#rescue a bernese mountain dog

[petinfosite]

Bernese Mountain Dogs vs Saint Bernard (St Bernard breed)

Meta Description

The Saint Bernard breed and the Bernese Mountain Dog both make excellent choices for first-time owners and are significantly superior.

A Comparative Study of Saint Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dogs Two Dog Breeds (Bernese mountain dog vs Saint Bernard dog)

Are you struggling to decide between a St. Bernard and a Bernese Mountains Dog as a prospective animal? Let's begin by looking at the differences between each of these elegant greats to help you make an informed decision.

The Swiss Alps are where the Bernese Mountains dog got its start. And was bred to help with animals for consumption.  When there was a lot of snowfall in the winter. They were renowned for herding sheep and cattle into buildings. The St. Bernard species continues to be used as a kind of rescue dog for many years. This variety of dogs can lift massive objects because of its enormous, massive muscles. To assist them survive in inclement weather like rain or snow. St. Bernards have thick coats that absorb rainwater.

Although both the St. Bernard and the Berners Mountain Dog are powerful canines. Renowned for their extraordinary working abilities. There are some notable differences between these two breeds. When choosing which of the two kinds of family dogs would be ideal for how you spend your time. It is crucial to understand their distinctions. Discover which among those well-known breeds might make the ideal puppy.  For your preferred way of life by reading on.

Key Differences Physical Distinctions between Saint Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs

 Following is an in-depth assessment of the physical attributes of the St. Bernard. And the Bernese mountain dog:

The Bernese Mountains Dog

Dimensions: 58–71 cm, or 23–28 inches

Weight range: 32–52 kg (70–115 pounds)

Cover: Tricolored (black, white, and rusty), lengthy and smooth

Life expectancy: 6–8 years 

Dog St. Bernard

Dimensions: 68-90 cm, or 27-35 inches

Weight range: 54–82 kg (120–180 pounds)

Cover: White with orange or red brindle markings, affectionate. Either long or short, and smooth or rough in texture.

Durability: 8–10 years

Size Comparison: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Saint Bernard breed puppy

 Considering the physical attributes listed above. The St. Bernard is larger than the Bernese Mountain Dog. Although the two types of dogs can grow to comparable elevated positions. The St. Bernard can weigh up to 65 pounds more than the Bernese. This is because St. Bernard was once used as a rescue animal. Requiring them to be large and robust to carry large objects. And withstand extreme conditions to socialize.

Bernese Mountain Dogs versus St. Bernard Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog

Committed and loving

Fantastic with kids and other animals

Capable of being reserved with strangers, smart, and trainable

Bernard, St.

Kindly and loving

Outstanding with kids

Calm and relaxed

Obstinate and self-reliant at times

The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized for being more quiet. And guarded with strangers, whereas St. Bernard is known for having easygoing behavior. And a desire to make friends with everyone they encounter. Despite this, the two types are known for their sweet natures and love of families.

Bernese Mountain Dogs versus St. Bernards Instruction and Fitness Breed Comparison

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Needs moderate physical activity.

Enjoys playing and going on hikes.

Reacts to instruction via constructive reinforcement 

St. Bernard

Minimal to moderate physical demands

Can develop laziness if not engaged in enough activities

Often obstinate and challenging to train

While frequent exercise is necessary for both breeds to maintain good health. St. Bernards tend to be less energetic and lively than Bernese Mountain Dogs. While the St. Bernard can be harder to train and requires more time and perseverance. And determination in training, the Bernese breed also responds. Well to training with positive reinforcement. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs versus St Bernards Look and Groom

These enormous dog breeds are alike, with the characteristic Swiss hues shared by all. The smaller Berner is between 23 and 27 ½ inches taller and weighs between 70 and 115 pounds. The Saint Bernard is larger, standing 26 to 30 inches tall. And weighing approximately 120 and 180 pounds. The dog gorgeous breeds people select are determined by this size discrepancy.

The Saint Bernard is said to have sad-looking features and droopier cheekbones. This is partially due to his enormous jowls, which strain on the skin furry surrounding his eyes. Both of them are attractive canines with large paws, strong bodies, and plump rectangular noses. We would describe it more as a "dad bod" than as carved muscle daily exercise.

Bernese Mountain Dogs versus St. Bernards Well-being 

Though they have shorter lives than other dog breeds, both breeds of working dogs are generally healthy. This is because of their enormous size. Their median lifespans are seven to ten and eight and eleven years, depending. They share many health problems, thus if they're supposed to be crossed over, they need to be checked for the circumstances that follow. Make careful to ask established breeders to show you their health clearances better choice.

Both of the Saint Bernard and the Berner breeds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. They also have a higher risk of developing eye diseases, the condition, of entropion, and progressively retinal degeneration. Lastly, they are both susceptible to cardiac diseases, specifically the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, a disease of Von Willebrand's screening should be performed on the Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Nourishment of Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard

The Berner will drink between three and four cups of food each day, whereas the Saint Bernard will drink about six pieces. This can occasionally double the cost of food, depending on how much is changed. If you decide to adopt the Saint Bernard, then money is a major factor to take into account. Their years of age, size, and level of energy all affect what they eat.

Both of them will thrive on premium feed. They will give your large giant dog breeds a nutritious diet and be appetizing enough to inspire them to eat. They need to be fed food intended for gentle giant breeds because they are giant dogs. Given that they contain the ideal amounts of both calcium and phosphorus during their maturation phases. this is vital. This will lessen the likelihood that they may experience skeletal illnesses such as joint dysplasia by regulating the fast formation of bones.

Grooming of Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard

The type of coats a Saint Bernard wears determines the differences in their maintenance routine. He will only require brushing a couple of times a week over the year if he has a short haircut dogs love. It will require two or three weekly brushings if you acquire one with a thicker coat, akin to that of a Bernese Mountain Dog. Generally speaking, a Saint Bernard will shed roughly the same quantity of high-energy as a Berner grooming needs.

They both have two coats, and they both shed in the same way all year round. To properly control their dropping during shedding seasons, you must remember to brush them both most days. Both of these species drool a lot, so if you don't like that, neither of them is for your energy levels.

Every eight to twelve weeks, one bath is required for both breeds. Similar to this, because of how thick and glossy their coat is, they will gain from a powerful moisturizing shampoo. They both have different issues with their eyes, so be sure to watch them and notice any modifications or redness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting between a St. Bernard and a Bernese Mountains Dogs are easy requires a thorough evaluation of several aspects, including the dogs' personality, physical characteristics, requirements for training, level of development, and general well-being.

In terms of size, the St. Bernard is often bigger than the Bernese Mountains Dog, weighing significantly more and having a more diverse coat. The St. Bernard has a white silky coat with either red or orange brindle markings that vary in length and appearance, but the Bernese Mountains Dog, which originated in the Swiss Alps, has a multicolored, long, and glossy coat.

