Issuu

EXPERT ADVICE INSIDE: Behaviour, Healthy Aging Tips & Tricks Plus More!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions WINTER 2020/21

Feel-Good Rescue Stories

Brilliant Boredom Busters!

Get ready to happy cry! p16

Awesome toys & activites p66

E CANIN B OD Y A GE U G N A L R PRIME p90

Does your dog need a friend?

What Dogs Understand People Foods for Dogs

Cold Weather Gear Guide!

p34

Grieving the loss of a dog

Dreamy Dog Beds Adventuring Essentials

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL MAR ‘21

$6.95

Gift Ideas Galore!

p40

Why your dog stares at you

The Shed Factor: Breeds That Shed the Least—and the Most!

PLUS

Awesome Giveaways

VOL 19

NO 4

R I G H T P H OTO F RO M G O O D D O G BY R A N D A L F O R D

WINTER 2020/21

14 FEATURES How Dogs Understand Us It’s not just what you say to your dog, but how you say it.

BY STANLEY COREN

Getting Over the Loss of a Dog Why grieving a pet can be as hard—or harder—than the loss of a human family member, and how to heal your heart. BY TRACEY TONG

THE GOODS

Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? The eyes are the window to your dog’s soul.

Style At Home Super-stylish ideas & solutions for your dog-friendly home.

Cold Weather Gear Guide Canine essentials built for adventuring.

Perfect Presents Gift Guide Inspired gift ideas for all the dogs and dog lovers on your list.

BY TEOTI ANDERSON

Precious Cargo Rescue dogs airlifted from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas to awaiting homes. BY JANE MUNDY Is Chemotherapy Right For Your Dog? Cancer affects nearly a quarter of all dogs. But is chemotherapy the right decision after a diagnosis? Here’s what to consider. BY DARCY MATHESON

9 People Foods To Improve Your Dog’s Health Add these powerhouse foods to your dog's diet and reap the benefits. BY ROSE FROSEK

The ‘Bad News Bears’ Dog Sled Crew That’s Winning Hearts—and Races With a pack comprised of rescues a Utah couple is harnessing the power of dog sledding to transform dogs' lives. BY KATIE NANTON

Does Your Dog Need a Friend? How to choose the perfect pal for your pup!

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READ YOUR BREED 24

Commonly Confused Breeds The German Shepherd vs. the Belgian Malinois

The Border Terrier Alert and energetic, devoted and loving—this scruffy little terrier is an up-for-anything dog that’s ready to roll with you…no matter what! BY KELLY CALDWELL

BODY & SOUL

What’s the Deal With Dog Farts? How to stop dog farts in their tracks.

Healthy Aging Tips Activate your older dog’s body and brain with these expert tips.

D ESI G N & L AYO U T - DAV I D SE I D M A N ; H A I R & M A K E U P - R A I N A CL A R K E A N D K I R ST E N SY LV EST E R

L E FT P H OTO : P H OTO G R A P H Y, SE T D ESI G N S , STY L I N G - CE L EST E G I U L I A N O P H OTO G R A P H Y ;

40 DOG LIFE 22

We’re Giving It Away! We’ve got three months of cool dog stuff up for grabs, from custom portraits to cozy dog beds, and winners every week! Turn to page 22 to see what’s up for grabs.

How to Read Your Dog Lili Chin’s winningly adorable illustrations expertly capture and explain the nuances of dog body language.

Boredom Busters Fun ways to keep things fresh and interesting for you and your dog.

The Shed Factor The top 10 breeds that shed the least—and 10 that shed a lot.

REGULAR FEATURES

Oakley the Australian Shepherd photographed by the amazing Shaina Fishman. Cover inset illustration by Michelle Simpson.

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Is My Dog Aggressive? Or Fearful? Reactivity vs. aggression. BY NICOLE WILDE

Doggone Funny Cartoonist Dave Coverly sends up dog guardianship in all its wonderfully weird and very funny glory.

Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from itchy skin to stomach upset and mobility issues.

Choose Love Life lessons from a second-chance Pit Bull. BY LORI FULLER

ON THE COVER

4 moderndog

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book! Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s winter round up of must-read dog books.

Last Lick: Tiny Dog Stories Miniature, reader submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words.

C A RTO O N F RO M ' D O G S A R E P EO P L E TO O ' BY DAV E COV E R LY

6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 20 Smile! Photo Contest 94 Marketplace

EDITOR'S LETTER

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Our Biggest Fan Maddie can’t wait to read the Fall edition! —Kim Fowler

he holiday/winter season is upon us! For some, it brings snowsparkled dog walks, for others, much welcome respite from warmer temperatures. Either way, it’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate family in all its forms, dogs included, of course, for that’s exactly what dogs are—family. Thus, we’ve devoted this issue to the relationship between dogs and their people. And what a relationship it is, dating back to the Stone Age (p 12)! In setting out to explore and celebrate the human-canine bond, our aim was nothing less than to illuminate, inspire, and spark joy, while giving you the tools to do best by your dog. We hope we’ve hit the mark! We look at fascinating new research that illuminates how dogs understand us (p 28), delve into canine body language, and share feel-good rescue stories along with reader-submitted Tiny Dog Stories of no more than 100 words. Wellness takes center stage in articles that look at how to decide if chemotherapy is right for your dog following a cancer diagnosis, healthy aging tips, and people foods you can (and should!) share with your dog. Like all good relationships, that with your dog needs attention to really blossom, so we’ve packed the issue with tips, ideas, and finds to help you and your dog live your best lives. From brilliant boredom busters (p 66) to cold weather gear made for adventuring, along with expert behavioural advice to help you better understand your sometimes enigmatic canine bestie, and finds to make your house a (dog-friendly) home, it’s all here. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our endlessly inspiring community of dog lovers! With Love,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

