Modern Dog Fall 2022

Celebrating 20 years of dogs + the magic of the human-canine bond!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions FALL 2022

BEST

Your Forever Dog

of

ISSUE! ✔ Treats ✔ Beds ✔ Toys ✔ Gear

Top longevity tips

p34 How Breed Affects Behaviour

ALL YOUR DOG

QUESTIONS ANSWERED! moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL DEC ‘22

$6.95

p40

Boredom Busters

Incredible Rescue Transformations

Help for Fearful Dogs Best Places to Take Your Dog

p96 Fascinating Dog Facts

INSIDE: Giveaways Galore! Training Tips! Behaviour Advice! Heartwarming Stories!

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Sleep Like a Dog in This Human-Sized Dog Bed University grads launch dog beds for people, raise $400,000.

BY CASSANDRA GILL

Does Breed Predict Behaviour?

Pedigree may not be destiny, but, contrary to recent headlines, breed remains a useful indicator of probable personality traits.

BY STANLEY COREN

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Who Takes Care of Pandemic Nurses?

Their Dogs Nurses and the dogs that have helped them through tough days.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DALOISE

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72

80

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Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Our top ideas and picks for engaging and entertaining your dog.

The Bull Terrier Exuberant, mischievous, endearing—these “eggheads” have personality plus!

BY CAMILLE LEMOS

BY KELLY CALDWELL

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Dog-tastic Destinations Dog-friendly spots worth road-tripping for.

THE GOODS

BY TRACEY TONG

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Why Does My Dog…?

A dog behaviourist and trainer answers commonly Googled dog questions.

The Best Dog Beds The comfiest, coziest dog beds out there!

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Dog Gear Look Book Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for your dog.

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Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from bad teeth to sore hips and itchy skin!

BY NICOLE WILDE

READ YOUR BREED 14

Meet the New Kid on the Block American Kennel Club recognizes its 200th breed, the Bracco Italiano.

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Top 13 Breeds That Live the Longest These breeds have the longest lifespan.

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68 P H OTO TO P R I G H T P O L I N A B R I G H T / SH U TT E R STO C K

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R I G H T P H OTO

VOL 21

L E FT P H OTO

FALL 2022

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The Most Common Pet Insurance Claims

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Digging Problem Solved!

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Medicinal Mushrooms Help with Hemangiosarcoma

DOG LIFE

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Simple, Three-Ingredient Dog Food Recipe

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The Best Dog Treats From ideal training treats to health boosters, here are our top treat picks!

BODY & SOUL

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We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got three months of incredible giveaways—from CBD for dogs to food, treats, and supplements—and winners every week! See what’s up for grabs on page 24.

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I’m a Survivor These survivors of the dog meat trade are now living their best lives!

BY ROSE FROSEK; PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOPHIE GAMAND

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REGULAR FEATURES

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Connie’s Book Club Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s fall selection of must-read dog books.

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Fall Essentials We’ve rounded up our favourite fall dog products, Modern Dog tested and approved!

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Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words.

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Interesting Dog Facts Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts.

ON THE COVER Fern, 14-year-old Border Collie, photographed by the very talented animal photographer Jason Krygier-Baum. Find him at jasonkb.com Top cover inset: new africa/shutterstock Middle cover inset: Sophie Gamand Bottom cover inset: Kim Smith

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BY ROSE FROSEK

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 21, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

R I G H T P H OTO SA R A H DA LO I SE

Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace

BY TEOTI ANDERSON

L E FT N E W A F R I C A / SH U TT E R STO CK

6 10 12 14 22 93

What to do About a Fearful Dog How to deal with a dog that is scared.

EDITOR'S LETTER

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

CO N N I E W I L S O N W I T H P E N N Y, P H OTO K H A R E N H I L L

OUR READERS WRITE

T

Simply Genius

his fall issue marks 20 years of celebrating dogs! What an incredible journey we’ve been on together. When I launched Modern Dog with my daughter, Jennifer Nosek, from my house in September 2002, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had exactly zero publishing experience, just a love of dogs and a deep, abiding faith in my mission: to create a community of dog lovers. The first issue was published locally but met with such incredible success that by the third issue, Modern Dog was distributed across all of Canada and the U.S. And now, here we are, 20 years later, with so many incredible milestones under our belt. A slew of celebrity dog lovers has graced the cover (Katherine Heigl! Ellen DeGeneres! Martha Stewart!), we’ve been on The Ellen Show, headed to New York City to cover the Westminster Dog Show countless times, had the Modern Dog office taken over by foster puppies, been a title sponsor of the Hero Dog Awards and many other charitable events, and have made so many wonderful friends. Thank you for being a part of this amazing, endlessly inspiring community. You are the reason we come to work every day with smiles on our faces. Dogs forever!

With love,

“I especially liked the article “Is Your Dog a Genius?” I concluded that I am in fact a genius!”—@thelifeofschultz

Enthusiastic Readers Dita & Clara enjoying their daily dose of Modern Dog.@rise.n.shine.pups

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Before you get a dog, you can’t quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterward, you can’t imagine living any other way. — Caroline Knapp 6 moderndog

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You’ve Got Mail I got mail! Amazing articles but reading makes me sleepy.—@mr.salami_pastrami

20 YEARS OF MODERN DOG Covers from 2002 to present

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Zeroing in on the zeitgeist, Modern Dog features polarizing, Chihuahua toting, then-tabloidstaple Paris Hilton on the cover.

Other famous Modern Dog cover models include Pamela Anderson, Martha Stewart, and Rachael Ray.

YEARS OF MODERN DOG A VISUAL TIMELINE

FALL 2002

Modern Dog launches in Vancouver, BC as a local magazine by first-time publisher Connie Wilson, inspired by her own “very good, very bad dog,” Kaya, a Weimaraner-Pointer cross with a mind of her own.

JUN 2004 MAR 2003 Following a flurry of press coverage and international interest, Modern Dog expands with coast-to-coast distribution across Canada and the U.S.

Ellen DeGeneres appears on the cover of Modern Dog following a Modern Dog photoshoot at Ellen’s house in the Hollywood Hills. Ellen’s mom and Portia are both present. Ellen reveals the issue on The Ellen Show and gives away a signed copy to every member of the audience.

Modern Dog launches its App, making readership global.

MAR 2008

DEC 2015

Modern Dog switches from celebrity covers to dog-only covers to put more focus on the dogs!

MAR 2014

SEPT 2022

The Modern Dog team weathers the pandemic, temporarily transitioning to remote work to make sure the magazine is published without interruption.

MAR 2020

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Find us everywhere! Modern Dog continues to celebrate dogs via the website, app, newsletter, and social media, focusing on brightening the world with good dog-news, helping deepen the understanding of our canine friends, promoting rescue, and partnering with incredible non-profits like Best Friends and Grey Muzzle. Here’s to the next 20 years!

I L LU ST R AT I O N J ESS G O L D E N

SEPT 2012

Modern Dog’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson receives the Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry award from the American Pet Products Association.

P H OTO C AT I N G R E T / B I G STO CK . CO M ; E L L E N P H OTO A N D R E W ECCL ES ;

Me-wow: The Modern Dog team launches sibling title Modern Cat magazine, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this fall.

DEC 2010

C ONT R IBUTOR S FA L L 2 0 2 2 • V O L 2 1

Sophie Gamand is a

NO 3

Publisher

French photographer, artist, and dog advocate living in Los Angeles. She is passionate about rescue dogs. Using her art as an advocacy tool, Sophie explores the intersection between humankind and dogs, and what this millennia-old bond reveals about our humanity. Her most known project is Pit Bull Flower Power, a series of shelter Pit Bulls wearing flower crowns. Find her at sophiegamand. com and @SophieGamand. And turn to page 40 for her gloriously triumphant photos of dog-meat trade survivors now living their best lives.

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Constance Elwes Sales & Marketing

Linda Helme Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator

Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration

Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing

Photographer Sarah Daloise is from Calgary, AB where she works as a Registered Nurse and is dog mom to the world’s sweetest Puggle, Boomer. When not walking with her hubby and Boomer in Fish Creek Park, Sarah is creating lasting memories for dog-moms and dads through photography. After taking a two-year hiatus, she was more than thrilled to be able to showcase fellow nurses and their beloved pups in this issue. Find her at sarahanndogphotography.com, and flip to page 48 for her moving photo series.

Mina Zivkovic

GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION!

Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 or email advertising@moderndogmagazine.com In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 21, Issue 3.

Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 21, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131 (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

FAX

Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Although best known to the public for his books on dogs, he is also a highly respected behavioural researcher and was named as one of the 2000 outstanding scientists of the 20th century. He has written many best-selling books including The Intelligence of Dogs and How to Speak Dog and was awarded a Maxwell Medal of Excellence from The Dog Writers Association of America. Turn to page 34 for his explanation of how breed determines behaviour and personality.

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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements.

Copyright 2022 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

P H OTO STA N CO R E N © U N I V E R SI TY O F B R I T I SH CO LU M B I A

Stanley Coren is Professor

Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter!

1 Treat yourself to new sneakers and apparel! With its adorable dog-themed designs, the BOBS from Skechers collection is comfortable and stylish—and I love that the brand gives back to shelter animals in need across North America by partnering with Petco Love!—Simran (from $45, bobsfromskechers.com) 2 Kick off fall with a new dog tag from Bad Tags! Choose from their enormous selection of irreverent, sweet, and funny ID tags, like my fall pick: “I’m So Cute, Even Leaves Fall for Me.” These lightweight tags are quiet, enamel coated, and feature a recycled aluminum core.—Anna ($20 per tag, buybadtags.com) 3 Like our dogs, pure magic—this joyful, transporting collection of poems

by Jane Marla Robbins celebrates dogs and the profound ways they touch our lives.—Jennifer ($15, janemarlarobbins.com) 4 Rest easy knowing your dog is covered! Nationwide pet insurance plans let you visit any vet and get your money back, so you don’t have to weigh whether you can afford treatment.—Constance (Plans starting at $35 a month, petinsurance.com) 5 A beautiful picture book to share with the little ones in your life, Because of Bentley by Loren Spiotta-DiMare is a sweet children’s storybook based on the true story of Bentley, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who worked as a therapy dog and received numerous awards for his amazing work.—Linda ($20, lorensreadingroom.com) 6 Specifically formulated for the treatment of cancer and tumours, Healthier Pet’s Health Drops 30/6 are made with CBD, Delta-8, cold-pressed organic hemp seed oil, and fish oil. Easily digestible, it helps with pain and symptoms.

—Jennifer ($140, healthierpet.org) 7 Pro tip: Crunchy treats can make a great enrichment tool when added to a food puzzle or snuffle toy! Made with real peanut butter, Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food’s Peanut Butter Crunchy Bites are a delicious low-calorie treat perfect for training or stuffing in toys.—Cecilia ($8, chickensouppets.com) 8 If your pooch has a sensitive stomach like Modern Dog office pup Pippin, it can be hard to introduce new treats. Enter ProDen PlaqueOff System Holistic Soft Bites, which support gut, immune, and dental health with probiotics, kelp, sweet potato, and pumpkin. Pippin approved!—Yaunna ($13, us.swedencare.com) 9 Made with natural beef trachea and sweet potato, the Sweet Potato Flavour Stuffed Windee from Jones Natural Chews is a long-lasting chew that dogs of all sizes adore. Plus, beef trachea is a natural source of glucosamine, aiding in joint health!—Mina (from $8, jonesnaturalchews.com) 10 What could be better than a custom portrait of your dog? The custom dog illustrations from Illustrate-it are a beautiful way to spruce up any space and show off your love for your favourite canine friend.—Connie (from $75, illustrate-it.ca)

P H OTO RO L E N CI N O / B I G ST O C K . CO M

Stuff We Love

American Kennel Club recognizes its 200th breed, the Bracco Italiano

S

ay hello to the Bracco Italiano, the 200th breed to be fully recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Joining the Sporting Group, the Bracco Italiano is an ancient breed, its history reaching back to the fourth or fifth century. It is one of two native gundogs from Italy, developed to hunt, point, and retrieve. Bracchi are tireless in the field. They are powerful and need daily exercise.

These dogs are known to be sensitive and gentle-natured and become close friends with children. They thrive on human companionship and are loyal, affectionate, and playful. Their short

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coats are easily maintained, requiring only a few minutes of brushing each week to keep the coat in good condition.

Is a Bracco Italiano right for you? “The Bracco Italiano is a strong, active, and sturdy breed of dog that would make a great companion for active families,” says Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “The breed loves people and would be best suited for a family that can give it the love and attention it needs.”

READ YOUR BREED

For more breed profiles, visit moderndogmagazine.com/breeds

AT A GLANCE Affectionate and enthusiastic Smart, docile, easy-to-train Good with kids and other dogs 55 – 90 pounds 10 – 14 years life expectancy Easy-care coat

P H OTO O LG AG O ROV E N KO / SH U TT E R STO CK ; I N SE T: M I R A SWO N D E R L A N D / B I G STO CK . CO M

MEET THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

ALLERGIES AVG. CLAIM PAYOUT: $138 AVG. SUBMITTED AMOUNT: $186

#

SKIN MASS/CYST/LUMP AVG. CLAIM PAYOUT $310 AVG. SUBMITTED AMOUNT: $466

#

CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEAR/ RUPTURE AVG. CLAIM PAYOUT $750 AVG. SUBMITTED AMOUNT: $1,075

#

GASTROENTERITIS AVG. CLAIM PAYOUT: $267 AVG. SUBMITTED AMOUNT $380

#

FOREIGN BODY INGESTION REMOVAL AVG. CLAIM PAYOUT $795 AVG. SUBMITTED AMOUNT $1,097

W

eighing if pet insurance is worth it? We asked pet insurance company Pets Plus Us for their most claimed conditions, and what they pay out. Of course, some claims far exceed the average, such as recent “Claim of the Month” alum Will, an American Pit Bull Terrier whose foreign body removal cost upwards of $4,600. (What did you get into, Will?!)

