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An expert’s top 5 reasons why dogs can be considered exceptional animals

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-starling-461103">Melissa Starling</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Dogs are important to a lot of humans, but what makes them so? Apart from being warm, soft and capable of inspiring our unconditional love, there are a number of unique characteristics that set dogs apart from other animals. As a dog researcher, animal behaviour consultant and canophile (which means I love dogs), let me share five traits that I think make dogs so special. <h2>Dogs are hypersocial</h2> We all know those golden retriever-type dogs that appear absurdly delighted to meet any new social being. It’s hard not to be taken in by their infectious friendliness. These furry, hypersocial creatures have some key genetic differences even to other domestic dogs. Most fascinatingly, these genetic differences are in the area of the genome <a href="https://www.insidescience.org/news/rare-human-syndrome-may-explain-why-dogs-are-so-friendly">associated</a> with hypersociability in people with a genetic condition called Williams-Beuren syndrome. Although people with this syndrome experience negative health effects, they also tend to be very open, engaging and sociable. Not all dogs fall into this hypersocial category – but even those that don’t are unusually accepting of unfamiliar people and dogs. Unlike other social wild canids such as wolves, domestic dogs can quite happily live in harmony with different species, as well as individuals of their own species that aren’t from their family. This is what makes it so easy to slot dogs into our lives. <h2>Dogs are wired to understand us</h2> Humans have selectively bred dogs for many generations. And in many cases, we’ve bred them to take direction to help us in a wide variety of jobs – including being companions to us. This has led to domestic dogs being born with an interest in humans. From an early age, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982221006023">puppies are attracted</a> to human faces. While dogs are as co-operative as wolves, they tend to be submissive towards humans and follow our directions – whereas wolves are bolder and more likely to lead when <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1709027114">co-operating with humans</a>. Dogs also learn to follow our gaze, and show a left-gaze bias when looking at human faces. This means they spend more time looking at the left side of our faces (which would be the right side from our perspective). This bias emerges in several species when they are processing emotional information, which shows that dogs are <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0152393">reading our faces</a> to figure out how we’re feeling. For a while it was also thought dogs were particularly attentive to human gestures such as pointing – but recent research suggests many domestic species and some wild animal species can also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7555673/">follow pointing</a>. <h2>Dogs come in countless shapes and sizes</h2> No other species comes in such a huge variety of shapes and sizes as domestic dogs. Not even cats or horses display the same diversity. The largest dogs may be close to 25 times the size of the smallest! Beyond that, we have dogs with drop ears and prick ears and everything in between, tails and no tails, or bob tails, short legs and long legs, long noses and short noses – and a huge variety of coat colours, lengths and textures. For dogs, this huge variation might mean they have more to learn than other animals when it comes to understanding their own kind. For example, owners of herding breed dogs may find their dog a bit confused, or even defensive, when meeting a very different short-faced breed such as a bulldog. For us, it means we should appreciate how the size and shape of dogs can influence <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0149403">their behaviour</a> and experiences. For instance, dogs with longer noses have sharper vision, while dogs with a lighter build tend to be more energetic and fearful. <h2>Dogs form deep emotional bonds</h2> Domestic dogs have been shown to form attachment bonds with human caregivers that are very similar to those formed between <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0065296">children and parents</a>. This may partly explain why they can read our <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426098/">emotional signals</a>, why they become distressed (and try to help us) when <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0231742">we are distressed</a>, and why MRI studies show dogs are happy when they smell <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635714000473">their owners</a>. It may also be why they panic when separated from us. Dogs’ attachment to humans goes beyond being hypersocial. To them, we are a lot more than the food we provide and the balls we throw. We are an attachment figure akin to a parent. <h2>Dogs can help us be our best selves</h2> Most dog owners would agree their dog brings out the best in them. They can confide in their dog and love them unconditionally – sometimes more easily than they can another human. Dogs are playing important roles in animal-assisted therapy, where their nonjudgmental presence can be a calming influence and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-019-00188-5">facilitate social interactions</a>. They can even help children <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-022-01392-5">learn to read</a> and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/21/5171">alleviate anxiety</a>. Although assisting humans with their emotional problems can be a difficult task for such an emotionally sensitive species, research suggests the right dogs can rise to the task if their workload is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787818302193">managed carefully</a>. Horses are also used in animal-assisted therapy, as are some smaller furry animals. However, dogs are more portable and can remain at ease in stimulating environments such as courtrooms, schools and airports. They are uniquely placed to accompany us wherever we go. <h2>Paws for thought</h2> We might like to think dogs are special for some of the traits we value in humans, such as intelligence, selflessness or a loving nature. But really dogs are exceptional for simply being dogs. They are social acrobats that can find social harmony wherever they go. They have rich emotional lives in which they co-exist with different species and can even forge bonds <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89dCR3VinMM&ab_channel=WCCO-CBSMinnesota">outside of their own species</a>. They are also generally tolerant of our primate ways – and good at receiving our love. And for me that’s enough.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211832/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-starling-461103">Melissa Starling</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-experts-top-5-reasons-why-dogs-can-be-considered-exceptional-animals-211832">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

