Tag: pet news

What Dog Technology is in Store For Our Best Pals?

Posted on May 27, 2021 - 1:20 pm by
A brown and white dog biting the finger of a robot hand next to text that reads, ‘The Future is Here, Doggone It!’.

Automatic tennis ball launchers for dogs are so yesterday.

Robotics, artificial intelligence and other advanced dog technology continues to deliver futuristic tech for dog lovers and their furry family members. This dog tech makes life more fun and/or easier for dogs and their owners.

Some of this new dog technology offers clear advantages, and others, not so much. Here are just a few recent dog tech picks that could help you and your dog.

Know your dog’s emotional state

A new dog tech collar harnesses AI to interpret if your dog is feeling happy, anxious, angry, sad or relaxed. Developed in South Korea, the collar pairs a proprietary algorithm with a database of 10,000 canine vocal samples from about 50 breeds to interpret your dog’s moods. Although the company claims an “emotional recognition accuracy rate of more than 80 percent,” short of having the dog verify its mood, we’re not sure how that figure is calculated. But as dog technology evolves, there’s huge potential here.

Create a virtual fence anywhere with new dog technology

Another smart system attaches to your dog’s collar and uses vibrations, sound and ultrasonic signals, rather than shocks, to keep your pet within boundaries. By opening the app and drawing a line with your finger, you can create a fence in a matter of seconds, thanks to geofence technology.

Let your pup out to potty remotely

Pet doors used to be nothing more than flimsy flaps that let your pets out but could also allow a family of racoons inside. This CES Smart Home Innovation Award Winner reads your dog’s Bluetooth collar sensor, then activates the doors to open sideways like an elevator.

Or the device can send you a push notification that your pet is at the door and you can open the app, click to open the door and supervise your pet’s comings and goings with live video streaming and 2-way communication. Dog tech that makes life easier for both humans and dogs!

Play with your pet

Touted as “the first 100% automatic pet companion,” this auto-ball can be programmed with three different interaction modes to move on its own and keep dogs on their toes. It also includes a treat hole for more interest.

Still, it’s never a good idea to leave pets alone with toys in case they accidentally chew or swallow them. Supervised play is always safer, especially when dog tech is involved.

Be comforted by a dog, even if you can’t own one

Two companies offer furry, robotic pets. One is about the size and weight of a small dog and has a palpable heartbeat. If you can get over the fact that it doesn’t have a head or legs, it may be comforting to see the tail wag when the pillow is stroked. Dog tech at its finest!

The other option uses AI, a unique algorithm and built-in sensors to evaluate interactions with different people and express emotions such as happiness, excitement or calm through movements and animal-like mewing.  This one is also limbless but features soft fur and black eyes. What will they think of next?

Dog technology is an ever-evolving world of possibility, and that world changes quickly. It’s worth checking in regularly with your favorite pet outlets to see what they have in store on the dog tech front. Your dog will appreciate it!

5 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Week

Posted on September 20, 2018 - 3:29 pm by
It’s Their Week! Make It a Good One.

“The world likes dogs because dogs are nearest to moral perfection of all living things,” according to Captain William Judy, who founded National Dog Week in 1928.

The ordained minister, World War I veteran and publisher of the late Dog World magazine chose the last week in September as a time to honor that enduring bond between dogs and humans. Wondering how you can celebrate National Dog Week this September 23–29, 2018? We have some suggestions:

Commit to Daily Walks (if you haven’t done so already). Short of begging for cheese, is there any activity your dog adores more than walking with you? The mere mention of the word “walk” will no doubt have your dog quivering in anticipation at your feet.

Whether it’s a hike in the woods or a short stroll around the neighborhood, daily exercise is good for your dog’s health — as well as for yours. Walks give your dog the opportunity to read “peemail” from other canines, meet new people and just spend quality time with you. Can’t get away from work? Hire a dog walker to stop by your house or drop your pup at doggy day care for a play date.

Donate to a Local Shelter or Dog Rescue. There are lots of dogs out there waiting for forever homes. You can help get them there by donating time, money, food, beds, towels or other items — just contact the organization and ask what they need most.

