Israel to Biden: Stop Talking About the Two-State Solution Hamas Murdered on 10/7

Does your dog know the names of its toys? Lots of dog owners may think their precious pooch can identify their favorite toys by name‚ but the phenomenon is actually pretty rare. In fact‚ many dogs who are believed to have this ability have usually had it trained into them and they can only identify a few objects. But then there are spontaneous learners‚ the special cases‚ the truly “gifted”. Dogs are popular subjects for studying social cognition because they have evolved alongside humans. So aside from being adorable‚ their ability to identify object labels (the names of things)‚ and to associate labels with specific objects could offer insights into various cognitive mechanisms. For instance‚ this ability could help us understand how object labels are acquired and how they work in reference communicative signals in non-human species. That is‚ how animals understand labels as references for things. Moreover‚ a dog’s knowledge of object labels could indicate whether they have bias towards certain features on an object. And the influence of these verbal labels – what is essentially language – on mental representation can be explored by comparing dogs with knowledge to those who lack it. This sounds great‚ but not all dogs can do it. Most of the very few studies into this phenomenon have only included a few animals – one or two – because‚ contrary to what their owners may think‚ the dogs themselves do not demonstrate evidence of knowing objects on an individual level. And efforts to teach dogs have usually failed. As such‚ what are called Gifted Word Learner (GWL) dogs‚ those who have this ability‚ are rare. Given their apparent rareness‚ how can we explore GWL dogs? Well‚ a team of researchers turned to the citizen science approach to gather information. “As GWL dogs are rare‚ the search for them and the documentation of their behaviour can most efficiently be done with the help of educated dog owners”‚ Dr Shany Dror‚ Eötvös Loránd University‚ Hungary‚ and colleagues wrote. The authors used this method to create the first study conducted on a relatively large sample size of dogs that possess a vocabulary of multiple object names. Citizens to the rescue Dror and colleagues operated on the hypothesis that an owner’s skills in dog training or experience with dogs could contribute to the ability of their dogs to learn object names. “In this case‚ we would expect that most owners of GWL dogs are professional trainers or experienced dog owners and that most of them deliberately taught the toy names. Additionally‚ we aimed to explore whether most GWL dog owners had many dogs in the past and whether their previous dogs or dogs adopted after the GWL dogs‚ also showed this exceptional ability‚” they explained.“Moreover‚ we expect that households with multiple dogs would likely include more than one GWL dog‚ assuming that owners have a consistent approach and lifestyle towards their dogs.”Through this citizen-led approach‚ the team were able to identify 41 GWL dogs. They identified them through a social media campaign and press articles. The owners who took part were first instructed on how to test their dog’s knowledge of toy names by themselves. Then the team performed a controlled Vocabulary Assessment Test (VAT) whereby researchers observed the dogs over the internet (not in a creepy way). Owners of the dogs that performed significantly better than chance were then asked to carry out a questionnaire about the dogs’ life history‚ the owner’s experience as owners‚ and the process through which their dog acquired their knowledge. “In addition‚ we tested for correlation between the number of toys the dogs confirmed to know during the VAT‚ and the number of toys they were estimated to know approximately two years after the VAT‚ as well as between the estimated number of toys and the dogs’ Accuracy in the VAT‚” the team added.The results‚ which took five years to gather‚ are certainly something to wag your tail over. “During the tests‚ we found that most of the dogs had already learned over 15 object labels‚ and their owners reported that they continued to acquire more labels‚ with many dogs now being able to recognize over 100”‚ the team explained.Interestingly‚ out of the 35 owners who took part in the study‚ only three of them reported having a professional background in dog training. This suggests dog owner’s skills are not a significant factor behind GWL dogs’ abilities. “Obviously‚ owners play some role in facilitating GWL dogs’ ability to learn object labels”‚ the team added‚ “because the dogs would not be able to learn toy names without owners providing them with toys‚ and dedicating time to play with them.”“And yet‚ the results presented here suggest that the owners’ training skills are likely not the primary driver behind these dogs’ skill.”Crucially‚ around 74 percent of the owners who participated reported that they did not intentionally train their dogs to learn toy names. Instead‚ they noticed that their dog had learned the names spontaneously through play interactions. This then prompted the owners to introduce more toys. As such‚ the owners did not necessarily recognize that their doggo was doing anything special. It is possible that “playfulness” may be a factor in this ability‚ but even among naturally playful breeds – such as Border collies – the presence of true GWL dogs is rare. “Thus‚ we suggest that playfulness‚ by itself‚ is likely not enough for the development of GWL dogs’ vocabulary. Here we also present the first evidence that‚ although the ability to learn object labels is most frequently found in Border collies‚ it also exists in a variety of other breeds.”Obviously‚ with a citizen science study‚ there are limitations about bias and‚ in this case‚ there is a small sample size. Nevertheless‚ the study offers new insights using this novel approach. “While our findings on GWL dogs should not be generalized to the wider population of typical family dogs‚ they support previous findings on GWL dogs‚ increasing their validity and suggesting that what has been found with a specific GWL dog‚ may be extended to other GWL dogs”‚ the team concluded.The study is published in Scientific Reports. 