New perspectives on navigating grief for owners of companion animals

The loss of a pet can be difficult, but the latest research suggests we can do better to help owners navigate their way through the grief process. For many, the pandemic resulted in more time spent in the company of pets while working from home and because of restrictions designed to limit the movement of people. In many cases, pets became key to maintaining a sense of normality, routine and motivation, not to mention <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/dogs-sense-of-smell-detect-human-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">providing company</a> during times of social and physical isolation. Strangely, though, as the research highlights, society has a bias towards supporting certain circumstances of grieving over others. According to the authors of the review, published in Human–Animal Interactions, some types of trauma such as the loss of a pet, <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/society/can-we-blame-the-famous-for-their-suicides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">death by suicide</a>, a lost pregnancy or miscarriage and death from AIDS, can be stigmatic for the bereaved. These types of loss tend to be underacknowledged by others or given less attention or empathy. “When relationships are not valued by society, individuals are more likely to experience disenfranchised grief after a loss that cannot be resolved and may become complicated grief,” said Colleen Rolland, President and pet loss grief specialist for <a href="https://www.aplb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement</a> (APLB). This stigma can interrupt the natural process of grieving, meaning that pet owners often ‘go it alone’, without social support when dealing with the loss of their companion animal. “The present review builds on research in the field of pet loss and human bereavement and factors in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-animal attachment,” says Dr Michelle Crossley, an Assistant Professor at Rhode Island College in the US. “A goal of the present review is to provide counsellors with perspectives to consider in their practice when working with clients who have attachments to their companion animals. It also aims to acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of working through the grief process to resolution as a way to continue the bond with a deceased pet.” The review presents practical ways in which counsellors can help people grieving the loss of a pet through in-person and online approaches, such as group sessions and web-based chatrooms – “counselling interventions and coping strategies already being used in the therapeutic space,” notes Crossley. Practical activities such as providing safe spaces and materials to paint, draw or write about their anxieties and fears about loss are effective tools for helping children and adults navigate the grief process. <a href="https://petsandpeople.com.au/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pets and People</a>, an online initiative founded by Dr Michael O’Donoghue and Penny Carroll, seeks to provide pet owners with resources and information across a whole host of issues associated with pet loss, including those discussing social stigmas. It also provides links to counsellors with experience in pet loss and lists Australian and New Zealand numbers for the Pet Loss Support Line which connects callers with counsellors. <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=226139&title=New+perspectives+on+navigating+grief+for+owners+of+companion+animals" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/australia/new-perspective-navigating-grief-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on Cosmos Magazine and was written by Clare Kenyon. Clare Kenyon is a science journalist for Cosmos. Image: Getty Images </div>

