Dog sledding has been around for decades, and it was originally intended as a form of transport for indigenous people during winter travels. It has since been used as a form of entertainment and in its modernity, lost its indigenous roots. This has led to cruel practices within the dog sledding community, making dog lovers question whether this controversial sport is ethical or not.

There’s no doubt that dogs love to run and most dogs do enjoy pulling a sled, however, since dog sledding has been a popular way for people to compete for financial gain, there have been many situations where sled dogs were treated poorly.

Before you make a judgment about dog sledding, it is important to be informed about dog sledding itself, and what is making people question whether it is ethical or not. The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it will be dependent on your personal beliefs.

A Brief History Of Dog Sledding

Dog sledding has been around for a while, with archaeological evidence dating back to around 1,000 A.D. It is originally believed to have been used as a way for Inuit and indigenous people to travel in winter and have their supplies pulled by a small sled led by one or two dogs.

Over time, more dogs were used to pull the cargo, as this meant that more supplies could be pulled by the sled dogs making it a more efficient means of travel and supply hauling.

However, European settlers soon started to use dog sleds. Sled dogs were even used during the Seven Year’s War by the French-Canadian Military to pull large loads of supplies in conditions that were too cold for horses. Polar adventurers would later go on to use dog sledding to help them reach the poles. Using dog sledding to carry critical supplies soon became less popular as more efficient means of travel like snowmobiles became the norm.

The most common dog breed that you will find in dog sledding is the Alaskan husky, as they have been bred for endurance, speed, and hardiness to survive in arctic conditions.

It didn’t take long for dog sledding to become a casual sport. After sled dogs were viewed as working dogs by many, these dogs soon became popular in sled racing. This would be for entertainment, and in some cases, prize money. One of the most popular dog sled races is The Iditarod, which is a long-distance race from Anchorage to Nome in Alaska.

The musher (person controlling the sled) should have no less than 12 and no more than 14 dogs pulling a sled, and five dogs still need to be attached to the sled when the race is completed.

So, for some people, dog sledding is seen as a way to use dogs for working purposes while for others, only for racing and entertainment purposes. There is nothing wrong or cruel with having a working dog unless the dog is being mistreated. Sadly, this does often happen in the dog sledding community which is why it has become so controversial and a question of ethics.

Mistreatment and Cruelty Towards Sled Dogs

If dogs were being pulled on a sled for working purposes like when they are used by indigenous people to haul supplies or to travel in freezing conditions, it is important to understand that this is part of a diverse culture that you might not understand. Most of the dogs are treated with respect and are well cared for, and there is no real reason to judge working dogs or working animals in general if they are treated well.

For some, the dog’s whole life purpose is to race, and this can understandably be seen as cruel for people who find that the original intent of dog sledding has been lost and the mistreatment towards sled dogs is unnecessary.

However, not all racing sled dogs are mistreated by their owners, and some of these dogs are treated as part of the family and even enjoy racing. The issue arises when these dogs are mistreated by the owner, seen as disposable dogs whose purpose is for racing, or if the dog is overworked to the point that it spends most of their life suffering when it is not working.

There have been cases where sled dogs were found chained up in the snow or disposed of when the dog is no longer valuable as a sled dog. Many of these dogs are “suffering” behind the scenes of the races, and many huskies are even given up to shelters are racing season.

The Ethics Of Dog Sledding

The question of ethics in dog sled racing happens when these dogs are overworked and subjected to cruel conditions for human entertainment and financial gain. Instead of these sled dogs being used to haul supplies at their own pace and without having to compete in a race, dog sledding has been turned into a sport.

This is where many people raise their concerns over the ethics of dog sledding, especially since there is a noticeable number of dogs who have died or been injured during these races. Dog sledding conditions can be cruel and unpleasant, with some dogs collapsing or dying due to overexertion, exertional myopathy, pneumonia, or even injuries along the race.

For some people, it can be seen as unnecessary to race dogs who have been known to get injured or overworked during the race only for entertainment purposes and people feel as if these dogs are being used. While others see it as no problem if the dog enjoys pulling the sled and they are treated well by the owner.

Final Thoughts

There are both negative and positive sides to dog sledding, but if the dog is mistreated, neglected, and suffering as a sled dog, then it is considered cruel. However, not all sled dogs are mistreated, and it is important to understand that the care the dog receives depends on the owner and companies that host these dog sledding races.

