Throw a Birthday Party for your dog

Todays article was all about Parties For Your Dog. So here I wanted to fine tune that a bit more into Birthday Parties for your dog. Birthday parties for your dog can be a lot of fun, especially if you can find a lot of games and such to keep everyone busy. Today Ill show you some videos of people throwing Birthday Parties for their dogs, give you more game ideas, and show you more things to look into.

Lets start with some videos shall we? Jesse and Heather join us again to show us what they did for Jesses 4th birthday.



As you can see they didnt have a full blown party of a lot of people or dogs but still had a lot of fun. Looks like they did a lot of contests with Jessee and Kaine and both dogs really seem to have enjoyed themselves!

Lets take a look at another video.



These guys did a great job at giving Max his 3rd birthday. The set things up very nicely and had a lot of dogs for him to play with. No contests, just let the dogs have fun running and playing together. I love the cake they did too!

Now if you really want to go all out, check out this video.



Its all up to you on what you want to do for your dogs birthday, it can be a lot of fun for people and for their dogs.

I think throwing in a few contests would be fun, along with prizes. Here a good book that can help you throw a good party. Beyond Fetch: Fun, Interactive Activities for You and Your Dog has some great party ideas and a lot of fun things you can do with your dog.

How about some Recipes to get you started?

Birthday Treats

Youll need;

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

For the Carob Frosting youll need;

• 1 cup carob chips (can be found in health food stores) May NOT be substitiuted with chocolate Chips! Chocolate is Toxic to dogs!
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine peanut butter, banana and egg in a large bowl. Stir well. Gradually add wheat germ and whole wheat flour. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Carob Frosting: Place bones on wax paper. In a double boiler over simmering water, stir carob constantly. When carob has softened, add oil. Mix well. With a spoon place a stripe down each bone. Be careful not to overheat carob as it will harden. Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Serve. (Quickly clean any utensils and dishes used for melting carob).
Makes 1 dozen

This treat Recipe came from the book The Doggy Bone Cookbook


How about a Birthday Cake Recipe too?

Youll need;

• 1 cup white or whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 egg

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

Mix together flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a ring mold sprayed with a nonstick spray for 40 minutes.

Frost this cake with low fat cottage cheese and decorate with carrot pieces. Store in refrigerator.

This Cake Recipe came from the website: Dog Cake Recipes

I hope I gave you some good ideas for throwing your dog a birthday party, have fun with it!

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Dog eared books

Hi Julie,

I loved hearing from Clare Browne about her research into timing of reinforcement in our first guest post last week, and it certainly stimulated lots of great comments and questions on Facebook and Google+. 


I know youve been busy Chaser-ing around (lucky ducks, both!) and theres also all those amazing conferences happening this week, what with the ISAZ, IAHAIO and AVSAB events on in Chicago, so just a very quick post from me this week! 

You know how we recently put together out list of top ten books for the Science Book a Day team?

Well, Chasers upcoming book release reminded me that we should put them all in one place here, so that we (or anyone else looking for a canine science book or fourteen) could find them easily if needed. 

Science Book A Day

In no particular order, here they are:


McGreevy (2009) A Modern Dog’s Life. 

A fabulous book, written with humour and insight, that offers a modern take on what challenges and motivates our dogs and how we can best meet their needs.

http://doyoubelieveindog.blogspot.com/2012/09/todays-favorites-paul-mcgreevys-books.html
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9781742231051/A-Modern-Dog-s-Life

Horowitz (2009) Inside of a Dog.

What’s it like to be a dog? This book covers the science of how dogs think and perceive the world and is accompanied by personal reflections on Horowitz’s own dog’s behaviour. Get to know the umwelt of the dog. http://insideofadog.com/

http://doyoubelieveindog.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/tis-season-to-be-doggy-fa-la-la-la-laaaa.html
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9781451672756/Inside-of-a-Dog

Bradshaw (2012) Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet.

This recent publication answers the very important question: “What’s good for dogs?” Explore recent research into dog behaviour and cognition and take away ways to make your dog psychologically healthy.

http://www.bris.ac.uk/vetscience/people/88445/index.html 
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780465030033/Dog-Sense

Lindsay (2000 / 2001 / 2005) Handbooks of Applied Dog Behavior and Training Triptych

Three enormous books containing so much canine science that even the heartiest of appetites will be satiated.

1. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning
2. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 2: Etiology and Assessment of Behavior Problems
3. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 3: Procedures and Protocols

Search to purchase:
http://booko.com.au/9780813807546/Handbook-of-Applied-Dog-Behaviour-and-Training-Principles-of-Behavioural-Adaption-and-Learning-v-1

http://booko.com.au/9780813828688/Handbook-of-Applied-Dog-Behavior-and-Training-Volume-II

http://booko.com.au/9780813807386/Handbook-of-Applied-Dog-Behavior-and-Training-Procedures-and-Protocols-v-3

Miklósi (2009) Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition.One of the first books to collate and synthesise the growing primary research on dog evolution, behaviour and cognition. Often used in the classroom, it offers an in depth overview of canine science research methods as well as study findings. Keep a lookout for the second edition!

http://familydogproject.elte.hu/index.html

Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780199545667/Dog-Behaviour-Evolution-and-Cognition

 
Csányi (2005) If Dogs Could Talk: Exploring the Canine Mind.

What does careful observation and documentation of dog behaviour tell us about the canine mind? And how did people and dogs come to share these strong emotional bonds? Readers join Csányi, and his dogs Flip and Jerry, in this scientific exploration of the high degree of mutual understanding between humans and their four-legged best friends.

http://familydogproject.elte.hu/staff.html
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780865477292/If-Dogs-Could-Talk

Coppinger & Coppinger (2002) Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution.How did dogs come to be dogs, and where does their diversity come from? From village dogs to dogs in our beds, the Coppingers investigate how physical appearances and behaviours develop from both genes and the environment in which they are raised.

http://www.hampshire.edu/faculty/rcoppinger.htm
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780226115634/Dogs


 
McConnell (2003) The Other End of the Leash.

Dogs and humans are two entirely different species with distinct evolutionary heritages, yet can walk down the street together, move in synch and seemingly share mutual understanding. But are we always on the same page? Learn how dogs might interpret our human behaviour, and learn how to interact with dogs in ways they best understand. A must-read for anyone interested in enhancing their relationship and communication with canine companions.

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/
Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780345446787/Other-End-of-the-Leash

Jensen (2007) The Behavioural Biology of Dogs.
With separate sections by various experts, this book offers a nice overview of canine behavioural biology. Sections focus on dog evolution and development, basic behaviour and assessment, prevention and treatment of common companion dog behaviour problems. 

https://www.ifm.liu.se/biology/zoology/applied_ethology/group_members/per-jensen/

Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9781845931872/The-Behavioural-Biology-of-Dogs

Serpell (1995) The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People.

An early publication pulling together research into dog behaviour, cognition and evolution. The book dispels many myths and stereotypes about our canine friends and includes sections on dog origins, behaviour and behaviour problems as well as human-dog interactions. A comprehensive overview, rooted in scientific evidence. Keep a lookout for the second edition! 

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/FacultyandDepartments/Faculty/tabid/362/Default.aspx?faculty_id=6361798

Search to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780521425377/The-Domestic-Dog-Its-Evolution-Behaviour-and-Interactions-with-People

Scott & Fuller (1965) Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog: The classic study?.

Often referenced, but probably not so often read, this classic study, spanning twenty years, covers research into the role of genetics and socialisation on dog behaviour.

http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/nmb/page28619.htmlSearch to purchase: http://booko.com.au/9780226743387/Dog-Behaviour

Now, we were asked to put together a list of 10 canine science books and managed to squish in 13 there, but if anyone has others theyd have liked to see on this list, PLEASE list them into the comments section and we have have the best list of 15, or 20 or 500 canine science books going round!

In other news, Julie, Ive joined a cartel. A while ago, my clever friend, Carolyn, had the idea of creating a positive space for working mums that offers support and smart ideas on how to get through the day. And now, it exists. Somehow, Im part of it?! 

