How much do you know about what goes on in your pup’s head? Do you believe it’s all pretty simple in there? Just thoughts about dinner, the cat next door, and more dinner? Think again. Dogs have been known to learn hundreds of words, do arithmetic, and guess what people and other dogs are thinking. We know all this and more, thanks to the growing number of scientists around the country and the world who have, since the beginning of this century, been turning their attention to the burgeoning field of dog cognition. So, what do you need to know about your dog’s know-how? And how can you nurture that brilliant brain of his? All Dogs Are Different The first thing to note is: there’s no such thing as “the dog.” Just like humans, each dog is different. So while scientists are working hard on collecting data about the way dogs experience the world, it’s important to remember that their findings aren’t designed to give you a blueprint to your particular pet. The studies can be interesting, useful guides, but the real joy of dog cognition is in getting curious about the way your own dog thinks. While you get to know your dog’s mind, remember that there are many different kinds of intelligence. Some dogs might excel at gauging social situations, others might be adept at learning words, while still others might have great problem-solving abilities — or your dog might have some other cognitive skill entirely. Dogs: Super-Savvy, Socially Although every dog is unique, there is enough evidence to indicate that species-wide one of the really well they understand humans. “They are very attentive to and
responsive to us, which is a great social cognitive skill,” Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College, Columbia University, has stated. Researchers don’t entirely agree on why dogs are so socially savvy. The prevailing view is that their social intelligence is evolutionary: that over the thousands of years since wolves entered the human sphere and started to morph into the pets we know today, breeding has favored qualities that make dogs good companions to humans, such as friendliness and an affinity for us, which make them good at reading our behavior. There’s also a theory that each dog simply acquires his or her social intelligence through the sheer amount of time spent around humans –that’s why puppy socialization is so important. The answer might be a combination of these two factors – of evolution and socialization. Either way, the result is a species with a remarkable fondness for and understanding of humans. This manifests in many ways. Zachary Silver, a Ph.D. student in the Comparative Cognition Lab at Yale University, studies the way dogs interpret the social world. “They’re extremely skillful at following our communicative cues, especially our points and our
gazes,” he says. “But it even goes a step further: they pay really close attention to how we interact with each other.” For instance, there’s evidence to suggest that, in some contexts, dogs will notice whether a human is helpful or unhelpful and favor the helpful person. Silver’s current research focuses on dogs’ understanding of humans’ perspectives: he’s working to build on previous findings indicating that, in some contexts, if food is hidden such that a dog sees one person observe the hiding and one miss it, they are more likely to take a hint about its whereabouts from the person who watched it being hidden. This suggests that dogs might be drawing all sorts of complex conclusions about what we know and feel. As Silver observes, “Dogs do pretty sophisticated things regarding understanding our own perspective.” The Dog’s Nose Knows If humans want to understand what it’s like to be a dog, the nose is an excellent place to start. It’s well known that dogs have a much more powerful sense of smell than humans, but did you know just how much more powerful? As Alexandra Horowitz outlines in her New York Times bestselling book “Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell”: Explosives-detection dogs smell as little as a picogram—a trillionth of a gram— of TNT or other explosive. What might it be like to notice a picogram of an odor? … The average cinnamon roll has about a gram of cinnamon in it. Sure, the human nose is on it, from the moment we open the door of the house. Now imagine the smell of one trillion cinnamon rolls. That’s what the dog coming in with us smells when we enter. This sense of smell gives dogs remarkable insights into their environment. Horowitz notes that a tracking dog can tell which direction someone is moving in from smelling
just five of their footprints. And in some European countries, dogs’ noses now have the legal seal of approval: if a dog is able to identify a suspect based on smells left at the crime scene, that evidence is admissible in court. Silver’s current research focuses on This sensory difference is important because it gives us information about how dogs experience and interpret the world. Humans are primarily visual creatures, navigating by sight. Dogs, by contrast, process the world
through their noses, and thus have all kinds of scent skills that are difficult for humans to conceive
of. By applying a little imagination about what it might be like to live in a scent-based world, we can better appreciate dogs’ cognitive abilities. For instance: dogs do not recognize themselves in mirrors, which had been thought to indicate that they don’t possess self-awareness. But Dr. Horowitz has demonstrated that dogs do recognize changes in their own smell, demonstrating “perhaps something somewhat like self-awareness,” she says. How to Nurture Your Dog’s Cognitive Abilities Since dogs’ experiences are so scent-based, one of the best ways to nurture your dog is to indulge his or her nose. “My favorite mantra these days is ‘let them sniff,’” Dr. Horowitz states. “It’s important to let them investigate the world with their noses.” Dr. Horowitz and fellow canine behavior researcher Dr. Charlotte Duranton have even found that dogs who are allowed to sniff have a more optimistic approach to the world. Besides allowing them plenty of freedom to sniff, how else can dog owners keep their pets mentally stimulated? Experts consulted by the American Kennel Club agreed: it’s all about communication. “Your dogs are constantly communicating with you — watch their behavior carefully, instead of presuming that you know what they want or know,” Dr. Horowitz says “And they learn what we want or know best from our being consistent and clear when we ask things of them. Give them new challenges and expose
them to new places and activities.” Channeling Dog Sports Dog sports are a great way to foster good canine-human communication while exposing dogs to plenty of new situations and challenges. “The best advice one could give dog owners who want to keep their dogs mentally active and enhance their cognitive abilities is to get involved with some kind of training activity with your dog. Agility, Rally, Obedience, Trick Dog, Therapy Dog work, Scent Work, and AKC FIT DOG are just a sample. Trick ​training is something you can do at
home and most dogs love it.”

