In addition to spreading love and comfort, a recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE revealed that the presence of therapy dogs provides significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression to patients in medical settings. According to experts at the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, being around these furry volunteers can also decrease stress, sadness, and fatigue in dementia patients, those suffering from anxiety, and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

What exactly is a therapy dog?

It’s important to understand the difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs.

Service dogs go through extensive training to help a person with a disability live a more independent life. Legally, service dogs have full public access rights, which means they’re allowed to go places off-limit to animals.

Emotional support dogs are typically trained to assist owners who have diagnoses of psychological or emotional disorders. Emotional support dogs have limited legal rights and typically an owner is required to present a letter of diagnosis from a doctor or a psychologist before gaining access to areas off-limits to dogs.

Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection while interacting with a wide range of people in a variety of settings. Therapy dogs also help console people in the aftermath of disasters, such as hurricanes or mass shootings.

How to know if your dog qualifies for therapy work

According to experts at Therapy Dogs International (TDI), “a therapy dog is born, not made.” While you can teach your dog basic obedience, you can’t change a dog’s inherent temperament. When a dog is under stress, poor or marginal temperament will surface, making the dog unfit for therapy work, said TDI trainers.

Personality traits of therapy dogs include being friendly, outgoing, gentle, calm, and confident around people and pets. These four-legged volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, with some purebreds becoming certified after retiring from the show ring, while many mixed-breed dogs excel in therapy work after being adopted from shelters or rescues. Typically, dogs have to be at least a year old before they can be certified for therapy work.

In a Newsweek article, Mary Burch, director of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program, said that matching dogs to the right setting is important when it comes to therapy work. For example, smaller breeds like Rosalie and Enzo, both rescue dogs, work well in hospital settings where people can place them on beds or laps, making it easier for patients to pet them. Burch says that larger more active breeds like golden retrievers work well in a setting such as a residential home for teenage boys where residents might enjoy playing ball or Frisbee with the dogs.

Popular large-breed therapy dogs include:

• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Greyhounds
• Standard poodles

Popular small-breed therapy dogs include:

• Beagles
• Cavalier King Charles spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Yorkshire terriers

In addition to having the right temperament, therapy dogs have to be clean, well groomed, and current on core vaccinations.

How to get therapy dog certification

In the U.S., several organizations train and certify therapy dog teams and each has its own set of rules and regulations.

Because all therapy dogs need to have good manners, basic obedience training is a must. Training experts at the AKC recommend that dogs complete the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test before taking a therapy certification test. The CGC teaches basic good manners, including come, sit, stay, down, and good behavior around other dogs.

Once you’re confident with your dog’s obedience skill level, you can reach out to a reputable therapy dog group. Among the largest and most popular groups operating in the U.S. are the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, and Therapy Dogs International. The AKC also offers a list of local therapy dog organizations, along with the states in which they operate.

Typically, dogs are required to pass a test before being certified for therapy work. In addition to observing a dog’s basic obedience skills, these tests are designed to evaluate a dog’s reaction when confronted with typical therapy dog settings. For example, during testing, dogs may be exposed to people on crutches, in wheelchairs, or using walkers. The dogs may also be subjected to loud noises or people running past them from behind — all experiences they may encounter while working. Evaluators watch to make sure that dogs remain calm in difficult, distracting, or stressful situations.

Once registered, you’ll learn from experienced handlers the skills needed when visiting facilities with your dog. In addition, therapy organizations provide members with the necessary liability insurance to protect them while volunteering.

Yes, there’s some preparation involved in getting your pet ready for therapy work, but the benefits are enormous. Volunteering to help others is a heartwarming experience. Taking your dog along on the adventure strengthens the bond you have with one another while working as a team to help those in need.

Why is my puppy whining? These are the common reasons.

The most important thing to remember about puppy whining is that it’s a very common, usually short-lived phase. Very young pups might just whine because they miss their mom or siblings. In most cases, puppy whining stems from basic needs they haven’t figured out how to communicate yet. It’s best to distinguish their different “whines” to avoid ignoring pleas for legitimate needs.

• Hunger or thirst is one of the most common causes of whining. Set your pup on a regular feeding schedule and make sure they have access to clean drinking water at all times. This will also stop them from trying to eat inedible items around the house like your favorite leather shoe!

• Potty breaks will make your puppy whine especially if you’ve just brought them home or if you’re training them to go outside. If they’re confined to a play area in your living room by a dog fence, take them out consistently to prevent any accidents.
• Boredom can cause your fur baby to whine or act out. Keep them entertained with lots of toys, time outside when possible, and walks. If they’re alone most of the day and whine when you get home, they might just be calling for attention.
• Stress or fear is fairly natural in young puppies. When you first take them home, they might whine because of unfamiliarity. They might also whine when they feel scared at the local dog park or if they hear strange, loud noises.