Forbes estimates that for dogs, pet insurance generally ranges from $20 to $44 USD a month, though cost varies according to breed, region, age, and pre-existing conditions. On average, Pets Plus Us receives 1.5 claims per year per policyholder. Peace of mind?

Priceless.

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RISK FACTOR Assess your dog’s risk for developing common, inherited diseases.

Developed by veterinarians and PhD geneticists, the Canine HealthCheck test from Paw Print Genetics screens your pooch for over 250 inherited diseases and traits with results returned within 14 days or less! You’ll receive results for each gene tested as normal, a carrier, or at-risk for each disease. ($190, caninehealthcheck.com)

I N SE T P H OTO A N TO N _ D I OS / B I G STO CK . CO M

The Most Common Pet Insurance Claims

#

P H OTO S O N J ACH N Y J / B I G STO CK . CO M

Top 5 Claimed Health Conditions

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No Old Dog Deserves to Die Alone

This amazing organization is saving senior shelter dogs

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f all the dogs languishing in shelters, the ones that really break our hearts are the oldies—the sweet seniors found as strays or dropped off at animal control when their care becomes too burdensome or costly. Their grey faces and clouded eyes seem to beseech: what have I done to deserve this? Facing reduced adoption prospects, many simply don’t make it out.

Stepping in to change this is The Grey Muzzle Organization, a registered non-profit that believes no old dog deserves to die alone and afraid. The Grey Muzzle team is dedicated to creating a world in which every senior dog is cherished.

“Although they have so much love and companionship to give, senior dogs are among the first to be euthanized and last to be adopted,” says Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization.

When senior dogs enter shelters, their future is uncertain—just over 50 percent find new homes, says Lunghofer. But thanks to the work of The Grey Muzzle Organization, more good, old dogs are getting out of shelters and into loving homes.

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Razz enjoys snuggling with an adoption center volunteer.

Grey Muzzle grants prevent at-risk senior dogs like Razz from being surrendered to shelters.

Grey Muzzle focuses solely on the welfare of senior dogs. Through grants, the organization funds programs throughout the United States designed to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs. Thanks to supporters, since 2008, Grey Muzzle has provided a total of $3,800,000 in grants to senior dog programs nationwide, including $705,000 awarded this past July to 78 animal welfare groups. Grey Muzzle invites shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries, and other non-profit organizations to apply for these grant funds. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000.

CAPTION THIS!

C A RTO O N S BY J O H N K LO SS N E R ; J K LO SS N E R . CO M

Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.

From Chained to Beloved: Pilgrim’s Journey Rescue group NMDOG answered an urgent call for help from Animal Control in Albuquerque, NM. An Animal Control officer had picked up nine-year-old Pilgrim, who was found chained and freezing. He was severely malnourished and covered in wounds from repeated dog attacks.

Thanks to a Grey Muzzle grant, NMDOG was able to say “yes” to taking in Pilgrim. Within the hour, he was on his way to the veterinarian.

It was clear that Pilgrim had suffered horribly, so much so that the responding officer filed animal cruelty charges.

Ultimately, Pilgrim’s abuser was found guilty.

Safely with NMDOG, Pilgrim finally received the care he had gone so long without. He was treated for a severe blood infection and trauma to his right eye and placed on a special diet to help him regain the 20 pounds he had lost while fending for himself. The community rallied around him, sending care packages with tasty treats and notes with words of encouragement.

As Pilgrim’s body began to heal, his spirit started to return. Finally feeling safe and loved, he shared a bit more of his wiggly, kissy self each day. It was only a matter of time until he was ready to find a home of his own. It wasn’t long before Pilgrim found the yin for his yang: Woody! Two old guys cut from the same cloth, they loved hanging out on the couch together and surfing the Web. Woody even got Pilgrim a monthly subscription to a magical box filled with chew toys and special treats that didn’t upset his tummy.

After three wonderful years together, Woody and Pilgrim’s NMDOG family had to say goodbye. “With lots of treats, so many kisses, snuggles and wags, we told Pilgrim what a best boy he was, what a difference he made in many lives, what an honor it’s been, being his rescue,” says NMDOG. “We are grateful that Pilgrim knew only health, happiness, and love since coming into our care...as this is our ultimate promise to each of them.”

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AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE SUMMER ISSUE IS…

"You’re the one who wanted a dog."

Submitted by Curtis McGinnis RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS "I wish he would learn to lie down."

Submitted by Robert Welch

"We’re only catching rays today."

Submitted by Andrea Myers

"You could go water skiing, scuba diving, swimming or 100 other activities that you can’t do at home, but no! My kid wants to play fetch."

Submitted by Silvana Lagrotteria

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Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

xxxxx autumn Aussie

Oakley

sam

Australian Shepherd

Griffon Korthals

Maggiemoo Saint Bernard

callie

Australian Shepherd

Cash

benson

German Shepherd

Rough Collie

casey jr.

phoebe

Sammy

Sativa

Mixed

Piper

Golden Retriever

Australian Shepherd

Luna

Jack Russell

Monty

Golden Retriever

Corgi

Pitbull

frankie

Longhaired Dachshund

Snow

Louie

Shetland Sheepdog

Bernese Mountain Dog

Duke

ruby

German Shepherd

gracie

Cleo

Peagle

Mixed

Longhaired Dachshund

churchill

English Bull Terrier

berkeley

American Dingo

Candy

willow

Pug

Elvis

Chihuahua Mix

Suki

Newfoundland Landseer

Mastin

kuma kim Pomeranian

cuutie!!

Luna Pug

Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?

remington

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

tater

Golden Retriever

Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in September, October and November.

Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.

September

1st-7th

Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Banixx!

Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray and Medicated Cream, a rope toy, and a $50 gift certificate.

8th-14th

15th-21st

Win an Introduction to Canine Massage certification course from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage! Start your new career in canine massage by taking this in-depth certification class.

Win 1 of 3 prize duos from Lucky Dog! Includes an INDULGE 8 stainless steel dog bowl and a 20 pack of sustainable Ultimate Poop Bags.

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win a prize pack from Cannanine!

Includes two jars of canine CBD soft chews, one bottle of 500 mg tincture, and one bottle of 1,000 mg tincture.

October

1st-7th

22nd-30th

Win 1 of 3 senior dog supplement bundles and a $50 Amazon gift card from Fera Pet Organics!

Keep your senior pup happy and healthy with these natural supplements.

Win 1 of 3 calming canine wellness prize packs from Bailey’s CBD! Includes a bottle of CBD & CBG oil for dogs and CBD-infused pet shampoo and a bag of Calming CBD Yummies.

Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Metro Paws! Includes a Dog Is Life tote bag, a Poopcase, packages of Metro Wipes, Poopy Packs, Metro Balls, Mini Metro Balls, Poopy Packs XL, and a Metro Paws t-shirt.

Win a fully customizable Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed from Morris Animal Foundation! Your pooch will comfortably dream the day away on this luxurious bed.

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

November

Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Nature’s Logic! Winners will get to choose $250 worth of Nature’s Logic dog food and treats.

Win 1 of 3 dog grooming and wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes the Vetericyn FoamCare Pet Shampoo, Ear Rinse, Eye Wash, Hot Spot Spray, and Wound & Skin Care.

Win 1 of 3 dog treat prize duos from Marley’s Greener Treats!

Includes a bag each of their blueberry dog treats and sweet potato dental sticks.

Win 1 of 3 canine wellness bundles from Vetnique! Includes 60-count jars of their Glandex, Dermabliss, Profivex, and Petbliss supplements.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning September 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM (PST) through November 30, 2022 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: LUNA FEA/ AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER SUBMITTED BY TRACI LAMBERT

s y a w a e v i G t a Gre

Top 13 Breeds That Live the Longest activity) factors into the equation is not completely certain.

Being asked which dogs live the longest is not quite as easy. There aren’t “blue zones” for dogs, and one must remember that all dogs—like people— can get sick and die, regardless of breed.

Most dogs live between 8-13 years of

age, not precluding illness shortening their lifespans. Generally, smaller breeds of dogs mature more quickly and yet live the longest, an unusual paradox which is not fully understood. That said, some dogs do seem to live longer lives than most, and certain breeds, such as the following, are known for having longer lifespans.

#2 Shiba Inu

Life Expectancy: 13 – 16 years The Shiba Inu is the smallest and oldest of the native breeds of Japan. Spirited, self-reliant, and independent, the Shiba Inu requires proper and consistent socialization and training.

Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 years

#1 Pyrenean Shepherd Life Expectancy: 17 – 19 years

A rare, medium-sized herding dog of the Pyrenees Mountains, the Pyrenean Shepherd can live to the late teens.

They come in two varieties: rough-faced and smooth-faced. Both varieties have a longer body coat in colours of fawn, brindle, merle, black, and black with white markings. They are cheerful but with a strong work drive and herding instincts. They are loyal to owners but distrustful of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. Puppies need extensive socialization.

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#4 Dachshund

#3 Azawakh

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years This ancient, elegant sighthound hails from the Sudanese valley. Sensitive and independent, the Azawakh is selective in who they choose to let into their lives.

Originally a German breed bred to be a badger hunter, Dachshunds have since become one of the most popular dogs in the world. Dachshunds are extremely intelligent, attuned to their environment, and can become easily distracted. They are great house and apartment dogs if given proper exercise, important especially when they are younger. Dachshunds come in three varieties of coat: smooth, longhaired, and wire coated.

Miniatures exist in all three coat varieties, and they all come in many colours and colour combinations.

A Z AWA K H © A N G I E K E R I N S © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; DA CH SH U N D © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B

erhaps you’ve heard of people said to be living in “blue zones,” those geographic areas where groups of people regularly live to be centenarians. Whether their longevity is genetic (hardwired) or whether their environment (climate, diet, stress levels,

P H OTO S P Y R E N E A N SH E P H E R D © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; SH I B A I N U © A . CH E R N YAVS J AYA / B I G STO CK . CO M ;

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These dog breeds have the longest lifespans

P H OTO S T OY P O O D L E © A N N A - AV / B I G S TO C K . CO M ; C H I H U A H U A © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; SA LU K I © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; PA P I L LO N © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; SH I H T ZU © A N G I E K E R I N S © A M E R I C A N

K E N N E L C LU B ; M A N C H ES T E R T E R R I E R R A D O M I R R E Z N Y / B I G S TO C K . CO M ; C H I N ES E C R E ST E D © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; S CH I P P E R K E © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B ; R AT T E R R I E R T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L CLU B

#5 Toy Poodle

Life Expectancy: 10 – 18 years Toy Poodles, the smallest variety of the Poodle breed (the others are Miniature and Standard), are intelligent, sensitive, and easy to train. They are sociable by nature and come in solid colours only.

Their coats do require regular clipping to keep them looking their best. Poodles make outstanding house dogs and get along with other dogs in the home.

#6 Chihuahua

Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years The Chihuahua comes in two varieties: smooth coat and longhaired. Among the smallest of all dog breeds, they make ideal companions but still need proper socialization and training for them not to become defensive, shy, or clingy.

#7 Saluki

Life Expectancy: 10 – 17 years One of the oldest hunting breeds from the Middle East, the Saluki is a spirited, elegant, dignified, and gentle but independent sighthound that comes in many colours and colour varieties. They make excellent house dogs once they mature, provided their athletic needs are fulfilled.

#8 Papillon

Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years A continental lap dog favoured by Marie Antoinette, Papillons are extremely intelligent, athletic, happy, and outgoing. Papillon means “butterfly” in French, which describes the ears of this breed, although there is a drop-eared version (Phalene) as well.

#11 Chinese Crested

Life Expectancy: 13 – 18 years This small breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff forms. The Chinese Crested bonds closely to owners but is more wary of strangers.

They are of ancient Mexican and Chinese descent.

#9 Shih Tzu

Life Expectancy: 10 – 18 years This ancient toy Chinese breed is covered in long, silky hair requiring maintenance. Happy and affectionate, the Shin Tzu demands human companionship.

#12 Schipperke

Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years This Belgian breed was used on barges as a watchdog. Today, these small, all-black dogs with prick ears and expressive faces make equally good watchdogs and companions in homes and apartments.

#10 Manchester

Terrier

Life Expectancy: 15 – 17 years The Manchester Terrier is extremely loyal, alert, and always on the lookout.

This medium-sized, short-haired, always black-and-tan breed is the oldest documented terrier breed developed as a rat hunter. There is also a Toy Manchester breed, similar in all ways except for size.

