Our Pets Can Feel the Daylight Savings Shift More Strongly Than We Do

While pushing the clocks back only one hour might seem like business as usual for us, our pets’ are sometimes not as amenable and might act up!  Just by switching the clocks to Daylight Savings Times, our dogs and cat’s schedules can be completely off-kilter!  Our fur children are so in tune with when they are going to be fed, what time to go to sleep and eat, that we need to be prepared!

Dogs and cats have internal clocks that affect their rhythm

Just like humans, animals have internal clocks that tell them when to eat, sleep and wake up. This biological timekeeper, also known as circadian rhythm, is set in motion by natural sunlight. However, for pets this effect is minimized by the artificial environment they live in, where light comes on not with the rising sun but with the flip of a switch.  Household pets might get grumpy when they show up to an empty food dish at their perceived dinner time.

Our dogs and cats are used to their routine so we need to ease them into the new time

A dog or cat’s daily routine is something they would prefer to be written in stone. Unfortunately, things happen that can alter schedules and a simple time change can be perplexing for some pets. When we gain an hour and can sleep in, our pets are still on daylight savings time and don’t understand why we’re still in bed when they are up and ready to go. Their internal clock is saying morning has arrived and it’s time to get moving (and get fed!).

Our dogs and cats are more affected by daylight savings than we are

Our pets, however, might feel the daylight savings shift more strongly than us. Pay attention to them this week; they might be cranky themselves. Sleepy dogs might not want to end their naps to go out on a walk earlier than expected. Or some cats might turn their noses up at food if that comes an hour before the normal time.  In the wild, animals pattern their lives around the phases of the sun, but domesticated pets follow their own versions of our schedules. Daylight savings can really mess with our pets internal rhythms for a few days, or even a week, until they readjust.

Try to change their schedule in increments and they will adjust quickly

The good news is most pets will adjust to the time change fairly quickly.  A few things you can do to make the transition easier is to keep them on their normal schedule and slowly begin to change their daily routine by 5-10 minutes each day.  Keep doing this until you make up for the hour change adjustment. Moving their feeding times, play time and walks back a little each day can make it easier for dogs and cats to adjust.

Most cats won’t be as affected as dogs will while some pets won’t even notice.  
But, don’t be surprised if your dog or cat wakes you up earlier to be fed and might be a bit cranky this upcoming week!


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How to Identify Whether a Dog Is Dangerous or Not

A dog behavior expert has revealed the signs which indicate an animal is dangerous, and unable to be safely adopted.

Gia Savocchi, based in New York, regularly shares her animal expertise on TikTok, uploading clips on restraint, control, collar grabbing, and aggression tests.

Savocchi is the founder of Thinking Canine, which specializes in rescue animals, particularly one displaying anxiety and aggression.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Identify Whether a Dog Is Dangerous or Not

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Dogs can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar human languages

 

They are the first non-human animals to be able to tell the difference between human languages.

If you were to move to a new country with a different language and bring along the family dog, your pet would likely have a hard time understanding commands from the locals, according to a new study looking at how dogs' brains react to different languages. 

MRI scans revealed that dogs' brains can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar languages, making them the first-known, and so far only, non-human animals to be able to tell the difference between human languages.

To read more on this story, click here: Dogs can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar human languages

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These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido

Dogs live forever, right? Right!? Unfortunately, like humans, dogs are mortals. Anyone who has lost a pet knows how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye. They are truly family members. If you’re someone who hates goodbyes or simply wants a companion for as long as possible, look into the longest-living dog breeds. On average, domesticated dogs live about ten years, but the dogs on our list have been known to live well into their teens. You’ll notice most of these pups are on the smaller side. While breed alone isn’t going to tell you how long your dog will live, it can give you a pretty good idea.

To read more on this story, click here: These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido

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Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth

• Recent findings reveal that dogs are born ready to communicate with and understand people.
• Studies show puppies can reciprocate human eye contact and follow gestures to locate food.

• Research also suggests puppies raised with little human contact can understand gestures without training.

Dogs often seem uncannily shrewd about what we're trying to tell them.

A handful of recent studies offer surprising insights into the ways our canine companions are hardwired to communicate with people.

To read more on this story, click here: Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth

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Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire

American Humane helped reunite Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with their canine partners for May's Military Appreciation Month.

May's Military Appreciation Month was extra sweet for two dog handlers from America's armed forces.

American Humane reunited both Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with the military dogs they worked with overseas. Not only did each man get a hug from their canine partner again, Stepnovich and Ssgt. Alfson both adopted their former patrol pals since the dogs are retired from active duty.

