Living with long-haired dogs, it seems all the brushing in the world won’t prevent fur from ending up in every possible crevice of my house. It turns out both human hair and dog fur is great for absorbing oil, including the oil spills along the coasts. The recent miles-wide oil spill off the California coast near Huntington Beach is ruining beaches and estuaries along the coast.

In addition to ocean oil spills, researchers at the University of Sydney have found that dog fur and human hair—recycled from salon wastes and dog groomers—can be just as good as synthetic fabrics at cleaning up crude oil spills on hard land surfaces like highway roads, pavement, and sealed concrete floors. It seems dog fur is particularly good at cleaning up crude oil. Together with human hair recycled from salons, recycled dog fur is an effective and sustainable way to mop up dangerous environmental contaminants on land.

Here’s how dog owners can help.

The non-profit organization, Matter of Trust, collects donations of human and canine hair to make mats and booms with recycled nylons (yes, the ones you wear under your skirts!).  The mats and booms are then placed in the ocean to soak up oil.

It’s very easy to do so. Simply sign up at the website and you’ll be provided an address to send your donation to. Currently, Matter of Trust is accepting waste fiber donations from everywhere (100% debris-free, any length). There’s always a need for ponytails that are 3 inches or longer.

If you’re interested in making a hair donation, visit the Matter of Trust web site for more information. Your local human salon or canine groomer may also collect for the cause.

According to Matter of Trust, the United States has over 370,000 hair salons, each cutting an average of a pound of hair per day. Dog groomers usually cut three pounds per day. Imagine how much oil could be soaked up using material that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Check out this video for more information on how hair goes from dog to ocean.

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According to a report from Animal Medicines Australia, 35% of pet owners leave the TV or radio on while they are away during the day. But can dogs watch TV or listen to the radio?

Dogs process televisions and screens differently than we do, but it turns out they do recognize what they are seeing and hearing. Some dogs couldn’t be bothered to watch TV, but, in other cases, pet owners report that their dogs are enthralled by screens.

How Do Dogs See TV?

When it comes to the subject matter, you won’t be surprised to learn that dogs like watching dogs. Animals are naturally drawn to their own species. A 2013 study confirmed that dogs recognize what they see on screen and they prefer to watch other canines.

Dogs see the world differently than we do. In a dog’s eye, there are two types of cones versus three in humans, which gives them dichromatic vision. The result is that dogs do not differentiate between as many colors as (most) humans. In addition to that, dogs are much more sensitive to low light conditions.

Beyond color, different breeds of dogs have varying visual acuity. The visual streak in the canine eye is the area with the sharpest vision. But each breed and individual dog has a different shape and number of receptors. The differences in this eye structure play a huge role in how dogs see the world.

Next up is the flicker factor. On average, humans don’t see the flickering of a television when the speed is above 55 Hertz (Hz). But for dogs who have better motion perception, they’ve been tested on rates up to 75Hz. With televisions being displayed at 60Hz, we see this as a fluid motion, but dogs would see the television as a set of rapidly flickering images.

Nowadays, our modern televisions (and phones) have high-resolution pictures and clear audio, which offer our pups a clear view into another world.  Modern HD/4K TVs are refreshed at a much higher rate, allowing dogs to view fluid motion.

But visuals aren’t the only thing. Sounds have a significant impact on a dog’s viewing of television. As most pet owners can guess, studies have found that dogs were more attentive to video that includes barking, whining, and sounds of praise.

DOGTV was launched in 2012 to tackle this concept. The 24/7 channel has more frames per second, shows colors that are more favorable to a dog’s vision, and is tailor-made for stay-at-home dogs.

According to DOGTV, the network is “scientifically developed to provide the right company for dogs when left alone. Through years of research, special content was created to meet specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing and support their natural behavior patterns. The result: a confident, happy dog, who’s less likely to develop stress, separation anxiety or other related problems.”

Even with a specially made channel, dogs tend to watch tv for only short bursts of time, usually just glancing at the TV. We know dogs can see, hear, and interpret what is on the TV—but do dogs like watching TV? That’s another story and a question for which science still doesn’t have an answer.