#13 Rat Terrier

Life Expectancy: 12 – 18 years The Rat Terrier is an all-purpose, small, short-haired terrier that has been used as a farm dog, watchdog, hunting dog, and overall companion. Rat Terriers are intelligent, loyal, athletic, and fun dogs. moderndogmagazine.com

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Next level comfort. Featuring a human-grade orthopedic mattress and a cooling gel memory foam top, the Le Bed leather dog bed from Le Dog Company relieves pressure points, soothes sore joints, and helps regulate temperature. Best of all, no laundering is needed—simply wipe down to clean! (from $330, ledogcompany.com)

With its scooped front entry, Bowsers Pet Products’ Scoop Bed, pictured in Blush, is an ideal choice for older or arthritic dogs. High-memory fill, a washable, removable, upholstery-grade cover, and generous sizing will make it your dog’s favourite sleep spot. (from $125, bowsers.com)

The g o D t s Be Beds Tested and approved!

Lucky Dog’s DRIFT series convertible roll-out beds, available in four modern, stylish colours, feature a durable, washable cotton-canvas cover and roll-out plush faux fur liner for ultimate comfort and more napping space. (from $140, luckydogdirect.com)

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Does your pooch have a habit of destroying dog beds?

The Tough Rip-Stop Rectangle Bolster Pillow Dog Bed from K9 Ballistics is made with rip and waterresistant ballistic fabric to stand up to destructive dogs! Featuring a removable, washable cover and non-skid bottom, it comes in five different sizes! (from $130, k9ballistics.com)

Versatile and cozy, the Snuggle Bed from P.L.A.Y. combines dirt-resistant canvas and plush faux fur for the ultimate burrow bed.

And it’s multi-functional: it converts from a sleeping bag to a mat and even a bolster bed! (from $65, petplay.com)

Sleep Like a Dog In This HumanSized Dog Bed

The Plufl bed encourages users to sleep in a fetal position.

University grads launch dog beds for people, raise $400,000

By Cassandra Gill

O

ne thing is certain: Dogs excel at napping, clocking up to 14 hours a day at rest.

(18 to 20 hours if they are puppies or seniors.) It’s hard not to feel just a bit envious of your fourlegged friend’s epic rest sessions.

Now you don’t have to: a new company has designed cozy dog beds sized for humans. As in, you.

Meet Plufl, a dog-bed-for-people launched by two university grads who have raised a whopping $400,000 to date. Is this the new Snuggy, the latenight-TV hawked wearable blanket that shot to fame?

“Plufl is the ultimate napping and resting product,” co-founders Noah Silverman and Yuki Kinoshita explain to Modern Dog. The company

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has a singular mission: to make napping better with their round “beds” that are designed to rest on the floor.

The start-up was born out of the pair’s own love of napping—and one special dog who, ironically, belongs to neither (while they both love dogs, neither was able to have one during their busy university years—but there are plans to get a Plufl office dog in the very near future).

The idea—sure to take off with Gen Z’s and millennials on Instagram— was sparked over regular trips to a Vancouver, BC coffee shop, while studying at the University of British Columbia.

At their go-to java house, the friends got to know a sweet (and regularly napping) Great Dane who hung out on

DID YOU KNOW?

Dogs sleep up to an average of 14 hours a day—puppies and seniors up to 20! a regular basis—ultimately serving as their inspiration. The Dane belonged to the owners and was so large that she had a custom bed of her very own.

“We came up with the idea after looking for a better place to nap and rest and seeing how comfortable

Yuki Kinoshita takes his Plufl for a spin.

dogs looked in their beds—we decided to make one for humans,” the duo explain.

Both Silverman, who hails from Washington, and Kinoshita, who’s a D.C. native, earned their undergraduate degrees in International Economics in May 2022.

Months before graduating, the 21year-olds were keen to take their idea from concept to reality. With just a vision, Silverman and Kinoshita took to Craigslist to find a seamstress who could assist with making their first sample.

“We started the business by prototyping different types of dog beds for humans,” they said.

The first version was an ultra-cozy success, and the duo quickly realized they were onto something.

“After realizing that it's so cozy and comfortable, we decided to take our product to the world.”

The only thing they needed now was capital. As students, the two embraced a grassroots approach to get the funds with the crowdsourcing platform Kickstarter.

In just 30 days, Silverman and Kinoshita raised an incredible

$400,000 to get the company—and their product—going. Their initial goal? A moderate $25,000. But 800 backers clearly felt passionately about their product and movement.

"The day we released the campaign, I was actually writing an exam. All I could think about the whole time was the campaign, so I flew through the exam, and by the time I left the room, we were already at 100 percent of our goal,” Kinoshita recalls.

The pair is currently finding the right manufacturing partner who can help them fulfill their growing pre-order list this fall. Plufl’s initial run will be 800 beds, which they’re focused on getting to customers as soon as possible.

The new version is elevated from the initial prototype, with orthopedic memory foam, a suggestion by their designer, who specializes in both dog beds and textiles. There’s also an

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There's clearly a market for human-sized dog beds: In just 30 days, Silverman and Kinoshita raised an incredible $400,000 to launch their product.

Plufl co-founders Yuki Kinoshita and Noah Silverman.

area to tuck your hands and feet, a thick pillow border, and a luxe faux fur throw.

who has never taken a nap in their life can go to connect and learn more about sleep health and nap culture."

“Our demo is anyone looking for a more comfortable and cozy environment to nap in!” Silverman enthuses.

Beyond the dog beds, Silverman and Kinoshita already have plans for a full-range companion line that will include pillows and blankets.

The pair don’t see Plufl as a humanonly item—furry friends can indulge, too. “And dog owners looking to cuddle with their fur babies, of course,” they clarify.

“We want to build and deliver the highest quality napping products on the market and help users find better ways to rest and distress,” they say of their mission. "The Plufl is just the start for us! We are so excited to deliver a whole line of products and solutions to help people live a more rested, happy, and healthy life."

Ultimately, they envision Plufl as more than just a one-product company—but rather, a disrupter in the nap space.

They believe the experience will both alleviate stress and anxiety in people, and encourage a healthy napping culture.

"We want to build a community centered around promoting naps as a key to living a more happy and healthy life,” Silverman says of their mission. “A space where everyone from a regular napper to someone

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For interested customers looking to score a human dog-bed of their own, Silverman and Kinoshita encourage people to keep an eye on their Instagram page: “We are about to launch an additional round of preorders, so visit our social media pages and subscribe to our email list to stay up to date when it drops.”

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Does Breed Predict Behaviour?

Pedigree may not be destiny, but, contrary to recent headlines, breed remains a useful indicator of probable personality traits

By Stanley Coren | Illustration by Michelle Simpson

I

can’t count the number of times I have heard people complain about the dog they selected as a pet. I am continually hearing things like,“I chose a Golden Retriever because all of the books describe the breed as being really smart and easy to train. So I got one. Unfortunately, I think that I have seen river rocks that are more trainable than my Golden Retriever is.” Similar refrains go something like this: “Because I have kids, I checked all of the breed descriptions to find a friendly breed of dog. They all described Boston Terriers as being really outgoing and sociable. Well, I can tell you that they were definitely not describing the Boston Terrier that we got. She is an unsociable, standoffish lump. Apparently, a dog’s breed really doesn’t say much about its personality.”

Many people have experienced a breed’s expected behaviour failing to match up with their individual dog. So, it is no surprise that many people readily accepted recent media reports with headlines like “Study Shows Dog Breed Does Not Predict Dog Behaviour and Personality.” These articles are supposedly summarizing a new study which investigated the influence of genetics on dog behaviour and physiology. The problem is that these reports are based upon a misinterpretation of the data, and if you look at behavioural differences among breeds of dogs in the appropriate way, we find that breed is actually a good predictor of dog behaviours.

The new study that provoked these headlines came out of the University of Massachusetts and was led by Kathleen Morrill. This is a massive investigation that contains a wealth of useful information. In fact, it is so large that it involved 24 authors and required an online, 112-page supplementary data package upon publication. Data was collected from surveys of 18,385 dog owners and the DNA sequencing of 2,155 dogs. This information was gathered using a website called Darwin’s Ark. It is an example of “citizen science,” and it has been accumulating surveys and genetic data on thousands of dogs across the United States since 2015.

Participant dog owners complete an inventory of 117 questions to specify their moderndogmagazine.com

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dog’s demographics and physical characteristics. It also included behaviour questions ranging from how friendly the dogs are with strangers to whether the dogs typically circle before they poop. Following completion of the questionnaires, participants send in a cheek swab from the dog, which can be used for DNA sequencing.

When they combined the genetic and survey data for 1,967 of these dogs, researchers found that the physical traits of canines are “exceptionally heritable,” often above 85 percent heritability. This analysis was simplified by the fact that some physical characteristics, such as whether a dog has a prick ear or a floppy ear, are the result of variations of a single gene.

They also found that, in some instances, there are also simple genetic predictors of certain behaviours. For example, whether a dog tends to howl was mapped to a specific area of the genome, which, in humans, is involved in the development of speech and language.

It is much more usual, however, to find that dog behavioural traits are “polygenic,” meaning that several genes or genetic loci each contribute some small effect (along with the environment) to shape the final behaviour.

Thus, one would expect smaller inherited effects for behaviours. Nonetheless, the researchers report more than 25 percent heritability for some behavioural dimensions, such as a dog’s sociability around people, how readily the dog responds to human direction, and its willingness to retrieve.

So, what is the problem? If behaviours are inherited to a reasonable extent, and breeds involve grouping dogs based on their genetics, then certainly breed should predict something about dog behaviour. These researchers were not convinced that was the case. They were concerned because modern dog breeds only began to appear in the

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1800s. This is a blink in evolutionary history compared with the origin of dogs some 14,000 years ago. Before breeds developed, humans had been intentionally breeding dogs to perform specific functions, such as hunting, guarding, and herding—paying no attention to what the dogs looked like. With the advent of dog breeds, people began to sort the dogs on the basis of their appearance and certain notions of aesthetics. Consequently, less emphasis was placed on behavioural characteristics. The researchers in this new study suggest that, as a result, breed identity became an unreliable predictor of canine personality and behaviour.

Thus, although Border Collies are characteristically described as clever and trainable, occasionally, some people will find that their new Border Collie pup seems to be vying for the title of Village Idiot. The researchers suggest that instances like this mean that breed is not a reasonable predictor of behaviour.

Unfortunately, their conclusion is based on a misunderstanding of basic psychological principles. It is possible to have an inherited behavioural tendency which is a good predictor when we look at groups of individuals. However, that does not necessarily indicate that every individual in that group will have the predicted characteristics. Let me give you an example based on physical characteristics.

Consider the physical height of men and women. The average American man, 20 to 30 years of age, has a height of just over 5 feet 9 inches (69.1 inches or 175 cm). The average height for American women in their 20s is just under 5 feet 4 inches (63.7 inches or 162 cm). So obviously, on average, men are taller than women. Therefore, in the absence of any additional information, it would make sense to select a male if you wanted a taller individual for, say, playing basketball or picking tree fruit. However, six

P H OTO W I TTY B E A R / SH U TT E R STO CK

If you choose a Golden Retriever, your odds of getting a highly sociable dog are more than three to one.

percent of women are taller than the male average, and four percent of males are shorter than the average woman. If you use the difference in the distribution of heights by sex as your basis of selection, and you end up with a short male, that does not invalidate the usefulness of sex as a predictor of height. Reasoning in the same way, if you find a not very trainable Border Collie, it does not invalidate the usefulness of breed identification in predicting dog behaviour. The reality is that dog breed and all of the genetic characteristics that describe it are good predictors when you consider groups of individuals but may not be accurate in predicting the performance of any one single individual.

If you understand that concept, we can now ask “How well does dog breed predict behaviour?” Fortunately, the researchers involved in this current study developed a computational engine which they have made available.

It allows us to calculate the effect of breed on behaviour, based upon their data. Given any measured characteristic, it computes how many dogs from a selected group of breeds are expected to fall into the top quartile (highest 25 percent) compared to all dogs in the study (or, conversely, which fall into the lowest 25 percent). This makes it possible for us to see how good breed is for predicting behaviours.

Let’s consider just two of the behavioural dimensions that they measured as examples. The first is “Human Sociability,” which the researchers define as how comfortable a dog is around people, especially if the people are unfamiliar. Sorting for the highest degree of sociability, we find that 62 percent of Golden Retrievers will fall into the highest quartile. This doesn’t mean that you will never find an unsociable Golden retriever since 18 percent of them will fall into the lowest quartile. However, your odds of getting a highly sociable dog if you choose a Golden Retriever are more than three to one. Some other highly sociable dogs with a better than 50 percent chance of falling in the top group are the Siberian Husky, Pug, and Labrador Retriever. [Breeds with the lowest sociability include the

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German Shepherd, Chihuahua, Dachshund, and Australian Cattle Dog.] Another dimension with high breed predictability is what these scientists refer to as “Biddability,” but which other researchers have referred to as “Working and Obedience Intelligence.” It has to do with how easily a dog can be trained and how well it responds to human direction. The dog breed that scores highest on this is the Border Collie, with 72 percent of these dogs falling in the top quartile for all dogs measured. Again, breed is not a perfect predictor since 16 percent of Border Collies will be in the lowest quartile. However, your odds are better than four to one that you’ll be getting an intelligent and trainable dog if you get a Border Collie. Other dog breeds with a better than 50 percent chance of falling in the top group for biddability are the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, and Australian Shepherd. [Breeds which have a low probability of being easily trainable include the Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, and Siberian Husky.]

