End Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)!

Two posts ago, I shared a post an article about Emotional Support Animals (ESA). 

Well, this Pittie, an ESA for her dad who's dealing with autism, got seized by the police in UK because of the Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). 

He didn't give up on her though, and his hardships have paid off. Indy was able to come home with him.

However, she is not yet free... She needs to wear a muzzle in public.

#ENDBSL

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The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs: FAQ's Answered & Myths Debunked (Guest Post)

For many of us who suffer from allergies, sometimes the concept of having a pet seems out of the question, but for some people with sensitivities, there are alternatives. There are a group of dogs who are on a long list of breeds that are hypoallergenic. Basically, these are canines who shed very little or not at all and can be much less of a threat for those with allergies.

Ironically enough, some dogs themselves can suffer from allergies and may require special diets, sensitivities to things like gluten or lactose. Grooming products such as hypoallergenic shampoos can be helpful for canines who have skin conditions or other problems with fleas and ticks.

But there are some myths and half-truths out there associated with hypoallergenic dogs and how they interact with humans. In this light, here are some popular questions that often come up with these types of canines:

I heard only little dogs were hypoallergenic, can’t I get a big one?

This myth may have been perpetuated by those that believe since bigger dogs have more hair and surface area, they are likely to be more problematic. While this may be partially true, there are many large breed dogs that make the hypoallergenic list:

● The Bouvier des Flandres, also known as the Flanders Cattle Dog, ranges between 65 to 110 pounds.

● The Giant Schnauzer, cousin to the miniature version, can also reach 100 pounds.

● The Irish Water Spaniel is more of a medium-sized breed that generally weighs in at around 45 to 65 pounds.

● The Labradoodle, a mixture of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, dependent upon the size of the parents, this breed comes in a variety of sizes.

These are a handful of dogs that bear the distinction of being hypoallergenic and also includes the Standard Poodle, that is often bred to reach larger sizes. As with any sized dog, regular bathing and grooming seem to assist those with allergies, regardless of breed.

Since I’m only allergic to dog hair, wouldn’t I be safer with a dog that has fine fur like the dachshund?

Actually, this one is a little bit deceptive and since I’ve had many different dogs in the course of my lifetime, including a dachshund I had many years ago, I know differently from personal experience. My current canine, who is a rescued purebred Cairn Terrier, has very long hair (also on the list of hypoallergenic dogs), but hardly sheds at all. Compared to my former dachshund, who had very fine, short hair, I’m sure I still have dog hair from that weiner dog somewhere in my house and automobile, since she seemed to shed constantly.

Some people are only allergic to canine hair and/or dander, are there other dog allergens to consider?

A dog’s saliva, skin and teeth can also trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive people along with scratches from their claws. Another reason that obedience training, regular grooming, including trimming their nails and brushing their teeth, is so important.

If I groom my dog regularly and get one from the list, I shouldn’t have any problems, right?

Again, not necessarily, since as many allergy suffers already know, their reactions can differ day-by-day and in various environments, and the same is true for dogs. The best thing to do before getting any dog, hypoallergenic or otherwise, is to spend some time with them before committing to purchase or adoption. Not only can you get a better idea of their temperament, you’ll also see if you have any type of reaction to them.

With a little homework, a fair amount of grooming and forethought, anyone, even those suffering from allergies, should be able to find the perfect pet. Just because someone has allergic reactions doesn’t mean they should lose out on the opportunity of finding a new, four-legged, best friend.

This amazing post was brought to us by Amber Kingsley. She's a writer, travel junkie, coffee addict and an animal lover as well.  And I owe her big time for reserving this informative article for us FOR MORE THAN A MONTH!

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Man's Best Friend: Loyal Companion and Courageous Protector

I've always admired how a pack of dogs can communicate with each other. A few years back, I mentioned that we had a barker, a whiner, and a protector. The barker was to informer the the pack that an "intruder" was coming. The reporter will whine to alarm the household peepz that the "intruder" is close by. And the protector will growl at the "intruder" to warn them that this is their territory. That kind of mentality just shows how a group of dogs can work together to protect us.

Today's amazing dog infographic is brought to us by ADT Home Security.

