Are dogs smarter than cats?

October 4th, 2009 by dogopolis Comments »

A study out of Britain suggests that cats just don’t have the smarts like their canine counterparts.  A series of experiments testing the intelligence of domestic cats was used to determine their processes of thinking in terms of cause and effect relationships.

I would concur with the study that my intelligence greatly exceeds that of my felines counterpart

"I would concur with the study that my intelligence greatly exceeds that of my feline counterpart"

The experiments, conducted by Dr. Britta Osthaus at England’s Canterbury Christ Church University, tested the ability of the animals to get unreachable food from under a plastic screen.

“Dr Osthaus attached fish and biscuit treats to one end of a string and tested 15 domestic cats to find if they could understand that pulling on one end of the string would pull the treat closer.  She found that there was no evidence that cats understand the function of strings or their physical causality.”

Dr Osthaus said: “This finding is somehow surprising as cats regularly use their paws and claws to pull things towards them during play and hunting. They performed even worse than dogs, which can at least solve the parallel string task.”

I promise to start training….

October 3rd, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »
Today, another round of Wiener races are taking place in California .  I was planning on signing up, but I’m not in the right shape yet to be running with all these fast doxies.  My year end resolution is start working out so I can compete next time.
Nor Cal Wiener Nationals

Nor Cal Wiener Nationals

The Wiener Nationals are national dachshund races sponsored by Wienerschnitzel.  Regional qualifiers are held in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, with the final 8 Dachshunds racing for the national title in December in San Diego as part of the Holiday Bowl.

Me winning the race

Me winning the race, although I think my friends Olive and Benson let me

Hollywood Hound

October 2nd, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »

People always tell me I have a handsome face, so I thought why not try my luck at acting?  I figure my anipals from twitter would at least support me,  but I’d still need an agent to land me the big time auditions in Hollywood!  So my search is on for a talent agency in Los Angeles.

I don’t have any formal acting experience on my resume, unlike my good friend Turtle (see below – she always plays the suspect in police capers).  But one such agency, Hollywood Paws, says they can help me “Start A Career in the 54 Billion Dollar Pet Industry” doing all types of work, including film, television, commercials and print.

The talented Turtle doing her signature "Stick 'em up" for the camera

The talented Turtle doing her signature "Stick 'em up" for the camera

I figure I’m a pretty smart dachshund.  And if I study my lines and submit my photos to enough casting directors, I just might be discovered as the next Al POOcino.  I guess I’ll try… this movie business is so tough though.  So many big beautiful dogs in this town, makes a little guy like me self-conscious!

Reading scripts for my next big audition

Reading scripts for my next big audition

Pack your bags – ‘Top Dog’ Destinations!

October 1st, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »

This week we talked about air travel with your dogs (”‘Pawsengers’ Welcome Aboard” and “Flying Dogs“).  So in that same spirit, we highlight the top 10 dog-friendly cities in the U.S. according to a 2009 study by DogFriendly.com.  The list considered the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and things to do.

Ignoring the view in sunny San Francisco

Ignoring the Golden Gate views in sunny San Francisco

open quotations

  1. San Francisco – Luxurious hotels. Plenty of pet-friendly patio dining. Many off-leash beaches and areas. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate.
  2. Austin – Dine in outdoor cafes.  Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens. See the Congress Street Bats. Many off-leash parks.
  3. Boston – Tour Boston harbor by boat. Walk the Freedom Trail and explore many National Historical Sites. Your leashed dog is welcome on the subway.
  4. Northern Virginia – Enjoy a yappy hour or dine in dog-friendly Alexandria. Take the Canine Cruise. Visit outdoor monuments and nearby Washington.
  5. Portland (OR)- Enjoy off-leash areas and the famous Rose Gardens. Visit the Saturday Outdoor Market. Have a drink at the Lucky Lab. » Read more: Pack your bags – ‘Top Dog’ Destinations!

Creative and often outrageous dog gadgets

September 29th, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »

Gadgets and gizmos are all the rave these days… humans have all these high tech gadgets for almost everything from daily communication (phone calls, texting, email, IM on our iPhones) to cleaning up around the house (pools, floors and gutters with iRobot)

So it only makes sense that I enjoy the same luxury as Astro from the Jetsons.  Below are some creative, and often crazy, gadgets that make you scratch your belly and ask, do I really want that?

Futuristic Dog Walk

(1) Almost hands-free poop collector (Poo Traps’ Magic Poop-Collector)

Undoubtably you must have seen the infomercial (see below) for this product and honestly I don’t know what to say, except for maybe “No Poops, no oops” (the company’s tagline).  I have yet to see any canine companion at the park or on a walk wearing it.  I personally don’t like having anyone mes with my tush.   (Price – $29.95 for the trap, $6-$9 for 30 bags)

(2)  Remote Control Robotic Camera (WowWee’s Rovio)

Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you’re at work?  Now you can with the Rovio, a “Wi-Fi enabled mobile webcam that lets you view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio”.  The website intends its use it for keeping track of people and places most important to you, but realistically I don’t think mom would appreciate you tailing her with this robocam.  (Price – $299)

WowWee Rovio Robotic Internet Controlled Camera to Spy on your pooch

Robocop or Robocam?

(3) Dog Sled (Dog Powered Scooter, Trike and Skateboard)

Imagine going for a bike ride and having your dog do all the work.  That’s exactly what one inventor has proposed with the Dog-Powered Scooter, Trike and Skateboard.  Might border on animal cruelty, but could be fun for multiple, large and athletic dogs.  I for sure wouldn’t be able to pull it :) (Price – $555+)

Urban dogsled