or change in diet is required.

https://animaltalk.co.za/nutrition-trends-for-canine-athletes/

05/02/2023

Keeping the Geriatric Dog’s Brain and Body Fit with Exercise
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles and enhancing quality of life, regular exercise is beneficial to the health and well-being of your geriatric dog.
by Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, and Evelyn Orenbuch, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CAVCA

We’ve all seen it. The 80-year-old ladies lifting weights, doing Tai chi, going for power walks, staying healthy and mobile. These active octogenarians are striving for not only a long lifespan, but a long healthspan as well. Likewise, our older canine dogs need to exercise and keep moving to achieve a health-span that matches their lifespan. But first, let’s look at the terminology and science around aging, the changes we are combating, and what exercise can do for the geriatric dog.

https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/keeping-the-geriatric-dogs-brain-and-body-fit-with-exercise/

05/02/2023

National Pet Dental Health Month: Oral health tips and tricks!
It’s that time of year again: National Pet Dental Health Month.

The purpose of this incredibly important month is to serve as a reminder to take your pet to your veterinarian to get a checkup on your pet’s dental health. Why is it critical to do this? Dental disease is a HUGE driver of overall health.
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/national-pet-dental-health-month-oral-health-tips-and-tricks/

25/01/2023

Want to a greet a dog the right way? These five trainer approved tips will keep the dog and its owner happy
Dogs are very sociable animals to have but this doesn't mean to say they always enjoy being touched by new people, especially when strangers do this carelessly or without consent.

Teaching a dog to behave well on walks can take up a lot of time and effort, and in some cases, many of the best puppy toys to maintain their attention during training. So if you've ever noticed a dog owner look a little annoyed or stand-offish with you when you've gone to pet or play with their dog in public, it could be because you are encouraging their dog to react in a way that isn't in line with their training.

It's important that you don't take it personally. Dogs are very lovable animals and more often than not look too adorable not to go over and pet them. But you never know whether or not they could be a very anxious dog or it may be in training to become a working dog
https://www.petsradar.com/news/want-to-a-greet-a-dog-the-right-way-these-five-trainer-approved-tips-will-keep-the-dog-and-its-owner-happy

25/01/2023

Building Our Dog’s Attention
Our dog’s attention is the foundation for all training.
Building the focus and attention of our dogs is the foundation on which learning can take place. Without our dog’s attention, no teaching is likely to take place. Instead, they will be distracted by other things around them.

I divide this into two types of attention behaviour.

The first is requested attention or name recognition. We call our dog’s name, and they stop what they are doing and focus on us.

The second is an automatic focus. This automatic behaviour is voluntary, where our dog ‘check-in’ with us.

As with all training, the most important thing to remember is that training takes time and consistency. So be consistent with rewarding the choices we want our dogs to continue to use and keep it fun for all.

https://positive4paws.co.uk/dog-training/how-to-train-building-our-dogs-attention-on-us/

22/01/2023

Does Your Dog Tilt His Head?
Ah, the head-tilt, one of dogdom’s most endearing, adorable habits—and, it turns out, a sign of intelligence.

In a recent study published in Animal Cognition, a p*er-reviewed scientific journal, researchers from Eotvos Lorand University posited that the canine head-tilt indicated the processing of “relevant, meaningful stimuli.” Think: a dog hearing a word and recalling its meaning, be it a favourite toy or activity.

Researchers observed the reactions of 40 dogs, mostly Border Collies, during “object-label knowledge tests,” in which owners verbally requested that their pups fetch a familiar toy by name. The scientists looked for the presence of head-tilts.
https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/does-your-dog-tilt-his-head/135252

22/01/2023

What is the Dalmatian Temperament Like?
Known exclusively for their spotted coats and depictions with firetrucks, Dalmatians are the kind of dog who gets you noticed quickly. Aside from the show-stopping black and white coat, Dalmatians have big personalities. They are intelligent, affectionate, active and protective.
Dalmatians as family dogs
Sara Krieger has owned Dalmatians for 11 years and has bred two litters. The dogs are a large part of her family, and they appreciate the vast space they have to run around the family farm.