Residents all across the country have their own version of what home protection means to them. Perhaps one of the most agreed upon is what “man’s best friend” can do not only for the security of one’s home, but for the overall joy of living.

Dogs are without a doubt one of the most popular pets in American homes, with 83.3 million canines believed to be owned within the US. This is second only to cats, where about 95.6 million are estimated to be owned. Even if dogs aren’t on top, 47% of households are believed to own at least one dog.

Other than providing a never-ending source of companionship and joy for families, dog are capable of more than one might think. If you ever wonder why dogs sniff so much, it’s because they have 22x the amount of scent cells (220 million scent-sensitive cells) as humans, allowing them to pick up on more than any human ever could.

On top of that, dogs are also able to understand up to 250 words and gestures, which is why they are relatively easy to train. They can even count up to five!

It is well understand that certain dog breeds are meant for protection more than others. The top three protective breeds are bullmastiffs, boxers, and German shepherds, respectively.

Burglars who have confessed their crimes often say that while a home security system is the main deterrent from them to enter a home, a loud dog is also known to dissuade burglars as well.

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3 Ways Your Dog's Social Life is Better Than Yours (Guest Post)

Yes... the busy minutes and hours just keep piling up. Even Chooey is demanding more time from me. I'm really sorry, my friends. I want to be a lot of things right now, and it's forcing me to put blogging at a low priority scale. This guest post itself should've been up last week because it's funny--and let's face it, it's the truth!

This amazing post was brought to us by Amber Kingsley. She's a writer, travel junkie, coffee addict and an animal lover as well. 

By William Wallace Denslow [Public domain]
 via Wikimedia Commons

We have a little, black dog, a Cairn Terrier named Kady, who looks exactly like Toto from The Wizard of Oz. I can say without a shadow of doubt, that she has a much better social life than I do, mainly because of her demeanor. Like Toto, this dog believes she is famous, that everyone and everything put on this planet is here for her enjoyment.

This dog has no fear and barks at nothing and no one. When walking with her in the evenings, upon seeing other humans with their dogs, she quickly and happily approaches them. She often gets so excited, she simply runs around in circles out of pure joy. When the doorbell rings, it is not a package delivery for us, in her mind, it is a messenger sent specifically to her for love and attention. She’s quite the little package herself.

If Kady had opposable thumbs, was a little bit taller, I’d swear she’d be on social media. As pack animals in the wild, dogs are actually very social creatures. That being said, here’s three reasons why your dog’s social life is probably better than yours:

#1 - The Meet and Greet

As humans, we usually shake hands when meeting, or there’s always the “high-five” or “fist-bump” used as our interactive way of greeting each other. As we all know, dogs get right down to business and go in for the intimate sniff of the private parts. According to the Huffington Post, sniffing each other’s rear end is more complicated than one might imagine.

Nice too me you, human.

We’re all well aware that a dog’s sense of smell is highly magnified compared to ours, and this unusual greeting can actually tell one canine the emotional state, gender, diet and other information about the dog they are greeting. If you think about it, that’s a lot of information from a quick sniff. It’s one of the many examples of chemical communication that can be found in the animal kingdom that we don’t possess as mere humans.

#2 - Perception and Companionship

Ever had a really bad day, perhaps you’re upset or depressed about something and you don’t really want to talk about it or share your feelings? But you decide to put on a happy face and go hang out with your friends anyway. Most of the time you’ll get away with this charade around your friends and family, but not with your dog.

If you're depressed, I can pretend to be depressed,too. Just to make you feel better...

A study from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, found that dogs can sense feelings of happiness and sadness in their human companions. Many dog owners believe their canines can understand them on a deeper level and this research only confirms what pet parents have suspected for many years. Dogs instinctively know when we are happy and get excited right along with us. Then can sense when we are sad and cuddle up next to us for love and support.

#3 - More Facebook Friends?

Earlier I suggested that if my dog could type, she’d be on social media. It turns out that pet parents that post profiles for their animals online have a surprising number of followers. An infographic called “Savvy Social Critters,” shows us that 14% of dog owners maintain a Facebook page for their pet.

Yeah, this pretty much proves that this fact. They get more cards than we humans do.

