Fall ushers in pumpkin spice mania, apple flavored everything, sweaters, boots, and all things warm and cozy. Throw in the excitement of Halloween, with its costumes, candy, and parties, and you can’t help but want to celebrate. For cat and dog lovers like us, it’s only natural to want to celebrate with our furry friends. Here are a few tips to help you and your pet enjoy a safe and relaxing Halloween together.

Pet Treats, Not Human Treats

Just like you wouldn’t let your kids eat just any Halloween candy, it’s also wise not to share it with your pet. We know it’s hard to resist those convincing puppy dog (or kitty) eyes but candy has a laundry list of ingredients that aren’t meant for cats or dogs. This includes chocolate, xylitol, sugar, and so many other hazardous substances.

Instead, treat your pet with something meant just for them, like our Premium Cow Ears, Antioxidant Health Bars, or Gourmet Cat Treats. This way, they can be included in the holiday fun without putting their health at risk.

Proper Party Provisions

Similarly, if you plan to host a Halloween party, take some time to consider what types of foods you might have available for guests. If possible, consider omitting foods like raisins, grapes, and dark chocolate that can be very dangerous, or even fatal, to pets if they should happen to pick up any scraps off the floor. Instead, you many want to:

• opt for pet-safe foods
• ask your guests not to feed your pet any human food without your permission
• keep any off-limits food covered and out of reach

Sensible Soundscapes

Whether hosting a party, or welcoming trick-or-treaters, many of us love to play spooky music or haunted house sounds during Halloween. If you do this, try to be mindful of any sounds that you know your pet is afraid of or dislikes. This can include high-pitched sounds, dogs barking, hissing cats, creepy steps, or any other noise your pet may have had an unpleasant experience with in the past.

Music is often a safer choice than sound effects when it comes to pet-friendly ambience, but this is totally subjective depending on your dog or cat and their triggers.

Careful Costumes

One of our favorite parts of Halloween is the chance to dress up with our pets. There are so many cute combinations, and there’s nothing more fun than taking a picture with your cat or dog dressed  in your Halloween finest; however, it’s important to make sure your pet’s costume is safe. For example, avoid costumes that are too long and drag under your pet’s feet. This could cause them to trip, slide, or fall. Additionally, if your pet’s costume has a headpiece, make sure it’s secure so that it doesn’t fall down over their eyes and block their vision. Finally, make sure there are no parts on your pet’s costume that they might be able to tear off and swallow (potentially causing them to choke), and nothing that could cut or irritate them.

Leashed Loves

If you choose to take your pet trick-or-treating, be sure to have them well-controlled on a leash and keep them close at all times. Command your dog to sit, if possible, before ringing doorbells at neighbors’ homes. If you’re trick-or-treating in a dark and/or congested area, consider putting a glow in the dark leash or collar on your animal, to make it easier for you and others to see them.

While we love the idea of taking our pets trick or treating with us on Halloween, if you know that your pet is easily stressed or startled, it might be best to leave Fido or Fifi at home where they’ll feel safe.

Contained Creatures

If you opt to stay home and hand out candy, make sure your cat or dog - especially if they’re not good with strangers - won’t be able to escape when you open the door to greet trick-or-treaters. For some pets, this is as simple as telling them to sit before opening the door. For others, it might be better to put up a gate, keeping your pet away from  the door. And for those that love to make a break for it? It might be worth placing them in a spacious pet crate or confining them to a room with a door so you can both enjoy your Halloween.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween with your pet, they’ll be grateful for everything you do to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.  With just a little bit of planning, you and your fur baby can enjoy a fun and memorable spooky season together. Happy Halloween!

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In an ever-growing world of clean skin care products, trendy ingredients have been appearing everywhere, such as essential oils and extracts. First, is this something you even need in a product? Second, how do you know if lavender oil or lavender extract is right for you? It mostly comes down to understanding their differences. Let's take a slightly deeper dive into the benefits that each one offers.

Essential Oils vs Extracts 

One of the main differences between essential oils and extracts is that oils are highly concentrated, while extracts are more diluted. Why? Because these plant-based products are created in two very different ways. 

Essential oils are made from the aromatic parts of a plant, which are simply the parts that contain volatile oils. In order to collect these oils, the plant generally undergoes a complex steam distillation process.  

