Latest news with #Labradorretriever
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.
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Labrador Gets Soft Crate, Owners Instantly Regret Their 'Good Idea'
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 owners of a Labrador retriever named Leila thought it was a good idea to buy their pup a soft crate, but immediately changed their mind once she stepped foot into it. In a viral Instagram video shared in April under the username @sugarrushtails, the posters recall "that time we thought a soft crate for a Lab [Labrador retriever] puppy was a good idea..." as their pup Leila is seen rolling on the floor with her crate non-stop. "This will never be old," the caption says. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that crate training can make life a lot easier for both dogs and their owners, and should be carried out as soon as you get your pup home. Crates help dogs deal with stress during emergencies. They are a great self-soothing tool for dogs who deal with anxiety, or for pups who become distressed during events like thunderstorms, constructions or fireworks. They are also just a great place to escape when life gets too chaotic or scary, and they can be a comforting place to sleep when your pup is confronted with a challenging situation like the arrival of a baby or a new pet. There are different kinds of dog crates available and which one you should buy depends on your dog's physical characteristics as well as their personality. Plastic crates are cheap, lightweight and easy to carry around, but they are also low on airflow and that can cause a dog to overheat in hot weather. Metal ones have high airflow, and allow your pup to see around them, making them feel more comfortable, but they can also rust, or damage your pup's teeth if they have the bad habit of chewing things off. Soft-sided crates like the one in the clip are lightweight and easy to travel with, but they are not durable, and are very easy to escape. A stock image shows a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy inside a crate. A stock image shows a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy inside a crate. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 13 million views and 559,529 likes. One user, Iambrandilokey, commented: "I actually used to put my husky in one of these when she wanted to go outside and I was doing stuff she's a runner so when she's out she has to be on a leash and I put her in that she can't run she just rolls around the yard." Jennyu_repay said: "Ma'am that's a college student's laundry basket." Livingluxewithlauren added: "Gentle parenting is for gentle children." Newsweek reached out to @sugarrushtails for comment via Instagram chat. 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.
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
5 of the best dog breeds for first-time owners – including super-loving pup that's super easy to train & loves kids
Plus, how much it costs to get a professional dog trainer PAW-FECT POOCH 5 of the best dog breeds for first-time owners – including super-loving pup that's super easy to train & loves kids Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DOGS are the most popular pet in the UK, with around 13.5 million households owning a pooch. If you're looking to take the plunge and invite a furry friend into your family, there are several breeds worth considering - especially if you've never owned a dog or had experience taking care of one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Labradors are great with kids Credit: GETTY 1. Labrador retriever The most popular dog in Britain - and there are several good reasons why! Labradors are known for being super friendly, full of energy, and easy to train, hence why they make a great first pet. They also love to eat, and Vets4Pets recommend regular exercise as they are known to become obese. Key facts: READ MORE ON PETS PET WARNING Dog owners warned not to let pooches in garden when doing essential lawn task Lifespan 10-12 years Good with children Easy to train Susceptible to some inherited conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia High exercise requirement 2. Shih Tzu According to the PDSA, Shih Tzus were originally bred in Tibet to be companion dogs and were also used as watchdogs to announce the arrival of visitors. They are known for having loyal, loveable natures, but many Shih Tzus are purebred which means they are more likely to develop certain health conditions. Key facts: Lifespan 10-16 years They need regular grooming because of their long fur Known to bark a lot Don't like being left alone for more than 4 hours 'World's most expensive dog' sells for £4.4MILLION as breeder buys 'Wolfdog' that is 'half-pooch & half-wild beast' 3. Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet and gentle, and loyal to their families - this is why they make a popular pet. But due to their size they need to live in a home with plenty of space. Key facts: Lifespan up to 10 years Needs a minimum of 1 hour exercise a day They have incredibly thick coats so be prepared for a lot of shedding, and regular brushing 4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Kind, gentle and loyal dogs, Cavaliers are so popular, but they need constant company as they get very upset at being left alone, the PDSA says. They are happy to live in either a city or the countryside, as long as they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Key facts: Lifespan 12 years+ Good around children Need to be brushed daily 5. Poodle 2 Poodles can come in three sizes, pictured is a miniature red poodle puppy Credit: Getty Poodles are playful and adventurous, and generally get on well with other pets and kids. But with their beautiful coats, they need daily grooming, and it also requires clipping and shaping by a professional groomer periodically throughout the year. Key facts: Lifespan 10-18 years depending on size Come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy Need an hour of exercise a day and love to run, swim and retrieve