When it comes to using sled dogs for working purposes, it becomes a necessity for some people, but it can be considered cruel if the dog is being neglected. Although this generally isn’t the case.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

If you have been thinking about adopting a Corgi, you will want to know how to potty train them. It is always important to potty train your puppy to avoid unwanted accidents, and the sooner you start, the better. Corgi puppies are extremely intelligent. They’re very clean, and they genuinely want to do what you want, but the training process will require some patience.

There are ways to maintain a positive relationship with your puppy while having fewer accidents around the house. In this article, we share some tricks to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

How Long Does Potty Training Take?

When it comes to potty training your corgi, many factors must be considered, including age, learning history, and your methods and consistency. Developmentally, an 8-week-old puppy is very different from a 5-month-old puppy, and a bright pup may take a few days to train, while others can take months, especially if the dog has been in a bad situation prior to coming to you. Most dogs, however, can be potty trained with patience and perseverance.

Generally, a new puppy can be fully potty trained in 4–6 months, while some can take as long as a year.

The 10 Tips to Potty Train a Corgi

1.  Watch Your Dog Closely and Create a Schedule

Invest some time into learning your dog’s body language. You will eventually learn the signs that mean it’s time for potty. It could be walking in circles or sniffing around, but when you learn the indicators, immediately take your puppy outside before an unwanted accident happens.

2. Keep a Consistent Feeding Schedule

Feeding your corgi on a schedule is one of the easiest elements of potty training. The digestive system of a dog runs like a well-oiled machine. They’ll need to go within a certain time frame, and a regular feeding schedule teaches them that they can expect potty time after they eat. They will eventually learn to hold it and wait until they are let outside.

Feed your puppy high-quality food, two meals per day, and feed them the same meal at the same time.

3. Show Your Puppy Where to Go

As a guardian of your puppy, it is your responsibility to show and teach it where it can and cannot go. It is in dogs’ nature not to do their business where they live and sleep, but recognizing the entire house as their home may take some time. Once you have mastered controlling and monitoring your puppy’s environment, potty training will be more successful.

Get your corgi familiar with its living space room by room. You do this by gradually allowing your corgi access to the rest of the house while closely monitoring them and preventing them from going if they try.

4. Crate Train Your Corgi

Dogs don’t like doing their business in small, tight areas, so putting your corgi in a comfortable crate will reduce the likelihood of any accidents. Crate training is a great option for owners who aren’t around all the time and are worried about their pup ruining the carpets.

Make sure the crate only has enough space for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Any additional space will allow it to rest in one corner while doing its business in another. Avoid leaving your dog in his crate for more than 2 or 3 hours. It should not be used for punishment but for bedtime, nap time, and when there is no guardian around.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

The key to successful potty training is positive reinforcement. It will teach your puppy that going outside for bathroom breaks is rewarded and will associate it with a positive result. Every time your puppy does its business outdoors, praise it, then hand over its favorite treat.

If your corgi has an accident inside, do not punish it.

6. Stay Outside Long Enough

When you take your puppy outside, you need to wait long enough for it to let everything out. Some dogs hold their urine in order to mark their territory. You need to stay out long enough for your puppy to wee two or three times so that they learn it is their one chance.

Always keep your puppy on a leash when you go outside for a potty break. This will help them become accustomed to being on a leash, and you will also be present to reward good behavior.

7. Avoid Using Training Pads

Allowing a puppy to relieve itself on potty pads inside the house may confuse it about where it is permitted to go. This is because dogs develop a preference for the texture that they encounter the most frequently while relieving themselves. Training pads can slow down potty training and should be avoided unless you have a specific situation, like living on the top floor of an apartment building.

8. Teach Your Corgi Basic Commands

Start training your corgis early with basic commands. Sit, stay, and heel are the popular ones. You can incorporate words into your training to associate them with a bathroom break.

Every time you go outside with your corgi to do its business, say the words you want to associate. When your pup becomes an adult, you can give the command, and they will head to the door in anticipation of their bathroom break.

9. Persistence Is Key

When potty training your corgi, you will need to go outside frequently, and there will be accidents. Don’t give up, and try to stay consistent. Corgis are intelligent animals, and with consistency, persistence, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly catch on. The work in the early days will be worth it.

10. Install a Bell Door

Corgis are intelligent dogs that can learn to signal you when they need to go outside. If you install a doorbell, they can quickly learn that ringing the bell will cause you to open the door. You can train them to ring the bell before you leave by rewarding them with treats.