Family & Pets

The 10 cuddliest and most affectionate dog breeds

Like humans, dogs are each individual with distinctive personality traits, but some breeds are notoriously more affectionate and love to cuddle up next to their humans. Many dogs crave connection just as people do, so chances are if they want to sleep next to you at night, they are looking to create that special bond (or maybe they just want an extra treat). These pups will make the perfect snuggle buddies, adventure partner, and overall best friend. 1. Great Dane <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838697/01-great-dane-dog-and-child-shutterstock_230355919-770.jpg" alt="Great Dane" data-udi="umb://media/20b5f08148e34a328e62141007800c91" /> “It may seem counterintuitive, but Great Danes love to cuddle,” said editor Bobbie Abdallah. Originally known as the gentle giant, they adore snuggling up to the people that they love and don’t handle being alone very well. As Great Danes tower over other dogs and most humans on their hind legs, just the sight of them may make people cower, but they are one of the most patient and friendly pups around. 2. Pug <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838698/02pug-dog-and-woman-shutterstock_1439709107-770.jpg" alt="Pug" data-udi="umb://media/fee38206b6b9436aaf4c561fd18e2678" /> “Pugs have earned the nickname ‘velcro pugs’ because they stick to their humans like velcro,” says writer Candy Pilar Godoy. “They follow their owners from room to room and have zero notion of personal space.” Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these tiny pups were intended to be lap dogs making them extremely affectionate towards humans. They love to be the centre of attention, and generally like to stick close to the people they love. 3. Golden Retriever <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838699/03golden-retriever-dog-and-girl-shutterstock_1036133830-770.jpg" alt="Golden Retriever" data-udi="umb://media/05923dcf4e78423ab285fc337fec189b" /> This one comes as no surprise to most of us. Retrievers, both Golden and Labrador, are known to be one of the most loving dog breeds. They are intelligent, easy to train, and the top dog for families. “I’ve personally seen young children playing with these breeds for long periods of time where other breeds would run off. Retrievers will lie down and soak up the attention and give just as much affection back,” claimed Wesley Oaks, founder of Oddly Cute Pets. 4. Dachshund <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838700/04-daschund-dog-and-child-shutterstock_201032174-770.jpg" alt="Dachshund" data-udi="umb://media/97da12ecd1f244db87cd49ec5aa3928b" /> Known for their tiny frame and oddly striking features, these small dogs love to snuggle up next to their human. “Dachshunds are known for their loving and tender personality and will happily spoon with you on the floor, burrow under your bed sheets at night, and be rocked like a baby in your arms if it means they get more time with their favourite person,” said Steph Wiggins, founder of dog gear company DJANGO. 5. Alaskan Klee Kai <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838701/05alaskan-klee-kai-dog-and-child-shutterstock_39704326-770.jpg" alt="Alaskan Klee Kai" data-udi="umb://media/a42a04989a584252a6d26f12fca9058d" /> “I would say Alaskan Klee Kai are among the most affectionate breeds that I’ve encountered,” said Kieran Beckles. According to the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America, this breed of dog can become very attached to their owners and that’s certainly the case with my dogs, says Beckles. These small dogs have large personalities and love to be around their human at all times. 6. Boxer <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838702/06boxer-dog-and-man-shutterstock_159463067-770.jpg" alt="Boxer" data-udi="umb://media/0fc432f30e7b4a439dc79d15e59514e6" /> Boxer’s are known to be on the quieter side, but they remain extremely dedicated to their human and love to show them through snuggling. They are often referred to as ‘shadows’ as they will follow you around the house. They mature faster than other dogs, slowing down around the age of three or four. Boxers will happily lay next to you and will fully embrace your cuddles after a long day of exercise which this breed needs a lot of. 7. Rottweiler <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838703/07rottweiler-dog-and-child-shutterstock_1303858480-770.jpg" alt="Rottweiler" data-udi="umb://media/884dd714d6e541b788120e7df2d5616b" /> “I personally own a Rottweiler and she’s a 50kg lovebug,” explains dog trainer Danielle Mühlenberg. Rottweilers are known to be overly suspicious of strangers and are often touted in the media as dogs that should be feared, but these dogs love cuddling just as much as retrievers. 8. Newfoundland <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838704/08newfoundland-dog-and-child-shutterstock_1205526541-770.jpg" alt="Newfoundland" data-udi="umb://media/c9f66e4869b64a56b89c3a13edfb4311" /> The Newfoundland is another gentle giant like the Great Dane. They are friendly and very calm, any if trained properly will show affection towards children. “Because they require an active lifestyle and enjoy being outdoors, they’re perfect for dog owners that hike and exercise by day and lounge around by night,” said Mühlenberg. “Newfoundlands are the big teddy bears of dogs, making them the ultimate cuddle partner once it’s time to kick back.” These gentle giants will also not show aggression through biting. 9. Bichon Frise <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838705/09bichon-frise-dog-and-woman-shutterstock_579843883-770.jpg" alt="Bichon Frise" data-udi="umb://media/47616fe3dae24352b2cae009f2a55307" /> Bichon Frise are miniature bundles of energy and affection. People are drawn to them because of their fluffy, cottonball appearance, and they are just as huggable as they look. They love to cuddle as much as they love to play so after a long day at the park, they will happily snuggle up next to you on the couch. Because the Bichon Frise is so affectionate, they thrive in households where they have company most of the time. 10. Staffy <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838706/10banjo-staffy-lily_770.jpg" alt="Staffy" data-udi="umb://media/89b6d244cb3c449c838e4e77f5a5dd54" /> Often misunderstood, Staffordshire bull terriers (whether English or American) are extremely loyal, warm and very goofy pups. “Even though they usually get a bad rap, many of these dogs love to cuddle,” says veterinary consultant Sara Ochoa. As with any dog, proper socialisation, training, and some TLC will make staffys the best companions. Images: Shutterstock Written by Emma Taubenfeld. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/pets/11-most-affectionate-dog-breeds-that-love-to-cuddle" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="https://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Family & Pets

