Latest news with #AKC
Newsweek
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Pregnant Woman Films Dog Cuddling Her Bump—Tears Over What Follows
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A viral video has showcased the unique bond between expectant mothers and their pets. In an Instagram reel, what started as a serene cuddle session between a dog and its owner quickly became a funny surprise, leaving viewers both laughing and tearing up at the canine's bewildered reaction. Since the clip was posted, it has received over 577,000 likes. The video shows a dog's head peacefully resting on its owner's pregnant belly. "Just vibing … until the baby kicks," the owner captioned the video. Suddenly, the baby delivers what seems to be a distinct kick, causing the dog's eyes to come open in confusion. The dog's startled reaction delighted Instagram users, who filled the comments with interpretations of the scene. "'Not to panic anyone BUT THERE ARE MOVEMENTS! EVERYBODY STAY CALM!'" one person imagined the dog's inner dialogue, while another wrote: "'Your stomach just kicked me in the face.'" Others shared their own pets' responses to fetal movements. "My dog just laid there unfazed getting kicked upside the head," one person posted. "My dog doesn't react when his head bounces … I think he thinks I'm just fat and trying to breathe," another shared. Stock image: A small dog touches its owner's pregnant belly. Stock image: A small dog touches its owner's pregnant Dogs Sense Pregnancy? The dog's evident surprise raises questions about how much animals truly understand about pregnancy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explored this phenomenon in a blog post, highlighting dogs' incredible sense of smell. "One of the amazing things about dogs is their noses. They have the ability to detect and remember scents, long after they're exposed to the original odor," the post said. When a person is pregnant, hormonal shifts can alter their scent—leading many to believe dogs can detect changes even before humans do. "I suspect that dogs can smell something we cannot," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, senior veterinarian and director of pet health information at the Animal Medical Center of New York City, said, as quoted by the AKC. Hohenhaus added that dogs possess "60 times as many smell receptors as humans, and 40 times as much brain power dedicated to smell." These advanced capabilities allow canines to pick up on subtle "chemical changes" in the body, which can include those related to pregnancy. While they likely can't understand the reason for the changes, they do understand something is different. Dr. Rachel Barrack, doctor of veterinary medicine and owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, suggested to the AKC that dogs are smart enough not only to pick up on these changes in a chemical and physical way, but also in an emotional way based on your moods and feelings. Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via Instagram.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Owner Catches Golden Retriever Red-Handed 'Bullying' Another Dog
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. One thirsty dog has gained attention online for its tactics to get to the water bowl first. A TikTok video of the pup has gone viral after the golden retriever's assertive tactic to get a drink of water delighted viewers. With a swipe of the paw, the golden asserted its dominance over its doggy daycare playmate. Since the video was posted, it has received over 816,000 views. "When your dog gets caught bullying on is a female version of a hustler," the owner wrote in the caption, referencing the iconic Beyoncé song, "Diva." Stock image: A dog holds a toy in its mouth while another dog seeks it. Stock image: A dog holds a toy in its mouth while another dog seeks clip, posted by @benf3rrd, shows the golden retriever nudging another dog away from the water bowl with a swift nudge. The video immediately sparked relatable reactions among TikTok users, many of whom drew parallels to childhood experiences. "It's giving back in elementary school when there were only three water fountains and there would be a line, and you had to tap the person in front of you to tell them they had enough and it's your turn," one commenter wrote. Another also captured the schoolyard dynamic: "This is like elementary when the kids behind you at the water fountain would count to five," they shared. The playful, yet slightly aggressive, nature of the interaction also led one user to declare, "She really said 'beat it nerd.'" While the scene was hilarious, some viewers couldn't help but feel for the displaced dog: "My feelings are hurt for the other dog," one person confessed. The owner later provided context in the comments, clarifying the nature of the interaction: "This was taken at daycare and yes [the staff] should have corrected her, but these two get along great and are literally BFFs!" This crucial detail suggests the behavior was likely a cheeky act between friends rather than true aggression. Resource Guarding vs. Playfulness The golden retriever's behavior, while funny, touches upon a common topic in dog behavior: resource guarding. According to a blog post by the American Kennel Club (AKC), resource guarding in dogs is when they "growl, stiffen, lunge or even bite when you go near or try to retrieve something from them," such as food or toys. It's a natural instinct for feral dogs for survival, but less desirable in domesticated pets. The AKC noted that "Some dogs don't mind being petted, interrupted or accidentally bumped into during mealtime or playtime. However, others mind such disturbances very much." The post explained that resource guarding can manifest through various body language signs like body stiffening, hard stares or baring teeth. Any dog can be prone to resource guarding, and the environment the pup grows up in can have a strong influence on the probability of the behavior. In the case of the viral video, however, the owner's context that the dogs get along well suggests that this swat was likely a boundary-testing nudge. True resource guarding is a serious issue that often involves strong warning signals from the dog—and can be problematic if left unaddressed. Newsweek reached out to @benf3rrd for comment via TikTok.