Some 10‚000 to 20‚000 years ago‚ cataclysmic floods of water tore through a portion of North America now known as Washington State. Incredibly‚ the scars gouged into the earth from this violent event can still be seen today‚ revealed by satellite images from space.As explained by NASA Earth Observatory‚ these satellite images were captured back in May 2023 by Landsat 8‚ an Earth observation satellite under the command of NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) that orbits our planet every 99 minutes.They show a portion of southeastern Washington State called the Columbia Plateau that’s abundant in agricultural land growing hops‚ tree fruit‚ sweetcorn‚ milk‚ potatoes‚ grains‚ and many other vegetables.Carving across patches of green and brown farmland‚ the images reveal the giant gray streaks known as the Channeled Scablands. From ground level‚ these features appear as huge rocky formations‚ made up of steep-sided canyon walls and jagged cliffs.A close-up of the Landsat-8 image showing Wilson Creek.Image credit: Landsat-8/NASA/USGSThe formations were a long-standing mystery for geologists until the 1920s when a high school science teacher named Harley Bretz theorized that they could have been sculpted by glacial streams.“The channeled scablands are the erosive record of large‚ high-gradient‚ glacier-born streams‚” he wrote in his 1923 research paper. “The magnitude of the erosive changes wrought by these glacial streams is nothing short of amazing."While controversial at the time‚ his theory turned out to be on the money. Scientists now know that the Channeled Scablands were formed during the Ice Age due to a huge ice dam that formed along the Clark Fork River. Behind the ice dam‚ water from the Clark Fork gathered.The Channeled Scablands look fairly different when seen from an Earth-bound angle.Image credit: Zack Frank/Shutterstock.comOver several thousand years‚ the ice dam continuously broke and reformed‚ flooding the plains with 2‚100 cubic kilometers (500 cubic miles) of water traveling at over 128 kilometers (80 miles) per hour. According to National Geographic‚ this torrent of water had the force of 10 times the combined flow of all the world's rivers‚ so it’s not hard to see how it carved these vast geological features. One of these sights is Dry Falls‚ once the greatest known waterfall that ever existed on Earth. Now‚ however‚ it’s just a 121-meter-high (400-foot)‚ 5.6-kilometer-wide (3.5 miles) cliff that overlooks a gaping gorge and a set of lakes.While the landscape is perhaps more picturesque from ground level‚ its epic scale can be best appreciated from a satellite cruising 705 kilometers (438 miles) above Earth. 

Solar Cycle Maximum‚ here we come. The Sun’s activity is truly picking up steam‚ meaning more sunspots‚ coronal holes‚ and even solar flares. The strongest yet for the current solar cycle‚ Cycle 25‚ is an X 2.8 class flare: the strongest recorded since September 10‚ 2017‚ and about 5 to 10 percent of the strongest on record from November 2003.The location of the flare was above the sunspot AR 3514‚ and while it was not directly facing our planet‚ we were hit by the energetic release. The solar flare created a radio blackout‚ and was one of the strongest radio events from the Sun ever recorded according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration.          The effects of the radio blackout were on the Sun-facing portion of the planet at the time (December 14‚ 5:02 pm UTC)‚ so across the Americas. It was strongest over South America‚ but the SWPC reports radio communication interference over the United States.“These blackouts can lead to temporary degradation or complete loss of high frequency radio signals. This is the largest flare of this solar cycle and since Sep 10‚ 2017‚ when an X8.2 flare was observed at GOES-15‚” a statement from SWPC reads. “This sunspot region will be monitored closely by SWPC forecasters given its potential to produce additional M-class and greater flares.”          The X 2.8 flare was preceded by a weaker M-class flare from the same sunspot. While weaker‚ it was still able to create some moderate radio interference across the sunlit portion of the Earth‚ which at that point was Europe‚ Africa‚ and portions of Asia.The Sun goes through a cycle of activity that lasts 11 years. At solar maximum‚ there is the best chance to have strong flares and powerful coronal mass ejections that can lead to all sorts of space weather effects on the Earth‚ including radio blackouts and gorgeous northern and southern lights.The current cycle is expected to peak between January and October of 2024. Official predictions are usually put forward when the Sun is at its minimum. So in 2019‚ it was estimated that the maximum was going to be reached in July 2025.           These predictions need to balance the consensus of different models initially‚ and given how quiet cycle 24 was‚ it might have affected some models more than others. Not all of the models though. A new prediction approach did expect an earlier‚ more active cycle in a paper that was released in April. Solar flares such as this are continuing to prove the authors right.

