Roscoe n Stella

He has been nothing but a sweet and loving dog who just wanted to be cared for. I am so lucky I have him in my life and I don’t want to loose him.

The post How Old Is 2 In Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Oliver Jones appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Thinking of every dog year as equal to seven human years is a convenient way to gauge a dog’s age, but it’s rarely accurate, especially in a pet’s early years. By this equation, a 2-year-old dog will be roughly 14 years old in dog years. The truth is that this drastically underestimates their relative age, as dogs are closer to 22–24 in dog years when they reach their second birthday.

The vast disparity between these estimated ages can impact how we perceive and care for our dogs. Getting it right is crucial. To help you treat your dog in age-appropriate ways, we’ll break down how old your 2-year-old dog is in dog years according to their size.

Source: Almanac.com

How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years

Rather than rely on the “1 year for every 7 dog years” formula, many dog lovers use an updated equation that makes every year equal to roughly five dog years. In the first part of their lives, dogs undergo rapid growth, so we have to apply a unique measure for their first and second years.

The first year sees significant change equal to approximately 15 human years of development. In the second, development slows compared to the first year but stays relatively quick at roughly 9 years. As a result, dogs will be around 24 years old in dog years when they reach 2 years old. The rule is general, as dogs vary in their development rate primarily based on size.

Small Dogs

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At 2 years of age, small dogs have finished their development. With smaller bodies, many of these breeds reach sexual, physical, and mental maturity by the end of their first year and settle into adulthood during their second. Activity levels are still high, but their temperament levels out and becomes more or less set for the long term.

Understanding the differences in maturation between breed sizes is crucial through a dog’s first 2 years. While smaller dogs will already be on adult food by this point, large and giant dogs may still be growing and need the support of a puppy formula.

Likewise, desexing a small dog will be unlikely to cause issues during their first year. By contrast, larger dogs may need to wait until they reach 18 months or older before spaying or neutering can occur to prevent potential orthopedic problems and other health issues.

Medium Dogs

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Mid-sized dogs typically follow a similar developmental path as smaller dogs, though their overall lifespans are often shorter. In the first 2 years, these dogs age roughly 24 dog years.

Large Dogs

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Large and giant dogs have a unique growth pattern compared to small and medium-sized breeds. We may consider them relatively young for the first 2 years, only reaching 22 in dog years by their second birthday.

Part of this is due to their rapid yet long growth period. Although these dogs grow quickly, their enormous bodies take more time to develop, with some not reaching full maturity until their third or fourth year. Mental maturity is also often slower. Adolescence continues for a while for many large and giant breeds, generally lasting until the dog finishes growing.

After the second year, the relative age of large dogs flips, and they begin aging faster than smaller dogs. In this regard, age primarily observes how long the dog lives once they reach maturity. It does not reflect a dog’s mental age but rather their physical decline.

Large breeds wear down faster in obvious ways as they age, particularly in orthopedic health, and cancer development rate. In terms of behavioral and cognitive aging, they don’t differ much from smaller breeds. They have shorter lifespans and more bodily issues mainly due to their fast growth, selective breeding, and greater oxidative stress, but despite this larger dogs don’t mentally age any quicker than other dogs.

What’s the Science Behind Dog Years vs. Human Years?

Two years is a long time for dogs, explaining why the updated model for converting human years to dog years makes sense. Dogs go through puppyhood and adolescence in their first 2 years, with smaller breeds reaching their teenage period earlier and finishing it quicker. By age 2, dogs are generally in their young adult phase of activity and mental and social maturity.

A more recent assessment of a dog’s relative age complicates matters but gives us an even better way of calculating the human equivalent. Scientists evaluated age using DNA methylation, looking at how genes and their expressions change over time.

In their research, they landed on an updated equation for finding a dog’s human age equivalent by multiplying the natural logarithm of the dog’s age by 16 and adding 31: human age = 16 x ln(dog’s chronological age) + 31.

By this equation, dogs age roughly 31 years in their first year. Every time their age doubles, we add another 11 years. At age two, this would mean dogs are roughly 42 years old in dog years. It’s older than what we would expect at that point and suggests dogs reach middle age sooner than anticipated.

The Life Stages of a Dog

Dog breeds can vary drastically in how much and how quickly they mature through the first 2 years. Across their entire lives, dogs progress through several stages of growth and decline. Though the exact ages and ranges of each stage are up for debate, the following is a basic outline of what you can expect for a long-lived dog.