Were called Champagne Cartel and we have a lot to say. Champagne Cartel is a bunch of six working mums who are all doing the best we can with what weve got. Between us we have 11 kids - ranging in age from 21 years to teeny-tiny - and loads of wisdom and experience to offer. We believe in sometimes putting yourself first, which may or may not include the odd sneaky glass of champagne. And we think guilt is for suckers. 

So if youre ever feeling like a break from canine science, and think youd like to dip a toe in the champagne, so to speak, youd be very welcome!

Ive just received some more SUPER EXCITING NEWS, but it will just need to wait until next time!

Most importantly Julie, what (and how??) does Chaser think?

Mia

Further reading:

• The books above!
• Ramos D., Ades C. & Dornhaus A. (2012). Two-Item Sentence Comprehension by a Dog (Canis familiaris), PLoS ONE, 7 (2) e29689. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029689.g00
• van der Zee E., Zulch H., Mills D. & Dornhaus A. (2012). Word Generalization by a Dog (Canis familiaris): Is Shape Important?, PLoS ONE, 7 (11) e49382. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049382.s003

© 2013 Mia Cobb

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Throw another dog in the data pool

Hello Julie,

My, oh my! What an exciting time it was last week, witnessing Dog Spies migration to the Scientific American Blog Network. 

Such a great day for dogs, for science and for YOU! 

Yah! for this recognition of your fabulous writing achievements, communicating the field of canine science to a broader audience. WELL DONE!

As for your question about writing and how I do it, I have to admit Im between systems currently. By this, I mean that I sometimes map out ideas and plan my writing on paper before hitting the laptop; other times I just let rip straight onto the keyboard. 

I dont know if Ill ever migrate to a completely paperless system, but I feel that Im moving in that direction. I still take most of my notes in meetings on paper, which is ridiculous as my handwriting is barely legible, even to me!
Thanks also for the link to that piece by Clive Wynne about academic writing - I really enjoyed reading it.

META-ANALYSIS

You said it. Im neck-deep in meta-analysis goodness right now and Id love to tell you more about it. 

The meta-analysis data set Im currently involved in compiling is about canine salivary cortisol (that just means cortisol found in dog spit). Cortisol is a hormone (more detail here) regularly used in research concerning animal stress and welfare. Ive been interested in canine salivary cortisol  for a while now. 

Thats partly because I collected a lot of it (dog spit, that is) from dogs living in home environments and working dog kennels as part of my PhD research; and partly because its really interesting! But my data alone is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. While its really valuable information (of course its valuable, its part of my PhD!), it only offers insight into around 75 dogs from one population of purpose-bred dogs in one geographic area during one two-year period. How do the results of these dogs in my study compare to normal dogs?

Well, you see - thats the thing. What is the normal range for salivary cortisol in dogs?
We dont really know. 

What is it?
Meta-analysis is a way of evaluating and interpreting the results from research about a particular topic. It adds together the data from different studies, then looks at the compiled data pool to see what patterns and relationships might emerge in the larger body of available information created by the many research projects.

Throw another dog in the (data) pool! (source)

Why use it?
The patterns and groups we might look at within a meta-analysis of salivary cortisol (often used as an indicator of stress/welfare in dog research) are things like: 

• Effects of different environments (do all the results from dogs housed in unfamiliar kennel environments or familiar home environments clump together at different or similar points within the range of values as a whole?); 
• Effects of breed/age (is the range for labradors the same as that for german shepherds? Are all the young dogs in the same place as the old dogs?); 
• Methodological aspects (such as what collection media was used: cotton swabs / synthetic rope / swabs with a saliva stimulant, etc. - does this effect where the cortisol results lie within the whole range?) 

All this information (and much more!) can be investigated and the information will help to provide further context for the existing studies, while also informing the design and interpretation of future studies.

Nancy Dreschel

Can you really do that?

Yep, you really can! Meta-analysis is a method used frequently in human health research and there are plenty of resources to refer to (check out further reading section below). Of course, there are a few fancy statistical things you need to take into account and be aware of, to avoid tricksy sources of bias and subjectivity. 

Fortunately, my collaborator extraordinaire, Dr Nancy Dreschel, from The Pennsylvania State University, has set us up to work closely with an extensively experienced biostatistician, so we should be safe from any meta-analytic traps for young players.  