To read more on this story, click here: Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire

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Did You Know That Dogs Display Their Pain in Certain Actions and Behaviors That May Seem Subtle to Us?

Seeing our pets in pain is never a fun experience, and it’s something every dog owner dreads. Whether it’s a fresh injury or simply our aging elder-pups, we want nothing more than to help them. But it’s important to remember that they can’t always cry out to us when in need. Dogs aren’t humans, so they don’t speak our language. The best thing we can do to keep them comfortable is to learn theirs. Dogs display their pain in certain actions and behaviors that may seem subtle to us. Not everyone is a canine behavioral expert, but these five symptoms below will help you determine whether or not your loved one is in pain.

Excessive Grooming

It’s normal for dogs to lick and groom themselves, but it’s not normal for this to become an obsessive behavior. If you notice your pet tending to a localized area he’s never noticed before, or has just recently started spending a lot more time there, it could be a sign that he’s hurting. Pets will often groom places  that are sources of pain in hopes to clean and care for the wound, even if there is no open wound  present. Be sure to keep an eye on the area and inspect it gently.

Heavy Panting

Panting is normal behavior that shouldn’t surprise any dog owner. Even when the panting is heavily, certain circumstances allow for it such as extra hot days and strenuous exercise. But if you notice heavy panting out of nowhere, it could be stress-induced. This stress could be caused by pain your pet is experiencing. For whatever reason it may be, unexplained heavy panting should result in a trip to your veterinarian.

Inappetence

Lack of appetite is often the result of some sort of discomfort. You don’t feel like eating when you’re not well, do you? Our dogs don’t either. They simply just don’t feel like eating, especially when it’s painful to walk all the way over to the food bowl. If you notice any sort of inappetence in your pet, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away, as this could be a symptom of many dangerous ailments.

Shyness & Aggression

You may notice that your dog is starting to become more and more antisocial. He may stop running to the door to greet everyone and avoids petting. Or you may notice that your little one doesn’t want you picking her up anymore, or cries when you do. If this happens suddenly, it’s reasonable to suspect pain as a probable cause. In some cases, you’ll find your normally overly friendly companion has become aggressive. If you notice your pup is hiding away and avoiding attention, be sure to check them for pain. It’s best to have a veterinarian do this, and it’s very important to remember not to take it personally if your dog does growl or snap at you. They aren’t necessarily trying to hurt anyone, they just have no other way to tell anybody it hurts and they don’t want to be touched.

General Behavior Changes

Besides shyness and aggression, you might notice that your pup doesn’t want to walk up stairs anymore, avoids jumping and climbing, or doesn’t want to chase after his beloved tennis ball. There are the obvious signs such as limping, but it’s important to also watch out for stiffness or arched backs. Dogs in pain often lay only flat on their sides, rather than curled up in their beds. They might be slower moving, sleeping a lot more and seemingly disinterested in things they used to love. Another sign is unexplained accidents in the house. It’s often very painful to get up from lying down (which you also might notice), and sometimes pets just aren’t able to make it outside fast enough. Sometimes the squatting to urinate and defecate is avoided, and you’ll notice that your pet will start leaving messes in her bed. All of these things can be attributed to pain – often in our older dogs, but sometimes in our younger ones as well.

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Dogmantics Dog Training - Separation Training Tips

Leave your dog alone while you are home - This teaches the dog to enjoy being alone while it is not associated only with you leaving the house.   You can use baby gates and pens to keep your dog in one part of the house while you are in another.   You can give your dog food puzzles, chews, and hide treats for your dog to find while you are in another part of the house to make the alone time highly reinforcing.

To read more on this story, click here: Dogmantics Dog Training - Separation Training Tips




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A Dumped Dog's Prayer

I did not write this poem, the author is unknown. I am posting it hoping that it will touch someone who is thinking about abandoning their pet(s). I am hoping that they will try and find a place for them before dumping them in the streets.

Times are hard now for all of us, and some people can no longer care for a pet. Please consider checking with family, friends or your local animal shelter before leaving your pet behind.

                                              A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away. Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay. Slow down the car, I can't keep up. This pavement is hot and my pads are cut. I've got to quit running or my heart will pop. Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop? I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near. But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.

Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet. They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets. Every car that passes, I chase it to see If it's my master coming for me. Though I approach those that come near With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear. With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare, They threaten to kill me - they don't even care. Batter my body with rocks that they throw, I will not leave, he will come, don't you know? Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb. I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come! I will go back where he first threw me out. I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.

My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead. I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head. It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still. There is my master at my home on the hill. Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name. His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same. He decided he wants me. Things will be fine. I really do love him, that master of mine. My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath. He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!

