The Revealing Science Behind Pet Adoption Choices

Posted on December 7, 2017 - 6:49 am by
Taste of the Wild

When choosing a pet to adopt, what makes you more drawn to one dog or cat over another? Obviously, you may have a preference for certain breeds, coats or activity levels. But what else influences our adoption choices?

It probably comes as no surprise that puppies and kittens have a better chance of finding a home than their older counterparts. In a Priceonomics study of pets listed on the Petfinder website, 95% of puppies were adopted, but the percentage fell to 76% for adult dogs and 68% for seniors. While 82% of kittens were adopted, the older cats had a harder time finding a home, with just 60% of adults and 54% of seniors adopted.

But are there other, more subtle factors that influence which dogs or cats you choose? Lucky for you, scientists have pondered the same thing.

For Dogs, the Eyebrows Have It but Their Tail Tells No Tales

According to a 2013 study, dogs who raised their eyebrows were adopted faster than those who didn’t. In fact, the eyebrow raise appeared to have the most influence on how quickly a dog was adopted. A dog who raised their eyebrows 15 times while meeting a person was adopted almost twice as quickly as one who raised them five times.

Evolutionary psychologists theorize that raising the eyebrows makes a dog’s face appear more like a puppy, a behavior wolves may have exploited during the domestication process long ago. At the same time, they caution that eyebrows are often raised when humans express sadness, so it’s possible that elevated eyebrows simply tug a bit more at our heartstrings.

In addition to examining the influence of different facial expressions on the speed of adoption, the scientists also looked at the duration of tail wagging and how often the dog came to the front of the kennel, in close proximity to the human. Surprisingly, the longer a dog wagged its tail, the less quickly it was adopted.

With Cats, It’s a Different Story

If facial expressions can impact the speed of dog adoption, can the same thing be true for cats? In 2017, scientists studied shelter cats for numerous facial, body and tail movements, as well as whether cats approached the front of the cage during the encounter with a person.

As it turns out, no amount of eye batting, head turning or ear swiveling had a significant impact on how soon cats were adopted. What’s the most important factor, according to this study? Cats who rubbed their bodies on furniture and toys more often were re-homed about 30 percent faster than those who didn’t.

Can Shelters Use This Research?

Since many potential pet owners first shop for pets online, is there anything shelters can do to tip the scales in certain pets’ favors? Yep!

A study that reviewed online photos of Labrador retriever mixes found that there’s no mystery here — photo quality had the greatest impact on the speed at which dogs were adopted. Also, dogs found homes sooner if they looked directly into the camera and if they were portrayed standing up in an outdoor location.

Another study looked at the popularity of cats, based on number of clicks, on Petfinder. In this case, the only photographic variable that had an influence on cat popularity was the inclusion of toys. Photos that included toys tended to receive more clicks per day, which may be one way to spotlight cats who may otherwise be overlooked.

Whether looking at adoptions in person or online, a number of factors play into your decision. No matter what the research says, find the pet that’s right for you. Even if it’s a tail-wagger!

Need Therapy? The Cat Will See You Now

Posted on November 30, 2017 - 6:52 am by
Therapy cats

When it comes to helping people, dogs get all the glory. It’s not hard to find awwww-inspiring photos of dogs helping vision-impaired people across the street, warning owners of an upcoming seizure or dutifully carrying the newspaper to the disabled.

But what about therapy cats? Do cats just lack the altruism gene? Did their reputation for being aloof inspire the saying, “Everyone needs a dog to adore them and a cat to ignore them”? Many cats, as it turns out, do help people — just on their own terms.

Therapy Cats vs. Service Animals

A service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act, is a dog or miniature horse trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. Although many cats can be trained, they generally aren’t, as yet, considered service animals.

Still, cats have a lot to offer. A purring cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and trigger the release of oxytocin, the feel-good “cuddle hormone.” Children raised with cats may be less likely to develop allergies. By providing companionship and nonjudgmental affection, cats can also help relieve depression and loneliness.