Of those animals with an internet presence, 42% of them have between one and twenty-five friends and 20% gain an audience of fifty to one hundred followers. These socials stats also report 27% of dogs have their own YouTube page and 6% are active on Twitter. Although the average number of followers on Facebook is around two-hundred, I know many people who only have a few dozen internet connections.

Even though they have a better sense of smell, know what we’re feeling and might have more online connections than we do, they are still our beloved pets and we’d do almost anything to keep them healthy, happy and safe.

Oh, and one more thing: If you guy's haven't visited Sue and Steve yet, please do. Your kind words and comments on Taiko's passing will mean a lot to the WDA.

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First Aid Techniques Every Pet Owner Should Know and Sneak Peek

Before we begin talking about the new family member, let me just share with you an article I've recently read online. It discusses about the first aid tricks every dog or cat owner should learn.

Thirsty for more information, visit Huffington's article on Pet First Aid. It gives 5 scenarios ranging from Poisoning, Cuts, Punctures and Bites, Car Trauma, Choking, and Seizures. Pet First Aid: 5 Simple Tricks Every Owner Should Know.

Note: In case the video doesn't show up, you can visit it in the link above.

Please check the video above. It discusses how to determine a dog's pulse as well as teach the owner how to use CPR on a dog.

Finally, just in case you don't have this Pet First Aid app from the American Red Cross, download it now via iTunes, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace app stores.

Here's another sneak peak of our new pack member. She's soft, white, and adorable.

Where have all the good dogs gone?

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Traveling with a Pet: 5 Things I Need to Remember a Week Before Departure

I'm not a big fan of traveling. There's a lot to prepare, and it can be a stressful event for our dogs. Honestly, if we could just have them sleep while they travel, it'd be a whole lot easier. This isn't the case however.

The first time Chooey and I traveled, I browsed through a lot of websites to prepare Chooey for our first plane ride.

Chooey's first plane ride got her all stressed up.
Taken last July 2012

Things I have to prepare a week before departure...

1. A sturdy crate your dog's already used to staying in. Make sure you've introduced the crate at least a week before your departure. Better yet, start crate training early.

The only trip these two are going to is the V-E-T!

Note: Avoid using the crate as a tool for punishment. A crate should only be used for the following purposes: 

a) potty training (so the puppy can learn how to hold it in while he's in the crate);

b) some quiet time (so the puppy knows that the crate is a bed where he can either relax, sleep, or just have some good ol' privacy); and
c) security and safe transportation.

2. His vaccination card and documents. Before getting a clean bill of health for travel, most city veterinary offices will require owners to present their pet's vaccination card. This is to ensure that the pets are updated in their vaccinations and fit to travel.

Author's Note: Let's face it, different places have different pet traveling requirements. That's why we decided to participate in DogFenceDIY's 2014 Safety Tips Round Up.

3. Quarantine papers or clearances. Some countries and states may require the traveler's pets to undergo a quarantine program. 

Looking for destinations to bring your dog with, drop by our Best Destinations for a Dog Getaway post.

Trivia: Did you know that Hawaii, for instance, have a quarantine program to ensure that the state remains rabies-free?

Read more: Hawaii's Animal Quarantine Frequently Asked Questions

4. If available at your local vet, get your pet microchipped. 

My sister once shared with me the story of a dog who got out of her crate while she and her owner were traveling. For some unknown reason, the dog got out of her crate and ran across the runway. The ground personnel came after her. Fortunately, after a long chase, they were able to confine her in one of the airport's transport vehicle.

Now, had she escaped the airport, without a collar or a tag, there'd be no other way to determine who her owner was. The owner would be devastated, especially if he/she were just passing through via connecting flights.

5. Learn your airline's pet policy. If there's anybody knowledgeable enough to provide you with your airline's pet policy, it's they themselves. Before pouring your precious time, asking blogs, forums, and other websites, make sure to contact their customer service.

Some Pet Policies According to Airlines:

Delta Airline Pet Policy

KLM: Royal Dutch Airline Pet Policy

Australian airexpress Household Pet Air Travel Guide

American Airlines Traveling with Pets Guide
Philippine Airlines Pet Policy

Is the airline you're looking for not in the list above, visit BringFido.com

So, there you have it. Happy traveling!