Guide to companion planting

Some plants appear to have a direct effect on others growing near them. In some cases, the effect is beneficial, while in others it is detrimental. Roses, for example, seem to be more sweetly scented and less prone to disease when surrounded by garlic, and less troubled by aphids when lavender is grown underneath them. But beans do not seem to do well when grown near onions. Mixed planting benefits Plants of different species, when grown together, compete less with each other than those of the same species, and make it more difficult for pests and diseases to spread. For example, planting potatoes and broad beans together can increase the yields from both crops. Flowers that attract pollinating insects can increase the yields from some other crops. Sweet peas and runner beans work as good companions in this way, and also look very attractive scrambling up bean poles together in flower and vegetable gardens. Other winning combinations include: <ul> <li>tomatoes and cabbage</li> <li>cucumbers and nasturtiums</li> <li>rosemary and sage</li> <li>French marigolds and pretty much everything</li> <li>Weed beaters</li> </ul> Few weeds grow in pine woods because secretions from the trees prevent them from germinating. A mulch of pine needles on the strawberry bed will suppress weeds and may also improve the fruits’ flavour. Rhododendron leaves produce secretions that prevent seeds in the soil nearby from germinating, and the leaves of dandelions appear to have the same effect. Space savers Make good use of space in the vegetable garden by planting shallow-rooting vegetables alongside deep-rooting ones. Carrots and radishes do well together and occupy less space when planted side by side than when planted in separate rows. Disease resistance Some plants can increase the ability of others to resist disease: <ul> <li>Chamomile is beneficial to the health and fragrance of certain plants</li> <li>Foxgloves and golden feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium ‘Aureum’) are helpful to plants nearby</li> <li>Summer savoury benefits beans</li> <li>Onions can prevent mould on strawberries </li> </ul> Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/guide-companion-planting">Handyman Australia</a>.

