Button-Pressing Dogs vs. Natural Canine Expression
The trending social media phenomenon of dogs pressing soundboard buttons to “speak” English words connects to a centuries-old tradition. Dating back to Medieval times, humans have trained animals to perform human-like behaviors for entertainment. While today’s button-pressing dogs appear novel through digital media, they represent the latest iteration of an enduring human fascination with animal communication. The Paradox of Mediated Communication Despite claims these devices provide direct access to canine thoughts, the...
Introducing Learning Paths
Maddie’s Fund® is proud to introduce Learning Paths, hosted on Maddie’s® University. Each path contains content that covers a single topic so you can discover what you need and get on with your day. Learning Paths are collections with thoughtfully self-paced courses and resources on dog and cat behavior, body language, training, shelter care, program management, foster care, managing unwanted behavior, veterinary support and more! Currently there are six collections now available, with more to come. BehaviorEverything you...
When Dogs Are Obsessed with Licking: Subi’s Slobbery Fixation
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Amanda and her sweet Chihuahua, Subi. Maybe it’s a quirk all Chihuahuas are blessed with, maybe it’s a personality trait, or it could be something Subi’s found comfort in as a result of her being a rescue. Whatever the cause, it’s excessive. Not only does Subi lick her paws, her bedding, and her beds, but her urge leads to her licking humans continuously while they pet her. It’s one of the...
Canine cognitive abilities – how smart is your dog?
Discover how canine cognitive abilities compare to those of a human toddler. Learn about the intelligence of dogs and what research reveals about their mental skills. How smart are our dogs? If you base your opinion on YouTube videos, it’s easy to conclude they’re extremely intelligent. They do everything from surfing and skateboarding, to punching sound-producing buttons to answer questions. They seem to be the equivalent of four-footed humans in fur coats — at least sometimes. Let’s take a closer look at canine...
3 Effective Tips for Improving Your Dog’s Coat Health
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
The Hidden Cost of Pet Cloning: Cost, Ethics & More
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » In a time of ever-changing technological advancements – some welcome, some not so welcome – we shouldn’t be too surprised that we now have the option to clone our pets. After all, it’s been almost three decades since the creation of Dolly, the world’s first cloned sheep, sent shockwaves through the world’s scientific community, creating all sorts of ethical and theological dilemmas....
Dog Exercise Equipment: 10 Pieces of Gear You Need for Your Dog Gym
Exercise is essential for keeping your dog healthy. Several owners provide this exercise through brisk walks or entertaining games of fetch, but after a while, the same old routine can get boring. If you want to exercise your dog in a unique and enriching way, you’re likely looking for dog gym equipment. Like humans, dogs can benefit from daily workouts and strengthen their muscles. In this article, we have reviews of 10 excellent pieces of dog exercise equipment to help you find everything you need to keep your canine fit. A Quick...
Eyebright Herb: A Natural Approach to Dog Eye Care
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
Register now for My Dog is My Home’s virtual conference!
When a person loses their home, they experience trauma and grief. Their pet may be their sole source of love and support. For a person experiencing homelessness, losing their pet can make one of the most difficult times in their life even more painful. Yet, with few emergency facilities offering pet-inclusive housing, it’s a decision so many people feel forced to make. Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of My Dog Is My Home’s Conference 2025: Why Pets? Why Now? The Urgency of Inclusion. Taking place virtually from...
Shayba the soldier cat
Along with Alex, his human counterpart, Shayba the soldier cat provides a beacon of hope in the midst of the Ukraine war Anyone who loves cats and spends time on social media has likely noticed the affection the Ukrainians have for their felines. You’ll see soldiers rescuing cats from the ruins of bombed-out buildings. You’ll also see kitties accompanying soldiers on their maneuvers. One example of this mutual love affair is Shayba the soldier cat, the feline sidekick of Ukrainian soldier, Alexandr Liashuk. This young kitty takes...
Ask Dr. Paola: Monday March 3, 2025
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral...
Emotional Support Dog Toys? Lajka and the Hedgehog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Every dog I had prior to Lava wasn’t super keen on toys. They would play with the ball or sticks and dig holes in the garden, and that was it. During the puppy stage, well, for the first 2 years of her life, Lava loved playing with toys. Chewing and destroying them was one of the highs of her day. Hela...
Natural Approaches to Paw Care in Dogs
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Kitten season guidance, Instructor-Led Courses and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Maddie’s® Insights: Helping the Helpers – Improving Shelter Staff Well-BeingShelters and foster-based organizations have shown great resilience, finding innovative ways to save animals despite major challenges. However, many workers face burnout and compassion fatigue, leading some to leave the field. In 2023, Best Friends conducted the largest U.S. survey on shelter staff well-being. Nearly half of respondents reported high compassion...
The Man That Rescues Dogs
Former chef’s rescue foundation saves stray dogs in Thailand If you doubt one person can make a difference in the world, you haven’t met Michael J. Baines. In 2002, he moved from Sweden to Thailand to make a fresh start and advance his career as a chef. Michael’s life took an unexpected turn when he started feeding the local dogs outside his restaurant. Michael noticed many of the dogs suffered from poor health and needed veterinary care. Despite limited funds and space, he adopted several strays and gave them food, shelter...
Dog Crates Are For Lying On: Kodah in the Window
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. It has been well established – at least, I think it has – that I am a huge fan of dog crates. Whether it’s just in the early stages of puppy training, or as a long-term retreat for your dog to chill out in, I think providing your puppy or dog with a safe space that is...
Do Chihuahuas Shed? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Chihuahuas are some of the most popular small breeds to exist. Their compact bodies and their hilarious personalities are just a few of the things that make them so attractive to potential owners. However, if you’re a person who looks for a low shedding dog, or even one that is hypoallergenic, you might wonder if a Chihuahua fits the bill. If they do shed, you might wonder exactly how much so...
Are Chihuahuas Smart? Vet-Approved Intelligence Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Chihuahuas are notorious for being the ‘handbag dogs’ of the early 2000s – if Paris Hilton had one, everyone else in the world wanted one, too. Their popularity soared, making them one of the most sought-after little dogs of all time. However, when more and more families bring these dogs into their homes, they realize the certain challenges that come along with them. While...
Protecting Your Cat: Skin Issues from Chemical Products
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
Diet therapy for organ health in dogs
Learn how diet therapy for organ health in dogs enhances well-being and longevity. Discover effective nutrition strategies to improve your dog’s quality of life. Your dog’s vital organs perform essential functions that keep him healthy and active. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining organ health for overall well-being and longevity. In this article, we’ll explore how diet therapy for organ health in dogs can enhance the functioning of your canine companion’s vital organs, including his liver, kidneys, heart,...
