Check Out New Dog Reality Show: Amazon Prime’s The Pack

The post Check Out New Dog Reality Show: Amazon Prime’s The Pack by Audrey Pavia appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

 

With the booming popularity of unscripted TV series these days, it was only a matter of time before dogs got a reality show of their own.

Season 1 of The Pack premieres on November 20, 2020.

The Pack, produced by Amazon Studios, debuts on Amazon Prime Video on November 20th, and features two teams of 12 dogs and their humans competing all over the world for prize money.

 

The Pack is co-hosted by Lucy the dog and her human Gold Medalist skier Lindsey Vonn. ©AmazonPrime

Gold medalist ski racer Lindsey Vonn and her dog Lucy co-host The Pack series. At stake is a $500,000, which goes to the winners, and an additional $250,000 for the animal charity of their choice. To win the monetary prize, the teams depend on their understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. In each locale, the human and dog duos face fun and exciting challenges, designed in concert with a team of accredited veterinarians and certified dog experts who also accompany the group on their journey.

“It was my job to first ensure that all of the challenges, travel plans and locations on the show were safe for the dogs,” says Nick Benger, a professional dog trainer and the Dog Safety Team Trainer on The Pack. “Then I came along on their amazing journey to ensure that everything was safe on the day, and that all of the dogs were having fun.”

Part of Nick’s job was to also be certain the dogs were not experiencing stress during the competition.

“My degree is in canine behavior, so ensuring that our dogs weren’t stressed was something I was personally very passionate about,” he says. “Amazon Prime Video did a fantastic job of facilitating that. We were empowered to intervene if we felt a dog was stressed, even if that meant cutting the production day short, giving the dog a break or making an adjustment to resolve the situation.”

 

Contestant Lucy Riles and her black Labrador Retriever Duchess bonded even more strongly through the competition. ©AmazonPrime

During the various challenges the contestants face, it’s apparent that the bond between the canines and their humans blossoms. Contestant Lucy Riles and her 8-year-old rescue Labrador Retriever Duchess are a perfect example. Riles never imagined she would be part of a competition because she’d never competed in anything before. Plus, she is a decade older than most of the other human contestants.

“I’m a stay-at-home mom of three elementary age children, which has many demands,” she says. “My attention is often stretched thin like a rubber band. Being able to travel the world with just me and my girl, Duchess, was such a special and deeply bonding experience.”

Duchess seemed to really enjoy her time on The Pack, and even discovered a special talent: pulling sleds in the snow.

The 12 human and furry contestants travelled all over the globe to compete in a variety of challenges that test their bond. ©LillyRolnick

“Being a Southern California dog, Duchess had never been in snow before The Pack,” says Lucy. “She absolutely loved it, which made my heart so happy! Throughout training, one task Duchess really thrived in was pulling. So the fact that one of her best skills coincided with one of her favorite locations was truly thrilling to watch! I was such a proud dog mama.”

Featured photograph ©LillyRolnick

Read Next:How to Raise a Puppy to be a Guide Dog

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Ways Young Children Can Help Care for Your Dog

The post Ways Young Children Can Help Care for Your Dog by Beth Ann Mayer appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

For some kids, their first friend wasn’t another wobbly, curious toddler they met on the playground — it was the family dog.

And teaching the child to care for the family pet can be a bonding and learning experience.

“Having a dog is a great way to help kids learn to be empathetic to other creatures,” says Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, owner of Rescued By Training. “[It can] instill a sense of caring and learning how to be a little selfless and take care of something else.”

Kate shares ways your young child can help care for the family dog.

Build a foundation of trust between children and their furry friend

Before giving your kid things to do, it’s important to “train” them on how to treat the dog.

“I usually encourage parents to do things like parent-guided petting, where the parent’s hand is on top of the child’s hand to teach the child now to grab to ears and fur,” Kate says.

Even if the fur and human babies are best friends, parents should still supervise all interactions, just in case something goes awry and your child misses a dog’s cue to stop or vise versa.

“A lot of adults have problems reading dog body language, so we can’t expect kids to be able to,” Kate says.

Let your child help train the family dog

Dogs and kids sometimes like to run after one another, but things can get dicey if the dog jumps up and licks a toddler after he stops. Even though the dog is just being friendly, the toddler could fall. The best way to avoid this is to teach the dog to stop moving when the child does — and the kid can help. Kate calls it a game of freeze tag.

