“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” – M.K. Clinton

Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop:

  • This lab is melting hearts all over the ice

  • Make your own snuffle mat

  • How technology is making us all better pet parents

True or False...
Dogs walk in circles before lying down because they are feeling anxious.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Benny the ice skating lab
This ice skating dog is melting hearts all over Las Vegas. Cheryl DelSangro had a feeling that she could teach her golden lab, Benny, to skate because: “I taught our daughter when she was 17 months old, and I figured Benny had better balance than a toddler.”

What she hadn’t expected was how quickly Benny would take to the ice. Pretty soon, DelSangro had a special set of ice skates made. With his new gear, Benny taught himself how to stop, skate in reverse, and do a number of cool moves.

Benny makes appearances with the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights and various local charities, putting a smile on people’s faces wherever he goes. He was recently given an award for Canine Excellence by the American Kennel Club.

DelSangro told the AKC, "he's like a magnet for the kids, and creates an instant comfort zone," adding that "he especially relates to children who may have to skate or learn differently, like he does. They know he doesn't judge or care how they skate, just that he sees how excited and happy they are when he is with them." Go Benny!

Image courtesy of Daily Paws.

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Did you know that mental stimulation is just as important for your dog as physical exercise? One way to keep your dog from getting bored is to give your dog interactive toys and puzzles to play with.

For the uninitiated, a snuffle mat is a popular toy that allows your dog to sniff out hidden treats in a way that mimics the foraging and hunting techniques used by their canine ancestors. The best news? Making your own snuffle mat is easy and your dog will love it!

Make your own snuffle mat:

  • What you’ll need: a base (like a rubber sink mat or a piece of cardboard with holes poked out of it), fleece, scissors, and treats.

  • Cut the fleece into 6-8’’ long strips. You may want to use two colors of fleece.

  • Weave the fleeces through the holes of the mat (or makeshift base).

  • Repeat this step until the mat is covered in fleece.

  • Once it’s finished, it’s time to teach your dog how to play with it. Start by putting a treat on top of the fleece. Then challenge your dog by hiding the treat in a harder-to-reach spot.

  • Have fun! Your dog will get the hang of it in no time.

Image courtesy of Proud Dog Mom.

Technology and the future of pet parenting
It’s no surprise that advances in technology have helped dog parents keep their pups safe and entertained - maybe without them even realizing it (anyone else addicted to watching their pup on the home monitoring camera app?).

Fortunately, pet tech isn’t going anywhere. Check out our three favorite ways that technology can help care for your pup:

Safety
While microchips are super important for helping lost pets find their parents, smart collars (like Whistle, FitBark, and Tractive) offer a faster connection to your pup.

Video monitors are also a great way to keep tabs on your dog when you’re not home.

Health & wellness
Some tracking collars now function like a FitBit, allowing you to see your dog’s step count, sleep patterns, and more.

If you’re trying to help your dog lose weight, automatic feeders help keep mealtime simple and consistent.

Behavior & playtime
Got an anxious pup? Tools like ZenCrate are designed to keep dogs calm during stressful situations like fireworks or thunderstorms.

Battery operated interactive toys can give your dog more time to stay physically and mentally stimulated.

True or False...
Answer: FALSE! When dogs walk in circles or “nest” before lying down, they are emulating a technique used in the wild that helps animals flatten long grass and become more comfortable. Studies say that this inherited technique actually makes your pup feel more safe and secure.

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