There are, however, several behavioural dimensions in which the predictive ability of breed was found to be considerably weaker or virtually nonexistent. One example is the “Agonistic Threshold,” which these researchers define as “how easily the dog is provoked by frightening, uncomfortable or annoying events.” They interpreted this poor predictability as demonstrating that environmental factors can also influence this behaviour.

So, contrary to the headlines and observations of some individual cases, using the computational engine provided by these genetic researchers, we find that they have actually demonstrated that breed is a pretty good indication of some behavioural differences between groups of dogs. However, it is certainly not a guarantee for the behaviour of any one individual. Thus, it is still possible to end up with a grouchy, untrainable Golden Retriever, although the odds of doing so are lower than most other breeds.

P H OTO N E W A F R I C A / SH U TT E R STO CK

The most biddable breed is the Border Collie—72% fall in the top quartile for all dogs measured. But breed is not a perfect predictor: 16% of Border Collies will be in the lowest quartile.

Abby

Loulou

Chew, after

Bambi

Chew, before

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Axl

Lemon

I’M A SURVIVOR Jayu

Wilf

These survivors of the dog meat trade are now living their best lives!

By Rose Frosek Photographed by Sophie Gamand

These Space Age high-fashion disco dogs look as though they’ve only ever known silver-plated serving bowls, but their backstory reveals unimaginable sorrows. They are all survivors of the dog-meat trade. Yes, even the little ones.

For her latest project, award-winning photographer Sophie Gamand trained her lens on survivors of the dog-meat trade to help put this barbaric practice firmly in the past.

Piglet

All the dogs in her new photo series were rescued by Humane Society International from the South Korean dog-meat trade, where they were being raised on dog-meat farms for human consumption. Since their rescue, they have all been adopted by loving families.

“I loved partnering with HSI for this project because they work hand in hand with local South Korean organizations and identify willing farmers who want to get out of the trade,” says Gamand.

The farms are destroyed, the farmers are assisted as they transition to animal-free businesses, and the dogs are rescued/ adopted.”

The overwhelming majority of South Koreans are against the dog meat trade: Surveys in recent years show that more than 80 percent of South Koreans have never tasted dog meat and have no intention of doing so, reports La Prensa. In June, South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee called for an end to dog-meat consumption, as well as for stricter animal protection laws.

The series is designed to assist in changing public perceptions by showing the soulfulness of these dogs, influencing policymakers, and building national and international momentum in support of HSI’s campaign to end the dog meat trade, says Gamand.

So far, the reaction to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. “I think it’s great for people to see life beyond the dog-meat trade stories. Everyone is used to seeing those dogs as victims, crammed in cages and suffering horrifying fates.

I wanted to show these dogs more in charge of their destiny, dignified, happy. I think people appreciate their past, and that they now have a bright future.” moderndogmagazine.com

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When you rescue a dog, oftentimes you find yourself rescued right back

By Kelly A. Smith

“You know, a dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you’re in faster than you can think of.”—Jill Abramson

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P H OTO N E W A F R I C A / SH U TT E R STO CK

ANIMAL O THERAPY

N A SATURDAY MORNING, I phoned the fertility clinic to let them know we were stopping treatment. The receptionist was there seven days a week because ovulation waits for no man (or woman). Our most recent treatment had failed, and we couldn’t handle the financial or emotional strain anymore.

The depression that followed shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. It enveloped me, knocking the wind out of me, and making way for a new challenge: crippling anxiety.

I became fearful of everything. If I had a twinge, I was sure I had cancer that would render us unable to adopt a child. I started having tingling and twitching in my arms and legs, and I couldn’t sleep at night. As the women in my life conceived and gave birth to beautiful, healthy babies, I would sit on our front porch steps each night, crying and waiting for my husband to come home.

A friend came up with the idea of my husband and me volunteering at a no-kill animal shelter. At first, I didn’t think it would be a good idea. It would cut into my moping and obsessing time on the weekends. But it was something we could do together, and our little family of two rescue dogs and two rescue cats was indeed our greatest source of joy.

The no-kill shelter sat out in the country. It was a beautiful drive from our little house to the sprawling shelter.

Row after row of pens were filled with all types of dogs: quiet ones, senior ones, sick ones, adorable ones, and the ones who were so ugly they were cute!

We went through training, and an idea was presented

to us. We could take a couple of dogs and cats each weekend to a local pet store to try to find them homes! This was such an exciting idea for me.

Little did I know this new opportunity would provide me with something I’d been missing: a purpose.

The first weekend, my husband and I loaded up portable crates into my beat-up old Jeep. It was hard work.

The crates were heavy and prone to finger pinching. The animals we loaded were nervous and unsettled.

There were stinky accidents that needed urgent attention. But there were sloppy kisses, nuzzles, and sweet tail wags to reward us.

It was wonderful to have my muscles, fingers, and heartache for such a purpose. Finding a home for these animals was the ultimate goal, but even the simple interactions with the children in the store were so good for them. They would go from cowering and shaking to “smiling” in the way that dogs do. Taking them back to the shelter was hard, but it also felt like the culmination of a great adventure for them.

Each month, we tried to carve out a few hours of time with the shelter animals. I can still remember riding out to the shelter with my legs and arms buzzing with anxiety. And by

the time we were riding home, my legs and arms were buzzing with exhaustion. The hard work was good for my body and soul.

Eventually, our lives changed—we adopted our first child—and we had to stop volunteering at the shelter.

Someone commented to me that I must feel good about helping those rescue dogs find new homes. The truth was those dogs rescued me.

Story by Kelly A. Smith, excerpted from Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog. ©2021 Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC. All rights reserved

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The new Tex’s Smoke’N’Chews Hickory Smoked Premium Pigs Ear alternative chew toy will keep your dog entertained for hours! Made from high-density TPR material for moderate chewers and includes a proprietary hickory smoke scent. texchews.com moderndogmagazine.com

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WHO TAKES CARE OF PANDEMIC NURSES? Their Dogs

Photographed by Sarah Daloise

Mariya, RN, + Max During the chaos of pandemic nursing, I often came home carrying the stress of a long workday.

Maxi was always at the door excited to greet me and cheer me up with a slobbery kiss! Our daily jogs together became one of the most important and restorative acts of self-care for me.

T

he challenges of nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic have been well documented.

Facing personal risk, impossible decisions, and heartbreaking loss, they’ve soldiered on despite exhaustion. “You come back to work, and you ask who died,” Bridget Klingenberg, an intensive care nurse at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, MI., told the New York Times. “I don’t think people understand the toll that that takes unless you’ve actually done it.” How do these nurses cope? Those with dogs find solace, comfort, and company in their four-legged friends. Meet four nurses whose canine companions have helped them cope.

Kim, RN, + Buddy Among many other stressors, the pandemic brought constant change in my nursing practice.

Patient care and processes were ever evolving.

Buddy’s care was the one stable constant. His needs remained simple, as always: hellos, cuddles, and some short walks.

Loving Buddy was my much-needed constant in the pandemic.

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Michelle, LPN, student RN, + Ava and Andy Reflecting on the ways the pandemic has affected my daily life, isolation comes to mind. Coming home to Ava and Andy and their unconditional love, happiness, and excitement lifts me up after a long, mentally exhausting nursing day. I couldn’t ask for better companions.

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Ann, RN, + Max and Marco The past two years have been life-changing for us all. As a nurse working with seniors, it has been heartbreaking to see them shut in their homes, isolated and lonely. I thank God daily that I have my furbabies to restore normality to my life.

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NO COCOA BEAN MULCH

DIGGING PROBLEM SOLVED!

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Does your dog love to dig? Save your yard by creating a dedicated spot designed for digging

ost dogs love to dig. It’s an instinctive behaviour. So, what do you do when you dig your dog, but aren’t so fond of his digging habit?

To discourage your dog from digging holes in your lawn, excavating your flower bed, and tunneling through your tomatoes, consider creating a space in your yard designed specifically for digging. You’re much more likely to meet with success if you provide your dog with a dedicated digging spot rather than try and discourage the behaviour altogether.

A shaded sandbox or sand pit is a great idea, particularly

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as many dogs love to dig out a cool space to lie in during the warmer months. Situate it at the base of a tree or surround it by low shrubs and consider adding a layer of wood chips. “A lot of animals like [wood chips] because they keep everything quite fluffy and light up top and it’s easier for them to dig and bury than solid earth,” says Stephen Westcott-Gratton, dog lover and former senior horticultural editor at Canadian Gardening.

Giving your dog a place to indulge his digging hobby may save your yard and ensure that you harvest spuds from your potato patch and not a basketful of buried chew toys.

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Just like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine and caffeine. These chemicals are poisonous to dogs. Dogs who consume cocoa bean mulch could have vomiting, diarrhea, a very fast heart rate, tremors, and seizures.

Research in dogs found the polysaccharides in Turkey Tail mushroom extended survival time in dogs with hemangiosarcoma without additional treatment, delaying metastases and improving quality of life.

Fight Canine Cancer with Mushrooms

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urkey Tail mushroom—the scientific name for which is Coriolus Versicolor—has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Turkey Tail mushrooms carry an array of health benefits. They restore a healthy immune response and improve gut function. But the components that have cancer researchers excited are polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP). These betaglucans, or soluble fibers, in Turkey Tail mushrooms show promise as cancer fighters and have been demonstrated to extend survival time in human patients with breast, stomach, and colorectal cancer.

Researchers wanted to see how Turkey Tail supplementation would affect dogs with naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma. This aggressive, invasive canine cancer typically affects the spleen and heart. Commonly struck breeds include Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers.

A study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, found that dogs with hemangiosarcoma who were treated with a compound derived from the Turkey Tail mushroom had the longest

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survival times ever reported for dogs with the disease.

The survival time in dogs without treatment averaged 86 days. But the treatment groups saw much better survival times: • Average survival time with 50mg/kg Turkey Tail daily: 117 days • Average survival time with 100mg/kg Turkey Tail daily: 199 days “We were shocked,” said professor and department chair Dorothy Cimino Brown. “Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.”

Formulations specifically for dogs make adding Turkey Tail mushroom to your dog’s protocol easy. I’mYunity’s powerful medicinal mushroom supplement for dogs ($95, buyimyunity. com) is often used as an adjunct health supplement in cancer and chemotherapy. This natural supplement delivers the polysaccharopeptide (PSP) isolated from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom and is clinically proven to

boost energy levels, stabilize white blood cell counts, maintain a healthy appetite, and provide immune support.

“I’m-Yunity extended my dogs life for 18 months,” raves a reviewer. “You wouldn’t know he had cancer. I’m so thankful my dog’s oncologist told me about I’m-Yunity. I highly recommend and I’m thankful for his extended time with our family.”

Furbabies’ Turkey Tail Mushroom powder (from $35, furbabiesco.com) is also used for canine cancer parents. It likewise fortifies immune function, aids digestion, and is rich in the beta-glucans which are known to help activate immune cells and increase antibody production to better fight off infections.

“Our boy was diagnosed with canine hemangiosarcoma,” one reviewer writes. “We were heartbroken. We researched and found that Turkey Tail mushrooms could help and contacted FurBabies. The life expectancy for a dog with this cancer isn’t long, and we opted for surgery, which may have given him five to seven months longer. We absolutely feel that FurBabies helped us to have our big boy for almost a year, with a great quality of life… the gift of extra time was immeasurable.”

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This heavily researched mushroom has been found to be immunity-boosting and cancer-fighting

UK Green Groomers Collective Project Manager Jess Rigg with her dog

Now You Can Recycle Your Dog’s Hair

The founders are not actually groomers but hairdressers—as Green Salon Collective, they have been recycling hair from salons for two years now and have recycled close to 10 tonnes of hair.

“One of the founders has a Schnauzer and began putting Schnauzer hair into the Green Salon Collective process and found dog hair was just as good if not better than human hair!” says Mia, Customer Support for Green Groomers Collective.

Following requests from salons asking if they accept pet hair, they launched Green Groomers Collective specifically for the grooming industry.

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Participating grooming salons collect the hair in a provided box, charging each client a $1 eco fee which covers the recycling costs. The recycled hair is used in all sorts of extraordinary ways, from creating compost to cleaning up oil spills. Hair booms and hair mats are created by tightly packed hair clippings of any length into cotton or nylon tubes. Placed on water or beaches, they are remarkably effective at stopping the spread of oil, saving wildlife and the natural environment.

Green Groomer Collective is currently operational in all of the UK and Ireland, with plans to be in many European and Asian countries by the end of the year. North America will hopefully follow in 2023. Find them at greengroomerscollective.com.

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ake your recycling to the next level: Leftover pethair clippings can now be recycled thanks to a newly launched hair-collection service from Green Groomers Collective. Instead of ending up in the landfill, the hair is saving seabirds and helping to regenerate soil via compost.

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Recycled pet hair is being put to good use

Simple, 3-Ingredient Dog Food Recipe Fast, fresh, and healthy dog food you can whip up at home

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Core Ingredients: 2

cups ground beef, cooked

21/2 cups potatoes, cooked and mashed

Choose One: 2

cups peas, cooked

1

cup peas, cooked and 1/3 cup carrots, cooked and diced

3/4 cup lima beans, cooked and 1 cup peas, cooked

Yield: 40-pound dog, 2 meals (1 day of meals) 20-pound dog, 4 meals (2 days of meals) 10-pound dog, 8 meals (4 days of meals) 5-pound dog, 16 meals (8 days of meals, freeze half for later)

4 pitted sweet cherries Source of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, water, fructose.