“Dalmatians are great family dogs and are great with children,” says Sara, although adult supervision is always recommended.
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-breeds-lifestyle/what-is-the-dalmatian-temperament-like

12/01/2023

Dog walks booklet helps charity fighting to survive
A dog lover has produced her own booklet of walks to raise money for a charity in crisis.

Emily Rawlins, aged 46, of Todmorden, West Yorkshire, wrote and designed Dog plods from Tod to support PAWS (Pennine Animal Welfare Society), which may have to close unless it can raise £300,000 for a new premises.

Emily said, “I spent a lot of time during lockdowns out with my greyhound, Elsa, exploring the spectacular countryside we have here in the south Pennines. When I heard about the plight of PAWS, I had the idea to compile our walks into a collection to try to raise money and awareness.”

A dog lover has produced her own booklet of dog walks to raise money for a charity in crisis, PAWS (Pennine Animal Welfare Society).

12/01/2023

Dogs Trust Vice Chairman Awarded MBE in King’s Inaugural Honours List
Philip Daubeny, the Vice Chairman of Dogs Trust, has been awarded an MBE for services to Animal Welfare in King Charles’ inaugural New Year Honours list. Daubeny has been at the charity for 27 years, and has been Vice Chairman since 2015 after serving 13 years as Chairman.

Dogs Trust stated, “During his time as a Trustee of Dogs Trust, Philip has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs in the UK. He advocated the build of five new rehoming centres to help provide a roof to even more dogs each year, and has worked on a further six major rebuilds, each with world class facilities, to ensure each dog can be fully assessed and rehabilitated before being made available for rehoming.

“He is a most willing volunteer, equally at home rolling up his sleeves to volunteer on the front line, feeding dogs or helping paint a kennel as he is in a boardroom contributing to high level strategic decisions.”

The Vice Chairman of Dogs Trust has been awarded an MBE for services to Animal Welfare in King Charles' inaugural New Year Honours list.

09/01/2023

Hi ,
2 FREE Books
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/115IjDZYxHetVWXUrxEhBhMQSUeQ5T4gK?usp=sharing

HOW TO HOUSETRAIN ANY DOG:
Although dogs shouldn't be attributed with having human characteristics,
they are intelligent enough to be able to understand the concept of, and execute,
certain actions that their owners require of them - if these actions are asked in a way that dogs find rewarding.
So, with this rule in mind,
owners have to be clever as well and find a way of training their dog that actually works quickly and efficiently.
This eBook explains how to achieve this ideal
how to speak “dog” so that you’re able to communicate effectively with your four-legged friend

As with any training, the best time to start is as soon as you get your new pet. The fundamentals for successful housetraining are:
• Crate training is very important so it should be mastered.
• A schedule is required for feeding and exercising.
• Be vigilant and patient throughout the training period.

Manage Stress in 10 Seconds:
It doesn't matter where you find yourself on your journey in life,
whether it's your career or your personal endeavors –
you know that the feeling of being overwhelmed is a natural by-product of success.
Achieving your goals doesn't come easy, as cliché as that may be to say.
Whether you're employed, you're in a transitioning phase for your own business,
you're just starting out with your entrepreneurial journey, or you deal with any other kind of work,
you deal with stress every single day. Sometimes even every minute.

09/01/2023

Crafts you can do with your dog
Release your dog’s inner artist with these two fun craft ideas.
We love our dogs and can’t seem to get enough of them! Dogs have their own social media accounts, blogs, and even birthday parties. Isn’t it time to release their inner artist as well? These two easy dog crafts are not only a lot of fun, but a great way to spend quality time with your four-legged friend.

Release your dog’s inner artist, make gifts, or decorate with these two fun craft ideas that are pet-safe and pet-friendly

08/01/2023

Are Your Scenting Products Safe for Your Four-Legged Family?

Do you love your fur babies and want your home to smell great? A lot of fragrance products have ingredients that aren’t pet-safe, but Aroma Retail understands the struggle and has a variety of home and business scenting products that’ll please your nose and keep your animals safe.
Animals bring joy and happiness and make spaces feel like home, but they also bring along dirt and odors that can make your house smell. Any space that animal companions call home can benefit from safe and effective scenting solutions to address problematic odors. This includes pet-friendly spaces like homes and pet stores.

