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In the past few weeks we’ve been working with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.fujitsu.com/us/">Fujitsu Americas</a> on a proof of concept (POC) to provide animal shelters with a solution to monitor the health and the behavior of their dogs.Our friends at Fujitsu presented their vision for the future of shelter analytics at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/">Dreamforce</a> '13&nbsp;conference in San Francisco earlier today. Based on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.salesforce.com/">salesforce.com</a>&nbsp;platform, their revolutionary interface taps into FitBark's API to create activity indices and custom analytics.We’re excited at the prospect of helping monitor the quality of life of dogs ready for adoption!All the furry details in the following slide.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Fujitsu_Salesforce_c1ce1a5b7e.jpeg" alt="Flowchart from Fujitsu" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Fujitsu_Salesforce_c1ce1a5b7e.jpeg 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Fujitsu_Salesforce_c1ce1a5b7e.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Fujitsu_Salesforce_c1ce1a5b7e.jpeg 750w," sizes="100vw">

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FitBark's API Goes To The Shelters

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The study investigated cognitive differences between different dog breeds, including learning ability, memory, problem-solving, social cognition, and inhibitory control. The researchers tested 13 different breeds of dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds, and found significant differences in their cognitive abilities.The study found that breeds differed in their ability to understand human gestures, solve spatial problems, and show inhibitory control in a cylinder test. Some breeds also showed more persistence and directed behavior towards humans in an unsolvable task. Additionally, breeds differed in their behavior towards unfamiliar people, activity level, and exploration of a new environment. However, no significant differences were found in memory or logical reasoning ability.Overall, the results suggest that breed differences mainly emerge in tasks measuring social cognition, problem-solving, and inhibitory control, and these traits may have come under diversifying artificial selection in different breeds. In other words, different breeds of dogs have been bred to have different traits, and these differences are reflected in their cognitive abilities.The study highlights the importance of considering individual dog breeds rather than grouping them together based on function or genetic relatedness when studying cognitive abilities. The findings could help us better understand how dogs think and behave, and may also have implications for understanding the heritability of cognitive traits in other animals, including humans.You can check out the full study <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26991-5#Abs1">here</a>

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How Different are Fido and Rover's Learning abilities?

We heard you! When a pet goes missing, coverage can make all the difference. If you're looking for the best possible coverage nationwide - beyond that of a Bluetooth tag, or a single-carrier GPS pet tracker - we've got you covered. Today, we're excited to introduce FitBark GPS 2nd Generation.SUPPORTS ALL 3 U.S. MAJOR CARRIERS. Our newest tracker automatically (and seamlessly) switches between Verizon, AT&amp;T and T-Mobile 4G LTE-M networks to ensure the best possible coverage at all times. Note that the embedded sim is independent of your smartphone's wireless provider.MULTIPLE SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS. Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SBAS and QZSS for state-of-the-art, real-time tracking of your pet both in urban canyons and rural areas.3x ANTENNA PERFORMANCE. We reimagined the design and the placement of the antennas for better location tracking and overall performance.MORE RELIABLE ESCAPE DETECTION. Our new platform is smarter in differentiating between an escape and a stroll around the perimeter of a safe place, so you can expect fewer false exit notifications.IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE. Most pups will typically recharge for two hours every 3-5 weeks.LIGHT, RUGGED &amp; WATERPROOF. At 16 grams, FitBark GPS 2nd Generation fits dogs of any size (Chihuahuas and Leonbergers welcome!), and loves the water as much as your dog does. Fits collars up to 1.5″ (38 mm) wide.<hr>As we introduce our most connected and resilient dog wearable yet, we'd like to thank our friendly and passionate beta testing community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and recommendations. Thank you for helping us turn challenges into opportunities. Thank you for getting us closer to a world where no pets will have to find themselves alone, stranded and helpless.You and Your Pet, Safe &amp; Healthy Together.FitBark GPS (2nd Generation) is now available for purchase at fitbark.com

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Introducing FitBark GPS 2nd Generation

Accelerometers track changes in physical activity which can indicate health and welfare concerns in dogs. The FitBark 2 (FitBark) is an accelerometer for use with dogs; however, no studies have externally validated this tool. The objective of this study was to evaluate FitBark criterion validity by correlating FitBark activity data to dog step count. Dogs (n = 26) were fitted with a collar-mounted FitBark and individually recorded for 30 min using a three-phase approach: (1) off-leash room explore; (2) human-dog interaction; and (3) on-leash walk. Video analysis was used to count the number of times the front right paw touched the ground (step count). Dog step count and FitBark activity were moderately correlated across all phases (r = 0.65, p &lt; 0.001). High correlations between step count and FitBark activity were observed during phases 1 (r = 0.795, p &lt; 0.001) and 2 (r = 0.758, p &lt; 0.001), and a low correlation was observed during phase 3 (r = 0.498, p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the FitBark is a valid tool for tracking physical activity in off-leash dogs; however, more work should be done to identify the best method of tracking on-leash activity.See the whole study at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999242/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999242/</a>

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Evaluation of the FitBark Activity Monitor for Measuring Physical Activity in Dogs