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Almost Wordless Wednesday: Two Inspiring Two-Legged Dog Stories

Through the internet, I've read and seen so many wonderful stories that truly inspire people to be more like dogs. For instance, Faith, the two-legged dog, is living a normal life with the help of her amazing family.

Today's feature is about this amazing biped (or bipaw) Boxer named Duncan Lou.

Feeling down and under,

Be thankful for your legs.

Be thankful for your hands.

Be thankful for your eyes.

Be thankful for your ears.

Be thankful...for your life.

Take a page from Duncan Lou's book.

Visit him on Facebook and read about his inspiring story at PandaPaws.

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Most Unusual Breed of Dogs (Guest Post) and Update

Update: Remember when we mentioned a new family member. Here's a sneak peak of her... She's a four-year-old white Pekingese.

One of her most favorite activities. Watching the sentient beings passing through the windows!

It has long been documented that the canine is one of the finest pets anyone - man, woman or child - could ever hope to enjoy the company of. The companionship one can enjoy with a dog is unrivalled for many, and quite rightly so - they’re also ideally suited to pretty much any sort of home environment, whether that’s a family one, a single person, or a retired couple. Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and reliability, and this is why they make such great pets.

There are a few breeds of dog which you see quite a lot - Labradors being one, Jack Russells being another, and British Bulldogs - you can probably think of a few more yourself. However, there are a few breeds of dog out there which you don’t see very often - yes, even domesticated breeds! In this post we’re tipping our hats to these lesser seen and often forgotten wonderful breeds.

The Tibetan Mastiff

We’ll start off large, shall we? And when we say large, we mean enormous! This is not to say the Tibetan Mastiff is an intimidating or imposing breed of dog - absolutely not, in fact. They’re big softies. As their name suggests, they originate from Tibet (which is in East Asia), and historically served as flock guardians! Their gigantic frames meant that they could be imposing when they needed to be, and so they were very proficient at this job. 

Tibetan Mastiff
*image provided by author

They were superb at protecting sheep, or whatever the flock in question, from predators such as wolves, who were intimidated by the Tibetan Mastiff due to the huge size advantage they held over them.

Nowadays they are incredibly rare and due to this, they are in turn very expensive. They can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to buy at the very least. As you would imagine, they’re consequently a very popular choice amongst the wealthier dog lovers out there. 

To give you an idea of just how rare and expensive the Tibetan Mastiff can be to purchase, here’s an example… A puppy sold not long ago in China for the equivalent of just over a million pounds! 

Bedlington Terrier

Sizing down quite considerably from the Tibetan Mastiff, we move onto the second entry into this selection: the Bedlington Terrier. They are also rather unmistakable in appearance, and are often likened to sheep because they have rather woolly coats and faces which aren’t too dissimilar either. 

Bedlington is in Northumberland, for those of you who are unaware, and this is also where the dog originates from, as you might expect. First saying to have appeared around the 1700s, they were used as both pets and hunting dogs through the 18th and 19th century. They’re very adept at identifying and exterminating vermin, which makes them a great choice for anyone who lives in a rural area or by a river.

Bedlington Terrier
*image provided by author

How rare are they? Well put it this way - less than 500 are registered as having been born every year, which really is a very low figure. Thankfully, though, this figure is large enough to ensure that they won’t become extinct any time soon, and as they’re a very sociable and amiable dog by nature, they make the perfect 21st century pet, and will fit nicely into a home which already has a dog (or several).

The Catahoula Cur

Known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog, this breed originates from the USA. It became the state dog of Louisiana in the late seventies, and it’s actually said to be the very first breed of dog to have developed in the States. As the ‘Leopard Dog’, as part of the name indicates, it’s got a rather distinctive coat which contains spots and a considerable amount of colour. 

Catahoula Leopard Dog
*image provided by author

It must be noted, however, that unlike the two above mentioned breeds, the Catahoula Cur can shun the company of strangers, as they can often feel rather uncomfortable around them. They are very fond of close family environments, however, and they thrive in this sort of setting. If you don’t have the time as a family or an individual to pay the Leopard Dog much attention, you may want to consider another breed - however, if you do, go right ahead! They’re wonderful.

