| | | | | "When an 85-pound mammal licks your tears away, and then tries to sit on your lap, it's hard to feel sad."
- Kristin Higgins
| | | Happy Monday! Here's the scoop: | | Did You Know...?
Joke: What is a dog's favorite science subject?
(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!) | | | Would You Ride With a Dog Behind the Wheel?
Dogs are smart, but are they capable of doing things as complicated as driving a car? One organization in New Zealand started a program to help shelter dogs get some attention to be adopted. After a five-week indoor training program, the dogs successfully learned how to operate the controls in a car.
The dogs can guide a modified car along a race track on their own, and they were filmed for live television. Monty and Porter were their two best performers. Monty is a giant Schnauzer mix and was the first to drive the car. He started the car by turning the key, put the car in drive, kept his paws on the steering wheel, and moved down the track. Porter is a bearded collie-cross and was able to have a reporter in the passenger seat with him. He went off the track just a bit on one turn but otherwise was successful.
Don't worry, the cars are built with speed control, so they don't go faster than walking pace. Trainers are on hand to step in whenever necessary. The videos went viral, and the shelter gained so much attention. We would call that a success! | | Can You Speak Fluent Dog?
Dogs communicate with us in various ways, and one of the most intriguing aspects of their communication is the range of noises they make. From barks to growls, whines to howls, each sound carries its own distinct meaning, offering insight into a dog's emotions and intentions. Barking is perhaps the most common vocalization, with variations in pitch, volume, and duration conveying different messages. A sharp, high-pitched bark often signals excitement or alertness, while a deep, low bark may indicate a warning or threat. Dogs may also bark to seek attention or express boredom. Growling is another vocalization that can convey a range of emotions. While it's commonly associated with aggression, growls can also indicate fear, discomfort, or playfulness depending on the context and accompanying body language. Whining is typically a sign of distress or anxiety, often used by dogs to express discomfort, loneliness, or a desire for attention or reassurance from their owners. Howling is a primitive form of communication often associated with pack behavior. Dogs may howl in response to sirens, music, or other dogs, as a way to communicate their location or to express loneliness. Understanding these different noises can help dog owners better interpret their pet's behavior and respond appropriately to their needs, strengthening the bond between human and canine companions. | | Learn a New Language in 10 Minutes a Day with Babbel
Summer adventures await! With Babbel, just 10 minutes a day can have you speaking like a local on your dream vacation.
Explore hidden gems, order food with confidence, and connect with new cultures. Babbel's interactive lessons and award-winning approach will get you speaking in no time. Don't miss out, summer travel starts now!
For a limited time, save 60% with Babbel's Spring Sale! | | | Thanks to Babbel for sponsoring The Daily Dig. | | Test Your Dog's Smarts With an IQ Test
We all say that our dog is the smartest in all the world, but have you ever actually tested their intelligence? There is a fairly large spectrum of dog intelligence. We learned that dogs can drive, but that's not the norm. Measuring your dog's problem-solving abilities is the best way to measure their IQ. They may not respond to simple commands, but if they know exactly what it means when you grab your keys and poop bags, it means that they possess some smarts.
IQ tests for humans have mixed reviews, so dog IQ tests are similar and not always completely accurate. Some people are measuring how quickly dogs respond, while others might measure their ability to remember certain words. It breaks down into two different kinds of dog intelligence—instinctive and adoptive intelligence. Instinctive comes with the breed and what dogs naturally can do. Adoptive intelligence comes from learned behaviors, like commands.
If you want to test your dog's intelligence, try a few of these tests (space them out to not exhaust your dog.) Make the process fun, and give your pup a lot of love and positivity afterward. - Towel Test - Place a large towel or blanket over your dog's head. Give him three points if he gets out in less than 15 seconds. If he takes 15-30 seconds, give him two points. Longer than 30 seconds earns one point.
- Bucket Test - Put one of your dog's favorite toys or treats under one of three buckets. Show the dog which bucket is correct, then turn him away for a few seconds. Then, let him find the treat. If he goes to the right bucket immediately, give him three points. With two attempts, give him two points and one point if the correct bucket is the last one.
- Favorite Spot - When your dog is out of the room, rearrange the furniture. If he goes immediately to his favorite spot, give him three points. If it takes more than 30 seconds, give him two points. If he goes to a new area completely, score one point.
- Chair Puzzle - Put a treat under a piece of furniture low enough that your dog can only fit his paw. Give him three points if he can figure out how to reach the treat in less than one minute. If he uses his paw and nose, score two points. If they give up, score just one point.
- Go for a Walk - Grab your keys and the leash during a time when you don't normally take the dog for a walk. Give him three points if he immediately gets excited. Score two points if you must walk to the door before he gets excited. If the dog just stares at you confused, score one point.
- Barrier Test - Construct a cardboard barrier your dog cannot see over and make it about five feet wide. Cut out a small window so your dog can see through but cannot get through. Toss a treat or toy to the other side of the barrier. Give your pup three points if they walk around the barrier within 30 seconds. If it takes 30 seconds to a minute, give them two points. If they try to stick their head through the barrier, score just one point.
Once you've taken a few days to complete these exercises, you can add the points. If your dog got 16 points or higher, they are brilliant. Anything above 13 points is above average. If your dog scores under eight points, they are below average, but just because they might not ace the tests doesn't mean they aren't the best dogs. | | Plants That Are Safe For Your Pup
Many pet owners are aware of the benefits of having plants around the home, but it's crucial to choose ones that are safe for our furry friends. Luckily, several plants not only add beauty to our living spaces but also provide health benefits for dogs. -
Spider Plant: Known for its air-purifying qualities, the spider plant is safe for dogs and adds a touch of greenery to any room. It's non-toxic and can help improve air quality by removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. -
Basil: This aromatic herb isn't just for cooking; it's also safe for dogs and can even offer some health benefits. Basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve digestion and boost the immune system. -
Boston Fern: Unlike some other ferns that may be toxic to pets, the Boston fern is safe for dogs and adds a lush, tropical feel to indoor spaces. It's also known for its air-purifying abilities, helping to remove pollutants from the air. -
Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula is a safe and non-toxic plant that offers medicinal benefits for both dogs and humans. It's often used topically to soothe skin irritations and promote healing. -
African Violet: These colorful flowering plants are safe for dogs and add a pop of color to any room. They're easy to care for and thrive in indoor environments, making them a popular choice for pet owners. When selecting plants for your home, always research to ensure they're safe for dogs, and if in doubt, consult with your veterinarian. With the right choices, you can create a beautiful and pet-friendly environment that benefits both you and your canine companion. | | These Gummies Keep Selling Out...
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That's why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye. Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a "joint within a gummy" that's extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body's endocannabinoid system. Although this system was discovered in the 1990's, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes! | | | Thanks to Mood for sponsoring The Daily Dig. | | A Little Treat: - ✅ Did You Know: Chemis-tree.
- 🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in spring. This could be anything from your pup playing in the rain or sun, to your dog modeling some spring-inspired garments. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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