During the wintertime, your dog’s paws can take a beating with all the snow, ice, salt on the sidewalk, and overall cold weather. It’s important to protect their paw pads as they don’t have protection like we do when we wear shoes. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your dog’s paws this winter. Make sure to prepare for the cold weather with the following options:
BootiesLove them or hate them, dog booties are a good way to keep your pup’s paws covered during the winter months. Not every breed is intended to withstand cold weather; therefore, booties are an effective way to protect your canine’s paws because they offer warmth, full coverage, and are durable. To find your dog’s right size, measure from the heel to the tip of the toenail.
Paw BalmBefore walking on the snow or ice, rub some paw balm on your dog’s paws. This will minimize the dry skin and damage salt can cause. Make sure to reapply the balm after returning from walks. Having paw balm on hand is a good way to keep their paws soft and supple during the cold months. You can find it at the pet store, or you can make your own paw balm.
Keep a Towel on hand when taking your dog out for a walk, make sure to wipe down their paws afterwards with a towel. This will minimize any damage salt, ice, or other residue they may have stepped on during their stroll. If you have concerns about salt, consider dipping each paw in a bucket of lukewarm water and then towel drying.
Keep Walks ShortDuring the extreme cold, it’s best to keep walks short for your canine. Being out in the cold too long is dangerous and can lead to frostbite. Keep in mind that, if it’s too cold for you, chances are it’s too cold for your dog, too. If you do take your dog for a walk, you may want to consider putting them in a coat or jacket.

Recipe: DIY Dog Paw Balm Supplies

• 21-24 standard lip balm tubes OR 6 1-oz. tins
• a small digital kitchen scale, optional
• small pot or double boiler

Ingredients

• 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
• 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) coconut oil
• 1 oz. (approx. 1 tbsp.) shea butter
• 4 tsp. beeswax

Directions

1. In a small pot or double boiler over low heat melt the oils, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir continuously until all is melted and well blended.
2. Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes and/or tins.
3. Let them cool on the counter until hard.
4. Cap and label.
5. Keep away from extreme heat.
6. Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to help soften dry paw pads or noses. Use within 1 to 2 years.

​As pet parents, it is our responsibility to provide and ensure the best of the best for our furry companions! After all they count on us to take care of them. There are so many different opportunities for us to ensure that they are happy and healthy!

By working your dogs' mind and keeping them busy it makes for a better well-rounded life for them! There are a few different ways to achieve an easy feeding enrichment program. 

The treat mat that you see here is not only super easy to clean but it also provides a ton of fun for your dog. Another super easy idea is making pooch friendly ice cubes! The concept is simple: stuff and empty ice cube tray with dog-friendly treats (such as cucumbers, honey, carrots, peanut butter or cooked chicken) and top it with water or broth. Pop it in the freezer and give it to your dog when it is frozen.

They'll need to sniff out the treats, but the entire game will last longer because they will be locked in ice!