The St. Bernard has low to modest demands on mobility but may be relatively difficult to train, whereas the Bernese Mountain Dog, or Bernese Mountain has minimum to moderate physical needs and responds effectively to constructive reinforcement socialization.

FAQs

What are the main morphological distinctions between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs?

The Bernese Mountains Dog has a lengthy glossy coat that is tricolored, but the St. Bernard is noticeably larger and has white hair with brindle markings. Their differences in coat and size are a reflection of their adaptations to their surroundings and historical functions.

What differences do their personalities have?

Bernese Mountains Dogs are intelligent and trainable dogs that are renowned for being more reticent around strangers. On the other hand, St. Bernards have a laid-back and gregarious disposition that makes them get along with anybody they meet.

What about the necessity for exercise and instruction?

Bernese Mountains Dogs benefit from encouraging behavior during training and need a reasonable amount of physical exercise. Although St. Bernards have low moderate to high physical requirements, training them can be more difficult and require a greater amount of persistence and time.

What are the requirements for grooming?

The St. Bernard's grooming regimen may differ depending on the length and thickness of their coat, but both breeds require frequent brushing and infrequent washes. Both breeds are also prone to hunger, so it's important to keep a lookout for any possible problems with their eyes.

Are there any health concerns for either breed?

In addition to having shorter lifespans usually 7 to 10 years both Bernese Mountains Dogs and St. Bernards are prone to hip and elbow malformations, eye conditions, and cardiac problems like coronary artery disease. Potential owners ought to ask breeders about their health certifications.

[wireveined]

im tweaking out my parents are thinking of getting a dog and i gave ideas for what breed. apparently theyre looking at those crusty white dogs

[krnaturalphoto]

A Life Filled With Joy Is a Life Filled With Dogs

In our house we love dogs. My wife tries to proclaim she likes cats better, but I am not sure I believe her. We are or at least I am a dog person through and through. We have been fortunate to bring so many different dogs into our home over the years. Some dogs came to us as puppies and lived with us until old age. Other dogs came to us later in life and stayed with us to the end. Sometimes doge…

[suzukiblu]

Winner of the "🤔❓️" poll: "🐈‍⬛️🎀😳", which means one last round of "stray cat strut". (( chrono || non-chrono ))

But either way, no one in this crowd is going to be adopting a rescue pet with no pedigree and nowhere near the aesthetic appeal of a Bernese mountain dog or a Great Pyrenees or a Siamese or Persian, much less an exotic pet like a harlequin macaw or the definitely-not-legally-obtained grand cayman blue iguana the Wallens have been carting around to every possible event of the past six months. Especially when most of the rescue’s pets aren’t any “prettier” than a calico or a golden retriever and definitely would not be any kind of status symbol to own. There isn’t a single pet at this event outside of the rescue’s that wasn’t bought from either a breeder or a poacher, Tim’s sure, which is . . . ironic, he’ll just say. 

And also hugely hypocritical and frankly an insult to the entire purpose of the event. 

But that’s what it takes to get donations in Gotham, so he can’t blame the rescue for playing the game. 

Tim just really doesn’t like how a lot of people treat their pets, especially in high society. And, of course, high society can afford all the pets it wants, ethically-sourced or not. 

Ugh. 

Even if he didn’t care about that kind of thing at all, though, Damian’s much more interested in pets than he is, even though he doesn’t actually have any of his own. Tim is pretty sure half of his chaperone responsibilities today are really just going to be making sure Damian doesn’t try to bring home a puppy or five while Bruce is distracted with the “Brucie” act. 

An animal puppy would be one thing, obviously–Damian already has Titus and Alfred the cat, after all, and still insists on regularly visiting Bat-Cow in South Dakota to check up on her and how she’s doing, and also there’s the whole . . . whatever’s going on with Goliath, Tim really doesn’t know what’s going on with Goliath–but a pet puppy . . . 

Yeah, Bruce definitely doesn’t want any pets in the manor. 

Not great for keeping a lid on the secret identities, that. 

After all, pets talk.

[abrahamvanhelsings]

if you would ever like to elaborate further on the mountain dog/hunting dog joplittle dynamic you mentioned in the tags of that “Blanky about to lose his leg” gifset…. inquiring minds are simply piqued 👀

hi sorry that this took me. FOREVER. i didn't have time to answer the ask at first then i did it halfway and didn't have time again and i promise you this ask has been hounding me (hah hah) since the day it appeared in my inbox but i never seemed to be able to make the time to reply to it asfjdfjfd anyway! here it is now :')

ok im basing the idea of hunting dog = jopson and mountain/working dog = little on their respective personalities, the way they seem to think and how they react to specific circumstances. and slightly on their physiques as presented in the series but that's of minor importance. ofc both of them are loyal and listen well to superiors - to one man in particular, which is fairly common among dog breeds as well (i.e. whoever trained them), so that's not necessarily distinctive, but it does ofc make them dog-coded in general. but there are many many ways in which to be dog-coded and they're very different abt it so!

why i think jopson is more hunting dog coded is bc he is extremely competent, but quietly so, not noticeable until it becomes necessary. he's very skilled at providing specific information about the crew and the general goings-on around terror to crozier, and he becomes more focused in highly tense situations - in fact these are moments where he specifically stands out for how well-suited he seems to the task. and he is not aggressive, but there is definitely a sharpness to him that he can and does direct to those who threaten him or crozier first and foremost.

and all that really does remind me of hunting dogs - a good hunting dog is extremely well-trained, knows exactly what he is supposed to do, listens to commands, and stays at his master's side. im thinking especially of pointing dogs, i.e. dogs that point a hunter in the direction of prey that they have sensed:

these are of course very precarious situations wherein a hunter relies on his dog to steer him, and if hunter or dog make a wrong sound or movement, they may alert prey to their presence. there's a a correspondence here between dogs trained for these moments of focus to jopson, who is crozier's silent aid but also excels in such tense situations, and who is decisive, swift and capable. and i think it's really funny that being 'birdy' is a wanted trait in these dog types, bc 'i've shot smaller hawks than you' the comparison literally writes itself. also, pointers/setters tend to be lean dogs, which i think coincides well with jopson's natural elegance and grace

edward on the other hand is supposed to be sturdy, good-natured and broadly dependable. he appears increasingly anxious in the series, but that is because he is shouldering a lot of responsibility throughout it all. he'll take the insults and he'll take the extra tasks and he'll do it with barely a complaint. in fact it makes me think of the fact that dogs treated badly can come to exhibit traits that are not desirable in the breed at all. imo edward in ep 1 displays what i would call the desirable traits of, say, the bernese mountain dog, but events and crozier change that very rapidly.

you can fuck up any dog if you treat it badly for long enough, and edward is an abused dog to me.

id also say that edward is generally amiable, though he will make a point when he feels it is absolutely necessary, and he does have an innate want to protect what or whom he finds important, though he is seldom if ever very aggressive about it. he has an intense feeling of responsibility for the crew and the expedition as a whole, set against his feelings of loyalty towards crozier, who he wants to please almost at any cost as well. and then of course he also has a large family.

