Table of contents for Spring/Summer 2024 in Modern Dog

This just might be my favourite issue to date. There is so much to learn and discover about our canine companions, from fascinating dog trivia to the latest behaviour science. And, of course, the pages are packed with tips, tricks, and ideas for bettering your dog’s life and improving your relationship. Let’s dive in, shall we? For starters, we explore 12 ways to dramatically improve your senior dog’s life. Golden oldies hold a special place in my heart, and these easy tips and tricks will help you extend your dog’s healthspan. Next up, Guess the Breed Mix! We tested the DNA of a crossbreed cutie. See if you can correctly guess the mix on page 31. Did you know your backyard could be a money-making private dog park? An Airbnb-type…

Meet the newest member of the pack! It’s official: the Lancashire Heeler has become the 201st breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, joining the Herding Group. While the history of this unique breed dates to the 17th century, there are still some unknowns about their origin. According to The Kennel Club (UK), it is believed these intelligent, agile dogs started as a cross between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Manchester Terrier. Bred to herd cattle and act as ratters, these sturdy and strong little dogs make an eager-to-work versatile farm hand. Trademark Looks The Lancashire Heeler coat is short, dense, weather-resistant, easy to maintain, and can come in either black and tan or liver and tan. Affectionate, happy, and talkative dogs, the Lancashire Heeler is known for…

North Shore Animal League America is the longest running—and one of the largest—no-kill rescue and adoption organizations in the world. And they have an amazing Pet Sponsorship Program that lets pet lovers help care for animals that would otherwise have no hope. Pups, for instance, like Strider. Strider was born in North Shore Animal League America’s Nursery after his pregnant mom Gypsy was rescued in Texas. Strider nursed, ate, wrestled, and played with his brothers and sisters. But as Strider grew, he started dragging his hind end around. Tests revealed that he has a bone growth disorder called hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Unfortunately for Strider, all four of his limbs were seriously affected, and the condition caused a lot of pain. Strider was started on both anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Consultations…

Dogs have shaped most aspects of Heather Hunter’s life, “from hobbies to career to living arrangements,” she laughs. So much so that seven years ago, Hunter, a director at her local animal shelter, moved from downtown Ottawa to rural Kemptville, ON, “in part to give our dogs more space to roam.” “At the time, we had an English pointer mix who loved to run but needed a fence and a Great Pyrenees who was stressed out living in the city,” says Hunter. She and her partner found a log house on 15 acres and set out fencing as much of the property as they could. In 2019, she heard about Sniffspot (sniffspot.com)—a website and app where property owners can rent out their fenced land by the hour as a safe…

Add this longevity topper to your dog’s dinner, recommends Dr. Karen Becker, author of Your Forever Dog. This food secret comes from the world’s longest-lived people, the centenarians of the “Blue Zone” island of Sardinia. Sardines are one of the staple fish regularly consumed there. Sardines are packed with Omega-3s and vitamin D, both of which are cancer preventatives. Sardines are incredibly nutrient-dense. Sardines are a rich source of selenium, which promotes thyroid health and helps neutralize free radicals, protecting the organs from damage. Not only that, but sardines are an incredible source of CoQ10, a powerhouse coenzyme renowned for its antioxidant properties and a favourite supplement of longevity scientists. Multiple studies show that CoQ10 can increase your dog’s lifespan by protecting mitochondria from damage and increasing cellular energy. Sardines…