“When the toddler stops moving, that should be the dog’s cue to sit,” Kate says.

Teach your child the hand signal for sit and have them do that whenever they stop moving.

“It builds the relationship with the child and dog and gets the child involved in training the dog,” Kate says.

Young children can help exercise dogs

While your toddler or pre-school-aged child may not be old enough to hold the leash on a walk, they can still help keep Fido fit.

“I usually recommend a game called kibble-fetch,” Kate says. “Let the child have a couple pieces of kibble and throw the food down the hallway. The dog fetches the kibble and comes back.”

This game has multiple benefits: Not only does the dog get some exercise, he gets food and to bond with the child.

“The dog is learning the kid is a good source of food,” Kate says.

Your child can help with daily feedings. Photo: Antonio_Diaz/Getty Images

Young kids can help feed their dog

In addition to playing kibble-fetch, the child can help with daily feedings. Kate suggests having a scoop that can hold the amount of food you give your dog or a multiple of it (for example, if your dog gets a cup of food, have a full-cup or half-cup scoop). This ensures the pet won’t be over or underfed and doubles as a math lesson for the child.

“It’s a multi-skill thing,” Katesays. “[They] learn to measure out a dog’s food…If there’s more than one, they can figure that out and count, such as two scoops.”

They can also help refill the water dish.

“They can pick up the water bowl and hand it to mom or dad and put it down once it’s filled,” Kate says.

Pooper scooper

Anyone who has ever met a toddler knows that allowing a one to pick up or carry a dog’s poop isn’t the best idea. But they can still assist with the task.

“When the family goes on the walk, give the kid a poop bag,” Kate says. “Let them…open it and hand it to mom or dad to pick up the business. They can start to learn that picking up the dog’s waste is an important part of dog ownership.”

Your neighbors will thank you in several years when your kid and dog can go on walks together alone.

Pick-up duty

Parents typically teach their kids to clean up their toys after playtime. If any of the dog’s toys were involved, Kate encourages them to put those away, too.

“[This way] they know to clean up after they’ve played with the dog,” she says.

Let your child help with dog bath time. Photo: AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

Let your child help groom your dog

If guided petting went well, helping to brush the dog is a logical next step.

“They can help hold the dog brush when the mom or dad is brushing the dog,” Kate says.

Featured image: NoSystem images/Getty Images

Read Next: This Program Wants Kids To Read To Their Dogs

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Get to Know the Red Heeler Dog

The post Get to Know the Red Heeler Dog by dogedit appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Proud parent of a Red Heeler who’s looking to learn more or thinking about getting a Red Heeler dog? Learn the facts about this dog here:

Quick Facts

• Weight: 35 – 45 pounds
• Height: 17 – 20 inches

Red Heelers are solid, sturdy and compact dogs with an alert, ready-to-work stance. Slightly longer than tall with curved, hanging tails, Red Heelers have muscular legs and strong necks. They have broad, somewhat rounded heads with pointy ears. Their dense, weather-resistant coats are usually red speckled with possible dark or tan markings.

Red Heeler Traits

• Protective
• Alert
• Clever
• Easily bored
• Hardworking

Who gets along with Red Heelers?

• Singles
• Active, sporty types
• Families
• Hunters
• Ranchers

What Are Red Heelers Like to Live With?

Not content with sitting around the house for hours, Red Heelers will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work. They are high-energy, intelligent and active dogs with a steady attitude.

Red Heelers have a sense of independence, not requiring much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and steady, they definitely appreciate praise and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts come into play at home. They may “herd” family members or nip lightly at heels if they want something. Red Heelers can be cautious and wary, making them excellent watchdogs.

What You Should Know About Red Heelers

Red Heelers need activities, tasks and lots of room to run; therefore, they are probably not suited for apartment living. Without open spaces and jobs to do, they can get into mischief and destructiveness.

A healthy Red Heeler can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues may include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness. Unless you live on a ranch, plan on keeping your Red Heeler on a leash. They are very curious and love to run and roam.

Red Heeler History

By crossing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs, Australian George Elliott developed the Red Heeler, a.k.a. Australian Cattle Dog, in 1840. Ranchers were impressed with the breed’s toughness and work ethic, and they quickly became popular as cattle herders. Red Heelers continue to be popular with ranchers and cattlemen, not to mention regular pet owners.

Thumbnail: Photography © adogslifephoto | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Read Next: Are Blue Heelers Really Blue?

