Modern Dog Fall/Winter 2024 by Modern Dog Magazine

Indoor Enrichment Essentials: Science-Backed Dog Boredom Busters

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions FALL · WINTER 2024/25

DOG SMARTS

PUPPY

STAGES

What To Expect

The Unique Intelligence of Dogs p68

BRAIN FOOD FOR

DOGS

gear guide

Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 – 2930 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y9

e - test

dprove p a d &

Does Your Dog

Understand You?

Science Says Yes. p66

p64 The 15 Smallest Dog Breeds

DOG TATTOOS WOLFDOGS

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘25

$7.95

FASCINATING DOG FACTS

p26 Expert Tips for Anxious, Fearful or Reactive Dogs

INSIDE: Great Giveaways + Pet Products That Will Actually Complement Your Home Decor

R I G H T P H OTO

L E FT P H OTO

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30 FEATURES 22

Mental Stimulation for Dogs: Activity Ideas for Happy Pups!

Indoor enrichment essentials: 7 great ways to make your dog happier, smarter, and less bored! 26

Expert Tips to Help Your Anxious,Fearful or Reactive Dog

Easy steps to take your dog from shy or scared to safe and confident!

Puppy Milestones

Development milestones, expected behaviours, and experiences your pup should have at each age.

READ YOUR BREED 64

These adorable, diminutive breeds pack a lot of personality into a small package!

BY TEOTI ANDERSON

Brain Food for Dogs

Help keep your dog’s mind sharp and prevent cognitive dysfunction syndrome with these brain games and foods!

The Coton de Tulear

From the jungle to the lap of luxury: meet the Royal Dog of Madagascar

BY ELIZABETH PASK & LAURA SCOTT

The 15 Smallest Dog Breeds

End-of-Life Pet Doulas

BY KELLY CALDWELL

How a death doula can help bring peace at the end of your pet’s life. BY SHERI RADFORD

How Your Dog Understands Language

You say, “go get your Frisbee.” Does your dog really understand, the way a person would? A Hungarian study says yes.

THE GOODS 43

A gift guide for dogs and dog lovers.

BY CAMILLE LEMOS

Dog Smarts: The Unique Intelligence of Dogs BY JENNIFER HOLLAND

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Gift Guide

Home Is Where the Dog Is

Pet products that will actually complement your home décor

TOP LEFT PHOTO GRAY MALIN; TOP RIGHT PHOTO JEANETTE D'MELLO; TOP INSET KOLDUNOVAAA/BIGSTOCK; BOTTOM INSET IMAGESBAVARIA/BIGSTOCK

BY ZAZIE TODD

26 Dog Gear Look Book

Your at-a-glance guide to the coolest finds for you and your dog.

Healthy Paws

Solutions for everything from sensitive stomachs to sore joints.

14 56

Recovery Essentials

Speed recovery post-surgery or after injury with these recommended products!

BODY & SOUL Do I Need to Clean My Dog’s Ears?

A guide to when and how to clean your dog’s ears.

Pet Hacks

How to use baking soda to tackle all manner of pet problems

DOG LIFE 20

We’re giving it away! We’ve got awesome dog stuff up for grabs—from food and treats to fun gear—and winners every two weeks. See what you can win on page 20.

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

Cancer fighting, immune system boosting mushrooms show promise in promoting health and longevity in dogs 48

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

I’m a Divorce Lawyer: Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce? Family lawyer shares who gets the pet in the event of a divorce

REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 94

Great Giveaways

Inked: A Love that Lasts Furever Find your dog tattoo inspiration here.

Do Wolfdogs Make Good Pets?

A canine behaviourist and wolfdog expert weighs in. BY NICOLE WILDE

Connie’s Book Club

Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of must-read books for dog lovers.

ON THE COVER Adorable Rafe, a sixmonth-old Shepherd mix, was adopted through Social Tees Animal Rescue in East Village, NYC (socialteesnyc.org). Photographed by the amazing Shaina Fishman.

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Tiny Dog Stories

Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. 96

Interesting Dog Facts

Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts. In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually 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 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.

TO P L E FT P H OTO N ATA L I A B OSTA N / SH U TT E R STO CK ; TO P R I G H T A RT BY A L I S O N F R I E N D ; I N SE T B I G M O U T H P E TS

EDITOR'S LETTER

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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

Spotted

Just a little light reading in the doctor’s office.—@cosmothecutiecavapoo ogs: our endearing, adorable, and devoted best friends. We go way back. Early signs of domestication date back 33,000 years, while unambiguous archaeological records of domesticated dogs are common as of 15,000 years ago. Undeniably, our interspecies partnership runs deep.

Despite our long history together, we’re still learning to truly understand our remarkable best friends. Certainly, they’re a quick study of human behaviour. Wondering if your dog really understands what you’re saying? Turn to page 66. (Science says yes.) In this issue, we delve into the unique intelligence of dogs—and the many ways we can engage their incredible cognitive abilities. Dogs are smart and will find ways to keep themselves busy if you fail to! For tested and approved dog boredom busters to keep your dog mentally stimulated, check out page 22. (Studies show puzzle toys stave off canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome!). We also reveal brain boosters for dogs—turn to page 38 for games and foods to keep your dog’s mind sharp. You’ll also discover expert tips for anxious, fearful or reactive dogs and uncover fascinating dog facts.

Out and About

We’re modern pups doing our thing. —@small.dogs.rule

Find too-cute puppy photos and corresponding development milestones on page 34. Fall in love with adorable, diminutive breeds—turn to page 64 to get to know the smallest of dogs. Find your dog tattoo inspiration with the cool dog tats on p 74, then discover the facts about Wolfdogs and whether they make good pets. (p 80) As usual, we have all the best product recommendations, and we’re giving away loads of cool dog stuff—turn to page 20 to see what’s up for grabs! We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our amazing community of dog lovers. With love,

Happy Reading, Everybody! Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

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It’s a great morning to enrich my mind with the summer 2023 edition of Modern Dog Magazine—@lambodoodlelove

C ON TRIBU TO R S FAL L • W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 / 2 5 • V O L 2 3 N O 2

Kelly Caldwell is a writer,

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc.

photographer, and regular Modern Dog contributor based out of Guelph, ON. Her articles and photographs have appeared in a variety of print and online magazines. An avid doglover, Kelly is a member of the Dog Writer’s Association of America and has been honoured by the DWAA with a Maxwell Award for her canine photography. Here, she’s pictured with the current canine love of her life, a Boston Terrier named Chuck. Turn to page 88 for her look at the fascinating history of the Coton de Tulear.

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Megan Carpick Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Sales

Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration

Anna Regino Marketing & Sales Assistant

Aly Stamper Marketing & Sales Assistant

Mina Zivkovic Administrative Assistant

Angelie Hizon

Shaina Fishman is a

GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION!

commercial photographer who specializes in pets. Her work graces everything from the cover of this issue (how adorable is our Shepherd mix cover pup?!) to advertising campaigns and packaging. Her favourite, though, is pro bono work for animal rescues. Using a graphic and modern approach, Shaina's playful, humorous images personify her animal subjects. Shaina has published two beautiful books, Between Two Dogs and Puppies and Their Parents. To see more of her work visit shainafishman.com or @shainafishman on Instagram.

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 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually 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 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually 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 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.

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

PHONE (

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

Michelle Simpson is

a full-time illustrator in Ontario. Her speciality is children’s book illustration, and she works with many publishing companies. Her favourite things to draw are animals and the outdoors. Michelle has two furry managers named Freddie and Sushi, though they are often more interested in snack time than helping her with her work. To see more of her illustration work visit michellescribbles.com. For her lovely illustration in this issue, turn to page 58.

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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 2024/25 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 two times a year. Two-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

PROUDLY PRODUCED AND 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.

Stuff We Love

Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter! 1 Water break! Spleash attaches to almost any leash, providing a convenient handle

and 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.—Yaunna (from $35, spleash.com)

2 With its patent-pending radiant heating system, the Otto 3 Season Heated Dog Vest from

Toasty Trails will keep your best friend warm and cozy no matter the weather! A unique step-in design, top-close zipper, and water-resistant outer shell make this versatile dog vest a must-have for the cold winter months. Get a matching heated vest for yourself too!—Connie (from $88 for dogs, $150 for people, toastytrails.com)

3 Chew on this. The Natural Marrow Filled Dynamo Bone from K9 Connoisseur is made from grass-fed free-range cattle. This long-lasting chew will keep your pup busy, reduce anxiety, and help keep their teeth clean.—Pippin ($18, k9connoisseur.com)

4 Upgrade your dog’s diet. With high-quality protein and a taste dogs love, the Dr. Pol

Incredi-Pol Favorites Chicken and Rice Canned Dog Food is a winner. The recipe combines chicken as the first ingredient with fiber-rich brown rice and superfoods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Yum.—Bowen ($3 per can, thedrpol.com)

5 Keep your dog’s paws happy! Cleansing Calendula Dog Paw Balm from Simply Sage Dog

Treats protects and soothes dry, cracked paws. Made with calendula oil, olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, and Vitamin E, it promotes healing and soothes sore paw pads.—Megan ($15, simplysagedogtreats.com)

6 Does your dog have a sensitivity to poultry or beef? Try the Loyall Signature

Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon Meal and Oatmeal Recipe! Free of corn, wheat, soy, and by-products, this unique single-protein formula is ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities.—Cecelia (from $30, loyallcanada.ca)

7 Solve gut issues with this uniquely formulated plant-based probiotic supplement for

dogs! MitoMax DH capsules support digestion and immune function, reducing inflammation in the GI tract. Works alongside antibiotics!—Simran ($52, mitopets.com)

8 Make your carpets like new again! Chem-Dry Pet Urine Removal Treatment services

remove 99.9 percent of pet urine stains and odours. Their unique, deep-cleaning Hot Carbonating Extraction process penetrates carpet fibers and removes liquid and loose urine crystals, banishing smells and stains!—Jennifer (learn more at chemdry.com)

9 Enjoy an easy, safe cycling workout with your dog! The ingenious Bike Tow Leash bike attachment prevents your dog from tipping or steering your bike, keeping you both safe!—Mina (from $183, biketowleash.com)

10 Delight your dog with these Freeze-Dried Dog Snacks from Noochies! Made from

fermented nutritional yeast, these single-ingredient treats are rich in protein and B vitamins, high in fiber, and great for immune, digestive, and heart health—and dogs love them!—Shakira ($14, shop.noochies.co)

11 Easily monitor your dog’s whereabouts. The Tractive Dog GPS Tracker lets you

see your dog's location in real time. With unlimited range, incredible accuracy, and a battery life of up to seven days, this waterproof tracker offers the ultimate in peace of mind.—Aly (from $70, tractive.com)

12 Pairs that will have you paws-itively jumping for joy! Pooch-perfect BOBS® from

Skechers® kicks look good and do good because every BOBS® purchase helps save a shelter pet.—Anna (from $55, BOBSfromSkechers.com)

Fletcher’s art

Fletcher

Incredible Abstract Art Created from Ashes A very cool way to remember a beloved pet. ou wouldn’t guess it, but the incredible abstract art pieces created by EverAfter are generated from ashes. Each stunning piece is a one-of-a-kind embodiment of the essence of someone’s beloved pet.

Jade Jade’s art

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XXX

Upon receiving the ashes, the lab team puts them through a process that causes a unique chemical reaction resulting in the formation of microscopic crystals. By imaging the microscopic crystals in the ash, natural abstract patterns, shapes, and colours are revealed. High-resolution images of the microscopic reaction are taken, which transforms your pet’s unique chemistry into an amazing work of art. What you see is the actual unique crystal formation, not something created by computer programs or imaging software. Each piece is an entirely unique representation of that pet, creating a beautiful way to remember a loved soul.

Meet Your New

Favourite Artist By Rose Frosek

-based artist Alison Friend has something of a cult following. Her paintings, which apply Old Master technique to almost caricature-like portraits of animal characters, evoke a deep response, part nostalgia, part recognition of how we anthropomorphize our own pets. When she posts her work on Instagram, her paintings, say of a cat in a puffy vest or a dog eating a slice of pizza, get upwards of 100,000 likes. “I’ve been told many times there’s a warmth and nostalgia to my paintings, says Friend. “For me, they evoke memories of my childhood.” Her father, who used to paint birds and racehorses as a hobby, was “a big animal lover and he passed that on to me—I remember wanting to be just like him,” she says. Some of her paintings feature interiors from her childhood—or rather, memories of interiors from her childhood. “I think the nostalgia plays a big part,” she says. “Also, we love to think the animals in our lives have human emotions and my work definitely plays on that idea.” Friend’s distinctive style was developed over the years of painting and drawing as a profession, working in greeting cards and children’s books. But it wasn’t until Covid and

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lockdown that she started experimenting with the technique that has become her signature. “Animals set against old-fashioned interiors is something that I’ve kept going back to for a long time. [But] since starting to paint in oils just before lockdown, I feel I am achieving the look and feel for these paintings I have always imagined.” “It’s a fine line to get them just right,” she continues. “The rendering of them in oil paint and the colour palette I use is very traditional and steers them just far enough from being too cartoon and makes them still believable as real characters…I hope!” At times, the paintings threaten to take over her home. “I work in my kitchen from my small apartment in the Lake District. There are times close to a show where my son is eating his breakfast completely surrounded by animal faces—all giving him the side eye,” she laughs. Canines top her favourite characters to paint. “It has to be a dog, scruffy looking terrier types!” she enthuses. “The characters that look a little more serious are my favorites— they are the funniest to me.” Stories, photos, and videos shared on social media offer painting inspiration, as do dogs encountered on walks. “Sometimes I’ll see a dog in the street I love the look of, but I’m still working on being brave enough to ask for a photo,” Friend says. “I will go home and draw what I remember about that dog which is often better!” Fans stay tuned: Friend hints that a coffee table book may be in the works. In the meantime, visit alisonfriend.com for more.

