Joyful Dog LLC’s Post

🐾🎮 Dog Learns to Play Video Games in Eckerd College Study 🎮🐾 Orlo the rescue pup has been learning to play video games in a study at Eckerd College. Led by senior Allison Kenawell and Professor Lauren Highfill, Ph.D., Orlo uses his nose to control a gaming console and navigate a cursor on a screen. This innovative research, supported by the Belgya Family Engaged Learning Endowed Fund, aims to explore new forms of mental and physical enrichment for dogs. Since July 2023, Orlo has played the game 47 times, clocking a total screen time of 12 hours. Each progressive level presents new challenges, and Orlo is currently on level six—the final level. If successful, Orlo's achievements could pave the way for video games to become a standard enrichment tool for dogs across the country. Orlo's journey not only highlights the potential for canine cognitive development but also provides insights into therapeutic practices. Visiting Assistant Professor Sarah Nadler, who adopted Orlo as a therapy dog, emphasizes the importance of such enrichment in helping dogs cope with anxiety and improving their overall well-being. Inspired by similar research conducted with sea lions by Dr. Kelley Winship, Orlo is the first dog to engage with this gaming system. His progress demonstrates the capacity of dogs to learn and benefit from interactive activities, potentially revolutionizing how we keep our canine companions entertained and mentally stimulated. Read more about Orlo's incredible journey in the full article by Ashlyn Fransen, published on April 11, 2024: https://lnkd.in/eEBtE7kb Is this exciting or horrifying? Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out for guidance at [email protected]. #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #CanineCognition #DogEnrichment #EckerdCollege #AnimalStudies #TherapyDog #InnovativeResearch

This week we celebrated National Hug Your Hound Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the bond between humans and their canine companions. However, it's important to remember that not all dogs enjoy being hugged and to recognize their comfort levels and boundaries. Most dogs use an eloquent vocabulary to tell us how they feel, but we often don’t recognize their signals or misinterpret their meaning. Yawns, sniffing the ground, shaking as if shaking off water, lip licking, licking you, looking away, “whale eye” (a white crescent showing around the edges of your dog’s eyes), lowered posture, turning or moving away, can all be warning signs of a dog’s discomfort. If your dog is showing any of these signs, stop whatever you’re doing, and give your dog a break. Other signs, such as a hard stare, becoming very still, growling, or snarling, should signal you to stop whatever you’re doing immediately and make sure that your dog has plenty of space for free movement. At Joyful Dog, we are Tellington TTouch® practitioners. As discussed in Joyful Dog's "Permission to Pet" blog, an aspect of Tellington TTouch® that’s close to our heart is the way that we work with the dog’s consent. Touch, bodywork, and movement are interspersed with pauses—moments of rest during which the dog may stay or move away. As TTouch practitioners, we interact with many dogs every week, so it’s important to watch their body language and respect any indications of discomfort. Learn more about this on our blog: Permission to Pet. To ‘Hug Your Hound’  while respecting your dog’s boundaries, here are some alternative ways to show your dog love: • Take Them for a Walk: A long, enjoyable walk can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with physical exercise and mental stimulation. • Try a tricks or sports class: Engaging in activities such as trick training, agility, or canine parkour can be fun and mentally stimulating for your dog, helping to strengthen your bond through interactive play. • Volunteer at a Shelter: If you don't have a dog of your own, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. Shelters often need help with dog walking, cleaning, and socializing the dogs. If you would like more information on Tellington TTouch® or understanding your dog’s body language, reach out to us here or by messaging [email protected]. #HugYourHoundDay #DogLovers #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #VirginiaDogTrainer #RespectYourDog

We pause today to remember the thousands of lives lost on 9/11 and the enduring courage of the first responders who risked everything in the wake of that tragedy. Among those heroes were the search and rescue dogs who worked tirelessly after the attacks. Over 300 canine responders joined their human handlers at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and other sites, offering not only their incredible skills but also much-needed emotional support. These dogs helped locate survivors and recover remains, providing a glimmer of hope during one of the darkest times in our history. One such dog, Nikie, a Golden Retriever, worked alongside handler Frank Shane at Ground Zero, offering comfort to workers and playing a key role in the recovery process. Their dedication, along with countless other dogs like Bretagne, Willow, Lucy, and Sage, left a lasting impact. These dogs braved toxic conditions, yet studies, such as those led by Dr. Cynthia Otto at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, showed that despite their exposure, most rescue dogs lived full lives, defying initial concerns about long-term health risks from the environment they endured. Read more in this September 2023 article by the American Kennel Club:  e/news/9-11-search-rescue-dogs-health-studies/ We remember not only the dogs who served but also the human handlers who guided them and shared in the bravery and resilience required in such perilous times. Their stories, like that of ASPCA officer Diane DiGiacomo, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from the bond between humans and dogs during crises. Read more in this  9/11 Memorial Museum article: https://lnkd.in/gQZAn_yC #NeverForget #RescueDogs #9_11Dogs #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain

🐾🔍 New Study Reveals Canine Intelligence Mirrors Human ‘G Factor’ 🧠 A study conducted by researchers at the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary reveals that our furry friends have a "canine g factor" that mirrors human cognitive abilities. Published in the journal GeroScience in March of this year, this research offers groundbreaking insights into the cognitive structures of dogs and their parallels with human intelligence: https://lnkd.in/dcMUdqvm The study assessed 129 family dogs aged between 3 and 15 years over two and a half years. To nerd out a bit, both human and canine G-factors were assessed by analyzing performance across multiple cognitive tasks, identifying the shared variance, and confirming the existence of a higher-order cognitive factor using factor analysis techniques. The canine g-factor score was an aggregate measure of the dog’s cognitive performance across various tasks, reflecting their overall cognitive ability. Researchers identified a general intelligence factor (g factor) in dogs, similar to humans. Dogs with high g factor scores were more adventurous, quicker learners, and exhibited higher training levels. The study highlights the impact of age and health on cognitive decline, drawing parallels between canine and human aging processes. This research not only confirms the existence of the "canine g factor" but also emphasizes the similarities in cognitive aging patterns between dogs and humans. Understanding these parallels can help us develop better strategies to combat age-related cognitive decline in both species. Read more about this study and its implications in this article by StudyFinds, published on April 5, 2024: Dog Study Shows How Canine ‘G Factor’ Mirrors Human Intelligence: https://lnkd.in/d55MZd6d Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out for guidance at [email protected] 🐕❤️ #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #CanineCognition #DogIntelligence #AgingResearch #GFactor #ELTE #StudyFinds

🐾✨ What can our dogs teach us about aging? A lot more than we might think! 🧬 In a recent episode of UChicago's Big Brains Podcast, Prof. Daniel Promislow, co-director of The Dog Aging Project, sheds light on how studying dog aging can help us understand human aging. The project, initially funded by the NIH, tracks over 50,000 dogs to investigate how biology, lifestyle, and environment impact their health and lifespan. Key takeaways from the conversation include: - Dogs age in many similar ways to humans, offering valuable insights into aging processes. - Factors such as exercise, diet, and socialization play crucial roles in the longevity and health of dogs. - By understanding how dogs age, we can potentially discover ways to improve human aging and health. - Curious to learn more? Listen to the full podcast episode here and explore the fascinating world of dog aging and its implications for human health! https://lnkd.in/gUeKZYHF Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out for guidance here or by emailing [email protected]. #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #DogAgingProject #Longevity #HealthyAging #BigBrainsPodcast #DogHealth #HumanHealth

🩺 September is Animal Pain Awareness Month! 🩺 September is the @International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)’s Animal Pain Awareness Month. Our dogs can suffer from both acute and chronic pain, just as we do, and it can significantly impact their quality of life. Pain in dogs can stem from various causes, including surgery, arthritis, and cancer. Recognizing Pain in dogs: Behavior Changes: Increased aggression, withdrawal, or vocalization. Mobility Issues: Limping, reluctance to move, difficulty with stairs. Appetite Changes: Loss of interest in food or difficulty eating. Grooming Habits: Excessive licking or biting at certain areas. Pain management strategies can include pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological interventions. Medications such as NSAIDs and newly approved treatments like anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies can offer effective pain relief. Physical therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage can be integrated into a holistic pain management plan. For comprehensive guidelines on assessing and managing pain in dogs, we recommend checking out the 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. These guidelines emphasize a multimodal approach to pain management, combining both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods tailored to each pet’s needs: https://lnkd.in/dEF6zUcu   For more information on Animal Pain Awareness Month and guidance on canine pain management, visit the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM): https://www.ivapm.org/ Feel free to share your experiences and tips on managing your dog’s pain, or reach out to us for guidance at [email protected]. Together, we can ensure our pets live happy, pain-free lives. 🐶❤️ #AnimalPainAwarenessMonth #IVAPM #AAHAPainGuidelines #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #PetHealth #CanineCare #DogSafety #PainManagement