The Otterhound

Unfortunately, this is a breed so rare that it is in fact very much at risk of extinction over the next few decades. There are only a thousand or so Otterhounds left on the planet, which is a harrowingly small number. 

Originally bred in Britain, these were hunting dogs with a very specific purpose - can you guess what it is? Their name does kind of give it away… If you got it, congratulations! If you didn’t, well their job was to seek out otters, of course!

The Otterhound’s timeline doesn’t have a definitive starting point - they’re believed to have come onto the radar around 1800 by many, whilst others think it goes back much further than that, around the Medieval period. 

Otterhound
*image provided by author

You’ll be glad to learn that due to the increasingly dwindling numbers of Otterhounds over the last half century or so, they have been classified as a protected species. In 1978 it was decided that, due to the otter hunting ban and the dramatically decreased demand for Otterhounds thereby, that the breed should be protected. 

They’re lovely dogs - they can grow quite large and are extremely intelligent. Their bark is said to be quite distinctive and rather deep, which is always good to hear. We hope the breed sticks around for as long as possible, as it would be a great shame if they were to become extinct.

Can you think of any more highly unusual, rare or distinctive breeds of lesser-talked-about dogs? We like to think that the four picked here offer a good variety, but there are a few more. We’d love to hear your suggestions, so please feel free to get the conversation rolling and leave a comment in the section below!

Author's Information:

This blog was written by Jennifer Smith on behalf of HungryPets, the one-stop shop for all your pet supplies!

***Images courtesy of britannica.com, petzmag.com and puppydogweb.com.

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How Long Do Dogs Sleep on Average? (Guest Post)

People like to sleep according to their biological clock. They usually sleep for a long, continuous period of time. Now, when it comes to dogs, things are a bit different. Dogs prefer taking shorter, discontinuous naps throughout the day. However, when it all adds up, they sleep a lot. In fact, they spend more than half of their lives sleeping.

Average sleep

Sleeping on the Sand... Mmmm, warm...
*image provided by Andrea

On average, dogs sleep for 16 hours per day. Older dogs and pups sleep longer than middle aged ones. Sleeping implies that they are unaware of their surroundings, just like other animals.

Dreaming

By studying brain waves, scientists have confirmed that all mammals dream during a certain period of their sleep. While they sleep, dogs often twitch, moan or make other specific sounds – just like some people tend to talk during their sleep. Owners believe that dreams come during that period of twitching and moaning.

Studying dog dreams is practically impossible, because scientists can't use the same methods that are used while studying human dreams. Nevertheless, it has been confirmed that dogs have different periods of dreaming, just like people do.

During deep sleep, dogs roll their eyes, which is connected to moving limbs and moaning, presupposing that dreams come during that period. People have the most intensive dreams during this so called REM phase of sleep, so we assume that it is the same case with dogs.

If a dog is lying still, eyes closed, it is not sleeping. It is often awake, ready to react if something happens. Dogs are living beings, and just like with people, their senses are stimulated each day. Only when they become perfectly still and fall asleep can they process all the information received during the course of the day.

Healthy sleep

When it comes to the physical and emotional well-being of dogs, it is important that they get enough sleep, especially deep sleep. A dog that doesn’t sleep enough is prone to stress, nervousness, stomach aches, or aggressive behavior.

If you need to wake your dog while it's in deep sleep, do it carefully. Wait a few minutes for it to go from deep sleep into normal sleep. Your dog will have an easier time waking like that. If not done properly, waking your dog from deep sleep can result in violent behavior and perhaps biting.

Sleeping positions

Dogs usually lie on their stomach, or are curled up during sleep. A popular napping position is on the side, although it can lead to deep sleep as well.

One way to know that your dog is deeply asleep and dreaming is if it's lying on its back with all four legs in the air. That is the position of maximum comfort and deep sleep. The stomach doesn’t get hot like that, and no muscle is tense, similar to when it's curled up. When a dog turns its back to its owner or another dog, it is a sign of commitment. The dog feels protected in that position.

Choosing the right spot

What better way to get some R & R than beside a loved one.
*image provided by Andrea

It is believed that dogs like to sleep on posts that aren’t affected by negative energy and radiation. Before they go to sleep, dogs like to circle around the desired spot, sniffing and exploring it. That proves that they won’t sleep anywhere but prefer to pick the perfect spot for that sweet nap.