While this process is no easy task, it does release the plant’s oils in their purest form. As a result, the oil maintains more of the plant’s antibacterial and antiviral properties - which is a huge plus! This is also the reason that essential oils tend to have a much stronger aroma than extracts.  

Extracts produce a more watered-down version of a plant's elements, and they’re also much easier to create. Think of the process as similar to soaking your tea in hot water.  

Plants can be turned into extracts by soaking them in anything from water or glycerine to alcohol, allowing them to release their properties into the surrounding liquid. This creates a sort of infusion that isn’t quite as strong as what you’d get from a pure essential oil. 

So which should you choose? Well, there are pros of each:

The Pros of Oils

As mentioned, oils tend to be very concentrated and contain important natural properties of a plant in their purest form. That's why you'll find antioxidant-rich oils such as grapeseed, cranberry seed, and thyme oils in products like facial serums. Another benefit of oils, when it comes to skin care, is that a little goes a long way. Often, just a few drops are more than enough to cover your whole face.

The Pros of Extracts

While extracts may not be quite as strong as oils, by being less potent they tend to be a great choice for sensitive skin while still providing plenty of benefits. Our Facial Cleanser, for example, uses extracts like sugar cane, white willow bark, and citrus peel to exfoliate your skin without causing irritation. 

If you’re the type of person who wants the best of both worlds or you have trouble deciding, just take a look at our Facial Moisturizer. Its expertly blended with both essential oils, like pomegranate seed oil, as well as extracts, such as olive oil extract. This combination allows you to experience both types (oils and extracts) while still getting a slew of skin-loving benefits.

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You don’t need us to tell you that a bored dog is not a happy dog - and as a caring owner, that’s the last thing you want. After all, your dog deserves all the love and care you can give.

With that caring in mind, this blog shares three fun ideas to help increase your dog’s happiness and good behavior. But first, how do you even know if your dog is bored?

Look for these signs

Uh-oh, something’s been chewed. You come home and the rug is a sorry sight. Vets call it “problem behavior.” A friend shared this story with us. While she was away, her pup went to work on her husband’s loafers. Size 10s were chewed down to size 9s. And no wonder, dogs need stimulation -- in fact, they can’t be without it. So when we enrich their world, they become happier and better-behaved.

It’s easy to sense how your dog misses you when you’re away. Especially when you consider that millennia ago dogs were bred to have a working role. But most dogs aren’t working these days – they have little to do. This is evident when you consider the in-home security footage of one owner’s home while he was away. He saw an unhappy pooch… and rolls of unraveled toilet paper decorating the living room. Charming.

Dogs look to us for engagement and fun. Your dog deserves a lifestyle that beats a ho-hum existence. Because, according to ancient Greek wisdom, for a human or dog to thrive in top form, a healthy mind in a healthy body is key.

 Try these three fun ideas:

1. Head to the park. A potty break or walk around the block for a bored dog may not be enough. Instead, go out for some intense playtime. It could take the form of an energetic frolic or the tried and true game of fetch with a stick, frisbee or tennis ball. Grab that barely-used tennis racket and hit a ball into the distance for your dog to fetch. And do it again and again. Watch your dog exhibit an Olympic performance with a smile that widens every time you send the ball flying.

   
   

2. Friends for your dog. You enjoy meeting new friends and, of course, your dog does too. Especially when there’s a chance to cut loose and run with them in a safe, protected area. Dog parks are a roam-free environment that could offer slides, hurdles, hoops to jump through as well as water features like spraying fountains.
3. Scrumptious chew treats. Dogs adore our Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe. So they’re perfect for a game of “Find the Treats.” It’s as captivating for your dog as it is for you entering a kitchen with delicious smells coming from the oven. You become transfixed by trying to discover where that aroma is originating from.

Got that picture? Now apply it to a fun game with your dog.

Start by hiding the Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe in interesting places, use your imagination, be creative. Then set your dog on a search. Encourage your dog, signaling if they are hot or cold. Great fun erupts when the treats are discovered. That’s when you can lavish praise on your intrepid hunter. You’ll make your dog feel extra-special and proud ... but that’s only the beginning.

Because “Find the Treats” helps put an end to destructive behavior. It fulfills your dog’s love of chewing with something that’s tastier and healthier than a pillow or your beloved loafers. You both benefit as play promotes better behavior and bonding.

The former chief veterinarian of the RSPCA in Britain, Mark Evans, adds to that:

“There’s a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are really good indicators of a dog’s quality of life.”