Author Unknown

                                                 He found a place to sleep.

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The Human “Sniff Test” Is Not The Preferred Introduction For Dogs

Whenever we see a dog, we want to meet them. It’s impossible not to fall in love with a dog at first sight. So, many humans have become accustomed to introducing themselves to new pups. This usually involves extending your hand to the dog and allowing them to sniff you first. It’s the universal sign that a dog approves of you. Or, so we thought.

As it turns out, the “sniff test” is anything but relaxing for a dog. In fact, dog trainers are now urging humans to stop these unwanted interactions.

To read more on this story, click here: The Human “Sniff Test” Is Not The Preferred Introduction For Dogs

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Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Butts?

Every dog owner knows that dogs sniff each other’s butts.  It probably isn’t the most pleasant sight to witness, but it’s just a dog’s way of life.  There are a few reasons why dogs sniff each other’s butts and it really boils down to their sense of smell and communication.

Dogs smell each other when they first meet

When two people meet, they evaluate body language, facial expressions and tone of voice to quickly assess each other.  When two dogs meet, they don’t say hello or shake hands like we do, but they will gather lots of information from each other’s body language. When two dogs meet, they usually walk in circles while scrutinizing each other’s demeanor and posture. Are their ears back? Is their tail wagging?

Dogs use their acute sense of smell to get a an assessment of the dog they’re meeting

Dogs use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to get vital information about a new canine acquaintance. The chemical aromas identify gender and mood, and can even communicate what a dog likes to eat. By simply smelling, a dog can determine if a new friend is male or female, happy or aggressive, healthy or ill. Dogs get a general idea about each other with a quick sniff, but get more detailed information by getting up close and personal and that’s where the butts play a part.

The video below, from the “American Chemical Society’s Reactions series” explains this whole butt smelling communication!

To read more on this story, click here: Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Butts?

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This Man Makes Everyone Smile When He Walks With His Pack of German Shepherds Unleashed (Video)

Augusto Deoliveira shared this video of him walking his pack of German Shepherds in public. All five dogs are unleashed and walk in a group, close beside him. What the video doesn’t tell is the story behind the dogs he’s walking with.

He wrote, “This video features Savannah on the left (not quite a year old at the time). Griffin next to her (almost 2). The one behind me was a rescue dog (3 years old) who came to me with no training or socialization of any kind, she was very sweet but not confident She had numerous health problems and to me this is amazing of how she was doing after only a couple of months of training, given the fact that she never left her small kennel ever!”

“Then Hannah (she came to me at 2). I did all the training with her. She is very confident. The one on the far right is another rescue who was tied on a leash outside day and night, even in the winter. She had just a tiny dogs house. She was in very poor shape when I got her. She had no training and again was not confident. Although those 2 [rescue] dogs will never to be 100% they are way better in this video than when I rescued them. They both have found great pet homes since then.”

“The other 3 still live with me. This video is 2-years-old and was filmed in the winter in a very cold day if you didn’t notice.”

Since the video went viral, Augusto has received many comments from people claiming the dogs were trained by shock collars or abuse because the dogs were not wagging their tails. But Augusto said this is simply not the case. “I know how much training and energy I put into these dogs to train them, and whether you use shock collars or not its not that easy to do this. I use my body language to let the dogs know I want them to walk close to me.”




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Dogs Watch Us Carefully and Read Our Faces Very Well

Research shows dogs pay close attention to different human facial expressions.

In Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, Jessica Pierce and I stress the importance of people who choose to live with dogs becoming "fluent in dog" or "dog literate." In addition to learning the basics of dog behavior, one area that's important for us to understand is how their various senses work and how they use their eyes to read our faces and the reasons for their sensitivity to the various visual social cues we emit.1 (See "How Dogs See the World: Some Facts About the Canine Cosmos," "Dogs: An Exciting Journey Through Their Sensory Worlds," and Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do.) Not surprisingly, research shows that dogs pay particularly close attention to human facial expressions—perhaps because we don’t have tails and our ears don’t move. Here's a review of some of what we know about what dogs are able to learn when they read our faces.

To read more on this story, click here: Dogs Watch Us Carefully and Read Our Faces Very Well

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Why Do Dogs Smell Each Other's Behinds?

It can be embarrassing when you run into a neighbor while you’re both walking your dogs and all your dog wants to do is smell the other dog’s butt. Relax a little; that’s normal dog behavior. If you pull on the leash to get your dog to stay away from the other dog’s butt, you might cause a fight to break out: by pulling your dog, you might make him look threatening to the other dog.