'search and rescue work'. yeah. and then of course mountain dogs are generally of a sturdy build. obviously matthew mcnulty is no absolute unit but by god the series tried their hardest to make edward appear like a well-built countryside boy. and by god does he try to carry every burden ever on those shoulders, like a dog pulling a cart bc that's what it was trained to do and it was enjoyable once. and he seems practically immune to scurvy and fares well in the cold, which, again, very mountain dog of him.

additionally, newfoundlands (neptune!) aren't mountain dogs, but they're big, sturdy, excellent swimmers, and therefore often used for rescue, so that's also a breed i associate with ned.

[aglimmeroflightrefusingtofade]

What all does wills service dog help him with?

Oh, I'm so so glad you asked!! (Details below the cut)

After everything he's been through, Will has:

Anorexia Nervosa (recovering)

Anxiety

Brain tumor

Chronic pain (from joints and tissue damage after the events of chapter 93)

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder

Depression

Epilepsy

Hearing loss (90% loss in the left, 70% loss in the right)

Limp due to broken femur and tissue damage in right leg

Lung issues (touched upon several times in Glimmer)

Migraines

Struggles with self-harm (recovering)

Struggles with suicidal ideation

Struggles with survivor's guilt

Thermoregulation issues (after the Mindflayer, his body temperature is pretty wacky)

Traumatic brain injury

His service dog Charlie, a rescued Bernese Mountain Dog, helps a lot with all of the above. Because he's a GOOD FUCKING BOY. (I'm gonna include a face (dog?) claim below this list)

Charlie refuses to eat unless Will is eating at the same time

Charlie provides deep pressure therapy (lays on Will) to ground him

Charlie alerts when he smells an anxiety attack, panic attack, flashback, etc coming on by pawing at Will and making Will pet him to calm him down

Charlie distracts Will by demanding to play when Will isn't feeling good due to his disabilities

Charlie provides balance support when Will is off-kilter by having Will lean on him

Charlie is trained to fetch Will's medication and forearm crutches

Charlie cuddles with Will when his chronic pain is bad

Charlie is trained to pick up things he drops so he doesn't have to crouch as much as well as carry small objects

Charlie creates a 'safe space' (circles Will to make people back up at least five feet) and grounds him during flashbacks

Charlie provides Will with a routine and a reason to get up

Charlie can detect seizures and alerts Will by barking until Will sits down

During a seizure, Charlie is trained to cushion Will's head

Charlie alerts Will to sounds like doorbells, alarms, and cars when the hearing aids are out

Charlie alerts Will to impending migraines

Charlie is trained to take knives and razors out of Will's hands so that he can't self-harm

Charlie lays on Will to keep him warm when his temperature is too low

Charlie barks whenever Will's heart rate is too high

Charlie paws Will awake from nightmares and lays on his lap

Charlie alerts Will's family when he doesn't eat or self-harms

He also provides emotional support and normal dog benefits

This is Charlie ^^ he is the Bestest Boy to ever Dog ^^

[little-pup-pip]

Just curious, what requests do you have in your queue/to do currently? If you're ok with saying it that is :]

Oh boy, that's a bigger question than last time someone asked! I have over 200 waiting requests at this point!! Because of that this got very very long, so I put the rest under the cut! Like last time, this is in order of how recently I received the request, and doesn't mean I'm too busy to take new requests!!

Ibara saegusa (enstars)

Monochrome oranges cats and angels

Gloomy bear

Another rockruff (maybe)

Cult of the lamb (specifically the lamb)

Llewellyn Watts (Murdoch Mysteries)

Jake (trailer park warlock)

Cult of the lamb (pet dreaming themed)

Bear therian

Selkie

Ice bear (we bare bears)

Tubbo (maybe)

Snow leopard

Pink

Australian shepherd (pupre)

Cassie (fnaf: ruin)

Draik (neopets)

The rainbow fish

Black kitten + space

Pumpkin head (maybe, needs more research)

Alice in wonderland

Sheep

Someone's OC Avery & siblings

Gothic

Star catcher (MLP)

Masc version of my druid board

Scrooge CG (2009 film)

Beetlejuice

Superstar daycare (fnaf)

1950s + ocean

Pandas + light purple and black

Dandelions

Willy wonka CG (recent movie)

Maki Harukawa (Danganronpa)

Kidcore Halloween + pumpkin puppy Webkinz

Fruit bat

Mermaid

Pastel purple + pandas

Robocar Poli

Brown, lime green and forest green puppy

Weird Barbie CG

Shiny Vaporeon

Where the wild things are

Squid

Dylan (the magic roundabout)

Conner CG (Detroit become human)

Mitsuri kanroji (demon slayer)

Minecraft mooshrooms

Sharks or wolves (haven't decided)

Hot Wheels

Miffy

Fox

Sharks

Zombies

Vincent (dead plate)

Vintage kitty dreaming

Deadpool

Shane CG (stardew valley)

Wolf pup

Celestia and Luna (MLP)

Soft blue and yellow

Pascal (animal crossing)

Pastel blue and pink

Batman CG

Ram

Osamu dazai (bungo stray dogs)

Dylan (the quarry)

Rain/nature + white rabbits

Ox

Penguin + dinosaur

Noah (total drama island)

Vision CG (marvel)

Light blue

Bumble bees + lavender

Yellow + ducks

Bearded vulture

Barn owl

Queen barb (trolls world tour)

Oliver (vocaloid)

Light green light brown and beige

Mind (Chonny Jash/CCCC)

Cinnamoroll + emu otori (project sekai)

Yellow+ chicks and puppy stuffies

Seam CG (deltarune)

Plants vs zombies

Viktor (arcane)

Queen of trash CG (Elmo goes to grouch land)

John Constantine (Justice League Dark)

Aziraphale (good omens)

Scenecore

Musa (winx club)

Leap frog

Hyper feminine puppy

Crow + black cat

Totodile + bodies of water

Bees

Sackboy (Little Big Planet) and or My Melody

Baby crocodile

Animal crossing

Pastel kitten

Doki doki literature club

Keralis (Hermitcraft, maybe)

90s grunge

Tula tones (novi stars)

Eevee + dragons

Kitten + stars

Ratchet (rescue bot academy)

Pastel shark

Mikan Tsumiki (Danganronpa)

Mushrooms

Grey + Ross federman youtooz

Sparkly dragon

Blue and purple + puppies

Ducks + alt/Gothic lean

Cinnamoroll

Shadow (sonic)

Jellyfish

Boyfriend.xml (Friday night funkin')

Puppet (fnaf)

Golden retriever + yellow and blue

Bernese mountain dog

Strawberries

Genshin impact

Len or Miku

Toothless (httyd)

Eddworld

Donnie (rise of the tmnt)

The princess and the grilled cheese sandwich

Pastel goth princess

SpongeBob

Karako Pierot (hiveswap)

Young Michael Afton

Soft fox

Great pyrenees + farm

Ike eveland

Invader Zim + neon green

Julius Caesar (Octavian, night at the museum, waiting until March for this one)

Scorpion

Vampire squid

Golden retriever (again, lol)

Cats + playing outside

Border Collie

Tiger

Argos CG (World of Mr. Plant) 

Pochacco

Mortal Kombat

marble cross fox/forest/fantasy (I'm figuring this one out still)

Puppy + SpongeBob

characters from Project Sekai, Hoshino Ichika, Mochizuki Honami, Akiyama Mizuki and Kusanagi Nene.