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Dogs are social creatures and communicate their feelings with us through sounds and body language. In a puppy’s first weeks, they’ll begin to yelp, whine, and grunt before growing and moving into more rich and complex communication methods. Learning puppy speak helps us better care for our puppy, and we can build upon these experiences as they age.

In the comprehensive book, Puppy’s First Steps: The Whole-Dog Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Puppy, Nicholas Dodman writes, “The better you understand how [your puppy] experiences their world, the less likely you’ll be to become frustrated or angry (and perhaps treat your charge unfairly). And, ultimately, the better and stronger the bond between the two of you will be.”

Get started decoding your puppy speak—here are five explanations to help you decipher the meaning behind their body language and vocalizations.

Whines: When a puppy whines, the sound pulls at our heartstrings. One study even found that the whimpers of a puppy feel sadder to pet owners than the sound of a crying baby. Puppies will whine when they are in need—your puppy may be cold, lonely, hungry. Try to comfort them with attention, food, or even a warm towel, and you’ll find they’ll probably stop.

Grunts: Puppies grunt for various reasons, but it’s something they do while they are relaxed and content. You’ll find puppies grunting when eating, sleeping, or being petted because they enjoy it.

Circles Before Sleeping: As you get ready for bed, you fluff your pillow and pull back your sheets. Dogs have a similar sleep routine of circling and stomping around. It’s believed this primal instinctive behavior helped wild dogs prepare and flatten their grass bedding before sleep.

Licking Lips: Dogs will often lick their lips when they are nervous or anxious. You can help your pup by finding the source of their anxiousness.

Moving Away from Head Pats: This might be a surprise to you, but many dogs don’t like head pats. Dogs love to be stroked, petted, and scratched but not necessarily patted, and there’s an important difference.

The post From Puppy Grunts to Whines: 5 Things Your Puppy is Trying to Tell You appeared first on My Doggy Blog.

Let’s face it, dogs need lots of care, and daily walks are a part of that. A daily walk is not only great exercise for both you and your dog, but it is also a wonderful bonding experience. But, if you are facing an inflexible work schedule or long commute, it may be challenging to walk your dog as often as you’d like (and as often as they need). That’s where dog walkers come in.

Dog walkers provide a variety of services, from basic walks and check-ins to long-distance running. Having a dog walker will help provide basic care for your dog and provide them an enriching experience where they might otherwise be bored at home. But how do you find a dog walker that is right for your dog?

Every family has different needs. So, before you begin your search, determine what you need from a dog walker, the temperament of your dog, and any walking issues like excessive pulling. Puppies, for example, require many more check-ins, whereas a senior may simply enjoy a leisurely stroll around the block, and a terrier may require a long run.

How to Find a Good Dog Walker

The good news is that there are tons of resources available to you to find the perfect match. Start your search by asking those closest to you.

Family and friends are amazing resources. If you haven’t already, ask! Not only can friends provide you with their recommendations, but they also won’t hold back on telling you about any negative experiences they’ve had in the past. Similarly, ask neighbors for recommendations for reliable dog walkers near you.

Vets do much more than an annual check-up. At many vet offices, you’ll find they provide a resource list for recommended dog walkers in the area, some vet and vet techs may provide dog walking service too.

Other dog service providers like groomers and trainers can provide recommendations, and some provide dog walking as a secondary service. Trainers are the perfect solution for pets who need a little extra help with leash training.

If you’ve exhausted all your closest and most trusted referrals and still haven’t found a match, next try searching online. With review sites like Nextdoor, Yelp, Google, and dog walking services like Rover and Wag!, you’re sure to find people to interview for your dog walking needs.

What To Ask A Potential Dog Walker

Speaking of interviews, I recommend setting up meetings with several potential walkers before making any decisions. During the meetups, you’ll be able to gauge compatibility, get references from past clients, and find out how invested they are in dog walking.

Ask about their background and experiences. Do they have training experience? Have they had to handle dogs with temperament issues before? Do they have any certificates or first-aid knowledge?

