Good Dawg Gravy

06/12/2026

A new peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science followed 858 senior dogs and found that dogs who regularly played, trained, hiked, swam, or participated in other activities with their owners showed fewer signs of age-related cognitive decline. The benefits appeared to go beyond exercise alone, with activities that challenged the brain and strengthened the dog-owner bond linked to healthier brain aging. Dogs that participated at least weekly tended to stay mentally sharper, while lifelong sports dogs had the lowest cognitive decline scores.
That’s important because doggy dementia is one of the most common quality-of-life issues affecting senior dogs. The takeaway? Regular play, training, enrichment, and shared adventures may help keep your dog’s mind younger for longer.

Supporting healthy aging also means protecting the joints that keep dogs active. That’s why Dr. Karen Becker formulated Mobility Matrix™ with science-backed ingredients like UC-II® undenatured type II collagen and eggshell membrane to support mobility and comfort.

If you’d like to explore a science-backed mobility solution for your dog or cat, comment MATRIX and we’ll DM you the link. 🐾✨

03/12/2026

Each stage is a treasure in itself ❤️🐕🐩🐕‍🦺🦮

01/01/2026

https://www.kptv.com/app/app/2026/01/01/dog-treats-recalled-salmonella-contamination

Dog treats have been recalled due to salmonella contamination.

12/19/2025

While I know that each and every one of you have the best, most well behaved dogs in the world...there are always reminders on how we can be better Dog Parents.

Training your dog to overcome common problem behaviors is most effective when you use positive reinforcement.

The goal is to reward the behaviors you want while making the unwanted behaviors unrewarding.

Here are the best training techniques for the specific issues you mentioned:

1. Jumping Up: "Four on the Floor"
Dogs jump because they want to greet you eye-to-eye. To them, any reaction—including pushing them away or saying "no"—is a form of attention.

* The Technique: Completely ignore the dog when they jump. Turn your back, cross your arms, and don't look at them.
* The Reward: The moment all four paws are on the ground, immediately praise and pet them.
* Alternative Behavior: Teach a "Sit" command for greetings. A dog cannot sit and jump at the same time.

2. Leash Pulling: "The Statue" or "Crazy Walking"
Dogs pull because they want to get to something exciting, and pulling often gets them there faster.
* The Statue: The second the leash goes taut, stop moving. Don’t pull back; just become an anchor. Wait for the dog to look back or step toward you to loosen the leash, then reward them by moving forward again.
* Crazy Walking: Frequently change directions (180-degree turns) during your walk. This forces the dog to pay attention to you to see where you’re going next.

3. Digging: The "Dig Pit"
Digging is often an instinctive drive or a result of boredom.
* Designated Zone: Build a sandbox or a specific "dig pit" in the yard. Bury toys or treats in it to make it the most rewarding place to dig.
* Deterrents: If they dig in forbidden spots, place flat rocks or chicken wire (edges turned down) just under the soil to make the texture unappealing.
* Engagement: Increase mental stimulation (puzzle toys, sniff walks) to reduce "boredom digging."

4. Barking: "Quiet" Cue & Management
Dogs bark for many reasons, but usually to alert you or get attention.
* Teach "Quiet": When your dog barks, wait for a 2-second pause. Say "Quiet," then give a high-value treat. They will eventually learn that silence earns the reward.
* Visual Blockers: If they bark at people passing the window, use frosted window film or close the blinds to remove the trigger.
* Avoid Yelling: Yelling "Stop!" often sounds like you are "barking" along with them, which can encourage the behavior.

5. Door Bolting: The "Stay" and "Release"
This is a safety issue. You want the door to be a "boundary," not a starting line.
* The Technique: Practice having your dog sit and stay at the door. Open it slightly—if they move, immediately close it. Repeat until you can open the door fully while they stay.
* Release Word: Use a specific word like "Okay" or "Break" to signal they are allowed to walk through the door.

6. Counter Surfing: "Off" and Management
If your dog finds a sandwich on the counter once, they will check that counter every day for the next year.
* The Golden Rule: Keep counters clear. If they never find a "prize," the behavior isn't reinforced.
* "Off" Command: If you catch them with paws on the counter, use a treat to lure them back to the floor. The moment their feet touch the ground, say "Off" and give the treat.
* Boundary Training: Teach a "Go to your mat" command to keep them in a specific spot while you are cooking.

If any of these situations resonate with you I hope you give them a try!! A well trained Dog is the Best Dog! 🙏❤️

Here's to

12/10/2025

Here's a breakdown of the scientifically documented ways interacting with and owning a dog impacts your body:

​1. Hormonal Changes (The "Feel-Good" Boost)
​Interacting with a dog triggers a cascade of neurochemical changes in your brain: Oxytocin: Often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." Simple acts like petting a dog or making eye contact can cause a rapid surge in oxytocin, promoting feelings of trust, comfort, and bonding.
​
Dopamine & Serotonin: These are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, reward, and happiness. Their elevated levels contribute to an overall improved mood and reduced feelings of depression.
​
Cortisol: This is the primary stress hormone. Studies consistently show that interacting with a dog, even for a short time, significantly lowers cortisol levels, which helps reduce anxiety and stress.

​2. Cardiovascular and Stress Reduction
​The hormonal changes have a direct, positive effect on your cardiovascular system:

​Lowered Blood Pressure: The anti-stress effects, particularly the reduction in cortisol and the release of oxytocin, help to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

​Reduced Heart Rate: In stressful situations, people with dogs often exhibit a smaller increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and their levels return to normal faster.

​Improved Heart Health: The American Heart Association has stated that dog ownership is likely associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This is attributed to the physiological and lifestyle changes (like increased exercise) that dog ownership brings.

​3. Lifestyle and Fitness Impact
​Dog ownership provides a built-in incentive for a healthier, more active life:
​Increased Physical Activity: Dog owners, especially dog walkers, tend to get significantly more exercise than non-owners. This regular physical activity is critical for maintaining healthy weight, blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

​Routine and Structure: Caring for a dog requires a schedule (feeding, walks, playtime), which can provide essential structure that contributes to overall mental well-being and stability.

​4. Microbiome Alteration
​Emerging research suggests dogs may influence your health at the microbial level:

​Gut and Oral Microbiome: Studies have shown that living with a dog can alter the composition of microbes in both the human gut and saliva. This exposure to a wider variety of microbes is hypothesized to potentially strengthen the immune system and may be linked to better mental health outcomes, such as reduced social problems in adolescents.

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

"The Dog is the only, absolute and best friend a person has, in this selfish world.

They're the only one that will not leave, betray or deny them."

12/04/2025