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One Happy Dog! I have taken some tips from the article "The Top 10 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Dog's Life" from the Spring 2020 issue. My dog had a fun time getting the treats out of the food puzzle I gave her. I started giving her a more predictable routine, like what times I'll take her outside or what times I will refill and clean my dog’s food bowls. I have been rewarding her with treats for good behaviour and doing tricks, like stay and come. I also started switching out her toys to keep them fresh and engaging. Finally, I started using a front clip harness and it seemed to put less stress on her neck. Since my dog appeared to like me using these tips I will continue to do them.—Luke Umstetter moderndogmagazine.com/articles/10-things

P H OTO T E R R A N B AY E R , W E S T W AY S T U D I O ; LO R I F U SA R

CO N N I E W I L S O N W I T H P E N N Y, P H OTO K H A R E N H I L L

OUR READERS WRITE

C O NTRIBUTOR S

JJ Galloway, an

internationally collected artist who has shown in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Miami, creates animal portraits with a culinary twist. Whimsical crowns composed of ramen, cupcakes, vegetables, and sushi top her furred and featured subjects. Her fascination with pets comes naturally—she grew up in a house full of search and rescue Bloodhounds (which is saying something) and now shares her studio with her rescue pup, Ruby. See JJ’s delightful illustration for “Foods To Improve Your Dog’s Health” on page 62.

WINTER 2020/21

•

VOL 19

NO 4

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Hayley Schmidt Sales & Marketing

Linda Helme, Amanda Dalla Zanna Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Accounting Services & Subscription Services

Vicki Szivos Sales & Marketing Assistant

Georgia Riddle-Olsen Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Assistant

Becky Belzile

Vancouver-based writer with over 13 years of industry experience, a decade of which she spent on-staff at NUVO Magazine as managing editor. A lifelong lover of dogs, Katie looks for Corgis on every corner and counts a zesty little Corgi-BeagleAussie Shepherd puppy named River—owned by her friends Kim and Ward—among her latest obsessions. Turn to page 68 for Katie’s look at Rancho Luna Lobos, where a Utah couple is harnessing the power of dog sledding to rehabilitate rescue dogs.

Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 19, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 19, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE

Teoti Anderson of A Dog’s

Best Friend in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a certified professional dog trainer with more than 26 years of experience. Her books include The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training, The Dog Behavior Problem Solver, Puppy Care and Training, and more. A popular speaker, she gives educational presentations on canine behaviour to pet parents and other pet professionals across the USA and internationally. Learn more at teotianderson.com. On page 40 of this issue Teoti answers “Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?”.

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(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131

FAX

(604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2020/21 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9

PRINTED IN CANADA

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GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION! Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe

Katie Nanton is a

Stuff We Love

Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter! 1 Add a personal touch to your home décor (or give someone an incredible gift!) with a custom water colour pet portrait from Christy!Studios. Submit a photo to Christy Freeman Stark and she’ll create a stylized portrait just for you! I couldn’t love these more.—Hayley (from $75, christyfreeman.com) 2 The Wagnetic leash has become my daily leash and a lifesaver on long walks with my dog Chilicheese. I can store extra poo bags, keys, and small toys in its expandable, fully removable pockets for adventures around town. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at the park!—Becky ($16, find it on Amazon) 3 Feeding your dog a high quality diet should be a top priority! Black Gold Explorer Ocean Fish and Oat Formula provides complete nutrition for active dogs. It’s quality protein with no corn, wheat, or soy, plus an essential oil blend, prebiotics and oatmeal to help out sensitive stomachs, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables provide everything your best friend needs! —Amanda ($49.99, blackgoldpet.com) 4 Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge dog nerd! I’m getting into the holiday spirit and showing off my favourite breed with these adorable and stylish Christmas ornaments from Mirage Pet Products. They come in a whole variety of different breeds so you can choose your faves!—Yaunna ($12, miragepetproducts.com) 5 A little sparkle for the holidays in 12 different colours! Auburn Leathercrafter’s Tuscan Crystallized collars are stunning. Soft, durable, and studded with genuine Swarovski crystals, you’ll dazzle through the New Year!—Connie (auburndirect.com) 6 Protect your dog head to toe! Made from soft knit fleece fabric, the MuTTuque is designed to comfortably protect a dog’s ears, head, and neck in frigid weather. Meanwhile, their best-in-class Muttluks deluxe fleece-lined boots protect paws from cold, ice, and salted sidewalks. Bring on the winter weather adventures!—Georgia (MuTTuque, $20, Muttluks Deluxe boots, from $80, muttluks.ca) 7 The perfect way to dress up your dog’s collar for any occasion this holiday season, the handmade Red Poppy Dog Collar Flower from Darcy’s Canine Designs is stylish and durable. Featuring a hook and loop fastener, it easily attaches to your pup’s collar and can be adjusted for the right fit!—Vicki ($12, etsy.com/shop/DarcysCanineDesigns) 8 If your dog loves chasing after tennis balls and playing with squeaky toys, the Logical Pet Tennis Squeaky Ball will be a sure hit! Pawfect for outdoor play, this ball combines the fun and perfect throw-ablity of a tennis ball with a built-in squeaker to encourage play.—Linda (from $8, petfactory.com) 9 Is your small dog able to slip through the bars of your fence or balcony? Keep your dog safely where they belong with a Puppy Bumper! These comfortable, stuffed safety collars easily attach to your dog’s collar, come in a variety of fun designs, and keep your dog from escaping!—Jennifer ($24, puppybumpers.net) 10 Holiday pup portrait attire, anyone? Adorable for all holiday occasions, this Poinsettia collar adornment from Mimi Green is handmade, washable, and lightweight! Simply use the elastic ring to secure it to your dog’s existing collar or purchase a matching collar from Mimi Green while you’re at it!—Cecilia ($15, shopmimigreen.com)