• Pain or discomfort whines are an important category to distinguish from the rest. Usually, this type of whining will be constant and can be accompanied by other symptoms like not wanting to be pet or picked up, not wanting to eat, and not being their usual self. If this is the case, take your pup to the vet immediately.

• Crate training is a major cause of puppy whining. They’ll cry for attention, to be let out, and might feel afraid in their strange new enclosure. So what can you do?
  

What puppy behavior training methods can I use?

• Praise them for being quiet. Before giving them what they need or want, wait until your puppy has quieted down. Give them a treat or praise for being quiet first. This is the part where you can get the “Be Quiet” command down.

• Don’t give in to their demands right away. Like we mentioned above, wait until your puppy is quiet before giving in. Sometimes what they’re asking for isn’t an immediate need like going potty or wanting food. In this case, giving them what they want right away will only encourage whining — which is what you don’t want! You need to demonstrate that whining every time won’t get them what they want.

• Keep them near your bed while crate training. While crate training, your puppy will whine. A lot. If possible, keep their crate by your bedside at night. This will reduce separation anxiety and any fears your fur baby might feel. You’ll also be more available in case they are whining to go potty outside or need water. Before putting them in the crate, make sure all their needs are met.

• Give them sufficient entertainment. If your puppy cries even when you’ve given them food, water, and potty time, the culprit might be boredom. Designate chunks of time throughout the day for walks and time at the park. Give them plenty of opportunity to socialize with other dogs and people. Additionally, give them outlets at home like tough chew toys, mobile toys, and treat-dispensing toys.
• Remember, even eye contact counts as attention. It can be difficult not to shush or correct your puppy when she whines, but even negative or dramatic attention will look like a reward to her. Unless you’ve specifically taught your dog that shh means to be quiet, she probably won’t understand anyway. Even the stink eye, which may work on your kids, probably won’t make much of a difference to your pup. If she got you to look by whining a minute ago, she’ll certainly try again.
• Redirect behavior when whining from excitement. Sometimes a dog can whine when they get worked up from excitement, especially during greetings. Ignoring your pup in cases like these may be next to impossible, so it might be more effective to redirect her excitement instead. Having your puppy follow a command or two will give her something else to focus on. It may help to ask guests to follow the same routine so your dog gets used to staying calm and active during greetings.

Let’s be frank. Puppy whining is normal and pretty much unavoidable. Before it carries over into adulthood, however, there are some key training techniques you can use at home. The secret is consistency when it comes to correcting puppy behavior, and not to expect overnight results. For now, enjoy your puppy’s wacky behavior, because this too shall pass.

@pawsomepets

I’ve seen it all now! ? @ГРОКЪ #fyp #guineapig #funny #petsoftiktok

♬ Caught A Vibe – Lancesavali

Who knew guinea pigs could be trained so well? In the TikTok video, a man, who is holding a string attached to a toy car on the ground (complete with working lights) pauses on the sidewalk long enough for his pet guinea pig to hop on his ‘ride’. Then, off the adorable duo go, with the man pulling the toy car with his furry friend behind him! The true joy of this video can be found in the details: we love how there’s a face mask in place on the front of the car that perfectly fits the guinea pig’s adorable furry face, and that the man doesn’t even pause when a piece of litter from the sidewalk catches the front of the toy car and is swept along with the car and passenger. Both pet parent and piggy are properly masked for a day on the town, and we love the sight of the piggy’s adorable little behind as they ‘roll’ on down the sidewalk.

Not surprisingly, the comments on TikTok are hilarious, ranging from pangs of jealousy (I can’t get my guinea pig to do that!) to concerns about the rubbish on the street (that napkin is along for the ride!). Most TikTok commenters echo one another about the extreme cuteness factor of this video, while a few outliers worry about the safety of the man’s guinea pig companion. We think his fur baby hopped on his waiting ride willingly enough, however!

We just wish we could have learned more: what is this cute piggy’s name? Where is this unlikely duo headed? What city are they in? We have so many questions!

Can guinea pigs learn tricks?

Guinea pigs are known for their friendliness and desire to cuddle, and yes, they are as cute as can be. But believe it or not, you can teach your guinea pig fur babies some pretty slick tricks, too. Guinea pigs are quite clever, but they do have short attention spans, so it’s best to keep your piggy lessons short. Consistency and repetition are key, says GuineaDad, who emphasizes that some piggies do learn faster than others. Have your fur baby’s favorite treats on hand, and with practice, your piggy can learn his name and even come when called.

Remember to give your piggy a treat only when she’s successful, to eliminate confusion, and remember not to rush it. According to the experts at Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic, it’s important to bond with your furry friend before attempting any tricks or training. Always train your piggy in a safe, secure environment, and remember that not every pig will be up for stunts like the one captured in this TikTok video! Your little fur baby may not be quite the daredevil, and that’s okay!