You walk in the door and your puppy pees. A friend comes over and your puppy pees. You get out a toy and, guess what? Your puppy pees. Excitement urination is different than submissive urination as it occurs when your dog is in a very stimulated state, generally in the context or greetings or play, and your dog is not displaying any signs of fear or insecurity. Your dog loses control of their bladder in moments of social stimulation and excitement. This type of urination is common in dogs under one year of age and is a behavior that often stops as your dog matures. The good news is you don’t have to wait for your dog to grow out of it. With some training and some management, you can help make those messy moments a thing of the past. Generally speaking, you will need to keep interactions lower key. Use the following tips to set your dog up for success.

• Reduce the excitement level when people arrive. This means do not talk to, touch, or bend over the dog. In some cases, even looking at the dog can lead to excitement urination. Sometimes it is simplest to ignore your dog until they start to calm down.
  
• Immediately take the dog outside or to their potty area and use calm praise for proper elimination.
  
• Instruct family members and visitors to remain calm, only offering eye contact OR verbal acknowledgment OR petting when your dog is offering calm behavior. Combining the acknowledgments can overwhelm your dog’s bladder control.
  
• Keep all greetings brief. Dogs have a limited amount of self control. Starting with short, calm greetings and progressing to longer, slightly more excited ones sets your dog up for success.
  
• Reward all instances of calm behavior and remain calm and composed yourself. If your dog starts to get excited, turn away and stop the interaction until your dog settles down.
  
• Train an alternate behavior. Teaching your dog to sit or down at the approach of a person or dog may help lower their arousal level.
  
• Socialize early and often so that your dog is not overly stimulated by the environment.
  
• Consider initially only playing outside or in a piddle proofed area. This way, if your dog gets too riled up, there is no mess to deal with. Also, take frequent play breaks and reward for appropriate eliminations outside of play. Using frequent breaks can help your dog modulate their excitement over time.
  
• Teach an incompatible behavior. For many dogs, Sit, Down or Settle help them to remain in a calmer state.
  
• Remember, accidents happen! If an accident occurs, do not chastise or yell at the dog as punishment can make situation worse. Take note of what caused the excitement and look for ways to moderate the stimulus in the future

The difference between tired and over tired. Imagine your state of mind while going for a nice relaxing walk on a sunny day. You may come home refreshed and ready to start a new project. Now, think about a time when you didn’t sleep well and then had a long busy day at work. You may remember being more irritable, quick to overreact, foggy brained or maybe even hyper as you reached over tiredness. This is like how your dog acts when they have had too much emotional, mental, and physical stimulation. A tired puppy taking a nap may provide a reprieve from sharp teeth and busy antics, but an over tired dog can lead to increased vocalizations and anxious behavior such as jumping, mouthing/biting, pacing, panting and destructive chewing. While physical exercise is essential to the health and wellbeing, of our dogs, the amount of exercise needed is specific to the individual dog We need to remember exercise alone is not a solution for problem behaviors. The general recommendation is an hour of play time and exercise each day to sufficiently keep dogs in a good state of physical fitness. How we exercise our dogs is critical to their physical and emotional wellbeing as is our relationship with them. High arousal activities, while providing exercise, can release high levels of adrenaline. Adrenaline can affect behavior in both humans and dogs. Physical exercise can give off a temporary high and this can show up as overstimulation at home, during training, or even while visiting a friend’s house. You may notice your dog paces, whines, or barks incessantly, they might jump on you at random times or become mouthy, often showing dilated pupils. Sometimes they might stare at you or fixate on something like the cat or other dogs on walks. These are all signs of high arousal and highly aroused dogs are stressed dogs. Stress affects our dogs just as it affects us. High arousal activities like playing fetch over and over, rough housing, chasing the kids, and play sessions that are too long should be avoided. Never allow your dog to chase a laser pointer as this triggers prey drive that’s never fulfilled. This can create obsessive compulsive behaviors and can cause reactivity to flash of light such as the reflection of your phone. Continuous highly physical activities increase your dog’s stamina which creates a dog that requires more and more exercise to satiate them. Soon you will find yourself with a dog that requires several hours of physical activity and will run you ragged.

    So, what do we do with a dog that has too much energy or displays over aroused behavior? 

• Use mental stimulation instead of trying to wear out your dog physically.
  
• Instead of a run at the dog park, consider going for a sniffy walk in a new area. Allow the dog to seek out good smells, pause with them and when they offer automatic focus, continue on the walk.
  