! E L I SM

Modern Dogâ€™s Photo Contest Winners!

Sarah

German Shorthaired Pointer Mix

Jerry

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

Captain

Archilles Pomapoo

blue Terrier

Tucker Chihoula

koda

Great Pyrenees

Siberian Husky

izzy

St. Bernard

winnie

Golden Retriever

molly Maltese

Franklin

Olde English Bulldog

uhtred

Saint Bernese

troy

budyy

Labrador Retriever/ American Bulldog Mix

Terrier/Miniature Pinscher Mix

birdie

Australian Shepherd Mix

willow

Siberian Husky

Guinness

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

Bernedoodle

Golden Retriever

mochi noxus

Golden Retriever

paisley

Penny

Australian Shepherd

nala

English Bulldog

kylo

French Bulldog

Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?

gus Pug

oscar Chihuahua

Upload your dogâ€™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!

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in December, January and February. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.

December

1st-7th

Win 1 of 3 prize packs from Imagilin! Keep your pup happy and healthy with a selection of their probiotic supplements.

8th-14th

Win 1 of 3 custom 12” x 12” watercolour portraits on canvas of your dog from Christy! Studios.

15th-21st

22nd-31st

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-28th

January

Win a Lucky Dog prize pack! It includes a 32-pack of zero plastic poop bags, a dog crate, a pet cot, and an orthopedic pillow.

Win 1 of 15 Large Premium Ham Bone chew toys from TEX’s Smoke’N’Chews! Made from durable, BPA-free material and perfect for aggressive chewers.

Win 1 of 3 supplement prizes from Vetericyn! Includes a 90-day supply of supplements (3 bottles) with your choice of puppy, adult, or senior.

Win 1 of 5 Wondurdog Indoor Dog Shower Kits! Wash your pet, don’t get wet with this quality at home dog wash kit that connects to the shower.

Win 1 of 12 Furzoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in the USA of 90% recycled material, it's 100% durable!

Win 1 of 10 gift bundles from Pet Product Innovations! It includes a Paw Plunger, Zen Clipper Precise, Bandana Bowl, and SmartLeash.

February

1st-7th

Win a full interior prize package (worth $285) from Waglii! It includes a front seat cover, large rear seat cover, cargo liner, seat belt leash, and rope leash.

Win 1 of 5 Eco-Cotton Fleece Four Season Hoodies from UPZ Pet Products! Designed in Canada and available in a selection of sizes.

Win a large custom dog bed from Lilly & Abbie! Choose from a wide selection of beautiful fabrics to match any home.

Win 1 of 8 prize duos from Bernie’s Perfect Poop. Solve your dog’s poop problems and support their digestion with this 4-in-1 gut health formula.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning December 1, 2020 at 12:01 AM (PST) through February 28, 2021 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: BENJI SUBMITTED BY JOYCE CONWAY

s y a w a e v i G t a Gre

Rosé all day! The adorable Happy Hour Crusherz Rosé toy from ZippyPaws encourages play, combining squeakiness with the crunchy noise of a water bottle! zippypaws.com

STYLE AT HOME

Sustainable AND super comfy, the eco-friendly dog beds from Former Fibres are handmade with upcycled fabric and thread made from recycled plastic bottles! Buy just the cover (from $50) or add on eco-friendly, all-natural Kapok stuffing (from $35). Durable, machine washable, and ultra-cozy, these beds get rave reviews! etsy.com/shop/FormerFibres

Super-stylish ideas & solutions for your dog-friendly home

Modern Dog’s very own Charlie Brown has been immortalized in this adorable personalized illustration from Illustrate-it! These stylized, custom illustrations are a perfect way to pay tribute to a beloved canine while personalizing your home or office décor. illustrate-it.ca

295

Create a luxurious and custom dog bed with Lilly & Abbie! With over 250 fabrics to choose from, these handmade dog beds and covers are durable, feature a hidden zipper for easy removal, and are machine washable. lillyandabbie.com

200

Best gift idea ever! Julie Anne Caldwell of JAC Portraits creates gorgeous custom pen-and-ink pet portraits. Simply send her photos and she will produce a portrait for you capturing the essence of your pup! jacportraits.com

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Keeping your couch clean and protected can also be stylish! The Alpha Pet Flex Waterproof Couch Cover not only looks good and prevents damage to your couch, it’s comfy too. Machine washable and vacuumable, it features a noslip backing and seat anchors to help it stay in place on any couch. bit.ly/alphapetflexmoddog