Nancy and I decided to undertake this project together after meeting at last years Canine Science Forum. It really is the best conference ever.

You meet the greatest people there, no?!  

As Im sure you already know, Nancy has done some very important research in the area of canine salivary cortisol, which Ill definitely write about in another post, another time (because cortisol in dog spit is SO worthy of being its own topic for discussion). She was recently chosen to receive the 2012 Excellence in Academic Advising Award from Penn State, and Im so pleased to be working with her on this project. 

This dog could probably provide 5L of spit without trying (source)

So far weve had great support from our fellow researchers, who have shared the raw data from over 30 studies with us. This has allowed us to enter data that represents over 5,000 separate cortisol sample results. As Nancy pointed out to me in a recent conversation, that represents around 5L (or 1.3 US gallons) of canine saliva. Juicy! 

Want to see one?

Well lucky for you - here are three meta-analysis papers I prepared* earlier:

• Breed differences in dogs sensitivity to human points: A Meta-Analysis
  These authors experienced a reluctance from other researchers to share data, which they handled with refreshingly direct honesty in their publication.
  
  

  

  Excerpt from Dorey, et al. (2009)

• Personality Consistency in Dogs: A Meta-Analysis
  I mentioned this in my last post, but its worth mentioning again and a great example for anyone to look at, as its readily available through open access journal, PloS-One.

• Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis
  Im not sure its compulsory to title your paper This Thing We Looked At: A Meta-Analysis, but its seems kinda catchy. Well probably follow suit.

*These are not my research. By prepared, I meant hyperlinked.

So there you have it. Im excited about dogs and Im excited about throwing their data into the compiled data pool. I imagine it will look something like this when were finished compiling:

Data "pooled". Snorrrt. Get it? Pooled? Ha!

When I posted on Facebook about being excited about dogs and pools, you might have expected Id talk about gene pools. Which is funny, because I wasnt intending to. Except that this week a study opened to collect data and the researchers involved in it ARE interested in gene pools, amongst other things - specifically the breeding, health, training and performance success of working farm dogs in Australia. 

The Farm Dog Project has launched (source)

Researchers at the University of Sydney, including Dr Joanathan Early, are seeking information via an online survey from working farm dog handlers about their dogs. Jono explained to me that "the information from this initial online survey will be used to focus the next stages of the Farm Dog Projects research into the specific areas that farmers identify as central to realizing the potential in farm dogs." 

If you have a working farm dog in Australia, you can take part in the online survey.

This will aid the Farm Dog Projects later endeavours, helping to focus and design objective behavioural measurements for traits that are highly valuable and/or difficult to train (remember when we talked about drive?), so efforts can then be turned to identifying the gene behaviour associations which can assist future breeding programs. Dr Early expects that "this information can then be used over the longer term of the Farm Dog Projects scope to develop Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) or Genetic breeding Values (geBVs) so that working farm dogs can benefit from the same access to science and breeding technology as the livestock they herd". Interestingly, some Guide Dog organisations have been using EBVs to genetically improve their dogs for guiding people with a visual impariment for close to a decade now.

This exciting body of research offers huge potential to the future of Australias working farm dogs and has been supported by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC); Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Working Kelpie Council.

I think I should stop now, this has turned into a long post, but its tough with all this exciting canine science going around me! Whats going on around you? Is it exciting too?

I truly hope so!

Mia

Further reading:

Liberati A., Altman D.G., Tetzlaff J., Mulrow C., Gøtzsche P.C., Ioannidis J.P.A., Clarke M., Devereaux P.J., Kleijnen J. & Moher D. & (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 62 (10) e1-e34. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.006

Dorey N.R., Udell M.A.R. & Wynne C.D.L. (2009). Breed differences in dogs sensitivity to human points: A meta-analysis, Behavioural Processes, 81 (3) 409-415. DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.03.011

Fratkin J.L., Sinn D.L., Patall E.A. & Gosling S.D. (2013). Personality consistency in dogs: a meta-analysis., PloS one, PMID: 23372787

Nimer J. & Lundahl B. (2007). Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis, Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, 20 (3) 225-238. DOI: 10.2752/089279307X224773

© 2013 Mia Cobb

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