Here is a touching story of a 4-year-old Montana boy and the dog that serves him. The boy suffers fainting spells brought on by stress. The dog keeps him calm and can help revive him with licks when fainting happens. Family is seeking funds to expand the dog’s training. The boy says he hopes to teach the dog to ride his bike.
Of course our dogs love us
Here’s a video showing how a science team at Emory University is trying to study what goes on inside a dog’s brain when they encounter their people’s scent. Team needs to teach dogs to sit still inside an MRI. Evidence suggests brain activity of the dogs is similar to that in humans.
Dog shootings – who is to blame – documentary planned
Here is a substantial discussion of the issue of police shooting dogs when they fear for their safety. Campaign underway on Kickstarter to raise donations for a video documentary. Writer notes issue began with drug dealers using vicious dogs to protect their products. Police often blame owners for poor dog training. Writer asks: Should police have additional training on confronting hostile dogs?
Reading to dogs builds reading confidence, skill
An account of the impact of Reading to Rover experience on New York elementary class.
From farm girl to TV actress
Miste, our Border Collie, born on a sheep farm in Scotland, stars in education commercial for Mizzou:
From rescue to champ
Indiana woman’s TCL for rescue papillon produces agility champ.
Therapy bulldog walks into assisted living home as if he owned the place
Canadian sociologist studies the impact her therapy dogs have on the people the dogs visit. This story presents the case of her bulldog.
The case for ‘heeling’
California trainer makes the case for teaching dogs to heel – to walk at one’s left side and sit when the handler stops. For us, heeling is the easiest way to teach the dog important concept – pay attention, do as I say and stay on task. Once a dog learns those steps, the handler can help the dog develop other important behaviors at home – quit barking, don’t jump on people, etc.
Join your dog in exercise. It could be fun.
Researchers says dogs need an hour of exercise a day. Humans half that amount. How about doing both at the same time. Here’s a description of how that might happen.
Why doesn’t’ my dog ‘come’ and ‘sit’ – your fault, probably.
Colorado blogger provides good illustration of how one can help a dog learn and respond with consistency and clarity. She uses her family as an example.