D E X A S P H OTO @ M Y D O G I S C U T ES T

Rain, snow, or slush, the winter season means muddy paws! The Dexas MudBuster is an easy way to clean your pup’s feet. Simply add water into the tumbler and insert your dog’s paw; soft, gentle, and thick silicone bristles effortlessly remove all traces of mud and dirt. A must-have for the car and entry way! (from $15, dexas.com)

THE

Cold r e h t a e WEAR GUIDE G Canine Essentials Built turing for Adven

Walking multiple dogs can be tricky. Inspired by the demands of professional dog walking, the Lead-All Leash system from TinyHorse is specifically designed for pack management and safe handling of multiple dogs when out for walks. (from $20, tinyhorse.ca)

The Split Cargo Liner from 4Knines is a must if you want to protect your car from winter adventures with your dog! Available in three sizes, this heavy-duty cover is waterproof, easy to install, and easy to clean. ($90, 4knines.com)

Keep your dog cozy in the extra warm and breathable Silver Puffer Vest from UPZ Pet Products! Water resistant and lined with organic cotton, this adorable vest will keep your pup warm and comfortable during winter walks. Available in sizes to fit Chihuahuas to Labs! (from $40, upzone.ca)

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Insulating and protective, the Zippy Dynamics Cozy Full-Body Suit has a thick outer shell and an inner lining that keeps warmth in! With a full body fit that’s adjustable, this stylish performance suit will shield your pup from rain, dirt, and snow, so you can venture out no matter the elements! Available in sizes to fit dogs 8 to 50 pounds. Use code MD15 for 15% off! (from $95, zippydynamics.com)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide What they did. Where they went. Surprises happened! Love accompanies adopted shelter dogs Bea, B.B., and their “parents” on four unforgettable nonfiction road trips. Find it on amazon.com. Type in: Dog Vacations

Recycle in style! The new Earthstyle collection from 2HoundsDesign combines colourful upbeat designs with earth-friendly webbing made using recycled plastic bottles. Choose from six retro-hip designs. 2houndsdesign.com

Fashionably style your pooch with Puccissime Pet Couture’s luxury handmade harness & leash sets. Everything is uniquely designed and created by the owner, Ahoo, in her workshop in Vancouver, Canada. puccissime.com

Your pet will love to play & stay on the 4Legs4Pets special edition Retro Gaming printed cot. Available in 3 sizes to suit all dogs. Order before it’s game over. 4Legs4Pets.net

Being good all year can be ruff, so reward your furry friend this Christmas! P.L.A.Y.’s Merry Woofmas Collection features a stocking, plate of cookies, ornament filled Christmas tree, tug-able elf and silly Santa. petplay.com

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Bond with your pet with HandsOn Gloves! These award winning gloves allow you to easily groom your dog, creating a happy and less stressful experience for both of you. Now available in purple! handsongloves.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide Rebel Dawg is a fully customizable tag & charm shop. Personalize yours with 25 shape and colour options! They’re lightweight, jingle-free, USAmade and perfect for both dogs and cats! Use code MDRD15 for 15% off. rebeldawg.com

These fun and festive collars from Mirage Pet Products are sure to make your pup the talk of the holiday party! They are available in four different sizes to fit every breed. miragepetproducts.com

An adorable, delightfully detailed stuffed animal… of YOUR dog! Original Sock Dogs capture your pup’s unique appearance and personality. A beautiful, handmade keepsake you’ll cherish forever. sockdogs.com

Help your pup live their best life with SwiftPaws! SwiftPaws = the best game of chase ever. Easy setup & built in safety features make SwiftPaws the perfect option for high-energy dogs. swiftpaws.com

Capture your beloved pet in ink with a portrait from JAC Portraits. These unique pen and ink portraits make for a beautiful gift or accent to your home. jacportraits.com

Tired of walking behind a smelly bag of poop? Snap a YUCKY PUPPY poop bag carrier on any leash, bag or belt—only your dog will know what’s inside! yuckypuppy.com

moderndogmagazine.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide Make mealtime fun for your pup with the ZippyPaws Pineapple slow feeder! The raised design allows your dog to eat up to 10 times slower, helping to prevent bloating, belching and choking. zippypaws.com

Perfect for fans of All Creatures Great and Small, Barby Keel’s Will You Love Me? is the emotional, joyful true story of a Greyhound named Bailey, the woman who rescued him, and the miraculous healing power of love. kensingtonbooks.com

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is a premium freezedried raw food designed for your dog’s health and happiness. Made with turkey, beef, salmon, duck—and zero artificial ingredients, harmful preservatives, or fillers. drmartypets.com

Give the gift of health with Brutus Broth! Brutus Bone Broth is all-natural, human grade, and fortified with turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin for digestive and joint health. Enjoy 20% off with code MODERNDOG. brutusbroth.com

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Keep your dog safe with Puppy Bumpers! This patented stuffed safety collar keeps your pup on the right side of the fence or balcony. Plus, they’re available in a selection of fun patterns and colours. puppybumpers.net

The WoofPack dog walking accessory bag features an inner antimicrobial lined compartment to store bagged doggy waste plus separate pockets for personal items. It's the “go-to” carryall for dog lovers on-the-go everywhere. Available in five colours! woofpacktrails.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide CBD Living Pet Soft Chews for Dogs combine 5mg CBD, nutritious prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, and fibres with a delicious all-natural peanut butter, banana and pumpkin flavour your dog will crave. cbdliving.com Give your dog a spot on the couch that you will both love with the Alpha Pet Flex! Perfectly designed to stay in place, fully waterproof, and easy to clean. bit.ly/alphapetflex

