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"Opening up your life to a dog who needs a home is one of the most fulfilling things you can do." - Emma Kenney
Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop: 
  • The new record-holder for “oldest dog alive” is a turkey-loving, tiny bodyguard
  • 38 dog-safe plants to add to your greenspace
  • These plant-based bars & drink mixes (for humans!) will take your hikes and dog walks to the next level 
  • Stop saying “good boy/girl” to your dog and try these phrases instead 
Did you know?
The ____ was the first American breed recognized by the AKC and one of the first breeds created in the United States. (Hint: it's also the state dog of Massachusetts) 

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Meet the Oldest Dog Alive: TobyKeith, a Turkey-Loving Chihuahua Living in Florida
Big news! Guinness World Records recently confirmed that this 21-year-old Chihuahua is now the oldest living dog.

TobyKeith – yes, he was named after the country music star – was born on January 9, 2001. His owner, Gisela Shore, adopted the tan Chihuahua from the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in Florida, where she volunteered. 

"TobyKeith is my little bodyguard," she told Guinness. "Follows me everywhere. Lays on me while we watch TV. I adore him!"

These days, TobyKeith enjoys going on car rides, snacking on turkey slices, and hanging out with his pet siblings, which include an American bulldog named Luna, a Chinese crested named Lala, and two parrots – Coco and Coqui. (Talk about a fun household!)

Chihuahuas are known for their longevity, with an average lifespan of 17 years. Shore credits TobyKeith’s longevity to genetics, frequent exercise, and healthy eating. We’re rooting for you, little guy!
Image courtesy of Daily Paws.

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Creating a greenspace in your home or backyard? Make sure to seek out these dog-friendly plants.

Dogs like to sniff and taste, well, everything. If they encounter a toxic plant, they can experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Keep your dog healthy by filling your house and backyard with plants that are safe for pups. 

Here’s how to make your garden safe for your dog.

Keep an eye out for these dog-friendly houseplants:
  • American rubber plant 
  • Christmas cactus 
  • Spider plant 
  • And succulents like blue echeveria and donkey’s tail
Plant these dog-friendly flowers in your garden:
  • Creeping zinnia
  • Gerbera daisy 
  • Lipstick plant
  • Petunia
Opt for these dog-friendly shrubs and bushes:
  • The berry-rich but non-toxic black hawthorn
  • The desert-friendly chaparral 
  • Magnolia bush
  • Rose (but be careful with the thorns!)
Plant these dog-friendly trees:
  • Big shellbark hickory
  • Carob tree
  • Pupleosier willow
  • Red maple
  • Tulip poplar
Find the full list of 38 dog-safe plants, shrubs, and trees here.
What we're digging
IQBAR plant protein bars and 🥤 IQMIX hydration mixes aren't just delicious - they're also packed with functional nutrition for sustained brain + body performance!
 
The bars keep you full and focused (with nutrients like Lion's Mane and MCTs) and the mixes promote hydration, mental clarity, and good mood (via a special form of Magnesium). 
 
Did we mention they're both keto, vegan, clean-label and low-calorie?
 
Use the exclusive DIG15 discount code to take 15% OFF all IQBAR and IQMIX flavors!
Use DIG15 for 15% off
Why you should stop saying "good boy" to your dog (and what to say instead)
Don’t worry, we all say “good boy.” While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this phrase, it’s generic. Therefore, it’s not great for training your dog.

You want to give your dog positive reinforcement for a job well done. So, when it comes to giving praise, you want to examine what you say, when you say it, and how you say it.

Here’s what to do instead:
  1. Timing is everything. According to the Humane Society, “The reward must occur immediately (within seconds) of the desired behavior, or your pet may not associate it with the proper action.” Try saying “yes” immediately after your dog completes an action to mark good behavior.
  2. Switch it up. “Good boy” or even “yes” can start to lose their meaning if you use them too often. You might try saying “yay” instead of “yes.”
  3. Short and sweet. The best phrases to reinforce good behavior are short – two words max.
  4. Watch your tone. One study found that canines process words and tones of voice separately. Your tone should be upbeat and warm when you’re praising your dog.
  5. Consistency is key. Make sure that you and everyone in your household is using the same words for commands. Then, reward the behaviors you want, and don’t reward behavior you don’t want. 
Follow these steps, and pretty soon your dog will be a pro when it comes to good behavior! 
Did you know?
Answer: The Boston Terrier!
 
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