Find out about insurance. It’s vital for your dog walker to be bonded and insured in case of an accident during the walk. Ask them more about their policy coverage.

Learn about service type. Each dog walker offers slightly different services, so length, distance, travel options, and speed may vary. Some dog walkers do group walks with other dogs, so make sure to clearly set your expectations.

Dig into training style. You want to be on the same page with how you work with your dog. Make sure you understand the terminology of things like force-free and positive training.

Ask about their dog walking prices. Prices will vary depending on the local area but ensure this information is clearly stated.

What about cancellations? In the unlikely scenario that you (or they) need to cancel, what happens? Ask about any fees and the procedures for a last-minute cancellation. Doubly important, find out if the dog walker has a backup in an emergency and how you’ll be informed.

What does your dog think? Beyond the questions, watch how the dog walker interacts with your dog. Do they “click” with your dog? Do they get down on your dog’s level? Compatibility is a huge factor. You want to ensure you are hiring a trustworthy and reliable dog walker, but you also want your dog to enjoy spending time with this person too. As the saying goes, dogs are an excellent judge of character. So, make their opinion count.

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Riding a bike can be a fantastic activity to share with your dog, big or small. If you have a dog that requires a lot of exercise, having them run alongside the bike can provide them much-needed physical stimulation. For small dogs or older dogs, riding with your dog in a bike trailer or basket is a great way to get where you need to go without putting too much of a burden on your pet.

When it comes to learning how to take a dog on a bike ride, the most important part of bicycling with dogs is safety. We’ll go over safe riding techniques, the best gear for biking with dogs, and tips and tricks to keep the experience safe and fun. Before you know it, you’ll be off on a whole new adventure with your pup.

Bike Safety

Biking can be an incredibly fulfilling activity, but it doesn’t come without safety hazards for both you and your dog. While out riding, there are many potential distractions (cars, squirrels, etc.), so if you have a fearful, skittish, or reactive dog, you’ll need to work on their temperament and training before attempting to ride.

Beyond temperament, you’ll also need to consider health. Before heading out on the road with your dog, remember to check the temperature outdoors. Many dog owners are aware of the dangers of excessive heat but what might be surprising is that even mild temperatures pose a risk of heat stroke. Paws need care too, at only 77 °F, the asphalt temperature is a whopping 125 °F, too hot for a dog’s paws. For warm days, you’ll need to get a pair of doggie booties to keep those paws safe. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your dog.

Last, when riding with your dog, attach your clip to a harness, not a collar. Harnesses provide your dog with more support and will prevent neck injuries.

Getting Started

Remember, whether your dog is riding in a basket or running along with you, ease into rides and go at your dog’s pace. For pet owners looking to take their dog along in a carrier or trailer, take a peek at our stroller guide for step-by-step instructions on how to introduce your dog to a trailer or basket.

Baskets, Carriers, and Trailers

For small dogs, there are plenty of bike baskets available which attach to handlebars or on the rear of the bike. PetSafe has several carriers, including the Happy Ride Wicker Dog Bicycle Basket available on chewys.com. The attractive Sporty Pet Bike Basket by Snoozer is available through Amazon, which offers added storage for poop bags, leashes, and bowls. For all baskets, be sure to measure your dog and your bike before buying to ensure your selected basket fits.

For large dogs, trailers will offer your dog space and comfort. The highly-rated Tail Wagon^® by Burley offers a removable floor for convenient cleaning and mesh windows for maximum airflow for your dog. While Burley’s price tag is a little steep, it makes up in performance and ease of use. Cheaper trailers are typically heavier, don’t have flat flooring, and don’t provide a smooth ride. For those looking for the convenience of a trailer but for smaller dogs, Dutch Dog Designs has a mini trailer which is an ideal solution.

Leash Attachments for Bicycling with Large Dogs

It isn’t uncommon for novices to begin biking with dogs by simply holding onto the leash while cycling, but it isn’t a good idea—believe me, I’ve been there. If you and your dog are ready, get started with a hands-free leash attachment for your bike. These dog bike leashes clamp onto the frame of the bike for an easy hands-free ride. Using a specialty attachment removes any chance of leash tangle, keeps dogs clear of pedals and gears, and reduces the risk of excessive tugging and biking accidents.

