Thursday, January 18, 2024

🐕 Do dogs love food more than toys?

"All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog."
- Charles M. Schulz

 
Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
What are the three smartest dog breeds?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Newest Crowned Hero Dog
Each year, one United Service Organization (USO) therapy dog is crowned with the Hero Dog Award. There are typically hundreds of nominees submitted and a committee chooses five finalists. These important pups are a critical resource for many people in our country, especially those suffering from grief and trauma.

This year, the winner was a six-year-old, 150-pound Great Dane named Maverick. The dog's owner, Kelly Brownfield, says that he possesses a sixth sense or a special intuition. She believes he knew about her B-cell Lymphoma before her diagnosis. His behavior changed and he got more protective and touchy. 

Maverick has been working as a therapy dog at the Fort Leonard Wood United Service Organizations Club in Missouri. He also visits students at schools who are struggling. The pup helps comfort people and encourages them to open up and overcome their barriers. Great Danes are known for having large hearts and Maverick definitely deserved this incredible award.
Image courtesy of Dogtime
Do Dogs Prefer Food or Toys?
The University of Florida did a recent study to determine if dogs prefer food or their toys when given the choice. Just like many humans, food is the way to a dog's heart. Nine out of ten dogs in the study chose food over their beloved toys. 

The study used six toys: a ball, a tug toy, a squeak toy, a bone, a stuffed animal, and an empty plastic water bottle. They used hotdogs, carrots, cheese, kibble, hard dog treats, and soft dog treats for the food. Each dog was given the chance to pick one from each category. 

There was a series of experiments conducted. The dogs had to work for their reward. Most dogs gave up earlier when they were offered their favorite toy reward, but were much more motivated by their preferred food reward. And, hey, we can't blame them!
Image courtesy of Dogington Post
Saving Money On Activities With Your Pup
Your furry friend brings joy, but sometimes the cost of pet activities can put a strain on your wallet. Fear not! There are lesser-known ways to enjoy quality time with your pup without breaking the bank.
  1. Community Events: Many communities organize pet-friendly events that are not only entertaining but often free. Check local calendars for dog parades, outdoor movie nights, or pet-friendly fairs.

  2. DIY Dog Toys: Instead of splurging on expensive toys, get creative at home. Craft a tug-of-war rope from old t-shirts or create a puzzle feeder using a cardboard box. Your pup will appreciate the effort, and you'll save money.

  3. Nature Walks: Explore nature trails and parks in your area. Most are dog-friendly and offer a refreshing change of scenery. It's a fantastic way to bond with your pet while enjoying the great outdoors.

  4. Pet Meetups: Look for local pet meetups through social media or community boards. These gatherings often involve playdates, training tips, and shared resources, providing a cost-effective way to socialize your pup.

  5. Subscription Boxes: While it might sound counterintuitive, subscription boxes can be a cost-effective way to access new toys and treats. Many services offer significant discounts on high-quality products, making it a savvy investment.

By exploring these hidden gems, you'll discover a world of affordable activities that strengthen your bond with your furry companion without burning a hole in your pocket.

Our Favorite Way To Save
Interest rates are at 22-year highs, but you can take advantage of them. With rates hovering around 5%, high-yield savings accounts present an opportunity for substantial returns through compound interest. Offering up to 10 times the return compared to regular savings accounts, these accounts are ideal for short- and long-term goals.

See our list of High-Yield Savings Accounts today to discover how much you could earn.
Thanks to Money for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
Probiotic Pupsicle Recipe
Homemade probiotic treats are a great way to help balance your dog's gut. These popsicles help boost your dog's digestive health and help the immune system. If you've been looking for a fun way to treat your dog this new year, try making these tasty, cold treats.

Kefir & Peanut Butter Pupsicles
You'll need: One cup of plain kefir, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, one tablespoon of flaxseed, and one cup of creamy peanut butter
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and well-mixed.
  2. Place empty dog treat molds on a tray or flat surface to transfer into the freezer.
  3. Pour the mixture into the molds.
  4. Freeze for two to three hours or until solid.  
Image courtesy of Pretty Fluffy
How To Train Your Pup To Shake Hands
Teaching your dog to shake hands is a delightful trick that not only showcases their intelligence but also strengthens the human-canine bond. Here's a focused guide to help you master the art of teaching your dog the classic "shake" command.
  1. Get Their Attention: Begin in a quiet, distraction-free space. Hold a treat in your closed hand, allowing your dog to sniff it. This ensures their focus and interest in the upcoming training.

  2. Paw Movement: Gently tap or lift your dog's paw with your hand. If they naturally lift their paw in response to your touch, great! If not, use a treat to guide their paw motion. As soon as their paw is lifted, reward them with the treat.

  3. Introduce the Command: Simultaneously with the paw movement, introduce the verbal cue "shake" or "paw." Be consistent with your chosen command to avoid confusion.

  4. Positive Reinforcement: As soon as your dog offers their paw in response to the command, provide immediate positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, or a combination of both to convey that they've done something right.

  5. Repeat and Practice: Repeat the process consistently, gradually increasing the duration you expect them to hold the handshake. Regular short training sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.

  6. Generalization: Once your dog is confidently shaking hands at home, practice the trick in different environments to ensure they understand the command in various situations.

With patience, positive reinforcement, and consistent practice, your dog will soon become a handshake pro, charming everyone they meet with this endearing trick.

How To Train Yourself Too!
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Based on proven neuroscience practices, The 1-Minute Question taps into the undeniable benefits of repetition and active meditation. Their daily question is a simple yet powerful tool to train your brain for increased focus, creativity, and overall productivity.
 
By asking thought-provoking questions, you train your brain to think differently, focus on solutions, and turn obstacles into opportunities. Witness the profound impact on your productivity and embrace a more innovative and effective approach to your tasks.

Don't let overwhelm hold you back. Join The 1-Minute Question community and experience the power of daily brain training, setting the stage for enhanced productivity in your daily life. Embrace simplicity, unlock your brain's potential, and watch your productivity soar! 

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A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: Answer: Most reports show that the top three are Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Poodles.
  • 🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in the winter. This could be anything from your pup playing in the snow, to your pup cozily curled up inside. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
  • 😸 Pumpkin Salmon Cat Treats: Treat your kitty-cat to a delectable delight with this irresistible treat recipe that combines the goodness of pumpkin with the savory allure of salmon...
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