Remains of extinct human relatives are annoyingly rare‚ leaving many chapters of our own evolution a mystery. However‚ a review of an old fossil discovered over 40 years ago has busted open an important part of the story we didn’t previously know. Paleoanthropologists have taken a second look at some ancient human remains discovered in the Ethiopian highlands and argue they represent one of the earliest known fossils of Homo erectus‚ a pivotal character in the story of human evolution. On top of that‚ the remains indicate that this wildly successful species also lived in high-altitude mountains‚ drastically changing what we assumed about human evolution and migration. The jawbone of an infant hominin was discovered in 1981 among the highlands of Ethiopia at the Melka Kunture complex‚ a cluster of prehistoric sites at an altitude of over 2‚000 meters (6‚561 feet) above sea level.The species of this individual became the subject of heated academic debate‚ but a new study has affirmed that it belonged to H. erectus‚ just as some have previously speculated. The fossil dates to around 2 million years old‚ which is incredibly old for this species. They only fell into extinction less than 120‚000 years ago‚ meaning they were on Earth for around 1.9 million years.All of this illuminates part of human evolution that wasn’t known before‚ namely that H. erectus dwelled at high altitudes. Two million years ago‚ this human relative had migrated out of the lowland savanna environments of East Africa and into the high-altitude regions of the Ethiopian highlands.The site of the discovery‚ known as the Garba IV site‚ also contains two styles of prehistoric stone tools: Oldowan and Acheulean. The tools were found at different layers of the site that date to different periods‚ indicating H. erectus was first producing Oldowan technology and then moved onto Acheulean technology. The mastery of both these tool-making technologies shows that H. erectus had an impressive potential to adapt its behavior. However‚ this is not to say that scientists ever assumed this species wasn't very smart.H. erectus‚ whose name means "upright man" was one of the early known members of the Homo (human) genus. Owing to its lengthy tenure on Earth‚ the extinct species is considered to be one of the most successful species of human ever to walk the planet. They also had a massive range across the planet‚ with remains of the species being found across Africa and much of Eurasia‚ as far-flung as Western Europe and Southeast Asia. The new study is published in the journal Science.

Earth has received a record-breaking laser-beamed message from far beyond the Moon for the first time‚ an achievement that could transform how spacecraft communicate. If NASA can get a message from its spacecraft from 16 million kilometers (10 million miles) away‚ your beau has no excuse for leaving you on read.In the farthest-ever demonstration of this type of optical communication‚ the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) traveling on NASA’s Psyche spacecraft beamed a near-infrared laser encoded with test data from its position around 16 million kilometers (10 million miles) away – which is around 40 times farther than the Moon is from Earth – to the Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory in California.The DSOC is a two-year tech demonstration riding along on Psyche as it makes its way to its prime target‚ asteroid Psyche. The demo achieved “first light” on November 14‚ according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)‚ which manages both missions‚ thanks to an incredibly precise maneuver that saw its laser transceiver lock onto JPL’s powerful uplink laser beacon at its Table Mountain Observatory‚ which allowed the DSOC’s transceiver to aim its downlink laser at Caltech’s observatory 130 kilometers (100 miles) away.   “Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months‚ paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information‚ high-definition imagery‚ and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars‚” Trudy Kortes‚ director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA HQ‚ said in a statement.Optical communications have been used to send messages from Earth orbit before‚ but this is the farthest distance yet by laser beams. In a laser beam‚ the beam of photons is moving in the same direction at the same wavelength. Laser communication can transmit vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds by packing data into the oscillations of these light waves‚ encoding an optical signal that can carry messages to a receiver via infrared (invisible to humans) beams.NASA usually uses radio waves to communicate with missions farther than the Moon‚ and both use electromagnetic waves to transmit data‚ but the advantage of laser beams is that much more data can be packed into much tighter waves. According to NASA‚ the DSOC tech demo aims to show transmission rates 10-100 times greater than current top radio communication systems.Allowing the transmission of more data will allow future missions to carry much higher-resolution science instruments as well as allow for faster communications on potential deep space missions – video live streams from the surface of Mars‚ for example. “Optical communication is a boon for scientists and researchers who always want more from their space missions‚ and will enable human exploration of deep space‚” said Dr Jason Mitchell‚ director of the Advanced Communications and Navigation Technologies Division within NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program. “More data means more discoveries.”However‚ there are some challenges to test out first. The farther the distance optical communication has to travel‚ the more difficult it gets‚ as it requires pinpoint precision to point the laser beam. Also‚ the photons' signal will get fainter‚ taking longer to reach their destination‚ eventually creating lag times in communication. During the test on November 14‚ the photons took around 50 seconds to travel from Psyche to Earth. By the time Psyche reaches its farthest distance‚ it will take around 20 minutes for them to travel back – this is long enough for both Earth and the spacecraft to have moved‚ so the lasers on both need to adjust for this change of position.So far‚ the record-breaking technology demonstration has been very successful. “[The] test was the first to fully incorporate the ground assets and flight transceiver‚ requiring the DSOC and Psyche operations teams to work in tandem‚” said Meera Srinivasan‚ operations lead for DSOC at JPL. “It was a formidable challenge‚ and we have a lot more work to do‚ but for a short time‚ we were able to transmit‚ receive‚ and decode some data.”Or‚ as Abi Biswas‚ project technologist for DSOC at JPL put it: “[We] were able to exchange ‘bits of light’ from and to deep space.” Exchanging bits of light to and from deep space could be the game-changing future of how we communicate in space exploration.An earlier version of this article was published in November 2023.