That’s why, more and more, cats are being used as therapy animals. Unlike service animals, which tend to live with the patient, therapy animals generally stop by for a visit, whether it’s at a nursing home, prison or physical therapy facility.

Animal-Assisted Therapy vs. Animal-Assisted Activities

Therapy cats tend to fall into two categories. The first is used for animal-assisted therapy (AAT). In these cases, a health or human services professional creates a goal-oriented plan to meet specific physical, emotional, cognitive or social needs of a patient.

In a physical therapy setting, for example, handling a cat may help a patient regain motor skills following a hand surgery. A therapist may choose to include a cat in a therapy session to help, for example, extend the attention span of a child with autism spectrum disorder.

The second CATegory of feline-aided therapy is called animal-assisted activity (AAA). In these cases, the aim is generally to improve the patient’s quality of life. Often, the handler is the cat’s owner who has been through training and has had the cat certified. The handler may bring the cat to places like rehabilitation facilities, schools and nursing homes.

In patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, for instance, cats have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, soothe agitation and decrease feelings of isolation. When real cats aren’t available, long-term care facilities have even taken to using battery-operated cats. Petting the soft fur may calm patients, and built-in sensors respond to touches by triggering the robotic cat to purr, close its eyes or roll over on its back.

The Making of a Therapy Cat

Organizations like Pet Partners help screen cats and train volunteers to become therapy teams. Typically, they look for cats with calm, laid-back temperaments who are gentle and tolerant of being handled by different people in various environments. Retired show cats, for example, tend to make good therapy cats because they’re used to frequent handling and noisy surroundings.

Cats should usually be at least one year old, current on vaccines and considered healthy, based on a veterinary exam. Once the cat is certified and the owner has been trained, the team may make supervised visits before they are free to make visits on their own.

Think your cat has what it takes to be a therapy cat? Check out Pet Partners or look for feline therapy organizations near you.

What Happens to Military Dogs When They Retire?

Posted on November 16, 2017 - 12:41 pm by
Military Dogs

For decades, dogs have served side-by-side in combat with U.S. soldiers. They detect explosives and weapons and even root out enemy forces. In fact, one canine hero even participated in the raid of Osama bin Laden’s home in Pakistan. Military dogs assist on patrols, leap out of helicopters with Navy SEALs and save countless lives.
But what happens when their careers are over?

Combat Canines Left Overseas

As recent as the late 1990s, military working dogs (MWD) that were retired from service due to age or medical reasons were considered “surplus equipment,” no longer part of the military and ineligible for transport home at taxpayers’ expense. It was often assumed these expertly trained dogs would never adapt to civilian life. As a result, they were often euthanized or turned over to foreign allies in combat zones.

The public gradually became aware of these tragedies after one military handler rallied to bring his canine partner Robby home, only to meet with defeat and see the dog euthanized. As a result, “Robby’s Law” was enacted in 2000, requiring that MWDs fit for adoption be made available to previous handlers, law enforcement or families that met qualifying criteria.

Even then, discharged handlers in the United States had to come up with thousands of dollars to transport dogs in combat zones back home. Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit organization, solicited donations to help rescue and reunite these dogs with their owners. Even private citizens helped out as a way to repay these human and canine heroes for their service.

Finally, the passage of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act means retired dogs overseas now get a ticket home to the U.S., and their handlers get priority when it comes to adopting them.

Bringing Canine Heroes Home

Today, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, serves as both a training facility for military dogs and the U.S. headquarters for dogs returning from service. Three types of dogs are available for adoption here: young dogs that don’t pass the aptitude test for serving in the military (50 percent don’t qualify), older dogs that have finished their military stint, and those who have been retired early due to illness or injury.

Dogs returning from service tend to be large breeds like German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador retrievers or mixes; breeds that may have conditions such as arthritis or other medical issues. Like their human counterparts, some dogs may also show signs similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, so they’re screened to make sure they have a temperament that can manage family life and don’t have aggressive tendencies.