Carnegie, a pampered Russian Wolfhound show dog, comes of age in a misguided, daring, and delightful adventure to find her royal Russian home. Award-winning Long Nose Legacy makes a heartwarming gift for any dog lover! Available on Amazon and all online booksellers

Get a PawPad to contain and control shedding, odour, drool, dirty paws, light incontinence and more! Itâ€™s lightweight, waterproof, and washer & dryer safe. getapawpad.com

The perfect gift for your dog and your home! Bowsers designers have transformed an everyday item into a functional, eye catching architectural piece. Contemporary, sleek and sophisticated. bowsers.com

The perfect multi-functional gift for any dog lover! The Wagnetic dog leash offers two expandable zipper pocket compartments for hands free storage of personal items, pet toys, treats & more. Find it on Amazon!

moderndogmagazine.com

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH DOG FARTS?

fft pff

How to stop dog farts in their tracks

og farts. They’re (usually) a normal, if stinky, part of everyday life with a dog. A bit of daily gas is nothing to worry about but if your dog is continually dropping stink bombs, it warrants looking into further.

few days while your dog is recovering.) However, several health conditions can cause G.I. problems in dogs, including canine colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, cancer, and pancreatitis.

Why does my dog have a lot of gas?

If you suspect it could be diet related, try slowly switching your dog’s food. Look for a food labelled as highly digestible or designed for sensitive stomachs. Avoid those containing harder-to-digest ingredients such as peas, beans, dairy, and high fiber.

Dogs have gas for a number of reasons. Your dog may eat too fast and swallow air, or your dog may be eating foods that disagree with him. Anything spoiled is a sure culprit, but lactose found in milk, bread, beans, and soya products, such as thickeners used in some dog foods, can all be the problem. The most likely cause is a change in diet or dietary indiscretion (your dog eating something ‘off’). If the problem is chronic, the issue is usually a diet that is poorly digested by your dog.

What causes the bad smell? The noxious smell is caused by the bacteria in the gut producing a sulfur gas during digestion. Foods with high sulfur composition, such as milk, red meat, or plant-based proteins are most likely to cause this.

Is it normal for dogs to fart a lot? All dogs fart, but if your dog is having trouble digesting his food, you can end up with a gassier-than-normal pup. Some gas each day is totally normal but if your dog routinely clears the room, get to the bottom of the cause. Swallowing a lot of air when eating and drinking can contribute to flatulence. Dogs that speed-eat or are short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, are especially prone to swallowing air, which finds its way out via farting. Is it a recent development? If your dog has diarrhea and/or blood in his stool, the gas can usually be attributed to dietary indiscretion. (Keep the garbage under lock and key and watch your dog closely on walks if they’re prone to scarfing whatever they encounter. Feed a plain diet of boiled chicken and rice for a

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Is a single ingredient the bad actor? In order to determine if a food allergy or a food intolerance is at play, you may need to put your dog on an elimination diet to figure out the culprit.

What home remedy can I give my dog for gas? If your dog bolts her food, use a food puzzle or slow-feeder dish that will slow down your dog’s eating, and thus the amount of air swallowed. We like the Zippy Paws Happy Bowl slow feeding bowls, available in adorable Pineapple and Donut designs. ($10, zippypaws.com) Steer clear of fart-causing foods. Some foods that are safe and healthy treats for your dog can still cause gas. We’re looking at you, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. If your dog is prone to gas, limit servings. Bernie’s Perfect Poop digestive supplement has natural fibres, enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics to support your pup’s digestive health. (from $12, perfectpoop.dog) Natural digestive aids like goat milk, ginger, yogurt, and probiotic supplements can help gassy pets. Good bacteria = a happy gut! Raw Goat Milk from Primal Pet Foods is not only extremely nutrient-rich, it’s blend of three beneficial microorganisms deliver five billion CFUs per ounce, plus is has added probiotics for even more digestive support! (from $7, primalpetfoods.com)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

NATURAL DOG Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle Ocu-GLO Soft Chews for Dogs and Cats are a blend of powerful antioxidants that complement traditional therapy. Formulated to protect vital cells in the eye at the DNA and protein levels from oxidative damage, this formula includes Grapeseed Extract, Lutein and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It also includes Astaxanthin for enhanced antioxidant support! animalnecessity.com

Keeping your dog healthy throughout the winter months could not be easier than by adding Ocnean’s Profauna 100 to their daily diet. With billions of bacteria and prebiotics, simply scoop Profauna powder onto your dog’s food to boost both immune and digestive health for your fur baby. ocnean.com

I’M-YUNITY for Dogs. Improve your dog’s immunity and quality of life with I’m-Yunity. It’s the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extracts of Coriolus versicolor. I’m-Yunity contains proprietary and standardized extracts to help to reduce pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite. Use code “moderndog” for a 5% discount and learn about clinical results at imyunityfordogs.com!

