Failed Drug-Sniffing Dog Becomes Icon in Taiwan’s Earthquake Recovery A Labrador Retriever named Roger has an extraordinary story of inspiration. He used to be a sniffer dog until he got fired from the police academy because of his personality. Now, he is helping save lives in the aftermath of the Taiwan earthquake. Dog deemed ‘too friendly’ for drug-sniffing role steals hearts during Taiwan earthquake rescue. Roger was “too friendly and boisterous” for work in drug detection — but his personality was perfect for a search-and-rescue dog. Roger, 8, is one of four search and rescue dogs sent to ..read more

USWDA Celebrates Milestone A non-profit with over 23 years’ service supporting the military K-9 community is celebrating the successful rollout of a new program which covers the cost of emergency treatments for retired military working dogs. US War Dogs Association Emergency Care Program US War Dogs Association has already provided $50,000 of treatments to retired MWDs through its Emergency Care program, alleviating the financial burden from their handlers and families. This vital provision adds to a range of support programs offered – the largest of which is the organization’s Rx program, wh ..read more

Heartworm Awareness Month April showers bring May flowers — and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your dog is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. It is Heartworm Awareness Month and a great time to make heartworm prevention a top health priority. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to give your dog heartworm disease which is a serious parasitic disease that can cause lasting damage to your dog’s heart, lungs, and arteries. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe: Preventative Medicine The American Heartworm Society and many v ..read more

On the Go with Your Dog: Finding Time for Fitness What do you do when there aren’t enough hours in the day and not enough days in the week to do everything that needs to get done? Why, you pick up another passion… a new dog sport, of course! Juggling your job, personal exercise, and training your dog can often seem like an impossible task. But what if there were a way to “kill two birds with one stone” and accomplish more in less time? What if you could find an activity that not only improves your dog’s conditioning and endurance but also helps you get more fit… at the same time? What is Dryl ..read more

Warming Up Your Dog: The Key to Peak Performance and Health In the world of sport and working dogs, the difference between achieving peak performance and potential injury often hinges on a critical yet undervalued practice: the warm-up. This fundamental step is essential for anyone committed to their dog’s physical health and performance. Whether preparing for a competitive event, engaging in a demanding training session, or simply setting out for a day filled with activity, the importance of warming up your dog cannot be overstated. It’s a vital investment in your dog’s well-being, safety ..read more

Play Ball!  Ball Sports and Games You Can Play with Your Dog. Playing ball games with your dog is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond while providing them with much-needed physical and mental stimulation. Dogs naturally love to run, jump, chase, and retrieve, making ball sports an ideal activity for our canine companions. It’s important, however, to be sure you’re playing with your dog in a way that minimizes the risk of injury. Fetch – A Classic Ball Game Dogs Love Fetch is the most well-known and beloved ball game for dogs. This classic game never seems to get old. It provides ..read more

Meet the Trainer: Erica Boling, PhD Erica Boling, PhD, is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, certified personal trainer, and former Associate Professor who’s just as passionate about human performance as she is about canine athleticism. Erica’s dedication to educating others about canine fitness ignited when she witnessed numerous injuries among sport and working dogs. Many handlers overlooked subtle signs of soreness and pain or failed to adequately prepare their dogs for the physical demands they faced. Erica identified a pressing need for specialized fitness programs tailored to the rigorous d ..read more

Finding the Balance: How to Safely Challenge Your Dog Without Overdoing It Navigating the fine line between challenging your dog and pushing them too hard is a common concern for many handlers. It’s essential to recognize the signs of overexertion to prevent injuries and ensure your dog’s training is both effective and safe. To navigate this balance effectively, you need to be able to identify when an exercise might be too demanding for your dog and understand how to adjust your training accordingly.   Recognizing the Signs of Overexertion Maintaining Form and Technique: A clear indicat ..read more

Gearing Up for the 2024 Solar Eclipse: How Dogs React Does a solar eclipse affect dogs? It’s an oddly perennial question when a major solar eclipse occurs, as it will on April 8. Since humans need eclipse glasses, many question whether their dogs are safe. Animals do not look at the sun, so it’s unlikely they’ll even glance up just because the moon is crossing part of it. So, no, your dog does not need to stay indoors and doesn’t need eclipse glasses. However, there are some things to think about if you’re in the path of totality – when sudden darkness and excited humans are par for the cours ..read more

Advancing Your Dog’s Training Program: Knowing When and How In the dynamic world of dog training, whether for sport or work, understanding when to make changes to your dog’s exercise regimen is crucial. Reaching a plateau in training not only hampers progress but can also dampen your dog’s enthusiasm. Recognizing the signs that your dog is ready for more challenging workouts is key to their development and success. For the dedicated handler of a healthy, fit dog, maintaining the same training and exercise routine for an extended period can lead to a plateau in performance. When your dog breez ..read more