Newsweek
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dachshund Puppy Left Home Alone for First Time—What Owner Sees Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The dreaded moment of leaving a new puppy home alone for the very first time can fill any pet owner with anxiety. But, for one lucky owner, their dachshund puppy not only survived the experience unscathed, but was also caught on camera in a hilariously relaxed state completely engrossed in television. His owner posted a viral TikTok video of the pup's state upon her return, which received over 421,000 views. "This was the first time we left him home alone for an hour, and when we came back …" the owner captioned the video, before adding, "'umm … did you need something?'" Stock image: A dachshund puppy lays on a bed looking up. Stock image: A dachshund puppy lays on a bed looking clip shows the tiny dachshund lounging on the couch, perfectly content, watching the animated comedy Family Guy. The puppy's calm demeanor struck a chord with TikTok users, many of whom are navigating the challenging waters of puppy separation anxiety themselves. "Thank you for the hope, because ours is almost six months, and he's totally fine being alone in the living room if we go outside and do yard work or go to the neighbors—but screams in his crate," one person said. "I'm just scared he will eat my couch or chair, so we haven't tried leaving with him out of his crate." Another user found inspiration in the pup's choice of entertainment: "Love him so much and that you left cartoons on for him," they wrote. "I usually leave mine with music but now I'm gonna switch to cartoons. Great idea." A third commenter imagined the puppy's perspective: "He wants to know why you're just walking into his house and why you didn't call first before coming over," they wrote. Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs While this dachshund's chill attitude is certainly enviable, it is important for pet owners to understand that not all dogs react so calmly to being left alone. In a blog post, the American Kennel Club says that separation anxiety as a common behavioral issue, particularly in young dogs. The AKC adds that "separation anxiety is when your dog exhibits extreme stress from the time you leave them alone until you return." Symptoms can vary widely, but dogs with this condition "will act as if they are terrified to be in the house on their own." Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, as cited by the AKC, says that separation anxiety can be thought of as "the equivalent of a panic attack" for dogs. The good news, though, is that proactive steps can help prevent or mitigate this stress. Puppy training, socialization, crate training and teaching a puppy to enjoy being alone are all foundational. Strategies for Easing Separation Anxiety For owners facing separation anxiety, the AKC offers several strategies. Crate training, when used appropriately, can provide a safe space if the dog associates it with positive things such as chew toys. However, some canines may panic in a crate, so owners would do best to closely observe their pet's reaction. Desensitization and "counterconditioning" are also key. This involves gradually increasing the time a dog is left alone and creating positive associations with departure, like by offering a treat only when leaving. Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving. For severe cases, medication or natural supplements might be considered—but always in consultation with a veterinarian. While not always preventable, the AKC reassures owners that separation anxiety "has a high rate of treatment success" with patience and a positive approach. Newsweek reached out to @loretheweenie for comment via TikTok.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Farm Dog Who 'Lied on Her Job Application' Has Internet in Stitches
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A corgi named Tilly has left social media users in stitches after her owner shared a viral video of her fleeing the very animals she was supposed to herd. The hilarious TikTok video shared earlier in July under the username @jakesfunnyfarm, which has received over 264,000 views and 32,600 likes, shows Tilly bolting away from a stampede of sheep, leaving her sister to deal with it. "Tilly may have lied on her job application," the poster writes in the clip. "Tilly was not quite ready for a stampede, but luckily Sadie had her back," she adds in the caption. Corgis are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as herding dogs, in fact they were initially bred as cattle herders. They also make good guardian dogs as well as sweet and loving companions. Some of the breeds that make the best herd dogs include most types of shepherd pups such as German shepherd, Australian shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. But many other breeds can also take on this role successfully. Dogs like border collies, which