ICYMI this week: we shared Christie’s training journey playing around with Mari Valgma’s Movement Puzzles—something that dog parents say has helped their dogs become less reactive and more confident.
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This week we came across a post from veterinarian @drlisalippman that’s worth bookmarking immediately.
Most dog parents know the usual “no” foods—grapes, chocolate, raisins. But if your dog does ingest something toxic, do you know how much time you actually have to act?
Dr. Lippman puts it bluntly: the biggest mistake isn’t panic—it’s waiting.
“By the time symptoms show up for most of these, you’ve already lost time you didn’t have.”
Her post breaks down exactly how long you have for different toxins—and what to do first. It’s the kind of information you don’t want to be Googling in a moment of stress.
We’ve all heard the horror stories: dogs barking, chasing, or completely losing it over a Roomba.
Which is why this video stopped us in our tracks.
Merlin lies on his side while a Roomba bumps into him… repeatedly… attempting to clean around (and under) him. He barely reacts.
No flinch. No side-eye. Nothing.
So now we’re left wondering:
Is he unbothered… or is he enjoying it? What’s the difference?
He could very easily pick another resting spot that wouldn’t result in the Roomba tickling his tummy, but this is the spot he chose. Is this his go-to spot? Was he resting here before the Roomba was turned on?
Who knows!
We did appreciate the closing shot—another dog, Ellie, choosing perhaps the far wiser path: napping safely on the sofa.
This week, we came across a Washington Post piece by Caitlin Gibson on a very modern parenting dilemma: being called out by your own child for being on your phone too much.
The article explores the tension many parents feel—trying to limit their kids’ screen time while struggling to model that behavior themselves.
Some of the most practical takeaways came from parents who’ve found small ways to set clearer boundaries:
Explaining why you’re on your phone in the moment (“I’m ordering groceries” vs. endless scrolling)
Using “do not disturb” to reduce the urge to constantly check notifications
Creating designated times to check email
Even leaving the phone at home for short errands
The question we keep coming back to: does a little kid-induced guilt actually change behavior? So much of our phone behaviors contact direct reinforcement on the phone, but there are certainly socially mediated contingencies in play too – seems kids are now a big part of that equation.
We’ve written before about the movement toward tin can phones… and honestly, we’re starting to see the appeal.
👉Read the article
👉See the carousel
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching simple enrichment come together.
This prep—featuring lick mats and a @mywoof pupsicle—feels especially doable for busy weeks when you still want to give your dog something engaging.
Minimal effort, real payoff (winning combo!).
We’ll leave you with “Chonkers,” a nearly 2,000-pound sea lion currently stealing the show at San Francisco’s Pier 39.
Chonkers is a Steller sea lion—a larger, less commonly seen species compared to the California sea lions that usually dominate the pier. Experts believe he swam roughly 30 miles from the Farallon Islands, slipping under the Golden Gate Bridge into the bay.
And now?
He’s thriving.
As one expert put it, he’s “working smarter, not harder”—choosing a spot with less competition and fewer predators. Look at that – environment influencing behavior!
At Pier 39, he’s effectively become what one harbor master called:
“King of the dock.”
👉Read the story
👉Watch Chonkers
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— TOC
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