 

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Can Dogs Eat Corn? The Answer Isn’t As Simple As You Might Think

The post Can Dogs Eat Corn? The Answer Isn’t As Simple As You Might Think by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

You may have thought, “Can dogs eat corn?” According to veterinary nutritionists, it’s perfectly fine for dogs to eat corn in moderation. In fact, because corn is one of the most popular and inexpensive grains in the world, you’ll find it in a variety of dog foods. But there are some other things to consider when wondering, “Can dogs eat corn?” Let’s take a closer look here.

Can dogs eat corn — and should they? There are a few things to keep in mind. Photography © vgajic | E+ / Getty Images.

Dogs, corn and food allergies

In recent years, some consumers have been led to believe that corn is an undesirable ingredient and part of the “food allergies maze” that can be hard to navigate.

“In truth, true food allergies are relatively uncommon in dogs (and cats),” says Cailin R. Heinze, VMD, DACVN, assistant professor of nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. “Corn in and of itself is not a problem and can be part of a well-balanced and nutritious diet.”

Can dogs eat corn off your plate?

Corn is more than just filler; it is also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, linoleic acids and antioxidants. So, can dogs eat corn in the same forms as their human friends? If you want to share some corn off your own plate, feel free to do so, provided the corn you’re giving to your dog is free of unhealthy butter, sodium, oil and other seasonings.

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?

One important exception to avoid when thinking, “Can dogs eat corn?” is corn on the cob. It may seem like a good idea to keep your dog busy by allowing him to gnaw on a corn cob underneath a picnic table, but this can get dangerous if he bites off chunks of said cob and ingests them. Dogs run the risk of choking on the corn cob, and the cob could also cause a serious intestinal blockage.

While pieces of corn cob can sometimes pass uneventfully in large dogs, medium and small dogs especially are at a bigger risk for an obstruction. If you suspect your dog gobbled up a cob (or you caught him in the act), watch for signs of distress such as vomiting, straining during defecation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, whimpering and restlessness. Don’t delay in seeking veterinary advice.

Can dogs eat corn in popcorn form?

Popcorn can be a fun and occasional treat for your dog, but keep it unsalted and unbuttered. Plain, air-popped popcorn is high in fiber, and its carbohydrates can provide extra energy. If you make the popcorn yourself, make sure all of the kernels that you’re feeding to your dog are popped. In most batches of popcorn, there are going to be a handful of pieces that don’t completely pop. For a dog, those are the pieces that aren’t digestible and can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Popcorn that gets stuck between a dog’s teeth can cause problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid feeding your dog the pre-packaged and flavored popcorns, which contain a lot of sodium, oils and artificial flavors that can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system.

Featured image: RobertoDavid / Getty Images. 

Read more about what dogs can — and can’t! — eat on Dogster.com:

• Nuts? Find Out Which Nuts Are Safe — And Which Aren’t
• Carrots? If So, Are Carrots Good for Dogs?
• Onions? If Your Dog Ate Onions, What Do You Do?

The post Can Dogs Eat Corn? The Answer Isn’t As Simple As You Might Think by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Meet the Coast Guard Canines

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Two of the newest crew members of Michigan’s Marquette U.S. Coast Guard station have made quite a splash on social media. Thor and Loki, 2-year-old Lab/Vizsla brothers, live full time at the station where they act as mascots and community liaisons. They spend their days running around the station’s grounds, snoozing and joining the crew for evening movies. They do have an important duty, though: posing for photos that the crew posts on the unit’s Facebook page.

In fact, outside of the Marquette community, they’re best known as the faces of Safety Tip Tuesday, the station’s weekly safety post on Facebook.

Thor and Loki are inseparable, says Petty Officer Terry Bailey. “With all of the time spent running outside, swimming and doing whatever else happy puppers do, it’s guaranteed to be together.”

That togetherness, along with the boys’ loving personalities, is what motivates and inspires the crew. Their story of second chances is what makes Thor and Loki even more special. They were just days away from being euthanized when local rescue UPAWS took them in. Within days of that, they were adopted by the crew at Marquette station and became permanent residents.

“The boys are a bundle of joy to be around,” Officer Bailey says. “Not only does the crew see it, so does our wonderful community.”

Learn more about this dynamic duo, as well as the Station Marquette crew by visiting their Facebook page @U.S.CoastGuardStationMarquette.