Dogs not deemed fit for family life are generally channeled into work with law enforcement or the TSA, where they can put their training to good use rather than being euthanized.

Still, more than 90 percent of returning MWDs go home to live with their former handlers. Occasionally, when a handler is lost in battle, the handler’s family may choose to adopt the dog. Others are available for adoption to private citizens, but there’s a long waiting list. Applicants are carefully screened to find the right match for the right dogs. Some MWDs, for example, adjust better in homes without cats, children or other dogs.

Other organizations also bring home stray dogs befriended by service people in war zones. Although these dogs didn’t serve in a military capacity, they did provide emotional support. In either case, reuniting dogs of war with their military companions can help both adjust to life outside the trenches.

Eek! The Frightening Side of Halloween Chocolate

Posted on October 19, 2017 - 11:42 am by
Dogs and chocolate

If your kids (or, ahem, you) overindulge in chocolate, you may wind up with a stomach ache. But pets who partake don’t always get off that easy. Dogs and chocolate are an especially dangerous combination — even a small amount can be toxic. While the confection can be poisonous for cats too, they tend to be less attracted to chocolate — perhaps because they can’t taste sweetness.

Dark Chocolate Is Most Dangerous

For dogs, chocolate contains two potentially toxic substances — caffeine and a chemical called theobromine — that dogs can’t metabolize as easily as humans. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, so the more dangerous it can be. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, for example, contains up to 450 mg of theobromine per ounce, compared with milk chocolate which contains up to 60 mg per ounce. Although white chocolate contains even less than milk chocolate, it’s still best to keep it out of your pets’ reach.

The Amount Eaten and Size of Dog Matters

If your dog scarfs up your stash of trick-or-treat candy bars, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately. The doctor will want to know what type of chocolate was eaten, an estimate of how much was eaten, your dog’s weight and how long ago the chocolate was probably consumed.

A Great Dane that eats a small amount of chocolate may show mild signs, but the same amount could be fatal for a Pomeranian. Timing can be critical, too; if your dog just ate the candy, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting before much of the chocolate is digested.

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

Depending on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten and the size of your dog, signs of toxicity can range from mild to severe and life threatening:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Panting and pacing
  • Seizures
  • Death

After assessing your dog’s condition, your veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to coat the digestive tract and prevent further chocolate absorption, or recommend additional supportive care.

Other Trick-or-Treat Bag Dangers

Halloween goodies can contain other substances that are potentially toxic to dogs including raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener often found in gum, mints and other candies.

Too many sweet, fatty treats can also lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that may require hospitalization. Since dogs don’t bother unwrapping candy before binging, large quantities of candy wrappers could cause a digestive tract obstruction that could lead to surgery.

When in doubt, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.

The best plan is to keep Halloween treats well out of the reach of your pets. They can still share in the festivities — just add a few teaspoons of plain, canned pumpkin (with no added spices) to their evening meals. Now, if only it were that easy to keep Halloween treats out of your paws.

Herding Dogs: From Home on the Range to Home

Posted on October 12, 2017 - 6:41 am by
Taste of the Wild

It’s a scene branded on your mind by movies (cue the harmonica) for generations: The mounted cowhands crack their whips, the lowing cows kick up dust as the trusted herding dogs nip at their heels in the sunset. Long an essential part of cattle drives and farm work, today herding dogs are more likely to be found as family pets, dashing around backyards and dog parks.

Part of Cowboy History

When America was mostly a wide-open range, herders of cattle and sheep seeking work migrated from countries such as Scotland, France, Spain and Australia, bringing their trusted dogs with them. These high-energy dogs usually had a knack for driving livestock over long distances, through all kinds of weather and terrain. Often doing the work of several cowhands, herding dogs could round up lost animals, keep predators (and cattle rustlers) at bay and confidently show animals many times their size who was boss.

A Class of Their Own

Today, the breeds traditionally used to drive animals are classified in the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group. As expected, the group includes breeds such as Australian cattle dogs, Belgian sheepdogs, border collies, collies and Shetland sheepdogs. Perhaps more surprising is the inclusion of breeds like Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgis.

