Raising Awareness: The Hidden Dangers of Cyclist and Cat Collisions on Bridleways
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Lightroom’s AI Assisted Culling is Incredible for Sports Photography
Pinafore Dress Modeling…and a Surprise
My human found this cute pinafore hidden away in a drawer and wasn’t sure why it was there. So since it was a nice day, she decided to have me model it outside. Of course she brought along some accessories too.
Once I had it on, she remembered that it was a little big on me. But not so large that I couldn’t still make it look good.
My human let me pick a hat out of two choices. This is the one I decided on.
She disagreed with my choice and had me try out the other one too.
The peach kitty showed up partway during the photo session but he mostly stayed at a distance while my human and I were working. But once we started wrapping up and my human was putting away the accessories, he jumped right up on the concrete table.
At least he waited before being a bit of a pest!
The Olympus EM1 Mk III Now Has a Superpower. Is it Good in 2026? – The Phoblographer
How to Train Your Dog to Hop as Light as Bird from Brier: Safe Techniques
Enhancing Your Dog’s Agility: The Art of Light Hopping
Every dog owner has likely marveled at the graceful way some canines seem to float through the air, landing with barely a sound on their padded feet. That elegant movement, to “hop as light as bird from brier,” isn’t just beautiful to watch; it’s actually healthier for your furry friend’s joints and overall mobility. Whether you have a young, energetic pup or an aging companion who could benefit from improved movement patterns, teaching your dog to move with greater lightness can enhance their quality of life and prevent future injuries.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven techniques to help your canine companion develop the strength, awareness, and coordination needed for lighter, safer jumping. From understanding the natural biomechanics of your dog’s movement to implementing progressive training exercises, you’ll discover how to transform your dog’s heavy landings into graceful, bird-like hops that protect their joints for years to come.
Understanding Your Dog’s Natural Movement
The Biomechanics of Canine Jumping
Before we can teach our dogs to hop lightly, we need to understand how they naturally move. Dogs are digitigrade animals, meaning they walk on their toes rather than flat-footed like humans. This anatomical structure gives them natural spring and shock absorption capabilities, but many domestic dogs haven’t fully developed these skills.
“When a dog jumps naturally and efficiently, the movement should distribute force evenly throughout their body,” explains canine physical therapist Dr. Amanda Reeves. “The problem is that many dogs land with too much weight on their front legs or come down too heavily on their joints.”
The ideal jumping motion involves:
- A balanced takeoff using hindquarter strength
- Proper body positioning during flight
- A controlled, even landing that distributes weight across all four paws
- Engagement of core muscles throughout the entire movement
Dogs who haven’t learned proper jumping technique often land with a heavy thud, putting excessive pressure on their front legs and shoulders. This can lead to premature joint wear, soft tissue injuries, and even acute injuries like sprains or strains.
By observing your dog’s current jumping style, you can identify areas for improvement. Does your dog land heavily? Do they seem to struggle with coordination during jumps? These observations will help guide your training approach.
Safe Training Techniques for Lighter Landings
Teaching your dog to “hop as light as bird from brier” requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The goal is to help them develop body awareness, strength, and control rather than simply jumping higher or farther.
Progressive Exercises for Building Proper Form
1. The Pause and Balance Game
Start by teaching your dog body awareness through simple balance exercises:
- Have your dog stand on a slightly unstable surface like a couch cushion or balance disc
- Reward them for maintaining balance for increasing periods
- Gently touch different parts of their body, rewarding them for adjusting their weight to stay balanced
This foundational exercise helps dogs become more aware of their body positioning and weight distribution, crucial skills for lighter jumping.
2. Cavaletti Training
Cavaletti poles (low horizontal bars or poles) are excellent tools for teaching dogs to lift their feet with precision:
- Set up several poles or broomsticks on the ground about 12-18 inches apart
- Lead your dog through the poles at a walking pace
- Gradually raise some poles slightly (1-2 inches) as your dog becomes comfortable
- Reward your dog for stepping carefully over each pole without touching it
This exercise teaches dogs to be mindful of their foot placement and to lift their paws higher than they might naturally do.