A RT BY A L I S O N F R I E N D

Nostalgia, Old-World Technique, and Pet Portraits: An Artist Finds Her Sweet Spot—and Acclaim

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.

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE LAST ISSUE IS…

Pet Rides Lyft launches a new feature for pet owners

No Longer Will Your Dog Be Refused a Ride Designed with animal lovers in mind, Lyft’s Pet Mode allows riders to match with drivers who are pet-friendly and ready to welcome furry friends into their vehicles. Each Pet Mode ride costs an additional $4 plus tax and ensures that your ride is prepared to accommodate your pet. The fee goes directly to the driver. Once a Pet Mode ride is complete, you and your dog can even rate your driver with fun paw print graphics. “At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs,” says Audrey Liu, EVP of Rider Experience at Lyft. “And that includes our four-legged family members.”

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“Another seven years just flew by.” Submitted by Joe Ayella RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “What about your diabetes?.” Submitted by David Radish

“Boy, are you ever going to have diarrhea tomorrow!” Submitted by Regina Edwards

“And that waxy taste is the candle.” Submitted by Joseph Dewan

“Just making sure it isn't stale” Submitted by Lisa Gomez

L E FT PPHHOTO OTO CO X XU X RT ESY O F LY FT

ver tried to book a ride only to have the driver show up and decline to take your dog? Ride share Lyft has just launched Pet Mode, a brandnew feature that makes it easier for pet owners to travel with their four-legged best friends.

! E L I SM mookie

Pomeranian

Awww ! SISKO Samoyed

WAYLON

moonpie

Dachshund

Great Pyrenees/Labrador

luffy

Pomeranian

GOLIATH

poppy

Lab/Hound Mix

Dachshund

Jack

Wheatie

winston tate Pembroke Welsh Corgi

bynx

Airedale Terrier

nova

lakota

Labradoodle

Australian Cattle Dog

apollo

Border Collie

choca

Labrador Retriever

endeavour Rat Terrier

OWEN

olive grace

Sunny

French Bulldog

Labrador Retriever

freddie Siberian Husky

Pug

torben maddox Rottweiler

frankie

Am. Staff/German Shepherd

cutie!!

sophia

KAIDO

Yorkshire Terrier

Siberian Husky

chloe

Shih-Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier

sky

Bull Terrier

joy

Maltipoo

darwin

German Shepherd/Husky

Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?

bolt

Chihuahua

MAVERICK Goldendoodle

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 every two weeks from November through April. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.

November

December

1 14 st -

Win 1 of 4 prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, Banixx Medicated Wound Cream, a WestPaw Bumi toy, and a bag of Sweet Potato Dog Chews.

January

1 14 st -

Win 1 of 2 dog gear prize packs from Pawfit! Includes their Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker, a one-month premium subscription, a collar, and a water bottle!

th -

Win a dog and human apparel prize pack from Toasty Trails! Includes an Otto Heated Dog Vest for your pooch and a matching Chinook Heated Human Vest for you!

15th - 31st

Win 1 of 2 wellness prize packs from Real Mushrooms! Includes their Daily Dawg, Functional Feline, Calm Chews, and Immune Chews for pets and their Lion’s Mane Powder, Dairy Creamer, and Coconut Creamer for humans.

March

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 food and treat prize packs from Earth Animal! Includes bags of their Wisdom Air-Dried Dog Food and Wisdom Air-Dried Jerky treats.

February

1st -14th

Win the ultimate dog gear prize bundle from Spot! Includes a large assortment of toys, treats, and accessories for your pup!

April

1st -14th

Win 1 of 4 Large Deluxe Doggie Gift Packs from Chew Works! Includes a Large Hold-a-Chew, Large Natural Collagen Rolls, Large Chicken Collagen Rolls, Jumbo Bully Sticks, Pupcorn, and a Paw-pers bag of treats!

th -

Win 1 of 3 food and treat prize packs from Northwest Naturals! Winners will get to choose one bag of their freeze dried diet, two bags of Raw Rewards treats, and one Functional Topper.

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 dog care gift baskets from J.R.LIGGETT! Includes dog shampoos, a conditioner bar, dog toys, and a dog blanket!

15th - 31st

Win 1 of 3 one-year supplies of dog snacks from Noochies! These single-ingredient and protein rich Freeze-Dried Dog Snacks support immune, digestive, and heart health.

15th - 28th

Win 1 of 2 canine supplement prize packs from Imagilin! Includes bottles of MitoMax JH (Joint Health), MitoMax UH (Urinary Health), MitoMax DH and freeze-dried apples MitoMax DHFD (Digestive Health).

15th - 30th

Win 1 of 3 dog wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes ALL-IN dog supplements, FoamCare Shampoo and Eye Care, Ear Care, and Hot Spot Care solutions.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning November 1, 2024 at 12:01 AM (PST) through April 30, 2025 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: KODA MAE SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL THIES

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

Puzzle Toy

Mental

Challenge your pooch with the interactive SmartyPaws Puzzler dog puzzle. Featuring three different levels of difficulty, this unique and engaging puzzle toy teaches your pup problem solving as they work out how to get their treats or kibble. The non-slip base prevents it from sliding to avoid frustration!

Stimulation 2 Stuffer Toy

for Dogs: Activity Ideas for Happy Pups! Indoor enrichment essentials: 7 great ways to make your dog happier, smarter, and less bored!

T 22

hese science-backed dog boredom busters keep dogs busy, engaged, and mentally stimulated. Read on for our tested and approved picks!

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BIONIC Stuffer; $25, bionicdogtoys.com Engage your dog’s brain with the BIONIC Stuffer! Fill the Stuffer with your dog’s favourite snacks to encourage positive chewing behaviour and provide mental stimulation. Made from bionic rubber, this versatile puzzle toy is bouncy, buoyant, and dishwasher safe.

TOP PHOTO SEVENTYFOUR/ADOBE STOCK

Smarty Paws Puzzler; $25, zippypaws.com

Lick Mat

Go Nuts Lick Mat; $13, bigmouthinc.com Bust boredom with the Go Nuts Lick Mat from BigMouth Pets! Made from food-safe silicone materials, this textured lick mat also has a suction cup backing to keep it in place. Simply spread your dog’s dinner or favourite treat onto the mat! A great distraction tool, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe!

Collagen Chews Longlastics Thick Collagen Sticks; $28, barkingbuddhapet.com

Keep your dog busy—and their skin, coat, and joints healthy— with the Longlastics Thick Collagen Sticks from Barking Buddha Pet! These long-lasting single-ingredient chews are highly digestible and loved by dogs. Made from grass-fed beef, they’re low in fat and free of additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Available for dogs of all sizes!

Rewarding Challenge

TRIXIE Dog Activity Hide N’ Slide Strategy Game; $16, amazon.com or trixiepet.com Provide a fun challenge with the TRIXIE Dog Activity Hide N' Slide Strategy Game. Hide kibble or treats under the cones, slots, and sliders and watch your dog figure out different techniques to solve the puzzle and retrieve their tasty prize! The non-slip rubber ring keeps the base secure during play, and it's dishwasher safe and easy to clean.

5Stuffer Ball

Treat Dispensing Bacon Ball; from $12, starmarkacademy.com Encourage natural hunting and foraging behaviours and reduce anxiety or unwanted boredom-based behaviours with Starmark Academy’s Treat Dispensing Bacon Ball! Designed for powerful chewers and available in three sizes, this bacon-scented toy provides hours of stimulating play.

7Treat Holding Toy Kibbler Treat Toy; $10, ubbiworld.com

Turn snack time into an absorbing activity with the Kibbler Treat Toy from Ubbi! Made from natural, durable rubber that’s PVC, BPA and phthalate free, this versatile toy features treat slots and stick treat holders to keep your dog engaged! Dishwasher safe and available in four colours.

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Fearful, Anxious, Reactive Dog

Expert Tips to Help Your or

ecently, I saw a couple with two dogs crossing a busy intersection. One of the dogs was excited to be heading out on a walk, but the other was repeatedly licking his lips and had a low tail and low posture—classic signs of stress. Most likely, the dog found the traffic and noise triggering. Fears and anxieties like this are very common in dogs, so what can you do about it? Prioritize helping your dog to feel safe. Remember that it’s your dog’s perspective that counts—even if their fear doesn’t make any sense to you, you still need to focus on creating a feeling of safety. Here are several practical steps you can take to achieve this.

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Give your dog a safe space, whether it’s a dog bed, a crate, or an armchair that’s just for them. This is a space where you will never disturb them and where they are free to come and go from as they wish. Make sure everyone in the household knows this space belongs to the dog! Protect your dog from the thing(s) they are afraid of. Depending on your dog’s fears, it might mean keeping your dog at a distance from strangers, feeding their meals in a room with no other family members (human, canine, feline…), or walking on quiet streets and avoiding busy thoroughfares. For fearful dogs, exposure to the things they are afraid of (outside of proper training set-ups) can just make things worse.

Don’t use physical punishment or other aversive methods such as leash corrections, shock collars, and prong collars. Research shows that these are associated with fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs, as well as a worse relationship with you. If you haven’t already made the switch, start using only rewardbased methods. That means using positive reinforcement. For a fearful dog, we also use counter-conditioning to teach them to not be afraid after all. (Scary thing actually means something good is going to happen!) Identify a food to use in training. It should be something like chicken, steak, or cheese that your dog will be delighted (and surprised) to be offered. Use it in counter-conditioning to teach your dog that when they see the thing

PHOTO NATALIA BOSTAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Is your dog shy or scared? These tips will help them feel safe and confident By Zazie Todd

“Remember that it’s your dog’s perspective that counts—even if their fear doesn’t make any sense to you, you still need to focus on creating a feeling of safety.”

Go at your dog’s pace. Training can make a big difference to a fearful dog, but it’s essential to set up that training in a way that makes your dog feel safe throughout. Going too fast is a common mistake and only makes them more scared. Get help from a dog trainer, animal behaviourist, or veterinary behaviourist (a veterinarian with significant extra training in behaviour). They will coach you through the technical aspects of training and give you tips to help manage your dog’s fears. Because dog training isn’t regulated, take care to choose a trainer who will only use kind, humane methods. Speak to your veterinarian. Medical issues, including pain, can contribute to fear and anxiety in dogs, so it’s a good idea to get your pooch checked out, especially if there’s been a

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sudden change in their behaviour. Also, your vet might suggest psychoactive medication for your dog because canines can benefit from these medications just like people do. Only a vet can determine if this is recommended for your dog. Working on a dog’s fears and anxieties can take a long time, so the sooner you start, the better. The first step is spotting those signs of stress because then you can take steps to help your dog feel safe instead. 

Zazie Todd is an animal behaviour expert and awardwinning writer of Wag, Purr, and the newly released Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog.

PHOTO ALENKA2194/BIGSTOCK

they are afraid of (from a safe distance), they get extra-special treats. Regular training treats just don’t work as well for this kind of training.

GRAY MALIN’S

DOGS

2011, Gray Malin began capturing the world’s most famous beaches from a doorless helicopter. Since then, he has become an internationally renowned photographer and a New York Times bestselling author, his transporting images synonymous with escapism. With his newest book, Malin turns his camera on man’s best friend to celebrate the universal love of dogs. The results are joyfully aspirational and utterly charming.

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In Gray Malin: Dogs, Malin captures dogs living the good life in an array of bucket-list destinations that have long spurred public imagination. From the Beverly Hills Hotel to Palm Springs, Aspen, and Nantucket, to Paris, London, and New York City, Malin photographs canines in iconic destinations, whether a suite at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée with a view of the Eiffel Tower, or next to a perfectly restored vintage Ford Bronco on a wind-swept expanse of beach, matching blue longboard leaning against its side.