Baby vulture

Frog with more fem themes

Rain world/slugcat

Dark academia/cottagecore

Border Collie

Modded smash hit rooms

Crying child (fnaf)

Agent Smith CG (the matrix)

Katamari

Enjolras (les miserable)

Rolfe DeWolfe CG (Rockafire Explosion)

Bugbo

Slime rancher

Puppet (fnaf)

CosMc's

Parado (Kamen Rider)

Tally hall

Gordon (all engines go)

Spinel (Steven universe)

Cater diamond (twisted wonderland)

Rockabilly (probably)

Felix Lee

Jing yuan CG (Hsr)

Charles Xavier CG (X-Men)

Toki wartooth (metalocalypse)

Naoto Shirogane (persona 4)

Kitoto (I don't know what he's from)

17th century dutch

Sirena von boo (monster high)

Jake (miss peregrines home for peculiar children)

Minecraft

Sees behind trees

Allay (Minecraft, I think)

Spinosaurus screenshots or products

Tecchou (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Barbara (genshin impact)

Tasmanian devil

Spamton CG (deltarune)

Spinosaurus

Grunge + lop eared bunnies

Yume-Nikki

Daxter (jak and daxter)

Madness combat for puppies

James Sunderland (silent Hill)

Shirokuma (Danganronpa)

Leo (IDW comic)

[brain-bumbler]

o/ hello I'm also on the psychonauts braintrain rn - a thought hit me while i was working on something else and that thought was "someone should get Raz (or maybe several of the Aquatos) a service dog." (Let's be real, even if the kid didn't arrive at Whispering Rock with trauma he's surely got it after everything else that's happened to him)

Maybe it's some kind of water dog, like a retriever? So if he accidentally into the water while he's working on something else the dog's there to help him get to shore again.

Or! Or or or it's some kinda big fluffy friend, like a newfoundland or a great pyranese, and either is or will be (imagine he gets it as a puppy) bigger than Raz himself!

imagine he talks to the pupper and talks out everything that happened to him over the course of the games, from his perspective.

I'm still early in my playthrough of Psychonauts 2 (I know what happens, no worries there) but the wiki says Raz himself has Zoolepathy - imagine him talking things through with his service dog and the dog talking back and helping him figure things out.

^^; sorry for kinda dropping all this in your inbox... hope you have a good New Year's!

AAAAAAAAAA I LOVE THIS Please drop everything into my inbox always!!! I will love you forever its like giving a food motivated zoo animal more treats i'm going crazy. throw those fish into my enclosure. This is a great idea! They could have a full service dog or an emotional support companion, both can be taught to perform helpful tasks! Since service dogs need certification and special training the breed can be pretty important to determine what services they can provide.

I adore New Foundlands! They're so, so sweet and are bred water dogs, so they're great for swimming! Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Danes are other large breeds that also make good service dogs, and mixed breeds are lovely too!

A water dog would be so good for this family, especially if it can rescue drowning people. Imagine tala or queepie holding onto its fur when learning to swim 💞.

They could teach the dog tricks, of course they'd perform at the circus. A herding dog would also be fun. Guiding everyone back to camp, or finding Nona when she wanders off. Larger dogs can perform deep pressure therapy for people with anxiety and PTSD too!

This sweet pet would be so loved. Maybe the family meets them as a puppy at a shelter, and Augustus is remembering the orphanage he was briefly in. Need to stop him from adopting all the dogs there.

Gus needs a quiet moment to sort through his thoughts (have a panic attack) and the dog finds him and lays their head in his lap so he can pet their fur. Tala is scared of a thunderstorm, and the dog ends up curled beside her, soft grumbly snores soothing her to sleep. They fetch psi-cards for Raz, and Frazie and Dion are always competing over their affection with treats.

Amazing idea thank you for sharing with it!!!

[whirltherescuebot]

Rescue bots animal au

I put this in my discord and thought abt posting it here soooo, rescue bots as animals!!!

Chase - Grey fox

Blades - Maine coon

Heatwave - Bengal tiger

Boulder - Striped skunk

Hotshot - Bernese mountain dog

Wedge - Norwegian forest cat

Whirl - Kinkajou

Hoist - Black-footed ferret

Medix - Fennec fox

Bumblebee: Canadian marble fox

Optimus prime: Transvaal lion If i have any time during the weekend, I'll do some sketches for designs!!

[petinfosite]

How do I keep my dogs off the couch?

Meta Description

Try putting up something physical if your dog is very inflexible. And won't learn that they aren't permitted on the couch.

The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Canines Off the Couch: "Mastering Equilibrium"

Imagine returning home on your cozy couch to unwind after a hard day. Only to discover that your pet has already made it to the seat of power. Dogs provide countless hours of love and company. Even so, keeping them off couches remains a common challenge for pet owners.

The conflict between your four-legged friend. And yet, a comfortable couch doesn't need to last forever. We'll look at practical methods in this extensive tutorial to address this. The common query is, "How do I keep my dogs off the couch?"

Developing an effective preventive strategy requires an understanding of the reasons why dogs initially draw toward the couch. Canine feelings, comfort-seeking habits, and a need to stay near their human group often impact their behavior.

We who are responsible pet owners must understand the triggers that push our furry friends to the couch. This requires delving into their minds. Understanding these cues allows us to modify our strategy to prevent undesirable behavior while maintaining our dogs' happiness and fulfillment.

Numerous pet owners attest to the reality of the struggle. Telling tales of their treasured animals. Curled up peacefully between the couch cushions. Imagine your aggravation when you keep discovering traces of your dog. Pleasant adventures from missing fur. To the subtle scent of companionship in your home.

Recognizing Your Dog's Behavior: An In-Depth Look into Dog Couch Comfort

Identifying the Need to Curl Up on the Couch:

Dog owners frequently get confused by their furry companions' attraction to the couch. Acknowledging dogs' inherent tendency to curl up on the couch is the first step towards changing this behavior.

Dogs constitute pack animals, and they feel safest and most at ease when they are with their human group members. This understanding is essential to creating a plan. That strikes a balance between their demand for connection. And the requirement to keep furniture limited.

