2015 Puppy New Year! Get some science into your dog

2015 is a bright and shiny new year for canine science! 

But first, this face:

After being a dog-less household for eight months (you might remember we sadly farewelled Elke in 2013 and gut-wrenchingly, also old man Caleb, in the first half of 2014) we welcomed a new member to the family at the end of 2014. 

Those paws. Not photoshopped.

If Im honest with you, Id been stalking PetRescue quietly for a month or so, not really sure if the time was right, but also open to being inspired to make it the right time to welcome a new dog into our lives. I eventually made a call to a shelter a long, long way away about a dog Id seen who looked like the kind of dog I thought would be a good fit for our family over the next fifteen years. His profile had been up for a few weeks and I was concerned he might be nearly out of time to be adopted. The lovely shelter staff let me know hed actually just been adopted that morning - I was thrilled for him and his new family. Probably a good thing anyway, that shelter was 5 hours drive away - no small distance. 

The following day I received a message from the shelter staff - there was another dog - a younger pup, similar type, would I be interested? "Send me some photos and a video clip of him" I said... and they did. I told Julie about the pup and how far away he was. "Love this story!! Keep it coming ;)" she said via email. Huh, I thought - what an adventure this could be to meet a new family member - and luckily, my partner agreed!

So a week later, coincidentally on my birthday, we headed off after lunch on a 400km (thats 250miles to those of you who prefer miles) drive to a faraway coastal town south west of Melbourne to meet this four month old pup. He had come into the regional shelter as a stray. Whether he was deliberately dumped, wandered off through an open gate, or actively strayed by jumping a fence - well never know. Thats part of the shelter dog story - not necessarily knowing what came before. 

What we do know is this: 

• He was not identified by microchip, had no collar with ID and was not desexed
• No one came looking for him during his two weeks in the shelter
• On meeting us, he was excitable, mouthy and jumpy, but calmed down fairly quickly
• We have named him Rudy (roo-dee), inspired by Rudolph as it was Christmas week

What is he?

Weve been asked that a lot! Rudy is a Staghound. Staghounds in Australia are similar to Lurchers and Longdogs in the UK - a type of dog, rather than a breed. Staghounds are generally greyhound x deerhound with maybe a bit of whatever else was around the area in them too. They can vary widely in looks as they are bred with an emphasis on health, performance and longevity, rather than to a physical standard. They are generally bred to help with hunting in rural areas, but like greyhounds, can make excellent companions as well. As youd expect, they are highly distracted by moving things.

A diet of science

Inevitably, were feeding Rudy a daily dose of science. If you want to keep up with how hes going, you can follow the #RaisingRudy hashtag on Twitter, keep up with our Do you Believe in Dog? Facebook posts, or check in here at the blog for regular updates. Ive never claimed to be a dog trainer, but Im certainly aware of the importance of putting the wide array of scientific findings into practice with our dogs to help them have a great life and help us enjoy our time with them.

So far, over the first couple of weeks Rudys been with us, this has looked a bit like this:

In these early days, were focusing on socialisation (new experiences, places, people, surfaces, sounds, smells), basic training (toilet training, recall, sit, leash walking, house behaviour, independent time outside) and getting to know Rudy (learning how he responds to new places, loud noises, other dogs and people, etc.). Were marvelling at those ears. 

Were remembering what having a puppy in the house means (e.g. encouraging the puppy to splash its feet in a toddler pool is super funny and cute, until it starts repeating that behaviour in the indoor water bowl and floods your laundry!). Were a tidier household for it (Shoes go in cupboards! Pre-schoolers toys get put away! Remote controls go up high!).

If, like us, its been a while since you raised a puppy, you might enjoy the back seat experience (sometimes hilarious, sometimes frustrating!) offered by the new BBC documentary series Six Puppies and Us - Episode 1 linked here:

What science have you fed your dog recently? 
What should I be sure to feed mine? 

Let us know your thoughts by commenting on the blog, Facebook or Twitter - and join in #RaisingRudy.

Til next time, 

Mia

p.s. No, this hasnt turned into just a puppy blog! The Do You Believe in Dog? team will still be bringing you regular guest posts from fellow canine scientists, monthly updates on the science thats caught our attention and news on major events we attend in 2015.

Further reading:
Kidd A.H. & Kidd, R.M. (1989). Factors in Adults Attitudes Toward Pets, Psychological Reports, 65 (3) 903-910. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1989.65.3.903 

Hiby E.F., Rooney N.J. & Bradshaw J.W.S. (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. , Animal Welfare, 13 (1) 63-70. 

© Mia Cobb | Do You Believe in Dog? 2015

Read more

Why Does My Dog Do THAT

DYBID? gets to know a #NYC dog

Hi Mia,

Everything is different.