There is a region of the North Atlantic Ocean that is unusual – it’s a sea that has no coastlines. The Sargasso Sea is characterized by its unique boundaries defined by ocean currents rather than land. It’s also a sea characterized by its natural‚ and unfortunately unnatural‚ accumulations of algae and detritus.The Sargasso Sea: An ocean of its ownThe Sargasso Sea is enclosed by four currents: the North Atlantic Current to the north; the Canary Current to the east; the North Atlantic Equatorial Current to the south; and the Antilles Current to the west. These currents‚ which are known as ocean gyres – a large system of circular ocean currents formed by global winds and the Earth’s rotation - effectively trap the body of water within them.The ocean’s name comes from its special seaweed that exists within its waters. Sargassum‚ as it is called‚ is a brownish-yellowish mass of floating macroalgae that forms a unique marine environment. In fact‚ the presence of this floating mass within the sea has earned it the title of a “golden floating rainforest”‚ which is a habitat‚ foraging and spawning ground‚ and a corridor for migration.For example‚ endangered European eels migrate to this distant sea to breed‚ and various species of whale‚ such as sperm and humpbacks‚ migrate through it during their transoceanic journeys. Sargassum has been known about for a long time. It was actually referenced by Columbus during his expedition diaries from 1492. His encounter with the floating mass‚ so the story goes‚ caused considerable fears among his crew. Their ship‚ the Santa María‚ became stranded in the ocean for three days due to windless conditions (doldrums). The crew became concerned when they saw the seaweed‚ usually a sign of land‚ which they worried would entangle them and drag them underwater. This story apparently helped secure the Sargasso Sea's reputation as a potentially hazardous and mysterious place. This reputation was not helped by its association with the dreaded Bermuda Triangle‚ which exists within the southwestern area of this unusual sea. Despite its importance for marine life‚ the Sargasso Sea is under threat from human activity (of course). Not only do ships cause damage to the environment with a mix of noise and chemical pollutants‚ but the currents that isolate it also drag huge accumulations of plastics and other human debris into the waters. Because of the circulating motions of the oceanic gyres‚ plastic swirls into the Sargasso Sea‚ where it has formed a massive island known as the North Atlantic Garbage patch‚ which is estimated to be hundreds of kilometers in size and to have a density of 200‚000 pieces of trash per square kilometer.Although there are various organizations committed to protecting this unique sea‚ cleanup efforts are hindered by the substantial challenges associated with marine plastics. Unfortunately‚ this means that plastic will likely remain a significant threat to life in this area. 

How smart are dolphins? Dolphins are considered the second most intelligent species after humans. Surprisingly‚ they surpass primates in cognitive abilities with their high brain-to-body weight ratio‚ enabling sophisticated problem-solving and abstract comprehension. These magical sea creatures demonstrate remarkable adaptability‚ self-awareness (a rare trait among animals)‚ and mirror self-recognition. Dolphins are known for tool usage‚... The post Woman wakeboarding in the Sea of Cortez becomes flanked by countless sea creatures appeared first on Animal Channel.

Samoyeds are a popular dog breed due to their adorable appearance and vibrant personality. These dogs love to spend time around humans and other animals‚ making them excellent companions for all kinds of people. Samoyeds are generally considered a healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12–14 years‚ if not longer. However‚ there are still several health issues that this breed can experience. This article provides you with a list of the most common Samoyed health issues that you should know about. Keep them in mind before choosing a Samoyed as your new family member. The 7 Samoyed Health Issues 1. Uveodermatologic Syndrome A common health problem in Samoyeds is uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS). This issue is characterized by eye inflammation‚ skin depigmentation‚ and hair whitening. In severe cases‚ Samoyeds with this problem can experience various ophthalmological disorders that could eventually lead to blindness. Dogs that suffer from UDS will likely showcase the following signs: Red/cloudy eyes Tearing Localized vitiligo (mainly on the nose‚ lips‚ and eye rims) Retinal detachment Cataracts Glaucoma Blindness This health issue in Samoyeds is treatable‚ but the affected dog will likely need lifelong therapy to maintain their health‚ and early intervention is vital for a good outcome. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock 2. Eye Problems In addition to UDS‚ Samoyeds are prone to various eye problems that can cause severe damage‚ some of which are not treatable. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal dysplasia in Samoyeds is mostly due to genetic disorders‚ which is why these dogs require DNA screenings. This health problem occurs when your Samoyed’s retina‚ located at the back of the eye‚ forms abnormal folds‚ eventually leading to impaired vision and blindness. Unfortunately‚ there’s no specific treatment for this issue. Some dogs can undergo gene therapy‚ but the outcome may not be successful. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) This disorder causes the photoreceptors inside the dog’s retina to die‚ eventually leading to blindness. PRA is not treatable‚ so all dogs suffering from it will become blind at one point in their life. However‚ there’s also a DNA screening for this disorder that reduces the chances of newborn Samoyed puppies developing it. Cataracts Samoyeds are prone to developing several different types of cataracts‚ including posterior punctate and juvenile cataracts. A few of these problems are inherited‚ while older Samoyeds are at risk of developing age-related cataracts. The treatment for cataracts in Samoyeds depends on the type that a dog has; some can be easily treated‚ while others might not have a cure. Distichiasis Samoyeds with distichiasis have eyelashes that grow from the ducts inside the eyelid‚ which is unusual. In some situations‚ these hairs irritate your Samoyed’s eyes; in others‚ they won’t cause any harm and can even go unnoticed. 3. Heart Problems Samoyeds can experience various heart problems and abnormalities due to genetics. Aortic Stenosis Aortic stenosis is a congenital condition that can affect Samoyeds. The issue is present at birth‚ and due to abnormalities‚ the dog’s heart needs to work much harder than usual to provide a blood supply to the body. This health issue could eventually lead to death‚ so prompt treatment is important. The actual treatment method can vary based on the severity of the issue. Some Samoyeds may need medications‚ while others may require surgery. Pulmonic Valve Stenosis Pulmonic valve stenosis is another congenital condition. Three different types of this issue can affect dogs‚ but all of them can eventually lead to heart failure. The treatment options vary based on the severity of the issue‚ but most Samoyeds suffering from pulmonic valve stenosis require cardiac catheterization to open up the narrowed valve. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock 4. Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Samoyeds can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia‚ which can be passed on to their offspring. Therefore‚ these dogs require screening for both of these health issues. Hip dysplasia: This problem occurs in many medium and large dog breeds‚ including Samoyeds. Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket joint of the hip has not formed correctly‚ leading to abnormal movement and wear of the joint‚ lameness‚ and arthritis. In many cases‚ surgery is necessary to resolve the problem and relieve your dog’s pain. Elbow dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic issue in Samoyeds. Similar to hip dysplasia‚ elbow dysplasia results from incorrect growth and development of the joint‚ but there are different components of the elbow that may be affected. Depending on the type and severity‚ elbow dysplasia may require medication or surgical treatment. Responsible breeders of dogs that are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia will have their dogs scored before breeding to try to ensure that only healthy individuals are contributing to future generations. The Canine Health Information Center organizes this‚ and many other health programs for breeders and pet owners. 5. Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy A genetic defect that can occur in this breed is the Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. This condition is passed from mothers to their male puppies‚ and it can be deadly. Common signs of Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy include: Excessive thirst Excessive urination Poor appetite Vomiting Lethargy Anemia This genetic condition has no cure‚ meaning that it’s vital to screen Samoyed mothers and ensure that they don’t carry this gene. Fortunately‚ DNA testing is relatively inexpensive‚ so all responsible breeders should be able to show evidence of the test results. Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina‚ Shutterstock 6. Diabetes Mellitus It’s common for middle-aged Samoyeds to experience diabetes mellitus. This issue can occur in dogs for several reasons‚ though in Samoyeds‚ it’s mainly related to having chronic pancreas inflammation. Samoyeds suffering from diabetes mellitus may experience the following: Increased urination Increased appetite Vomiting Weight loss Dehydration Infections Poor coat health Seizures This health issue can’t be cured‚ but Samoyeds with diabetes can still lead normal lives if they get the needed treatment and adapt their lifestyles to their condition. 7. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and causes it to produce abnormal hormone levels. These hormones affect various parts of your dog’s body‚ including hair growth‚ weight regulation‚ and reproduction. Therefore‚ Samoyeds suffering from hypothyroidism are prone to being infertile‚ losing hair‚ and gaining weight. Depending on the severity of the issue‚ most dogs will require daily thyroid supplementation to stay in good shape. Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina‚Shutterstock Conclusion There are several different health issues that Samoyeds could experience. However‚ the Samoyed is still considered a healthy dog breed‚ as many of these conditions are not life threatening‚ and can be managed. Through genetic testing and other screening modalities‚ the incidence of many of these health issues can be reduced with responsible breeding. Sources https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/samoyed https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/the-samoyed/health-and-care/health-issues/ https://www.samoyedhealthfoundation.org/diseases/uveodermatologic-syndrome-uds/ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cataracts-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/distichia-or-distichiasis-in-dogs   Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot‚ Shutterstock The post 7 Samoyed Health Issues You Should Know Before You Get One appeared first on Pet Keen.