For nearly three decades, the popular syndicated comic strip Mutts has featured a recurring character named Guard Dog. Perpetually chained in a backyard, he tugged on heartstrings around the world, quickly becoming one of the strip’s most beloved characters. Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell didn’t set out to create a symbol for animal rights. He just wanted to create an antagonist for strip characters Earl the dog and Mooch the cat. “I decided a rough bully dog—as a foil for them to deal with—could be interesting and began designing a big gruff dog,” says McDonnell. “I gave him a spiked collar to make him look mean but, when I added a chain, I realized he wasn’t a villain but a tragic character with a tough story to tell.” Guard Dog’s plight…

https://moderndogmagazine.com/ We’ve saved you the research by sharing our favourite new puppy picks for everything from beds to food, collars, toys and more, all tested and approved by the Modern Dog team and their pups, so you can get back to more important things, like snuggling your new puppy. https://furbo.com/ca 1 Check in on your pup when you’re not home with the Furbo 360° Dog Camera! The rotating camera allows for a 360° field of vision, and the Furbo smartphone app lets you not only see what your puppy is up to, but also hear and speak to them. You can even use the app to dispense a treat. Good boy! (from $110, furbo.com) https://bigmouthinc.com/products/bigmouth-shroom-lick-mat 2 Keep your puppy busy with the Shroom Lick Mat from BigMouth Pets! Made from…

Studies have found that baby talk, officially called “parentese,” improves a human baby’s speech and language development. In addition, babies have an innate preference for the slow, sing-songy, higher-pitched intonations that are the hallmark of baby talk. It turns out puppies and dogs prefer baby talk as well. Studies show dogs are most likely to respond well to high-pitched voices, a vocal style called “dog-directed speech” in the canine research world. So if you baby talk to your dog, no shame. It actually elicits a better response. How to Tell Which Puppy Might Excel at Service Work Wondering which puppy would make the best helper? Look for eye contact, says Emily Bray, a post-doctoral research associate at the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona’s School of Anthropology.…

Modern Dog's Photo Contest Winners! THINK YOUR DOG OUGHT TO BE IN MODERN DOG? Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!…

https://www.suziespettreats.com/ 1 CBD, aka Cannabidiol Owner testimonials abound where CBD and senior pets are concerned. Vets say it can help with everything from mobility and joint pain to anxiety and appetite. It’s also frequently recommended for dogs with diseases like cancer but speak to your vet first to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any existing protocol, such as chemo. “In my practice, I recommend it primarily for pain/inflammation, anxiety and cognitive decline, seizure disorders, and cancer,” says Dr. Katherine Kramer, an integrative veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness. She notes that results vary depending on the individual. “Some patients have had amazing responses… Overall, most dogs with arthritis appear to have great responses.” Try: Suzie’s CBD Soft Chews. They contain 2 mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD oil from…

I’m just going to say what we’re all thinking… what IS dog reiki? And does it really work? There’s a huge movement in the dog world to better understand and help our four-legged friends. People are using talking buttons, behaviourists, and healing modalities like acupuncture, chiropractic, hydro, and physiotherapy—anything that will help give them added insight into how to keep their dog happy and healthy. And yet one fact remains: pet anxiety is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. A 2022 study undertaken by Green Element, a pet CBD company, showed a dramatic increase in pet anxiety since the Covid-19 pandemic. (Thanks, Covid, cost of living, and anything else that gets us stressed. You have figured out they’re little sponges, right?)⁣ Reiki may be the answer.…

Americans love dogs! In fact, in a recent survey, 90% of dog owners said they would be willing to spend or do anything to extend their “best friend’s” life a little longer. Extending your dog’s lifespan is truly becoming a reality. Longevity products and anti-aging supplements are no longer just for people—dog supplements and medicine are also now mainstream medicine. One such drug, LOY-001, just hit the fast track, receiving extended conditional approval by the FDA. Currently, clinical trials are ongoing—and the results look promising. Although they have yet to formally prove that the drug lengthens a dog’s lifespan, it appears to curb certain metabolic changes associated with canine aging. As of right now, the drug is available as an injection given at three to six-month intervals. Loyal, the developer…

Want to get outside with your dog and have some fun? Why not try Canicross, aka cross-country trail running with your dog! The little-known sport is gaining an enthusiastic following for its unique blend of outdoor exercise, working with your dog, and socializing with fellow dog lovers. Alexis Karpf is a Canicross enthusiast and the Marketing and Operations Coordinator for North American Canicross. “We like to say, ‘All breeds and speeds welcome!’” says Karpf. “Canicross is something everyone who enjoys being outside can do.” What sets it apart from regular trail running with your dog is that Canicross is powered by the dog. Special harnesses are used to allow the dog to have optimal and comfortable pulling. They are connected by a bungee lead—no longer than six feet—which is then…