In general, these breeds tend to have a natural “urge to herd” and may even gently round up children scattered in your backyard. Dogs in the herding group typically respond well to training. Since they usually require regular exercise, enrolling them in canine sports such as fly ball, agility and even herding trials is a good way to help them work off extra energy.

Working Dogs Today

Herding dogs are still used on ranches, farms and the occasional dude ranch, where they may herd, gather, sort, fetch and hold livestock. Although some dogs may exhibit these skills by instinct, most need to be trained to work with the handler and put those behaviors to proper use.

Successful herding dogs also need to learn to approach livestock with confidence so cattle won’t challenge them. And while the dog must be in control of the livestock, the cowhand must be in control of the dog.

Herding Competitions

Even when a herding dog’s only job is to be the family pet, herding trials can help them develop and maintain the skills for which their ancestors were originally bred. Depending on the breed, training usually starts at 10 to 12 months of age or when the dog is physically mature and knows basic obedience commands. During a competition, dogs may herd anything from cattle and sheep to goats, geese and ducks.

Rounding Up the Fun

While they’re often no longer “put to work,” these dogs can be fun and loyal companions for children. As long as they get the exercise they need, they’re perfect family pets.

Related Post: Which Sport Is Right for My Dog?

Related Post: Channel Your Dog’s Pent-Up Energy with Agility Training

Digesting the Many Possible Causes of a Pet’s Upset Stomach

Posted on October 5, 2017 - 11:48 am by
Common causes of vomiting or diarrhea graphic.

For many pets, trouble at one end of the digestive tract or the other is fairly common. In fact, upset stomachs and diarrhea are two of the top 10 reasons dogs and cats are taken to the veterinarian, according to Nationwide pet policyholders in 2016.

Sometimes, the cause is relatively innocent. Maybe you ran out of your dog’s normal diet and had to abruptly change food rather than making a gradual transition. Or your kids fed your pet too many table scraps. Perhaps your cat spent the morning chewing on grass. Or one of your pets (no one will say who) surfed the kitchen counter and polished off the plate of leftovers, not to mention the tin foil.

Whatever the cause, you shouldn’t always assume it’s a minor issue that will pass on its own. In some cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea can be signs of serious or even life-threatening conditions, such as bloat, gastrointestinal obstruction or toxin ingestion, that require immediate medical attention. When in doubt, call your veterinarian for advice.

Common causes of vomiting or diarrhea graphic.

Better Safe Than Sorry

While it’s never a bad idea to seek veterinary help when your pet is under the weather, these signs may indicate that it’s time to start the car because there may be something more serious going on:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea several times an hour or many times a day
  • Severe lethargy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling (in dogs)
  • Blood in vomit or feces
  • Loss of appetite for more than one day

While it may be tempting to give your pet over-the-counter vomiting or diarrhea medications, don’t do it unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Many products that are relatively safe for human use contain ingredients that can be toxic for pets.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your veterinarian will start by giving your pet a thorough exam. He or she may also recommend blood work, X-rays or other diagnostic tests. For serious conditions, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization, intravenous fluids, medications and in some cases, such as digestive tract obstructions, surgery.

If your pet’s condition is less serious, the doctor may recommend conservative treatment, which may involve withholding food for 12 to 24 hours to give the digestive tract a chance to rest (cats should never have food withheld for more than 24 hours).  Then your pet may be started on a bland diet, such as boiled hamburger or chicken and rice or therapeutic diets that are available at your clinic. Your veterinarian may also recommend anti-nausea medications or probiotics to help restore the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so your veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous fluids. It’s also a good idea to replace the water in your pet’s dish with ice cubes. This will help prevent your pet from drinking too much water at once, which may upset the digestive system.

As the vomiting and diarrhea subside, you can gradually transition your dog or cat back to his or her regular diet. And that will help you both feel better.