Four-Legged Friends Can Make Your Space Stink, but Not All Solutions Are Pet-Friendly
It’s a fact of pet parent life: dogs, cats, and other animals can make your home smell. Litterboxes, accidents on the floor or carpet, old treats forgotten under the couch, sweat from paws, stinky substances brought in from outside—all of these can leave your home wanting for a fresh, clean smell.

Lots of pet guardians turn to low-quality sprays and synthetic fragrance products to cover up malodors, but these products can contain potentially unsafe or toxic ingredients, such as phthalates, volatile organic compounds, and allergens.

Cristina Reding, owner and president of Aroma Retail, says “It is critical to select scenting products that effectively address unpleasant odors without risking the health and safety of humans and their furry friends.”

Pet parents who want to refresh their home can look for fragrance products or ingredients that comply with standards from:

Environmental Protection Agency
California Air Resources Board
International Fragrance Association
California Proposition 65
For additional confidence, select a certified Green Business, such as Aroma Retail, knowing that each dollar spent contributes to processes that create safer products for the environment.

Many fragrance products have ingredients that aren't good for dogs and cats, but Aroma Retail has pet-safe solutions for the home and office.

08/01/2023

Natural Chews 101
You may not know exactly which one is right for your dog, but it is more than likely that your dog would benefit from the addition of a natural chew, to their diet. A dog’s typical diet consists of the same meal, for the majority for their whole life. Pending what they are consuming this can lead to nutrient deficiencies, plus it is just plain bland. An easy way to add variety to your dog’s diet, without too much effort, is by adding occasional natural chews. High in protein and evoking an ancestral type diet, there is a natural chew available for every dog’s taste preference and many with additional benefits.

So what does ‘Natural Chew’ even mean?

A dog chew is an item that is purchased with the intent of allowing a dog to occupy time by chewing it. A natural chew is thusly a chew object that has no artificial ingredients or chemical processes applied. A reason that many dog parents prefer natural chews is the increased digestibility. Dog’s digestive systems are built to handle all-natural materials much better than rubber, fluff, nylon, wood or plastics, which are often consumed when dogs spend time gnawing
Modern dogs are descendants of wolves, who would have survived on a carnivorous diet. Relying on a single, constant protein type, like most standard dog food, can provide good whole protein, but will lack variety. Not all proteins provide the same benefits, so adding in protein, in the form of natural chews, is a great solution. Organs provide different nutrients than the marrow in bones and cartilage provides still differing benefits.

You may not know exactly which one is right for your dog, but it is more than likely that your dog would benefit from the addition of a natural chew, to their diet.

08/01/2023

5 ways to give back to your dog this holiday season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is a time to focus on giving back to your friends and family, and don’t forget your beloved four-legged friends!

Your dog fills your life with joy, love and wet doggy kisses. So, show them how much you care with the 5 best ways to give back to your dog this holiday season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is a time to focus on giving back to your friends and family, and don’t forget your beloved four-legged friends!

08/01/2023

Can CBD Help Animals with Allergies?
CBD on its own may not be that helpful for allergies in animals, but a related supplement is effective at getting the problem under control.
Allergies are common in dogs and cats, and often due to certain food ingredients or inhaled antigens. Allergies usually manifest as itchiness and scratching; reddened skin from inflammation, often associated with crusts and scaling; and self-inflicted damage from excessive scratching. Inhalant allergies can cause respiratory symptoms. If the dog or cat has food allergies, then diarrhea, vomiting, straining and frequent stools can result. Can CBD help?

CBD May Stop Itching
A recently-reviewed Japanese study found that CBD can reduce itching in dogs with atopy or inhalant allergies. Yet a few of the animal parents I have spoken with were not sure their animals responded to the CBD given for allergic itching. Skin allergies are complicated problems and some dogs may not respond as well to CBD as others

CBD on its own may not be that helpful for allergies in animals, but a related supplement is effective at getting the problem under control.

