Use Fruits & Veggies for Training Treats. Don’t have any dog treats on hand? Use some leftover fruits & veggies that are healthy for dogs as your training treats. Carrots and snap peas are Laika’s favorite snacks.
So she bought him a unicorn tent.
“I set it up and put a brand new toy in there and a bunch of treats,” she told TODAY. “When I saw him go in there and lay down and chew his toy and kind of be able to hide from the world, it felt really good.”It’s not a fever…A dog’s normal temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. How much do you know about dog health? Take our Doggy First Aid Quiz!
“I just love the guy,” Synk said.
She also takes him home for weekend sleepovers about once a month — a compromise hashed out with her husband since they already have other dogs who aren't interested in expanding the pack— to give him a break from shelter life.
Train your dog for a lifetime of obedience. Behavior problems are the number one reason dogs are relinquished to animal shelters, the number one reason they don’t find new forever homes, and as a result, the number one reason dogs are euthanized.
A certified dog trainer is working with Starsky on his behavior issues, and he’s starting to be able to see more volunteer “buddies.” Hopefully, they’ll soon be able to take him on sleepovers, too.
Eventually, they hope he finds an adopter willing to work with his needs and help him feel safe.
Move over Rover! 45% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed (we’re pretty sure a large percentage also hog the blankets!)
When Synk shared Starsky’s story in a Facebook group for shelter staff and volunteers, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and others want to try getting private tents for stressed or fearful dogs.
“Volunteers are able to do so much to help pets be happy and comfortable while they are in a shelter, like by giving a nervous dog a special cozy unicorn tent he can hang out in,” she told TODAY. “Even the best animal shelter can be a stressful environment for pets. That’s why we are very grateful not just to shelter staff and volunteers, but to people who welcome foster pets into their homes.”
Spain emphasized that fostering allows pets to relax in a calm, safe, home environment.Make Some Simple Frozen Dog Treats. Looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy? Make them some frozen dog treats. Freeze some broth in ice trays to give your dog a nice little treat on those hot summer days.
“We’d encourage everyone to reach out to your local shelter or rescue group and sign up to volunteer, or foster a pet,” she said. “You will make a real difference in pets’ lives, and it will be a great experience for you, too.”