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Roxy & Lexi from Tonya DrachKody Bear & Bella Mia from Marilyn WetterTeague of the Never Bean Better packTank from Trudie HarringtonLiza from Jonnie Ball PoerBella, Beasley, Sadie & Birdee from Denise Fain BastLoki from Audi JohnstonSkye & Sam from Rebecca DeckerFrosty from Rhonda JamesElvis from Rich Endean-EvansBex from Tammy WallaceLouie (in front of Santa) from Steve BravardDexter from Tori MorrisonFionn from Amber LeeDaisy Marie from Sandy PostGabbie from Darlene Shandorf D’amatoDante from Carol Panter
The post Santa & Me Photo Booth 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.
The post Border Collie 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.
Quick Facts
Weight: 30 – 50 pounds (13.61 – 22.68 kg)
Height: 18 – 21 inches (45.72 – 53.34 cm)
The Look of a Border Collie
A medium-sized dog with a light frame and long hair, the typical Border Collie has a slightly wide head with a tapered muzzle, half-perked ears and dark, oval eyes. The long tail sometimes raises but never curls over the back. They have two types of coat: sleek and coarse (which is slightly longer than sleek). Colors include black, black & white, red & white, tri-color and black & gray. Overall, Border Collies have an athletic body—strong and agile, quick and coordinated—that seems always ready for action.
Traits
Long, two-toned mane
Smart and independent
Eager to please
Suspicious of strangers
Great herders
Perfectionists
Tireless workers
Ideal Human Companion
Singles
Agility trainers
Families with older children
Shepherds
What They Are Like to Live With
Border Collies are loyal, trainable, whip-smart pets with an oversupply of energy; i.e. they won’t just hang out on the couch. They need lots of space to run, so a big backyard (or even a farm) suits them best. These dogs are the ideal companions for those who work outdoors or across wide-open spaces.
Easily trainable and eager to please, Border Collies can sometimes be perfectionists when it comes to learning and executing new skills. Always give them tasks and they will serve you until the day is done. They form a strong bond with their owners but can be standoffish with strangers. Border Collies will let you know fairly quickly if someone is approaching the house.
They have natural herding instincts that can sometimes come into play in the household: Young children and small pets may get “herded” from time-to-time. These are tough, busy and sometimes high-strung dogs with a determined drive and focus. People who like dog sports will love Border Collies. They are great competitors.
Things You Should Know
If you’re just looking for a nice family pet, a Border Collie might not be the ideal choice. These are demanding dogs requiring dedicated owners. They need lots of attention, plenty of outdoor exercise and—if possible—something to do: This could be a task, training exercise or a “herding” game. Border Collies are so crafty, intelligent and full of energy that it would be a shame to leave them alone all day in the house.
Border Collies also like direction. A firm (but friendly) owner who can keep up with obedience lessons and training is necessary. They have a tendency to dominate weak-willed owners, so make sure your Border Collie knows who’s the boss. However, severe punishment or harsh treatment can elicit strange, irrational reactions. Regular doses of positive reinforcement will help them thrive.
Always remember to keep your Border Collie active and challenged: If bored or neglected, they can cause trouble by being destructive in the yard or with personal property.
A healthy Border Collie can live as long as 15 years. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, deafness and epilepsy.
Border Collie History
Considered the world’s best sheepherder, Border Collies originated on the Scottish/English border in Northumberland, derived from a mixture of Spaniel and early droving breeds. While no one knows for sure how long they’ve been around, some experts say English sheepdogs have been tending herds since the Romans landed in Britain. Their keen intelligence and adaptability has made them a top choice for narcotics and bomb detection, not to mention guiding the blind and assisting the handicapped.
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The post Putting the Fun into Fundraising by Rachel Phelps 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.
The Dachshund is one of the 10 most popular dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club, but sometimes they are not the best fit for a person’s lifestyle. This is where Dachshund Rescue NW in Spokane, Washington, comes in.