PHOTOS BY GRAY MALIN

Wish you were here! Photographer’s whimsical photos of dogs living the good life will have you dreaming of your next vacation

The resulting photos are a playful, whimsical take on old-world glamour that will have you wanting to book your next vacation—dog in tow, of course. His goal is to transport the viewer. “All of my photography centers around escapism... When you see my work, you should feel transported to a joyful place, whether it be real or fantasy.” The book was inspired by and is dedicated to Malin’s dog, Stella, who passed away as the book was being completed. “She was 15 years old and lived a beautiful life,” says Malin. “She would travel with us, and I would photograph her on vacation for fun.” It wasn’t until he incorporated a Bernese Mountain Dog into an Aspen photoshoot, however, that he came to fully appreciate the magic appeal of dogs. Upon release, the image of the Bernese next to vintage skis became so incredibly popular that it inspired Malin to embark on a collection of dogfocused images. Of course, working with dogs requires special considerations, especially with photos as highly curated as these. “Each shot was meticulously crafted,” says Malin. “We style each set, often with vintage props to give a timeless feel—I don’t ever really want people to know what year I took the image! For each shoot we work with a lead dog trainer who helps us cast the dogs and works with each owner or trainer to position each dog exactly as you see in the shot—the only item we have to shoot and fully remove before the dogs come on set, is the food!” But it was the locations themselves that proved more difficult than the canine models. “The most challenging part—surprisingly—is getting access to such incredible locations and working within a timeframe that is appropriate,” he says. “For example, when we shoot at The Beverly Hills Hotel or a public space like The Top

of The Rock, we have to shoot early so as not to disturb guests or visitors. When we shot on Aspen Mountain, we had to get all the dogs up the gondola before the mountain opened for skiers. Logistics aside, you also need a lot of patience working with dogs as well!” he laughs. One of his favourite shots was taken in Paris in an inner courtyard of the Palais Royal. “The photograph depicts several Dalmatians walking around an art installation of striped black and white columns by French artist Daniel Buren,” says Malin. “I love the juxtaposition of the black and white spots of the Dalmatians with the striped columns and the French architecture of the Palais Royal.” It’s not the painstaking styling nor expert composition, however, that Malin thinks is the crucial component responsible for the appeal of his work. “When I hang artwork in my own home, I always consider how it looks, as well as how it makes me feel,” he says. “I think these images simply bring a smile.” 

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puppy

milestones Puppy milestones, expected behaviours, and experiences your pup should have at each age

Neonatal Stage: 0 to 2 Weeks

Puppies are born blind, deaf, and toothless. Their senses are touch and taste. Most of their first two weeks is spent sleeping and growing. They are completely dependent on their mothers.

Transitional Stage: 2 to 4 Weeks

Puppies’ eyes open when they are 14 to 21 days old. Puppy ears open from 14 to 18 days old. They start to develop their sense of smell during this period. The baby teeth start to come in, and they are sharp! They also start interacting with their littermates.

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Weaning: 4 to 5 Weeks

At around 4 to 5 weeks of age, puppies start to wean from their mothers. They’ll start skipping the milk bar and eating puppy food, typically watered down to mush at first. Some mothers allow their pups to nurse longer, and some are ready for the pups to get their meals elsewhere.

Socialization

Stage: 4 to 12 Weeks

This is a critical development period. Puppies are learning lots during this stage. Missing certain lessons can impact them for life.

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uppies are little sponges. They soak up the world around them, and their experiences help shape who they will become. If you’re planning on getting a puppy, understanding puppy development can help you choose the best pup for your family, and help you raise them to their best potential. Those cute little fluffy blobs grow into adults in a heartbeat, so you don’t want to miss any important milestones.

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By Teoti Anderson

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When Should You Bring Your New Pup Home? (this age is too early) Unscrupulous or ignorant

breeders will often let puppies go as young as possible because the pups don’t need their mothers for nourishment any longer. This is very common for puppy mills, who ship off very young puppies to arrive at pet stores still small and adorable. The smaller and cuter they are, the bigger the price tag they’ll fetch. With limited budgets and space for puppy care, shelters and rescue groups can also make this mistake. This is where fostering a family can make a big difference. Just because pups can live off solid food at this time doesn’t mean it’s good for them to leave their litters. From 4 to 8 weeks, it’s critical that puppies interact with their mom and littermates. They learn to play and communicate with other dogs. This is the time they become more coordinated. They start playing with their littermates—pouncing, tumbling, grabbing, and mouthing. They learn bite inhibition: when playing, don’t bite down too hard! Puppies taken from their litters before 8 weeks can exhibit excessive mouthiness. (This can also happen with singleton puppies, who don’t have any brothers and sisters to play with to learn how to interact properly with other dogs.)

The Start of Socialization: 5 to 6 Weeks

Between 5 to 6 weeks, puppies begin to understand “other” and start to seek out interactions with other species, including humans. Quality breeders and rescue groups will socialize the puppies to different sights, sounds, floorings, people, and other dogs in a positive manner, pairing interactions with delicious treats. Socialization is not just exposure. It’s making sure the puppy has a great time during each interaction. Assessing the puppy for signs of fear or anxiety is very important at this stage. Symptoms include lip licking or tongue flicks, avoidance, yawning, whining, hiding, and hesitation. Puppies who are not adequately socialized during this time can develop fear of new things and people later. This most often manifests in aggression.

Time to Bring Your Pup Home: 8 to 9 Weeks After

Six-week-old Miniature Schnauzer puppy

8 to 9 weeks, puppies can leave their litters and go to live with their new parents. Now, it’s your job to continue socialization. You only have until about 12 weeks of age to introduce your puppy to as much as you can in a positive manner. Use plenty of treats to make sure each experience is a wonderful one. If you see signs of fear or anxiety,

get professional help quickly to help prevent your puppy from growing into an anxious or aggressive adult.

8-week-old German Shorthaired Pointer puppies You can also start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. You don’t have to wait! Work on your house training and teach them what they can and cannot chew. You can start teaching them to sit, lie down, come when called, and walk nicely on leash. Don’t forget husbandry behaviours—teach your puppy to be happily handled all over, from ears to tail. Sooner or later your puppy may get an ear infection or an injury, and you want to be able to easily handle him to take care of him. Use positive reinforcement to teach your puppy that working for you is a good thing. Keep your sessions short and fun, as your puppy doesn’t have a great attention span yet. You’ll get a lot done in just 15 minutes at a time.

Ranking and Testing Period: 3 to 6 Months Puppies explore and test the boundaries of their world. They will try to become more independent. Continue training your puppy good manners. Continue working on your socialization, pairing new experiences with treats. Keep up the husbandry training so your puppy relaxes when examined all over. This period is when lack of proper socialization will start to show. Puppies who have not been allowed to explore new environments by 14 weeks will not voluntarily do so. If forced, they will become extremely distressed. Your puppy Three-month-old Shiba Inu puppy may avoid going on walks or hide when strangers come to visit. They may also start barking at things they’re afraid of, including strangers or other dogs.

Adolescence: 6 to 18 Months

Your puppy is a teenager! If you have a very small puppy such as a toy breed, they will be a physical adult at 1 year of age. If you have a medium-sized dog, such as a Golden Retriever, they will be an adult around 2 to 2 ½ years. Giant breeds reach maturity around 3 years. The teenage phase will correspond to your dog’s size.

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During this phase, dogs continue to test boundaries. They’ll get hormonal. Males will start lifting their legs to pee and will become very focused on scents. Females can come into their first heat cycle between 6 to 24 months. Teens may get so caught up in following scents that they ignore your cues. Just have patience and continue your training. The more consistent you are, the more consistent your dog will be.

Adulthood

Six-month-old Bolognese

Surviving puppyhood is an accomplishment—for you and your puppy! All the work you put into those young months will pay off through adulthood. You’ll start to forget about the shoes they chewed, all the paper towels you went through, and how you thought your pup would never learn to sleep through the night. All the trials and tribulations will fade into memory as you enjoy your grown dog for many years. Until the next puppy… when it starts all over again! 

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Surviving puppyhood is an accomplishment—for you and your puppy! All the work you put into those young months will pay off through adulthood.

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Brain Food for Dogs Help keep your dog’s mind sharp and prevent cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) with these brain games and foods! By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

NE OF THE hardest parts of living with dogs is watching them age. The signs of aging can be subtle: first Rex loses his puppy silliness, then he becomes a little slower on walks and likes sleeping in a little more. Before you know it, there is a little grey on his muzzle. Happily, thanks to advances in nutrition and health care, it’s not unusual for a small-breed dog to live well into their teens, and even large-breed dogs are living longer, healthier lives. However, with these longer lives, our dogs face new health challenges. A common issue for our senior canines is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a disorder strikingly similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As they age, dogs may forget

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how to do things and seem disoriented or forgetful. They may start to have accidents in the house, wake up at night, seem restless, or bark without cause. These can all be signs of CDS. Studies have shown that CDS causes changes in a dog’s brain similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In fact, dogs have been used as models for studying Alzheimer’s in humans. Progression of CDS is typically very gradual and early symptoms are attributed to normal aging (he’s barking because his hearing is bad, he’s disoriented because his eyesight is failing, etc.). To determine if the problems are actually caused by CDS, a veterinarian will perform tests to rule out medical causes and will use the results, together with information the owner provides about changes to the dog’s behaviour, to provide a diagnosis.

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Older dogs that received a diet rich in antioxidants showed improvement in learning and spatial attention within two weeks of starting the enriched diet. For dogs that have been diagnosed with CDS, there are prescription medications available to help manage the disease. Whether or not your dog has CDS, you can help prevent or slow down the progression of this condition and keep your senior dog’s brain sharp with “brain teasers” that you can do at home and “brain foods” that you add to your dog’s diet.

Brain teasers help reduce loss of brain functions Studies have shown that, just like people, dogs that don’t use their brains lose some of the higher functions, such as problem-solving ability. One of the best things you can do is to provide mental stimulation for your dog. This will help to slow the neurological (brain) signs of aging. Taking your dog for regular walks and varying the route, playing

with them, teaching new tricks, and giving them puzzle toys (see p22) will all help your dog use their brain and stay sharp. Research has also shown that using brain teaser toys in puppyhood also helps prevent the onset of CDS. Brain teaser toys are any toys that require the dog to solve a puzzle to get the prize. Examples include Kongs, kibble balls, and food puzzle toys. Research has also found that dogs that participated in adult training classes were less likely to develop CDS. Adult training classes could be agility class, obedience class, tricks class, or other dog sports.

Brain food: feed your dog an antioxidantrich diet Like humans, dogs can undergo changes in their brain, such as betaamyloid accumulation and oxidative

damage. The accumulation of betaamyloids and oxidative damage appear to be connected. Researchers have found that these physiological changes are related to the development of CDS. Antioxidants are commonly talked about in human health and medicine, and researchers have studied the effects of feeding a diet high in antioxidants to older dogs to see if there is an improvement in age-related cognitive dysfunction. What they have found is both promising and exciting. Older dogs that received a diet rich in antioxidants showed improvement in learning and spatial attention within two weeks of starting the enriched diet. When diet was combined with mental stimulation such as walks, housing with another dog, and training, the effects were even greater. In tests used to measure an elderly dog’s spatial memory and its ability to discriminate between objects, recognize objects, and adjust

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to new situations, dogs on diets high in antioxidants fared better than a control group of dogs fed a normal diet.

to providing mega doses of this. Try adding 50-100 mg per day depending on the size of your dog.

A typical antioxidant-enriched diet for humans contains Vitamin E, vitamin C, L-carnitine, DL-lipoic acid, and fruit and vegetable extracts. You can look for a dog food that contains these ingredients, but if you’d like to add some extra brain boosting foods at home, here are a few you can try:

Fruits and Vegetables:

Vitamin E:

Add supplemental Vitamin E at up to 100 IU per day for a small-breed dog and 400 IU per day for a large dog. If your dog’s diet already contains large amounts of vitamin E, you may not need to add extra.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is

a very safe vitamin, usually requiring very large doses before side effects are seen. However, there is little benefit

Add fruits and vegetables to make up to 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Colourful fruits and veggies are likely to have the most benefits, so try things like blueberries, raspberries, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, etc. Be careful that you don’t upset your dog’s stomach with these, so go slowly and add just a bit at a time. For a small dog it may not feel like you are adding any significant amount, but that’s okay. Remember it doesn’t take much to make a difference for them. Aging is inevitable, but you can keep your dog’s mind sharp and fight canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome by simply providing an antioxidant-rich diet and plenty of mental stimulation! 

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Research has found that dogs that participated in adult training classes were less likely to develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide A gift guide for dogs & dog lovers!