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Looking for a smoothie that’s delicious, nutritious and affordable? Packed with protein, antioxidants and nutrient-dense greens, this smoothie not only gives you incredible energy, but it’s simple to make. Just combine three of our delicious supplements and a few of your favorite fruits. Best of all, it costs less than your daily pick-me-up.

Ditch the morning coffee and muffin and start your day off feeling great!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed, frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Cherry Minerals and Antioxidants
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
• Optional: a handful of kale or spinach to amp up the green factor

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender
2. Puree until smooth
3. Add more milk if the blend is too thick
4. Enjoy!

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Are you stressed out? If you’re like most Americans, chances are the answer is, “Heck, yeah!” Unfortunately, stress is a way of life for too many of us. Whether it’s concerns over family, work, relationships or even daily traffic jams, there seems to be a never ending stream of stressors.

There are many different facets of stress. It can help you in some instances and hinder you in others. And there are coping mechanisms that can diminish it (the bad stress). If you’re already feeling too stressed to read the rest of this article, then it’s a pretty good sign that you should keep reading - so take a deep breath and read on.

What is stress?

Stress covers a range of physiological responses to certain life events, such as a threat, a heated argument, and real or imagined danger. In short, stress is your body’s way of protecting itself in the face of these challenges. Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones in order to prepare you to take action. At the same time, your blood pressure rises, breathing becomes more rapid and your heart starts pounding. These physiological changes can help boost your strength, bolster your stamina and hone your focus, which is why some people claim they work well under pressure.

Common stressors

Some common negative stressors can include workplace stress, the death of a loved one, divorce, injury or illness. Even seemingly positive life events can bring with them stressors such as marriage, buying your first home, having kids, or even getting a promotion. Stress can even be self-imposed from pessimism, perfectionism, or the inability to accept uncertainty.

Are you a serial stressor?

There’s no doubt that stress can help you meet short term challenges. However, chronic stress can leave your body feeling overworked and can be detrimental to your health. Moreover, long-term stress can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, lead to premature aging, and leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

If you believe you might be suffering from debilitating chronic stress, the first step is to talk with someone trained to help you overcome these stressors, like a doctor or therapist. Next, try your best to avoid negative coping mechanisms such as smoking, overeating, or drug abuse. Here are our tips for reducing stress in your life in a healthy and more practical way:

Talk to a Friend: Expressing your feelings to a trusted friend can lighten your load. Remember, the more you isolate yourself, the more susceptible you will be to stress.

Exercise: Walk, swim or take a bike ride. When you exercise at a certain level over a period of time, the body produces chemicals that can make you feel good.

Eat a Healthy Diet: We know it can be difficult, but try to avoid fast foods loaded with fat and preservatives, overly salted foods, caffeine and sugar. Make sure your diet includes proteins, whole grains, fresh veggies and plenty of water.

Laugh: You read that right. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”

Meditate: There’s no need to take a class or even buy a book on meditation. Just find a comfortable and quiet spot and think about all of the positive things in your life. Make an effort to feel truly thankful for each of them.

Curl up with a furry friend: We have to admit - this might be one of our favorite things to do. Spending quality time and cuddling up with your pet can lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Do nothing: Yep, nothing! Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it’s okay to just do nothing at all for a while. Stop whatever activity is at-hand and savor the moment.

No matter which techniques you choose to incorporate in your routine, we truly hope they’ll help you to live a more abundant life, with less stress!

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While looking for healthy products for your furry friends, you’ve probably faced a slew of information, and we understand how overwhelming it can be - especially since you want to give them the best life possible. We want to be clear about what goes into our products because we want you to feel confident in the product you’re feeding your pets. We’re proud of our products but your trust in our company is more important.

As an employee-owned purpose-driven company, we think differently and our definition of transparency includes giving you a behind the scenes look into our decision to conduct dog food feeding trials - and why it should matter to you. 

What Are The Pet Food Standards?

Did you know that there are two ways a dog food maker can demonstrate the nutrition of their foods? These are set by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the association that establishes nutritional standards within the pet food industry.

Nutrient Analysis

The most common of the two is through nutrient analysis. This involves laboratory testing of the finished food that measures how much of each key nutrient is present compared to the required amount. Beyond the required nutrients, additional tests can be ordered to tell a more complete story about the formula. For instance, if a brand prioritizes antioxidants they’ll want to test for that number, though it’s not required.

