Hide 'n' Seek

20/08/2025

Scientists believe dogs may be evolving in real time, as their behavior and intelligence adapt more deeply to human life.

Research shows many dogs now recognize human emotions, follow social cues, and even outperform primates in certain communicative tasks. In cities, stray dogs have been seen using crosswalks and riding public transport, suggesting rapid cognitive shifts. These changes, along with genetic differences from wolves, point to a new chapter in canine evolution-one driven largely by their unique bond with humans.

19/08/2025

Cato XL Plank & Tilt Prices

We've had a few enquires about the Cato XL Planks and Tilts. Not a Scurry Dog essential, we will likely only use the standard boards. As mentioned, standard Cato boards are not essential, but are super useful for lots of training skills, Scurry Dog or other.
The planks also have all sorts of handy uses, another fantastic piece of training equipment to have.

As an estimation, I think the Cato XL Plank would be around $200 and the Tilt Stand $50-$60, but it does depend on the shipping costs, which may depend on how many are ordered.

If you would like one if it were priced around that cost, please send a message or email, as then I can get some shipping estimates to narrow down the pricing for you to make a final decision on.

We may be able to get some sent with the second Cato order.

Pick up would be Tingalpa, our current nosework class locations or possibly at a nosework trial where possible.

Please email or message ASAP how many/plank only or plank and tilt, along with your colour and surface preference.

The Cato Plank with the optional Cato Tilt Stand is a great tool for a variety of training and development applications. When used as a platform, the 12x36" size works great for clean fronts, crisp downs, etc. The Cato Plank is also designed to be used with the optional Cato Tilt Stand. The Cato Til...

15/08/2025

🐶 Your dog’s love for you isn’t just a feeling it’s wired into their brain. MRI research from Emory University has revealed that when dogs smell their owners, their caudate nucleus he brain’s reward center lights up more strongly than when they smell food or even other dogs.

In the study, researchers trained pet dogs to remain completely still inside MRI scanners while being exposed to a variety of scents, including those from food, unfamiliar dogs, familiar dogs, and their human owners. The results were clear: the scent of their person triggered the most powerful neural response.

This suggests dogs don’t just see humans as caretakers they see us as family, prioritizing their bond with us above all else. The findings are consistent with earlier research in Budapest showing that dogs’ brains also respond positively to the sound of happy human voices.

Dogs are the only non-primate species known to make direct, sustained eye contact with humans and the only domesticated animals that instinctively seek out human comfort when distressed. Even more striking, brain scans of mothers with both children and dogs revealed that seeing either activated similar reward pathways indicating that the human-dog bond can rival parent-child attachment.

In short, to your dog, you’re not “just” their owner you’re their pack, their safe place, and their favorite thing in the entire world.

11/08/2025

REMINDER: IVDD Info Night – Just Around the Corner!

Got a Dachshund, Cavoodle, Frenchie or Pug? These breeds are high-risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – and we’re here to help you stay informed.
Join Dr James Crowley, ​Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and a PhD candidate researching IVDD in dogs (only person in Australia). If anyone’s equipped to give you the facts – it’s James.

Alongside animal physiotherapist Katrinka Geelen, you’ll learn:
✔️ Latest treatment options with evidence-based justification
✔️ Clinical outcomes (with and without surgery)
✔️ Home support strategies
✔️ How physiotherapy fits in – both with and without surgery
✔️ Prevention tips tailored to at-risk breeds

🗓 Date: Wednesday August 20, 2025
📍 Where: Online or in-person; Queensland Veterinary Specialists Sunshine Coast, 38 Production Avenue Warana 4575
🕡 6:30pm Hospital Tour | 7:00pm Talks Begin
🍽 Light refreshments & nibbles provided

🎟 Spots are limited – don’t miss out!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/type-1-ivdd-explained-evidence-based-options-to-help-your-dog-walk-again-tickets-1482223021959?aff=oddtdtcreator