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Meet the Dynamic Duo Bringing Happiness to Hospitals

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In 2015, Brad Hoop was diagnosed with a rare form of testicular cancer. During his continued string of treatments, he spent a lot of time having blood drawn for testing. It always made him anxious.

“I hate needles … I’m a guy who when you did blood work, you have to bring out smelling salts, orange juice, cold compresses and monitor my blood pressure,” he jokes.

One day as he waited, a hospital therapy dog came in. “I can’t even describe how much that dog meant,” he explains. “It was great to have that experience. It took my mind off of all the stuff I was going to have to go through and brought joy and relief for a few minutes.”

Brad decided that once he got through his cancer treatments, he was going to get a dog and give others the chance to be helped. He knew the breed he wanted to join his family, too — a Bullmastiff. He had them in the past and was confident they had the temperament for the work.

Want to Know About Bullmastiffs? Read 9 Reasons to Love Bullmastiffs

After his own illness, Brad knows the impact a therapy dog like Gus can have. Photo: Mike Dickbernd Photography

The right partner

Dal Primo I Solemnly Swear, a mushy-faced Bullmastiff pup, was born in April 2016. Two years after his birth, Crystal Corner of Indianapolis, who at the time bred the dal Primo line, decided to retire. Her loveable, well-mannered giant 2-year-old show dog had proven to be a perfect candidate to be the second half to Brad’s hospital volunteer duo. It was love at first sight, and the pup was renamed Gus.

Brad wanted to give back to those at the IU Health hospital that had become family to him and to work with children. This led him to the Riley Hospital for Children, part of the IU Health network. Brad reached out to Kim Ziegler, the hospital’s pet-therapy coordinator and child-life specialist. Kim put Brad and Gus on the training path to volunteer under the strict guidelines her program requires.

First step: get Gus through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program. After that Gus was evaluated by Paws and Think, a volunteer-led nonprofit serving central Indiana by connecting people with dogs for life-saving and life-changing results. It was there Gus learned how to behave around the sights and sounds he would encounter in a hospital. After passing and getting his therapy dog certification (something he must test and renew every two years), Gus was evaluated by Kim Ziegler herself.

Brad and Gus now visit Riley’s every Tuesday. They’d love to go more often, but Gus must be bathed within 24 hours before his visit with the kids, an activity that is too much for his skin to do more than once a week.

Photo: Mike Dickbernd Photography

On the job

Besides the bath and the beef-bone reward Gus receives afterward, it’s when Brad gets the backpack that they take to the hospital, which signals to Gus he’s about to go to work.

“When he walks through the hospital door, it’s like it just clicks for him,” Brad explains proudly. Gus knows what he is there to do and he loves doing it.

Riley Children’s Hospital has strict protocol for its pet therapy program. Kim herself escorts Brad and Gus to each child’s room. Everyone in the room sanitizes their hands, and the child has given permission to see Gus.

A sheet is put down where Gus will be. Brad sanitizes his own hands, the duo comes in and Gus takes over!

He prefers to have his front paws up on the patient’s bed but stays down if that is the child’s preference. Gus loves to have the children rub his velvety ears and the soft fur on the top of his head. He cuddles close, allowing the kids to wrap their arms around his impressively large head — all the while emanating strength and love.

“When a mom tells you that is the first time their kid has smiled in weeks when they see Gus, that is what it is all about,” Brad explains. He also remembers a parent telling him that their child couldn’t get her head off the pillow but raised it for the first time when Gus came in the room.

After visiting patients’ rooms, Brad and Gus make another stop so the hospital workers can have their time snuggling with Gus. Due to Brad’s own experience, he knows that they, too, can benefit from time with a loving pup.

When the two get home, Gus is pooped and usually naps the rest of the day. Although he still manages to enjoy his second beef bone — his reward for a job well-done.

The volunteer work is rewarding to Brad. He’s been there, and he knows the impact a therapy dog like Gus has. He concludes, “If I can bring some joy and take away some of that pain for just a few minutes for the kids and the staff, that’s well worth it.

Featured photograph: Mike Dickbernd Photography

Read Next:How to Raise a Puppy to be a Guide Dog

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Do Dogs Need Coats in the Winter? 7 Myths and Facts

The post Do Dogs Need Coats in the Winter? 7 Myths and Facts by dogedit appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Winter’s chill is making its presence known in many areas, and as we dig to the back of our closets and coat racks for parkas and seasonal outerwear, we wonder — do dogs need coats in the winter, too? Canine couture is popular, so whether your dog roams in a sweater, hoodie or goes au naturel when mother nature bites at the thermometer, we’ve got the facts — and the fictions — on coats and sweaters for dogs.