For the past two years I have been writing to you as you play out life in Australia -- “in the future” as I like to say. Others might call it a different time zone. To each their own. Now we’re sitting across from one another in my apartment working on our respective laptops as we prepare for #SPARCS2014.

Your arrival to #NYC has been such a breath of fresh air! Not only do we get to talk about our beloved topics of dog welfare, behavior, cognition, learning, training and everything-under-the sun-dog, but we get to do it while preparing to host an international TED-style canine science conference that anyone in the world can watch from their home!

One of the the things I enjoy so much about dog behavior research in general -- and Do You Believe in Dog? specifically -- is the feeling of community. There is a general perspective that researchers wear white lab coats and hole up in university laboratories muttering to themselves as they putter around with experiments until all hours of the night. While we might mutter to ourselves and putter around, the field of canine science very much has collaborative and collective elements. Researchers regularly meet to discuss methods, approaches and findings, and in recent years, scientists also share their findings with an increasingly interested audience. Science communication has become paramount in the field of canine research, and it would be pretty weird if dog science were all kept hush hush in academic research papers given its application.

For anyone who has ever wondered, “Why Does My Dog Do THAT (fill in the blank with whatever your version of ‘that’ is)," #SPARCS2014, a Free, Live Streaming canine science conference June 20-22, 2014 is for you. 

Since the inception of this blog, just under 2 years ago, we’ve had over 151,000 visitors. We look forward to seeing many of you virtually at #SPARCS2014!

• To learn more about the SPARCS conference: http://caninescience.info/

• Link to the Free Conference Live Stream: http://caninescience.info/live-stream/

• Read about what will be covered: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/dog-spies/2014/05/19/youre-invited-to-a-canine-science-conference-with-ticket-giveaway/

• See who will be speaking: http://caninescience.info/speakers/

As we countdown to #SPARCS2014, here’s a sample of our preparations (with a side of playing with papier mâché dogs and greeting dogs).

Every dog deserves play!

We Work!

Cats are invited, too

Night!

Julie

Read more

Dog Chewing

Todays article was on Dog Chewing I recommend reading that as theres not much more I can elaborate on here. However in that article I said I would show some toys, bones, chews, and interactive toys I recommend. So Im not writing much today, just showing you all some good toys to keep your dog from chewing up your house.

Click on the images to read more on them.

Bones



Smokehouse USA 100% Natural Meaty Mammoth Bone

This is a very large bone that will take your dog hours, usually days to work on. It of course depends on your dog. Depending on where you buy them they seem to vary in price. This one is actually priced very nice and very affordable.



Smokehouse USA 100% Natural Meaty Porky Bone 8 Inch Dog Treats, 5 Pack Bag

These are great as they come in a 5 pack bag and will keep your dogs interest until its gone. Some dogs might go through them quickly, others it might last them all day. These are really great for puppies as it will usually last them all day and can be great to keep them company in their crate. Give your dog one of these a day with 4 other items to chew.



Dingo Mini Bones 21-Pack Value Bag, 9-Ounce

If you have a small dog, this pack will be great. You get 21 bones in a bag and they will last you quite a while. Add more flavor to them by dipping them in chicken or beef broth then letting them dry before giving them to your dog. You can even smear a bit of peanut butter on them. Though flavor isnt needed as dogs love them on their own, it can add a bit of variety.



Redbarn Peanut Butter Flavor Meat Filled Bone

These bones are excellent! I love these because your dog will spend hours trying to get the filling out from the inside. Once they finally get it out you can refill it with peanut butter and give it to your dog again. Freeze it with the new peanut butter for it to last even longer. Some dogs are able to break it after a while but it usually lasts a long time before they do. Keep a few on hand and youll be set. These bones come in different flavors, like chicken and beef too. If youd like different kinds, just click on the link above and then do a search for the kind you want.



Nylabone Dura Chew Value Pack, Regular, for Medium Dogs

Nylabones are an excellent choice too. Not all dogs love them but most do. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Click the link above then do a search for Nylabones and youll see a lot of different options to choose from. Nylabones usually last a really long time. At least with my dogs they have. Keeping a few of these on hand can be a life savor, or in this case a house savor.

There are several options for bones for dogs and just about all of them are great. Rawhide bones you have to be careful with as they can expand and cause blockages. Dogs love them but do be careful and limit their Rawhide intake.

Chews

Chews are a lot like bones, but dont last nearly as long, some only a few minutes depending on the chew. Still they are great to have around the house.



C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Large Dogs, 30 Chews

These chews are not only great in giving your dog something to chew on but are also great for their teeth and breath! Depending on your dog will depend on how long they last but they are vet recommended.



Dingo Munchy Stix 10-Pack, 3.1-Ounce

These chews are more for the smaller type dogs. Small dogs tend to take longer chewing on things so they could last anywhere from a few minutes to maybe 30 minutes depending on the dog. If given to a large dog theyd probably be gone in seconds.