Does your dog experience occasional hip and joint pain? Grizzly Pet Products’ Hemp-Enhanced Joint Aid provides a synergistic blend of five joint support ingredients plus organically grown, broad spectrum hemp oil with CBD. It supports joint flexibility and mobility, provides connective tissue support, and helps relieve occasional joint stiffness. grizzlypetproducts.com

Give your dog the best health from the best treats with Homescape Pets. They have 100% natural, air-dried single-ingredient treats and chews that are appropriate for your pet’s body. Their products are made in the USA using responsibly sourced ingredients. Use code MODDOG20 and get 20% off your order. homescapepets.com

Build, maintain, and restore your dogs’ joints with HAPPYBOND’s collagen+ essential nutrients for pups of all ages. This all natural, human grade collagen+ powder is enhanced with glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins that can easily be added to your dog’s daily routine. happybond.com

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Playtime?

Stuck at home? Keep your dog entertained with the award-winning iDig from iFetch, makers of the automatic ball launcher. The innovative iDig provides an outlet for the innate desire to dig and hunt, while keeping brains and paws busy. How it works: Load with toys or treats and watch your dog dig away for the treasure. Different flap designs provide varying levels of digging challenges, providing mental and physical stimulation. Suitable for big and little dogs. $80, goifetch.com

Boredom Busters!

Fun ways to keep things fresh and interesting for you and your dog

older weather plus the coronavirus have definitely made for more time at home for dogs and people alike. Keep boredom at bay with these ideas to keep things fresh and exciting for you and your dog, whether youâ€™re indoors, in your backyard or out on your daily dog walks.

Create the best game of chase ever in your own backyard. Dogs that love to run and chase will go wild for SwiftPaws Home, an easy to set up at-home lure course that provides excellent, healthy exercise and lots of fun. Dogs delight in chasing the fast-moving flag, wearing off pent up energy in the process. You decide on the size of the course (200-300 feet), the speed (0-30 mph) so you can easily adjust the play style to suit energetic working dogs or slower seniors. $389, swiftpaws.com

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Add some goal setting to those daily walks Instachew’s new leash helps you monitor daily activities, track your steps, and provides a summary of where you walked your dog! An LED torch light makes it safe for you and your pup to go for walks early in the mornings or at night, plus you can personalize the pattern of colours for the side ring. A hands-free design means you can wear the handle on your wrist and the app allows you to connect with other dog owners! $75, instachew.com

At-home agility! Agility is beloved by dogs and their owners alike. It provides mental stimulation, exercise, and is incredible for building a bond, requiring you and your dog to work together as a team. Reap the benefits with an at-home agility set. Beautifully designed for dogs to tunnel through and run up and down the exercise ramps, Gyms For Dogs' Home Run Bridge Club is an all in one multi-functional play product featuring incline and decline ramps for agility training and play time, plus an elevated training platform and underneath tunnel/shade area. $1790, gymsfordogs.com

Teach your dog to retrieve toys by name.

Trick training. Pass a rainy Saturday learning some new tricks! Tricks are great mental exercise and awesome for bond building. Three to try:

Enliven that game of fetch! The Flingerz Ball Launcher is adored by dogs big and small. Dogs love chasing the irresistible whistling ball as it soars through the air. The lightweight handle makes for easy, hands-free pickup of the super-durable, fun to chew, easy to throw ball—perfect for epic games of fetch! $20, flingerzpet.com Giveaway! The first 50 people to message Flingerz on Facebook will receive a free Flingerz!

Sneeze on command. Wait for your dog to sneeze and then “capture” the behaviour by saying “sneeze” and giving a treat and verbal praise. Dogs learn to “sneeze” on command amazingly quickly with a bit of repetition. This one’s a crowd pleaser! Take a bow. Use a treat or toy to lure your dog into the “play bow” position (or wait until your dog naturally assumes this position), say “take a bow”, treat, and praise. Retrieve toys by name. Start with just two toys. Give them names and ask your dog to retrieve one of the two by name. Treat/praise for a correct response. Gradually add in more toys. Chaser, a Border Collie, could correctly recall the names of 1022 different toys. moderndogmagazine.com

Leash-reactive dogs often growl, bark or lunge toward things that make them nervous or fearful in an attempt to make the scary thing go away. Their triggers may be other dogs or people. me their four-footed bodyguard wouldn’t let anyone get close, only to discover that the dog was essentially protecting himself from strangers. It’s easy to understand how a dog who lunges while standing in front of his owner could be mistaken for a dog who is displaying guarding behaviour, but again, so often what seems like aggression is actual fear-based reactivity. So, how can you tell the difference? Just ask the dog. No, I’m not suggesting you inquire, “How do you really feel about that Jack Russell?” I mean that you can learn an awful lot just by observing canine body language. The next time your dog becomes reactive, look at his overall body posture. Is his weight more heavily distributed forward or backward? Or does he stand without leaning in either direction? A confident dog’s body weight is typically well balanced. If the dog is truly aggressive, the body weight will be forward. Of course, there are other reasons a dog’s body weight might be forward as well, including excitedly pulling toward something. The body weight of a dog who is fearful will be more heavily distributed toward the rear. A fearful dog’s ears will also be positioned further back. While a dog who is truly fearful will likely have his ears laid flat against his head, there are gradations. The ears may be only held