IT’S everyone’s least favourite season: tick season. Tick season usually runs from April to October, though it varies by region. Though ticks often prefer wooded areas, underbrush, long grasses, fallen leaves, and dense vegetation, they can also be found in backyards, trails, and paths. “A multitude of environmental and human factors has created a near ‘perfect storm’ over the past 20 years leading to a population explosion of ticks throughout North America, notes lymedisease.org. If you’re spending time outdoors with your dog, a quick tick check is in order once you get home. After a tick attaches, it usually takes 24 hours to transmit the bacteria, so the sooner you can remove ticks, the better. Run your hands through your dog’s fur, paying special attention to the head, ears (inside…

Some breeds are more challenging than others. A relaxed, friendly, biddable breed makes a good choice for a first dog. We asked Gina DiNardo, breed expert and American Kennel Club (AKC) Executive Secretary, for her top breed picks for newbie dog people. “It’s always important to do your research before adding a dog to your home to make sure that breed’s needs fit in with your lifestyle, no matter if you’re a first-time dog owner or someone who’s had dogs for years,” says DiNardo. “Consider size, activity level, grooming needs, and temperament, among other things.” That said, she notes that some breeds are eager to please and have very friendly dispositions, making them a good match for first-time dog owners. Here are her top breed picks for people who are…

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714049/maxine-gets-a-job-by-alexandra-garyn-and-bryan-reisberg-illustrated-by-susan-batori/ From Maxine Gets a Job, by Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg; Illustrated by Susan Batori https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714049/maxine-gets-a-job-by-alexandra-garyn-and-bryan-reisberg-illustrated-by-susan-batori/ Maxine Gets a Job By Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg. Illustrated by Susan Batori This adorable, funny children’s book follows Maxine the Fluffy Corgi as she looks for the pawfect job. Maxine’s job-hunting journey encourages young readers to find what they love to do and to do it with determination, kindness, and joy. https://donhughesauthor.com/ The Mutt for Me By Don Hughes Before adopting a mutt named Barbie from his local shelter, Don Hughes had never had a dog, let alone a behaviourally difficult rescue. In his heartwarming memoir, Hughes shares his experiences volunteering at the shelter and his misadventures with Barbie, ultimately illustrating how teamwork and dedication can overcome issues, and how…

With that glorious white coat and immense size, the Great Pyrenees is a real head-turner. Though intimidating from afar, up close you’ll quickly realize this is a gentle giant. At least, gentle to those they care for. Great Pyrenees are flock guardians hard-wired to care for their charges and fearlessly protect them at any cost. Is the Great Pyrenees a match for you? Let’s find out! Early History The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed. Tracing their lineage is possible, but only to a point. This is one of several breeds descended from the large and powerful dogs in Asia Minor used for hunting, guarding, and working as far back as 11,000 years ago. These Mastiff-type dogs migrated to many locations over the centuries. Once isolated in new locations, they…

Appetite for Life At the adoption center, a Pit Bull mix seemed hungry for love. Jean Luc held onto my husband Jim’s sleeve as if saying, “Take me home.” Unfortunately, he was also hungry for anything remotely edible. Our vet surmised he was insatiable since he’d been starved as a puppy. His food thievery turned nearly fatal when a pair of gobbled socks strangled his gut. He survived risky surgery with a zipperlike scar and his robust appetite intact. 15 years later, when it was time to say goodbye, we hand-fed our boy his favorite morsels, ensuring he’d never be hungry again.—Lucy Iscaro The Boss “You’re not the boss. Chelsea is,” the dog trainer said. I protested, “But she did everything I asked—perfectly!” Chelsea, my yellow Lab mix,…