(16 calories) Approximately how many calories does my dog need daily?

If at a normal weight (not overweight or underweight): n

100 lbs. 1,223 calories

n

80 lbs.

1,035 calories

n

40 lbs.

614 calories

n

20 lbs.

342 calories

n

10 lbs.

206 calories

n

5 lbs.

138 calories

Look at these food comparisons: A small hamburger, no bun = 250 calories!

1 potato chip = 10 calories!

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If you’re new to cooking for your dog, jump in with this easy recipe from 300 Dog Food Recipes, which allows a “choose your own adventure” approach to the added veggies. You dog is about to be very happy.

Ground Beef Dinner

1/2 c. diced watermelon Source of vitamin A, vitamin B 5, water for hydration.

(22 calories, 0.9 g protein)

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1/2 hard-boiled egg Source of vitamins A, B2, B5, B12.

(39 calories, 6 g protein) 1 oz. cooked chicken liver Source of Omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins.

(46 calories, 29 g protein)

By Dr. Amy Cousino

roviding your dog with fresh, balanced, homecooked food needn’t be difficult or complicated, thinks veterinarian Dr. Amy Cousino. Her new book, 300 Dog Food Recipes: ThreeIngredient Meals, underscores this philosophy. “The meals are balanced for protein and carbohydrates, protein for tissue growth and repair, and carbohydrates for energy,” says Dr. Cousino. “Depending on the recipe chosen, there are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in each recipe.”

The recipes, containing easy-to-comeby ingredients like chicken, shrimp, rice, and veggies, can be fed as an ongoing meal, and she expects that dog owners will feed a variety of the fresh food recipes, as well as recommended snacks. “As always, consult with your family vet for recommended supplements,” she notes.

Healthy Snacks for Dogs

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Northwest Naturals freeze dried diets for dogs now come in a larger 28 oz value bag! With seven different varieties: Beef, Beef & Trout, Chicken, Lamb, Chicken & Salmon, Turkey and Whitefish & Salmon for dogs to try. Reconstitute with water for a meal or use as a complete and balanced treat your dog will love! nw-naturals.net

Mega Churu is a bigger, thicker version of the original Churu, but it is still free from grains, preservatives, carrageenan, and artificial colors. You can use them for training, to disguise pills or simply squeeze on wet or dry dog food as a topper!

Available in three flavors. inabafoods.com

I’m-Yunity for dogs is the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extract of Coriolus versicolor. It helps to reduce your dog’s pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite.

Start improving your dog’s immunity and quality of life today! Use code "moderndog" for 5% off, and learn about clinical results and rewards programs at buyimyunity.com.

The world’s first luxury water for pets, Silica Source For Pets is the highest quality water you can give your best friend! Silica supports pain relief, anti-aging and healthful longevity, gut health and digestion, wound healing, and a healthy, youthful looking skin and coat. aquenesprings.com

Is your dog dealing with diarrhea or other digestive issues? Go beyond prebiotics and probiotics and get to the root of the problem - the gut. Juru Gut Support works from the inside out and nourishes your dogs' gut with all the goodness it needs to address adverse digestive symptoms. juru.pet

HAPPYBOND’s POWERFOOD features real, nutrient-rich foods

packaged in room-temperature stored jars. Power your pup with high-protein diets, human-grade meat chunks, no preservatives, and patent-pending technology. It’s dogapproved (even your picky eater). Available in three different varieties: Tenderloin & Sweet Potato, Beef & Broccoli, and Chicken & Rice Casserole. happybond.com

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THE BEST DOG TREATS From ideal training treats to health boosters, here are our top treat picks!

TRAINING

High-value treats make training exciting and engaging for your pup! The Liver, Laugh, Love freeze-dried chicken treats from Primal Pet Foods are low calorie and made with sustainably sourced chicken, chicken liver, and gutsupporting probiotics for a highly motivating treat! ($10, primalpetfoods.com)

THE BEST TREAT FOR HEALTHY TEETH

DENTAL

This high protein treat flosses your dog’s teeth as she chews! The unique honeycomb design scrubs away plaque and tartar while ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, honey, and salmon oil boost wellness. (from $20, yummycombs.com)

THE BEST TREAT FOR CHEW LOVERS

CHEWS

Long-lasting and adored by dogs, Yakalicious Organic Chews are made from Himalayan yak cheese. They’re highly digestible, protein packed, and full of natural vitamins and minerals. Available in sizes for small to extra-large dogs. (from $15, mellowpremium.com)

ALT PROTEIN

THE BEST TREAT FOR DOGS WITH ALLERGIES Alternative protein sources like flies and crickets are a great source of protein, and they’re easy on the environment too! Made from black soldier fly larvae, Scout and Zoe’s Super Fly Jerky is a sustainable treat dogs love and an alternative protein option for sensitive tummies. ($15, scoutandzoes.com)

FUNCTIONAL

THE BEST TREAT FOR ANXIOUS DOGS

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Anxious dog? Okoa Pet’s Hush, Puppy calming soft chews are made with broad-spectrum hemp extract, tryptophan, and choline to calm your dog, and all-natural ingredients like peanut butter, coconut oil, and sweet potato. (from $20, okoapet.com)

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THE BEST TREAT FOR MOTIVATION

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PROBLEM: DIRTY DOGS JUMPING IN YOUR CAR! SOLUTION: Keep the dirt and fur off your seats with a 4Knines Seat Cover or Cargo Liner. Durable enough to stand up to any dog and super easy to clean! Car rides without the cleanup!

4Knines.com

PROBLEM: KEEPING YOUR POOCH HYDRATED ON WALKS SOLUTION: Spleash attaches to your favorite leash!

It fights dehydration with 12 oz of fresh water and is easy to use. No more juggling with bowls and bottles, thanks to Spleash! spleash.com PROBLEM: YOUR DOG CAN’T HOLD IT ALL DAY AND REGULAR TRAINING PADS LEAK AND SMELL

PROBLEM: PET STRESS

SOLUTION: WizSmart Pads lock in 6-14 cups of liquid and stay dry all day with no smell.

Stay Put Tabs and baby diaper technology means they work for every dog, including male dogs who lift their legs! wizsmart.com

SOLUTION: BlackFin HEMP, the only CBD to be trusted by zoo and aquarium professionals, is now available to help balance stressed pets. For each unit purchased, one will be donated to a zoo! BlackFinHEMP.com

PROBLEM: CLEANING UP MESSY PET ACCIDENTS

PROBLEM: DOGGY BATH TIME WOES SOLUTION: Vetericyn FoamCare shampoo sprays on for quick coverage, foams instantly, conditions skin, and rinses easier than other shampoos! Available in regular, thick coat, and medicated formulas. Paraben-free, plant-based, and makes bath time fast and fun! vetericyn.com 62 moderndog

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SOLUTION: Sprinkle & Sweep eliminates the nauseating process of cleaning up stinky pet accidents such as vomit and runny poo. Simply sprinkle it on to instantly eliminate pungent odors, sweep into a dustpan, and dispose with no residue left behind! sprinkle-sweep.com

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT A FEARFUL DOG How to deal with a dog that is scared

by Teoti Anderson

FIRST OFF, IS YOUR DOG AFRAID? SOME SIGNS OF FEAR ARE MORE SUBTLE: • Balking. For example, your puppy refuses to walk in your neighbourhood.

You may think she’s tired or walking far is too hard for her yet, but in many cases, she is simply afraid of the environment and doesn’t want to continue forward.

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• Shutting down. Just because your dog is well behaved doesn’t mean he’s okay. He could be suppressed. For example, a young dog is super calm and sedate during a veterinary visit, but during subsequent visits, he growls or snaps. He may not have been okay the first visit, either. Look for changes in his demeanor. Is he always laid back and calm? If yes, then he’s probably not stressed. Is he normally bouncy and inquisitive, but now isn’t acting that way? It’s likely fear.

• Sleeping, especially in puppies.

These dogs are also shutting down.

It’s one thing if it’s midnight and your puppy is ready for bed. Ask yourself: what is the context? Is she surrounded by new people? Is she at a department store for socialization? A confident puppy will be inquisitive and interested in new surroundings. If your puppy is falling asleep in new places, she could be shutting down.

• Growling, barking, lunging. Most aggression is based in fear. A dog that barks, lunges, and growls at people

COMMON SIGNS OF FEAR · Cowering · Whining · Flat ears · Hiding · Avoidance, ranging from just turning away to bolting in the opposite direction · Barking · Clinginess · Worried expression · Lip licking · Yawning · Adrenaline shake off (shaking as if wet) · Trembling

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ure, to you, they look like delivery folks, vacuum cleaners, and kids on skateboards. But your dog is convinced they may be potential serial killers, demons, and monsters.

Don’t you wish you could just tell him everything is okay? If only it worked that way. Fear is not rational. Some fears are easy to slay, but others may take years to overcome—and your reaction will have a big impact on whether your dog thinks there’s something to worry about. So, how should you help a fearful dog? Should you comfort a dog that is scared? Read on to find out…

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him, which will not fix his fear. Instead, work on desensitization and counter conditioning. Start at a threshold where your dog notices other dogs, but before he reacts. Every time he looks at the dog in the distance, mark (click or a verbal “yes”) and treat. Repeat every time he looks at the other dog until the other dog is out of sight. When the monster leaves the picture, the treats stop coming. If your dog will not take treats even if he is not barking and lunging, then he is still over the threshold. Work farther away from his trigger.

or dogs is typically afraid of them. He is trying to put on a good front and be scary, so he can frighten away what frightens him. Some pet parents mistake this for the dog protecting them. How can you tell? If you weren’t in the picture, would your dog still bark and lunge at people or other dogs?

Then he isn’t protecting you. He’s protecting himself. He would gladly throw you in front of the monster to save himself!

If you’re not sure if your dog is afraid, think about what your dog looks like when he greets you. He is probably curvy and bouncy, with squinty eyes.

His tail will wag rapidly, maybe at mid-level. Keep that picture in your mind. Now, look at your dog in different situations. Does he look the same? How does he look when he greets strangers, or another dog? When you take him out to different places? If he doesn’t look the same as when he sees you, then he could be afraid.

Identifying the Monster The next step is determining what is causing your dog’s anxiety or fear.

Sometimes, this is easy. You turn on the vacuum cleaner, and your dog bolts under the bed; the vacuum cleaner is clearly evil. Your dog hesitates when greeting new people; he thinks strangers are dangerous.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell what is causing the fear. Your dog stops during a walk and stares into space. You can’t determine what he’s looking at that could be the problem. Try listening. Is there a dog barking from behind a fence or in a house? Did a plane just pass

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overhead? Do you hear a lawnmower in the distance? Your dog may be frightened of sounds.

Do your best to identify the monsters so you can teach your dog not to be afraid of them.

Slaying the Monsters Once you identify your dog’s triggers, you need to change your dog’s opinion of them.

Desensitization – gradually introduce your dog to the monster at a distance where your dog doesn’t react. As he grows more comfortable in the monster’s presence, you slowly and systematically get closer to the monster.

Counter conditioning – change your dog’s emotional response to the monster. The monster is terrifying, but cheese is delicious. If every time he looks at the monster, you give him a piece of cheese, he will start to associate the monster with cheese.

Monsters gain popularity!

It’s important when working on these behaviour modification techniques that you keep your dog under threshold. This is the distance where he notices the monster but before he panics or reacts. If you keep pushing that boundary so that your dog has a reactive episode, you will not see success.

You also want to make sure you don’t flood your dog by putting him in the monster’s den. For example, if your dog is scared of other dogs, don’t take him to a dog park. You can’t control thresholds in a dog park and this scenario is likely to overwhelm

In the past, experts would tell you not to comfort a frightened dog. The theory was that this would reinforce the behaviour, so your dog would act afraid because you praised him when he acted that way. This is not consistent with current practice because fear is not a behaviour, it’s an emotion.

If your best friend came to you in tears and afraid because she got a terrible health diagnosis, would you ignore her? If you gave her attention during this terrible crisis, would you just be indulging her and encouraging her to seek attention? Of course not.

You would be there for your friend.

If your dog is afraid, you need to be present for him. Don’t go over the top with your attention, or you’ll convince him something really is wrong. Instead, just stay near him. If he’s trying to climb up your leg to get away from something frightening, go ahead and pick him up.

He trusts you to take care of him. Don’t panic yourself, and don’t repeat, “It’s okay! It’s okay! It’s okay!” Just soothe him quietly and calmly.

When he is brave, really lay on the attention! Make a huge fuss over him and tell him he’s the bravest warrior ever. Be a safe harbor for him while you encourage him to slay his demons.

As always, if you need help battling monsters, call in a professional, reward-based trainer who has experience in helping dogs with anxiety and fear. You may also want to consult your veterinarian to see if behavioural medication may help. Facing fear head on can be challenging, but there is hope! Help your dog learn that the monsters he fears are not so scary after all.

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Should You Comfort a Scared Dog?

Best Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Bored dog? We have the fix!

By Camille Lemos

P.L.A.Y.’s super-durable ZoomieRex IncrediBall can be stuffed with food or treats to keep your dog busily engaged. It also floats and bounces for fetch and playtime fun. Available in three different vibrant colours and two different sizes. (from $13, petplay.com)

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this incredible ball does it all.