You can also volunteer to foster a dog (that is, if your dog is OK with it). Fostering is a great way to open your home and your heart to a dog in need. And who knows, it could turn out to be a great playmate for your own dog.

Take a Dog-Friendly Vacation. There’s no better time to hike in the woods or jog on the beach. And who better to join you than your loyal canine companion? With so many hotels and rental homes that are happy to accommodate dogs, it’s easier than ever to explore the world with your pooch.

Schedule a Health Checkup. While a visit to the veterinarian probably isn’t your dog’s favorite activity, it does provide you with the peace of mind that you’re doing everything to protect your pet’s health. In addition to performing a physical exam and possibly laboratory work, your veterinarian can advise you on nutrition, behavior and other factors that can help prolong your dog’s lifespan.

It’s also a good time to consider investing in pet health insurance so you won’t have to think twice about getting medical help when it’s needed.

Splurge on Something Special. Why not throw a “dog party” and invite your pet’s canine pals for supervised Frisbee throws, a dip in the kiddy pool and homemade dog cookies in your backyard? Maybe now’s the time to adorn your walls with a professional photo or painting of your pooch. Or simply buy your dog a new toy and devote time to a game of fetch.

Whatever you do, take time this week to show your dog how much you love him or her. After all, “the most loyal thing in the world is your dog,” according to Will Judy. “Whether you come home from Congress or from jail, whether you have lost your fortune or made a million, whether you return home dressed in fashion’s heights or in rags, whether you have been hailed as a hero or condemned as a criminal, your dog is waiting for you with a welcome bark of delight, a wagging tail and a heart that knows no guile.”

Off the Beaten Path: How to Hike with Your Dog

Posted on April 21, 2016 - 6:37 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather. A great way to soak up those rays is by getting outside and hitting the trails — and your pooch probably agrees! Here are some things to keep in mind as you get ready to take your dog hiking.

Is Your Dog Ready?

Trail Etiquette
The last thing anyone wants when they’re hiking is an unruly dog that lunges at them when they pass by. According to the hiking experts at REI, an outdoor outfitter based near Seattle, Washington, knowing what sorts of situations can set your dog off is important to avoid an aggravated pooch or fellow hikers.

Additionally, be sure to know the leash laws for any dusty path you venture down with your dog. You can usually find the specific leash requirements for your chosen trail by looking at the “rules and regulations” section of a park’s or municipality’s website. Many trail maps will mention the regulations as well. When in doubt, however, always leash your dog.

To help your dog become more comfortable with hiking, start out by trying low-traffic trails. This may mean trying out hiking during the off-season.

Physical Capabilities
Even if your dog is raring to go, some trails may be too much for them. Know what sort of exercise your dog is capable of and make sure that the trail is a good fit for you and your dog’s expertise level. For those dogs who aren’t used to hiking, Dogster recommends building “endurance with shorter hikes before attempting longer, more difficult ones.”

What to Pack

Being prepared for your hike means knowing what to pack. REI lists some basic hiking gear that you should pack for your pup:

  • Food and water (and dishes)
  • First aid pack
  • Booties, vests or coats
  • Leashes

Doggy Packs
If you expect your hiking buddy to carry their own pack, ease them into it. Putting a loaded pack on your dog and assuming that they will be fine rarely pans out well. REI offers some helpful advice for easing your dog into carrying their own gear on a hike:

If you want your pet to carry some of the load, start off by having him or her wear a pack around the house, then on short walks, then longer walks. You should also start with lighter loads. It’s safe to work to up to one-third of your dog’s weight if your dog is in healthy physical condition. For dogs who are older or in poor physical condition, consider leaving them at home with friends. They’ll be much happier… and safer, too.

Feeding Your Active Dog

To help your dog keep up with you on the trails, it’s important to feed them food that offers ingredients with higher protein and fat than the average dog food. A good source of energy for active dogs is the Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe with Roasted Fowl. Read more about this product to find out if it’s the right fit for your furry pal.

After the Hike

Chances are good that your pup is going to sleep like a baby after a long hike. But before they are down for the count, Dogster recommends checking your dog for cuts or injuries as well as ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.

Since dogs burn energy faster than humans, it’s important to pack some food for your tired and, most likely, hungry dog to munch on after the hike.