Dogs come in different shapes‚ colors‚ and sizes—as well as prey drive intensities. Some dogs love to cuddle and sleep most of the day away‚ while others are constantly on the hunt. It can be hard to snap these dogs out of their fixation once they’ve spotted a small moving animal‚ while other dogs may not care for the chase at all. Certain dogs have a higher prey drive because of their breeding‚ but they can also be developed by their environment. A dog with a high prey drive is challenging if not trained properly‚ as they can be difficult to control. Although it can never be fully trained out of your dog‚ their prey drive can be positively redirected‚ and with the right tips‚ they can be raised to become obedient and delightful pets. How Are Dogs with High Prey Drives Classified? Dogs that stalk‚ search‚ chase‚ snatch‚ and bite are classified as having a high prey drive. One or two of these behaviors can be stronger in different breeds‚ but they will typically display varying degrees of all five. However‚ it is the job of the owner to redirect this energy into games‚ toys‚ or treats‚ instead of the smaller animals around them. It is important to understand that if you try to completely suppress an instinctive behavior‚ you will almost always lose. However‚ if you use positive reinforcement to focus that instinct in a more desirable way‚ you will have a much greater chance of success‚ as well as a less frustrated pet. The 20 Dog Breeds with High Prey Drives 1. Greyhounds Image Credit: Alexandra Morrison Photo‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 13 years Height: 27 to 30 inches Weight: 60 to 70 pounds Known for their speed‚ these dogs will zoom around your yard after a ball—or a cat. They were bred for hunting‚ where their high speed and excellent sight were very useful. Although one of the breeds with a high prey drive‚ these dogs do get on well with other dogs and can be in the ownership of seniors due to their gentle and sweet-natured personalities. However‚ early socialization with small animals and children is a must for this breed. 2. Border Collies Image Credit: ForeverNaturalPhotography‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 22 inches Weight: 30 to 55 pounds These intelligent sheepdogs are incredible herders‚ and they know how to control a flock of sheep with their eyes and movements. They love to work and do well on a farm where they have the freedom to run and release all their energy. However‚ farm life isn’t a requirement to owning this breed as long as you provide them with around 2 hours of activity each day. Due to their intense herding instincts‚ they may try to herd children and small animals in the home. Thankfully‚ this behavior can be trained out of them by a strong leader and enriching lifestyle. Allowing them to run with other dogs can be a great way for them to let off steam‚ and activities like flyball are a fantastic way to keep their bodies fit and minds active. 3. Cocker Spaniels Image Credit: chrisukphoto‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 14 years Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches Weight: 20 to 30 pounds Those floppy ears‚ big eyes‚ and stunning coats are a few of the many stunning features of a Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are great companions that are sporty enough to eagerly participate in any activity or adventure. They were created for hunting but are one of the most popular breeds in America. These dogs are water lovers‚ too‚ so swimming is an excellent activity to release some of their energy. If integrated with cats and other pets from a young age‚ they’re able to live harmoniously with them. These dogs love to follow their nose‚ so teaching them to “hunt” for items at home‚ or engaging in scent training‚ are some easy ways to let them use their instincts. 4. English Pointer Image Credit: Jelena Safronova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 17 years Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight: 45 to 75 pounds The English Pointer is an intelligent breed that is friendly and playful. They are highly active‚ speedy‚ and need a lot of exercise‚ making them one of the best dogs for runners‚ cyclists‚ and hikers. These dogs were bred for hunting‚ and as their name suggests‚ they would point hunters in the direction of wild game. Because of their instinct to chase and grab smaller animals‚ care must be taken when they share a home with smaller pets. These dogs are highly trainable but require a strong leader and consistency‚ as their prey drive can often make them disinterested in training. 5. Irish Setter Image Credit: Kseniia Kolesnikova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 25 to 27 inches Weight: 60 to 70 pounds Although developed as gun dogs‚ Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are loyal‚ intelligent‚ and sweet-tempered. These dogs are energetic enough to keep up with children but are gentle enough around the elderly. However‚ the Irish Setter is energetic and big‚ so supervision is required around little children. These beautiful dogs do enjoy a good chase‚ but they are often content chasing toys. If raised among smaller dogs and cats‚ they will generally view them as family‚ not prey. These dogs have stunning coats that can be seen in red‚ mahogany‚ and chestnut. They need moderate grooming and a lot of exercise. These dogs don’t do well in apartments or small homes as they enjoy a lot of space to move about. 6. Beagles Image Credit: AlbanyColley‚ Pixabay Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Height: 13 to 15 inches Weight: 20 to 30 pounds Beagles love homes with other dogs‚ but their high prey drive makes them a concern around smaller pets like hamsters or guinea pigs. They’re great family dogs‚ are loveable‚ and make great companions. They have compact bodies that are suitable for apartments‚ but they do tend to howl‚ which may not go down favorably with the neighbors. Regardless of your living space‚ Beagles need frequent walks as they are an active breed that was bred for hunting‚ and will do well with scent training. Beagles come in black‚ red‚ and white colors‚ as well as a few other variations and patterns. They love to eat and are prone to obesity. They’re also prone to joint‚ eye‚ and heart problems‚ so frequent checkups at the vet are necessary. 