Home & Garden

Barking dog leads cops to trapped canine companion

It was like a scene straight out of an episode of Lassie. Police from western Massachusetts in the US say a barking dog approached an officer on Tuesday. The agitated dog then led the officers across a field and down an icy, 10-metre embankment where, much to the astonishment of the cops, they found another dog entangled in the undergrowth. <img width="427" height="321" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13823/dog-rescue_427x321.jpg" alt="Dog Rescue" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Firefighters were called and freed the trapped dog, which was taken to a veterinarian to be checked. The two dogs has run off hour earlier when their owner had suffered a medical emergency and had to be taken to the hospital. Police has tried to catch the dogs, but they kept running away. Orange police said on their Facebook page: "Apparently, any dog in the right circumstances can turn into Lassie.” Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/09/dogs-make-the-best-companions/">8 reasons why dogs are the bee’s knees</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/08/signs-your-pet-is-sick/">10 signs your pet is sick</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/cats-are-like-psychopaths-gallery/">11 ways cats are like “psychopaths”</a>

News

Great infographic explains companion planting

For all the green thumbs out there, if you haven’t heard about companion planting then you’ll want to get on board. As we mentioned in our <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/01/companion-planting/" target="_blank">previous article on why you should be companion planting in your garden</a>, companion planting is about growing plants together that “enjoy” each other’s company and are mutually beneficial to their health. This handy infographic shows you exactly what plants you should group together and what plants you should never pair together for a healthy and bountiful garden. <img width="500" height="3200" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13427/companion-planting-infographic_500x3200.jpg" alt="Companion Planting Infographic (1)"/> First appeared on TipsPlants.com. Visit their website <a href="http://tipsplants.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/diy-christmas-decorating-ideas/">13 easy-peasy Christmas decorating ideas</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/diy-christmas-decorating-ideas/">More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/vacuum-cleaning-tricks/">Vacuum cleaning tricks you’ll want to know about</a>

Home & Garden

Hasbro launches new robotic “companion pets”

Toy company Hasbro has launched a new line of “companion pets” for people ages five to 105. The “Joy for All” pets are robotic cats that are realistic enough to look, feel and purr like normal cats. While robotic pets are not new, Hasbro's new pets are not just marketed towards children but to a wider audience, including an older demographic. "We believe that the power of play can bring joy to people at all stages of life, and we've heard from our friends, fans, and consumers that some of our toys and games are especially appealing to seniors and enhance meaningful interactions with their loved ones," Hasbro's website said. <img width="552" height="316" src="http://sad.hasbro.com/ffd73d14f7e892e0c77ff589482d09d7f08732bd/077026fe7e537f25b9038d76d6db587b.jpg" class="mainImg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The new line of toy cats are likely the most realistic to date, with built-in sensors responding to motion and touch. For anyone who’s owned a cat, it’s appearance, movements and interactions are fairly accurate, with the toy version able to nuzzle your hand, roll on its back to demand a belly rub and in true cat fashion, fall asleep for hours in a day. The cats are only out in the US currently, costing US$99.99, including batteries.

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An expert’s top 5 reasons why dogs can be considered exceptional animals

New perspectives on navigating grief for owners of companion animals

The 10 cuddliest and most affectionate dog breeds

Guide to companion planting

Barking dog leads cops to trapped canine companion

Great infographic explains companion planting

Hasbro launches new robotic “companion pets”

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

An expert’s top 5 reasons why dogs can be considered exceptional animals

New perspectives on navigating grief for owners of companion animals

The 10 cuddliest and most affectionate dog breeds

Guide to companion planting

Barking dog leads cops to trapped canine companion

Great infographic explains companion planting

Hasbro launches new robotic “companion pets”

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