Springer America, created in 2008, is an ideal choice for a leash attachment as it has a patented safety release. They recommend introducing your dog to the bike and leash attachment by walking the bike and dog side-by-side. Be sure to reward your dog with tasty treats to add positive reinforcement to the experience.

Remember, while biking with dogs can be fun, be sure to ease into the training. Begin by taking very short trips and add 5 or 10 minutes as your dog gets accustomed to it. Don’t forget about potty breaks! Whether running along or in a basket, periodically stop to let your pup walk and get a closer sniff.

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Did you know how we feed, wash, walk, and play with our pets can have damaging consequences on the planet?

Owning a dog comes with great responsibility, not just for looking after your furry friend day after day but also for ensuring their care doesn’t cause negative long-term environmental impacts. To help you become a more eco-conscious dog owner, follow these easy tips that can help to make a huge difference.

Use compostable poop bags

Thin and flimsy plastics can often not be recycled so try to avoid products such as plastic poop bags, which will more than likely end up in landfill sites, unable to break down.  Compostable alternatives are a brilliant option to help combat this plastic pollution.

When disposed of properly with enough light, oxygen, and moisture, compostable poop bags can break down within six months.

Avoid toxic grooming products

When washing your dog, look to use organic and non-toxic grooming products, with ingredients such as shea butter, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. Try green grooming with baking soda.

Not only are many dog grooming products harsh on your pet’s skin, but their ingredients can also be harmful to our oceans and wildlife when washed down the drain.

Avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or synthetic fragrances, as these have been proven to negatively affect marine life by toxifying the water.

Walk your dog locally

Choose local walks over those that require engine-fuelled transport where you can. While it’s great to explore new places with your dog, driving in your car or catching the train or bus will add to the release of carbon emissions, detrimentally affecting the environment.

The above modes of transport, in addition to planes, is why transport is one of the top 5 biggest carbon polluters worldwide. Avoiding these where you can make a big difference to your personal carbon footprint and help reduce levels of carbon in the atmosphere, which directly contribute to global warming.

Choose alternative protein-based foods

Livestock farming, in particular rearing cows, is a huge contributor to greenhouse gases. Swapping beef-based food for other protein-based ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, and grains can help reduce this environmental impact.

These alternatives, whilst better for the environment, are also much leaner, providing the right nutrients for your canine, meaning they will remain healthy whilst protecting the planet too.

Plastic-free toys

You can also reduce your dog’s environmental impact by swapping out plastic-based toys for those made from other materials.

Some options include toys made from natural materials or food. For example, sustainably sourced rope, jute, and hemp are brilliant as they are not only kind to the planet and biodegradable, but they’re also durable materials, saving you money in the long run too!

Making these sustainable swaps will ensure you are becoming an eco-conscious dog owner while keeping your furry friend happy and healthy at the same time.

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If you’re ready to take your dog training to the next level, beyond basic obedience, get started with the spin trick. Learn how to teach your dog to spin with our easy step-by-step guide below.

Remember, when it comes to dog training, choose the methods that help your dog succeed. Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to spin, and resist attempts to force them to move quicker than they are ready; training should always be enjoyable for both dogs and humans.

With the below steps, imagine your dog going around a clock face.

1. To get started with the spin trick, have your dog face you while standing and all fours.

2. Next, using a delicious treat, lure them slowly in one direction.

3. Continue to lure, reward them at 3 o’clock

4. Keep them moving, reward again at 6 o’clock

5. As you make your way towards the end of the circle, reward again at 9 o’clock.

6. Once you make your way back to 12 o’clock, reward, switch directions, and repeat.

Once your dog begins to pick up on the task, add in a cue. I’ve added both a verbal “Spin” and a hand signal (circular spinning of pointer finger) for my dogs. As you progress with this spin trick training, you’ll drop rewards at 6 o’clock, then 3 o’clock, and so on.