Dachshund: A half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long. – H. L. Mencken
This group was founded in 1991 when creator Margo Mossburg saw that most of the hunting dogs were being euthanized by local animal control. Says Margo, “Folks do not realize that Dachshunds are the smallest hunting breed, bred to hunt badgers and wolverines underground so they can also hunt cats, birds, chickens and pocket pets. Many Dachshunds are sweet but still retain hunting and guard dog instincts and are not good fits for all homes.” Today, this completely volunteer-based rescue has over 100 volunteers, who have rescued over 2,500 dogs.
Who says being a rescue can’t be fun? While Margo and her team work hard to find homes for their dogs, they also plan fun and innovative yearly events in the Spokane area. One of their most popular and anticipated events is the Wiener Dog races with the Spokane Chiefs hockey team.
Every November the dogs take over the ice. Thirty Dachshunds race against each other for the glory of taking home the trophy, which has a Dachshund on top! This is a great way for game attendees to learn about the breed while showing off their playful side.
Diving for Wieners
Every summer, Dachshund Rescue NW hosts Wiener pool parties, a type of open house, at its farm facility. Typically, the facility has over 3,000 visitors, from adopters to party attendees. The highlight of the event is the “diving for hot dogs.” Doggie pools are set up, and dogs must find the hot dog pieces that are floating in the water. With the Dachshunds’ great hunting skills, it doesn’t take long for them to find all the treats.
Finally, this Dachshund rescue knows how to party in style! The group hosts a Christmas Bash fundraiser at the local dog training club for which dogs and their owners arrive in festive attire and participate in dog races. The high point of the event is a howling contest for the loudest pup!
While the proceeds from these creative and innovative fundraising events allow Dachshund Rescue NW to rescue abandoned Dachshunds and find them loving homes, it also promotes the unique aspects of the breed in a fun way that has created a community of people passionate about the Dachshund.
The post Putting the Fun into Fundraising by Rachel Phelps 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.
The post Researchers Identify Deafness Gene by Jackie Brown 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.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Folkhalsan Research Center have discovered the cause for a rare type of deafness in Rottweilers called nonsyndromic early-onset hereditary canine hearing loss.
The study, published in May in the journal Human Genetics, identified a variant in the LOXHD1 gene that affects the function of the cilia of the cochlear sensory cells.
The finding is significant because it means that dogs used for breeding can now be tested for the defect so it isn’t passed on to future puppies. The discovery may also help researchers better understand hearing loss in humans.
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The post 9 Festivities for Fido That Give Back by Rachel Phelps 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.
“Deck the halls with bones and holly, fa la la la la, la la la la!” No one wants to leave her doggie family member at home while attending holiday events. Now you don’t have to! This list of festive events has something for every dog, from the outdoorsy type to the pampered pup! What’s even better is that these fun activities, like a Christmas light trail, pet expos, cookie walks and holiday glamour photos, also support dogs and their local communities. So, pull out your ugly Christmas sweater, your dog’s reindeer ears, and head out to spread some holiday cheer!
Holiday Dog Photos in Owensboro, Kentucky
Every good dog owner needs to have the perfect holiday pet photo and SparKY (Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky) takes that up a notch with professional pet holiday portraits. Every December SparKY partners with national award-winning Dream Copy Photography to create overthe-top magical sets fit for a doggie supermodel. The best part, besides having the perfect photo for your social media, is that all proceeds go to help animals in need.
The Helen Woodward Center, in partnership with over 4,000 pet adoption agencies and Blue Buffalo Dog food, wants to encourage people to choose adoption this holiday season. Last year’s three-month-long event had over 1.3 million animals adopted. They hope to beat that number this year so even more animals are truly “home for the holidays” with their new families. Many participating rescue groups plan fun holiday adoption events in their city.