Conclusion

Potty training can initially seem challenging, but the patience and hard work are worth it. Corgis are smart, so they should catch on quickly, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Stick to feeding and bathroom schedules, take time to learn your puppy’s signals, and be patient, and your dog will be house-trained in no time.

Featured Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

The Maine Coons is a large and beautiful cat with a sweet, quiet disposition. They’re not known for being the most demanding or loud cats. So, does this mean Maine Coons don’t purr, meow, chirp, and trill like other cats? Absolutely not. Just because Maine Coons aren’t typically that loud, they certainly can purr—and loudly, if all Maine Coons are anything like the ones on YouTube!

Many Maine Coons are vocal in a quiet sort of way. They tend to communicate with purrs, chirps, and trills rather than piercing meows, though they can amp up the volume if they want something. In this post, we’ll explore why Maine Coons purr and what each of their various vocalizations means.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Cats purr for a variety of reasons. One of these is to express happiness and relaxation, but, though we tend to associate a cat’s purr with contentment, they sometimes purr as a soothing mechanism when they’re in pain. Scientists believe this is because the vibrations associated with purring have a healing and relaxing effect on the body.

When hungry, your cat may purr and meow at you simultaneously to get your attention. Mother cats also purr to bond with their kittens and relax them.

Why Does My Maine Coon Chatter and Chirp So Much?

Though Maine Coons are known for having soft, quiet voices, they’re also reputed to chatter and chirp quite a lot. Cats chatter to express excitement and overstimulation, and you’ve likely heard your Maine Coon doing it while they sit next to the window watching the birds. This is because they’re equal parts excited and equal parts frustrated that they can’t catch whatever’s out there!

Chirping is a vocalization mother cats make to get their kittens to follow them. If your Maine Coon chirps at you, they’re likely after your attention or looking for a tasty snack. They might also chirp to greet you when you come downstairs in the morning or return from work.

My Maine Coon Doesn’t Purr—Is Something Wrong?

If your Maine Coon is otherwise happy and healthy, there’s likely nothing abnormal about their not purring. Some cats purr all the time and some cats hardly ever purr—it’s usually just part of their personality.

Your Maine Coon might communicate with you and show affection in other ways like bumping their head against you, asking to be petted, rolling on their back, or chirping at you. Not being a big purrer doesn’t mean they don’t like you or that they’re unhappy.

In some cases, not purring can be a symptom of a respiratory condition or a problem with their vocal cords. If your typically purry cat has stopped purring recently or seems otherwise unwell in any way, you might want to get them checked out by a vet to make sure they’re okay.

Are Maine Coons Good Pets?

Maine Coons make wonderful pets! Their hearts are big just like their bodies and they’ve got plenty of love to share. Some of the words and phrases frequently used to describe Maine Coons are:

• Affectionate
• Friendly
• Quiet
• Calm
• Tolerant
• Intelligent
• Laid-back
• Curious
• Quietly vocal
• Loving but not super clingy

Final Thoughts

In short, Maine Coons most certainly can and do purr. These sweet-natured cats are known for their adorable chirps, chatterings, and, in some cases, engine-like purrs. It’s normal for some cats to rarely purr—there are several forms of cat communication—but if your Maine Coon has suddenly stopped purring or vocalizing as they once did, it’s a good idea to check this out with your vet.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

There’s something about a cat’s belly that just makes you want to reach out and pet it. Maybe it’s because they’re always so warm, or maybe it’s because they look so soft and inviting. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that there’s something special about your cat’s fuzzy belly. Of course, not all cats are equally fond of having their bellies rubbed. Some cats love it, while others tolerate it. When a cat shows you its tummy, it’s a sign of trust, submission, and affection because your cat’s abdominal region is one of the most vulnerable parts of their body.

Whether your cat lets you stroke their tummy or not, you may have noticed your furry friend has a loose flap on their abdomen. Don’t worry: although obesity is a real problem for domestic cats, not all felines with sagging stomachs are overweight. This phenomenon may have a simpler explanation because all cats—even wild ones—have protective layers made up of fat, skin, and fur that hang down around their midsections.

The scientific term for this structure is “primordial pouch” although it can also be referred to as a stomach pad or famine pouch. Whatever you call it, cat fans are fascinated! One viral TikTok post on this subject has over 500,000 views. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about these baggy folds in cats.