This additional nutrient analysis testing is the method we at Life’s Abundance have used for over two decades, and now, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we’re engaging in the second of AAFCO’s sanctioned tests - Feeding Trials.

Feeding Trials

Simply put, feeding trials allow us to study the nutritional value a pet gets from consuming a food. So - how does it work? Eight dogs are exclusively fed the food being tested for a number of weeks (duration varies based on life stage). Periodic blood tests and the dog’s weight are tracked and recorded to demonstrate that the nutrients shown on paper actually make it into the dog’s body at life-sustaining levels. The dogs are always humanely treated and if for any reason they aren’t doing well on the food they are immediately taken off the trial. 

Why Conduct Feeding Trials?

First and foremost, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of dogs eating our food, and because of this, it’s important to know how nutrients in our formulas behave once digested by the dogs eating them. Our formulation philosophy for years, has been made up of nutritional analysis and decades of anecdotal evidence but with the addition of science-backed feeding trials, that philosophy is even stronger. 

In the veterinary world, feeding trials are the gold standard to demonstrate a food’s nutrient value. Now when your vet asks if your dog’s food has been through a trial, if you’re feeding Life’s Abundance, you can confidently say ‘yes.’ We know from all our veterinary consultants and colleagues how important feeding trials are to veterinarians as a mark of quality assurance. This is our way of showing we're absolutely serious about making the best food out there.

The decision to conduct feeding trials was a years-long process involving many levels of staff at Life’s Abundance. We’ve:

• consulted with veterinarians,
• consulted with insiders who have seen many sides of laboratory research,
• looked for alternative testing protocols,
• interviewed testing companies and toured testing facilities ourselves

It took all of this time, effort and consideration to be certain we’d found a testing company that met our standards for animal care, interaction, environmental enrichment and overall welfare. It was important for us to take this time so that we feel as good about the process as we do the results, so you can too.

What Feeding Trials Won’t Tell You

Though a feeding trial is a true scientific study, it will only tell you whether a food is adequate enough to keep a dog alive. It won’t tell you about the quality of the ingredients or if they have any health enhancing benefits. At Life’s Abundance, it’s more than formulating, making and delivering great food. It’s about getting the ultimate nutrition into your dog so they can thrive.

Feeding trials take time to complete but we’re dedicated to taking as many of our products through trials so you can have full confidence in our products. Here is our feeding trial status as of Fall 2021:

• All Life Stage Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2022.
• Adult Weight Loss Dog Food - Successfully completed Spring 2020.
• All Life Stage Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2021.
• Grain Free All Life Stage Dog Food - In queue to start. Tests are not run concurrently which makes the timeline to complete the series quite long.

We remain dedicated to adopting certified testing methods to reassure our customers of the quality of our product. If you’re not currently feeding your pet Life’s Abundance food consider making the switch to our uniquely formulated foods that have feeding trials to back their efficacy.

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Have you ever noticed how your acne, eczema and other complexion issues flare up when you’re stressed? It’s no coincidence - it’s science! It’s been shown that external stressors can have an adverse effect on not only your skin but also your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to schedule some relaxation time! Here are some ideas to help you unwind while taking care of your skin - it’s the only kind of multitasking we recommend.   

Wash Your Stress Away Each Evening

Mindfulness can be a powerful ally in reducing your stress levels, and adding this simple relaxing skin care routine each night can help. As you wash your face, imagine all the stress you've collected during the day washing away as well. Certain scented soaps can really help your mind and body get into a relaxed state.

Give Yourself a Soothing Facial Massage

Who doesn’t love a good massage? We get it though, you can’t always hit the spa every time you’re feeling stressed - that’s where an at-home facial massage comes in. Each night during your skin care routine, as you apply serum, take your time massaging the oils into your skin. Concentrate on areas where you tend to carry the most stress - for most people it’s their temples and jaw muscles.

Rejuvenate With a Facial Mask

Continue your at-home spa activities with a luxurious facial mask. Not only will your skin reap the deep cleansing benefits, but you'll have an excuse to take 10-15 minutes and relax your mind as the mask does its magic. For bonus relaxation points, consider streaming a free guided meditation, or even some soothing music. 

Glow From the Inside Out

When you've got a lot going on, it's more important than ever to help your body work smarter. Ensuring that you get the nutrients you need will go a long way in preventing fatigue and other factors that can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you don't have time to cook yourself a delicious healthy meal each day, supplements can be a quick and easy way to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Consider working a daily multivitamin into your regimen or replacing sugary sports drinks with a minerals and antioxidant-rich drink mix.