Image Credit: Radomir Rezny, Shutterstock

Life Span by Breed Size

Source: American Kennel Club

Key Factors That Affect the Dog’s Aging Process

While factors like breeding practices, early upbringing, genetics, and body size may not be in an owner’s control, we have plenty of ways to affect how long and well our dogs live.

Conclusion

Two years old is a transformative age for dogs that can mean different things for different breeds. While some are already mature, others are only wrapping up their adolescence, requiring unique considerations around how we interact with and care for them. It may be early in your dog’s life, but this is the perfect time to discuss changes to the routine with your vet to set your adult pet up for several more years of health and happiness.

Featured Image Credit: DavidRaifort, Shutterstock

The post How Old Is 2 In Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Oliver Jones appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive? Temperament & Dominance Explained by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Intelligent working dogs often bear a unique balance of benefits and challenges, and breeds like the Alaskan Malamute present both sides consistently. The ancient all-purpose canine earns adoration for their talents and devotion to family, but their independence creates plenty of training challenges. Without firm leadership, Alaskan Malamutes often take matters into their own paws or become prone to boredom and unwanted behaviors, potentially including aggression.

An aggressive Malamute can become a danger to others and themselves. A proper training approach can ensure everyone’s safety and a better quality of life as we’ll explain in this look at whether Alaskan Malamutes are aggressive.

Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive?

Alaskan Malamutes can be clever, energetic, easily bored, and stubborn. In many cases, inconsistent or inadequate training may create strong-willed disobedience. Aggression is rare, but a dog who loses trust in their owner or hasn’t learned proper social behavior can resort to it to accomplish their goals.

Aggression can occur for many reasons, including:

Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock

Early socialization, consistent training, and a firm, commanding leader are essential in reducing the risk of aggression. Malamutes demand guidance from puppyhood to develop into well-adjusted, well-behaved dogs. Otherwise, owners must identify situations and sources of triggers that may cause aggression to prevent conflict and avoid bites and attacks.

How Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive?

Alaskan Malamutes aren’t generally inherently aggressive toward people, regardless of whether they’re family members or strangers. Due to their history as hunting companions and sled dogs, Malamutes are more likely to be friendly and tend to direct their high prey drive toward smaller animals.

A review of dog attacks from 1982 to 2006 found eight attacks by Malamutes, three of which resulted in deaths.1 The numbers are lower than for many other breeds, including the more outgoing Husky, though this may be due to the smaller population of Malamutes.

Do Malamutes Try to Dominate Owners?

A Malamute’s lack of cooperation is typically a show of their independence rather than a show of dominance over their owner. This breed tends to be more opportunistic and not as eager to please as many other breeds. Their past experiences may drive their decisions and efforts to accomplish their goals in the easiest or most enjoyable way possible.

In other words, if a Malamute learns they can get what they want by being disobedient, they’ll do it. Rather than focus on asserting dominance, owners must provide consistent training. Dependable leadership will show their dog that following directions is the best way to get what they want.

Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

Dog Aggression

Aggression can occur between Malamutes and other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Generally, Malamutes don’t use aggression to display dominance. Body posture and signs of submission are the best indicators of a dominant-submissive relationship, with aggression usually occurring out of fear, protection, or resource-guarding.

Signs of Aggression in Alaskan Malamutes

Defusing potentially dangerous situations can prevent substantial consequences. With bodies weighing up to 85 pounds, Malamutes have the potential to severely harm people and other dogs.

To avoid this, owners must recognize the signs of growing aggression before it ignites physical conflict. Obvious signs include growling and snarling, but other subtle posture changes can occur. An intense, steady stare can signal agitation. Aggressive dogs may try to look as physically imposing as possible by raising their tails, ears, and hackles.

Fear can also result in aggression. Fearful dogs may fold their ears and tail down or curl/lick their lips when they’re uncomfortable. When others don’t acknowledge this unease and still attempt to approach the dog, they may attack and bite to escape the situation.

Image Credit: Izemphoto, Shutterstock

How to Reduce Your Alaskan Malamute’s Aggression

Dominance and related aggressiveness aren’t personality traits common to Malamutes. Experiences and relationship dynamics will have the most significant impact on a dog’s treatment of others. Fear of harm, frustration, or protectiveness over resources can make dogs defensive, opening up the potential for aggression.

Handlers control many factors contributing to a Malamute’s aggression toward other dogs. Social learning begins within a few weeks after birth. Owners must purchase their dogs from reputable breeders who care for their puppies appropriately. Once in the home, they can work on the stubbornness and aggression that may occur from frustration, anxiety, and fear.

Socialize Your Dog as Early as Possible

Puppies demand frequent exposure to new people, animals, objects, and situations. Experiences must be positive and rewarding. Dogs who enjoy adequate socialization will build confidence and avoid uncertainty and fear in novel situations.