Litter Box Confessions: What to Do About Urinary Accidents

Posted on September 28, 2017 - 4:11 pm by
How to clean cat pee image

When your cat snubs the litter box, it’s usually not out of revenge. But he or she may be trying to tell you something’s wrong — with damp, fragrant messages on your bedspread, in the potted plant or even in your running shoes.

Here’s how to interpret what your cat is trying to say. We’ve even included a few tips for cleaning cat urine.

First, See Your Veterinarian

Urinating outside the litter box signals a number of medical conditions, including feline lower urinary tract disease, urinary tract crystals or stones,  or an infection or even partial blockage of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. Urinary accidents can also happen because of conditions that make your cat pee more frequently or with greater urgency, such as kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone).

Older cats with painful arthritis may avoid the litter box if the sides are too high to climb over or if they have to ascend or descend flights of stairs to get there.

Urine Marking vs. Urination

Your veterinarian may try to determine if your cat is marking or just urinating. Cats may “spray” in the house to communicate to other cats in the household or neighborhood cats that may stroll through your yard. It’s a way of marking their territory. Urine marking differs from urination in a number of ways. Typically, cats mark on vertical surfaces, often backing up to the stereo or doorway with their tail up and quivering. The volume of liquid is usually smaller than what you’d typically find in the litter box. And the urine often contains additional substances than lend a muskier scent to the spray.

Although any cat may mark, including female, neutered or spayed cats, it generally happens more in intact (unneutered) male cats. If your cat is marking, you’ll need to remove the scent and work with your veterinarian to help eliminate this behavior.

Litter Box Issues

If there are no underlying medical issues and your cat isn’t marking, it could just be that your cat is fussy about his or her litter box. Here’s how to address some of your cat’s possible concerns:

  • Abide by the 1 + 1 rule. You should have one litter box for every cat in the household plus one more. So if you have three cats, you should have at least four litter boxes.
  • Size matters. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (excluding the tail). If you have an older cat, consider a box with lower sides. Many cats will avoid covered boxes.
  • Keep it clean. Scoop the litter at least once a day or even more often if you have multiple cats. Discard the litter about once a week and wash the litter box with a mild dishwashing soap.
  • Try different litters. Some cats are finicky about their litter and may prefer a different texture or perhaps unscented litter.
  • Location, location, location. Cats like privacy, too. So avoid placing the litter box in high-traffic areas.

Is It a Behavior Problem?

Sometimes, cats turn their tails up at the litter box because they’re stressed out. Any changes in the household, such as the addition of a new baby, construction workers in the house or bullying by another cat in the family, can upset the cat’s routine and lead to accidents. If this is the case, work with your veterinarian to devise a plan to help minimize your cat’s stress — and hopefully, his or her extracurricular urinating activities.

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13 Ways to Ensure a Safe Dog Park Experience

Posted on September 7, 2017 - 8:29 pm by
Dog Park Etiquette

Does your dog want to romp in the Pacific? Check out Huntington Beach Dog Park in California. Are giant fire hydrants more their style? Visit Fort Woof Dog Park in Fort Worth, Texas. There’s a tennis ball tree —every retriever’s dream — at Beau’s Dream Dog Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With 731 off-leash dog parks in the United States, there’s plenty to keep any dog entertained no matter where they hang their collar.

These doggy amusement parks are great places for your pup to exercise their body and mind while honing social skills. But there’s no guarantee that other dogs will be on their best behavior. Here are some tips to help keep your dog, and others, safe.