3. Controlled Jumping Progression
Once your dog has developed better body awareness, you can begin specific jump training:
- Start with a very low jump (a pool noodle on the floor works well)
- Focus on the landing by placing a target mat where you want your dog to land
- Reward soft, controlled landings rather than speed or height
- Gradually increase difficulty as your dog demonstrates consistent good form
“The key is to reward the quality of the movement, not just the completion of the jump,” notes certified dog trainer Sophia Lin. “Praise your dog specifically when they land softly, using verbal markers like ‘Nice and light!’ to help them understand what you’re looking for.”
4. The Two-Paw Target
This exercise helps dogs learn to distribute their weight evenly when landing:
- Place two target mats about shoulder-width apart
- Guide your dog to jump a small obstacle and land with front paws on separate targets
- This encourages them to land with weight distributed across both front legs
- Reward successful, balanced landings
By practicing these exercises consistently, your dog will gradually develop the muscle memory needed for lighter, more controlled jumping. Remember that short, frequent training sessions (5-10 minutes) are more effective than occasional long sessions.
Protecting Your Dog’s Joints During Play
While training specific jumping techniques is important, equally crucial is creating an environment that supports joint health and prevents injury during everyday play and exercise.
Choosing the Right Surfaces for Jump Training
The surface your dog jumps on significantly impacts joint health and can either help or hinder their ability to hop lightly:
Optimal Surfaces:
- Natural grass provides excellent cushioning and traction
- Specialized rubber agility mats offer consistent, joint-friendly support
- Sand (not too deep) can provide good cushioning for controlled exercises
Surfaces to Avoid:
- Concrete or asphalt, which offer no shock absorption
- Slippery hardwood or tile floors that can cause slipping
- Very uneven terrain during initial training phases
“Surface selection is particularly important for dogs with existing joint issues or breeds prone to joint problems,” veterinarian Dr. Michael Torres points out. “Even for healthy dogs, consistent jumping on hard surfaces can lead to premature joint wear.”
Beyond surface considerations, other joint-protective measures include:
1. Proper Warm-Up Routines
Just as human athletes warm up before intense activity, dogs benefit from a gradual increase in physical exertion:
- Start with a 5-minute leashed walk at a moderate pace
- Add some gentle play or easy movements before jumping exercises
- Include gentle stretching by luring your dog into extended positions with treats
2. Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to protect your dog’s joints:
- Excess weight puts additional stress on joints during jumping
- Even a few extra pounds can significantly impact joint health
- Work with your veterinarian to establish and maintain an ideal weight for your dog
3. Supplemental Support
Consider joint-supporting supplements after consulting with your veterinarian:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin can support cartilage health
- Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation
- Some dogs benefit from specialized joint formulas
Remember that these supplements work best as preventative measures or alongside other treatments for early joint issues, rather than as solutions for serious joint problems.
Tailoring Training to Your Dog’s Individual Needs
Every dog is unique, and training approaches should be adjusted based on age, breed, size, and existing health conditions.
For Young Dogs (Under 2 Years):
- Focus on body awareness rather than repetitive jumping
- Keep jumps very low until growth plates have closed
- Emphasize proper form over height or distance
For Senior Dogs:
- Prioritize low-impact exercises that maintain mobility
- Use lower jumps and softer landing surfaces
- Consider shorter, more frequent training sessions
For Breeds Prone to Joint Issues:
- Be especially cautious with breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Dachshunds
- Implement joint-protective measures early
- Consider consulting with a canine physical therapist for customized exercises
Bringing Lightness to Everyday Movement
The ultimate goal isn’t just to have your dog perform light jumps during training sessions but to incorporate this improved body awareness into their everyday movements. Here’s how to encourage lighter movement throughout your dog’s daily life:
- Reward naturally light movements when you observe them
- Use verbal cues like “easy” or “gentle” before situations where your dog might jump heavily
- Create environmental setups that encourage mindful movement, such as stepping over low obstacles during walks
- Incorporate balance challenges into playtime
With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, many dogs can significantly improve their movement patterns, leading to more graceful, joint-friendly activity throughout their lives.