Examine your dog's behavior and facial expressions to determine this desire. If they often find themselves drawn to the couch. Cuddling into its cushions, or putting their hungry. Head on the armrest, take note of this.

By identifying these tiny signs. You can take preventive steps to resolve the issue. And divert their focus to more appropriate options.

Determining Couch Behavior Triggers:

To effectively stop your dog from jumping onto the couch, you must identify the triggers that cause this behavior. Dogs might have different triggers depending on their circumstances, emotions, or surroundings.

Emotional triggers include anxiety, tension, and the need for warmth and comfort; environmental triggers include things like a loved one's fragrance on the couch.

Pay attention to the situations that lead to your dog's couch adventures. Would it be during a storm, when they might look for comfort? Or maybe they want to talk about their after-workout relaxation moments with you after a walk?

Recognizing these triggers, you can modify your strategy to deal. With the underlying issue and improve the success. And compassion for the training process.

By solving the puzzle of your dog's sofa preference, you create the groundwork for a focused and empathetic approach.

Acknowledging their need and figuring out what makes them happy. You can deal with this sort of conduct and create a space where you. And your dog may live together in harmony.

Developing Cozy Substitutes: A Dog Haven Outside the Couch

Supplying a warm dog blanket or bed:

Providing your dog with a cozy and attractive substitute. Is one of the best methods to prevent them. From snatching the couch for themselves.

Invest in a cozy dog bed or silky blanket that is only used by them. A comfortable corner of the area is where you should put it; make sure it is well-padded and away from busy areas.

Because dogs tend to gravitate to warm, soft surfaces. Choosing a bed made of materials that resemble. Your couch's feel can be particularly tempting.

Put something you've recently donned on the bed. To provide them with a familiar smell. And help them get used to their new sleeping area.

This not only gives your pet a comfortable haven. But it also helps them form a good association with their place.

Showcasing Furniture That Is Specially Made for Dogs:

Adding dog-friendly furniture to your home is a proactive way to satisfy your pet's need for coziness and proximity. Think about investing in sofas or chairs made of sturdy, easily cleaned materials that are pet-friendly.

These specialty items frequently have washable and detachable covers, which makes them a sensible option for homes with dogs.

As an alternative, look into chic dog-friendly couch covers. That will shield your current couch. While also giving your pooch a special place to hang out.

These blankets, meet your dog's desire for a cozy. Comfortable seats frequently come in a variety of colors. And designs that go in perfectly with your decor.

By presenting these options, you establish a win-win scenario. That guarantees your dog's happiness without jeopardizing it. The structural strength of your furniture.

By choosing these substitutes, you give your dog a comfortable haven. While at the same actively encouraging them. To avoid the couch.

A designated dog bed or blanket combined with furniture. That is suitable for dogs creates a space. Where your dog can unwind and feel safe. Which eventually promotes a peaceful coexistence between pets.

Education and Positive Reinforcement: Using Dog Commands to Develop Couch Manners

Teaching fundamental instructions such as "Stay" and "Off":

The secret to teaching your dog appropriate behavior is effective communication. Teaching your dog simple instructions like "off" and "stay" gives you the authority to establish boundaries and expectations for their behavior when they're on the couch.

To correlate the commands with particular actions, begin with brief but regular training sessions that use positive reinforcement.

To use the order "off," gently nudge your dog toward the couch. Give them goodies and heartfelt praise when they cooperate. To strengthen the link between the instruction and the intended behavior, it is important to be consistent; and repeat the training regularly.

Your dog will eventually get adept at responding quickly, which will make the space more couch-friendly.

Giving Recognition and Treats for Good Behavior:

Using positive reinforcement to train your dog is a great way to control their behavior. Give your pet snacks and singing praise as soon as they exhibit the desired behavior, such as remaining off the couch or obeying directions.

Positive reinforcement produces a positive reinforcement loop, and dogs thrive on receiving praise. Make sure the goodies you select are really tasty for your dog and save them for training.

A delicious reward and spoken reinforcement work together to establish a strong link between the desired conduct and the desired result.

If you consistently provide reinforcement, your dog will eventually by choice choose to obey your directions, encouraging a couch-free living environment through pleasurable and constructive interactions.

Creating a No-Couch Area with Pet-Friendly Strategies by Using Barriers

Using Sprays for Pets on the Couch:

Pet-friendly sprays might be a useful tool in the fight to get your dog off the couch. Dogs are effectively discouraged from visiting the treated location by the unpleasant fragrances that these carefully prepared sprays create.

Select a spray that won't injure your pet or deteriorate your furniture by choosing ingredients that are safe and harmless.

Apply a liberal amount of the sprayer on the parts of the couch that your dog usually targets when using it. By gradually teaching your dog to identify the sofa with a bad experience, the fragrance will serve as a deterrent.

Reapplying the spray frequently is crucial, particularly after cleanliness or if the aroma fades with time. Your dog will eventually learn to recognize the treated regions as off-limits and establish a firm barrier.

Using Aluminum Foil or Double-Sided Tape as Motivators:

A further useful tactic for establishing a no-couch zone is to use tactile deterrents like aluminum foil or double-sided tape.

Double-sided tape tends to stick to dogs' paws and makes an unpleasant noise when walked on, therefore they usually don't enjoy it.

By carefully positioning these barriers on the couch, you may make your dog's experience uncomfortable without endangering it.

Put some double-sided tape over the couch cushion's edges or any other areas that your dog likes to chew on. As an alternative, place aluminum foil sheets over the cushions. Your dog won't leap onto the couch because of the surprising texture and sensations.

Your dog will eventually seek out other welcoming and comfy options since they will come to connect the couch with these unpleasant encounters.

By including these deterrents in your plan, you provide your dog with a concrete reminder that the couch is prohibited.

You can create a defined barrier during the training process while guaranteeing your dog's health and safety by using pet-friendly spraying, double-sided tape, or foil with aluminum.

Setting Uniform Limits: Developing a Couch Protocol for Dog Peace

Determining Couch Access Regulations:

Establishing obvious and regular guidelines for your dog's utilization of the couch is essential to creating a peaceful living environment.

Dogs learn best when things are clear and predictable, so setting clear rules for conduct helps them grasp what is expected of them.

Make it clear if there are any restrictions, like using a specific blanket or obtaining permission before participating, or if the couch is completely off-limits.

Enforcing these guidelines requires consistency. Giving your dog conflicting messages might confuse you, so try to avoid doing so.

Make sure your dog knows the rules around couch access, whether you use hand signals, vocal orders, or any combination of the two.

You may create the groundwork for a respectful and happy connection with your pet by creating a disciplined atmosphere.

Applying Uniform Punishment for Violations of the Rules:

Ensuring that there are uniform penalties for breaking the rules is just as crucial as establishing them. Dogs are association learners, thus associating an action with a reward system serves to reinforce a desirable habit.