Who wouldn’t like eating a box of delicious homemade holiday cookies while supporting animals in need? Over 40 Talbot Humane volunteers bake dozens of their favorite, festive holiday cookies each year and donate them to raise funds for animals in need on Maryland’s eastern shore. Typically, tables were lined with boxes of the cookies, and shoppers were able create their own custom box with their favorites. However, due to COVID, now all cookies are pre-boxed and ready to pick up at the local farmer’s market.
This ultimate, pet-friendly expo is held annually in Novi just outside of Detroit, Michigan. The fun family event is a celebration of all furry, feathered and finned family members. The expo features over 30 pet rescues with a wide variety of adoptable pets from across the region. There are many vendors with booths stocked full of holiday gifts, so you have no excuse to not have something under the tree this year for your dog. Pet expo admission is also discounted with a donation of pet food and pet supplies that are given to area rescues.
Your pup might “Arrooo” and “Ahhh” right along with you at this spectacular display of colorful lights in a unique night-walking stroll. Rock City is transformed into a magical wonderland with 30 holiday scenes and over a million lights. Just make sure your dog is leashed and wellbehaved. Also, don’t forget to take your pup’s photos with Santa at the Christmas shops!
Dress up your furry family member in their best holiday attire and join this unique parade, which supports the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Start planning now for the costume contest because there will be stiff competition for the best overall holiday costume as well as the dog and owner matching costume. There are also pet vendors set up so you can buy any last-minute holiday gifts.
Who says dogs can’t have holiday fun south of the border? Shorty’s Rescue, a Pit Bull rescue located just south of San Diego, California, combines Mexican holiday traditions with helping their area. The town’s residents stop by their community pet store and pet food bank to drink Mexican hot chocolate and munch on holiday cookies. The kids also take a swing at the holiday piñata that’s full of dog treats for the adoptable Pit Bulls.
Even dogs want a weekend away! The Wilburton Resort has gone to the dogs with a special holiday slumber party. The weekend kicks off on Friday with a welcome party and a canine ugly sweater fashion parade. You can’t have a proper slumber party without snacks. At check-in, every pup receives Wagatha’s treats made in Manchester, Vermont. The weekend wraps up on Saturday evening with a fireside PJ party sing-along, or should we say, “howl along”?
It’s that time of year again to join the San Francisco SPCA for the 35th annual Holiday Windows event at Macy’s Union Square! Over the years this holiday tradition has helped more than 10,000 homeless animals find their forever families. In addition, donations are raised to support the SF SPCA’s yearround lifesaving work.
No matter what holiday event you choose, these top picks are sure to help you, your family and even your dog get in the holiday spirit!
NOTE: Due to the ever-changing state and local COVID requirements, please make sure to contact the host organization before hitting the road, or you may have a disappointed pup if the event is postponed or cancelled.
The post 9 Festivities for Fido That Give Back by Rachel Phelps 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.
The post 3 Games to Play to Help with Dogs Who Steal by Paul J. Kearney 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.
Is your dog a sock burglar and are you constantly waiting for him to pull his next big heist? Has your dog turned his post-crime caper into a game he plays with you, chasing him around the house trying to get him to let go of a stolen treasure, like the Keystone Cops?
It doesn’t have to be that way. There are games you can teach your thieving pup that are also preventable security measures in themselves, so these alternative behaviors become part of our lives together instead of caper after caper. Check out these three games.
Always trade up
Start a history of trading objects with your dog as soon as you can and maintain trading up with him for life. (However, don’t harass a dog while they are eating a meal or chewing on a safe object.) During play with an object is when we can safely introduce trading up.
First, figure out what your dog’s favorite toy is and then get a second identical toy to begin trading with him. Also, figure out what food items you can use to trade up for toys and different items your dog has in his mouth. Will a biscuit work? Will it be worth trading for a sock to your dog, or do you need a piece of meat to encourage the trade to happen? Ask yourself and figure out, “What is my dog’s motivation? What do I have to motivate my dog?”