The Path to Feather-Light Paws
Teaching your dog to “hop as light as bird from brier” is a journey that benefits both of you. Through patient training and attention to your dog’s unique needs, you can help them develop movement patterns that protect their joints while enhancing their agility and coordination.
Remember that the goal isn’t perfection but improvement. Celebrate small victories as your dog learns to move with greater awareness and control. The time you invest in this training will pay dividends in your dog’s long-term health and mobility, potentially adding comfortable, active years to their life.
By combining targeted exercises, appropriate environmental choices, and consistent positive reinforcement, you’ll be amazed at how your once heavy-pawed companion can transform into a graceful, light-footed friend who truly hops as delicately as a bird from a briar bush. Your dog’s joints will thank you, and you’ll both enjoy the enhanced quality of movement that comes from this mindful approach to canine mobility.
They Take in 2 Kittens in Need, From the Very Beginning, the Cat Brothers Clearly Belong Together
They took in two kittens in need, and from the very beginning, the feline brothers clearly belonged together.
Ollie and ArchieFrankie @frankies_fosters
Two tabby kittens arrived at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start.
At just four to five weeks old, they were tiny but full of warmth and affection. When Frankie, a volunteer with the organization, was asked if she would consider fostering the pair, she didn’t hesitate for a second.
“From the moment I picked them up, it was clear they belonged together,” Frankie told Love Meow.
Frankie @frankies_fosters
The kittens quickly settled into foster care, making themselves right at home. Curious and adventurous, they explored every nook and cranny. They immediately claimed the big, cozy bed and were especially pleased with their endless supply of food.
One of the kittens, Ollie, was treated for an upper respiratory infection, and his brother, Archie, stayed by his side the entire time.
They were inseparable from day oneFrankie @frankies_fosters
“Foster care helps in more ways than one. It gives kittens and other pets a chance to decompress, socialize, and get used to home life,” Best Friends Animal Society shared. “It also creates space in the shelter so more animals can be rescued.”
Time and again, Frankie would walk into the room to find the brothers curled up together, their tiny limbs intertwined.
Frankie @frankies_fosters
“Their personalities complement each other so beautifully,” Frankie said. “Archie is more of the ‘big brother,’ always the first to explore and try something new, while Ollie is the softer and cuddlier one who happily follows along.”
While Frankie was recovering from an injury, the kittens snuggled up to her like the sweetest little nurses, staying by her side through it all.
They became Frankie’s sweetest little nursesFrankie @frankies_fosters
As they grew stronger, their vibrant personalities began to shine. “What really stands out is their bond. They sleep curled up together, groom each other, and are almost never more than a few inches apart.”
When it was time to rest, they would seek out their foster mom and melt into her arms.
Frankie @frankies_fosters
Archie was determined to inspect every inch of the room, with Ollie close behind. Together, they embarked on little adventures, darting around the place, wrestling with each other, and even conquering the summit of their “Mount Playpen.”
They transformed from sleepy little kittens into bright, lively companions.
Frankie @frankies_fosters
Ollie and Archie did everything side by side. They played with toys together, though nothing excited them more than a simple paper bag or cardboard box. After chasing each other around, they would wind down in their bed or climb into their foster mom’s arms for cuddles.
“They are both incredibly affectionate and just love being close.”
Frankie @frankies_fosters
“It was obvious very early on that separating them wasn’t an option, and I made it my mission to find them a home together.”
There was no shortage of interest from potential adopters who recognized their special bond and wanted to keep them together. “I’m so happy to share that Ollie and Archie have officially been adopted together.”
Frankie @frankies_fosters
Ollie and Archie entered their foster home as a bonded pair, and now, they’ll remain together for the rest of their lives in a loving forever home.