Note: If your dog doesn’t follow the lure, work slower to keep her attentive.

Dogs tend to pick this one up pretty quickly, which is great because the spin trick is essential for other more advanced dog trick training.

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Dog’s name and age:  Bandit, 6 years

Nicknames: Bandito, Ban-Ban, Band, Mr. Squeakyballs, Fluffy Butt, Bear

Adoption Story: At age 34, I had a stroke. Over the next year, I did physical and occupational therapy to relearn how to walk and use my hand again. On the first anniversary of having a stroke, I saw Bandit up for up for adoption. When I saw him in person, it was love at first sight. I knew having Bandit in my life would help me continue bouncing back from my stroke, and we have been inseparable for the last six years.

Bandit got his name because of his fur coloring, which looks like a bandit mask around his eyes. He loves walks outdoors, playing fetch, and finding the squeaker on toys.

Bandit can spend hours playing fetch with squeaky balls, and he falls asleep while getting brushed. He also loves licking his grandpa’s face and his mommy’s feet, not necessarily in that order. His favorite treats are carrots, peanut butter, and apples.

On the job front, Bandit goes to nursing homes to visit and bring happiness to the elderly.

The post Meet Bandit appeared first on My Doggy Blog.

A key part of being a pet parent is the fulfilling and nurturing relationships we build with animals as part of our families. Dogs (and other pets) are ever-present in our lives, and their influence has been shown to be beneficial to the physical and mental health of children, adults, and seniors alike. But how did animals become so deeply rooted in American homes and lives?

In the new book, Just Like Family: How Companion Animals Joined the Household (New York University Press: 2021), SMU sociologist Andrea Laurent-Simpson dives into the question of how the modern family–the multispecies family–came to be. She explores the influences of pets on the family structure and the massive demographic shifts that brought them into our homes.

“American pet-owners are transforming the cultural definition of family,” Laurent-Simpson says. “Dogs and cats are treated like children, siblings, grandchildren. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 85 percent of dog-owners and 76 percent of cat-owners think of their pets as family.”

In this fascinating book, Laurent-Simpson discusses how nontraditional families such as childfree families, LGBTQ families, and grandparent families have helped to make the multispecies family the norm. As people began to focus less on survival and more on happiness—the family structure evolved along with it—with dogs right by our side. Laurent-Simpson also considers the impacts of the multispecies family on the birthrate in the United States, which hit a record low in 2020.

“The role of the companion animal in the childfree, multispecies family may well incrementally contribute to delaying or even eventually opting out of childbirth,” she says.  “The multispecies family without children is emerging as a new and acceptable form of diversified family structure.”

It seems the multispecies family is here to stay. Read more from Andrea Laurent-Simpson on the multispecies household.

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Have you ever seen what you thought was a lost dog but, upon closer inspection, turned out to be a coyote? Coyotes are often encountered by those near wildlife reserves, forests, or farms—but that’s now changing.

Now more than ever, we must be aware of their increasing co-existence among humans in urban areas when walking alone or with our pets. However, it is important how we choose to coexist as coyotes are incredibly beneficial for our natural ecosystem. As omnivores, coyotes are our cities’ top predators, also known as “nature’s clean-up crew,” reducing the population of rodents and scavenging on dead animals.

The Eastern Coyote, North America’s “Song Dog” shares common DNA with the Algonquin Wolf. When left unhindered to thrive on their own, coyotes mate for life and have significant family bonds. Each family of coyotes maintains and defends a territory or home range that averages between 5 and 28 square kilometers (3 to 18 square miles), depending on food availability. They are skillful foragers who make use of a range of natural and human discarded food and waste.

With more of us enjoying outdoor activities to get our exercise and peace of mind during the pandemic, it is inevitable that we will cross paths with these majestic creatures, but it is essential to know what to do when it happens. If spotted in the distance, dogs will naturally raise their hackles and may show distressed body language when confronted with a coyote. Most commonly, dogs will bark and enter a protective mode, letting the coyote know to keep their distance.