🇺🇸🐾 Happy Labor Day from Joyful Dog! 🐾🇺🇸 As we celebrate Labor Day, let's take a moment to appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a happy and harmonious life for our canine companions. Whether it's training, playing, or just cuddling, the love and effort we put into our dogs' lives make every day special. Today, let's also honor our working dogs! From service dogs who assist those in need to therapy dogs who bring comfort to many, their dedication and loyalty are unmatched. Their "labor" brings joy, safety, and support to countless lives. Here's to a day filled with relaxation, fun, and quality time with your four-legged friends. Wishing everyone a joyful and safe Labor Day! 🎉🐶❤️ #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #LaborDay #WorkingDogs #DogLove #DogTraining #CelebrateDogs #PetLovers

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Today, we honor and remember the pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded by Deborah Barnes in 2015 after she had to say goodbye to her beloved cat, Mr. Jazz, on this day in 2013. Inspired by the overwhelming response to her heartfelt book, "Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale Of Life, Death and Beyond," Deborah created this day for people to share memories of the pets they've lost, and to find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their grief. Whether it's the family dog or any other beloved pet, the loss of these companions leaves a lasting impact on our hearts. While the pain may ease over time, their memory never fades. This day is a time to celebrate the joy and love they brought into our lives and to share stories of their unique and unforgettable presence. Take a moment today to reflect on the special moments you’ve shared with past dog/s. Share a favorite memory or a cherished photo to honor their memory. #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay #RememberingPets #PetMemories #JoyfulDog #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #TimetoTrain

🐶 Training Tidbit: Understanding and Preventing Dog Bites 🐶 Dog bites can be a serious issue, but with the right knowledge and precautions, they are often preventable. Here are some resources to help you and your family stay safe and informed: Be Bite Smart by the Center for Canine Behavior Studies offers a comprehensive guide to dog behavior and bite prevention strategies and provides age-appropriate multimedia teaching materials to help prevent dog bites: https://lnkd.in/ewcC-ZZu The Family Dog is focused on helping families live harmoniously with their dogs, this site offers a wealth of tips on preventing dog bites, particularly around children. Their STOP THE 77 campaign emphasizes that 77% of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog, highlighting the importance of proper education and communication: https://lnkd.in/eAs4ChJN Family Paws offers expert advice to families with dogs and babies, or toddlers: https://lnkd.in/eeeSgJ3Z Baby Safe Dog Training’s blog “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Get Magnetized to Dogs,” discusses how to safely introduce your baby to a dog in a way that does not prompt contact:  https://lnkd.in/eK3TZfDf For more insights and tips or to address your dog’s training needs, message us at [email protected] or reach out to us here. Stay safe and enjoy a harmonious life with your furry friends! 🐕❤️ #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #DogSafety #DogBitePrevention #FamilyDogSafety #BeBiteSmart #TrainingTidbits

Get to Know Dogs:  THE BEAGLE Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most beloved and popular hound breeds, the Beagle! According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Beagle is not only an excellent hunting dog but also a loyal and happy-go-lucky companion. Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, making them sociable and easygoing dogs that love company. There are two varieties of beagles: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder and those between 13 and 15 inches. Both varieties are sturdy, solid, and "big for their inches," as the saying goes. Their coats come in a variety of pleasing colors, including lemon, red and white, and tricolor. A breed sometimes described as "merry," Beagles can be excellent family dogs. These curious, clever, and energetic hounds require plenty of playtime and need at least an hour of exercise every day. Beagles thrive on companionship and can become destructive if left alone for long periods, so having a human or canine buddy is essential. Beagles are known for their strong hunting instincts and their skills as escape artists, so an exercise area must have a fence at least five feet tall (Joyful Dog would go for the six-foot option!) that extends underground to prevent tunneling. Be aware of fence structures that might provide footholds for ambitious climbers. Fun Beagle Fact: Did you know that one of the most famous Beagles is Snoopy, the beloved character from the "Peanuts" comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz? Snoopy's imaginative adventures and loyal companionship to Charlie Brown have made him an iconic representation of this wonderful breed. #GetToKnowDogs #Beagle #AmericanKennelClub #AKC #JoyfulDog #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #TimetoTrain