Do dogs need coats or sweaters to ward off winter chills? Photography by Liliya Kulianionak/Shutterstock.

1. Fiction: All dogs need to wear coats to protect them from the cold.

Fact: The first thing that people might wonder when thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” is — “Do ALL dogs need coats?” Not all dogs need a coat or sweater to keep them warm when venturing outside, but shorter-haired breeds, senior dogs, puppies and dogs with medical conditions do benefit from the additional warmth. Seek pet apparel that adequately covers the neck and belly, and also allows for neck-to-tail protection. One of my favorite winter finds is the Quinzee from Ruffwear, which I chose based on the above features and the cuteness factor, too.

2. Fiction: All dogs can become accustomed to wearing a coat.

Fact: Some dogs are uncomfortable wearing apparel and should never be forced to do so. While many dogs benefit from the additional layering in colder temperatures, try letting your dog wear the coat in the house for minutes at a time. If he or she is not responsive — or does the famous “freeze in place” pose — scratch the idea and move on.

3. Fiction: Larger dogs do not need to wear winter coats or sweaters.

Fact: When thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” some might automatically rule out bigger breeds. Some dogs were bred with a thicker or a more dense coat, including the Idiatrod-savvy Siberian Husky. But other bigger breeds might benefit from a coat, so assess each individual dog. Greyhounds are more sensitive to the colder weather, for example, so this particular breed could use the extra layering.

4. Fiction: If it looks like a sweater and acts like a sweater, it will keep my dog warm.

Fact: This is so not true. I like to get waterproof dog clothes for my Dexter, a Cocker Spaniel, so his thicker hair can stay dry on our winter snow-covered-sidewalk jaunts. In addition, waterproof apparel keeps him dry from dew-coated bushes and grass at the park. Much like my own winter coat does for me, a polar-fleece lining gives dogs comfort while protecting against colder temperatures.

5. Fiction: A dog’s coat should be snug to keep him or her as warm as possible.

Fact: Another question that goes along with, “Do dogs need coats” — “How should dogs wear coats?” Remember the kid from A Christmas Story, whose mom bundled him up and then he could not move? Consider your dog’s mobility. Just as you need to move in a coat, so does your dog. Snug but not tight is a good rule.

Make sure there are no additional hanging zippers, snaps or parts that can rub or irritate a dog. Dexter will wear apparel as long as it doesn’t interfere with his “man parts.” Pay attention to where any Velcro straps or fasteners lay against a dog’s coat. Being able to try clothing on at the store helps a great deal.

6. Fiction: A dog’s pads are resilient and will protect him or her from nature’s elements.

Fact: Chemicals can be absorbed through a dog’s sensitive pads. In turn, those chemicals (such as what’s found in antifreeze) can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. I use Musher’s Secret on my dog’s feet and have given this product as a stocking stuffer to dog-loving friends and family in the past.

Some people opt for dog booties, which is a smart idea in the winter months. Wash dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the bottom of their feet.

7. Fiction: Coats and hoodies must look heavy to adequately protect dogs.

Fact: Technology has evolved in the human-outerwear market, and the same holds true with our canine counterparts. Thin is the new thick in outerwear. Check labels and do research before making an investment. Heavier does not mean better; in fact, if a coat is too warm, dogs can overheat, so use caution.

How to measure your dog for a coat

Something else you might wonder when thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” is — “How do you measure your dog for a coat?” If you order a personalized jacket or sweater, keep in mind that many stores will not allow coats to be returned. So, measure your dog adequately before making any parka purchases.

Here’s how: With the dog standing up, run a tape measure from the base of the dog’s neck (where the collar would sit) and to the base of the tail. The majority of dog clothes use this measurement. Knowing your dog’s chest measurement will ensure a good fit, too.

Still stumped on what sort of dog jacket to get for your pup? Check out these 11 types of dog coats right here >>

Tell us: Does your dog wear coats, sweaters or other protective clothing items in the winter months? What kinds do you use? Let us know in the comments!

Thumbnail: Photography ©Limourri | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

This post was originally published in 2012.

Plus, check out some data on dogs and winter coats here >>

Read more about dogs and winter on Dogster.com:

• 5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter
• Winter Paw Care Tips
• Caring for Your Dog During Extreme Winter Weather

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