Why your kitten bites

It’s important to understand why your kitten bites. Kittens biting a lot is actually very common. Your kitten explores the world with his mouth. He bites and tastes objects to learn about them, and biting is a natural aspect of how your kitten plays with his littermates.

Kittens may also bite more when they’re teething. Kittens teethe around 10 weeks old, and then again when they’re about 6 months old. You might notice increased biting and chewing around these times as your kitten tries to relieve his discomfort.

While kittens may bite a lot, that behavior decreases as they age, and by the time your kitten is about a year old, he should be over his biting habits. However, it’s important to know how to react to your kitten’s biting in the meantime.

How to stop a kitten from biting

If your kitten bites you while playing, immediately yet gently remove yourself from his grasp. You might instinctively want to yank back, but be gentle and careful. The faster you pull away from the kitten, the more he might be tempted to chase and further play with you.

You can also say a sharp “No” to your kitten as you remove yourself. Don’t yell at your kitten, but do be firm.

Once you’ve gotten out of your kitten’s reach, remove yourself from the situation. Stop the play session immediately and don’t let your kitten chew on your fingers or toes. Move yourself away to reinforce that the kitten’s behavior was inappropriate. If you sat and tolerated your kitten’s biting you, you’d be reinforcing the behavior. Removing yourself removes the “fun” from the situation for the kitten.

Instead of letting your kitten chew on you, redirect his attention to an appropriate toy. You can attempt to play with your kitten again, but if he bites you, repeat the process and redirect him to the toy.

What not to do

If your kitten does bite you, you might be tempted to shout or to even push the kitten away firmly. It’s important to avoid both of these options. Frightening your kitten won’t help, and physical punishment is unfair and inappropriate, especially since biting is instinctive for kittens.

Instead, focus on ways you can help your kitten satisfy his need to play and chew. Consider buying an assortment of toys your fur baby can bite into. Experiment with different toy sizes and textures until you find the toys that your kitten most prefers. If your kitten is teething, he may prefer softer toys that he can easily bite into, since they can create some gum pressure to help relieve pain. Once you discover the toys that your kitten prefers, disperse them throughout your home so that you can always quickly grab one when needed.

Making sure that your kitten spends plenty of time playing can also help reduce his biting, especially if he’s biting to explore. Wand toys and laser toys can give your kitten a great workout, so he gets rid of excess energy instead of trying to play with your hands and feet.

It’s also important to get your whole family on the same page when it comes to handling your kitten’s biting. If one person permits the biting but another one tries to prevent it, you’ll be sending your kitten mixed messages. Instead, discuss the appropriate steps to take when the kitten bites to ensure that everyone in your home will react the same. This repetitive, consistent approach will be clearer to your kitten and can help him understand more quickly that biting humans isn’t allowed.

Stay the course

As your kitten grows, you’ll need to teach him important lessons like not to scratch the furniture and not to bite people. You’ll need to be patient and persistent while teaching your kitten, and there may be days when it feels like you’re getting nowhere. Keep at it, though. Your kitten will slowly get the message, and you’ll gradually see an improvement in his behavior. He might bite less, or he might bite more gently. With time, your kitten will learn that this behavior isn’t allowed, and he’ll understand that he can bite and play with other things, like toys, as enthusiastically as he likes.

Not establishing a routine

To be successful at potty training, it’s crucial to stick to a routine. You’ll be teaching your newest family member that there’s a time to eat, a time to run and play, and a time to do his business. Here are some tips to help you stay on schedule:

• Training experts at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)  say that feeding your pup at the same times each day will make it more likely that he’ll eliminate at consistent times as well, easing training for both of you.
• Plan on taking your dog to the pee pad at least every two hours and immediately after he wakes up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Your puppy won’t automatically know what the pee pad is for, so you’ll need to introduce him to the concept of using it. While your pup is relieving himself on the pad, say the command you plan to use to remind him why he’s there. “Go potty” or “be quick” are popular phrases.
• As soon as your dog has finished doing his business, give lots of praise and a treat. You want him to associate eliminating on the pee pad with a positive response from you.

Giving your puppy unsupervised freedom in the house

During potty training, you can’t let your pup roam around the house unsupervised. That gives him lots of opportunities to eliminate where he shouldn’t and prolongs the training process. Here are three options for restricting his movement:

• Trainers recommend using a crate when housebreaking because most pups won’t soil where they sleep. Be sure to lead him to the pee pad as soon as you let him out of the crate. Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn’t be kept crated for more than three or four hours because they can’t control their bladders or bowels for that long, according to the HSUS.
• If you prefer not to use a crate, you can confine your puppy to a small space in the home such as a mudroom or bathroom. It’s best to choose a room without a rug or carpet so puppies don’t get confused between using the rug and the pee pad.
• It’s fine to allow your dog time with you in the house as long as you are always supervising him. Training experts recommend tethering your puppy to you or a nearby piece of furniture with a 6-foot leash so that he doesn’t wander off and eliminate around the house when you’re not watching.