Before You Go

  1. Make sure vaccinations and parasite control are current. At the park, your dog can pick up contagious diseases such as parvovirus, canine influenza and kennel cough — some of which can be deadly — not to mention fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. For your dog’s safety, and the safety of their canine playmates, make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite control.
  2. Keep puppies (and certain other dogs) at home. A young pup’s immune system isn’t fully developed, so catching some diseases may have fatal consequences. And too much running could harm developing bones. Better to spend the first few months socializing them in your home with people and pets you can be certain are vaccinated — then ask your veterinarian when they are ready to graduate to the park. A dog park is also not the place for pets who are fearful or aggressive. It could be stressful for your dog and dangerous for other dogs and owners. Dogs who are not spayed or neutered can be a distraction and are better exercised individually.
  3. Socialize your dog first. With a flurry of dogs and owners at the park, it’s easy for any dog to become overwhelmed, especially if they are not used to much commotion. It’s better to socialize your dog first with a small group of well-behaved dogs and owners they are familiar with, in a controlled environment like a fenced-in back yard.
  4. Teach your dog basic commands. Your dog should reliably respond to commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it,” especially in an environment with lots of distractions. Other dog owners won’t appreciate a dog who is out of control and can’t be reined in.
  5. Think small. Does your small dog have the bravado of a larger breed? Even if they know their limits, look for dog parks that separate dogs by size. In some instances, a small, darting dog may look like prey to a larger dog, sparking predatory behavior. Or a group of larger dogs may gang up on a small dog. Avoid the problem by making sure your dog plays with others their own size.
  6. Consider what to bring. Leave your dog’s favorite treats and toys at home. Food and toys, especially toys your dog feels possessive about, can cause fights at dog parks. But do plan for “accidents,” and bring waste bags (or some other way to dispose of your dog’s droppings).
  7. Take one dog at a time. It’s hard to pay close attention to more than one dog at the park. So if you have multiple dogs, let each one take a turn. Kids can be a distraction, too. It’s best to just focus your attention on your dog while at the park.

While You’re at the Dog Park

  1. Check fencing and gates. Unless your dog has the “come” and “stay” commands down pat, make sure the perimeter of the dog park is secured. No one wants a dog bolting into traffic during a game of chase.
  2. Remove the leash and possibly halters. Once inside the gate, unclip your dog’s leash. Beyond your dog’s collar, consider removing additional halters or clothing that could get caught in another dog’s mouth during play.
  3. Pay attention. Resist the urge to text or talk on your phone — in fact, just put it away. All your attention should be focused on your dog and their interactions.
  4. Watch your dog’s body language. Are they cowering in front of another dog? Are they licking and panting more than usual? Or are their hackles raised? Signs of stress or aggression should be taken seriously. It’s best to call your dog away at the first sign of trouble.
  5. Never get in the middle of a fight. You or the other dog owner could be seriously injured. Instead, try making loud noises to distract the dogs, or if there’s a hose nearby, spray them down.
  6. Be considerate. Pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it properly.

With a little forethought, you and your dog can avoid unnecessary confrontations and take advantage of all the best dog parks have to offer.

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Channel Your Dog’s Pent-Up Energy with Agility Training

Posted on August 30, 2017 - 7:54 pm by
Taste of the Wild

If you have a high-energy pooch, you’ve probably walked them around the same blocks so many times that you dream about your daily path. Why not dial up the fun with an activity that provides you both with more physical and mental stimulation? For a lively way to strengthen the bond with your dog, few things beat agility training.

What Is Agility Training?

One of the fastest growing canine sports in the United States, agility running is a fast-paced, timed obstacle course that puts you and your dog to the test. It challenges your dog’s athletic ability and concentration as he or she leaps hurdles, barrels through tunnels, zigzags through lines of poles and clambers over seesaws. Agility also tests your capacity to guide your dog, providing some aerobic exercise in the bargain.

Those of you with a competitive streak can go against other teams at your experience level, from novice to master, or you can choose to participate recreationally. While the rules vary depending on the organization involved, points are generally given for speed and accuracy but subtracted for faults.

A “Sport for All Dogs”

Almost any dog can participate in agility competition, with more than 200 breeds — including mixes — currently competing, according to the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

Today, the most common breeds seen on the course include herding dogs such as border collies, Shetland sheepdogs and Belgian Tervurens as well as Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Welsh corgis, cocker spaniels and even petite papillons. And some Jack Russell terriers can’t seem to contain their enthusiasm for the sport.