08/01/2023

4 Tips for Last-Minute Puppy Toy Gifts
Playing with a new puppy is a great way to bond with your new fur baby, and toys can also help keep your dog entertained when you’re busy. These tips will help you buy the best toys for your puppy this holiday season.
Need some help finding the right gift for a puppy in your life? Level up your gift-giving by getting the right toys for the right pups. That way, you can ensure your dog’s toy is safe and that it will keep them happy and out of trouble!

These puppy toy tips will help you buy the best and safest toys for your dog this holiday season or any time

06/01/2023

Betty White: Golden Girl and animal welfare advocate

Her show business career spanned eight decades, but Betty White was an animal lover even longer than that. The remarkable nonagenarian supported a variety of animal organizations, and worked to better the lives of dogs, cats and other critters.
Betty White captivated television and film audiences for 80 years. She was well known to fans of The Golden Girls – and also to the various animal organizations she supported. The prolific star’s animal work contributed to advancements in research and veterinary science, as well as animal welfare policies and practices.

With a career spanning more than eight decades, Betty White was truly a pioneer in television, appearing in numerous sitcoms, game, talk, and variety shows. In 1995, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, next to that of her husband’s, the late Allen Ludden. The seven-time Emmy winner, most famously known as the affable but naïve Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls, and as everyone’s favorite homemaker and nymphomaniac, Sue Ann Nivens, on the The Mary Tyler Moore Show, passed away just shy of her 100th birthday, but her positive spirit lives on.

Betty White supports a variety of animal organizations, and works to better the lives of dogs, cats and other critters.

06/01/2023

7 fun things to do with your dog this summer

If you’re looking for something to do with your dog this summer, and aren’t sure what to do as the pandemic winds down, check out this list of seven fun and simple ideas.
Even as the pandemic seems to be winding down in some places, it remains important to follow existing restrictions as long as they’re in place. So if you’re looking for some fun things to do with your dog this summer, and aren’t sure what’s available to you, check out this list of seven fun and simple ideas.

If you're looking for something to do with your dog this summer as the pandemic winds down, check out this list of fun and simple ideas.

06/01/2023

https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/separation-anxiety/

Once we know something, we have to act on it. Best practices for your dog’s wellbeing are always evolving.
Burden of Information – the struggle is real!
I say it often, you don’t know what you don’t know. BUT what do we do with information when we learn something new? That is the struggle. Let’s start with an example, have you ever known someone you thought was amazing and could do no wrong? Well, what happens if they were to stab you in the back? Cheat on you? Steal from you? Could you ever go back to seeing them the same way after learning who they really are? Of course not! That is the burden of information – when you learn something that changes your perception, the struggle IS real. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it. From there, how do you change your relationships and your life to accommodate this new information? That is the struggle – the guilt of knowing something while often feeling helpless to change it.

Separation anxiety is on the rise, but we have some tips on how to help your pup stay calm while you're away.

06/01/2023

https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/staying-open-minded-important-dogs-well-being/

Once we know something, we have to act on it. Best practices for your dog's wellbeing are always evolving.

06/01/2023

https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/are-your-scenting-products-safe-for-your-four-legged-family/

Many fragrance products have ingredients that aren't good for dogs and cats, but Aroma Retail has pet-safe solutions for the home and office.

06/01/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07d2dXHYb94

Dog’s heroics will make you cry! Donate at https://www.guidedogs.org/pipClick here for the audio description for the visually impaired: https://youtu.be/KqAN...

06/01/2023

There are a variety of reasons why dogs bark at each other, and the specific reason can depend on the individual dog and the situation. Some common reasons include:

Territorial behavior: Dogs may bark at other dogs that are approaching or entering their territory in an effort to defend their space.
Playfulness: Dogs may bark at other dogs when they want to play, especially if the other dog is also displaying playful body language.
Fear or anxiety: Dogs may bark at other dogs if they feel threatened or anxious, especially if the other dog is displaying aggressive body language or behavior.
Lack of socialization: Dogs that have not been properly socialized may bark at other dogs out of fear or anxiety, as they may not be used to being around other dogs.
Boredom or attention-seeking: Some dogs may bark at other dogs simply because they are looking for attention or are bored and want to play.

It is important to observe your dog's body language and behavior when they are barking at other dogs in order to determine the reason for the barking and how to address it. If you are concerned about your dog's barking behaviour, it is always a good idea to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist for guidance.