are known for being the smartest canines in the world, Belgian Tervuren, Berger Picard, and bearded collies, among others, are also great options with innate herding skills. Herding breeds are generally high-energy, incredibly intelligent dogs bred to work with livestock. So even when they are not working in the field, they still require a minimum of 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise to avoid destructive behaviors. The best way to channel their instincts and energy constructively, is by engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as long walks, runs, hikes, bike rides, fetch, tug-of-war, backyard football, and off-leash play in dog parks. Interactive toys, like puzzle feeders and treat dispensers, can also help keep your pup mentally engaged. Training sessions, scent work, trick-learning exercises, treasure hunts, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war also provide effective mental and physical stimulation. A stock image shows a herding dog surrounded by sheep. A stock image shows a herding dog surrounded by sheep. getty images Users on the platform had a lot to say about the little corgi, and most of them took her side over her owner's. One user, Destiny, commented: "Tilly is just using reverse psychology to get them to come! You go Ms Girl!" H3nryk3ll3r said: "You misunderstood her. She wasn't running was saying follow me this way guys." Rhoda added: "Didn't lie exactly— just added fluff to get the job!! Happens all of the time." Newsweek reached out to @jakesfunnyfarm for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Golden Retrievers 'Don't Understand' Spiral Steps—Owner Does the Unexpected
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two golden retrievers were excited to explore the home they were staying in on vacation, only to find themselves trapped upstairs as they were unable to face going down a spiral staircase. Ellie Schraft, 24, lives in Florida with her two golden retrievers, Winston, one, and six-month-old Benny, and recently took a three-week-long family vacation with them to the Jersey Shore. When they arrived at their lodgings for the trip, however, they quickly learned there was going to be an issue: the dogs could not figure out the concept of a spiral staircase. "They have never seen or been on spiral staircases," Schraft told Newsweek. "My bedroom, where they were sleeping with me, was upstairs. And they ran right up but wouldn't come down!" After more than two hours of trying to encourage the dogs to come down, Schraft had to take things into her own hands—and a video of the rescue mission has gone viral since being posted to her TikTok account, @winstonandbenny. Posted on June 27, and boasting more than 300,000 views, it shows a montage of Schraft trying to coax the dogs down, but they stand at the entrance to the stairway, still smiling for the camera, but utterly refusing to move. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. TikTok @winstonandbenny At one point, the family drape a large blanket over the side of the banister, Schraft explaining to Newsweek: "They were so freaked out, so we had to put the blanket up to hide the height because we thought maybe it was that—but they were still scared." Golden retrievers, just like Benny and Winston, have long been one of the most popular choice for pets in the United States, coming in third place behind the Labrador retriever and French bulldog in the American Kennel Club (AKC)'s list of the most popular dog breeds. Known for their friendly and devoted nature, goldens get along with family, young children, and other dogs, and are relatively easy to train, according to the AKC. Back in Jersey Shore, with the blanket idea failing, they took another major step: strapping Winston into a life jacket, so they could use the handles to help lift him down. And, once Winston was near the bottom of the stairs, he trotted down happily by himself—and Schraft said Benny then followed from the top of the landing as though it had been no big deal. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. TikTok @winstonandbenny TikTok users were in stitches at the dogs' mountaineering adventure, one commenter pointing out the "life jacket just in case," and another defending them: "I'm also afraid of spiral staircases and I don't go down headfirst, so I totally get it." "To be fair, it is a bit of a curveball," another wrote. And one praised Schraft and her family: "The life jacket was actually smart!" There is a difference in personality between her two dogs, Schraft told Newsweek. "Winston had to wear the life jacket for the whole week because he was so scared. And once Benny was going up and down, he just kept doing it for fun." As she put it: "Winston is scared of everything. Winston will literally freak out and hide if he sees a big bug. Benny is way more fearless—but they are definitely not usually super sharp!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
