Articles for Animal Welfare Workers and Dog Advocates

What Does Genetics Say About How Our Dogs Behave?

We talk with veterinary geneticist Jessica Hekman about what makes a dog an individual.

What’s the Problem with Saying “Pit Bull”?

Using a meaningless term makes about as much sense as calling a dog a unicorn.

No, Science Doesn’t Say Dog Breeds Have Distinct Personalities in Their DNA

That Viral Study on Breed "Personality" Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

This Response to Our Podcast Exposes the Classism in Animal Welfare

You can’t advocate for dogs and dehumanize people at the same time.

Are We Loving Shelter Pets to Death?

Author and animal advocate Arin Greenwood joins us on our podcast as we talk through what’s really behind the negativity surrounding free adoptions.

Breed Discrimination Is Serious and We’re Working to End It

Breed discrimination is serious and we're working to end it12 December, 2018In Sioux City, Iowa, officials can take your dog regardless of how well behaved they are. In Sioux City, someone can decide your dog is a "pit bull"...

Community Focused Ideas to Help Shelter Pets Find Homes for the Holidays

Community focused ideas to help shelter pets find homes for the holidays 27 November, 2018 It’s that time of year again! TIme for Jingle Paw Rock! Never heard of Jingle Paw Rock? We haven’t either. Literally just made it up....

Petfinder Dog Listings Show Just How Ridiculous Visual Breed Identification Is

Petfinder Listings Show Absurdity of Visual Breed Identification 15 NOVEMBER, 2018 This post was originally written in 2013. It has been updated with additional commentary. We were elated last year when Petfinder added "mixed breed" as a primary...

Episode 4: An Interview with Ken Foster, Author of City of Dogs

We talk with author Ken Foster about how the powerful connection between dogs and people transcends socio-economic and cultural boundaries in New York City.

Who Are The Dogs In Shelters Really And Why Does It Matter?

assumptions based on appearance disregard the genetic complexity of dogs and all other influences that make up the individual dog.

Episode 3: How Social Constructs Influence Our Relationship With Dogs

In this episode of the Individual Animal, we talk about how fear-based social constructs create problems for dogs and their human companions.

New Episode: We Call Bull On “Pit Bull” Awareness Events

We call bull on "pit Bull" awareness 23 October, 2018 Welcome to our podcast of awkward openings! This week, Nikki and Regina are talking about one of our least favorite topics: "pit bull" awareness events. Society has...

This Is Why We’re Calling Bull On “Pit Bull” Awareness Events

We love when people celebrate dogs, whether it’s their own dogs or rescue dogs. But, the language we use to talk about these celebrations should reflect where we are, not where we’ve been.

Introducing the Individual Animal

Introducing the individual animal 15 October, 2018 We have exciting news! We're launching a podcast. It's called the Individual Animal. It's hosted by me, Regina Lizik, and Nicole Juchem. Nicole is Animal Farm Foundation's...

5 Things You Need to Know to Be a Better Dog Advocate

Advocating against breed-specific legislation involves a lot of emotion, but we need to focus on facts and solutions to make positive change happen.

Yes, People Really Do Need Emotional Support Animals

ESAs play an important role in mental health and society needs to respect that.

Delta Is Discriminating Against People with Disabilities and Their Service Dogs

We aren’t comfortable letting discrimination stand and you shouldn’t be either.

“Pit Bull” K9 Helps Bring a Boy with Autism Back Home to His Family

A little boy with autism ran away from home and it took one very special dog to bring him back.

It’s Time for Animal Welfare Organizations to Value Dogs Over Corporations

It's Time for Animal Welfare Organizations to Value Dogs Over Corporations 11 May, 2018 It’s a common thing for people in animal welfare to speak out about breed-discriminatory policies, whether they be at the county or state level, or even...

A Dog Died On A United Flight. Here’s The Problem No One’s Talking About

A Dog Died On A United Flight. Here's The Problem No One's Talking About 19 March, 2018 The tragic story of a beloved family dog dying on a United Airlines flight went viral last week. There were lots of conversations about what the incident...

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