Not learning to read your dog’s body language

To succeed at potty training, you have to learn to read your dog’s body language. Typical signals that he needs to do his business include:

• Barking
• Squatting
• Restlessness
• Whining
• Sniffing the floor
• Circling

Once you learn your pup’s signals, you can take him immediately to the pee pad and reward him for a job well done.

Getting angry when your puppy has an accident

Accidents are part of potty training. Chances are, your dog will have several soiling accidents around the house before he’s fully trained, say experts at PetMD. Your job as a responsible pet parent is not to overreact when it happens. Rubbing your puppy’s nose in the accident or taking him to the spot and scolding him is not only cruel, but it also ruins the bond between you and your dog. It will make your pup afraid of you and fearful of eliminating in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good, according to HSUS experts. Here’s what to do instead:

• If you catch your puppy in the act of eliminating, try to stop him by saying something like “Whoops!” or startle him with a sudden noise. The noise should only be loud enough to distract your dog and not to scare him. As soon as he pauses, take him immediately to the pee pad to finish eliminating and give him a treat.
• If you do discover an accident around the house, just quietly clean it up. To avoid repeat accidents in that same spot, use a cleaning product specially formulated to remove odors such as Nature’s Miracle or Arm & Hammer.

How long it will take to potty-train your puppy depends on the individual dog and how consistent you are with your training. For some pups, it might take only a week or two before they are reliably using the pee pad. However, trainers say pet parents should continue following the frequent potty-break schedule and rewarding dogs for using the pads for at least six months. Your diligence and patience will be rewarded in the end, and you can relax as your buddy enjoys free run of the house.

They make maps in their brains

Common wisdom has held that birds use magnetic fields to find their way home during migration, and these directionally smart animals may do something similar. However, sound waves and landmark recognition might play parts as well in their instincts. Regardless, pigeons have an innate sense of where home is and what is around it. Because their minds have a detailed view of routes, they can even learn multiple go-between locations, like a nest and a feeding spot. You’ll need a GPS, but your little bird will use his ancestral intuition to take him home.

Pigeons can go more than 100 miles

In fact, competitive birds in races go for hundreds of miles per day. You should start small, though. When pigeon training, you’ll want to begin with just a mile trip and work your way up to your goal. Carefully determine your location, or both locations if you’re doing a journey, and make sure they are good. You should take into account any hazards along the way and confirm your bird will be as safe as possible. For example, you wouldn’t put his nest next to an angry den of coyotes or his loft alongside a piece of barbed wire. 

This bird can carry 10% of its body weight

Or about 1.5 ounces in total. You’ll need something to fasten your letter or tiny package onto your avian, too, so take that into account when you design the setup. Many owners choose to give their pigeons little backpacks to hold on to the message. While fabric is light, it doesn’t always hold up against the elements, so you should look into metal tubes, which are popular as well. The best news: Environmentalists have been adding lightweight sensors to pigeon packs to get vital info on climate change. 

You might see them at weddings

Most homing pigeons look like … well pigeons. You’ll recognize their grayish feathers with a touch of iridescent green if you’ve ever seen the street variety. However, these birds are special in that they come in many shades. You can find slate-gray, silver-striped, and amber-barred homers that each have a slightly different look. But the most attractive pigeon award has to go to the all-white variety. Because they can get back all on their own, pigeons often grace weddings. Don’t worry, they aren’t imposters: Doves and pigeons are really the same thing. Before getting your own set, think carefully about which colors you want, though that won’t make much difference in the training part. 

These guys start young

As with other animal instruction, you want to get the training on the calendar early in their lives for the most impact. Typically, you’ll begin at about 6 weeks and set up a strict schedule right away. Just like you, it’s best if your bird knows when he’ll be out in the field learning his craft. Of course, you need to give him a good reason to come home in the first place, and reward systems work best. He’ll skip breakfast in the morning as you take him out to his spot, then fly home quickly, anticipating his snack. Make sure it’s waiting there even if you aren’t and carefully hydrate your bird. You don’t want him getting too thirsty (or hungry), since that will be detrimental to his health. 

In addition to the fun part, you need to keep up your pet’s coop since he’ll spend a lot of time in there when you aren’t out training. You want a sturdy and safe loft that allows the whole flock to enter after a long trip but does not allow them to sneak out. And you definitely need to keep everything else out, too. Birds require lots of space to work out and stay in shape for the big excursions. Lastly, set up a bunch of perches along with somewhere to nest if you have a mated pair or are hoping to get one. You might even wind up with a whole new batch of homing pigeons ready to follow in their parents’ wingbeats.