Sustainable Tails

Hi gang! Welcome back to another informative edition of Sustainable Tails. Thanks for joining us on this journey as we jump into a little bit of everything pet related. This week we dive into how and when dogs became man’s best friend, cats scratching furniture, and five puppy behaviors to curb early on. Get settled in and enjoy this weeks journey with us!

Why Are Dogs Man’s Best Friend?

The history of how dogs became man's best friend is a fascinating tale of mutual benefit and companionship that dates back thousands of years. It is believed that the relationship between humans and dogs began when early humans domesticated wolves, possibly as far back as 40,000 years ago. Initially, wolves were attracted to human campsites by the scent of food scraps, and over time, a symbiotic relationship developed. Wolves that were less fearful and more tolerant of humans began to frequent the campsites, eventually leading to domestication. Also, it is thought, humans from that era would raise wolf cubs, and since the cubs were around humans from their early stage in life, they slowly, over the generations, became domesticated.

These early dogs likely served as guards, helping to warn humans of approaching danger, and later as hunting partners, assisting in tracking and capturing prey. As humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, dogs played an increasingly important role in daily life. They helped to protect livestock, guard homes, and provide companionship to their human counterparts. Dogs' keen senses and loyalty made them invaluable companions, earning them the title of "man's best friend."

Today, dogs continue to hold a special place in human society, serving as working animals, therapy animals, and beloved family pets. The bond between humans and dogs is a testament to the enduring nature of this unique relationship, which has stood the test of time and continues to enrich the lives of both species.

https://www.mypet.com/lifestyle/pet-ownership/how-did-dogs-become-mans-best-friend/#:~:text=Those%20canny%20canines%20figured%20out,to%20socializing%20them%20from%20infancy.

Cat Curiosities

Cats have nearly double the amount of neurons in their cerebral cortex than dogs. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions. Cats have about 300 million neurons in their cerebral cortex, while dogs have about 160 million. This difference in neuron count is one of the reasons why cats are often considered more intelligent than dogs.

Peanut Butter Carrot Doggie Treats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)

• 1/2 cup finely grated carrots

• 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, grated carrots, and rolled oats until well combined.

3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

4. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply use a knife to cut the dough into squares.

5. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.

6. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: Approximately 24-36 treats, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.

Why dogs will love this recipe: Dogs will love these peanut butter carrot oat treats because they are packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. The combination of peanut butter, carrots, and oats creates a tasty and satisfying treat that is sure to please even the pickiest of pups. Plus, the crunchy texture makes them great for promoting dental health. Treat your furry friend to these homemade delights and watch their tail wag with joy!

5 Puppy Behaviors To Curb Early On

When raising a puppy, it's essential to address certain behaviors early on to prevent them from becoming habits that are challenging to break later. One common behavior to address is chewing. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but redirecting this behavior to appropriate chew toys can prevent damage to furniture and belongings. Another behavior to nip in the bud is jumping. While it may be cute when they're small, jumping up on people can become a nuisance as they grow. Teaching them to greet people with all four paws on the floor is important.

Biting is another behavior that needs to be addressed early. Puppies use their mouths to play, but it's crucial to teach them not to bite to prevent them from developing a hard bite as adults. Excessive barking is also a behavior to curb early on. Puppies may bark for attention or out of boredom, so teaching them when it's appropriate to bark and providing enough mental and physical stimulation can help prevent excessive barking.

Lastly, potty accidents should be addressed promptly. While accidents are common in young puppies as they are still learning, consistency in potty training and supervision can help them learn appropriate bathroom behavior quickly. By addressing these behaviors early and consistently with positive reinforcement training, you can help your puppy develop into a well-behaved adult dog.

Pet Poem Place

Lovability

By Julia, Age 12, British Columbia, Canada

Lovability is not being
The prettiest pup of the bunch,
Or the one that wins the most ribbons.
Lovability is being
The right dog, with the right person,
at the right time.
And is when you can hear them crying,
When the world is asleep,
And you could be too,
But instead, getting up, to lick them,
And make them laugh.
Lovability
is something not all
Cute puppies
And 1st place show dogs have.
Lovability
Is something for
Pigeon chested,
Blotchy eyed mutts
From the pound,
As well as the adored Papillon.

Lovability is forever.
My poem is about how not all cute,
sweet tempered pure-bred
puppies turn out to be cute,
sweet-tempered dogs.

Does Your Cat Love Scratching Furniture? Here Are A Few Tips And Ideas To Help With This Behavior

Cats scratching on furniture can be frustrating. There are humane ways to deter this behavior without resorting to declawing your precious feline. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent cats from scratching your furniture:

• Provide scratching posts: Cats need an outlet for their natural scratching behavior. Provide sturdy scratching posts covered in sisal or carpet and place them near furniture they tend to scratch. Encourage use with catnip or toys.

• Use double-sided tape: Cats dislike sticky textures. Cover the areas of furniture they scratch with double-sided tape. They'll find it unpleasant and will likely avoid scratching there.

• Trim their claws: Regular claw trimming can reduce damage from scratching. Use a cat-specific claw trimmer and be careful not to cut into the quick.

• Provide alternatives: Offer a variety of scratching surfaces, such as cardboard scratchers or scratching pads. Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces, while others like vertical posts.

• Use deterrents: Sprays with scents cats dislike, like citrus or bitter apple, can discourage scratching. Apply them to furniture or use them in the vicinity to deter scratching.

• Provide enrichment: Boredom can lead to increased scratching. Keep your cat entertained with toys, puzzles, and interactive play to reduce the urge to scratch out of boredom.

• Reward good behavior: When your cat uses a scratching post or alternative surface, praise and reward them with treats. Positive reinforcement encourages repeat behavior.

By implementing these tips, you can help prevent your cat from scratching furniture while keeping them happy and engaged.

Just For Fun

Well, that brings to a close this week’s edition. Please be sure to share this growing community of pet lovers from around the world with your friends and family. We send you an unobtrusive email once a week right to your mailbox. That’s all there is to it! We welcome any and all input from all of our subscribers. Send us topics you’d love to know more about, or just drop us a message to say hello. There are exciting things coming as Sustainable Tails grows in popularity!

Sustainable Tails is dedicated to helping you create a harmonious and eco-friendly life for you and your pets. By embracing zero-waste and pet-friendly grooming products and sustainably exploring the outdoors together, you're not only enhancing the well-being of your furry companions but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Thank you for joining us on this weeks adventure. Continue to spread the word on what we are doing here, and always know your comments and participation in our community are welcomed with open paws. We’ll see you right here next week, so continue making sustainable choices and cherishing each and every day with your beloved pets!

Joshua McCarty

Founder, Sustainable Tails

P.S. Have a topic you’d like us to cover in our next newsletter? Share your ideas and questions with us. We’d love to hear from you!

P.P.S. Take a peek over at our partner website for an ever growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly pet supplies and accessories, as well as many other pet friendly products!

You May Also Like