“It truly couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. They deserve every bit of the love and happiness coming their way.”
They have been adopted togetherFrankie @frankies_fosters
Share this story with your friends. More on Frankie’s fosters on Instagram @frankies_fosters and Best Friends Animal Society in L.A. @bfas_la.
Related story: Cat Takes in a Kitten Who is Bigger Than Her Own, Turns Out the Little Guy Has So Much to Give
What Is It Like to Photograph a 24-Hour Race?
2026 marked the fifth time I worked IMSA’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona race, but only the third as a photographer. My first two races focused on writing magazine articles; as a photographer, I still have a lot to learn and continue to find my way creatively.
The race started at 1:40 pm on Saturday, but I arrived at the photographer’s room in the media center at 8:00 am. I had an event to photograph at 9:15 am, but I would arrive at the same time regardless to avoid the congestion from the massive crowds.
[Read More]
Wildlife Groups File Emergency Legal Action To Halt Alaska Bear-Killing Program – World Animal News
A new emergency legal motion is asking a court to stop Alaska from moving ahead with plans to kill an unlimited number of brown and black bears across roughly 40,000 square miles of southwest Alaska this summer, warning the program could resume within weeks if it is not halted.
The filing argues the state is attempting to restart a predator control effort that has already been repeatedly challenged in court, despite prior rulings that found key parts of the program unlawful. Advocates say the operation could begin again as early as May without immediate legal intervention.
“The court has already ruled that this program is unlawful and that last summer the state carried it out ‘in bad faith,’” said Nicole Schmitt, executive director of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. “In response, the state wrapped this unconstitutional program in the same tired packaging, with the same legal flaws. The facts remain that this program is not based on science, has no legitimate measures of success, and has cost the state more than $1 million in program and legal fees.”
The motion asks the Alaska Superior Court to issue a preliminary injunction that would block the Alaska Department of Fish and Game from conducting bear removal operations within the Mulchatna Caribou Herd Predation Management Area while the broader lawsuit continues. The groups behind the filing, including Alaska Wildlife Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity, warn that, without court action, bear control efforts could resume imminently, leading to irreversible impacts on wildlife populations.
“I really want to see the Mulchatna caribou herd grow and thrive, but this unscientific and cruel approach of killing every bear in sight across southwest Alaska can’t be the way forward,” said Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Alaska needs to stop wasting public resources and make wildlife management decisions firmly rooted in science and sustainability. That’s what the constitution requires, and it’s also what will be best in the long run for bears, caribou and the entire ecosystem.”
The case is tied to an ongoing lawsuit brought by Trustees for Alaska, which challenges the legality of reinstating the Mulchatna bear control program under the state’s sustained yield clause. That constitutional provision requires wildlife to be “managed” as a renewable public resource and maintained over time, and has previously been interpreted by the Alaska Supreme Court to apply to all wildlife, including bears.
“The state is once again primed to gun down bears from helicopters this spring even though it still has no idea how many bears live in the targeted area,” said Michelle Sinnott, staff attorney with Trustees for Alaska. “The Alaska Constitution requires the state to manage bear populations sustainably. Instead of collecting credible scientific evidence of bear populations, the Board of Game once again gave the department a blank check to kill bears across an entire region. That’s exactly the kind of unconstitutional, shoot-first management the court has already rejected.”
Under the 2022 version of the Mulchatna bear control program, state wildlife managers killed 175 brown bears and five black bears in 2023 and 2024. The original program was challenged by Alaska Wildlife Alliance, and in March 2025, the Anchorage Superior Court ruled it unconstitutional, finding that it had not been based on credible scientific evidence and was therefore “unlawfully adopted and, therefore, void and without legal effect.”
Following that ruling, the Alaska Board of Game attempted to reinstate the program through an emergency regulation, which the court struck down in May 2025 as an improper attempt to bypass its earlier decision. Despite that ruling, state officials still killed 11 additional brown bears. The board later reinstated the program again in July 2025, this time without new population data for brown or black bears in the affected area.