Give your dog a stern but gentle correction if they try to go on the couch without your permission. A few examples of consequences are guiding them to their allotted location, focusing on something else for a short while, or giving a calm, firm order like "off."

It's critical to enforce penalties as soon as the undesirable behavior starts so that your dog can learn to associate the behavior with its outcome. With constant practice, your dog will eventually learn the rules and punishments and help create a respectful, mutually understood, couch-free home.

Your best partners in striking the right balance when it comes to setting boundaries are consistency and clarity. You may establish a regulated atmosphere that encourages good behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your dog by outlining the rules for sofa access and imposing consistent consequences for destroying them.

Frequent Exercise and Mental Reward: Promoting a Well-Balanced Dog Lifestyle

Making Sure Your Dog Gets Sufficient Exercise:

A happy, well-mannered dog is usually one that gets plenty of exercise. Frequent exercise benefits your dog's general health and is essential for controlling their behavior, which includes their love of exploring the couch.

To help your dog burn off extra energy and lessen the chance of him looking for the sofa out of restlessness or pent-up energy, try to take your dog for daily walks, playdates, or runs.

Take your dog on activities appropriate to his breed, age, and personal preferences. Adapting the exercise regimen to your dog's demands, whether it be a game of catch or an exciting excursion, can guarantee that they are physically content and less likely to transform the couch into their favorite spot.

Offering Games and Toys That Stimulate the Mind:

Mental stimulation is just as vital as physical exercise in stopping undesirable behaviors. Invest in a range of games and toys that stimulate the mind to keep your dog's mind engaged and active.

Collaborative games, puzzle toys, and treat-dispensing devices offer mental obstacles that can be just as exhausting as physical ones.

To keep things fresh and keep kids from getting bored, replace these toys frequently. When their minds are engaged, dogs are less willing to look for other entertainment options like the couch.

You can lessen their desire for them to climb on the furniture and improve their general well-being by keeping their brains busy.

Getting Expert Assistance: Leading Your Dog with Skill

 

Seeking Advice from a Certified Dog Instructor:

Sometimes the skills of a qualified dog trainer are necessary to overcome behavioral issues. Consulting a professional dog trainer can offer insightful advice and tailored tactics if you're unable to keep the pet off the couch.

A trainer can evaluate your dog's behavior, spot underlying problems, and collaborate with you to put training methods into practice.

Expert trainers can teach you effective communication techniques with your dog in addition to having a thorough understanding of canine behavior.

An expert trainer can be an invaluable ally in creating a couch-free environment, whether the goal is to treat particular behavioral issues or reinforce basic directions.

Examining Workshops or Classes on Training for Your Dog:

Look into enrolling your dog in workshops or behavioral lessons for a more thorough approach to managing their behavior. In addition to providing your dog with training, these organized sessions give them the chance to socialize and be exposed to a variety of stimuli under supervision.

When it comes to dealing with particular issues like anxiety during separation or territorial behavior, behavioral classes are especially helpful.

Both you and your canine companion can gain useful skills and strategies to deal with typical behavioral problems by attending these workshops.

Positive behavior reinforcement is encouraged in this controlled setting with the help of knowledgeable trainers, which promotes a more harmonic and balanced relationship between you and your pet.

By combining consistent exercise, cerebral stimulation, and expert advice, you start to train your dog's behavior completely. By attending to your dog's physical and emotional requirements, you can prevent accidents on the couch and raise a contented, balanced dog friend.

Setting Up Furniture Barriers to Create Dog-Friendly Areas in Your House

Pet barriers as a means of limiting access

Pet gates are useful tools for dividing up your house into defined regions and keeping your dog out of places like the couch in the living room.

To limit access and make sure your pet is aware of the boundaries, carefully position pet gates at the entrances. Select gates that are strong, simple to erect, and sufficiently high to deter jumping.

Gradually present the idea so that your dog may become used to the new limits. Your dog will eventually learn to respect the boundaries created by the barriers if you provide them with beneficial reinforcement when they obey the gate.

This is an easy approach to prevent your dog from going near the prized couch.

Trying Coverings or Covers for Furniture:

Using covers or slipcovers to protect the furniture not only preserves the upholstery but also acts as a physical barrier for your dog.

Choose coverings that are strong and simple to clean so they can survive the abrasions of your prospective dog companions. Your dog might be deterred from attempting to jump onto the furniture by the tactile difference.

Select covers that go well with your décor and give another line of protection against spills, scratches, and pet hair.

To keep this tactic working and guarantee that the covers stay on and become a permanent feature of the couch countryside, regularity is essential.

Conclusion

The secret to successfully keeping our cherished canines off the couch is a comprehensive strategy based on knowledge, handling the environment, and training.

Through an exploration of the subtleties of dog behavior, we can determine the reasons for our furry friends' sofa conquests and develop more focused interventions.

Every tactic adds to a holistic plan for puppy harmony, from providing comfortable alternatives and using deterrents to setting constant boundaries and including frequent exercise.

With the help of training and reinforcement strategies, we can effectively mold desired behavior in our dogs by teaching them basic commands and rewarding excellent behavior with affection and treats.

By using deterrents, which may be anything from double-sided glue to pet-friendly sprays, you can add a layer of concrete direction and reduce the attractiveness of the couch.

Maintaining consistency is crucial when it comes to giving enough opportunity for mental and physical stimulation, as well as when it comes to imposing rules and punishments.

We create an atmosphere where inviting alternatives to the couch outweigh the couch's attractiveness by being aware of and responsive to our dogs' needs.

FAQs

What makes dogs adore couches so much?

Because of their pack tendencies and want to be near their human relatives, dogs tend to gravitate to couches. The couch offers a cozy and elevated area that responds to their natural feelings for warmth and security.

How can I stop my dog from climbing on the couch at all times?

The key to successfully educating your pet to avoid utilizing the sofa is to use barriers, systems of incentives, behavior analysis, and appealing alternates. A successful technique also requires training, consistency, and the establishment of a no-dog area.

Are sprays meant for pets acceptable for my dog to use?

Sprays intended for pets are indeed made especially to be acceptable for dogs. Dogs are usually put off from visiting the treated area by the natural scents used in these sprays. Make sure the products are non-toxic and pet-safe by always reading the labels.

How frequently should I give my dog training cues to ensure that they stay off the couch?

Reinforcing training instructions requires consistency. To keep a strong connection between the orders and the intended behavior, brief, frequent training sessions centered on commands such as "off" or "stay" have to be held. Reward good behavior with treats and compliments.

[moonlight26posts-blog]

Hello,

Baltimore County Animal Services is seeking rescue placement for Coco. Coco is a Bernese Mountain Dog that is only 10 months old. Coco was surrendered to us yesterday due to her owner being deployed. Coco has lived with children, but has never been around cats, dogs, or people outside of her home so this new environment with new people is very stressful and scary for her. We have not been able to see Coco’s true colors, but she has not been aggressive while here. We are hopeful a rescue will be able to take her in and get to know her to see her true colors and find the best home for her. If you are interested in pulling Coco or have any questions, please let us know!