• Teach your dog a new cue or behavior. Tricks are great for this.
  
• Play Find It! - Hide treats or toys. You can toss them around the room initially and work up to hiding the treats in more difficult places.
  
• Have your dog forage for their meal using puzzle toys or stuffed KONGs.
  
• Work on impulse control with a Wait cue.
  
• Teach your dog that relaxing is a great thing with Settle and Place.
  
• Reward any behavior that resembles calm.

If your dog takes part in high arousal, highly physical activities, we recommend rest days to allow the stress levels in the dog’s body to decrease. Keep play sessions short with training or another mental stimulation activity in between. Try to end your play session while your dog is still eager to play and only start play when your dog is doing something you want, like laying calmly or chewing on an appropriate toy. 

​Fall brings some wonderful changes; brisk evening walks with your dog, autumn decorations, curling up on the couch to watch your favorite Halloween flicks to name a few. With the changing of the seasons comes some notable adjustments for your dog too. Below are a few things to help you and your dog prepare for the upcoming autumn season.
Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife
Be extra vigilant this time of year of your dog’s off leash whereabouts. If you live in a more rural area where wildlife is prominent, it may be second nature to keep your eyes peeled for deer, moose, coyotes or even bear. Don’t forget about the smaller animals like porcupine and skunks, all very busy with their winter preparations. These animals could pose unwanted threats to your canine.
Cooler Temperatures
Colder temperatures and shorter days often mean less time spent outside, which could decrease the amount of exercise your dog is getting. This could be especially perilous on older dogs with arthritis. It is recommended short and consistent exercise for arthritic dogs, if possible, such as shorter walks multiple times a day rather than long winter walks. Additionally, moist heat therapy can decrease pain and promote good blood flow and healing.
It is also that time of year when many of us will break out the antifreeze to keep our vehicles running smoothly. Take extreme caution in keeping your pets away from this harmful substance, as pets are attracted to the sweet smell of the chemical ethylene glycol found in antifreeze.
Also, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on tick, flea, and heartworm prevention.
Rodenticides
With temperatures dropping, rodents will be searching for warmer housing. If you use pesticides to keep rodents away from your home, make sure you place deterrents in pet free areas, as these chemicals are often lethal to your animals. Mouse poisons are formulated to attract rodents and can unfortunately entice your dog or cat as well. Even if you do not use these products, but your animals spend unsupervised time outside, it is helpful to be aware of the dangers these chemicals pose.
Back to School
With many children doing schoolwork online and at home this fall, you may be finding more school supplies on your floor than usual. Be mindful of where small items like markers, crayons and erasers are placed in your house and keep them out of reach from your dog. Don’t let your dog eat your homework!
Halloween Costumes & Candy
Halloween is right around the corner, and you have been dying to try out your pup’s lion mane costume to capture that perfect smile for the camera! With all the fun, spooky activities, the last scare you want is realizing your dog has eaten the fabric or buttons from their costume. Not to mention the candy corn and chocolate marshmallow Jack-O-Lanterns they may think would be a perfect dog treat. Go for the trick instead! Consult with your vet if you believe your dog has ingested harmful substances that could be toxic to their system. It is a good idea to never leave your pet alone in their festive wear, and make sure your dog can move about freely and is not restricted in any way.
As we head into the holidays, remember to take care of yourself too and make it a habit to relax when you can. Your dog can sense any stress you may be feeling, so unwinding benefits you both. Rest assured, 2020 is soon coming to an end but it is not over yet! Most importantly, we hope you have a safe and fun autumn.

