A random collection of dog stuff
At JogWithYourDogs.com we try to bring information that might help you and your dog. Usually, keeping the topics about exercise, health, or wellness of the dog and their owner.
Sometimes there are stories, events, or information that is just interesting, or funny, about dogs – and not especially helpful, though… you never know…
Being a dog lover I try to collect these and I hope to share them via this re-occurring series called “ Dog Tales”.
Dogs that enter human races
Proving that dogs just LOVE to run here are a few stories of dogs illicitly entering organized human running competition. And sometimes winning!
One-eyed dog enters a marathon
In Mumbai, India a stray dog ran alongside 40,000 or so human competitors for the last 10K of a marathon. It was recognized as a stray that could often be seen near a local temple. He was easily recognizable because of having one eye. After the race, he was seen resting in the shade back at his temple home.
Alabama bloodhound takes her time in half marathon
In 2016 a bloodhound finished 7th in a half marathon. The bloodhound, named Ludivine, was just hanging out with the pre-race crowd around the starting line when the starter’s pistol fired. Off she went with the throng of runners. Though she often stopped to sniff and pee, she finished seventh with a time of 1:32:56.
Gobi a running partner
During a 250K race in China, called the Gobi March, a small dog started running with one of the runners. “I started to think, ‘this dog isn’t going to last the whole day,’” Dion Leonard (the runner) said. The pup lasted that day and six more stages. The two ran together for 125K. Dion adopted the terrier mix(?), named him Gobi, and they now live together in Scotland.
Dog finishes desert marathon in no time
The Marathon des Sables, or MdS, is a six-day, 251 km ultra marathon, which is approximately the distance of six regular marathons. It’s dessert running in the heat and sand. At the 2019 event, a dog named Cactus joined the race. He finished ahead of the first-place human. Since Cactus didn’t clock in at the beginning, he didn’t have a start time or finish time. He received a medal for his efforts though. We all knew that cactus do well in the desert.
A dog named Robo
You may have heard about the military testing robot dogs in early September of this year. These Robodogs are designed to “enhance situational awareness of security forces during a mission”. The specific model is called the Vision 60, designed by Ghost Robotics.
It looks a lot like the Boston Dynamics robot dog that is currently in use in Singapore. The dog patrols parks and, in a calm female voice, gently reminds people to socially distance and keep 6 feet apart.
Covid-19 sniffing dogs
Dubai and Helsinki, Finland airports are testing a new method of screening for Covid-19: Dogs that can smell the virus.
So far the testing shows that the dogs were able to smell the virus with almost 100% certainty. And the dogs identified the virus days before the person was symptomatic! Even lab tests can’t do that.
Dog’s noses are so sensitive that they require a sample that’s tiny in comparison to lab tests The airport operator said, “The difference is massive, as a dog only needs 10-100 molecules to identify the virus, whereas test equipment requires 18,000,000.”
It’s long been known that dogs can recognize the scent of the changes associated with certain medical events. “For example, cancer cells leave tiny amounts of volatile substances that dogs learn to recognize.”
The dogs never approach the passengers though. According to one airport official: “Those taking the test will swipe their skin with a test wipe and drop it into a cup, which is then given to the dog who is in a booth with his handler. This also protects the dog’s handler from infections. All the tests are processed anonymously,”
7 Common Sense Hiking Rules
Trail hiking can be one of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your pup. To make sure it’s the best it can be for you, your dog, and other hikers just use some common sense rules. Here are a few:
- Know the rules of your trail. Some trails don’t allow dogs. Some don’t allow off-leash dogs. Some have leash length requirements.
- Proper trail etiquette makes a better day for everyone. Step a couple of feet off the trail and let others pass. You can use this as a training/bonding lesson for the two of you. Reinforce the dog’s training each time with a small doggie treat. You’ll delight the other hikers with your gracious, disciplined, and smart dog.
- “The stepping off the trail rule” is especially true for horses and people that seem standoff-ish or dog-shy. Horses as well as people may have a fear of dogs from past bad experiences. Don’t assume that everyone loves dogs and knows yours wouldn’t hurt a fly.
- If you meet other dogs on the trail, and they want to interact with your dog it can be fun. Maybe you all step off the trail and socialize so others can pass. My wife always said that dogs should get to know each other with face to ass at first – but that’s easier said than done. My pup doesn’t always trust a strange dog behind her. You can also decline the offer and say you’re practicing discipline that day and need to be restrained.
- Puppies or senior dogs need to take it easier. You need to work up to challenging hikes.
- Bring water and a bowl. If it’s cold out maybe a towel or small blanket for rest stops.
- Practice leaving the trail better than you found it. Pack out garbage and poop, or bury the dog poop well off the trail and NOT near streams or water sources. These days we’re all worried about germs, but it wouldn’t hurt to carry a garbage bag to pick up other people’s discarded garbage if you come across it.
Dog Tail Wall Hooks
IKEA Wall Hooks. Black rubber hooks in the shape of dog butts with tails. 3.5” tall x 2” wide, $1.99 each.