2

engage your dog’s brain, and redirect unwanted chewing and licking behaviours with the durable LickiMat Tuff Playdate. This durable slow-feeding solution can be used with all your pup’s favourite food and treats.

Check out the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon, where people particularly love it for dogs with anxiety. ($15, amazon.com/ lickimat or lickimat.com)

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Bust boredom,

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Attention Fetch-aholics

If your pups love to endlessly play fetch, they’ll love the iFetch Automatic Ball Launcher, which allows dogs to play fetch anytime they’d like!

Perfect for small to medium-sized dogs, it comes with three mini tennis balls. Simply show your dog how to drop a ball in the top, and the iFetch will launch it. Change the launch distance—10, 20 or 30 feet— with the touch of a button for ultimate fetching fun! ($130, goifetch.com)

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Check in with your dog and give her a treat while you’re out! The Petcube Bites 2

Lite is a smart, high-definition pet camera featuring a treat dispenser, 160 degree lens, and two-way audio so you can see what your dog is up to, talk to your dog, and even give a treat! ($160, petcube.com)

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Kong or hiding in snuffle mats, keeping your dog agreeably occupied. A perfect choice: the Chicken with Salmon Churu Bites from Inaba Foods. These small, soft, pillow-shaped treats are made with natural chicken, wild-caught salmon and tuna, green tea extract, and vitamin E. They’re a perfectly sized, incentivizing treat to add to any enrichment activity! ($9, inabafoods.com)

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bust boredom and encourage independent play

with the Zippy Burrow Fox Stump toy from ZippyPaws! This adorable toy comes with three squeaky foxes that can be hidden inside the stump to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated. Tip: hide some of their favourite treats in the stump for extra fun! ($32, zippypaws.com)

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Small dog treats are ideal for secreting in a

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looking for something

to tire out your energetic dog?

Challenge your pup and get their nose working with the PawzNDogz Anti-Bite Snuffle Mat! Simply hide dry food or treats in the folds of the snuffle mat and watch your dog get to work sniffing them out. These machine-washable toys have multiple levels of challenges embedded in the designs to tire your pup by burning their energy via sniffing. Made with felt and tough, cotton-polyester webbing, this snuffle mat is durable and large enough for multiple dogs to use at the same time. Bonus: it also comes with a silicone lick pad for added enrichment. Boredom busted! ($76, pawzndogz.ca) 

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6 DOG-TASTIC DESTINATIONS Dog-friendly spots worth road-tripping for

By Tracey Tong

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DOG MOUNTAIN St. Johnsbury, Vermont dogmt.com Set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop, Dog Mountain is heaven on earth for canines. Four-legged visitors can run, play, hike, swim, and meet other dogs—leash free—while their owners take in the spirit-lifting artwork that is the hallmark and legacy of artist Stephen Huneck.

Huneck and his wife Gwen opened Dog Mountain in 2000. The property, covered in hiking trails and dog ponds, is home to the Stephen Huneck Gallery and the Dog Chapel,

where visitors can honour pups they have loved and lost. The chapel walls are covered in photos and moving tributes to beloved dogs that have passed on, literally surrounding you with messages of love.

“Many fall in love with Dog Mountain before they have even visited,” says Ali Ide, managing director of Friends of Dog Mountain, the nonprofit that now runs Dog Mountain.

“Attracted by the art and message, they plan for trips to Dog Mountain with their dogs, years in advance.”

There’s magic here, as the visitors, many of them repeat, attest. “It’s a uniquely joyful experience unlike any

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lanning a family vacation? Cancel your kennel reservation and bring your four-footed family members along.

Staff at attractions across North America are reporting more pets travelling with their humans.

Here are seven must-visit destinations your dog will drool over.

other,” says Ide. “Visitors often tell us that their dog has just had the best day of their life. We have visitors from all over the country who return annually to have that unique bonding experience with their dogs.”

Dog Mountain welcomes more than 30,000 people annually from all over the world. Admission is free, and the grounds can be accessed even when the gallery and chapel are closed.

Ide says they receive frequent feedback from people about feeling completely enchanted by their visit to Dog Mountain, specifically the Dog Chapel, where they are surprised by how much it moves them emotionally.

She calls Dog Mountain “a unique treasure in North America that honours

the healing power of dogs, nature, love, and art.”

“There is a holism to Dog Mountain,” says Ide. “The artwork; the place as a sanctuary and celebration centre for dog-human connections; a recreation resource for local and visiting dogs and people and a site for community arts-related events.

Stephen perhaps said it best: ‘It is a very moving experience to see how much everyone cherishes his or her dog. Equally important is celebrating the joy of living and the bond between dogs and their owners. Dogs bring us closer to nature, and they help us live in the moment and feel unconditionally loved. They give us so much and ask for so little in return.’”

K9 FUN ZONE Caledonia, Ontario k9funzone.com

P H OTO R I TA G R EG O R Y

Dogs and owners come to K9 Fun Zone from all over southern Ontario, Canada.

Located on three acres of land an hour southwest of Toronto, the park is aptly named: it boasts a dock jumping facility with two heated above-ground saltwater pools where owners can swim with their dogs, as well as a huge area for running, a ball pit, and weekday doggy day care. “’A guarantee of a tired pup at the end of the day, but not necessarily a clean one’ is the mantra,” says K9 Fun Zone owner Al Wright.

Their speciality is dock jumping, a sport in which dogs jump from the 40-foot-long dock into a body of water. Participants practice distance jumping, in which the handler throws a toy to get their dog to jump as far as possible, and vertical, where dogs aim to touch a bumper that is moved higher and higher. Any breed of dog can participate, from the small (but mighty) Maltese to extra-large breeds, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Dogs can take part in this sport casually, be registered for dock jumping classes, or join a league.

K9 Fun Zone was inspired by Wright’s first two Labrador Retrievers.

“We could not keep them out of the in-ground pool,” he says. They joined the Ontario DockDogs Club and added a dock to their pool after becoming addicted to the sport. It was after Wright and his wife moved to a rural property that they finally had the space for a competition-size dock. They opened K9 Fun Zone in May 2016.

The pools are the facility’s most popular attraction, but dogs love “just getting the chance to have fun, playing with their humans and other dogs,” says Wright. “I often receive photos afterwards of dogs sound asleep— sometimes in the car on the drive home.” moderndogmagazine.com

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“There hasn’t ever been a time in our 96-year history when dogs haven’t been welcomed at the park,” says Knoebels Amusement Resort public relations director Stacy Yutko. “We are a family park, and we understand many people very much consider their pup an important member of the family.”

One of the few amusement parks in the U.S. that welcomes dogs, Knoebels—the country’s largest freeadmission amusement park—opened in 1926 and features nearly 60 rides for all thrill appetites; midway games; a 900,000-gallon Crystal Pool; an onsite campground and cottages and a second campground just a few miles away (leashed pets are permitted at the campgrounds, but not the cabins); a golf course; and restaurants.

“The fact that furry family members

are welcome at the park makes Knoebels an appealing place for guests who wish to vacation with the whole family,” says Yutko. Rides that permit dogs include the Pioneer Train, Ole Smokey Train, Grand Carousel chariots, S&G Merry-Go-Round chariots, antique cars, and motorboats. Water bowls are available throughout the park to make hydration breaks a breeze.

Its pet-friendly status has made Knoebels a destination for approximately 1.4 million guests per year. “Some guests will choose to visit because their furry family members need not miss out on the fun,” says Yutko. “It brings happiness not only to families who are able to bring their dogs, but also other park guests who enjoy seeing the pups enjoying the day with their families.”

Knoebels also hosts an annual fundraiser in support of animal-related causes. This year’s Doggie Dive in the Crystal Pool will be held on September 11.

MUTTS CANINE CANTINA Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen + Austin, Texas muttscantina.com Your dog wants to play outside, but you have plans to meet friends for a drink.

What to do? MUTTS Canine Cantina makes this dilemma a thing of the past. “I don’t have to choose between my friends and the dog if I can bring them together,” says MUTTS Canine Cantina Austin owner Lisa Ladewig.

MUTTS Canine Cantina currently has three Texas locations—Dallas, Fort Worth, and Allen—with another set to open this fall in Austin. With not one, but two off-leash parks, the brand-new facility will be a must-visit for Austin’s friendly vaccinated pets. But what really takes MUTTS to the next level is the full

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bar—which includes local craft beer and mixed drinks, MUTTS’ famous chicken sandwiches, fried pickles, and a dog menu featuring pupsicles and doggie dogs—and all the amenities.

“There are no other dog parks that have K9 splash pads, 15-foot LED Screens, private cabanas, special event spaces, cool and heating areas with a great menu in Austin,” says MUTTS Canine Cantina Austin owner Darrell Landers.

So, which is it? A restaurant or a dog park? It’s both, says Austin-area director Lee Ward, adding, “but we’re also a community. You’ll see a lot of the same faces every day that come in. It’s a lot of the same dogs that you’ll know, and you’ll learn the dog’s names before you learn the names of their owners.”

The parks also host events for dogs and their owners, including outdoor dogfriendly concerts with local artists and vendors and charity-related events.

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Elysburg, Pennsylvania knoebels.com

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KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT

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Many dogs like to bury and dig for bones, but Dinosaur World takes it to the next level.

Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome at all three Dinosaur World locations: in Plant City, Florida; Cave City, Kentucky; and Glen Rose, Texas, where the park is located around the corner from the Dinosaur Valley State Park. In Cave City, canine guests can play archeologist and dig for cast fossils in the dig area of the theme park.

This unique experience brings many canine visitors to the Kentucky location, where Chris Randall is the park director.

“We are a planned stop because of our friendliness to four-legged friends,”

says Randall, who is also a dog owner.

“It is a chance to stretch the legs, he says, “and take in all the neat smells of native Kentucky and maybe see a deer or turkey with the dinos.”

Dogs are part of the family, says Randall. “It is always better when they can travel with you. A lot of guests mention that they are travelling with their pets and that it was so nice to be able to experience and share their vacation with them.”

He’s often heard guests call Dinosaur World a magical place, allowing them to escape reality for a while. “When you visit Dinosaur World, you can become a child again and remember all the dreams and adventures that you had as a youth,” Randall says. “I am sure there are other cool places in North America, but I don’t know many that you can see over 150 life-sized dinosaurs with canine friends.”

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Plant City, Florida; Cave City, Kentucky; Glen Rose, Texas dinosaurworld.com

FAMILY DRIVE-IN THEATRE Stephens City, Virginia thefamilydi.com When they mean that they are familyfriendly, the Family Drive-In Theatre means everyone, dogs included. And as a bonus, the furriest members don’t even need a ticket.

“We are 100 percent pet friendly as long as they are on a leash,” says general manager Ronald Graham.

Those with plans to take their pooches on a movie date will find firstrun movies (so your dog won’t have to wait for the latest blockbuster to be released on a subscription service).

And when it’s time to stock up at the concession stand, your dog won’t be left out—the theatre offers free biscuits and treats.

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The theatre holds pet events to coincide with dog- and cat-oriented movies, and has hosted fundraisers for local rescue shelters, Halloween costume competitions, and canine meetups between features.

Even with plans to upgrade their digital projection to laser light projection, the 66-year-old

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DINOSAUR WORLD

family-owned classic drive-in theatre is keeping nostalgia alive on its 84- and 55-foot-tall screens every weekend. Not sure what your dog’s preference in film genre is? Graham offers a hint: “Some of the most popular movies for dogs tend to be the popular cartoon or animated movies,” he says. 

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THE DOG GEAR LOOKBOOK

Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for your dog

COLLARS

Vegan Leather Collar, from $28; hotdogsalldressed.com

A Tail We Could Wag Side-Release Dog Collar, from $32; auburndirect.com

Padded Leather Dog Collar, from $35; centralkentuckytackandleather.com

Orange Boho Mandala No-Stink Waterproof Collar, from $30; wilderpup.com

GROOMING

Furbliss Brush, $13; vetniquelabs.com

Cordless Nail Grinder, $56; andis.com

Tear Stain Wipes, $14; jaxandcali.com

Dexas MudBuster Pet Paw Washer, from $17; amazon.com

Birthday Surprise Cake Toy Set, $50; oscarnewman.com

McLovin’s Treat Tumbler For Dogs $13; mclovinspet.com

Tug-A-Mals Monkey, $11; jollypets.com

TOYS

Interactive Natural Leather Tug Toy, $22; auburndirect.com

FOR DOG PEOPLE

Nose Print Pendant, from $277; robinslovingtouch.com

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Julianna Swaney Beagle Mug, $14; petshop.fringestudio.com

Elvis Apron, $29; alexross.world

Boston Terrier Tote Bag, $49; storytotes.store

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Why Does My Dog...?

A dog behaviourist and trainer answers commonly Googled dog questions

Q

By Nicole Wilde

Q

Why Does My Dog Get the Zoomies?

No, ‘dog zoomies’ is not a new form of virtual meeting for dogs! The

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ed, for example, when seeing another dog or when you come home.

Q

Why Does My Dog Dig or Paw the Ground After Pooping?

This instinctual behaviour is also seen in wild canids like wolves and coyotes and is called “scraping” or “ground scratching.” Dogs have scent glands in their paw pads. When they kick their hind legs out after urinating or defecating, they are dispersing the scent and marking the spot—not hiding their business, as is commonly thought. In addition to leaving odour from their paws, the resulting scrapes in the dirt also communicate who was there to other dogs. Dogs may also perform this behaviour in the presence of other dogs as a display of social status.

