Skijoring is a winter sport that involves a person being pulled on skis by one or more dogs. It originated in Scandinavia and Alaska and has become popular in North America. Skijoring races can range from three to 80 miles and require minimal equipment. Dogs should be trained in classic mushing commands, and courses are […]
Hot dogs are small sausages served on a bun or soft roll, with various names in different cultures. They were invented in Germany in the 17th century and are also called frankfurters or weiners. The origin of the name “hot dog” is unclear, but it may come from the German word for little dog, dachshund. […]
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States were in a heated competition for supremacy in space. The Soviet Union sent dogs into space, and one of them gave birth to a puppy named Pushinka, which was sent to US President John F. Kennedy as a gift. This helped thaw their icy […]
Famous dogs from history and pop culture have inspired popular dog names, including Fido, named by Abraham Lincoln. Fido was not allowed to live in the White House and was later killed by a drunk man. Many dog names have become popular because of famous dogs from history or pop culture. For example, Spot was […]
George Lucas’ Alaskan Malamute, Indiana, inspired the creation of Chewbacca in Star Wars. The dog also inspired the name of Indiana Jones. Lucas was a former race car driver and worked as a cameraman on the Rolling Stones concert film Gimme Shelter. He also likes the disliked character Jar Jar Binks. Film history is full […]
Vegan hot dogs are a healthier alternative to meat-based hot dogs, but not all veggie hot dogs are vegan. Some may contain dairy or egg. Vegan hot dogs may use soy or wheat, which can cause allergies. However, studies have linked processed red meats to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Vegan hot dogs can be […]
Dog handlers must have a thorough understanding of the breed they work with, but no specific education or certification is required. Joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities and apprenticeship programs. Handlers must also have appropriate travel accommodations and a strong relationship with a veterinarian. Understanding a breed’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for success. […]
Drug and bomb sniffing dogs used by law enforcement agencies have an accuracy rate of about 44%. The training of the dog and handler can affect the accuracy. There is no established training and certification process, and dogs can be influenced by their handler’s beliefs. A dog’s performance can affect legal proceedings. Many law enforcement […]
Police dogs can distinguish the scents of identical twins, even when they live together and eat the same food. Dogs are used to identify suspects and find dead bodies due to their sensitive noses, with bloodhounds having over 300 million olfactory receptors. Police dogs can distinguish the smells of identical twins, even when the twins […]
John Steinbeck’s dog, Toby, ate half of the handwritten pages of Of Mice and Men in 1936. Steinbeck found humor in the situation and continued writing. Steinbeck was a lifelong dog lover and his original title for the book was Something That Happened. Of Mice and Men was banned from public schools due to its […]
The phrase “gone to the dogs” originated in ancient China, where dogs were banned from inside city walls. Stray dogs survived by scavenging for food and forming packs. Criminals who were banished also ended up living among the dogs. Even people who aren’t interested in betting like to go to horse races to see those […]
Search and rescue dog training is a specialized skill with limited job opportunities. To become a strong candidate, learn how to train dogs, volunteer with local search and rescue groups, and continue education in emergency medicine and wilderness survival skills. A college degree, particularly in health-related fields, can also be beneficial. Search and rescue dog […]
The phrase “a dog’s life” originated in the 16th century when dogs were not treated well. However, in the 20th century, pet ownership changed and dogs are now often pampered. Other dog-related expressions also originated in the 16th century. The English expression “It’s a dog’s life” and its variants illustrate how pet ownership has changed […]
The phrase “raining cats and dogs” is used to describe heavy rain. The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it may have come from the littered streets of 16th-century cities after heavy rain washed garbage, including dead animals, into the streets. Other theories include mythological associations with cats and dogs controlling the weather or […]
The idiom “let sleeping dogs lie” means to avoid stirring up old conflicts or unresolved issues. It is better to agree to disagree and move on. The origin is attributed to Chaucer and refers to the danger of waking a sleeping dog. The idiom let sleeping dogs lie means not to stir up old conflicts […]