They will learn that others don’t pose specific threats and that calm behavior can be the most rewarding mode of operation.

Adult dogs can be socialized as well, it just may take a bit more time and patience to achieve.

Image Credit: In Green, Shutterstock

Desensitize and Counter-Condition Your Dog to Triggers

Malamutes may have inherent fears due to previous experiences or uncertainty in new situations that require extra effort to overcome. Gradual desensitization may be necessary to prevent aggression.

With this method, you’ll expose your dog to a stressor within their tolerance threshold. You’ll reward relaxed behavior with treats and play to show that the trigger isn’t threatening and that your dog can be calm without suffering negative consequences.

For example, if your dog is reactive and shows aggression toward other dogs while on a walk, you can find the distance at which they react and stay beyond that to begin desensitizing them. Your Malamute should be close enough to notice the trigger but not so close that they’ll become reactive.

From there, you can offer rewards to change their perspective and keep their focus on you. With repeated exposure, they’ll get used to the stimuli. You can then move closer as your dog’s reactive threshold shrinks, continuing to reinforce their calm behavior and focus on you. Eventually, they should be able to be around the trigger without reacting.

Identify and Control Triggers

Various objects or situations may ignite a Malamute’s aggression toward people and pets. Resource guarding is a common source of conflict. Owners must be aware of any potential triggers and deal with them immediately. Items like bones, chew toys, or food dishes are common triggers that need consideration when you offer them to avoid aggression.You may choose to remove the item or make sure there is enough to go around so that a dog doesn’t have to share. If your dog gets to where they can allow others to be near their objects, reward them.

Image Credit: SashaS Skvortcova, Shutterstock

Exercise Your Dog

Malamutes are energetic and can be prone to boredom and frustration, which can manifest in undesirable behaviors. They need frequent physical and mental stimulation. Giving your dog enough exercise in daily walks, playtime, and indoor enrichment will make them more content and relaxed, reducing the chances of reactivity and aggression.

Teach “Nothing in Life Is Free”

Alaskan Malamutes will take advantage of owners who train inconsistently and don’t demand obedience. Using a nothing-in-life-is-free method is one way of correcting this and enforcing the idea that all good things come through you.

With this practice, owners have dogs ask permission for anything they want. Your Malamute may want to go outside, have a meal, receive affection, or gain access to something else. In these moments, make them calm down and perform a command (e.g., a sit) to earn it. Doing this consistently can help your dog learn to defer to you and may mitigate aggression between household dogs.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Malamute’s aren’t inherently aggressive, but they can be stubborn and challenging to train. Firm consistency and socialization are needed to ensure that these dogs feel comfortable and confident in situations in order to prevent aggression.

Malamutes are also affectionate and outgoing. Owners can nurture these traits through dependable leadership. Positive reinforcement training, early socialization, and awareness of triggers are an owner’s obligations, offering a blueprint for preventing aggressive and unwanted behaviors.

Featured Image Credit: Hanna Borysenko, Shutterstock

The post Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive? Temperament & Dominance Explained by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 11 Vet-Verified Reasons to Get a Dog: Why They Are the Best Pets by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

While any avid owner can gladly expound on the meaning their pets bring into their lives, would-be pet parents can’t always see the rationale in getting a dog. After all, dogs cost money and time, often hampering social plans and seemingly limiting personal freedom. There’s no doubt that they’re cute and deserving of a good home, but is owning a dog a net benefit for their human?

The truth is that for every potential drawback, there are several advantages of owning a dog, many of which people don’t realize until they have a pet in their home. If you’re on the fence about adopting, we’ll help you get off it with these interesting and fun reasons to get a dog.

The 11 Reasons to Get a Dog

1. Dogs May Help Prevent Loneliness

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Most dog owners admit that their pets make them feel less lonely, prevent social isolation, and help them connect with others. Some theories suggest dogs serve as attachment figures for children, adults, and seniors, offering vital social support.

2. Dogs Are Good for the Heart (and a Longer Life)

Dogs may contribute to better overall health and even a potentially longer life. Dog ownership can potentially positively impact heart health in several ways, including:

Therefore, dog ownership may be associated with a lower long-term risk of death. One study found owning a dog was connected with a 31% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality and a 24% reduction for causes of any kind.1

3. Owning a Dog Can Lower Your Stress

Image Credit: Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock

Alongside reduced feelings of depression and loneliness, stress reduction is a consistently reported effect of dog ownership. Owners often state they feel less stress, especially when they sense a strong connection and consider a dog part of the family, making them potentially better for lowering anxiety than other pets.