Thank you,

Megan Phillabaum

Rescue Coordinator

Baltimore County Animal Services

13800 Manor Road

Baldwin, MD 21013

410-887-7297

mphillabaum@baltimorecountymd.gov

To see other animals in need of rescue, visit here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/rescue-partners

Baltimorecountymd.gov/animalservices

[dragonfly0808]

what would everyone’s favorite dog breed be

Why can I 100% see Bloom with a beagle?

Stella- york terrier (I’m thinking Sharpray style, carrying the dog in a bag)

Flora- a cocker spaniel (I’m picturing Lady from the Lady and the Tramp tbh)

Musa- Australian Shepherd. It just makes sense to me

Tecna- an annoying, really loud Husky, don’t even ask me why I can just see it. Or a Bull Terrier… I think a Bull Terrier might make more sense for her, idk

Aisha- Bernese Mountain, it’s just so fluffy!!!

Sky- A Labrador (I think Lady is supposed to be a labrador but don’t trust me on that)

Brandon- maybe a dalmatian?

Helia- Border Collie, don’t ask me, it just makes sense to me

Riven- why can I see him with a Basset Hound? Like, specifically an older one, maybe a rescue idk, I saw a picture of a Basset Hound and now it’s canon that Riven’s grandparents have a Basset Hound ajajjajjaa

Timmy- Finnish Spitz or a golden retriever

Nabu- Japanese Akita

[krnaturalphoto]

Need Love, Find Love, Give Love | Shelter And Rescue Dogs

So many different things in my life have had a bigger impact on me than I could have ever imagined. There was a time in my life when I don’t think I even knew that animal shelters were even a thing. Then over the course of my life my wife began volunteering at an animal shelter, then began working at the same animal shelter, then I began volunteering at the animal shelter. As a result of our…

[icemankazansky]

Tag Game: Get to Know Me

Thanks for the tag, @brendaonao3! (Note for people who tag me in tag games: I love to be tagged in tag games, even though my typical response time suggests otherwise.)

Name: Carly

Pronouns: she/her

Star sign: Maverick sun, Iceman rising Sagittarius sun, Leo rising, Pisces moon

Number of siblings (+ any fun facts): One of each, both younger. They look like each other, but I don't look like them at all. (Oddly, my sister and I both look like our mother, but in different ways.) When my sister and I were little, my mom used to have to tell people that yes, we had the same father. (Bc people think it's fine to ask stuff like that? Also I have very curly hair, and it's a recessive trait that one person in every generation on my mom's side gets, but people are so weird about natural curls, and every new hair dresser I see asks, "Who did you get them from?" and a disturbing number of them have made jokes about my mother's infidelity and my questionable parentage when I inform them no, neither of my parents have curls. Who raised y'all?)

Number of pets & their names: Currently, I myself only have one animal, my dog, Elio. But 1. I am actively looking for another dog, 2. My family has a ton of dogs, and 3. We all volunteer for dog rescues (Yes, plural. My sister actually started her own 503c NPO rescue a couple years ago bc her own, like, extra credit financing of homeless dog medical bills was going to bankrupt her, so she had to start a charity so people could donate. She specializes in senior and special needs dogs, but works with local city and county animal control agencies so she gets a lot of breeder and hoarder surrenders, and subsequently ends up with, for example, 18 purebred Bernese Mountain Dog puppies several times a year.) The point is, there's, like, a whole lot of dogs in here.

Fandoms: They are legion. Mostly active in Top Gun rn. Again. Still. Still again.

Favorite song: They too are legion, but include Fiona Apple - I Know, Fleetwood Mac - Silver Springs, Hozier - From Eden, Lake Street Dive - Good Kisser, Bad Company - Bad Company, Natalie Merchant - My Skin. Lately, I'm listening to the following a very normal amount: Tracy Chapman - You're the One (it is Icemav af BTW check it out)

Favorite author: Fiction: Neil Gaiman. Nonfiction: Mary Roach.

Favorite fic type: I like established relationships, true love and people just enjoying each other, and happy endings.

Favorite holiday: Ugh I hate this. Um, New Years Eve.

Do you have a partner (romantic, qpr, etc)?: I already told you I have a dog. Nope.

Hobbies: Dogs, writing, art of various kinds (mostly drawing, some painting, and I am always trying new things like building a tufted headboard, teaching myself to sew, or making custom funko pops), gif making, Val Kilmer.

Fun facts about you: I've never had a cavity. I ran over myself with my own car. I can't figure out if I have 12 tattoos or 13. I can French and Dutch braid my own hair. My favorite perfume is Chance by Chanel, but I also wear Daisy by Marc Jacobs if I want something lighter.

[mostlymuttszeldathon]

Five Years Later

Thanks for visiting this page.

The sudden passing of our friend April is something that shattered the lives of everyone who knew her, and an introduction to the concept of what loss of innocence truly means.

The Mostly Mutts Zeldathon is something I started hosting all the way back in 2018 to honor April—her obituary requested donations to their organization in lieu of flowers, and in the wake of existential devastation, it was a spot of hope for myself and everyone else as a means of catharsis, to remember her, and preserve the legacy of someone inexplicably taken from us far before her time.

April was a shining star of joy and compassion in our hometown, beloved by everyone who knew her, a girl next door with a barking, infectious laugh who loved dogs more than anyone else in the world.

She was someone we grew up with, experienced so many ups and downs of life with, someone we went to college with, someone I and so many others regularly laughed or cried all night with, and ultimately, someone who was snatched away from the people who love her by a devastatingly, unfairly cruel universe that still doesn't make sense five years later.

She was a kind, funny, creative person who loved cosplay, creating art, playing piano, sushi, attending conventions and concerts, playing video games, and so much more. She could be friends with anyone.

She used to volunteer at Mostly Mutts and would visit other rescues and pet stores in the area just to play with puppies and love on them. She had the gentlest giant of a Bernese Mountain Dog named Lacy, and was beloved by her roommate's Husky Nova and boyfriend's Black Lab Coco. She was goofy as hell and always found something to laugh about. She loved spontaneous games of You Laugh, You Lose and always had a meme ready to send you.

There wasn't a mean bone in her body, and even when someone was cruel to her, she laughed it off. She was someone I and many others thought would always be around, someone to joke with when we inevitably ended up in the same nursing home together in fifty years, still barking that TAH-HAH-HAH laugh you'd recognize anywhere.

