“I'm suspicious of people who don't like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn't like a person.” ― Bill Murray
Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop:
And you thought your haircare routine was complicated…
A DIY enrichment toy made from items you likely already have on hand
The most accurate test on the market for preventative pet care (+ makes a unique and thoughtful gift)
True or False...
15% of dog owners admit to talking to their dogs on the phone and leaving answering machine messages for them while away.
(scroll to the bottom to find out!)
Meet: the Puli
If you’ve ever watched a televised dog show, you’ve probably done a double take when one particular breed enters the room. The Puli, best known for their long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks, is just as popular for its friendly demeanor as its fur.
If you’ve ever thought, “I need to own one of those adorable mops with four legs,” you’re 1. certainly not alone, but 2. in for a bit of extra grooming work (for years to come).
Cords are a vital part of the Puli identity, but they aren’t born with them. Puli pups start as round little babes with minimal crimp to their coats. Soon after birth, their fur grows into puppy fluff. The adult coat comes in at about one year of age, at which time that fluff is separated by hand into their famous cords.
This manual process of separating the cords carries on for 3-4 months until the cords are set. For some, the coat can take up to 4 years to grow in and cord completely. Eventually, the coat reaches the ground. Cords on the head fall over the face and some owners tie up these up to keep them out of their pooch’s eyes.
For those whose hearts are set on adopting a Puli, you’ll need to become well-versed in coat maintenance and patience. If you can provide the pup with plenty of TLC and extra grooming care, however, you’ll be rewarded with a loving and loyal furry family member who turns heads with their truly unique looks.
Do(g)-It-Yourself
Lick mats. Ever heard of them? They’re fairly new to us but something we wish we’d known about years ago. Turns out, the “terrible twos” are just as real in puppies as they are in human children.
These now popular silicone enrichment toys are specially designed to comfort nervous pups and keep high-energy dogs occupied. They encourage - you guessed it - licking, an innate behavior that provides a sense of calm through the release of endorphins in dogs’ brains.
Since lick mats double as a treat (positive reinforcement through food) and a calming tool (natural nerve-calming through endorphin releases), many pup parents use them when teaching their dog to become comfortable in their kennels or simply winding down at the end of the day.
Getting your paws on a lick mat might be as easy as taking a trip to your panty:
Homemade Lick Mats
Supplies:
Silicon baking sheet (like this one)
Dog-safe peanut butter, wet dog food, bananas, plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, or any other “goopy” dog-friendly food
Instructions:
Flip the mat so that the grid holes are facing up.
Using a spatula or butter knife, spread your choice of food over the mat, making sure it presses into the grid.
Place the mat in front of your pup and watch them enjoy their new enrichment toy!
Image courtesy of Ruffle Snuffle.
What we're digging
As dog owners, there’s nothing we care about more than our pet’s well-being. Since they can’t exactly tell us how they’re feeling, however, it can be tricky and downright emotional to know they might be suffering without us realizing it.
Fortunately, one company is making it incredibly simple to learn about your pup’s genetic makeup and take preventative steps to keep them feeling like a top dog.
Enter: the highest rated dog DNA test on the market.
By analyzing more genetic info than any other doggie DNA test (we’re talking 256 quadrillion different possible genetic ancestry combos), this kit provides the most accurate results available.
Learn more here and use code HARK at checkout for $50 off + free shipping! Order by 12/16 to receive your kit in time for Christmas.
True or False...
Answer: FALSE! Believe it or not, it’s even higher. An American Animal Hospital Association poll found that 33% of dog owners admit to leaving their dog a VM while they’re gone to let them know they love them.
(We’re mostly surprised that 33% of the people surveyed still have landlines with answering machines!)
Share the puppy love
Know a fellow dog lover whose day would be brighter with a dose of Daily Dig? Forward this email or refer them to dailydigdogs.com!