Powerful Sense of Smell

Humans can’t completely understand all the information a dog gets from smelling another dog’s butt. At least 33 percent of a dog’s brain is designed to process smells, as opposed to about 5 percent of a human’s brain. A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful that he can tell, for example, whether the dog before him in the veterinarian’s examination room was afraid, just by the smell the previous dog left behind.

They Can't Shake Hands
Dogs sniff butts to greet each other, much as humans do by shaking hands. Dogs have anal glands just inside their rectums, which produce a strong odor. Dogs can find out all sorts of information just by getting a whiff back there. They can find out the sex of the other dog, whether the dog is in heat, what the dog ate lately and whether the encounter is likely to be a friendly one. Because the smell is unique to each dog, butt sniffing is the best way dogs have to identify each other.

It Calms and Grounds Them
When a dog already knows about the other dog from a prior sniffing, he still smells the other dog every time they meet. Two dogs who live together typically smell each other’s butts when they come in from outside. So butt sniffing has another purpose: it’s also a dog calming mechanism, according to Kevin Behan, a Vermont dog trainer and author. Anytime something new happens—especially something stressful—dogs tend to sniff each other’s behinds. It satisfies the urge to do something, and it grounds them.

Dogs Might Get into Trouble
Some dogs, when meeting another dog for the first time, are enthusiastic sniffers. But the dog being sniffed might not take too kindly to all that focused attention. Whenever your dog is meeting another dog, be attentive. If the butt smelling is an unwelcome gesture, it’s time to separate the dogs.

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11 Things Dog Owners Should Never Say

When it comes to dogs, owners sometimes have tunnel vision, seeing the world only from the perspective of their own dog or their own dog-training experience. This often leads to owners tossing out sentences that, in an ideal world, would never be uttered. Yet these words are clues to a bigger issue, or a situation that's about to become an issue, including not fully understanding dog behavior, social cues, body language, or simply good manners toward other dogs and dog owners.

Training yourself is the the most productive strategy for improving the behavior of your dog -- as well as other dogs that your dog socializes with -- because you are such a big influencer of behavior, even when you don't realize you're influencing your dog's actions.

Dr. Patricia McConnell writes in her book "The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs," "Focusing on the behavior at our end of the leash isn't a new concept in dog training. Most professional dog trainers actually spend very little time working with other people's dogs; most of our time is spent training humans. Take it from me, we're not the easiest species on the block to train."

But it doesn't have to feel daunting. Training yourself can become easier if you're truly seeing your thought process about your own dog and dogs you pass on the street. Once you recognize how you think about them, you can more easily influence what you think about them. And once you do that, better interactions will follow.

To read more on this story, click here: 11 Things Dog Owners Should Never Say

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Dog Causes £1,500 Worth Of Damage To Front Door After Owner Pops Out

Before and after pictures show £1,500 (1,978.57) worth of damage caused by a naughty cockapoo after his owner popped out for a couple of hours.

Bobbie was left home alone by his owner, Tara Jameson, at her mum's house, while she attended a friend's wedding rehearsal for around three hours.

But on Tara's return to her family home in Teesside, Newcastle, she discovered that butter-wouldn't-melt Bobbie had chewed through the front door, and destroyed a parcel containing a TV box, waiting to be returned.

Tara had left four-year-old Bobbie with a bed to snooze in, as well as a box of brand new toys to play with, but the pup had different ideas about what he'd get up to while his owner was away.

The pooch had bitten a three foot square hole in the door, and the extensive damaged totalled £1,500 to repair.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Causes £1,500 Worth Of Damage To Front Door After Owner Pops Out

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Family Goes On Vacation: Dad Turns Kennel To Look Like Their Living Room So Dog Will Be Happy

Igor loves his family very much, and never spent a night away from them since becoming a member.  So when they left their home in Norway to go on vacation in Thailand, dad turned his kennel into a replica of their living room so Igor would be happy.

The family should have been looking forward to spending their Easter vacation on sunny beaches across the world, but instead they worried about their beloved English bulldog.  They didn’t want to leave him home alone with a sitter to periodically check on him, and wanted him to be in a place where he’d be safe and not alone.

But a boarding facility isn’t the most inviting living accommodation.  Enclosed in a cage with a cold, concrete floor, surrounded by anxious, barking dogs – who could feel welcomed?

But Igor was in for a pleasant surprise.  His dad didn’t want him to be confused and uncomfortable in a scary new place on his own, so he got permission from Labben Kennel to transform Igor’s personal kennel into a facsimile of the Halvorsens’ living room!

The walls and floor were made to look the same as the ones at home, and dad brought their furniture to be set up before Igor arrived.

