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Well-sourced reading for everyday life with dogs, across seven themes: outings, rules and preparedness, body and behavior, seasons, food and care, training, and dogs in culture.
Dogs & CultureIs Hachiko's Story True? Tracing It Through University and Shibuya Records
Hachiko is known for his statue at Shibuya Station. How much of the familiar story can be confirmed? Using records from a university, the ward and a museum, we trace his life and the places you can still visit.5 min read
SeasonsWinter Dog Walks Belong in the Midday Sun: Timing for Short Days and Signs Your Dog Feels the Cold
Early winter, with short days and colder mornings and evenings, is a good time to rethink when you walk. Based on materials from public bodies and expert organizations, we cover when sunset comes earliest, cautions for dusk, how to read signs that your dog is cold, and how to spend days with shorter walks.5 min read
TrainingHow to Teach Your Dog to Wait: Using It at the Cafe Door and Table, Through to the Release Word
Your dog tries to rush in at the cafe door, or fidgets while you set your bag down. Here is how to teach wait as one sequence ending with a release word, and how to use it at the entrance and the table.6 min read
Body & BehaviorHow Old Is Your Dog in Human Years? It Depends on Size
A dog's age is not simply multiplied by seven; body size changes how dogs age. We compare the Ministry of the Environment's chart with overseas expert guides, show how to pick a column by weight, and cover how to plan outings to suit your dog's age.5 min read
OutingsDog Car Trip Checklist: Seating, Breaks and What to Do When You Arrive
Three tables cover seating, breaks with food and water, and the steps from arrival to entering the shop. We also explain why you should never leave your dog in the car, even in winter, drawing on Japan's Road Traffic Act and guidance from the AVMA and others.6 min read
Dogs & CultureIs "A Dog That Walks Bumps into a Stick" Bad Luck or Good? Japanese Dog Sayings
The Japanese proverb "a dog that walks bumps into a stick" has been read in two opposite ways: running into bad luck and running into good luck. From iroha cards to "like dog and monkey," plant names along walking paths and the dog name "Pochi," we trace the origins of dog words through published sources.6 min read
Food & CareHow Often Should You Brush Your Dog? A Coat-Type Guide and Autumn Cafe Prep
Once a week for smooth short coats, daily for long silky ones. Drawing on US and UK animal organizations and Japanese national and local governments, we cover brushing by coat type, autumn shedding, choosing a brush and getting ready for a dog-friendly cafe.6 min read
OutingsHow to Take Your Dog on a Train in Japan: Carrier Rules and Carrier Training at Home
Before taking your dog on a train, check the railway's rules for carry-on items (temawarihin). Based on guidance from railway companies and dog organizations in the US and UK, we cover the carrier rules and tickets of two JR companies, how to get your dog used to a carrier at home, and how to try a one-stop ride at a quiet time.6 min read
Dogs & CultureWhy Is Japan's Dog Day on November 1? Who Chose It, and How It Differs from Animal Welfare Week
Japan's Dog Day falls on November 1 because "wan," a dog's bark in Japanese, sounds like "one." Using the history of the Japan Pet Food Association, which chose the day, along with national and local government sources, we trace how Dog Day began and how it differs from Animal Welfare Week, which is set by law.5 min read
TrainingDog Recall Training: A Cue and Rewards That Make Coming Back Easier, Even at the Dog Run
Teach recall by separating the name from the cue and greeting your dog with a reward every time it comes. Based on guidance from US and UK animal welfare organizations and Japanese local governments, we cover how to keep recall pleasant and how to progress from indoors to a long leash and the dog run.6 min read
OutingsAssistance Dogs vs Pet Dogs: 5 Common Myths When You Meet One at a Cafe
A dog in a harness or vest lying quietly at someone's feet. We check five myths about assistance dogs and pet dogs, and explain who you can talk to and how to keep your own dog at a distance.6 min read