Author bio:

Andrea Hudson is a professional photographer and a great doglover. . She is interested in dogs and pets related topics, and she is also the first person in the neighborhood who you call for help when you lose your dog, any kind of pet. She is always there for her friends.

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For the Love of Dog Books

I've always been passionate about dogs. The first book I bought was about taking proper care of my dog; I was just seven back then.

Now that I'm decades older, that book collection has increased in size since I've started My Dogs Love Me. So I may not have a library of dog books yet, but I can see my own bookshelf filled with them.

These dog books are some of my favorite ones. I've collected them within the past year and a half.

Most of you might have noticed that I'm a sucker for Barron's books. However, my pick of the litter remains to be "Animals Make Us Human" by Temple Grandin.

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The Best Destinations For a Dog Getaway (Guest Post)

If you usually leave your dog with friends, family or a boarding kennel when you jet off on holiday why not consider taking your dog along with you next time? While you’ll find that most destinations will generally welcome dogs, these are some places around the world that will make your four-legged friends feel like they’re right at home!

Israel

It should come as no surprise that Israel – the country that launched the very first television channel for pooches - is a nation of dog lovers. This is particularly obvious in its biggest city, Tel Aviv, where there are designated beach and park areas specifically for dogs (don’t worry, they’re still welcome everywhere). You’ll spot every kind of breed wandering the streets here, and many have awesome custom haircuts to cope with the heat!

happy to pose by Victor Bezrukov, CC-BY-2.0

France

The French certainly love their dogs - so much so that they don’t think twice of seeing them in shopping centres, restaurants and other public places. Even in Paris dogs are a common sight – in fact they even have city workers that drive around on a motorcycle sucking up dog poop (they call it a ‘moto-crotte’), although you’ll probably feel a bit wrong leaving your dog’s waste on the pavement. If you’d rather get away from the city there is a wealth of countryside to explore. While many of the National Parks ban dogs you’ll still find many trails leading out of towns and villages as well as along the coast.

Ah, Paris by Jon Hurd, CC-BY-2.0

The Netherlands

While you won’t find people employed to scoop up your dog’s mess in Amsterdam it’s still a great place to take your dog. There’s a special area in Oosterpark specifically designed for dogs while Vondelpark is another great place for you and your pup to stretch your legs. Meanwhile, in the large open squares around the Netherlands you’ll often find locals relaxing at a café with their pooch, so you can feel comfortable taking your pet where you please. 

Dog in Window by Mingo Hagen, CC-BY-2.0

USA

As you’d imagine with a country the size of the USA there are plenty of dog friendly areas, but the one that trumps them all may be Key West at the southern tip of Florida. There’s a tremendously laid back vibe here, perhaps in part thanks to its proximity to Cuba, so if you enjoy relaxing strolls with your dog and easy access to delicious fresh seafood you’d have difficulty finding somewhere better.

On the other side of the country you’ve got San Diego in California. There are no less than four dog beaches here, so you can feel free to unleash your pooch and let them run and play to their heart’s content.

Lady Momma by Wonderlane, CC-BY-2.0

New Zealand

While there is a quarantine period for dogs entering the country, if you’re going to travel to the other side of the world why wouldn’t you want to take your pet with you for the adventure of a lifetime? There are dog friendly cities throughout New Zealand on both the North and South Island, so you can easily travel through the country with your dog by your side. While dogs aren’t allowed in National Parks you can bring them into many of the country’s beautiful Forest Parks as long as you keep them on a leash. And of course, as you’d expect from an island nation, there are miles and miles of beautiful coastline to explore.

Sunrise + Dog by studio tdes, CC-BY-2.0

Pack your Pet Passport

Remember that if you’re planning on going away with your dog it’ll need a passport just like you. This will involve having your dog microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and treated for tapeworm – just ask your vet for more details and then start preparing for a proper dog’s holiday.

Finally, for road trips, travel safely with your dogs with award-winning dog travel products from Kurgo  

Author's Note:

This article was written on behalf of helpucover, a trading style of Cardif Pinnacle Insurance plc, an insurance company that offers a range of cover including Income Protection, Pet Insurance, car GAP insurance and Gadget Insurance.