Auburn Leathercrafters’ exclusive “Tail-Snap” design keeps the tail of the collar from sticking out and collecting brush and keeps the collar looking great year after year. Biothane and leather options available. Solid brass hardware. auburndirect.com

Pamper your pet this holiday season with Bowsers Franklin Bed! This luxuriously soft Himalayan faux fur bed surrounds your dog in a cloud of warmth and comfort. The perfect gift for your furry friend. bowsers.com/the-franklin-himalayan.html

BetterBone is the ultimate nylon alternative chew toy! Crafted from all-natural, food-grade ingredients, it is designed to promote health and dental hygiene with a softer and natural composition. Available in three densities, three sizes, and two flavours. thebetterbone.com

Made from U.S. sweet potatoes, the Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz are slow-dried in Wisconsin with patented ridges for dental health. High in fiber and Beta-Carotene, they’re grain-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Available for small, medium, and large dogs! frontporchpets.com

Give the gift of relief with the Simply Sage Cleansing Calendula Dog Paw Balm. Perfect for dogs with allergies and skin issues, it soothes and heals rough paws, providing the comfort and care they deserve. simplysagedogtreats.com

Is your dog bored? Dogs LOVE the TRIXIE Flip Board Game because it offers three different tasks to solve to earn tasty treats! Now available in two sizes for any paw! trixiepet.com or amazon.com

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Gift Guide

Pamper your pup with a gift that cares! The HICC Pet® Favorite Gift Set keeps dogs fresh between baths with vetrecommended dental, ear, tear stain, and hypoallergenic wipes. Perfect for every pooch! hiccpet.com

Dogs and cats love Northwest Naturals single ingredient treats. The convenient pieces break easily to allow for quick and easy feeding while training or crumbled over food for a nutritional boost! nw-naturals.net

Daily Dawg Powder is an organic mushroom blend formulated by Dr. Rob Silver. Supports immune function, vital organs, and cognitive health. Perfect for your dog’s daily and long-term health! NSF certified, gluten-free, and non-GMO. shop.realmushrooms.com

Spoil your dog and yourself with an orthopaedic leather dog bed from Le Dog Company. Specifically designed to be supportive, easy to clean, and look great in your home. ledogcompany.com

The must-have gift for pet lovers! Keep pets safer, healthier, and happier with the Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker. Pets love wearing the 100% waterproof, smart GPS tracker, wherever they go. pawfit.com or amazon.com

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These adorable one inch tall sterling silver earrings will make you smile every time you wear them. We all wish we could have a dog that fits in a tote! markpoulin.com

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Gift Guide

Viral on TikTok. Highlighted on NBC Today Show. Voted Best Dog Leash Accessory Brand. The Spleash is making waves by helping dog parents keep their pups hydrated on walks hassle-free! spleash.com

This super-soft round Squishmallows Beula the Octopus bolster pet bed is perfect for cuddly dogs and cats alike. Cushioned bolsters create a natural headrest, and the comfy sleeping area is stuffed with polyester-fiber filling and a unique squishy fabrication. Easy to maintain–spot clean only. amazon.com

Transform any day into an adventure with Puppy Love Bubbles! Watch your furry friend frolic through non-toxic bubbles in scents like Bacon, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin, Apple Pie, and Birthday Cake. Perfect for holiday stocking stuffers! atomicbubbles.com

Give the gift of peace of mind with Tractive’s GPS Pet Tracker—live location updates, health monitoring, virtual fence, and more! Use code MODERNDOG40 to save 40%. tractive.com

Oxyfresh’s durable dental chew toy features scrubbing ridges to help remove tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth, making it a fun way to help keep your dog's teeth bright and white. oxyfresh.com

Indulge in the holidays without the guilt with Go! Solutions Booster recipes for dogs, a delicious wet food topper, and Go! Solutions Benefit Chews, soft and chewy dog treats. go-solutions.com

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Gift Guide The Ubbi Pup and Me Water Bottle is a must-have, modern travel companion for you and your pup! This bottle ensures that both you and your furry friend can enjoy refreshingly cold water. amazon.com

Discover the Stargazer Collection! Custom handmade leather dog collars and leashes. Elegantly designed, durable, and uniquely stylish. Treat your pup to the finest craftsmanship. Visit karmacollars.com

Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with the ZippyPaws Holiday Advent Calendar! Inside each day’s box you’ll find one adorable Holiday-themed Miniz plush toy for your pup to play with. zippypaws.com

Celebrate your pet’s life by creating one-of-a-kind artwork based on the unique molecular makeup of their ashes. It will warm your heart every time you look at it! everafterart.com

Experience Super Zen Superblend and its power to help keep your dog naturally calm! This unique blend from North Hound Life may help reduce stress and anxiety caused by everyday annoyances your dog might experience. northhoundlife.com

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Woofermen is a Jones Natural Chews meaty treat with festive flair that your dogs will love! They are single-ingredient (beef) and feature an adorable holiday shape. Made and sourced in USA. jonesnaturalchews.com

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Gift Guide

Capture the love with Purr and Mutt’s Pet Portraits– the perfect personalized gift! Celebrate your furry friends with unique art, a gift that can be cherished for years to come. Use MODERN20 for 20% off at purrandmutt.com

The Way of Life Method goes beyond conventional training to help owners design ways of life that foster deep bonds, resolve behaviour issues, and raise healthy and happy dogs. thewayoflifemethod.com

SpectraTherapy’s LASERwrap Dog Coat automates improving circulation by reducing inflammation over the entire dog. Using repeat laser treatments, safely, anywhere, day or night, relieves pain. Perfect for the active dogs in your life! spectratherapy.com/mdm

Elevate your pup’s nutrition this holiday with Wiggly Babies’ all-natural, freeze-dried raw, single human-grade ingredient snacks. Made in Canada with zero additives, these delicious snacks offer perfect raw nutrition on the go for all adventures! wigglybabies.com

#1 ranked, multi-award winning, HandsOn Gloves are the revolutionary allin-one shedding/ bathing/grooming gloves. Animal preferred for the loving HandsOn massage. HandsOn is changing the way we bathe, de-shed, and groom all our animals. Forever. handsongloves.com

For every Pumpkin Spice or Holiday Feast No-Hide chew sold, Earth Animal will donate one No-Hide Strip to shelter dogs through Greater Good Charities. Earth Animal’s goal is to gift joy to 80,000 shelter dogs in need. earthanimal.com

I’m a Divorce Lawyer:

Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce?

of 2024, 66 percent of U.S. households—or 86.9 million homes— own a pet, reports Forbes. That's up from 56 percent in 1988, pet ownership statistics show. With that, the question arises: who gets the pet in the event of a breakup or a divorce? And with the rise of the TikTok trend DINKWAD (double income no kids with a dog), this question is becoming more important, particularly as we see the birth rate decline. Divorce solicitors Simpson Millar share how divorce agreements including pets have increased and answered the question we're all asking: what happens to the dog in the divorce and what are my rights?

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Simpson Millar analysed search data to understand the rise in divorce with regards to pets, revealing that searches for ‘divorce and pets’ and other related keywords have increased in the last year. This particular search term has spiked by a staggering 150 percent since June 2023.

Who gets the dog? “Pet disputes between divorcing couples are becoming increasingly common, with many people seeing their pets as part of their family as opposed to an item of property,” says Lorraine Harvey, Partner, Family Law, at Simpson Millar. “However, by law, a pet is considered an item of personal property. Therefore, pets can be legally owned by the person who bought the animal. So, if you did

buy your pet and are attempting to divorce your spouse, you would need to prove your ownership to gain full custody of your pet. “However, there is an exception to this rule, especially if the pet was gifted to you. If you are able to prove the pet was gifted, the courts will look in favour of that. But typically speaking, they will look at who bought the animal, the person the pet is registered to, and the person who paid for upkeep such as veterinary bills." That said, with the evolution of pets being treated as family (as opposed to property), the laws in your area concerning pet custody may be changing. Factors such as a person’s

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Family lawyer shares who gets the pet in the event of a divorce

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ability and willingness to care for an animal, relationships between a child and an animal, and risks of animal cruelty are often considered in order to determine who gets custody of the pet. Check with a divorce lawyer in your area to get the complete facts.

You CAN get a shared custody agreement for pets, say family lawyers “A shared arrangement is absolutely an option,” Harvey continues. “In this case, a solicitor would put together an agreement—consented to by both parties—outlining visitation rights, such as the time one owner will spend with the pet and for how long, as well as other factors, such as costs. It's important to note that this would be legally binding, due to the court's view of a pet as property. Any 'pet maintenance' costs, typically lies with the party that owns the pet."

Update and check microchip details to ensure both sets of contact details are included. Ensure that the microchip details are correct and include both sets of contact details. You typically add a backup contact to microchip details, so make sure this is correct and includes both locations for you and your ex-partner.

How to make shared custody of pets work, according to a family law solicitor

Ensure your pet is registered at a vet in both your locations. If you are living in separate areas, make sure your pet has a registered vet. It's often easier if you have a vet that has multiple locations, as they will have a record of your pet and you don't need to find a new one. However, it is essential that you do this as part of your shared agreement.

If you're attempting shared custody of your pet, it's important you establish a routine to avoid additional disputes.

Opt for longer periods of time as part of your shared agreement. If you have a dog or

a cat, it might be best to extend your visitation for longer periods of time to ensure they recognize your new home as their home. If you do have a cat and intend to let it out, its recommended that you keep them indoors for at least four weeks to recognise the property as their home.

Make sure their toys travel with them. To help pets feel at home, ensure they travel with any favoured belongings such as toys and a particular bed to ease any anxiety.

Always be consistent. Pets favour routine. If you have set times and dates for your pets to stay with you, stick to that routine to avoid any major disruptions. Of course, this can be unavoidable, but we recommend having support around you to pet sit on occasions where needed. 

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Do I Need to Clean My Dog’s Ears? A guide to when and how to clean your dog’s ears

irst off, do your dog’s ears really need cleaning?

Healthy ears shouldn’t need cleaning. It’s normal for your dog’s inner ear to have a bit of wax—it traps dirt or foreign particles, preventing it from getting further into the ear canal and the eardrum.

Signs Your Dog’s Ears Need to Be Cleaned If you see a bit of wax in your dog’s ear, leave it alone so as not to disturb the natural microbiome balance in the ear. But if you see any of these signs, something likely needs addressing. The following could indicate a build-up of wax or an infection: • Smelly ears • Pawing, rubbing or scratching at ears • Ears that feel hot when touched • Head shaking or tilting • Waxy discharge • Irritated (red or scabby) ear flap

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Ear Infections in Dogs

BACTERIAL INFECTION Signs of a bacterial infection in your dog’s ears include a bad smell and yellow or greenish discharge. YEAST OVERGROWTH Yeast is natural in healthy ears, but if the balance is upset, it can cause a yeast infection. Signs include red or brown waxy discharge and a cheesy or musty smell. EAR MITES Ear mites are a very contagious type of mange. Signs include a “coffee ground” discharge, shaking of the head, and scratching at ears.

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Look for an ear-cleaning solution that doesn’t strip away natural bacteria, such as Zymox Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes ($17, amazon.com). The unique fermented coconut oil formula, combined with aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, and hypoallergenic plantbased ingredients, gently removes ear wax, dirt, and debris. You can also use a bit of witch hazel. Dampen the cotton

Healthy, clean dog ears should be pink and odourless. balls or a soft cloth with the ear-cleaning solution and gently wipe the ear flap. Don’t touch anything beyond the outer folds, as that could damage your dog’s ear. Never use a Q-tip.

Home Remedy for Minor Irritation Apple cider vinegar is an easy home remedy that helps fight yeast or bacterial infections in your dog’s ears by helping to correct the pH level. Mix 1 cup of water with 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Use this to wipe out debris in the outer part of your dog’s ear. (Never pour into your dog’s ear!) * If your dog has more than minor irritation, please see your vet. Serious ear infection can result in hearing loss.

PET

HACKS How to use baking soda to tackle all manner of pet problems

“Baking soda ‘attacks’ the molecule responsible for the smell,” explains Anthony Rojas, a Georgia Institute of Technology chemistry professor. “In doing so, it steals away an atom, thus chemically changing the structure of the odour molecule into one that smells differently.” AKA, goodbye unwanted doggie smells! These DIY baking soda hacks, courtesy of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, tackle everything from stain and odour removal to dry bathing, toy cleaning, and even relieving bee sting pain!

Baking Soda DIY Pet Hacks

Stain Removal If your dog has an accident on the carpet, it’s important to take care of it right away to avoid them returning to that spot to commit the same deed in the future. Here’s what to do:

○ Soak up as much of the mess as possible. ○ Scrub the area thoroughly with club soda and let dry. ○ Once the area is completely dry, sprinkle baking soda to cover. Let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Odour Removal ○ Sprinkle baking soda over any smelly areas (including dog/cat beds) ○ Let it sit for at least 15 minutes ○ Then simply vacuum it up!

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aking soda is a pet lover’s best friend. This smellabsorbing multi-tasker is safe for animals, kids, and use in the kitchen. Because baking soda is a pure, natural product and also a food, it is non-toxic, unlike many other household cleaners. And it naturally disarms bad smells.

DIY Shampoo for Bathing ○ Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water. ○ Massage the solution into your dog’s coat (avoid the face) to eliminate odours and soothe dry, itchy skin.

DIY Dry Shampoo ○ Brush your dog’s coat neck to tail. ○ Sprinkle baking soda on the coat from neck to tail (avoid use on the face) and massage in. Let it rest for a few minutes. ○ Brush from neck to tail again.

Toy Cleaning ○ Add 8 cups of warm water in a bowl. ○ Dissolve 8 tablespoons of baking soda in the bowl. ○ Wash the plastic and rubber toys in the solution and rinse thoroughly.

Bee Sting Pain Relief Baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the sting and reduce inflammation.

○ If possible, remove the stinger from the affected area. ○ Create a paste of ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. ○ Apply to the area that was stung. Be sure to keep your dog from licking the area. ○ Reapply every 15 minutes or so.

OUR PICKS MUSHROOM CHEW

for Dogs Cancer fighting, immune system boosting mushrooms show promise in promoting health and longevity in dogs

edicinal mushrooms offer an array of potential health benefits for dogs. They have been shown to contain multiple components that have immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects. Primarily, mushroom supplements have sparked interest for their cancer-fighting potential. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs with hemangiosarcoma had the longest survival time ever reported for dogs with this type of cancer when given a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom (aka Turkey Tail). Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, has been using mushroom supplements as a component of her veterinary practice for over a decade. “We primarily use a turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) supplement for senior dogs to support the immune system and to help prevent and treat cancer,” says Dr. Kramer. She notes other types of mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, and cordyceps have been shown to have health benefits as well. Dr. Kramer recommends all her cancer patients add a turkey tail mushroom for support and suggests a medical mushroom supplement for middle age to senior pets in general. She notes that research for medicinal mushroom use in dogs is in its infancy and thus lacking in robust data, but what she sees in her practice has made her a believer. “I observe that patients receiving mushroom supplements have longer life spans.” And who doesn’t want that?