Should you be scared if your dog barks at a coyote?

Dogs can smell and communicate with wildlife, including coyotes, via howling, barking, whimpering, sniffing, eye contact, and body language. Barking can pique a coyote’s interest, although it is more likely to scare it away after they notice a human is present. However, if your dog shows signs of eagerness to meet wildlife, try to distract with treats or change direction to reduce interaction and communication, preventing further escalation.

It is paramount to make sure your dog does not chase a coyote, as these canines see chasing differently. Ensuring a large distance between you and your dog and the coyote helps minimize the communication, thus making negative interactions more difficult.

If You Notice Coyotes in Your Neighborhood

Aversion conditioning is the process by which an unpleasant stimulus is paired with undesirable behavior and can be used as a peaceful technique to coexist with coyotes. Using these techniques can restore a coyote’s natural avoidance of humans and minimize direct interactions.

Reach out to your local fish and wildlife department for assistance if you notice an uptick in coyotes in your neighborhood. Depending on the family of coyotes, intensive and consistent action may be required to encourage them to move entirely. With that being said, the high intensity hazing of a coyote family should only be conducted by trained professionals with first-hand experience in these advanced techniques.

What to do if a Coyote is Approaching You and Your Dog

First and foremost, remain calm, keep eye contact, and slowly back away while leaving the area. Never run from a coyote, as you may trigger its predatory response and give it a reason to chase you. If you have any personal alarm devices such as a whistle, bell, or phone alarm, use them to scare or threaten the coyote.

1. Stop and Stand Still
2. Make Yourself BIG
3. Be Loud and Assertive
4. Slowly Back Away
5. NEVER turn your back and run

Standing tall, making yourself look big, waving your arms, and shouting but not screaming while walking in the direction of the coyote until he or she runs away. Use a noisemaker such as your voice, a whistle, airhorn, banging pots and pans, filling a pop can with rocks, and shaking it, or snapping a large garbage bag, jingling keys, etc. These can all be very effective.

Always keep a safe distance. With coyotes that are accustomed to these techniques, it may take more than one of the above deterrents.

If the coyote decides to show aggressive behavior, remember to make yourself look big by raising your hands, stomping your feet, shaking your jacket, and making noise while shouting “Go Away!”

In the rare case, the coyote decides to continue to approach you, throw rocks or sticks in its direction but be sure NOT to hit the coyotes. Sticks, clumps of dirt, or tennis balls work well. Keep in mind that if you are walking with a small dog or your child, pick them up into your arms, giving the coyote less of a reason to continue to approach.

As owners of pets, we must:

1. Clean up attractants: Bird feeders around the house attract rodents and small mammals, thus attracting coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey. Be sure to clean any fallen food or fruit from fruit trees. Do not leave pet food outside as it will attract unwanted wildlife. If you feed feral/wild animals, leave food out for 30 min, and then remove it. Keep all garbage in secured compost bins.
2. No unsupervised roaming: Resist the urge to let your pets roam without supervision. Be sure to go outside with your dog at night to supervise them while they do their business. Coyotes and other wildlife can sneak into backyards for a meal.
3. Keep all farm animals enclosed: Be sure to keep backyard farm life enclosed at night to protect them from visitors who like to dig under fences.
4. Give wildlife their deserved space: Whether it is a squirrel, rabbit, or coyote, teach your dog to respect and not harass or chase wildlife.
5. Keep your property clean: Remove big brush piles as they provide a perfect hiding spot for predators. Scoop your pup’s poop as pet feces attract rodents, who, in turn, attract larger wildlife. Keep all outdoor cooking areas clean. If you are living on a farm, dispose of dead stock quickly and securely.
6. Avoid certain walking hours: Coyotes are most active during the hours of sunrise and sunset; be sure to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

Remember that each animal placed on this earth plays a big role in the healthy maintenance of our natural ecosystems and the circle of life we humans depend on; we need them as much as they need us. Coyotes are a part of our urban communities and will remain that way. We have the chance to restructure our relationships with these urban canines while promoting a companionate co-existence.

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