Visit us online at http://www.helpucover.co.uk

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Do Dogs and Other Animals Dream? (Guest Post)

Happy Sunday and belated Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Photo credits: epSos .de

Have you ever wondered if dogs and other animals dream when they're asleep? This is actually a question that many people have about their pets - especially when they watch them sleeping sometimes. Rather than guess on this, we've dug up some specific information 

A psychology professor at the University of British Columbia - Stanley Coren - wrote a book called The Intelligence of Dogs in which he says they dream, but their sleep cycles are a lot shorter than that found in humans. And this means that even if they dream, it's not as involved as the dreams of humans. 

Do Dogs Dream? The Proof

Here's a look at all the major and specific signs that point to the fact that dogs dream - probably of chasing cats and other small forest creatures. 

• Brainwaves - The first sign that dogs do really dream is that their brain continues producing neural activity. In fact, these brainwaves are very similar to what is seen in humans when they enter the dream state during sleep. This is very specific information. For example, scientists have been able to read the brainwaves of rats so clearly, they know the section of a maze the mouse is dreaming about! 

• Movements - It's known what area of the brain inhibits the body from acting out specific body movements in dreams. The pons - as this area is known - can be turned off so that scientists have been able to see what dogs are dreaming about - usually doing common dog activities. If you look closely at the dog's eyes, you'll see that they are moving because the dog thinks they're looking at real images while dreaming - like humans. 

• Research - Studies have shown that animals below a dog in intelligence dream, which is another very good sign that there's something going on in your canine's mind when they close their eyes to rest. Further research will be done, but there's a good chance the dogs will all receive treats and won't be harmed while more information is sought about how and why dogs and other animals dream. 

Looking at the facts above, it's easy to see that dogs - and other animals - likely dream. What they're dreaming about is still a mystery, but seeing them move their legs when sleeping helps us put together a picture of what they're probably dreaming about. Dreams are mysterious for humans but perhaps even more so for animals like dogs. 

One thing that should be pointed out is that toddlers are known to dream more because it's thought that it helps strengthen neural connections. And if this is true for human babies, it's probably likely true for puppies as well. So make sure you let them dream as much as they need when they're growing up. 

Written by: 

Gustavia Heffner knows a lot about Parquet because he's been working with it a while. He loves to read infographics about home maintenance. 

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Most Famous Dogs from the Movies (Guest Post)

Today's guest post was brought to you by Adam Prattler. This brings back a lot of memories. The first movie I've seen starred Benji. I really loved that tiny dog's big adventures.

A Look at some of the Dog Stars in Cinema

Lassie Photo by Screencap

It's hard to talk about canines in cinema without mentioning one of the most famous dogs of all time. While different dogs played the character of Lassie, they were all related over the years. When it comes to dogs in the movies, it's hard to create a list without including Lassie.

Beethoven

Beethoven is probably the most famous St. Bernard - at least when it comes to movies. The first movie had Beethoven as a puppy. After escaping from a pet store, he wanders into the home of the Newtons. The rest, as you know, is history. Many people love this St. Bernard for one reason or another.

Old Yeller

This film from 1957 is probably one of the most memorable dog movies made in the last 100 years - or at least since movies have been made. The movie takes place in the 1860s - after the Civil War. The notable thing about this canine movie is that it's a family tragedy. The dog dying in the end is one of the most memorable scenes in all of cinema.

Benji

Benji was a dog star during the 1970s. Similar to Lassie in some ways - heroic dog saves the day - Benji was a lot smaller than Lassie - at least in size. When it comes to popularity, he was as big as any of the other dogs on this page. One of the things that sets Benji apart is his ability to act really well.

Milo

The star of The Adventures of Milo and Otis, this dog is another popular one in the movies. While he didn't do as many films as Lassie or Benji, the one he did do was very popular in the 1980s. What many people don't realize is that the film was originally a Japanese production. When it hit screens in America, it was just as popular.

Winn-Dixie

Two dogs played the part in the Winn-Dixie movie. Their names were Lyco and Scott, and they both did a terrific job of stealing almost every scene they were in. The movie came out in 2005. It's about a girl who moves to a new town and is befriended by the dog - who goes on to help her make friends.