Is Agility Right for Your Pup?

One of the primary prerequisites of the sport is basic obedience. Your dog should have mastered commands such as “sit,” “stay” and “come.” Dogs that are happy to follow commands tend to be more successful at agility than those with a more independent nature.

While athleticism is a plus, it’s possible to gradually work your couch potato up to a more active level, barring any underlying physical limitations. Socialization is another issue: because there can be hundreds of dogs, handlers and spectators at these events, your dog should be comfortable with crowds and not easily distracted by barking dogs and cheering fans.

Start with a Veterinary Exam

Before you put your dog through the paces, ask your veterinarian if your dog is physically capable of this level of exercise. Dogs with underlying orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia, may be better suited to more low-impact activities like swimming.

Overweight dogs may need to lose some weight first to reduce unnecessary stress on the joints. And flat-nosed brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs that are breathing-challenged and overheat easily might be better off with regular walks during the cooler parts of the day.

If you have a young puppy, now may be the time to work on obedience and save the high-impact agility exercises for later, once the bones have fully developed.

Your veterinarian can also make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed to help reduce the risk of foot and toe injuries.

Be a Spectator or a Handler

To see agility at its best, check out any number of competitions held across the country. Or contact the USDAA to locate a community class for you and your dog. Do your kids want to be involved? No problem. Do you have a disability? Chances are, you can be a handler, too.

What are you waiting for? Agility can be a great way to challenge your pet’s mind and body (not to mention yours, too), while deepening your relationship. That’s what you’d call a win-win.

RELATED POST: Which Sport Is Right for My Dog?

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Firehouse Dogs: More Mascot, Less Workhorse

Posted on August 24, 2017 - 5:52 am by
Taste of the Wild

Few things are more closely associated with the roar of a fire engine, the clang of bells and the wail of a siren than the Dalmatian. While he or she once was considered an integral part of the fire crew, today the Dalmatian is a rare sight at firehouses and is more likely to fulfill a less active role as mascot.

Why the Dalmatian?

Some 200 years ago, the British discovered that this spotted breed had three useful qualities: speed, endurance and an affinity for horses. As a result, Dalmatians were used as “carriage dogs” or “English coach dogs,” sprinting on either side of horse-drawn carriages to protect the equines from animals that might spook them. (An engraving of a spotted dog running behind an Egyptian chariot hints that Dalmatians may have held similar jobs much earlier.)

The dogs also guarded the carriage and alerted the driver of highwaymen with nefarious intentions. And the more Dalmatians that accompanied a carriage, the more likely its occupants were wealthy or of higher social stature.

When horse-drawn fire wagons came on the scene, it was a natural transition to use barking Dalmatians to clear a path for the rushing wagon. At the scene of the fire, these same dogs helped calm skittish horses and made sure no one stole the equipment or horses while the firefighters were doing their jobs. Back at the firehouse, the dogs made short work of rats and other vermin.

But with the advent of motorized fire engines, there was little need for the Dalmatian, so they were essentially retired. Some firehouses may still keep one around, and firefighters occasionally adopt dogs they’ve saved from fires, but these are often other breeds.

A New Firehouse Job: Arson Detection

In the 1980s, fire departments started employing arson dogs, or accelerant-detection canines, to use their powerful noses to whiff out gasoline, lighter fluid and other flammables used to spark fires. Most arson dogs in the United States are trained and certified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco or according to Maine Criminal Justice Academy guidelines in a special program funded by State Farm Insurance Company. Labrador retrievers or Lab crosses are typically preferred for this work because of their tracking abilities and easy-going natures.

Each dog is teamed with a handler, usually an investigative firefighter or police officer, and undergoes weeks of intensive training. After certification, arson dogs live with their handlers and usually investigate fire scenes every week. To keep them sharp, the dogs must be recertified every year.

More Fun Facts

Now that you can entertain others with the history of the Dalmatian as firehouse dog, here’s one more bit of trivia for you: Dalmatians are born white and only develop spots as they grow. Who knew?