Step by step guide to teach your dog not to bark at other dogs :

Training your dog to stop barking at other dogs is a process that will require patience and consistency. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog learn to be quiet around other dogs:

Identify the triggers that cause your dog to bark at other dogs. These triggers could be other dogs approaching, other dogs playing, or other dogs barking. Knowing what triggers your dog's barking can help you better understand how to address the behaviour.
Create a quiet command for your dog. Choose a command, such as "quiet" or "enough," and use it consistently every time your dog starts barking at another dog.
Practice the quiet command in controlled situations. Start by having a friend or family member bring their dog near your yard or home, and when your dog starts barking, give the quiet command and offer a treat as a reward for quiet behavior.
Gradually increase the distance between the two dogs as you practice the quiet command. This will help your dog learn to control their barking even when the other dog is farther away.
Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. Every time your dog responds to the quiet command and stops barking, give them a treat or praise to reinforce their good behavior.
Ignore barking behavior. If your dog continues to bark despite your efforts to stop it, try ignoring the barking and rewarding your dog when they are quiet. This will teach them that being quiet is more rewarding than barking.
Consult a professional. If your efforts to stop your dog from barking at other dogs are not successful, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for additional guidance and support.

06/01/2023

It’s been a long work day and you’re finally home.
You change clothes and head wearily to the couch to watch your favorite television show.
But surprise! Your dog is already there, happily lounging in your spot. You ask him to get down.
He doesn’t move. You ask again. Nothing. Finally, you grab his collar. Suddenly,
you discover just how white your dog’s teeth are—he’s showing them to you, and if there was a thought-bubble,
it would read, “I don’t think so!” What are you to do?

This scenario is, unfortunately, not uncommon.
Many dogs do not like having their collar grabbed or being moved physically.
Some will growl, show teeth, or even bite.
Those things happen either because someone is trying to get the dog to do something he doesn’t want to do,
because the dog perceives being reached for or physically manipulated in that way as threatening, or both.

While it is your couch and your dog should dismount when asked,
there’s no need for it to turn into a battle of wills or worse, a showdown of physical strength.
The answer lies in a combination of management to be implemented immediately and a training exercise to solve the problem long-term. For management,
take a very short nylon leash—no more than two to three feet long—and cut the loop off the end. You have just created a drag line, so named because your dog will be dragging it around the house.
(The loop has been removed so it won’t get caught on furniture.) Clip the leash to your dog’s collar as you normally would. The next time your dog is on the couch but you’d like him to get down,
simply walk over, take hold of the end of the drag line, turn away, and in a pleasant voice say, “Off!” as you walk away. Your dog will have no choice but to go with you,
and you will have avoided the dreaded collar grab.
Again, this is simply a management strategy to be used temporarily so no one gets hurt.

Now for the training part. It’s only fair that if we want our dogs to vacate the couch when asked,
we teach the proper response to our cue first. Grab some treats and walk with your dog to the couch.
Say, “Up!” in a high, happy voice while encouraging him by patting the couch cushion to jump up.
Reward with praise and a treat. Next, stand with your side facing the couch.
Hold the treats in the hand furthest from your dog and,
while using that same pleasant, encouraging voice to say, “Off!” use your other arm to make a swooping gesture that starts near your dog and ends with you pointing at the ground. (Note: If you’re already using “Off!” for things such as jumping on people, choose a different word. Be wary of using, “Down!” though, if you already use it to ask your dog to lie down.) Your dog should jump down. If he does, praise and reward. If he doesn’t, try again but this time, put a treat in the motioning hand so the swooping motion turns into a lure. Once he’s on the ground, reward with praise and a treat. Do a few repetitions, then end the session.

Practice short sessions frequently. You can follow the cue to get off the couch with another request such as to lie down at your feet or to go to bed. With practice, “Off!” should become a familiar cue that your dog understands and complies with in daily life. Just don’t use the cue in a real-life situation until you’ve practiced enough that it’s second nature to your dog. One last thought: If you really don’t mind your dog being on the couch with you but you’d like him to keep off your prized spot, place a blanket in the place where you’d like him to lie, and teach him that he is only allowed on the couch while lying on the blanket.