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slightly back, and sometimes only one ear is titled backward with concern. The ears of a confident or aggressive dog will have a definite forward point. Just as with body weight, there are other possible reasons for ear position. Forward ears could also connote interest or focus, while laid-back ears could indicate submission, for example. Ear positioning is easier to observe in dogs with pricked ears as opposed to floppy ones. For flop-eared dogs, looking at the base of the ear can be helpful in assessing position. The tail is another revealing part of the body language puzzle. A dog who is fearful will hold his tail in a low position; a truly frightened dog may even tuck it under his body completely. A nervous dog may hold the tail low while wagging in a fast, tight arc. A confident dog will display a higher tail carriage, and a dog showing aggression will have a tail that is held high and may be wagging stiffly. There are other parts of body language that should also be taken into account. The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they are also the doorway to discovering how a dog is really feeling. A hard stare is a threat in the animal kingdom, and a dog who is staring with laser focus at another dog is not showing fear-based reactivity, but is presenting a challenge and possible danger. A dog who wants to avoid a threat will avert his eyes and possibly

also turn his head and/or entire body away from that threat. Other signs of nervousness include lip licking, yawning, sniffing the ground, or the dog developing a sudden itch. No, the dog hasn’t suddenly developed fleas; biting at his own hindquarters or using a back leg to scratch along the side of the face serves to momentarily turn the dog away from the threat, thereby creating a break in the tension. Although observing body language is helpful, with fear-based reactivity there can be an element of emotional conflict. A dog might bark and sound for all the world as though he is going to attack another dog, while at the same time his ears and body weight are back. In fact, in my experience that combination is pretty classic. Many times I have seen dogs who have been described as aggressive toward people where the dog will lunge and then dart backward while at the same time barking, as though to say, “You big scary thing, don’t make me come over there!” What these poor dogs really want is for the big, scary thing to go away. Each piece of body language must be assessed as part of the overall display and in the context of the situation in order to distinguish fearbased reactivity from true aggression. It is important to take the time to observe and come to the correct conclusion, especially because once a dog has been labeled as “aggressive,” people tend to see all of the dog’s behaviour through that lens. The dog might not get the proper rehabilitation he needs, or worse, he could end up rehomed or even euthanized. Understanding that a dog is displaying fear-based reactivity allows for the proper behaviour modification to take place, under the guidance of a professional trainer if necessary. If you believe your dog is truly aggressive, avoid his triggers and seek help from a professional. 

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PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common dog-life problems

PROBLEM: BAD BREATH SOLUTION: To share a wet kiss with your loving pet is a

happy moment. Daily dental care with ProDen PlaqueOff helps reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath today and throughout life. swedencareusa.com

PROBLEM: CANINE OBESITY SOLUTION: 56%

of dogs are overweight or obese. SlimPaws, a daily chew, features a Fat Fighter Blend that is natural, safe and scientifically proven to help dogs lose weight and live longer. slimpaws.com

PROBLEM: NO PET EVACUATION PLAN? SOLUTION: Pet Evac Pak’s emergency go-bags help keep your pet safe for up to 72 hours. The food and water have a 5-year shelf life, giving you peace of mind that you’re ready for any situation. petevacpak.com PROBLEM: UNSAFE AND DIFFICULT NAIL TRIMMING SOLUTION: Safely and easily trim your dog’s nails with the Zen Clipper Precise from Pet Product Innovations. Adjust the opening of the blades to trim only the amount you choose – even if your pet moves or squirms. petppi.com

PROBLEM: STILL HOLDING MULTIPLE LEASHES? SOLUTION: Simplify your outings with gear from TinyHorse, a Canadian company designing products for professional dog walkers. Their versatile leash solutions come in a variety of materials and are perfect for multi-dog homes, too. tinyhorse.ca

PROBLEM: CHRONIC DISEASE SOLUTION: Buddy Custard is an all-natural frozen treat made specially for dogs. A few tablespoons added to a regular diet will help them avoid disease and ensure they live the healthiest life possible! buddycustard.com moderndogmagazine.com

Healthy PAWS Solutions for everything from itchy skin to stomach upset and mobility issues.

DENTAL HEALTH PLUS MORE! Dailydose Dual Benefit (Dental + Supplement) Chews for Dogs are formulated to help support your dog’s dental health with the bonus of added wellnesssupporting supplements. Choose from Heart Health, Joint Health, Skin Health, and Calming formulas for a doubled wellness boost! ($23, yourpetsdailydose.com)

HEALTHY SKIN & COAT Does your dog have itchy skin and coat-health issues? These Shine and Luster chews from Dr. Marty Pets support balanced histamine levels, fight against skin irritation and dryness, and support a shiny, healthy coat. ($65, drmartypets.com)

SORE JOINTS/ MOBILITY ISSUES The Mussel Mobility Complete from Homescape Pets is uniquely formulated with Green Lipped Mussel, organic turmeric, and organically grown raw CBDA Hemp extract to help dogs suffering with significant mobility and joint issues. ($39, homescapepets.com)

IMMUNE SUPPORT Worried about your dog’s immune system and energy levels? I’m-Yunity is a medicinal mushroom supplement that is clinically proven to boost energy levels and stabilize white blood cell counts. (From $95, imyunityfordogs.com)

SENSITIVE GI SYSTEMS TRIM NAILS MADE EASY! Trimming your pup’s nails can be stressful for both you and your dog! The Zen Clipper from Pet Product Innovations has a patented conical blade that helps ensure you only cut the tip of your dog’s nail and avoid cutting the quick. ($26, petppi.com)

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If your dog has a “sensitive” gastrointestinal system or constipation, upset stomach or diarrhea, MitoMax for Dogs and Cats from Imagilin can help—just take a look at the testimonials. This patented, plantbased probiotic works to support your pet’s digestive and immune health. Simply give capsules directly or separate into your dog's meal. ($42 sale price, petsmaxcity.com)

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CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s Winter selection of must-read books for dog lovers Dogs By Walter Chandoha

Good Dog: A Collection of Portraits By Randal Ford Award-winning photographer Randal Ford’s latest book, Good Dog, is a stunning collection of flawless dog portraits that manage to capture just what it is we love about dogs. Photos of 150 canines, from mutts to show dogs, highlight the rich diversity of our canine companions and convey the warmth, humour, and intelligence we see in our canine friends.

