A new breed of treats for your pooch
FROM TUTORIALS TINDER TRAINING FOR TO DOGS, THE WEB IS CHOC FULL OF CANINE-FRIENDLY TOOLS. KATIE WRIGHT ROUNDS UP 10 OF THE BEST
CATS seem to get all the attention on the internet (without even trying) but did you know there are nearly 68 million posts under #dogsofinstagram, 10 million more than #catsofinstagram?
New research from Bayer reveals that a fifth of dog owners post a pic of their beloved pet online at least once a week, and that almost half of those aged 18-24 have created a dedicated social media profile for their pup.
But the web has more to offer dog lovers than just adorable photos.
There are a host of smartphone apps and services dedicated to man’s best friend that are useful whether you’ve had yours for years, or are new to the doggy game.
Here are 10 of the best apps and websites for dog owners...
1 CLICKER TRAINING (Android)
USE this sound-emitting app to try ‘operant conditioning’, aka clicker training on your puppy or dog. Includes basic obedience training and tricks. 2 ICLICKER (Apple)
USING a combination of clicker training and treats, follow nine tutorials to teach your canine companion to sit, stay, fetch and more.
3 PERFECT POOCH (Apple)
THINKING of getting a dog but not sure which breed is right for you? Tell the app your preferences in size and disposition, and your living space, and it will recommend breeds and give you more information on them.
4 DOG BREEDS (Android)
BASED on the Petsie social network, this app has information and photos for hundreds of dog breeds, which is useful for identifying a particular pooch, or if you’re thinking of getting one. 5 WALKIES (Apple)
LIKE MapMyRun but for doggy exercise, this easy-to-use GPSenabled app lets you track walks and calories burned (for you and your best friend). It also shows popular walks by each UK county.
6 MAP MY DOG WALK (Android, Apple)
SIMILAR to Walkies but more detailed, this app has a useful section that shows routes other dog owners have taken in your area, helping you to expand your walking repertoire. 7 BORROWMYDOGGY (Borrowmydoggy.com) PROVIDING a service connecting dog owners with dog-lovers who don’t currently have a pet of their own, BorrowMyDoggy lets you lend your four-legged friend out for walks, meaning some much-needed exercise for your pet and a little less stress for you. 8 HOLIDOG (uk.holidog.com)
OFFERING a cheaper alternative to kennels, Holidog lets you book a pet-sitter to care for your dog in your home while you’re away. You can also book dog walkers or pet-sitters to look after your pet for a few hours a day. 9 BARKCAM (Android, Apple)
GETTING your furry friend to smile for the camera is no mean feat, but BarkCam makes it that bit easier by playing a sound that will grab their attention while you snap away. You can then add stickers to your pics. 10 TINDOG (Android, Apple)
THE so-called Tinder for dogs is a dating app with a difference. Upload a photo of your pooch then swipe through other pet profiles to find a mutt match. It’s not clear whether the app is intended for socialising your pet or meeting other dog owners, but swiping through all the cute doggy pics sure is fun.