When Does the Primordial Pouch Begin to Develop?

Primordial pouches usually begin to appear as kittens mature into cats. This tummy bulge becomes more noticeable after your kitten reaches 6 months of age. Both male and female kittens are born with primordial pouches. It is normal for cats to develop primordial pouches as they age, and it is nothing to worry about since all cats—even lions and tigers—have primordial pouches, and having one doesn’t hinder your kitty in any way. As your cat matures, many of them develop a more pronounced flap that hangs from their chests and extends to between their hind legs.

The Primordial Pouch in Cats: Why Does It Exist?

It’s not totally clear why cats have primordial pouches, and why their sizes vary quite a bit. While the jury is still out on exactly why this fleshy protrusion exists, some theories suggest it might serve a purpose. Here are the top three most popular theories as to what these pouches are for.

Providing Protection for Their Organs

One theory is that the primordial pouch provides protection for a cat’s internal organs in the event of a fight. Cats are known to be fierce fighters, and they often take nasty blows to the stomach during altercations. The primordial pouch might act as a sort of “shock absorber” for vital organs, cushioning them from impact and preventing serious injury.

Agility

Cats are nimble creatures, able to twist and turn their bodies with ease. This agility might be thanks in part to the primordial pouch. This loose skin flap, located on the lower belly of cats, allows them to twist and jump with great flexibility. This gives them the freedom to stretch and flex into an incredible variety of positions, making them cunning and resourceful predators.

Food Storage

In the wild, cats often don’t know when their next meal will occur, so primordial pouches are believed to help a cat absorb and store more food. Their abdomen is able to expand and contain more food since it’s made up of a more flexible piece of skin. This storage capacity could be useful during times of famine when a feline might need to be able to survive on stored energy reserves. You might consider helping your cat lose some weight if the pouch starts to fill out because overweight cats often store fat here.

Which Cat Breeds Have Large Primordial Pouches?

This belly flap may be noticeable or discrete depending on the breed, size, and genetic makeup of your cat. Since there is no fur to cover the pouch on the sleek Sphynx, it is more apparent than on the Maine Coon, for instance. Many people love the look of primordial pouches and think they add to their cat’s unique appearance. If this is you, and you’re looking for a cat with a greater chance of having a large primordial pouch, you have a few breeds for you to choose from!

Cat fancier’s associations that standardize and register breeds celebrate certain cats for their low-hanging bellies. For example, the prominent pouches of Pixiebobs are listed by The International Cat Association as a desirable breed feature. Additionally, the Bengal, Egyptian Mau, Siberian, Ragdoll, and Japanese Bobtail are all breeds that tend to have noticeable to larger than average primordial pouches.

Other Common Causes of Abdominal Enlargement in Cats

There are many potential causes of abdominal enlargement in cats, and it can be difficult to determine the exact cause without testing. Many of these conditions can be serious or even life-threatening, so it is important to take your cat to the vet for testing if you notice any signs of abdominal enlargement. A physical examination by a veterinarian is the best way to determine the cause. Other potential causes include:

• Intestinal parasites: Having a lot of worms in their intestine can give your cat a potbellied look. Kittens are more likely to have worms than older cats. In most cases, the problem can easily be resolved with the help of deworming medication.
• Obesity: Cats gain weight when they eat too much or do not exercise enough. It is estimated that one-third of domestic cats are obese, with over a quarter being overweight. An obese cat may develop abdominal enlargement due to fat accumulation in the abdomen. Obesity can also be a symptom of hormonal imbalance in cats.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, female cats show a pronounced abdominal enlargement. Cats that roam freely can become pregnant without their owners realizing it. Spaying your cat at a young age is the easiest way to prevent pregnancy.
• Cancer: Cancer is a common cause of abdominal enlargement in cats. Many types of cancer can cause stomach swelling, so it is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian if you notice any changes in their belly region.
• Kidney or heart disease: Cats suffering from kidney or heart disease often have enlarged abdomens due to fluid accumulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, all cats have a primordial pouch. This is a small flap on the lower abdomen that may be more or less visible on some breeds of cats and some individual cats. Theories suggest that this pouch helps to protect, nourish, and allow cats flexibility of movement. Whatever the reason, primordial pouches are normal and nothing to be concerned about. So, enjoy watching your cat walk with that flappy belly swaying proudly!

Featured Image Courtesy: Shutterstock