Tips for Hiking with Dogs
1. Consider Your Dog’s Physical Condition
If you’re not sure how your dog will do on a hike, start with long walks in your neighborhood and slowly build up his endurance. When he’s ready, take short hikes and then gradually add distance.
If your dog is older or has physical disabilities, choose trails that will accommodate a dog stroller or wheelchair. It’s a little more work, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
2. Follow the Rules
Whenever you use an online resource to locate pet friendly hikes, it’s important to verify the rules before you go. Policies regarding pets change frequently, so call, confirm on the park’s website, or ask when you arrive where dogs can go and whether leashes are required. Then abide by the trail rules! 
Many places have stopped allowing dogs on the trails after complaints about off-leash incidents. If the regulations in one place don’t suit you, find another place to hike.
3. Prepare for Weather & Terrain
Reading reviews of any trails you’re considering will help you prepare for the terrain. And checking the forecast will allow you to consider the weather. When traveling, don’t underestimate how differences in elevation, humidity, and sun strength will affect you and your dog.
Spring and summer hiking means sun and bugs, so pack sunscreen and insect repellant formulated for dogs. Breeds with short coats may appreciate an outer layer if you’re hiking in wet or cold conditions, and dog boots might be necessary if you’re hiking in snow or rough terrain.
4. Carry Plenty of Water
When I was running the rule was to drink before you got thirsty. The same applies to your dog. So, you’ll need to take plenty of water for you both.
Be careful about allowing your dog to drink from streams or lakes. These water sources can contain gnarly parasites that will give your dog severe gastrointestinal issues or worse. Insisting he only drink water you’ve brought along could save you a trip to the vet.
5. Allow Your Dog to Share the Load
Rather than carrying all the water yourself, get your dog a backpack and let him haul his own! Acclimate your dog to the pack by starting with little weight and short walks. When you start hiking, be sure to adjust the pack contents and straps as needed to keep the weight balanced.

Most dogs can safely carry up to a third of their weight, so be careful not to overload them. Buster loved his backpack, and we appreciated him for packing his and Ty’s water and a light collapsible bowl.
6. Carry A First Aid Kit
A human first aid kit will have most of the supplies you and your dog will likely need for any cuts, bruises, and abrasions. Consider adding compression tape or booties to wrap injured paws. And include an antihistamine after talking to your vet about the proper dosage, in case you or your dog gets bit or stung and has an allergic reaction. 
Be sure that you know what’s in your kit and how to use it. When someone is howling in pain is not the best time to search the kit or read the directions!
7. Check Your Dog’s ID 
Before you head out, make sure your dog’s ID tag is properly secured to a collar that won’t slip off. The tag should have your cell phone number and any other information that someone might need if they find your dog.
If you know you’ll be leaving cell coverage behind, be prepared with a plan to find your lost dog in a cell phone dead zone.
8. Take Extra Care During Hunting Season
Extra precautions are necessary when hiking during any hunting season. A bright or reflective dog vest and bear bells will help keep your pup from being mistaken as a target. You’ll also want to wear something bright that will help you stand out from the natural environment.
During hunting season, it’s also a good idea to keep your dog on leash – even in areas where he’s allowed off-leash. This will help him avoid confrontations with any hunting dogs that might be in the area.
9. Leaves Of Three, Let It Be
Dogs are susceptible to plant-based toxins just like people. And they can pass the oily substance from poison ivy or poison oak to you on their fur. Take a moment to be sure that you can identify the toxic plants common to the area you’ll be hiking.
10. Be Aware Of Wildlife 
Your dogs will hear, smell, and sense things before you. If you’re hiking with your dogs and they start barking, they could be warning you about a potential threat in the vicinity. Make yourself aware of what kinds of wildlife you could encounter on your hike, and learn how to avoid confrontations.
If you’re hiking in bear country, fit your dog with bear bells and carry a can of bear spray. And anytime you’re entering an area where bear sightings are possible, always keep your dog in sight and stay alert!
11. Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
Stuff happens! If for some reason you were unable to get back and needed assistance, having a relative, friend, neighbor, or park ranger know where you are and when you expected to return is a big help. Printing this information on a simple note card with relevant contact numbers is helpful.
Carry a copy of the trail map or take a photo of the map at the trailhead and take the park phone number with you during your hike. If you end up lost on a trail, you’ll be glad you did! Calling the ranger for directions might save you from spending a night under the stars.
An app like Runkeeper, which tracks exactly where you’ve hiked, can also be helpful. If at any point you need to backtrack, it will show where you are and the route you’ve covered. Take a mini portable battery along to recharge your phone, too! 
12. No One Should Be Able To Tell You Went Hiking With Your Dogs
All trash and dog waste should be bagged, carried out, and disposed of properly. Don’t leave any evidence that you and your dog were on the trail's
13. Check For Ticks After Hiking 
Ticks can cause severe medical problems such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever – both of which can be contracted by dogs and humans. Talk to your vet about an appropriate prevention program if you’re traveling to a place where ticks are common. And be sure to examine yourself and your dog after hiking in wooded areas where ticks are found.

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