When departure day came, Igor whined as he was loaded into the vehicle.  But he and the rest of the family were in for a treat – the kennel looked just like home.  When the humans left, Igor couldn’t even be bothered to care.

Other dogs appreciated being invited to Igor’s “home,” and Hera, a Saint Bernard, visited every day.  They became best friends during their holiday.  Even though he had to be away from his family, Igor had a wonderful vacation.


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What Not to Do When Visiting Someone Who Has Dogs

Maybe it’s the hair, the attention the animal seeks, or the barking when someone knocks on the door. Maybe your dog is a working dog, not a pet, and others judge the way you treat them. The truth is that not everyone is a dog lover, and not everyone who has dogs raises them in the same way. Other than extreme situations of abuse or neglect, there are just some things you don’t do when you are visiting someone who has a dog.

Punish Them
Just like it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s child, it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s dog. However, there are always extenuating circumstances. For instance, if a dog is running into a street, it’s okay to call after it to keep it safe. Other than those types of dangerous situations, it’s important not to overstep your boundaries by punishing someone else’s dog. You might not know the rules, you might be stepping on the owner’s toes, or you may be confusing the dog. Unless safety is a concern, or you have been tasked with puppy sitting, you shouldn’t go into someone’s home and punish their animals.

Feed Them Scraps
Some dogs have sensitive tummies. Whereas some dogs can eat scraps all day, some dogs have one scrap and spend the next day with diarrhea. For that reason, it’s important not to sneak scraps to any dog you are visiting unless the dog’s owner tells you it’s okay. Not only that, but some scraps are not good for dogs. There are plenty of foods that can be fatal to dogs, so it’s best not to chance feeding them something that can hurt them.

To read more on this story, click here: What Not to Do When Visiting Someone Who Has Dogs

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Will My Dog Be Ok If I Adopt Another?

If you've decided to bring a new doggie home, you're probably worried about how Rover at home is going to react. Though there's a chance he might resent your decision a bit -- this should only be temporarily. Introducing two adult dogs can be a challenge and you need to be careful to avoid an all-out war. Hopefully, the pooches will eventually become friends and have lots of fun together. However, it's up to you to make that happen.

Personality

Your first responsibility is to your current dog. After all, you don't want to put him in a situation he'll hate or be miserable in. If Rover is a quiet, old dog, don't bring home a hyper teenage dog who will drive him crazy. When adopting from a shelter, always find out the past history of the new dog. If he was abused or has a dominant character, this might create problems with your doggie back home. Is Rover a high-energy, always-running pooch? Then getting a companion with the same level of energy could be great -- they can play together and tire each other out.

To read more on this story, click here: Will My Dog Be Ok If I Adopt Another?


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Benefits of Having Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed Every Night

We’ve all heard that we shouldn’t do it: inviting your dog into your bed. People believe it’s dirty, and it’s just not good for you. People have been saying it for years.

But, what if we told you that maybe that isn’t entirely true.

There are actual health benefits to letting your four-legged best friend spend the night, and it isn’t just you who’s better for all that cuddle time.

It’s better for your dog, too!

And who doesn’t want to do everything they can to make sure their little one is as happy as possible?

So to all you dog lovers who love snuggling up with their warm, fluffy buddy at the end of the day, keep doing what you’re doing.

Chances are, you’ll sleep better at night and we all know that better sleep leads to a better day.

It really is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

They Give You Comfort

Whether it’s their warm body or rhythmic breathing, there’s just something so comforting about a dog. They make your bed feel even cozier!



They Fight Insomnia

Their presence promotes calm, stress relief, and a feeling of safety. So, basically, they take away all of the things that keep you up at night!



Snuggling With Them Relieves Stress And Anxiety

As therapy dogs have shown, a pooch’s presence is a great stress reliever. Their positive outlook seems to be contagious, and their attentive nature can be very reassuring.


They Provide Warmth

Their warm bodies and tendency to curl up as close to their humans as possible work as a little radiator in the bed. While this can be tough in the summer, who doesn’t love a little bit of natural warmth on a chilly night?


They Help Fight Depression

One thing that dogs offer without question is unconditional love. For someone battling depression, this type of connection can feel hard to come by. To receive it, with no questions asked, can work wonders during a particularly tough time.


They Make You Feel Safe

Knowing that there is another presence watching over you when you’re at your most vulnerable is such a comforting feeling. Their super hearing and tendency to bark at strangers are all factors in this.


It's Good For Your Dog, Too

There’s nothing in the world that your dog loves more than you, so allowing them to spend that extra snuggle time will make their day. They receive comfort from you in the same way that you do from them, so this sleep arrangement is good for everyone!


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