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
5 of the best dog breeds for first-time owners – including super-loving pup that's super easy to train & loves kids
DOGS are the most popular pet in the UK, with around 13.5 million households owning a pooch. If you're looking to take the plunge and invite a furry friend into your family, there are several breeds worth considering - especially if you've never owned a dog or had experience taking care of one. Advertisement 2 Labradors are great with kids Credit: GETTY 1. Labrador retriever The most popular dog in Britain - and there are several good reasons why! Labradors are known for being super friendly, full of energy, and easy to train, hence why they make a great first pet. They also love to eat, and Key facts: Advertisement READ MORE ON PETS Lifespan 10-12 years Good with children Easy to train Susceptible to some inherited conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia High exercise requirement 2. Shih Tzu They are known for having loyal, loveable natures, but many Shih Tzus are purebred which means they are more likely to develop certain health conditions. Key facts: Most read in Fabulous Lifespan 10-16 years They need regular grooming because of their long fur Known to bark a lot Don't like being left alone for more than 4 hours 'World's most expensive dog' sells for £4.4MILLION as breeder buys 'Wolfdog' that is 'half-pooch & half-wild beast' 3. Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet and gentle, and loyal to their families - this is why they make a Advertisement But due to their size they need to live in a home with plenty of space. Key facts: Lifespan up to 10 years Needs a minimum of 1 hour exercise a day They have incredibly thick coats so be prepared for a lot of shedding, and regular brushing 4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Kind, gentle and loyal dogs, Cavaliers are so popular, but they need constant company as they get very upset at being left alone, They are happy to live in either a city or the countryside, as long as they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Advertisement Key facts: Lifespan 12 years+ Good around children Need to be brushed daily 5. Poodle 2 Poodles can come in three sizes, pictured is a miniature red poodle puppy Credit: Getty Poodles are playful and adventurous, and generally get on well with other pets and kids. But with their beautiful coats, they need daily grooming, and it also requires clipping and shaping by a professional groomer periodically throughout the year. Advertisement Key facts: Lifespan 10-18 years depending on size Come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy Need an hour of exercise a day and love to run, swim and retrieve Should I get a professional dog trainer and how much does it cost? IF you're wondering whether to get a professional dog trainer, here's all you need to know... Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dog Trainer: Expertise: Professional trainers have specialised knowledge and experience in handling various breeds and behavioural issues. Personalised Training Plans: Trainers can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs and temperament of your dog. Efficiency: A professional can often achieve results more quickly than an inexperienced owner might. Behavioural Improvement: Addressing issues such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking can lead to a more harmonious household. Socialisation: Trainers can help your dog learn to interact well with other dogs and people. Cost of Professional Dog Training: Private Sessions: Typically range from £30 to £100 per hour, depending on the trainer's experience and location. Group Classes: Usually cost between £10 and £30 per session, often running as a course over several weeks. Board and Train Programmes: These intensive programmes, where your dog stays with the trainer, can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500 per week. Online Courses: More budget-friendly options, ranging from £50 to £200 for a complete course, though less personalised. When considering a professional dog trainer, weigh the benefits against the costs to determine what works best for you and your furry friend.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
How a pet rescue is helping federal workers find solace after job loss
Tim, one of the kittens Mollie Kolaitis is fostering, holds onto her right foot. Image: Mollie Kolaitis As a 10-year-old, Denise Joseph told everyone she wanted to be Mother Teresa. While Joseph never became a saint, her passion for public service drew her to the Education Department, where she began working as an analyst in 2015. But when Joseph was placed on administrative leave in January - and learned three months later she would be fired - she turned her attention to something else: dogs. Joseph began fostering two mixed German shepherd and Labrador retriever puppies, Wren and Wrigley. 'I have a reason to get up in the morning,' Joseph told The Washington Post, 'to walk the dogs and feed them and, you know, to help calm me.' Joseph is one of a handful of former federal employees who are taking advantage of an animal rescue's recent offer in Arlington, Virginia. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is providing free supplies, including food, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, treats and crates, to fired federal workers who foster dogs or cats. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Wren, a mixed German shepherd and Labrador retriever puppy, is being fostered by Denise Joseph Image: Denise Joseph Mirah Horowitz, Lucky Dog's chief executive, said the program is great for the pets who get a temporary home, and also the foster volunteers, who might find solace in caring for a pet. 'The cost to the former federal employee or contractor would be, you know, their time and their love,' Horowitz said. 'And we will provide the rest.' When sweeping job cuts in the federal government began in February under President Donald Trump's administration, Horowitz said her already overflowed rescue became more crowded. Some fired federal workers gave up their pets because they were moving or could no longer afford veterinary care, Horowitz said. In the following weeks, Horowitz said she considered waiving the $200 to $500 adoption fees for fired federal workers. But she realized they might need a more flexible situation while they look for new jobs and possibly new homes, she said. To make the program feasible financially, Horowitz said Arlington's Dogma Dog Bakery agreed to sell food to the rescue at a reduced cost. She said foster volunteers in the program save between $100 to $200 per month. Donna Davis of Arlington, Virginia, began fostering 1-year-old King, a mixed Rottweiler and German shepherd, last month. Image: Donna Davis One volunteer is Donna Davis, who said she was fired from her contracting position with the Defense Department in February. However, when Davis picked up King, a mixed Rottweiler and German shepherd, last month, she was uncertain if the partnership would work out. King, who weighs nearly 80 pounds, pulled Davis into streets while she held the leash and barked at other dogs. He ate a David Mamet book Davis borrowed from the library, prompting Davis to spend hours taping the pieces of paper back together. But a few days later, the 1-year-old pup became attached to Davis. When Davis took King to the Shirlington Dog Park in the evenings, King looked back every few minutes to ensure Davis was still there. Lucky Dog provided Davis squeaky toys, two beds, a leash, crunchy biscuits and bone broth treats. Davis made her own beef liver treats. Tabitha and Tiffani, kittens Mollie Kolaitis is fostering, nap together Image: Mollie Kolaitis King has become a beloved figure at Davis's church, where she takes him on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. A week after Davis began fostering him, King growled when others approached Davis - a sign he was protecting her, Davis said. They ran a five-kilometer race together at Theodore Roosevelt Island. Davis has struggled to find work, she said, and has considered leaving Arlington. On April 30, she posted a picture of King on Facebook, seeking his permanent home. But now, Davis said she is considering adopting King - even if she's dreading the librarians' reactions when she tries to return the book King ate. 'I gave up a lot of my life for this dog,' Davis said. 'And that's okay. I feel like that's not necessarily a bad thing.' While Lucky Dog's program is for fired workers, former federal employees who recently accepted buyout offers have also fostered pets with their spare time. Mollie Kolaitis, who took a buyout from her job as an attorney adviser in the Department of Health and Human Services in March, has turned her home office into a room for her new foster cats. The nine kittens she began fostering last month have been distracting, running across her desk in Waterford, Virginia, and accidentally opening Microsoft Excel when they step on her laptop. But Kolaitis, 41, said the experience has been rewarding. Wrigley, a mixed German shepherd and Labrador retriever puppy, is being fostered by Denise Joseph. Image: Denise Joseph 'It's something nice to pour yourself into and take your focus off of things that are happening right now,' Kolaitis said, 'and just feel like you're doing a little bit of good for the world when it doesn't feel like there is a lot.' Since taking the buyout, Kolaitis has also fostered a Chihuahua mix and her four babies. She mixed dog food with formula and fed the puppies through a syringe in her sunroom. She house-trained them before they were adopted a few weeks later. 'People who go into federal service, they have an interest in the public, and they have an interest of wanting to help others,' Kolaitis said. 'And, you know, if they're looking for something to do, this is a really good way to spend some time.' Joseph, the analyst who was fired from the Education Department, said she couldn't sleep after she received an email Jan. 29 with a letter attached. It said she would be placed on administration leave 'pursuant to the President's executive order on DEIA,' referring to Trump's efforts to end diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs in the federal government. Walking Wren and Wrigley around her neighbourhood in Waldorf, Maryland, three or four times a day has brought her joy. She has house-trained them - but she still bought a patch of turf to place in front of their crates in case they relieve themselves inside. While Joseph said Wren and Wrigley, both 16 weeks old, are bigger than she prefers - they're each roughly 35 pounds and counting - she plans to foster them until someone adopts them. Then, she might find more dogs to foster while she job hunts. 'I just have this mindset to help people and to help raise them and train them,' Joseph said, 'so they can be their best selves - or their best animal selves.'