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Their Potential Benefits Include:

Reishi Mushroom

(Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating properties. They contain polysaccharides,

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MUSHROOM SPRINKLE

Boost your dog’s bowl with the Mushroom Superblend powder from North Hound Life! A synergistic combination of organic Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, this powder is formulated to support immune and cognitive health. Simply sprinkle over your pup’s food! ($82, northhoundlife.com)

MUSHROOM POWDER

Formulated for enhanced canine health and longevity, Healthier Pet’s Whole Health Blend mushroom powder is a potent mix of Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shitake, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Tremella mushrooms. ($46, healthierpet.org)

beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, believed to offer various potential health benefits for dogs, including boosting the immune system.

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Coriolus

versicolor): The Coriolus versicolor mushroom, more commonly known as the Turkey Tail mushroom, is rich in polysaccharopeptides (PSP), particularly beta-glucans. It possesses immune-boosting properties and is often recommended as an adjunct health supplement in cancer and chemotherapy. Dogs that received this compound had the longest survival times ever reported for hemangiosarcoma.

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula

edodes): Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, studied for its potential anti-tumor, immuneboosting, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Maitake Mushroom

(Grifola frondosa): Beta-glucan-rich maitake mushrooms have been studied for their antiinflammatory and immune-enhancing potential.

Cordyceps Mushroom:

Known for their adaptogenic properties, Cordyceps are thought to help the body adapt to stress, support immune and respiratory health and boost energy and stamina. Be sure to consult your vet before integrating medicinal mushrooms into your dog’s wellness protocol to ensure no interactions with other medications or any other contraindications.

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Medicinal Mushrooms

Veterinarian formulated and third-party lab tested, the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster and support immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

HEALTHY CANINE Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle

Want a happier and healthier pet? Northwest Naturals raw pet food offers the greatest nutritional value for your dog. Northwest Naturals will increase your dog’s vitality, leave a shinier coat, support healthier joints, create less poop, and leave teeth whiter with fresher breath – meaning a lot less trips to the vet. nw-naturals.net/ products/dog-food

Furvor Pet is leading a movement to reimagine dog nutrition — creating bone broths that are 30x more nutritionally dense than traditional broths for dogs. They only use 100% human-grade bone broth that is naturally packed with proteins, collagen, vitamins, minerals, and all 10 essential amino acids to support your dog's health inside and out! furvorpet.com

WellyChef ® “Homemade Dog Food Done Right” ™ makes it very easy to make nutritious, AAFCO-qualified dog food at home! Simply use human food-grade meat from the grocery store and mix it with WellyChef. Made with quinoa, chia seeds, antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, plus added vitamins and minerals, WellyChef maintains optimal health in your dog. wellytails.com

Vetericyn® Triple-Action Ear Treatment provides healing relief for irritation caused by otitis externa and other serious ear issues. 1% Hydrocortisone relieves itch while helping soothe and reduce redness and swelling. Otizyme enzymatic blend helps flush infection-causing buildup. Botaniplex natural extracts enhance immune response and help restore a healthy balance in ears. vetericyn.com

Give your dog what they deserve with meaty marrow-filled bones by K9 Connoisseur! These treats are 100% natural, made in the USA with just one ingredient, and sourced from grass-fed cattle under 29 months old. They’re a low-calorie, high-protein, nutrient-packed healthy alternative to processed artificial treats. k9connoisseur.com Meet Noochies! A nicer freeze-dried treat. Introducing the world’s first freeze-dried, high-protein, nutrient-rich foods made without factory farming. Because Noochies uses fermented proteins, these nutrient-packed morsels are great for immune, digestive and heart health, while their super-savory taste makes them perfect for training or treating. noochies.co

RECOVERY

Essentials Speed recovery post-surgery or after injury with these recommended products!

as your dog recently had surgery or suffered an injury? These recommended essentials support a speedy recovery, keeping your dog comfortable and aiding the healing process.

1Shame Alternative

3with CBD

# Ease Pain and Anxiety Ease pain and anxiety during recovery with Suzie’s CBD 500mg Dog Tincture. The USDA organic, full-spectrum CBD provides relief for large dogs. ($54, suziespettreats.com)

# Comfortable Cone-ofA unique and ingenious alternative to the cone of shame, the vet-recommended Recovery Suit from Suitical comfortably protects dogs recovering from medical procedures, skin conditions, and more. This breathable, machinewashable suit is available in three prints and ten different sizes! (from $30, suitical.com)

4Chewables

# Recovery

Purica’s five-star-rated, liverflavoured Pet Recovery Extra Strength Chewables promote joint health and overall wellness, aiding in quicker recovery and enhanced mobility. The proprietary bioflavonoid complex along with super-ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glucosamine hydrochloride, and MSM strengthens bones, muscles, and connective tissues while reducing pain and inflammation. (from $19, purica.com)

5with At-Home

# Speed Healing

2Leg Brace

# Supportive Designed for ease of movement, the Milo Dog Wrist Brace from Back on Track provides support and alleviates problems for dogs with joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, or damage to ligaments and tendons. The wrap can rotate 180 degrees, and the protective inner lining can help stimulate circulation in the leg to aid recovery. ($45, backontrackusa.com)

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Laser Therapy

Relieve pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery and healing time with the LASERwrap Dog Coat from SpectraTherapy! This cool laser therapy coat is safe and easy to use at home during your dog’s recovery process. (from $695, spectratherapy.com/md)

End-ofLife Pet Doulas How a death doula can help bring peace at the end of your pet’s life By Sheri Radford

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Illustration by Michelle Simpson

“In

dominant Western culture, we’re not taught how to meet death. We’re just told not to die,” says Sarah Kerr. “But when dying is where you’re going, how do you actually do that well?” Working as a death doula in Victoria, BC, Kerr has spent much time thinking about dying and grieving, along with the rituals surrounding these acts. She founded the Centre for Sacred Deathcare to help individuals face death—whether their own, another person’s, or a beloved animal’s—with “more grace and more confidence.” She offers support and guidance at every step of the journey, “leading up to the last breath, at the last breath, after the last breath.” From the outside, Kerr’s job might seem morbid or depressing, but she insists the opposite is true. “It is enlivening and invigorating and inspiring, because I get to see and be in these spaces of incredible love.” If your precious pet has reached their own end-of-life journey, a death doula or pet-loss companion can help you in several ways.

Discussing Death When your dog or

cat is dying, it’s often difficult to find a friend or family member who can discuss the situation without becoming

“If a client feels like sobbing, Ellis encourages them to do so: ‘We’re gonna sit right here and snot-bubble cry.’” uncomfortable or interrupting with conversation-ending platitudes. A death doula listens, commiserates, and offers practical advice based on their experience. “Western society has this very big taboo, this aversion to death, even though it is a companion to life. You can’t have life without death,” says Kristina Bohler Golden, an end-of-life doula in St. Louis, MO, who cofounded the deathpositive festival Last Call and teaches in the International Doula Life Movement’s Certified Pet Doula Program. “Everyone will experience it. Everyone will go through it. So it’s not something that we should shy away from or be afraid of.” But many people feel so awkward even mentioning death that they stay silent and let a grieving person suffer alone. Golden says, “Any time somebody suffers from grief, it’s incredibly isolating. But when you suffer from the loss of a pet, it’s even more so because you feel like you can’t talk to anybody about it, because they’re going to try to make you feel better by saying, ‘Well, it wasn’t your

grandma.’” Part of Golden’s role is simply to listen. “I’m there if you just want to talk to somebody and feel validated,” she says. “You’re suffering from a loss that maybe other people in your life don’t understand.” Tracey Walker expresses similar feelings regarding our cultural taboos around difficult topics. A death doula in Grand Rapids, MI, she designed the curriculum for the University of New England’s new End-of-Life Pet Doula Professional Certificate, an online program for non-medical care providers. “Talking about sex won’t make you pregnant. Talking about death won’t kill you,” she says. “We’re not manifesting it. We’re preparing ourselves.”

Is It Time? A death

doula can serve as a sounding board and support system for anyone facing the most gut-wrenching decisions a pet owner ever has to make: if euthanasia is the most humane option left, when to schedule it for, and whether to do it in a veterinary office or at home. Walker considers it part of her job to help a pet

Permission to Grieve “What if

owner recognize when it’s time. After all, as she points out, pets “can’t verbally tell us that they would like to die—which, quite frankly, happens with a lot of my human clients.” Having a knowledgeable and compassionate third party involved in the whole process offers solace to the pet owner, Walker says. “If the practical aspects are taken care of, that seems to alleviate some of the emotional burden, because then they can be there emotionally and connect with their pet versus dealing with, ‘Am I doing the right thing? Should we wait? Should I call somebody else?’” Coleen Ellis, who is based in Dallas, TX, founded the first pet funeral home in the United States over two decades ago and now runs Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, which she also founded. “Even though the definition of euthanasia is ‘good or fortunate death,’ it doesn’t feel like that,” she says, and she mentions the heavy burden of having to make that decision. A death doula can ease some of that burden.

Planning a Good End The idea

of an end-of-life bucket list for a dying human is nothing new, but few people think to apply the same concept to animals. Whenever Ellis is called in to help a pet owner “walk in that anticipatory grief journey,” she often suggests compiling a bucket list specific to the animal. “I want us to put ourselves out six months from now, and I want us to look back on this time, and I want us to ask ourselves this question: ‘What can I do right now so that I don’t have a coulda, shoulda, woulda when it’s over?’” she says. “When that day comes, I want us to be able to truly say the end was perfect.” The bucket list might include activities such as visits to a specific park—even if the dog has to be pulled in a wagon—or trips to the fast-food drive-through for your pet’s favourite indulgence.

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people think I’m weird?” is a question Ellis often hears. “Then tell them to leave your house,” she always responds. “Do what you need to do to honour your baby.” A big part of her work involves normalizing the grieving process for her clients. “All day long I tell people, ‘I want to give you permission to feel the way you want to feel. I want to give you permission to do whatever ritual it is you want to do.’” If a client feels like sobbing, Ellis encourages them to do so: “We’re gonna sit right here and snot-bubble cry.” If a client wants to express rage, Ellis encourages that, too: “You can scream and holler and punch that wall and be mad at me and be mad at God.” She acknowledges just how meaningful a relationship with a pet can be. “It’s this little creature whose only job is to love you. That’s their only job. They’re not going to graduate. They’re not going to cure cancer. They’re not going to do anything but love you. And that’s powerful. That is so stinking powerful.” Well-meaning friends and family members often encourage a bereaved pet parent to just “get over” the death quickly and stop grieving by adopting another dog or cat. Joe Dwyer, a New Jersey pet-loss companion and ordained animal chaplain, says this is “not done in a mean-spirited way, but it doesn’t help the person who’s grieving.” He notes that in modern Western culture, it’s difficult for most people to admit that the loss of a pet can be “as traumatic a loss as losing a parent or a sibling.” Dwyer gives himself permission to feel grief right alongside the individual he’s helping: “If you’re not drained when you’re performing a service or you’re sitting with someone who went through the traumatic loss of a beloved family pet member, then you’re not doing it right.”

Rituals Pet owners sometimes worry that it’s

inappropriate to hold a funeral or memorial service for an animal, or they fear that the ceremony will feel dry and impersonal. But Dwyer—who is a deeply religious person himself—assures clients there’s no need to get hung up on the sometimes rigid-seeming dictates of organized religion. “We can do whatever you would like,” he says. “If you’re Christian, that doesn’t mean you have to use scripture. You can use a poem. If you’re Jewish and you’d like to use a New Testament

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Ellis talks about one pet owner who heeded her advice. The woman painted a large portrait of her beloved pooch, then she and her ailing dog spent three days completing every item on the bucket list. On the day of the scheduled euthanasia, she used sidewalk chalk to draw a rainbow on her driveway. Friends and family walked over the rainbow before coming into the house to say their goodbyes. The dog was then put to sleep on the rainbow while surrounded by loved ones. For the next few days, the woman kept the dog’s body lying under the portrait, so more people could pay their respects. She sobbed as she later told Ellis, “The end was perfect. There’s not one regret. There’s not one thing I didn’t do.” This dog’s end-of-life experience, Ellis says, was “a crescendo to a life well lived, a life loved, a life shared.” Then there was the client whose cat adored snuggling in the sock drawer. “I said then what I might recommend is when we put him to peace, he is put to peace in the sock drawer, where he’s surrounded by his heaven on earth,” Ellis recalls. “And that’s what they did.”

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The Practical Details Anyone facing

the loss of a pet can easily become overwhelmed by the practical details and choices involved in the gut-wrenching experience: home euthanasia or euthanasia in a vet’s office, cremation or aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation), home burial or burial in a pet cemetery, memorial or funeral. A death doula has the knowledge, experience, and emotional distance to be able to help. The clients of Kristina Bohler Golden often express relief after receiving guidance and direction, saying things like: “I’m not lost. I’m not adrift. I don’t have to just start Googling random things on the internet.” Even death doulas find it useful to enlist the services of other death doulas. “I have used pet-death doulas, and it makes a world of difference,” Tracey Walker says. “For me, it gave me the presence that I needed to be there with my little girl, my soul cat.” Walker describes how having someone provide support and handle details frees up a grieving person to be able to spend quality time with a loved one toward the end. The help offered could be as mundane as filling in paperwork or driving to the store for a prescription, or as significant as holding a client’s hand while the vet does that final injection. And the petdeath doula’s job always involves much listening and compassion. “You can’t do it for yourself,” Sarah Kerr says. Her gratitude to the death doula—a former student—who helped

her in her own time of need is immense. “She was important in holding space and keeping the bigger picture in mind. When you’re grieving, you’re just in the soup of right now,” Kerr says. “When you’re in that moment, you’ve come undone.” And coming undone is exactly what needs to happen in order to grieve properly. “Because that’s what death is supposed to do is undo you, so it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong if you’re sad—it means you’re doing it right.”