Each day brings plenty of little opportunities to help reduce stress while maintaining your skin. Yes, it may be tempting to believe that serenity requires a week-long yoga retreat, you now know that relaxation can be found right at home - and all it takes is your favorite skincare product and a willing set of hands. 

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Cats make wonderful pets. With temperaments ranging from affectionate to reclusive, cats bring joy and playfulness to our homes with their unique personalities and endearing quirks. So, you’d think that bringing a second, third, or fourth cat into your home would be bliss right?

While, in theory, this may seem simple, the process of introducing cats to one another and teaching them to coexist can be a somewhat involved process. Because cats are often loners by nature, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure that your two cats feel comfortable and safe around one another. Here’s what you can do to give your resident cat and newcomer the best chance at a successful introduction and set them up for a lifetime of companionship or at the very least, a peaceful coexistence.

Separate Spaces  

When you first bring your new cat home, it’s important to keep them completely separate from your current cat. The best way to do this is to enclose the new cat in a room with a door, like a bedroom or office. Preferably one that your current cat has spent significant time in so that their scent is present in the room.

Make sure this room is pleasant and comfortable for your new cat and keep in mind that isolating them isn’t a punishment; it’s an effective way to make them feel safe in their new home. Some things you may want to stock their room with are toys, a cozy bed, food, water, and a litter box. Also, it’s best if this room is easily accessible by human family members, so that they can enter often to play and socialize with your new cat.

A room with a door that has a little bit of space underneath is ideal as this gives the cats an opportunity to be in somewhat close proximity and in some cases even see one another, if they choose, without forcing them to socialize.

Mirrored Feedings

When it comes to feeding your cats, think of the door dividing them like a mirror. Whatever you do on one side, you do on the other, meaning the cats should be fed at the same time, with their food placed close to the door, on their respective sides.

If either cat hisses or shows aggression when coaxed to eat near the door, simply move that cat’s food a few feet back from the door and allow them to eat from a distance. With each mealtime, try inching their food bowl a little bit closer to the door. When the cat complies, be sure to reward them liberally with enticing treats they love.

The Great Switcheroo

After about two or three days of relatively calm behavior between the cats, it’s time to make the big switch. Give your new cat free reign of the house and put your current cat in the room where the new cat has been living. Don’t switch anything else – they should be using one another’s toys, food bowls, litter boxes, etc. (Do be sure to clean the bowls and the litter boxes before the switch, though).

This step may need to be repeated, particularly if one or both cats is showing signs of stress. Repeat this process until both cats are comfortable around one another’s scents. To help facilitate this, consider rubbing the cats with a towel that possesses both of their scents. Start by rubbing a small, clean towel or blanket on one of your cats. Then, without washing it, rub the same towel on the other cat, so that their scents are mixed. Then take this towel back to the first cat, so that both cats have one another’s scents on them.

Visual Confirmation

If all goes well, it’s time to let the cats see one another while still keeping them physically separated. It’s likely they’re not ready to be together quite yet, so you can open the door to the new cat’s room and secure the entrance by stacking two baby gates in the doorframe. This creates a barrier tall enough to keep your cat from easily scaling it, otherwise you’ll witness firsthand just how agile felines can be. This will allow them to be contained but still see one another.

If the cats both seem calm enough, you can attempt a more formal introduction. If possible, each cat should be accompanied by a human on opposite sides of the barrier. Place each cat a couple of feet back from the barrier and let them see one another. If they acknowledge one another, introduce them by saying their names, and don’t forget to reward them with a treat.

Time to Meet

If your cats have progressed through all of these steps without fear, anxiety, or aggression, it’s time for the official meeting, which should be brief and supervised, with a human standing by to separate the cats if things take a turn-you’ll want to avoid any cat fights.

If this is successful, you can start to increase the time the cats are together, until they’re finally both comfortable occupying the same space. And if they aren’t ready yet? That’s completely okay! It can take some cats up to a year to fully accept another cat into their home territory. Have patience and keep trying- you’ve got this!

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The days of niche or “boutique” beauty brands with limited product lines are gone. Over the last several years, as you’ve browsed the beauty aisles you’ve probably seen that the beauty industry as a whole has experienced a major shift towards becoming more inclusive. Some skin and hair care products, for example,  have changed to show that they’re “made for all skin or hair types.” 

