A Drug Dog’s Career Pivot, Deutschland Dachshunds Under Threat, Canine Vocabulary News, and More!

Roger, a Labrador trained as a drug sniffing dog, helped rescuers search a popular hiking trail. photo: Hualien County Fire Department

Zero to Hero: Washed Out Drug Dog Finds Success in Search-and-Rescue

Roger, a cheerful Yellow Lab, was originally on track to become a drug-sniffing dog until he was dumped by that program for being “too friendly and boisterous.” But the rejected pup was soon claimed by a member of a Taiwanese emergency response team and went on to become one of their most proficient search-and-rescue dogs.

Roger’s skills were put to the test last month when Taiwan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving an unknown number of victims buried beneath boulders and rubble in a Taiwanese national park. As part of the grim recovery effort, Roger and his fellow canines patiently picked through the debris to identify survivors or, more frequently, deceased victims of the quake.

But amid this dark chapter, Roger managed to bring smiles to a growing public enchanted by his silly antics when not on the job. At one news conference, he attempted to eat a reporter’s microphone (no surprise to Lab owners everywhere). At another, he eviscerated a stuffed toy, happily flinging its innards across the room. Soon dubbed the “little hero” by local media, Roger has since appeared on talk shows to demonstrate his skills, along with his trademark goofball charm.

Roger will retire when he turns nine in the second half of this year. Until then, his adoring public can’t get enough of this zero turned hero.

Source: nytimes.com

Among other provisions, the draft Animal Welfare Act would prohibit breeding that results in anomalies of the skeletal system. photo: Getty Images

Hot Dog Topic! Deutschland Dachshunds Under Threat?

Dachshunds, those merry low-slung digging machines, originated in Germany where they were bred to hunt for badgers in subterranean dens. Now the breed faces an uncertain future under a proposed German law aimed at combating “torture breeding,” defined as breeding to produce animals with characteristics that will cause suffering.

Among other provisions, the draft Animal Welfare Act would prohibit breeding that results in anomalies of the skeletal system. Opponents say this could be interpreted to affect, not just Dachshunds, but also Beagles, Jack Russells, Miniature Schnauzers, and dogs with flat noses, including English Bulldogs, Frenchies, and Pugs.

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson says the draft is still in an early stage and will likely be modified by members of the German parliament, stressing that the goal is not to issue a blanket prohibition on certain breeds, but rather to ensure animal welfare and to complement existing laws already on the books. “The focal point remains on averting breeding endeavors involving animals showcasing traits liable to cause anguish or distress,” he said in a masterful display of bureaucratese.

But it’s the perceived threat to the beloved wiener dog or “dackel” that has Deutschland dog lovers up in arms. Stay tuned for updates on this hot dog topic.

Source: nytimes.com

A new study shows that dogs also understand that certain words stand for specific objects. photo: AdobeStock

Vocabulary Test: Your Dog Knows More Than You Think

It’s no surprise that most dogs will come when you call their name or that many can obey instructional words like ‘sit.’ But now a new study shows that dogs also understand that certain words stand for specific objects – so-called referential words.

Researchers in Hungary using non-invasive EEGs found that the dogs’ brains activated a memory of an object when they heard its name; for example, ball. They also found a different brain pattern when the dogs were shown an object that didn’t match its name, such as being shown a chew toy after hearing the word ball.

“Your dog understands more than he or she shows signs of,” said one researcher. No argument there. In our house, the referential word of the day is leash!

Source: sciencedaily.com

Not surprisingly, brain activity in the human participants showed a state of relaxed wakefulness when with the dogs. photo: AdobeStock

More from the Duh Department: Dogs Reduce Stress (Again)

Honestly, it’s amazing that anyone is still funding this research, but yet another academic study – this one from South Korea – shows that spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration.

Researchers recruited 30 adults to perform eight different activities with well-trained dogs, while wearing EEG electrodes to record brain activity during their interactions. They also recorded their own objective emotional state immediately after each dog activity.

Not surprisingly, brain activity in the human participants showed a state of relaxed wakefulness when grooming, gently massaging, or playing with the dogs. Participants also noted that they felt significantly less depressed, tired, and stressed after interacting with the pups.

Though many other studies have found the same results, the benefits of spending time with canines may have special significance in South Korea, where, until recently, the consumption of dog meat had been a longstanding tradition. While increasingly restricted, the practice is poised to end entirely thanks to a new law, passed in January by a unanimous parliament vote, finally banning the distribution and sale of dog meat throughout the country.

But while Korean dogs may be off the menu, we bet they’ll still be at the table - begging for bites just like their Western counterparts.

Source: sciencedaily.com

Rock was six months old when he was rescued from the streets; the Fort Worth Police Department put him to work. photo: Fort Worth Police Department

From Street Pups to Career Canines: Meet Rock and Jade

Last year, a six-month-old Shepherd mix named Rock was found abandoned with his sister Jade, wandering the streets of Fort Worth, Texas. They were brought to a local shelter where the staff soon noticed the two pups seemed extra smart, with high drive and impressive learning abilities.

As it happened, the shelter’s superintendent was married to a K-9 police officer in neighboring Dallas so she knew the qualities law enforcement looks for in its police dogs. She recorded videos of Rock and Jade that were impressive enough for the Fort Worth PD to take both dogs for a two-week trial.

The officers soon determined that Rock’s high energy and strong prey drive would make him a perfect fit for narcotics work, sniffing out fentanyl before it hits the streets. Equally smart, Rock’s sister Jade had a softer personality, making her an ideal candidate for a school resource K-9.

Both dogs are now excelling in their respective careers, and at the end of a hard work day each goes home to a loving family life with their own handlers. Once abandoned street pups, they’re now making the streets safer for everyone.

Source: foxnews.com