Finding a PetDeath Doula

There are vast differences in how individuals approach the profession, Kerr says. “I have a spiritual, ritual, soul-based approach, which can be completely different than another death doula who was taught by someone who’s a retired hospice nurse and is all about bedside care.” The key is to find someone who resonates with you during this deeply emotional time. “There can be beauty, and there can be love, and there can be laughter and inspiration and revitalization, even though there is death and loss and broken-heartedness and bereavement.” For lists of practitioners organized by region, visit the websites of associations such as the International Doula Life Movement (www. internationaldoulalifemovement.com) and the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (www.nedalliance.org). Many death doulas are experienced in helping with the end of life for both humans and pets. 

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scripture, you can do that. This is not a cookie-cutter operation.” He advises, “Open your mind and heart to what is going to give you the most peace.” Rituals are crucial to a healthy grieving process. “Every culture around the world has understood you need a ritual after a death,” says Sarah Kerr, whose doctorate is in transformative learning with a focus on ritual and rites of passage. “A good funeral is a grief ritual that holds space for our grief and helps us process our grief and gives us a way to be in community and acknowledge our grief and be supported in our grief.” One memorial service that Coleen Ellis helped to organize was for a tabby cat named Vincent. After the service ended, one of the attendees sheepishly admitted, “I only came to this because I wanted to see what a funeral for a cat would look like.” When Ellis asked what he thought of the service for Vincent, he responded, “I can only hope my funeral is this beautiful when I die.” Kristina Bohler Golden describes helping grieving clients by organizing craft nights where they make collages and scrapbooks of pet photos and figure out creative ways to repurpose old pet toys. “It can be very cathartic to do those things together and then to talk about it.” She also shares with clients information about companies that offer services such as doing paw prints or making stuffed animals that look like the deceased pet and have some of the animal’s ashes tucked inside. When it comes to end-of-life rituals, it’s helpful to “create a sacred space for what you want to do,” which might include photos, flowers, a blanket and a basket, says Madeline Christie, the founder of Daisy Deathcare in Courtenay, BC. She advises keeping the pet’s body for a few hours or even overnight before doing a burial or going to a crematorium, to give the grieving person a chance to adapt to the bleak new pet-less reality. “They were just here and warm and breathing, then they’re not here anymore,” she says. “It’s just a healthier way of saying goodbye, I think.” Throughout the rituals, a death doula like Christie can offer support “emotionally and logistically and spiritually.”

THE 15 SMALLEST

DOG BREEDS 1 Chihuahua: These adorable, diminutive breeds pack a lot of personality into a small package!

a small breed right for you? Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary and expert on all things dog, shares the 15 smallest dog breeds and their winning attributes.

4 Biewer Terrier:

The Biewer Terrier is a toy breed weighing only four to eight pounds. They’re known to be amusing, devoted, and intelligent. They are also easy to train, making for a great family pet. 64

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2 Affenpinscher:

3 Brussels Griffon:

5 Poodle (Toy):

6 Papillon:

Part of the toy group and weighing only seven to 10 pounds, Affenpinschers are courageous, bold, and feisty. Although often independent and stubborn, they are very intelligent and generally eager to please the humans that they’ve bonded with.

A member of the toy group, the Toy Poodle weighs in at four to six pounds. With an abundance of steady character and intelligence, the Toy Poodle is easy to train.

Weighing eight to 10 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is part of the toy group. Griffs are known to be alert, curious, and loyal. They are typically quite sensitive and devoted to their people, but they’re also sociable and easily trained.

The Papillon is a happy, friendly, and alert dog. Part of the toy group, they weigh only five to 10 pounds. They are intelligent dogs and eager to please the humans that they’ve developed a bond with.

P H OTOS : # 1 V I I V I I E N / A D O B E STO CK ; # 2 D I D KOVSK A I LO N A / SH U TT E R STO CK ; #3 N E W A F R I C A / B I G STO CK ; # 4 PAV E L 1964/ SH U TT E R STO CK ; #5 J AG O D K A / B I G STO C K ; #6 A N N A - AV / B I G STO CK .

Not exceeding six pounds, the Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a big personality. The breed is known to be loyal and charming with a big dog attitude. Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs with strong natural instincts. They are courageous and extremely devoted and protective.

P H OTO S : # 1 V I I V I I E N / A D O B E S TO CK ; # 2 D I D KOVS K A I LO N A / S H U TT E R S TO CK ; #3 N E W A F R I C A / B I G STO CK ; # 4 PAV E L 19 64 / S H U TT E R S TO C K ; # 5 J A G O D K A / B I G S TO C K ; # 6 A N N A - AV / B I G STO CK .

7 American Eskimo Dog (Toy):

A member of the non-sporting group, the American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: toy (weighing 6–10 lbs), miniature (10–20 lbs), and standard (20–25 lbs). Eskies are known to be alert and friendly, although sometimes reserved with strangers. They are among the most trainable breeds; clever, kid-friendly, and eager to please.

8 Yorkshire Terrier:

9 Miniature Pinscher:

10 Russian Terrier:

11 Manchester Terrier (Toy):

12 Toy Fox Terrier:

13 Japanese Chin:

14 Maltese:

15 Pomeranian:

The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, lively dog weighing up to 6.5 pounds. They are active, cheerful, smart, and eager to please. They love to be close to their humans but can be aloof with strangers.

Japanese Chins are a very sociable breed that get along with other dogs and people. They typically weigh between seven and 11 pounds and are an extremely affectionate family dog.

Weighing only around seven pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a lot of dog in a little package. Part of the terrier group, the Yorkie is described as sprightly, tomboyish, and affectionate. Yorkies love their owners and are very intelligent and eager to please.

The Toy Manchester Terrier is an affectionate breed that does not reach over 12 pounds. They are extremely playful, adaptable, and protective of their loved ones. This breed is truly a family dog.

This lovey-dovey breed is well behaved around other dogs and strangers. You can always count on this breed for a cuddle. Malteses typically weigh under seven pounds and are highly adaptable.

Miniature Pinschers are eight to 10 pounds of pure affection. This breed is great with other dogs and loves to play. They require a lot of mental stimulation and chit chat to get through the day. You will always feel loved and protected with this breed.

Toy Fox Terriers are a true mix of a toy and a terrier. Weighing between four and nine pounds, these entertaining and playful little dogs possess the spirit and courage of a terrier. They are typically playful their whole lives.

The Pomeranian is an affectionate family dog. Weighing between three and seven pounds, these adaptable little dogs are easy to train and always have the energy to play. 65

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How

Your Dog Understands

Language You say, “go get your Frisbee.” Does your dog really understand, the way a person would? A Hungarian study says yes.

IT. STAY. Lots of dogs understand and

respond accordingly. But what about more complicated requests, such as those to fetch a particular object. Many of our dogs will do this, but how, exactly, are they processing this request? Do they form a mental picture in their minds upon hearing the name of an object? Doing so would suggest a deeper grasp of language, like humans have. A new study out of Hungary says that’s exactly what’s happening. Researchers found that dogs can learn to associate words with specific objects—something called

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“

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Researchers found that dogs can learn to associate words with specific objects— something called ‘referential understanding.’”

‘referential understanding’ that had been unproven in scientific study of dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs, and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” said Marianna Boros, a cognitive neuroscientist and co-lead author of the study conducted by the Department of Ethology of the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. The peer-reviewed study, published in March in the scientific journal Current Biology, involved 18 dogs. Participating dog owners played an audio clip saying the name of their dog’s toy and then showed the dog an object. Sometimes the word and the image would match, and other times they wouldn’t. A non-invasive EEG procedure using electrodes attached to the dogs’ heads measured brain activity and registered brain waves. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain,” Boros said. “And this is exactly what we found.” When the dogs were shown an object that matched the word, a different brain pattern was seen than when it didn’t match, suggesting the canines formed a mental image of the object based upon hearing the word for it. Cognitive neuroscientist and co-lead author of the study Lilla Magyari notes that other animals have demonstrated some referential understanding of language, but in those cases, the animals had been trained to do so. Dogs, on the other hand, appear to simply possess the ability without training, perhaps due to our 30,000year co-evolution. More proof of how amazing our canine friends are! 

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DOG SMARTS:

The Unique Intelligence of Dogs

aybe you’ve had a moment like this: You’re out walking your dog after work when suddenly she stops, peering into the distant dusk. You have no idea what’s so interesting out there, but your dog’s paws have become concrete blocks and your cajoling and tugging on the leash has no effect. The word “stubborn” comes to mind, maybe even “stupid.” After all, you see nothing of note. You’ve had a long day and just want to flop on the couch and watch Netflix. Of course, your dog’s not stupid. (Stubborn, maybe; I have two dogs. Ask

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me how I know.) Take another look: Your pup is standing stock still, neck low, ears and nose twitching, eyes like darts through the haze. Clearly something is worth their attention, maybe even yours. But the slightly embarrassing truth is, you just don’t have the sensory tools to detect this fascinating something, nor the cognitive ability to understand its allure. Dogs walk right beside us through life, but science reminds us they’re experiencing a very different version of the world. Their noses are fantastically sensitive, able to sniff out a smear of blood at a messy crime scene, a chip of bone from skeletal remains turned to dust, a gas leak way underground,

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By Jennifer Holland

And that’s just one of many forms of dog intelligence. Olfactory intelligence—their nose smarts—is really a whole category of its own. Dogs are socially intelligent and emotionally intelligent, too. And they’re brilliantly adaptable, having found their way from the rough edges of ancient human civilizations to the comfy ends of our beds. Yet, we’re still tempted to call a dog who ignores our commands or sits when we say ‘come’ just a dumb dog: After all that training, the silly creature hasn’t learned a thing. But many trainers have told me, if your dog isn’t doing as you ask, the problem generally lies with you. Try as we might, we aren’t always effective teachers. Our expectations neglect the fact that dogs are an entirely different species. They don’t speak our language or navigate the world as we do. We confound them with our inconsistencies, and our mastery of “doggish”—especially dogs’ body language—is woefully inadequate. Maybe we should be questioning our own smarts instead of theirs? In researching my book Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, I found myself appreciating dogs in whole new ways. They, and other non-human animals, are equipped with cognitive tools tailored to their particular

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needs, letting them solve problems and make smart choices. They communicate in ways that are vastly more complex than we give them credit for. As humans with our own experience of the world, we’re challenged to figure out what’s germane to our dogs, to understand where they’re coming from and what they might be thinking. But we can learn from our own pet pups, and from what science is uncovering about the inner workings of the species, to appreciate dogs’ point of view and engage with them in ways that are more dog-considerate—and more fun for both of us. We feel good about the lives we give our dogs, and there’s nothing wrong with that. A beloved pet has a pretty sweet gig. But I think to be the very best dog owners, we could do better at joining them on their level, reading their cues, and appreciating and supporting the kinds of intelligence that make them different. They excel where we falter. They fill in our gaps. And they can help us be better, smarter, human beings, if we let them. 

Jennifer S. Holland is the author of the best-selling Unlikely Friendships series. Her new book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, is available now.

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even an epileptic seizure a half hour before it happens. Dogs’ ears hear in a different range than ours, with an emphasis on the high, squeaky end of the scale—all the better to locate a rodent nest—and they catch much quieter and more faraway sounds than we can. They see much better in dim light than we do, with a greater sensitivity to motion. You may think all is still while your dog is zeroed in on a rabbit’s ear twitching half a football field away. Dogs’ sensory intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary.

They’re brilliantly adaptable, having found their way from the rough edges of ancient human civilizations to the comfy ends of our beds. Yet, we’re still tempted to call a dog who ignores our commands or sits when we say 'come' just a dumb dog.