Q

Why Does My Dog Hump Other Dogs (or Objects) Despite Being Neutered/Spayed?

Although people are often embarrassed when their dog humps another dog, an object, or—even worse—

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What’s better than your dog doing the happy dance and licking you joyfully when you come home? Not much! Licking as a greeting has been observed in packs of wild wolves, and you are definitely part of your dog’s pack! Dogs lick out of affection and to express emotions.

Your dog might even be empathetic to the point that if you are feeling sad or crying, he will lick you. Dogs may also lick their owners to appease them after being yelled at or when feeling nervous. Your dog might also lick you to get your attention, such as when it’s time for dinner or to solicit petting. Now, if you’ve been exercising and have broken a sweat, it may be that your dog is licking you because the salt on your skin is tasty.

Essentially, you’ve become a walking bag of potato chips!

zoomies are when your dog races around in circles as though he’s suddenly lost his mind. But why do dogs do this? Dogs are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, as are wolves, with whom dogs share a lot of DNA. Wolves are most active during these two time periods because that’s when they’re out hunting. You might notice that your dog gets the zoomies around dawn or dusk, an ancestral hold over. Of course, your dog might also have a burst of morning energy after resting all night, or to express pent-up energy if he's been left alone during the day. In fact, zoomies can happen as a result of excess energy any time of day. Spontaneous happy zooms can also happen when a dog is very excit-

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Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Research has shown that when a dog wags his tail to the right, he's more relaxed, whereas a wag to left indicates fear or uncertainty.

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another person, it is a totally natural behaviour. In adult dogs, it is also not often sexual in nature, although it appears that way. Both male dogs and female dogs hump. The behaviour is often seen when dogs are racing around playing and is a form of social engagement. It can be problematic, however, when the humpee does not appreciate that particular form of unsolicited attention, especially since humping another dog can also express dominance. But like zoomies, humping can simply be the result of excess energy. It can serve as a release valve when a dog is experiencing stress and anxiety. When directed at an object, the underlying reason may be to release sexual arousal.

(Some owners allow their dog a specific pillow for this purpose.) When directed toward a person, humping can be an expression of the dog’s excitement to see them, although most of us would prefer an alternative form of greeting!

Q

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Grass eating is a common behaviour in dogs, but many of us have no idea why our dogs do it, especially if they’re getting a nutritious, balanced diet. Although many people believe grass-eating is a dog’s way to make themselves vomit when they have stomach upset, evidence suggests

that this is not true in the majority of cases. Some dogs will graze when they are bored or anxious, and some seem to simply like the taste. In any case, unless the grass has been sprayed with a pesticide or herbicide, grass eating is not normally dangerous to dogs.

Q

Why Does My Dog Howl?

Dogs howl for a variety of reasons, but at its root, howling is a genetically programmed behaviour. Wolves and coyotes use howling as a long-distance signal to keep the pack together and to broadcast their territory. In domesticated dogs, some breeds tend to howl more than others. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and hounds are master howlers! In dogs, howling serves a variety of purposes.

Basset Hounds or Beagles will howl on the hunt when they’ve gotten their prey. Malamutes and Huskies are

often used as sled dogs, and howling is a bond-reinforcing activity in the pack. But dogs will also howl as a response to an unfamiliar dog’s howl, and will even howl in response to the mechanical howl of a fire engine or police siren. At home, your dog might howl, along with barking, to alert you to a potential intruder, or to advise others to keep off his territory. Dogs also howl when they are in pain. If you have an older dog who is howling at night, it could be a sign of cognitive decline. If you suspect either of the latter two reasons, a vet visit is in order.

Q

Why Does My Dog Wag his Tail?

We’ve all seen dogs wag their tail when they’re happy to see us, or excited about something such as the prospect of going for a walk. But dogs wag for other reasons as well. A dog who is nervous may hold his tail low and wag it in a small, tight arc.

A dog who is meeting another dog might hold his tail high, wagging it stiffly like a flag, to show confidence or dominance. And then there’s my favourite, the doggy-happy-dance propellor tail that swoops around and around in wild circles! Furthermore, research has shown that when a dog wags his tail to the right, he's more relaxed, whereas a wag to left indicates fear or uncertainty. moderndogmagazine.com

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Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s Fall selection of must-read books for dog lovers The Dachshund Wears Prada

By Stefanie London

The Forever Dog

By Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Shaw Becker with Kristin Loberg The Forever Dog is a must-read guide to delaying the aging of our canine best friends. This #1 New York Times bestseller offers science-backed choices to help our dogs live long, happy lives. Rodney Habib and Karen Becker, DVM, distill wisdom from top geneticists, microbiologists, and longevity researchers and share inspiring stories from people whose dogs have lived all the way into their 30s. Expect surprising information and galvanizing advice.

A Place to Run Free

By Michael LaReaux In this compelling novel, young troublemaker Jake Phillips finds himself in a netherworld with pets who are awaiting their humans. But it’s not the afterlife he learned about in church—an evil presence is stealing away pets before they can be reunited with their people. Jake joins forces with Ursus the dog, and together, they determine to put a stop to the disappearances and bring back those taken. This harrowing, wonderful story shows we all have the bravery, compassion, and strength to make a difference, even if we must dig deep to find it.

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When social media consultant Isla Thompson goes viral for all the wrong reasons and becomes all but unemployable, she’s forced to take the only job she can get—caring for wild-mannered Dachshund, Camilla.

She can’t afford to be picky when she needs to keep a roof over the head of her 14-year-old younger sister, Dani.

And she definitely can’t risk falling for Camilla’s rich and reclusive, owner, Theo—but it may already be too late. We tore through this fun novel!

High Spirits

By Carol J. Perry Jump into this paranormal cozy mystery! Maureen and her Golden Retriever Finn are prepping their quaint (and haunted!) Florida inn for the holiday season when a murder victim is found at the local movie theater on the first day of a holiday movie festival. Will Maureen be able to defend her staff and guests and help solve this case? You’ll have fun finding out.

Gone to the Dogs Written and illustrated

by Rebecca Dufton Dogs have a way of coming into our lives when we need them the most. Gone to the Dogs chronicles Canadian artist and writer Rebecca Dufton’s life with her dogs through beautiful, illustrated artwork and writing. A moving homage to life with dogs.

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CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB

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Fall Essentials

ine, t u o P e? anyon

We’ve rounded up our fall favourites, Modern Dog tested and approved!

Jump into fall with these fun and functional picks to make life easier and more enjoyable!

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Escape to Montréal with the

Bone Appetit! Upgrade your dog’s

dinnerware with the clean lines of this modern cutie.

The ceramic Textile Lines bowl from Fringe Studios is dishwasher and microwave safe, holds five cups of food, and reads “Bone Appetit” in the center—perfect for discerning gourmets and enthusiastic gourmands alike. ($20, petshop.fringestudio.com)

An ideal boredom buster for aggressive chewers.

Tex’s Smoke’N’Chews super-durable “Ham Bone” is a safe alternative to real smoked or nylon bones.

Made from BPA-free thermoplastic rubber, this super-durable chew toy looks and smells like the real thing, keeping pups safely and happily entertained! ($14, texchews.com)

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adorably mouth-watering Montréal Munchies plush toy collection! A P.L.A.Y. and Earth Rated collaboration, it features handmade, eco-friendly plush toys for delicious playtime fun.

Choose from the Montréal Bagel, Pooch-tine, Mon-treat-al Smoked Meat Sandwich, or Maple Tree—or nab the whole lot! Your dog will say merci. (from $8, petplay.com)

Pup Art

Make your heart smile with a portrait of your canine bestie. Artist Fred Smith of Pet Art 4 U produces gorgeous, stylized watercolour pet portraits from personal pet photos. Every purchase supports Heart 2 Heart, a no kill animal rescue based in Arizona. (from $199, petart4u.com)

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Get ready to upgrade your dog walks. This patented leash accessory allows your dog

to hydrate on the go. The Spleash attaches to almost any leash, providing a comfortable and convenient handle/water reservoir so your dog never has to go thirsty! It holds up to 12 oz of fresh drinking water and features a flip-open drinking cup for easy lapping. ($35, spleash.com)

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Stop the Pulling Does your dog pull on

leash? Get ready to enjoy walks again thanks to the Freedom No-Pull Harness from 2Hounds Design. It comfortably discourages pulling behaviour and redirects your dog’s attention so you can put pulling in your past. (from $33, 2houndsdesign.com)

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Fall weather means wet, muddy dogs. Our must-have? The Ruff and

Tumble Drying Coat. These cozy coats dry your dog quickly, fasten around the neck and belly, and come in a wide variety of sizes and colours. (from $64, cooltugs.com)

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Tired of carrying poo on dog walks? Who isn’t? Let Dooloop do the dirty work

for you. This nifty little device holds the dog-waste bag, so you don’t have to—simply attach it to any leash or backpack. Woman-made in Maine from non-toxic, recycled plastic, this might be the best $9 you’ll ever spend. ($9, thedooloop.com)

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Healthy PAWS Solutions for everything from bad teeth to sore hips and itchy skin!

oHead-t s lnes toe wel for s solution g! your do

1. ABSORB GROSS MESSES

2. A BETTER CHEW Dogs love the long-lasting, rawhide-free DigestaBone dog chews from Chews Happiness. Ingredients like dried yak cheese, beef gelatin, pumpkin, and organic chicken or whitefish boost digestive, joint, skin, and coat health! (from $20, chewshappiness.com)

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Made with safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly volcanic rock and activated carbon, Sprinkle & Sweep instantly absorbs liquid and traps odours. Simply sprinkle it over the pet mess, let everything absorb, and then sweep it up! Bonus: use ModernDog15 for 15 percent off! ($22, sprinklesweep.com)

3. DOG TOOTHPASTE Canine dental wellness has a major impact on overall health.

Keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy (and save money on vet bills!) with the Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste from Oxyfresh.

Odourless and tasteless, this toothpaste helps remove plaque and promotes healthy gums. ($11, oxyfresh.com)

8. HEMP HEMP HOORAY! The hemp-infused dog treats from Hemp 4 Paws promote skin, coat, joint, and bone health while aiding digestion. And dogs love them! Available in apple, pumpkin, and peanut butter flavours, they’re a great source of plant fibre, protein, and essential fatty acids. ($13, hemp4paws.ca)

4. HEAL PAW PADS

9. MEGA OMEGA

Does your pup have a dry nose or cracked paw pads? Bailey’s Hemp Infused Paw and Nose Balm is made with beeswax, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, aloe, and infused with naturally occurring CBD oil to help relieve dryness and irritation and encourage healing. (from $8, baileyscbd.com)

Packed with Omega-3 and antioxidants, PureForm Omega3 helps with skin and coat health, brain function, and is a great source of dietary fibre. It’s made with organic, milled flax linseed and zero artificial ingredients, preservatives, or fillers. ($30, pureformpethealth.com)

5. GOODBYE UTIs

10. BETTER BATH TIME

Harness the power of cranberry to address your dog’s urinary tract health issues. The CranMate chewable supplement from PRN Pharmacal is made with antioxidant-rich cranberry extract and is pork flavoured for a taste dogs love. ($22, prnpharmacal. com)

Bath time can be a breeze with Vetericyn’s FoamCare Pet Shampoo. This pH balanced shampoo sprays on, foams instantly, rinses fast, and is available in all coat, thick coat, and medicated formulas for your various pooch bathing needs. (from $15, vetericyn.com)

6. HAPPY HIPS

11. GO WILD

With plant-based probiotics, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and maltodextrin, the MitoJoint supplement for dogs is formulated to improve hip and joint health! (from $23, mitopets.com)

Support skin, heart, brain, and joint health with Fish Oil + Vitamin E from Fera Pet Organics. Made from sustainably sourced and wild caught sardines, anchovies, herring, and mackerel, it boosts wellness inside and out. (from $25, ferapetorganics.com)

7. ITCHY SKIN Formulated to help relieve dry, itchy skin, J.R. Liggett’s Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin is all-natural, detergent-free, and hypoallergenic. Available in a biodegradable bar or as a liquid, it contains soothing ingredients like olive, coconut, and castor oils, and colloidal oatmeal to ease the itching. (from $8, jrliggett.com)

12. SORE EARS Does your dog have sensitive ears? NaturPet Ear Drops are made from an herbal formula combining olive oil, calendula, vitamin E, and aloe vera with basil and bergamot oil to reduce inflammation and help relieve symptoms of ear infections, discharge, and vertigo. ($15, arrowleafnaturals.com) moderndogmagazine.com

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BREED PROFILE

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l. u f y a Pl Good ed. ur o m u h ing m r a Ch

The Bull Terrier Exuberant, mischievous, endearing—these “eggheads” have personality plus!

By Kelly Caldwell

W

ith an eggshaped head and a swagger that’s unparalleled in dogdom, there is simply no mistaking the Bull Terrier. A distinctive, muscular build renders this breed regal and impressive, yet in terms of personality, the BT is utterly comical and sweet-natured. Is the Bull Terrier right for you? Let’s take a look at the breed’s history and what it’s like to live with a Bull Terrier.