Trading up is simple: When your dog has something in his mouth that is of value to him, get something of greater value and trade up for it. The next time your dog takes something like a sock, get something to trade up. Then, instead of chasing your dog, get his attention and show him what you have to trade. At the exact moment your dog drops the sock he has in his mouth to take what you are trading for it with, mark that with the verbal cue “Drop it” and reinforce that with what you are using to trade up with as a reward.
The great benefit to always trading up is predictable outcomes. I know many dogs that when they have something in their mouths will run away. I also know a greater amount of dogs that have always been traded one object for another that do not run away, and out of those dogs there are a handful of them that will get something in their mouth and go to where the cookie jar is.
Seven-month-old Cirneco Liberty Belle is the fastest shoe thief on the East Coast. But she does love turkey bacon and is willing to drop the shoe and trade up for that meaty goodness.
Take it/Drop it
First, if your dog has a favorite toy (a rope toy, a ball, whatever he enjoys) get two of them. To start, give your dog one ball and as he takes it in his mouth say, “Take it.” Next, present your dog with the second ball. As your dog lets go of the first ball in his mouth, at that very moment say “Drop it” and then hand him this second ball. When he takes the ball in his mouth say, “Take it.”
Repeat this as often as your dog is having fun trading one ball for another with you as you narrate the action with these two verbal cues. I have two rules with this game: The first is that we are always building a reinforcement history and the second is always having fun without frustration.
For some dogs, the first item may be of great value to them and they do not find motivation in taking an exact similar item in exchange from you. This is where you need to figure out what motivates your particular dog, meaning you have to raise the value of the item being traded for what is in his possession at the time. That means trying different types of values of food reinforcers/motivators (beef, chicken, fish and cheese, for example), so we understand what holds individual value to our dog.
Helpful hint: If you play fetch with your dog and he doesn’t drop the ball when he brings it back to you, use two balls and play the Drop it game mentioned above, but without the take it part, because it’s fetch.
Leave it
Leave it is not a threat. “Leave it” is a promise that if you do not touch it, you get something else instead. There is zero need for intimidation (yelling, threats, scare tactics or startle effects) to teach a dog not to snatch something. “Leave it” is not about panicking, it’s about protecting your dog from possibly ingesting something that could harm him.
I teach “Leave it” as an initial way of allowing my canine students to learn about naturally occurring disengagement and reinforcement. When a dog disengages from the target object (in or underneath my one hand), I hen reward with something from my other hand (normally from behind my back). We progress to where I can drop an object and quietly request a dog to “Leave it” and he anticipates the following reinforcer. This association helps dogs learn if they do not touch it, they get something else instead.
About reinforcement
You get what you reinforce. If a dog enjoys being chased, then chasing him reinforces that behavior. If the dog enjoys trading up, that reinforces that behavior. Reinforcement both drives and builds behavior.
Do not snatch things from dogs — this is not so much a rule but an ideology. If we never snatch anything from a dog, and we always trade up, the dog will never feel the need to avoid us when he has something that he shouldn’t. We will also have a history of trading up with our dog for objects, and our canine learner will associate this behavior with us instead of escaping from us after his next big heist. By doing this we will prevent stealing and running from ever happening at all, and our dogs may even anticipate trading up with us and reliably do so for life.
LEAVE IT VS DROP IT
“Leave it” is used to request a dog to not touch something and “Drop it” is to drop something they already have. These are two different things: one for not touching something and the other for dropping something they already have.
The post 3 Games to Play to Help with Dogs Who Steal by Paul J. Kearney 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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After record pet adoptions seen in the U.S. during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, animal shelters are filling back up again.
The increase in homeless pets is two-fold: a decrease in pet adoptions and an increase in animal intake numbers. According to Best Friends Animal Society and 24PetWatch, adoptions are down 3.7% overall in 2021.
Compared to 2020 numbers, animal intake was up 5.9% in the month of June, a time of year when shelters become overwhelmed with kittens.
Shelters also continue to suffer from pandemic-related challenges, including understaffing and logistical issues surrounding adoption events and public access to shelters.
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