7. Australian Shepherds Image Credit: Eve Photography‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 23 inches Weight: 40 to 65 pounds Like the Border Collie‚ Australian Shepherds are born to herd‚ and are excellent at it. They are working dogs that save farmers a lot of time and effort by rounding up their sheep and cattle‚ and are commonly used as police dogs because they are highly trainable and intelligent. They are agile and competitive and‚ when trained well‚ perform brilliantly in obedience dog competitions. These dogs do well on ranches but also do fine in homes with fenced-in yards. However‚ they need to be exercised and kept busy because dogs that don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation will act up and become challenging to live with. 8. Afghan Hounds Image Credit: Anna Goroshnikova‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 18 years Height: 25 to 27 inches Weight: 50 to 60 pounds Although Afghan Hounds look prim and proper‚ these dogs can be delightfully silly and playful. Apart from their long‚ stunning coats‚ these dogs have long faces and flowy ears. Afghan Hounds were bred for coursing and hunting‚ where they would spot prey and hunt it down. Although beneficial in the forest and other hunting spots‚ this behavior is unhelpful on causal walks. Unless highly trained‚ Afghan Hounds should remain on the leash to prevent them from running off after other animals. Apart from their high energy needs‚ their coat also requires a lot of maintenance with brushings at least once a day to prevent tangles and frequent baths. 9. Alaskan Malamutes Image Credit: Steve Heap‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 14 years Height: 23 to 25 inches Weight: 75 to 85 pounds The Alaskan Malamute has a similar appearance to a wolf‚ but is domesticated. They were bred to pull heavy sleds and have the endurance and energy for it. These dogs are hard workers that need a leader‚ which must be their owner. They are strong-willed‚ stubborn‚ and highly intelligent. If they don’t see their owner as a strong leader‚ they will assume the role and become difficult to manage. The Malamute needs space to run and play‚ and requires at least one hour of exercise every day. Due to their strong personalities‚ it is a good idea to take them to puppy training. They are not a good choice for inexperienced dog owners‚ but in the right home‚ can be very loving‚ loyal pets. It is vital to raise them to respect children and small pets‚ as they can be overly boisterous if strict guidelines are not enforced. 10. Basenjis Image Credit: Verbitskaya Juliya‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 13 to 14 years Height: 16 to 17 inches Weight: 22 to 24 pounds The Basenji is an African dog that has been around for centuries. Evidence of these dogs goes as far back as 6000 BCE in the form of cave paintings. These dogs are small‚ but high-energy. They are intelligent‚ almost to a fault‚ because they get bored easily‚ which can quickly result in disobedience. They enjoy playtime and long walks‚ but should be kept on a leash as they are scent-sensitive and will often ignore their owner’s call if they pick up the smell of something more interesting. Although loving‚ Basenjis aren’t great with young children because they find them too unpredictable‚ but early socialization can help with this. 11. Bullmastiffs Image Credit: BORINA OLGA‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 7 to 9 years Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 100 to 130 pounds Bullmastiffs are a solid‚ giant breed that can look quite intimidating. However‚ these dogs are generally quite docile and loving‚ and will often fit in well in households with children and other pets. Although large in structure‚ Bullmastiffs are gentle towards family members of all ages‚ but due to their large size‚ they require strict training and socialization. Bred as guard dogs and to pursue poachers‚ they can be a bit boisterous and get carried away if they are allowed to. They’re typically calm dogs but do require a fair amount of exercise between their naps on the couch. They have a high prey drive and can be hard to control when they spot something due to their large size‚ so early training is essential. 12. Doberman Pinschers Image Credit: Mary Swift‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Height: 24 to 28 inches Weight: 60 to 100 pounds Doberman Pinschers look tough and scary and are often used for police work‚ but they’re also loyal‚ curious‚ and affectionate. They need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to avoid unwanted‚ destructive behavior. They do better in homes without small animals‚ because they may hunt‚ chase‚ and bite‚ even though their intention may not be to do harm. These dogs do best in families and active homes. They don’t do well on their own for long periods‚ so people who work long hours or can’t give their dog a lot of attention aren’t suitable for this breed. Doberman Pinschers do well with other dogs‚ are patient with young children‚ but they do need strong leadership and strict training. 13. Jack Russell Terriers Image Credit: Maryshot‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 14 years Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: 9 to 15 pounds Although small‚ Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and tireless. They have big personalities and are eager to please their owners. They’re silly but confident‚ and aren’t afraid to challenge a dog twice their size. They thrive off attention and enjoy retrieving games such as fetch. They also chew a lot‚ especially as puppies‚ so appropriate toys for sharp little teeth are necessary. Jack Russell Terriers get on well with other dogs and can live in homes with cats‚ although some will be forever chasing and barking at them. Bred to chase rats and other small prey‚ they are not suitable for homes with small pets like rabbits‚ guinea pigs etc. These lively terriers can get carried away‚ and can be a bit too much for young children. 14. Whippets Image Credit: Fotomaha‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 15 years Height: 18 to 22 inches Weight: 25 to 40 pounds Similar in appearance to Greyhounds‚ Whippets are also incredibly fast and athletic. They need a yard with a fence to keep them safe‚ as they will run off‚ and should always be walked on a leash. They enjoy sprinting games and will happily pursue a flying disc or ball. They do well in active families and are great running companions. Whippets are also goofy‚ playful‚ and sweet and enjoy a good snuggle with their owners. They get cold easily and can wear pet jackets for extra warmth as their coats are short and smooth‚ and their bodies are slim. They are generally happy in the company of other dogs and cats‚ but due to their instinct to chase‚ may not be ideal for sharing a home with small pets. 15. Weimaraners Image Credit: Dmitry Veryovkin‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 13 years Height: 23 to 27 inches Weight: 55 to 90 pounds Known as the “Gray Ghost‚” Weimaraners have a sleek and velvety blue or gray coat and striking blueish eyes. These dogs were created for hunting bears and other big game and still have a fearless nature because of it. They are the result of crossbreeding Bloodhounds with a few German and French hunting dogs. They also perform well as pointers and retrievers. Weimaraners love living indoors with their family members but do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep their intelligent brains busy. A bored Weimaraner is a problematic dog that will bark excessively‚ so owners need to get them occupied or moving. 16. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Image Credit: SubertT‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 70 to 85 pounds The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful and brave dog that was bred to track and bring down wild animals‚ such as lions and antelope. Although a true hunter‚ these dogs are also sweet and gentle dogs that love their families. As for their name‚ Rhodesian Ridgebacks were named after their place of origin‚ Rhodesia (today called Zimbabwe)‚ and after the stripe of backward hair that lines their backs. These dogs are alert and strong-willed. They’re also athletes that need firm training‚ and a minimum of 45 minutes of activity‚ through exercise and play‚ per day. They vary in color from brown to red and have minimal grooming needs. They love being a part of a pack and get on well with other dogs and cats. 17. Samoyeds Image Credit: Chendongshan‚ Shutterstock Lifespan: 12 to 14 years Height: 19 to 23.5 inches Weight: 35 to 65 pounds The stunning Samoyed stands out because of their thick‚ fluffy‚ white coats and noticeable smiles. These cuddly dogs are social and thrive when given a lot of attention. They like meeting new people and dogs and are eager to play. They do well in the cold as they were developed to pull sleds in the snow—and have an excellent work ethic. They require firm training‚ which should start at a young age. Samoyeds are vocal dogs that will communicate their needs to you. They don’t like to be confined‚ so a fenced-in yard is ideal for them. Frequent exercise will keep these dogs from becoming destructive. 18. Salukis Image Credit: Elisabetta Bellomi‚ Pixabay Lifespan: 10 to 17 years Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight: 40 to 65 pounds There is so much history around Salukis‚ as they are an ancient hunting breed. These dogs were held in high esteem by the Egyptians‚ who would mummify them so that they could enter into the afterlife alongside the Egyptian Pharaohs. Salukis were bred to hunt down smaller animals to provide their owners with food. They are tall‚ slim‚ and have long hair. Salukis love their families but don’t like strangers or children. They do best with active couples or singles‚ who can devote their time to them and take them on hikes and runs. They can live with cats‚ provided they have been safely introduced. Tips for Raising Dogs with High Prey Drives There are varying degrees of prey drive intensity between different breeds of dogs‚ with some being able to release that instinctual behavior through chasing and retrieving games‚ and others requiring a bit more intensive activities. Below are a few tips for raising dogs with high prey drives: Start training early and get your puppy well-socialized before their high prey drive kicks in. Train your dog to have a strong recall so that they know to come to you when called—even if they’ve spotted a rabbit or squirrel. Also‚ train them to respond to commands. Play impulse control games and predation substitute games. Tire your dog out by doing various activities with them throughout the day‚ such as swimming‚ running‚ hiking‚ having them run next to you on a leash while you cycle‚ and through games such as fetch‚ tug-of-war‚ and hide-and-seek. Give puppies lots of different toys to play with. Avoid reprimanding your dog and focus more on getting their attention with treats before they would typically respond to “prey.” You’ll need to monitor their behavior and reactions to know when the best time is for you to step in. Keep your dog in a fenced yard to prevent them from running off. Use a leash when taking them on walks so that you have control over your dog. Never leave your dog unsupervised with children or smaller animals. Can Dogs with High Prey Drives Live with Cats? Most dogs with high prey drives can live with cats if they’re introduced to them slowly and from a young age. Unfortunately‚ if you have an older dog with a high prey drive‚ it isn’t recommended that you bring a new cat into the home‚ as it may not be a safe environment for them. However‚ it does depend on your dog‚ their personality‚ and the intensity of their prey drive. When introducing your dog to a new cat‚ make sure to take the process nice and slow‚ as rushing through it can be detrimental. First‚ keep your dog and cat separated by a closed door so that they can familiarize themselves with each other’s smell. Then‚ start to feed each pet near each other but not in eyesight. This will help them associate good things with the other pet’s smell. After a period of doing this‚ you can begin face-to-face interactions in a neutral area. Keep your dog on their leash and keep the interactions short but frequent. Once they get used to each other from daily exposure‚ you can let go of your dog’s leash and allow them to interact freely. The thing to be aware of is that dogs with a strong instinct to chase and grab can easily kill a cat‚ or other small animal‚ without actually intending to‚ so it is important not to assume that a docile dog is 100% harmless. If they want to chase a cat‚ assume that they might one day catch it. Conclusion Dogs with high prey drives need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation as this will prevent destructive and problematic behavior. Although dogs with high prey drives shouldn’t be left unsupervised with smaller pets‚ they tend to live harmoniously with cats when introduced slowly and from a young age. Training from puppyhood and strong recall are essential for these types of dogs. Sources https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-training-strong-prey-drive https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-channel-your-dogs-predatory-instincts-on-walks/ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/prey-drive-in-dogs?lightboxfired=true# https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-introduce-dog-and-cat   Featured Image Credit: olginaa84‚ Pixabay The post 18 Dogs with High Prey Drives &; Tips for Raising Them (History‚ Facts &; Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.