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Early History As with all of this breed’s bull-andterrier cousins, the Bull Terrier emerges from a group of feisty, muscular British terriers that were developed to participate in bull-baiting and dogfighting. Thankfully, these blood sports were banned in England in 1835. By then, the dog that would become today’s Bull Terrier was known for being tough enough to “finish” a fight but unlikely to provoke one.

With dog-fighting outlawed, breeders focused on type and temperament with an eye to continue selling their dogs —but with a shift to their role as a family companion with a knack for hunting vermin.

British-based dog fancier and breeder James Hinks had a particular dog in mind. He wanted to create a more refined bully breed—a gentleman’s dog, if you will. A solid, bright white coat for the breed was a priority because Hinks had

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a hunch that this would appeal broadly to dog fanciers.

As was usual for the time, Hinks didn’t keep detailed records of the breeds that he used to create the Bull Terrier. We do know that Bulldog was used, as was the Dalmatian and the now-extinct White English Terrier—the latter two notably to introduce the all-white coat that sets the breed apart. Some speculate that Greyhounds or Pointers may have been introduced to straighten the legs that would naturally have bowed owing to the Bulldog heritage.

By introducing a diverse mix of breeds, the Bull Terrier over time came to look entirely distinct from its bully cousins.

The neck and foreface became longer, and eventually the Bull Terrier ended up with an egg-shaped head with small, triangular eyes—both of which are unique in the dog world.

Hinks wasn’t just concerned with the breed’s appearance. He was also trying in earnest to create a bully breed with a gentle temperament—one disinclined to fight and ideally suited as a family companion.

Dog Show Debut In 1862, Hinks entered his “New Bull Terrier” at a dog show in Birmingham.

His hunch was right, and people were

Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. According to the most recent AKC registration statistics [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [61]

Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever French Bulldog Bulldog Poodle Beagle Rottweiler German Shorthaired Pointer Pembroke Welsh Corgi Bull Terrier

immediately drawn to the breed’s unique appearance and calm, goodnatured temperament. Hinks’ goal of creating a gentleman’s terrier was realized, and the breed earned the nickname of “The White Cavalier.”

Soaring in popularity, Bull Terriers made their way to North America soon enough. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1885, and the Bull Terrier Club of America (BTA) was founded in 1897.

Evolution of the Standard

Get to Know the Bull Terrier Medium or Small: Two varieties to choose from Even-tempered, friendly, and loving

In the 20th century, Bull Terrier fanciers focused their energies on developing a breed standard and introducing coat colours. Breeders used the Staffordshire Bull Terrier for this purpose, creating breeding lines that would yield the different colours, brindling, and markings that are part of the Bull Terrier today.

High energy; renowned for the ‘zoomies’

A muscular and well-proportioned breed, the Bull Terrier stands 21” to 22” at the withers; weights range considerably, from 35 to upwards of 70 pounds.

Good with children

The standard emphasizes strength in build, an intelligent expression, and eyes with a “piercing glint.” The ears are small and placed close together, standing quite erect and pointing upwards. The Bull Terrier’s tail is short, thick, and carried horizontally.

A Smaller Version: Meet the Miniature Bull Terrier Those in search of a more compact version of this enchanting breed are in luck. While working hard to establish type and temperament in accordance with the standard, efforts were also underway to create a smaller version of the breed. The Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1991 and is virtually identical to the Bull Terrier in every way but size. The Mini Bull weighs

Fun-loving and clownlike Strong attachment to family Early training and socialization are musts!

Head-strong, mischievous, and a bit naughty between 18 and 28 pounds, and his height ranges from 10” to 14” at the withers.

What is it Like to Live with a Bull Terrier?

Living with a Bull Terrier is like having a rambunctious toddler in the form of a dog. This is a happy-go-lucky, extroverted, and highly energetic breed. The Bull Terrier is one of the dog world’s natural-born comedians with a keen interest in having fun.

This breed is an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles in search of an up-for-anything companion. The Bull Terrier’s boundless energy must moderndogmagazine.com

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be chanelled. The bored Bull Terrier can be destructive, noisy, and anything but the gentleman’s companion that Hinks had in mind! This breed is very devoted to its family and has earned a reputation for being exceptionally good with kids. Supervision around young children is, of course, advised—that muscular build plus playtime exuberance can easily knock down littles unintentionally. For older kids, the Bull Terrier is an ideal playmate with plenty of energy and a very fun personality.

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It’s like having a rambunctious toddler in the form of a dog.

Training and Socialization This dog wants to go, go, go. An active lifestyle is required for the breed to thrive, but to be clear: naturally obedient the Bull Terrier is not.

Bull Terriers, like their bully cousins, are quite strong-willed.

They’re intelligent dogs but possess a natural tendency to do what suits them at any given moment.

Profile: The Bull Terrier Size: Medium or Small. Weights range from 18 to 70 pounds, and heights from 10” to 22”.

Activity level: This is an energetic breed. After bursts of high energy, expect long naps.

Grooming: The sleek and shiny coat of the Bull Terrier requires just a simple brushing, once a week.

Early training is an absolute must. The Bull Terrier can easily become the unruly boss of a household unless firm and consistent training and leadership are in place. For this reason, the Bull Terrier is not a suitable choice for everyone. Those bringing a Bull Terrier into their home must be prepared to put the time and patience required into obedience training.

Heritage: Emerging from a group of Terriers bred for dog-fighting, the Bull Terrier was designed to be a regal and even-tempered companion.

Motivation is key when it comes to training the Bull Terrier. Sure, this is perhaps the most chill member of the Terrier group but is not immune to that trademark stubbornness. Fortunately, the breed is notoriously food-motivated, a trait that comes in very handy for training purposes.

For more information on Bull Terrier rescue in the United States, visit bullterrierclubofamericarescue.com.

In Canada, visit thebullterrierclub.ca/rescue.

Early socialization with other dogs and pets is also vitally important. While even-tempered, the potential for the Bull Terrier to become aggressive with other dogs exists.

If you like the Bull Terrier, you might also consider the...

The Bull Terrier is an active breed. At an absolute minimum, daily walks and plenty of play time are needed, but to thrive, this breed needs more—a few long walks a day and ideally a fencedin yard for him to zoom around in when he pleases.

Is he the easiest of dogs to introduce to canine sports? Not really! Again, that independent and stubborn terrier streak is in there. But, for those who commit to giving this special breed the time and attention involved, the well-mannered and obedient Bull Terrier is a dream.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

READ YOUR BREED

Bulldog

For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds

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Once the BT has mastered the basics of Obedience, consider introducing fun sports like Agility or Flyball. Fun, physical outlets are right up the Bull Terrier’s alley and can be a great way to channel all that energy and exuberance.

B OTTO M I N SE T P H OTOS : © T H O M A S P I T E R A © A M E R I C A N K E N N E L

Out and About with this Bully

LOVE LETTERS

Summer days just rolling on by like the flow of the river and time. Just to be here. What one sees when one takes the time to look and feel. The breeze blows gently, rocks the leaves to and fro as they cast a shadow on the lazy river. Love the simple life, the gentle breeze, the grass growing and blowing on the mountainside. A pictureperfect summer day. Soul yearns and gravitates toward this peaceful flow of the river. Who could not love the riverside with all of its peacefulness and glory?—Monica Satterfield

Forever By My Side

Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words.

My Dream Samoyed At seven years old, I fell in love with a friend’s Samoyed dog, and I made it my life mission to one day have my own. First, I had to achieve three big goals: complete a journalism degree, get a job as a newspaper reporter, and buy a house in the country with lots of land. It took me 21 years. I loved my girl Jesse before I even laid eyes on her. She represented all my hard work and accomplishments. For almost 13 years we shared an incredible bond, and my tattoo keeps her memory alive.

—Steph Dancey

All About Love My name is Leo. I came into my mom’s life during difficult times, which were leading to more difficult times. I provide comic relief and some home destruction for good measure. My best friends are my older dog brother, Sherman, and a cat named Wilky who believes himself to also be a dog. I’m 100 percent on all the time. Did you say outside? Treat? Walk? I’m in! However, my most important job is to make sure Mom is happy. She tells me I do a great job. People sometimes hurt people, but us dogs, we are all about love.—Angi Bettag

I knew she was my dog when I first laid eyes on her at the rescue. The terrified Border Collie mix came with anxiety, OCD, leash reactivity, blanket sucking disorder, and signs of abuse. I put her bed next to mine. The third night of the second week brought a fierce thunderstorm. She came to me on the side of the bed shaking. I pulled her up beside me. She has been there ever since. I lost her last August, but sometimes there is no mistaking it: I can feel her warm, solid, body pressed up against me.—Margo Bowblis

Duke the Hero When Ruth died suddenly, grieving widower Dave complained. Duke was her dog, not his. But man and Schnauzer eventually bonded. Three years later, Dave suffered a heart attack. He fell to the floor, semi-conscious, helpless, nose bleeding. Duke responded intuitively.

He dragged his quilted dog blanket to cover Dave, then huddled at his side. A neighbour discovered them together the next day.

Recovering, Dave told staff and hospital visitors that Duke was his hero: “I survived because I wasn’t alone.” When Dave passed, we adopted heroic Duke and loved him for seven years until he joined Ruth and Dave.—Jeannie Gree

My Boy Jack In 2011, I got a puppy so stinky we had to drive with the windows down. He was a fluffy black speck with lively brown eyes, and that day, he became my Jack. If he wanted my attention, he’d find something to back up to and kick until my eyes met his.

He ran, jumped, and showed me true love. I held him in my arms every day for ten years, and one last time as he crossed the rainbow bridge. My boy is still with me. He gives me puppy kisses and runs forever in my heart.—Tania Alvarez

Get published in Modern Dog! Submit your dog story of no more than 100 words (word count strictly enforced) to tinydogstories@moderndogmagazine.com. By submitting, you are consenting to publication of your story.

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I L LU S T R AT I O N SSSTO C K E R / B I G S TO C K . CO M

River Life as Told by My Dog Annie

Must-haves for you & your dog

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LAST LICK

Hailing from Mexico…

INTERESTING

DOG FACTS Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts

The Chihuahua, which bears the distinction of being the smallest recognized dog breed, is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first noted in the mid-19th century. The Chihuahua is thought to have descended from the Techichi, a larger, heavier ancestor of the Chihuahua kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century AD.

Dog ears contain about 18 muscles, which enables them to raise, lower, rotate, tilt, and move their ears independently, allowing them to “funnel” sounds into the ear, as well as express emotion. Dogs can hear better than humans, detecting higher frequencies and sounds more than four times further away. Dogs with prick ears hear better than dogs with droopy ears.

The Emotional Maturity of a Two-Year-Old

There’s a Word for That

Pearly Whites Most adult humans have 32 teeth, whereas an adult dog should have 42 teeth in total—20 on top of their jaw and 22 on the bottom. Puppies have only 28 temporary teeth, which are replaced by their adult teeth by six months of age.

Those gurgling sounds your dog’s stomach sometimes makes? There’s a fancy name for that. The scientific name for dog stomach noises is borborygmi. These rumbling sounds are created by gas moving through the intestines. This is completely normal, though if your dog has constant or very loud borborygmi, a vet check-up may be in order.

Dogs experience the same emotions as those available to a two-and-a-half-year-old human, says Dr. Stanley Coren, psychology professor emeritus and writer on the intelligence and mental abilities of dogs. This means a dog will have all the basic emotions: joy, fear, anger, disgust, and, yes, love, but does not experience the more complex emotions like guilt, pride, and shame.

Gender Equality

Are You a Dog? The Dog is eleventh in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac animals. Recent Years of the Dog include 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018.

People born in the Year of the Dog are thought to be loyal, honest, amiable, kind, sincere, prudent, and stubborn. They know how to keep secrets and inspire confidence. In romantic relationships, they are steadfast.

Puppies are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. Their eyes don’t open until they are 14 to 21 days old, and their vision is still limited at this point. Hearing is the last sense to fully develop— puppies can’t hear until they are about three weeks old.

Without sight and hearing, newborn pups use smell to navigate their world.

The Fascinating Diversity of Dogs Dogs are the most diverse mammal species on the planet. They can vary in weight from six pounds (three kg) to 200 pounds (90 kg) when fully grown and have incredibly varied hair types and body shapes—think the French Bulldog vs. the Saluki.

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, & exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog on Facebook & follow us on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest. Go to facebook. com/moderndogmagazine, twitter.com/moderndogmag, instagram.com/modern_dog_mag & pinterest.com/moderndogmag.

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Helpless as a Newborn Pup

It is a myth that just female dogs’ urine causes burnt-out patches in the lawn. Both male and female dogs cause these due to the high nitrogen content in their urine.

This myth likely got off the ground, so to speak, because female dogs squat to pee, concentrating their urine in one place, while male dogs tend to lift a leg in several locations, spreading around the damage.

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T E A M J ACKS O N / B I G STO CK . CO M ; A L E X I A K H R U S CH E VA / B I G STO CK . CO M ; S U SH Y TSK A / B I G STO CK . CO M ; N E L S O N 4691/ B I G STO CK . CO M ; G R I SH A B R U E V / B I G STO C K . CO M

Hear, Hear

P H OTO S CLO CK W I SE F RO M TO P L E FT T H E L M AG ESTO CKS / B I G STO CK . CO M ; L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO CK . CO M ; L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO CK . CO M ; K I M SM I T H I L LU S T R AT I O N ;

By Rose Frosek