Gorgeous, super-comfortable, and no laundering required—the Le Bed orthopedic leather dog bed has a five-star rating for good reason. People love that it’s easy to clean (just wipe!), looks great, and is naturally odour resistant. Dogs love the comfortable dual-foam orthopedic mattress that supports joints and bones. A breathable 100% natural milled leather cover and cooling gel memory foam help keep them extra comfy. ($359, ledogcompany.com)

The sleek, modern design of this raised dog bed makes it an easy addition to your living room! Perfect for small to mediumsized dogs, the Milo Modern Dog Bed is finished on all sides with a light walnut finish. A removable, machine washable cushion cover makes it easy to maintain. ($210, sauder.com)

Give your dog the royal treatment with a Custom Vintage Pet Portrait from Purr and Mutt! Simply send in a photo of your dog, choose your preferred style and frame size, and their artists will create an incredible personalized portrait. Makes a great gift! (from $56, purrandmutt.com)

s i e m o H e h t e r e wh dog is ant it!” w “ r e d n u e Fil

Soft and cuddly, the 4Knines Waterproof Plush Dog Blanket is a perfectly cozy way to protect furniture from dog mess. Waterproof and machine washable! ($40, 4knines.com)

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Even our dogs need a little vacation sometimes! Channel holiday vibes with the Maui the Pineapple Squishmallows Pet Bed from Jazwares. With cushioned bolsters and fluffy fill, this ultrasoft bed delivers fun comfort. (It’s also easy to clean and has a non-skid bottom!) (from $35, amazon.com)

A safer way to chew! The Chewworks Hold-a-Chew chew stick and bully stick holder is designed to prevent choking or GI blockage caused by swallowing large pieces of dog chews. Made from a durable nylon polymer, it’s safe for dogs to chew on. (from $18, chewworks.com)

Create a striking accent wall with the Dog Days Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Rifle Paper Co.! Gravure printed with metallic accents, this wallpaper features a variety of dog breeds. It’s also easily removable and renter-friendly! ($70, riflepaperco.com)

Super plush and overstuffed, the Franklin Flutternutter bed from Bowsers is so cozy, you’ll want to curl up in it! The faux fur zippered cover is easy to remove and machine washable; a tufted inner cushion and outer bolsters provide the ultimate in comfort and support. (from $125, bowsers.com)

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THE DOG GEAR LOOKBOOK

Staff favourites and current obsessions.

GROOMING & HEALTH

HICC Pet Dog Ear Relief Finger Wipes $27; hiccpet.com

Apothecary Natural Flea & Tick Herbal Shampoo $20; earthanimal.com

Dexas MudBuster Portable Pet Cleaning Kit from $24; amazon.com or dexas.com

Bowsers Artisan Double Feeder from $80; bowsers.com

Happy Dog and Pointer Necklace $72; markpoulin.com

HandsOn Grooming Gloves $25; handsongloves.com

FOR DOG PEOPLE

Pet Nose Print Pendant from $277; robinslovingtouch.com

Ceramic Weiner Dog Butter Dish $15; bigmouthinc.com

COLLARS & HARNESSES

Upland & Downstream Owasco Biothane Collar from $46; auburndirect.com

Augusta Leather Dog Collar from $96; karmacollars.com

Neotech Control Harness from $65; doogusa.com

Summit All-Terrain Dog Harness $56; rockymountaindog.ca

Go! Solutions Benefit Chews Weight Management + Joint Care Chicken Recipe $10; go-solutions.com

Sam’s Yams Dailys Simply Sweet Potato, Apple and Carrot $9; frontporchpets.com

NWN Raw Rewards Cheddar Cheese Freeze Dried Treats from $15; nw-naturals.net

FOOD & TREATS

Caribbean-Salmon Fusion from $20; smackpetfood.com

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Make Good Pets? By Nicole Wilde

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WOLFDOGS

OU MAY HAVE SEEN

wolfy-looking dogs in your neighbourhood and admired their wild, regal looks. Or, perhaps you’ve watched Game of Thrones, and the “dire wolves” caught your fancy. Now you’re wondering whether a wolfdog might make a good pet. Defenders of wolfdogs claim they can be wonderful, loyal companions so long as they are properly cared for. Others feel that any animal that is part wild has no place in the home. As someone who co-ran a rescue center for 40 to 50 wolves and wolfdogs for many years, wrote two books on the subject (Living with Wolfdogs and Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More), and lived with three of them for over ten years (a pure wolf and two wolfdogs who had nowhere else to go), I am here to share the information you need to make an informed decision. Huskies and Malamutes normally account for the dog content in wolfdogs, although German Shepherd mixes are not unusual. Genetics can vary greatly.

Since there is no “wolfdog” breed standard, one, both, or neither parent may be a pure wolf. The number of generations away from a pure wolf (represented by F1, F2, and so on) and the percentage of wolf content is often overrepresented by breeders, which leads to misinformation. In fact, some so-called wolfdogs contain no wolf at all. Someone who mistakenly believes their pet to have a high percentage of wolf content may eventually get an actual high-content wolfdog and be unpleasantly surprised by the differences in behaviour. In general, the more wolf content and the closer in generation to pure wolves, the wolfier the looks and behaviour will be. Before we get into wolfdog behaviour, consider whether wolfdogs are legal where you live. Legalities vary from state to state, county to county, and city to city. Some areas require a permit, while others ban animals that possess any wolf content at all. In some places, legalities are based on

the percentage of wolf and how recent the heritage. The latter two can be difficult to prove, and phenotyping (observing physical characteristics and behaviour) is often relied upon. Sadly, I have come across cases where a pet wolfdog jumped a fence and ended up in a shelter where they were deemed illegal and euthanized. There is also the issue of veterinary care. Some vets refuse to treat wolfdogs. Others will not vaccinate them for rabies, as the USDA has not approved it for “hybrids.” If an unvaccinated wolfdog bites someone, he could end up euthanized, as testing for rabies entails examining the brain. For this reason, many wolfdog owners do not mention wolf content when registering their pet with a vet. Still, this is no guarantee against euthanasia if a bite incident occurs. While it is true that wolfdogs can be smart, affectionate, lovable companions, it is also true that they do not make

good pets for the average person. They will dig moon craters in your yard. They are escape artists—six-foot fences present no challenge at all. And they can be extremely destructive indoors. If you’ve ever had a Husky, imagine those northern-breed tendencies times ten! A Husky might chew the corner of your rug, but a high-content wolfdog might chew through your drywall and disembowel your couch. Wolfdogs are

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intelligent, thorough investigators who need to know what’s inside things and how they work! For those reasons, many high-content wolfdogs end up living in outdoor enclosures that are dig-proof at the bottom and escapeproof at the top. As you might imagine, a proper enclosure can be costly. Here’s what Paula Ficara and Steve Wastell, who run Apex Protection Project in southern California, have to say: “When people ask us if wolfdogs make good pets, our answer is essentially no. They are companions at best. It is the equivalent of having a rambunctious toddler with large teeth that you'll need to commit the next 10 to 15 years of your life to. If you're up for that, great, but unfortunately too many people are not, and instead of making an informed decision, they discover this after they've brought one into their lives. We receive an average of ten emails a week from people wanting to give them up. We work with a network of about 50 wolfdog rescues around the country, and they are all perpetually full. It is incredibly difficult to find appropriate placement for these animals and many end up euthanized because there's nowhere for them to go.” Consider, too, that wolfdogs— especially those with considerable wolf

content—are not as tractable as dogs. Dogs are fairly easy to train, and it could be argued that some even want to please us. Wolfdogs are quick learners, but pleasing us is not high on their list of priorities. Many also have a high prey drive. Some dog breeds do as well, but a wolf’s prey drive is more intense. For this reason, many wolfdogs cannot be trusted around small dogs or other small animals. These cautions may sound harsh, especially if you’re someone who loves wolfdogs or has one. To be clear, I’m not in favour of anyone’s pet being taken away if they are being cared for properly and have a good quality of life. Truth be told, I love wolves and wolfdogs, and have worked for years to help them. I share this information for their sake, to protect them from being purchased without the requisite education and resources in place. Too many of those adorable puppies grow into adolescents or adults who end up in rescues or even euthanized. If you are considering a wolfdog, please do extensive research first. If you decide to share your life with one, be prepared for a long-term commitment, and the considerable time and effort needed to meet their physical and behavioural needs, keep them safely enclosed, and keep everyone safe. 

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If you’ve ever had a Husky, imagine those northernbreed tendencies times ten! A Husky might chew the corner of your rug, but a high-content wolfdog might chew through your drywall and disembowel your couch.”

CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of must-read books for dog lovers

From Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs By Katherine Carver

Henri and the Magnificent Snort By Samantha Child; Illustrated by Hannah Farr

When Henri the French Bulldog and his family embarks on a new adventure, Henri encounters bullying for the first time. But with the help of his mom and canine friends, he learns the importance of kindness, respect, and self-confidence. An adorable and heartwarming children’s book about bullying, belonging, and love!

Familiaris By David Wroblewski This stirring follow-up to Wroblewski’s #1 New York Times bestselling The Story of Edgar Sawtelle details the origins of the Sawtelle family and their remarkable dogs. Beginning in the spring of 1919 as John and Mary start their life as newlyweds, this epic story takes readers on a mysterious, heartfelt journey that beautifully examines the relationship between humans and canines.

Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of OnceForsaken Dogs By Katherine Carver Photographer Katherine Carver’s stunning new book showcases her incredible decade-long photography project chronicling the “before and after” of rescue dogs who found loving forever homes. A moving testament to the power of pet adoption.

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My Three Dogs By W. Bruce Cameron Fans of W. Bruce Cameron will devour his newest dog adventure novel. Riggs the Australian Shepherd, Archie the doodle, and Luna the Jack Russell are best friends and fur siblings, until a tragic accident leaves them without their human and threatens to tear them apart. They are put up for adoption separately, but Riggs is determined to keep his pack together. A powerful story of determination, instinct, family, and love.

Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog By Zazie Todd In Bark!, certified dog trainer and animal behaviourist Zazie Todd provides practical solutions for anxious, fearful, or reactive behaviours through positive reinforcement. Unpacking the latest canine science, she provides expert advice to help dog parents work through problem behaviours by addressing the root cause of their dogs’ fears. A must-read for anyone struggling with these behaviours.

Remember Me As Sunshine By Jacqueline Lemieux-Bokor “You brushed me, bathed me, and tried to get me to smile for photos. What you didn’t realize is that I was smiling all the time.”—Remember Me As Sunshine This lovely pet sympathy book features a collection of moving poems matched to classic dog portraits and includes space to personalize with a photo, your dog’s name, and handwritten notes. A wonderful way to memorialize a beloved canine.

DOG QUOTES

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

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—Josh Billings

Healthy PAWS Solutions for everything from sensitive stomachs to sore joints

1. GET YOUR CHEW ON

Encourage positive chewing behaviour with the large Bully Stick from Jones Natural Chews! These delicious, long-lasting, protein-rich chews are highly digestible and made from 100% USA sourced beef. ($13, jonesnaturalchews.com)

2. GUT HEALTH BOOSTER

3. BONE BROTH TOPPER

Tempt picky pooches with Furvor Pet’s Bone Broth Topper! Made from all-natural human-grade ingredients, these super-concentrated, nutrient dense chicken or beef bone broths add a healthy flavour boost to your dog’s meal. (from $21, furvorpet.com)

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CaniOtic daily probiotic tablets contain live, species-specific Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria to protect your dog’s digestive system, boost metabolism, and reduce or prevent loose stool. (from $21, bluegrassanimalproducts.com)

9. ANXIETY BUSTER

4. DIET FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS

KOHA Pet’s Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Chicken and White Rice Recipe supports healthy digestion. Made with simple ingredients like chicken, white rice, chicken broth, and pumpkin, it is perfect for dogs struggling with loose stool, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. (from $8, kohapet.com)

5. ALT-PROTEIN JERKY DOGS LOVE

Looking for an alternative protein treat for your dog? Earth Animal’s Wisdom Air-Dried Jerky from the Sea is made from sustainably sourced catfish, clams, wild-caught sardines, and quinoa. This soft and chewy jerky makes a great high-value training treat! ($10, earthanimal.com)

6. SUPPLEMENT FOR SENIORS

Geriatric dogs often need extra health support. DogtorRx Age Defense is a natural supplement formulated to help with age-related symptoms and promote healthy stress and inflammation responses, while also reducing excessive shedding and aiding in post-surgery recovery. ($60, dogtorrx.com)

Anxious dog? The Mushroom Relax Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms contain Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Reishi mushroom extracts, amino acids, and adaptogens to help soothe your dog and help them settle. Great for travel, stressful noises, or company! ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

10. DOGS HEART THESE TREATS!

Made only with pure beef heart, the freeze-dried raw Beef Heart bites from Wiggly Babies are a protein rich, nutrient dense, lean, healthy treat packed with essential vitamins and minerals! (from $16, wigglybabies.com)

11. DENTAL HEALTH IMPROVER

Keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy with the Pet Dental Gel from Oxyfresh. Odourless and tasteless, this toothpaste helps remove plaque, condition and deodorize gums, and freshen breath! ($12, oxyfresh.com)

12. BYE BYE, UTIS!

Prevent UTIs and protect your dog’s bladder health with MitoMax UH urinary health capsules! Made with plant-based probiotics and cranberry powder, they provide an immune boost and fight urinary tract infections. (from $37, mitopets.com)

7. HAPPY, HEALTHY JOINTS Protect your dog’s joints with WellyTails Cartilage Joints and Ligaments ADVANCED Rx powder. It’s packed with natural superingredients like bovine collagen, green lipped mussel, egg shell membrane, and turmeric for healthy cartilage and joint maintenance. (from $49, wellytails.ca)

8. HEALTH BOOSTER

Vetericyn’s ALL-IN 1 Multifunctional Dog Supplements are specially formulated to meet your dog’s life stage with puppy, adult, and senior formulas. Made from a nutrient-rich, grass-fed, organ meat complex, these supplements help promote digestive, cellular, bone, mental, and immune health! (from $25, vetericyn.com)

13. GPS ACTIVITY TRACKER

Track your dog’s location, monitor activity, and set personalized fitness goals with the Pawfit 3! This waterproof GPS dog tracker features real-time GPS location tracking with an unlimited range, voice commands, and more. (from $60, pawfit.com)

14. SPEED HEALING

A multi-purpose miracle worker, Banixx Pet Care Spray speeds healing, relieves dry, itchy skin, and treats ear infections, hot spots, ringworm, and wounds. Antiseptic and anti-fungal, it’s made without steroids or antibiotics and is stingfree! ($15, banixx.com)

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BREED PROFILE

ing, o g y s Ea ke, i L n Clow g. Lovin

COTON DE TULEAR From the jungle to the lap of luxury: meet the Royal Dog of Madagascar | By Kelly Caldwell

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XXX

THE

If Get to Know the Coton de Tulear

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Intelligent and eager to please Easy to train and great at canine sports Bonds closely Gets along with kids, dogs, and cats Healthy breed with a long lifespan Loves to play and learn tricks Significant grooming requirements

you see this happy little white fluffball out and about, you might easily mistake him for a Bichon Frise or a Maltese, but nope! This pintsized charmer is the Coton de Tulear, a rare breed hailing from one of the most remote, exotic islands on the planet. Meet the Royal Dog from Madagascar.