A Traitor to His Species: Henry Bergh and the Birth of the Animal Rights Movement By Ernest Freeberg Dive into the incredible true story of activist Henry Bergh and the work he did in Gilded Age America to lay the foundation for animal advocacy, shaping our modern relationship with animals. Award-winning historian Ernest Freeberg’s latest book provides a fascinating and entertaining look at the birth of the animal rights movement, capturing the gritty, dangerous streets and outlandish characters (Gangs! Robber barons! P.T. Barnum!), bringing to life the remarkable story of a man that gave voice to the voiceless.

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Dubbed the 20th century’s greatest pet photographer, Walter Chandoha is widely considered the father of modern pet photography. You can see why in Dogs, a new book of his collected dog photography, featuring over 60 breeds. These peerless photographs, dating from 1941 to 1991, capture not only the breadth of Chandoha’s remarkable work, but our enduring relationship with dogs through a historic lens.

Live Vibrantly! With L.J. and Her Dog George Eliot By L.J. Rohan To quote Live Vibrantly, “you’re never too old to act young and have fun!” Author L.J Rohan, a gerontologist, shares wisdom and tips on aging gracefully, happily, and healthily in this utterly charming illustrated book. In sharing experiences from her own journey with her adorable Havanese, George Eliot, as she navigates life after fifty, L.J. Rohan wants people to view aging as an empowering, positive, and natural part of life; her inspiring book does just that!

Dog Vacations By Carolyn West Meyer Pack your bags and tag along on this entertaining vacation! Join Carolyn, Kel and their rescue dogs Bea and B.B. on four exciting road trips across the United States. These wanderlust inspiring stories perfectly capture the adventures, challenges, and humour that accompany travels with dogs.

LAST LICK

Pawprints On My Heart I remember you as a puppy with paws too big for your feet. You were so rambunctious. Training was an adventure, to say the least. You mastered “sit” right away, but “stay” took a little longer. I remember the time I was yelling “stay” as you ran out the door, barking, towards the neighbour’s cat. You sort of listened because you stopped right at the edge of the yard. But I only saw the pawprints in the freshly set driveway. Now as I look at you speckled with gray, I realize those pawprints are cemented on my heart.—Joely Hart

A smile that saved

TINY DOG STORIES Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. Love is blind You were blind and diabetic, a combination that resulted in a life of daily shots and furniture that always stayed in the same place. Bones visible on your frail body and special dog food adorning our cabinets, we gave you a life of limited space. You went to the bathroom in a certain spot, slept in a certain spot, and moved where you could. I wish you could’ve known more, and that I could’ve known you more. As a dog more than sick. One day you crawled up to me like you knew me and I hope that was enough.—Alyssa Asaro

“I really need to leave a note,” she thought. But what could she say? Whenever she would bring up how depressed she felt, people would say, “You? What do you have to be depressed about?” and that would only make her feel worse. She would half-heartedly laugh and retreat inside herself, mired in the feeling of despair that consumed her with increasing regularity. As she sat palming the bottle, her Corgi Fry trotted up to her. Their eyes met and, in that moment, her despair subsided. The pills returned to the bedside drawer and they went for a long walk.—Dylan Schulz

D-O-G: Disciples Of God A little black rescue puppy changed my life forever. Baldwin, a Puli, was a high-octane ball of fluff. I quickly learned he needed a job and joined Therapy Dogs International. On our first hospital visit, Baldwin and I met Maria, a seven-year-old battling cancer. At first she looked pale and gaunt, but her colour started to return when Baldwin entered. Within moments, Baldwin lay across her lap and began to breathe deeply. While stroking his curls, Maria closed her eyes and breathed deep with him, looking better with every breath. That’s when I understood why “dog” is “God” spelled backwards.—Susan Hartzler

Pregnant Pause For one of my earlier litters, I vaguely remembered that I had ordered a bottle of Bitch Pills (a prenatal vitamin for dogs) from Thomas Labs. I looked up the number on Google (I had not yet become hooked on Amazon Prime).

Not a Casual Barker Harper is a barker. Not just a casual barker but an ‘every time I get into the car barker.’ We’ve tried everything to stop his barking in the car but to no avail. Although friends and family feel his barking is unnecessary and Harper needs discipline, I beg to differ. He barks not to be bad but is greeting all his friends. One day, while driving and talking on my cell to my niece, Missy, I explained that once out of the neighbourhood, he would stop. Twenty minutes later, my niece exclaimed, “wow, he has a lot of friends.”—Sandra Roth

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"Good Morning," a pleasant voice answered. "This is Jane McCormick. May I help you?" "Hi Jane," I replied. "Do you carry Bitch Pills?" Silence. With uncertainty she said: “This is the Albany Seminary.” “Oh my God,” I nearly said aloud, quickly adding “Oops, wrong number.” Almost before I finished, Jane laughingly interrupted: “Well, some of us up here may need some...”—Eleanor Green Winters

Modern Dog Winter 2020