The Legend of Zelda was also her favorite video game series. It was something we bonded over, and it became a sort of interest-glue that kept us and so many of our friends in touch through the years. Growing up, we used to stay over at each other's houses with our friend Liz marathoning the games together—her favorite was Twilight Princess, Liz's was Wind Waker, and mine was Ocarina and Majora. She had a Triforce purse, Triforce lamp, tons of stuff from Etsy, official stuff, she cosplayed, she went to Symphony of the Goddesses several times. She even had a replica of the Ocarina of Time she learned to play. The Song of Storms was the first song she learned to play on it. Supposedly, it started raining when she did it one time. I believe it, she had the spirit for it.

It means so much to be that so many people turned up to the first stream and to subsequent streams to help Mostly Mutts. Life as we all know it has changed in ways I’m sure none of us thought were ever possible.

Thank you for being supportive friends, supportive strangers, and supportive human beings. The loss of a best friend and the emptiness it leaves in your heart is truly indescribably. I’m glad we as a community can make an effort to do some positive in the aftermath of her passing. We will never forget her and the joy and friendship she brought not only to my life, but to so many others’ too. 

Everyone grieves differently and I hope everyone is doing the best they can five years later. I have more to say on grief in other posts—it's something that isn't talked about enough in any aspect of life.

As I've gotten older and learned more, I wanted to make a serious effort to archive and preserve her legacy and continue helping it grow with all of you. Let's make another wonderful years of memories together.

From the bottom of her family's, her friends', and my hearts, thank you so much for being here.

Brian

[normanbased]

i’m curious as to what influenced your choices for the pokémon AU!!

in exchange i offer some notes on an anthro AU (that i may or may not ever get around to 💀):

I LOVE YOUR LIST SO MUCH!! I absolutely love your choices for Duke and Tracy especially (Tracy gave me Columbo vibes so her being a bloodhound is just perfect) - and a striped-hyena just fits TOO well for Duke - better than the animal I chose anyways. AND THE LAHORE PIGEON FOR MARY!! I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT OF IT BUT IT'S PERFECT????? I might have to draw something for your AU tonight if I start feeling better.

In return, my anthro headcanons are:

Norman: Loggerhead Shrike - An unassuming passerine, also called the 'butcherbird'. As a result of it's inadequete predation adaptations, it must use barbs, brambles, and spikes to impale it's prey. This means that it has killing grounds where it displays it's kills. It's endemic to California as well as other parts of North America and Europe.

Mary: Red Satin Rabbit - A domestic breed. I don't have any particular reason for choosing this breed aside from aesthetics, but I wanted Mary to be a rabbit to suggest innocence as well as deceit.

Duke: American Badger - Aggressive, powerful, and underhanded, American badgers are capable of mutual hunting with coyotes, and are so self-assured that they are rarely predated on by the country's larger predators.

Bill Raymond: Bernese Mountain Dog - A hardy working breed more commonly seen on farms, Bernese Mountain Dogs can also be trained in mountain and water rescue. They aren't as common to see in mountain rescue as St. Bernards or Retrievers, but I just think they fit his character better than those breeds :]]

(I never got around to deciding any other animals :]] )

And sure! So my Pokemon list is here for reference - and I'll give a quick explanation for each choice below :]] (under cut)

The important one to start with is Absol. It's territory encroached on the land that the motel was built on. It stalked the Bates family for some time, and Norman is convinced that it was responsible for the death of his father. Norma on the other hand - as a result of losing her husband, embraced Absol's habitation and encouraged it to stay near their home. As it goes, Absols are harbingers of disaster, and it still has a cryptic, looming presence over the land over forty years later. Norman doesn't see it very often, but when he does, it frightens him and sparks another bout of paranoia.

Next is Norman's Staraptor. He found it as an injured Starly when he was still a boy. He spotted it in a nesting flock because it's colouration was different, and when all the other Starly's flew away, his remained. He secretly nursed it back to health, moving it from his room to the kitchen and the motel parlour to avoid his mother finding it. By the time it fully recovered, it grew attached to Norman, and even evolved as a result of their friendship. It was too big to hide at that point, so it spent most of it's time outside after that. It only evolved into a Staraptor after Norman made the decision to kill his mother and step-father - promising that it would protect Norman from harm if it needed to. By the time it meets Mary and Duke, Staraptor is rather old and spends most of it's time roosting or on lookout. It's still a very capable battler, though!!

Minccino showed up as a result of Norman's twenty-year absence. Toomey had completely trashed the motel during his time as manager, and so Minccino was instinctively attracted to the mess once Toomey and all the loud, unsavoury guests had vacated. It spent most of it's time timidly cleaning the grounds around the motel until Norman noticed it's presence, and encouraged it to help him look after the motel with him. Now it spends almost all of it's time happily tending to the rooms and the office, and it keeps the place as immaculate as it can. It was frightened of Staraptor at first, but when the old bird showed no interest in eating it, they became tentative friends. Minccino doesn't tend to hang out with other Pokemon, only ever really seeking companionship with Norman.

Marion and Lisa recieved a Minun and Plusle respectively from their mother before she died. They were supposed to represent sisterhood and family, and symbolised the two of them sticking together and looking out for one another. Ironically, the two Pokemon don't really get along very well. Marion also has a Delcatty that Sam gave her as a gift.

Sam has a Kecleon that helps him look after the hardware store!! It changes colour to show different paint swatches to customers :]] and it's really good at keeping track of inventory.

Arbogast has an Arcanine that acompanies him on his detective work, and an Unown that helps him to figure out puzzles and mysteries.

Mary has a Shaymin and a Poochyena as her partner Pokemon. Shaymin is a pretty moody, independent Pokemon, which goes against their appearence. They act pretty dejectedly in their Land Form, spending most of their time in quiet, dark places. In their Sky Form, they become really rebellious and bold, and isn't easy to command. It's terrified of Staraptor at first, but it soon warms up to the older Pokemon, and the two of them often do fly-overs of the motel together. Poochyena is a little bit short-tempered. If you could imagine a 'Scrappy-Doo'-type of personality, that fits Poochyena to a T. All three of them - Shaymin, Poochyena, and Norman's Staraptor, get along really well.

Duke has three electric pokemon, Luxio, a Manectric, and a shiny Jolteon. They can all bark/roar with sounds that compliment that of an electric guitar, so they're INCREDIBLY noisy and are constantly rocking out. Duke sometimes takes the cord for his electric guitar and gives it to Jolteon to hold in it's mouth, and then it uses an electric-type move to boost the amplification. They're bullies, but loyal to Duke. He uses them to threaten people, and the three of them enjoy pushing people around. They ocassionally have infighting, but Jolteon (their leader) usually puts Luxio and Manectric in line. Everyone elses' Pokemon utterly hate being around them, and it takes a really long time for them to actually behave in a friendly way around anyone besides Duke. Out of the three of them, Jolteon is the most serious. Luxio is the second dominant of the three, and Manectric is sort of the "idiot grunt" of the pack. Manectric tends to be the one that gets pushed around when the three of them don't have any other Pokemon to target - and so it's the most likely to have brief moments of camaraderie with Norman and Mary's Pokemon.