What’s considered an inclusive beauty product?

Inclusive beauty products are products that cater to a wide range of consumers irrespective of gender, age, skin tones or hair types. Very literally - everyone. 

Why is inclusive beauty important?

In a recent study, a stunning 72% of American adults expressed that "society's idea of beauty is too rigidly defined." This same study revealed that almost half of beauty consumers say they have looked for or bought from brands with diversity or inclusivity as a core company value,  in the last year. Clearly, it's high time to make this enormous industry more accessible to all.

There are a number of ways that beauty has become more inclusive:

• Offering products for “all skin or hair types”
• Creating a wider range of color palettes for skin care and makeup products
• Being transparent about the ingredients in formulas
• Representing diversity in their advertising

Life's Abundance Clean Beauty & Clean Body

At Life’s Abundance, our Clean Beauty and Clean Body products are made with everyone in mind. We’re committed to creating and perfecting safe, gentle, and effective beauty products that you can feel comfortable using - regardless of your skin or hair types.

Here are a couple things you’ll love about our products:

• All of our Clean Beauty and Body products are free of sulfates, chemicals and harmful additives - just take a look at our labels and you’ll find only skin-loving ingredients!
• Our Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap contains Dead Sea salt which has nutrients that promote moisture while also correcting  imbalances so, no matter what type of skin you have, you can enjoy its benefits.
• Our Facial Cleanser is great for all skin types as it gently removes impurities without harming your skin’s natural barrier (unlike other cleansers that can strip protective oils).
• Just as effective, our Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for virtually every hair type from thin to thick or straight to curly. The nourishing formula works to deliver a gentle cleanse without stripping your locks of its oils.

If you’ve ever had trouble finding products that properly represent your hair or skin type, it’s time you feel the effects of formulas that really work. Try anything from our Clean Beauty and Clean Body line and you’ll see the results in your clear, nourished skin and healthy, shiny hair.

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One of the most wonderful things about having a pet is the strong connection and bond we share with them. Have you ever talked to your dog, and watched as they seemed to listen intently, tilting their head and hanging onto your every word?

But do they really understand us - and what about when we speak to them in different languages? Is it possible for them to become bilingual?

Dogs and Human Language

Do dogs even understand human language? As it turns out, yes and no. Dogs process language similar to the way human children (up to the age of 14 months) do. That’s to say that they understand commands and familiar words, but have trouble distinguishing between commands, and words that sound similar. For example, if you tell your dog to “drop” or “bop” they may hear no difference between the two.

However, we do know that they do listen to what you say, and they comprehend at least some of it. As for how much, no one is quite sure- perhaps with further research, we’ll learn more about how much of their bedtime stories our furry friends are actually understanding.

Bilingual Dogs

Are dogs capable of understanding more than one language? Yes they are, as long as they’re taught from an early age - like human children. In a recent study, it was determined that dogs can tell the difference between their “native” language (the one in which they were trained) and other languages.

During the study, dogs were played recordings of the classic book “The Little Prince”, in their native language, and then in a language to which they hadn’t yet been exposed. During the study, brain scans were taken of each dog. The results show that their brains reacted differently to the unknown language, indicating that they can distinguish between various human languages.

This indicates that if you are bilingual, and you’d like your dog to be as well, it’s possible to train them to understand multiple languages, at least when it comes to common commands.

Training a Bilingual Dog

The keys to training a dog to become bilingual are consistency and repetition - just like teaching them how to sit. For example, if your dog is already fluent in English commands, use this as a jumping off point. Say the English command, and then immediately follow it with the same command in whichever language you’d like your dog to learn. Another key to training is to reward them with one of their favorite dog treats each time they correctly obey. 

Be sure to use the same word to indicate a command every time, especially in languages that might have many word options that mean the same thing.  Once your puppy reaches genius-levels of obedience when responding to commands in the second language, be sure to continue reinforcing that behavior with consistent treats for a job well done!

Aren’t our dogs amazing? Not only do they fill our lives with love, spread joy everywhere they go, and keep our lives exciting, but they also have the capacity to be bilingual (or tri-lingual, if you consider the fact that they’re already fluent in ‘dog’!) Learning a second language can be  challenging for anyone, so if you succeed in training your dog to become bilingual, be sure to show them your support and admiration by constantly telling them how much you love them - in both languages, of course.

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