Studies have even shown the physical signs of stress reduction. Brief owner-dog interactions can promote a lowered heart rate, decreased cortisol, and increased oxytocin levels. Actions like petting can help owners relax, feel happier, enjoy physical benefits, and enhance their bond with their dogs.

4. Dog Owners Become More Active

Dog owners and their kids can benefit physically from the daily walks and playtime sessions their dogs demand. An adult dog owner’s odds of meeting the 150 minutes/week physical activity goal are up to four times higher than non-owners.2

While the degree to which dog ownership can help with physical activity varies by location, it appears that you’ll be more likely to get your steps in when you have a dog, no matter where you live. The increased activity further leads to lower stress, obesity, and disease risk, leading to better mental and physical well-being.

5. Owning a Dog Can Improve Your Sleep

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While a dog’s polyphasic sleep patterns may cause some disruptions while sleeping, owning a dog can help many people get a better night’s rest. The increased physical activity and improved health that dog ownership offers may naturally raise the likelihood of better sleep, with some studies suggesting a dog may help owners fall asleep quicker.3

6. Dogs Improve Social Ties and Help Us Make Friends

Dogs don’t only help isolated individuals stave off loneliness; they can enhance their relationships with others. Dogs offer a conversation starter and an immediate connection with other dog owners.

Walking the dog requires owners to get out in the neighborhood, and the physical fitness perks improve energy to socialize. For many owners, having a dog can improve their perceptions of their neighborhood, making them feel safer and more confident in those around them.

7. Owning a Dog Can Improve Your Love Life

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Owning a dog may help combat loneliness in more ways than one. If you need help getting a date, adopting a pup could be the perfect solution. Men and women tend to think those who adopt dogs are more attractive and are more likely to view pets in online dating profiles as a turn-on.4

The appeal of having a dog is unique, as cat owners are much less likely to be seen as more attractive because of their pet choice. The difference may be due to the social aspects of owning a dog and the distinctive attachments and dynamics they share with their caregivers.

8. Dog Ownership Improves Self-Esteem

When you feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally, your self-perception is bound to improve. Dog owners generally boast higher self-esteem than people without dogs, including those who only own cats.5 The physical and social benefits and familial bonds unique to dog ownership support a more positive perspective on one’s life.

9. Owning a Dog May Deter Criminals

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A dog’s enhanced sense of smell, exceptional hearing, and constant alertness can be highly beneficial in keeping your home safe. Studies find homes with dogs are less susceptible to crime, and many burglars note canine companions as a top deterrent.

You don’t have to have a vicious guard dog to impact your home’s security. The loud bark of a smaller watchdog runs the risk of alerting homeowners and neighbors, and many criminals are hesitant to engage dogs of any size.

10. Dog Owners Visit the Doctor Less

Although dogs may come with distinct care costs, they can also indicate savings in other areas. The health benefits potentially associated with ownership may correlate with fewer annual doctor visits for pet parents.

Although other factors may be at play, dog ownership’s undeniable physical and mental benefits are easily connected to better well-being and a lower need to check in with the doctor.

11. Owning a Dog Promotes a Routine (and Better Health)

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Keeping a consistent daily routine isn’t always easy, but being responsible for others is sometimes more motivating than being responsible for oneself. Dogs thrive on the predictability of consistent daily schedules, giving owners a reason to get organized. Meanwhile, you can enjoy direct benefits with the added structure in your life.

When you maintain a strict walking, feeding, and play schedule for your dog, you have a better shot at managing the rest of your day around those aspects. Activities like shopping, sleeping, eating, and exercise fill out the rest of your routine. You’ll find yourself stressing less and developing better habits in no time.

Finding the Best Dog For You

The numerous health and social perks of dog ownership aren’t necessarily a certainty. A fulfilling relationship and maximum benefits are only possible with a dog that suits your lifestyle, budget, and living situation.

The following are some of the focal considerations to help you determine which dog will offer the best fit and most enjoyable ownership experience:

Conclusion

Whether you want a safer home, better relationships, or a healthier body, a dog can be your ticket to countless life goals. While it isn’t a decision to make lightly (it’s a dog’s life on the line, after all), the pros of ownership almost always outweigh the cons.

Setting all the personal benefits aside, the simple satisfaction you’ll enjoy from giving a dog the quality of life they deserve can make the experience worthwhile for anyone.

Featured Image Credit: Lim Tiaw Leong, Shutterstock

The post 11 Vet-Verified Reasons to Get a Dog: Why They Are the Best Pets by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.