Booda Bone Dog Treats, Bigger Booda, 9-Pack, Assorted Ckn/Bacon/Steak

Booda bones are wonderful, they are a mix between a dog bone and a dog chew. Depending on your dog they could last all day. They come in a 9 pack and an assortment of flavors. Give one a day with a few other chewing options.



Milk-Bone Porkhide Twists Smoked - 20 Pack - Medium - 6 Inches

These can be great, they are made out of porkhide so you still want to be careful and limit their intake. A 20 pack of these, along with a few other chewing options can last you quite a while. Make sure your dog doesnt get too big of a chunk off and swallow the whole thing, get a size appropriate for your dog.



Rawhide Munchy Sticks Beef, 5" 100 Pack

These little Rawhide sticks are great. They are made with little pieces of rawhide so are safer for your dog to eat than the actual rawhide bones. Most dogs can eat these pretty quickly but they do tend to love them.



6" Bully Sticks Select 30 pieces

Dogs love Bully Sticks! These are also a mix between a bone and a chew, they can last an hour or more on most dogs. I definitely recommend having some of these on hand. They usually keep a dogs attention until its gone. This is a large pack, but you can buy them individually or in smaller packs if youd like. Click on the link above and just do a search for Bully Sticks.

Interactive Toys

Ive mentioned Interactive toys many times through out my blog and have even showed you a few. Still Ill show you again. These toys are great because all you have to do is keep refilling them with your dogs food, treats, or smear some peanut butter on or in them. They should last for years and help so much in a dogs development.



Kong Classic Kong Dog Toy, Large, Red

Kongs, one of the #1 dog toys on the market and has been for years. You cant go wrong with a kong. There are hundreds of different things and special recipes you can fill your dogs kong with to keep him entertained. Just do a search for Kong Recipes on the internet and youll see several search results. It can be as simple as smearing some peanut butter in them, filling them with dog food, or making something really special to put in them. Freeze it for a few hours to make it even harder to get out. Dogs absolutely love these toys! Not only are they great to fill with food and keep your dog busy for hours, but you can also use it as a regular dog toy to play with. Be sure to get one appropriate for your dog, click the link above and do a search for Kongs. Youll get a variety of sizes and such to choose from.



Kong Wobbler Dog Toy

The Kong wobbler is another excellent toy. Fill it with your dogs kibble and let your dog have at it. Let them work for their breakfast and dinner. Keep them busy while your busy. Dogs love this toy!



StarMark Day-Glo Everlasting Fun Ball, Medium, Green

This is another favorite of mine. Fill it with your dogs kibble and let your dog get it out. Dogs love it and will spend hours trying to get all of it. Its pretty indestructible and should last your dogs lifetime.



StarMark Everlasting Treat Ball, Large

Yet another favorite of mine, fill the inside with treats or kibble, then you can put these bone type things on both sides that your dog has to chew through to get to the kibble. Wonderful idea and will keep your dog busy for hours. Buy refillable bones with these;



Everlasting Treats Large Chicken, 2 pack

They all come in different sizes so get one that is right for your dog. The refillable bones come in different flavors, so your dog can have a variety. These toys should also last your dogs lifetime.

There are many more interactive toys to choose from, click any of the links above then do a search for interactive toys, kong, starmark, or busy buddy.

Toys

Dogs also need just plain toys to chew on. Nylabone and interactive toys can also go as toys to chew on but things like rope toys and such are also great.



Multipet Nuts for Knots Ball Medium Dog Toy

These are great for dogs to chew on as the rope helps clean their teeth. The ball is very tightly knotted so is not easy for your dog to chew through. Dogs love to chew on it, you can also use it to play with.



Ethical Pet Mega Twister Heavy Rope Knot Ball 15-Inch Dog Toy

These are also great as its a knotted ball and a rope toy mixed into one.



Booda Fresh N Floss 3 Knot Tug Rope Dog Toy, X-Large, Winter Mint

This rope toy helps teeth, helps freshen breath and has 3 knots instead of just two for longer lasting fun.

There are many rope toys and chew toys out there, click on any of the links above and do a search for more.

Mix a variety of these toys and chews together every day and keep your dog busy for hours on end. Offer one of each, 5 chew options is recommended, keep them on hand. Use interactive toys for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Toys, and bones for daily activity, chews for an afternoon snack. You can put any of them in your dogs kennel, room or ex-pen while they are in there. If your off to work, leave extras hidden around the house for your dog to find. Hide them in the yard even.

Having plenty of things for your dog to chew is a must at any age for your dog. Like I said in my article, chewing is like reading a good book or playing your favorite game to dogs. Let them chew, but make sure they are chewing the appropriate items! Adding any of these items to your house will help tremendously in keeping your house chew free.

Read more