Why The Sniff?
You’ve noticed how a dog investigates something new, or explores something exciting, right? With his nose! A dog’s sense of smell is his strongest, and has been estimated to be as many as 100,000 (!) times stronger than a human’s. Here is a fascinating Ted Ed Lesson about a dog’s sense of smell. Recognizing that this blog is all about exploring, learning, and understanding all things dog, “The Sniff” was born.
What kind/breed of dog is Beau?
I like to say that he is a 100% American Shelter Rescue Dog. Truth be told we did a DNA test on Beau years ago and he came back almost 100% American Bulldog. We also learned that he is essentially albino!
What’s with all the pit bulls?
Most people have a favorite type of dog, and mine is pit bull type dogs. Until 2011, when I learned what a “pit bull” was, I called them “smoosher face dogs” (said in an embarrassing baby talk voice). Since Beau came home with us and I learned about the prejudice that surrounds this type of dog (“pit bull” is not a breed- read more here) I have evolved into an advocate. Although they have ranged from 30 pounds and pointy-eared to 60 lbs of lean muscles, almost all of the dogs that I have fostered are most likely considered to be “pit bull type dogs.”
Are you a trainer?
No, I do not have a trainer certification. I believe that dog training in the United States is not adequately regulated, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of that by holding myself out to be a “trainer” when no independent certifying organization has evaluated my skills. That said, I frequently attend dog training, handling and behavior courses, workshops, and seminars with some of the most qualified professionals in the industry. I also have interacted with thousands of dogs since 2010, many of them living in a stressful shelter environment, and many others of them coming to live in my home as fosters, and helped to train many of them.
Are the opinions you share those of the organization you work for?
No! Any opinions expressed on The Sniff are mine (unless credited to someone else) and mine alone. They are not those of any organization I work for or volunteer with.
Do you pay for the products that you review?
Usually. If a product was provided to The Sniff in return for a review, that will be noted in the review. No product is guaranteed a positive review – please keep that in mind before you reach out about having The Sniff review your product!
What do you do with products after you review them?
Any product reviewed on The Sniff that was obtained without my paying for it (i.e. it was provided to me in return for a review) will be donated to a shelter or rescue group. Are you part of a shelter or rescue group that could benefit from one of these donations? Please email aj@thesniff.com!