Early Origins

The Coton de Tulear’s origins date back more than three centuries. His name refers to his coat (French for “cotton”) and Tulear—a port city in Madagascar. The breed’s earliest origins are unknown, but it’s likely that they descended from the now-extinct Bichon Tenerife, a small terrier-like dog that originated in the Spanish archipelago and travelled on ships to a variety of ports. The Tenerife is widely acknowledged as responsible for the creation of a variety of small, white dogs, including the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The Coton is a cute little dog, but you might be surprised to learn how tough they are. After all, they survived hundreds of years in the jungles and streets of Madagascar. It was in this

Fun Facts November 26th is Coton de Tulear Day! These dogs are natural performers who take great delight in pleasing their owners. Many Cotons are known to ‘walk’ on their two hind legs and they’re great at learning tricks. The Coton is a talker. Beyond barking, these dogs often grunt, growl, whine, and make other unique sounds, all to the delight of their people. Some claim their Cotons purr when happy!

isolated locale that Cotons ran free and bred true, without any human intervention. They knew how to hunt, scavenge, and endure.

Arriving in Madagascar

Just how did these little dogs end up in a remote island off the coast of Africa? The answer to that is shrouded in legends. What we know for certain is that as early as the 1600s, the region of Tulear—located in the Indian Ocean trade network—was a focal point for cultural and economic exchanges. Tulear was inhabited by indigenous Malagasy tribes who had complex social hierarchies and systems of governance. The Malagasy traded extensively with Arab, Persian, and later European adventurers. Oral history regarding the breed points to a shipwreck off the coast of Tulear. The name of the ship—if, indeed, there was a maritime disaster—is not known. Legend has it that a ship crashed and all aboard perished—except the little white dogs who evaded sharks as they swam to shore and headed for the jungle. Of course, there are less dramatic theories of origin, such as European travellers bringing them to trade in exchange for goods. However their arrival, the dog that would become the Coton de Tulear spent centuries subsisting as a Madagascar street dog and jungle inhabitant. As a result, the breed was not subjected to the whims of man but rather was left to breed true and develop naturally in the wild.

The Coton Breed Develops It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Coton’s status shifted from jungle scavenger to the coveted pet of royals. This shift coincided with European colonization, when Madagascar became a French colony. These small dogs caught the eye of nobles who presumably discovered that, once bathed and groomed, these were, in fact, very handsome dogs with a glorious, cotton-like coat.

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Size: Small. Compact but sturdy, the Coton’s height ranges from 9 to 11 inches at the withers. Weight ranges from 8 -15 pounds. Energy level: Daily walks and plenty of play time will keep the Coton in shape. Consider activities like Obedience, Agility or Flyball with these fun-loving charmers. Grooming: High. Daily brushing and combing are required to avoid mats. A weekly bath and attention to tear-staining is also in order. If show-coated, very high grooming efforts are needed. Heritage: Toy. The Coton spent centuries enduring in the Madagascar jungle and as a street dog, before ascending to the role of Royal Lap Dog. For more information on the Coton de Tulear, visit usactc.dog. In Canada, visit canadiancoton.com

If you like the Coton de Tulear, you might also consider the...

The breed’s fate turned, and they quickly became a status symbol. For a lengthy period, only royals and the island’s elites were permitted to own a Coton. So treasured were they, the Coton was banned from exportation, which is why they remained one of Madagascar’s best kept secrets for so long. French rule continued for decades, until an uprising in 1947. The attempted coup was brutally suppressed, but it marked a significant step towards the independence movement. In 1960, Magdagascar gained independence, and Tulear was renamed Toliara—in recognition of Malagasy pronunciation and cultural heritage.

The Coton Gains Official Recognition In the 1950s, French travellers discovered these dogs and brought Cotons home with them. Fanciers’ interest sparked quickly, and breeders in France worked over the next two decades to hone the Coton’s type and temperament. Many of Madagascar’s Cotons were ultimately brought to France for this purpose, a source of contention to this day for the Malagasy people.

In 1969, French fanciers established a breed standard and by 1971, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) formally recognized the Coton du Tulear.

Coming to America

Despite making a splash in France, the Coton de Tulear didn’t arrive in North America until 1974 when—to no one’s surprise—this charmer surged in popularity. The United States Coton de Tulear Club was formed in 1993, leading to further interest in this rare breed. In 2014, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed and the Coton’s popularity grown steadily. In 2023, it was ranked as the 82nd most popular breed registered. Bichon Frisé

Bolognese

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Maltese

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The Coton Breed Standard

The AKC standard emphasizes personality along with conformation. The Coton is meant to be intelligent, clown-ish, and easygoing. Their good nature is a key characteristic. The

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Profile: Coton de Tulear

The dog that would become the Coton de Tulear spent centuries subsisting as a street dog and jungle inhabitant. This breed developed naturally in the wild. trademark long, white cotton-like coat is offset by inquisitive dark eyes and a smiling expression. The ideal height for males is 10 to 11 inches at the withers; females 9 to 10. The coat should be white throughout, though slight shading of light grey or tan on the ears is permitted.

The Coton Personality

TO P P H OTO B I G A N DT _ P H OTO G R A P H Y / B I G STO CK ; B OTTO M P H OTO E R I C I SSE L É E / A D O B E STO CK

Those who live with Cotons describe them as calm, even-tempered, and very loving. These dogs adapt to most living situations and can thrive as apartment dogs. They are bright, charming, and happy-go-lucky. There is a catch, however: this is a true Velcro dog. They bond closely with their people and yearn to be a part of everything. The Coton typically gets along well with other dogs and cats, and they are patient and playful with children. They are indeed a bit of a clown, keen to play and have fun, but also naturally territorial and will bark to announce visitors.

Coton Training and Activities

The Coton is highly intelligent, easy to train, and desires to please. Owing to their size, the Coton does not need extensive exercise. A couple of walks a day will suffice, but don’t forget time for play. This fun-loving breed needs toys and interaction. Though the Coton may look like a power puff, they’re surprisingly versatile and agile. They excel in Obedience, Agility, and more. If canine sports aren’t your thing, just head out for walks or park time. Better yet, hit the beach—it turns out the Royal Dog of Madagascar loves to swim!

Coton Grooming and Health

The Coton’s grooming needs are significant. Simply put: a wash-and-go dog this is not. The coat is glorious, but it is work. Their coat is soft, fluffy, and light to the touch. Most will require brushing and combing daily and a weekly bath may also be in order. Like other white dogs, tear-staining can be in issue. Because their grooming requirements are so high, it’s important for the Coton to get used to being groomed from a very early age. Many consider the Coton a good choice for allergy sufferers, because they shed minimally—except for when their puppy coat transitions. This typically occurs between nine and 14 months. Shedding and matting can be heavy during this time, but once the adult coat comes in, shedding is very light. As for health concerns, undoubtedly those centuries of natural development contributed to the breed’s reputation for health. The lifespan is long— 15+ years is common. Still, as with all purebreds, genetic diseases can be a concern, so it’s vitally important to work with a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for their puppies. At first glance, the Coton de Tulear may look like other little white dogs, but there’s much more here than meets the eye. Their history is exotic and filled with romantic and dramatic lore. Survive a shipwreck? Escape from pirates? Outsmart sharks? Enthusiasts might say those are just the beginnings of this charming dog’s capabilities. 

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Morning Surprise

The Wolf Pack Hope, Faith, and Charity are three members of a suburban wolf pack. They may not spend their days on the hunt, but they certainly stay busy: going for iced coffee trips, scaring off the rogue chipmunk, and faithfully alerting the entire neighborhood that a terrifying Chihuahua is walking down the street. This little pack never wastes a day.—Nicole Fuechsl

Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. Samson the Overcomer Samson, the mighty overcomer, is a handsome Boston Terrier. His life is filled with great purpose. Not only has he engaged in dog sports, created his own games with his hyper intelligence, and outsmarted his owner, he has also been a therapy dog and a sidekick to someone who had brain cancer, providing great comfort. He spreads so much love. Samson had to have both eyes removed a year and a half ago and has navigated it with strength, courage, perseverance. He has taught many lessons on how to overcome adversity, which are now being turned into a book.—Brenda Stewart

My Furry Little Muse Cricket is an older dog who was very withdrawn and had failed his behavioural tests at the city shelter. Fortunately, a senior dog organization came to his rescue! I knew when I first met Cricket that we were meant for each other. As he became more trusting and open to new experiences, I found myself doing the same. Cricket even inspired me to write and publish a children’s book about him, something that I wouldn’t have had the guts to do before we met. If life is all about finding happiness, I accomplished that when I found Cricket.—Michael Angelo Torres

Poppy Poppy was my life, world, and

heart. She was an abused, disabled, deaf, and mentally challenged rescue dog. She was a joy for a little more than three years. She learned how to be a dog. She learned to do things I never thought possible: snuggle in warm blankets and play with toys. She taught me how to communicate without using words and patience when she took longer to navigate stairs. She'd bring a toy to my son to engage in a tug-of-war. Other-able dogs give you so much, asking only to be loved.—Ellen L. Meade

Have Another Brewsky, named by college boys, was our adopted heeler mix. At seven, he developed lymphoma. We went from diagnosis to euthanasia in four hours and were devastated. I remembered the "All Creatures Great and Small" vet, James Herriot, said after you lose a pet, get another one soon. Your grief won't help. What will help is saving another life by adopting—it's not so much a specific dog, but dogness that you miss. Four days later, we adopted Gracie, another heeler mix. We loved our boy, Brew, and we love our girl, Gracie, who makes our lives so much richer.—Dinah Swan

A Ragamuffin Named Zoey Ragamuffin. That’s what

my grandma called her. It was a fitting description of the shaggy, straw-coloured furball in front of me. She looked like a cross between the dog from Because of Winn-Dixie and a tumbleweed. The hay bale with eyes peered up expectantly, tongue lolling. I gave her a treat—the first of many. She quickly became part of the family and is now the inseparable shadow of my grandma. She is called by her shelter name, Zoey, but keeps her given nickname, Ragamuffin, for times when grooming is long overdue.—Joely Hart

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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Middle of the night: wee-wee time. We all (me and the dogs) got up. I took them outside, and then we came back inside to the bedroom. I curled around Shaggy on the big cushion on the floor and cuddled him. We were so cozy-comfy that I fell asleep. I woke up as usual in the morning. What was not 'as usual' was that there I was on the doggy floor-cushion, and Shaggy was snoring happily up on the bed!—Christine Riley

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DOG FACTS

Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts How Many Dog Breeds Are There?

An Ancient, Unlikely Friendship Dogs evolved from a nowextinct species of Pleistocene wolves between 18,800 and 32,100 years ago, after early humans in Europe or western Siberia formed an unlikely partnership with the canines. The dog was the first species to be domesticated by humans, predating the domestication of horses and ruminants by 10,000 years. Social icon

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Toto at Risk of Extinction Experts warn that the Cairn Terrier, which rose to fame as Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz, has HALVED in popularity over the last 10 years, reports the Daily Mail. In 1930s, the Cairn was one of the top five most popular breeds in the UK. Following the release of the iconic film in 1939, demand for the breed skyrocketed. But in the first quarter of 2023, the fearless little terrier saw a 42 percent decrease in popularity compared to the year previous. Due to the sharp decline in numbers, there are fears the breed will enter The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, which highlights British and Irish Breeds at risk of disappearing.

Oldest Dog Breed The Guinness World Book of Records cites the Saluki as the world’s oldest known breed of domesticated dog. Believed to have emerged in 329 BC, Saluki dogs were revered in ancient Egypt where they were kept as royal pets and even mummified after death. Carvings found in Sumer (present-day southern Iraq) closely resemble a Saluki and date back to 7000 BC.

The Tallest Dog Breed The immense yet graceful Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog, standing nearly three feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 180 pounds. Bred to be big game hunters, this fast and fearless ancient breed gained popularity in 15th century Ireland by helping control the wolf population.

The Smartest Breed The Border Collie is widely considered to be the smartest dog breed. A Border Collie named Chaser famously learned the meaning of over 1,000 proper nouns.

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The American Kennel Club recognized its 201st breed in January 2024 when the Lancashire Heeler was added to the AKC registry. The first breed to be recognized by the AKC was the pointer in 1878. But worldwide, more breeds make the cut. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially recognizes 360 breeds. The FCI, also known as the International Canine Federation, is the largest international federation of kennel clubs with members, associates and partners in 98 countries.