syrinx

The Scientific American news feed informs us of the ongoing tension between dog walkers and bird watchers.

In the research reported, even dogs on leashes disrupted birds in parks and wildlife refuges, providing some evidence to insert between the emotional positions.

tags: wildlife dog bird disruption animals domestic hunters

tags: video humor dog sad

Dogs-smarter than apes? I have not lived with an ape... (I could make an ex-boyfriend joke here... but I have too much respect for apes to do that, as generally they don't smoke).
But I have lived with parrots and dogs. Both are super smart to the point that many observers are taking a second look at the smarts we see in dogs.
I have (at this time) 2 dogs that fall into the super smart category. I have done the tests that are found on various sites, and both my dogs do the "smart dog" problem solving described in the top 10 categories. They do it easily, and on the first try. Typical of smart dogs, they find it boring the second time around. Super smart dogs are not as eager to impress you the second or third time, unlike say a beagle, who will try so hard to get it right... over and over. Food rewards wear off quickly with the super smart dogs, as they know you will feed them eventually. But affection still ranks as the top reward for the super smart dog. They love to be loved, and the reward part for these dogs, is if another dog sees them getting affection. Both of my dogs will look around to see who is watching them get a hug. They are less into it, if no one is a witness to the affection. My conclusion, dogs care what others think. This is a wolf trait in fact, as being seen by the pack - as a loved member is extremely important to how you rank within this exclusive membership.

tags: dog intelligence

Here is the most current up to date list of pet foods to avoid:
Recalled Dog Product Information

• Alpo Prime Cuts, Nestle Purina

• Americas Choice, Preferred Pets

• Authority

• Award

• Best Choice

• Big Bet

• Big Red

• Bloom

• Cadillac

• Companion

• Demoulas Market Basket

• Eukanuba

• Food Lion

• Giant Companion

• Great Choice

tags: toxic dog food tainted

Maybe it's because there are only 5 of them, instead of 50. Maybe it's because we spent a lot of time with them when they first came to help acclimatize them to our two large dogs. Maybe it's because they can hang around the house where the dogs hang.

Whatever the reason, the fact is, we now appear to have 5 more 'dogs'. We started off with 5 sheep.

tags: sheep farm animal dog behavour