Hooch

Who can forget this huge dog from Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. The dog is a French Mastiff, which are known for their slobbering. This actually made for a lot of laughs in the movie. This isn't your typical family dog film, but it's still worth a look if you like animals, especially big and messy dogs.

Bio

Bryan knows a lot about dog symptoms because he's worked as a veterinarian before. When not taking care of animals, he enjoys writing guest posts online to share his knowledge about pets with others.

What was your favorite dog movie?

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Dogs with Jobs in Bohol, Philippines

I almost forgot about this particular experience. It showcases the amazing ingenuity dogs have here in the Philippines. Whether they were trained to do this, I'm honestly not sure. There weren't any humans nearby to signal them except for the ones at the boat. They simply took turns to dive into the river and catch whatever scraps are being tossed at them -from meat to bread.

People enjoying their lunch at the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol. Philippines

Last June, we went to Bohol on a family vacation. One of its main tourists attraction is having lunch at the Loboc River Cruise. Basically, you eat lunch while the boat is cruising around the river. 

These two amazing dogs are waiting for their turns to take a swim at the river.

They're really smart. They take turns swimming towards the boats. These two are staying put because there's already one dog who's diving into the water to obtain the scraps thrown at them.

It's this dog's turn to get her own share of the daily feast. She dives in to catch the meat as it sinks faster.

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Dog Infographic: How Dogs Became Our Best Friends

To commemorate our Wordless Wednesday (being a day late), let me just share this canine infographic from The Uncommon Dog.

Thanks again, Miss Tammy.

How did you end up becoming your dog's best friend?

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Benefits of Owning an Aspin / Askal

Chooey Update: Chooey's doing a lot better. She's recovering pretty well. I've taken off the Cone of Shame during day time as she's no longer fighting the bandage tape muzzle that was made by the vet for her jaw bone to recover. She's on strict dog soft diet and she's crated every night.

You must be wondering what I am talking about.  Seeing as most of my bloggy friends are non-Filipinos, I'll be giving  a short definition of an askal/aspin.

Brother dog is a full-fledged, 100% genuine aspin. He's been with us for a long time now. He's probably 7 or even older.

An aspin or an askal is a dog native to the Philippines.  They are often found in streets and homes of the average Filipino family.  They are independent,  cunning and street smart (literally speaking).  Askals/ aspins are often categorized as mongrels, mutts and mixes, but I still personally like calling them street dogs because of their intelligence (and persistence) in finding their own food and evasion skills as escape artists. You don't normally learn that in a sheltered environment.

Literal Translations:

Askal -  asong kalye -  street dog
Aspin -  asong Pinoy -  Filipino dog

Why should you adopt an Askal or Aspin from your local pound? 

1. Most askals/aspins are food-driven. They're not picky on training treats. 

2. Aspins/ Askals normally thrive on people food, but dog food works wonders on them. I give mine Bow Wow dog food and their coats have turned extra shiny. 

3. Aspins make great models for photography. 

The camera may have the wrong settings, but dear Ginger's pictures will always be perfect.

4. Since the askal / aspin family tree is so diverse,  the tendency for them to have genetic diseases are slim to nothing. 

5. A little training goes a long way. Food rewards are highly effective. Saver the Wonder Dog is one of Philippines' most famous askal.

Note: Don't be discouraged by their stubbornness.  You'd  be surprised how easily they learn the rest of the tricks once they've gotten the first one right.

6. Most askals/ aspins have survived without vaccinations through  the years.  This means that most of them have built an immunity against highly contagious diseases.

Note: Fortunately,  due to government programs providing free anti-rabies vaccinations,  the rate of rabies infection in cities have decreased.

7. They're far cheaper to adopt.  Some Philippine pet shelters already have their dogs and cats spayed / neutered and vaccinated. 

Note: The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) charges an adoption fee of 500 php for cats and 1000 php for dogs. These pets are all neutered/spayed, rabies vaccinated, groomed and dewormed before adopted out.

8. They require less maintenance than purebred dogs. 

Bottom line,  aspins / askals are great dogs to take care of. And some city pounds are teeming with them. So do VISIT THEM before you buy that puppy in the pet store or online ad.

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