Pets
fromPsychology Today
2 days agoThe Clout of Companion Animal Psychology for Dogs and Cats
Zazie Todd aims to improve the lives of dogs and cats through scientific understanding and compassionate care.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's German shepherd, Major, allegedly bit the United Kingdom's prime minister and tore his pants. (Major Roosevelt was sent away from the White House grounds shortly thereafter.) Theodore Roosevelt's bull terrier, Pete, chased a French ambassador up a tree. (Pete was also removed from the White House.) And Calvin Coolidge's fox terrier, Peter Pan, ripped the skirt off of a woman, and was eventually given away to Coolidge's secretary.
Careful kinematic research, such as that done by a Japanese team headed by Naomi Wada, has determined that the dog's tail was designed to assist the dog with balance. When a dog is running and turns quickly, he throws the front part of his body in the direction he wants to go. This causes his back to bend; however, the forward velocity is such that his hindquarters will tend to continue in the original direction.
The owner proceeded to her departure gate. Officers approached her and asked why she left the dog. The woman replied that the airline would not allow her to fly with it, according to a police statement. But police said she did not complete the documents required to travel with an animal. Officers charged her with abandoning an animal, among other counts.
The rankings - based on dog license records maintained by Boston's Animal Care and Control Division - found Luna to be the most popular dog name in Boston, appearing on 137 licenses. Charlie ranked second with 118, followed by Bella with 94.
Sharing a bed with your pup can strengthen your bond, and for many people, waking up next to a happy dog is one of the best parts of the arrangement. But, according to Pet MD, there are practical factors to weigh before deciding. Dogs often stay alert even while resting, which means they may wake easily and disturb your sleep when reacting to small noises or shifting around during the night.
Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog! At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life.
Remember that moment at the dog park when you see two golden retrievers, with one bouncing around with bright eyes and a glossy coat, and the other just going through the motions with a dull expression despite being perfectly groomed? Both dogs are clearly loved and cared for, but something deeper separates them: It's the difference between a dog that's genuinely flourishing and one that's simply being maintained.
Picture this: Your new puppy is pressed against the corner of the room, trembling slightly as you call their name. Their tail, which should be wagging with excitement, is tucked firmly between their legs. You've done everything the books told you, bought all the right toys, followed the feeding schedule perfectly, yet somehow your furry friend seems more nervous with each passing day.
They have an uncanny ability to understand human cues and commands, making them easy to train. This intelligence is a boon for work-from-home individuals, as a clever companion can learn routines quickly. Imagine having a dog that understands your work schedule and respects your "do not disturb" times. Their intelligence means they can pick up on subtle cues, like when you're on a conference call, and adjust their behavior accordingly.