We are proud to announce our newest integration: the FitBark app for Apple Watch. It shows you your pup’s health statistics and location*, as well as our leaderboard, right on your wrist. It will be available for download on the App Store in Q4 2020.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Apple_Watch_App_Composition_1800705734.jpeg" alt="FitBark on Apple Watch" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Apple_Watch_App_Composition_1800705734.jpeg 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Apple_Watch_App_Composition_1800705734.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Apple_Watch_App_Composition_1800705734.jpeg 750w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_Apple_Watch_App_Composition_1800705734.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw">A few years ago we noticed that, often enough, we would feel compelled to take our dog on a walk even on those days when we felt like being inactive. In other words, we would care to give our pup what he needed, and knew would make him happy - no matter what the weather looked like.As we looked around, we noticed that we weren’t alone. Many other pet owners were displaying a new form of social support that was focused on getting their pets more active. This, we thought, promised to get both pets and humans healthier. So this was our goal: we wanted to bring transparency to dog health in order to get people moving with their pets. This is what prompted us to start FitBark.From the outset, our technology has been designed around a "Healthy Together" vision. Native integrations with Fitbit, Apple, and Google's human health platforms have been transforming our commitment to the health of our pets into a fun visual journey of accountability that reinforces the human-animal bond.Your dog, any dog, is an ideal workout partner. Committing to your dog means committing to your own health. At FitBark, we believe in a world where fitness happens on both ends of the leash. Join us on our mission to get dogs and humans healthy together.*Location is only available for FitBark GPS.

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Introducing the FitBark App for Apple Watch

Big news, pet parents. Your favorite dog health monitor just got an upgrade! Since the introduction of FitBark 2, we have been working tirelessly not only with devoted pet parents from 140+ countries, but also with veterinarians and research institutions everywhere to combine their wisdom with our technology. Today we're launching FitBark GPS in the U.S. market.GET WI-FI SAFE ZONE ALERTS. Create multiple safe zones around familiar Wi-Fi networks (e.g. home, daycare, friend’s house) and get alerted when your pup leaves or enters one of these safe areas.PINPOINT GPS LOCATION IN MINUTES. In case of emergency, quickly track your pup anywhere in the U.S. via the embedded Verizon cellular service. Receive 1-minute location updates until you happily reunite with your doggo.BATTERY LASTS WEEKS. Most pups typically recharge for two hours every 10-20 days. The rest is playtime!MONITOR ACTIVITY &amp; SLEEP 24/7. Track minute-by-minute activity, sleep quality, distance traveled, calories burned, and overall health and behavior. Rank your dog vs. breed, age and weight peers.FITBIT WATCH FACE. Glance at your Fitbit Versa 2, Versa or Ionic to get updated on your pup's health and whereabouts!KEEP AN EYE ON MEDICAL ISSUES.&nbsp;Monitor mobility, anxiety and skin diseases through changes in behavior and sleep habits.LIGHT, RUGGED &amp; WATERPROOF. At 17 grams, FitBark GPS fits dogs of any size (Chihuahuas and Leonbergers welcome!), and loves the water as much as your dog does. Fits collars up to 1.5″ (38 mm) wide.As we introduce our most precise and connected dog wearable yet, we'd like to send a heartfelt thank you to the doggie and human beta testers who helped us bring this product to market. The opportunity to interact with you, learning from your habits and behaviors, has not only shaped our mission, but also the design and - we hope! - the reliability of our products.Healthy Together.Priced at $99.95, FitBark GPS is now available for purchase at fitbark.com

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 Introducing FitBark GPS All-in-One Dog Health & Location Tracker

We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Elanco, a global leader focused on developing and marketing innovative solutions that enhance companion animal health. Our collaboration brings together FitBark and Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) within select veterinary clinics across the U.S.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Elanco_Logo_350x176_171e058195.png" alt="Elanco logo" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Elanco_Logo_350x176_171e058195.png 245w," sizes="100vw">Since 1954, Elanco has been working to empower veterinarians, food producers, and all those concerned with animal health with the tools needed to help animals live healthy lives. Elanco makes an ideal partner for FitBark to foster healthier pets, healthier humans and a healthier environment.In the words of Kayci Spandau, Marketing Associate at Elanco:<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Elanco_Kayci_Spandau_350x263_061aa98a8b.jpeg" alt="Kayci Spandau" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Elanco_Kayci_Spandau_350x263_061aa98a8b.jpeg 208w," sizes="100vw">“Pet owners know their dog better than anyone, but it is often difficult to notice subtle changes in pet’s behavior and movement that could be a sign of a physical condition like osteoarthritis, which afflicts one in five dogs1. Elanco’s commitment to helping pets, their owners and veterinarians fits in perfectly with FitBark’s mission of allowing pet owners to not only be active with their dog, but to also monitor behavior throughout the day. With the help of your veterinarian, you may be able to notice critical patterns that you may otherwise miss. To learn more about canine osteoarthritis and Galliprant, please visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.galliprantfordogs.com/">Galliprantfordogs.com</a>”We are proud to share our One Health vision with Elanco. Look for FitBark at thousands of veterinary clinics nationwide!<hr>About ElancoElanco Animal Health provides innovation and veterinary support to help pets live longer, healthier, higher-quality lives. Please visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.elanco.us/">www.elanco.us</a>&nbsp;to learn more.INDICATION Galliprant is an NSAID that controls pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Monitoring is recommended if used long term. Should not be used in dogs who are allergic to grapiprant or with other anti-inflammatory drugs. The safe use of Galliprant has not been studied in dogs younger than 9 months of age and less than 8 pounds, breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs with heart disease. The most common adverse reactions were vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and tiredness. View <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.elancolabels.com/us/galliprant-with-tear-off">full product label</a> for complete safety information or contact your veterinarian.REFERENCES 1Johnston, SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 1997; 27:699-723.© 2019 Elanco. Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Galliprant is a registered trademark of Aratana Therapeutics, Inc.PM-US-19-1628

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FitBark and Elanco team up to promote pet health and well-being

<h2>Log My Dog: Perceived Impact of Dog Activity Tracking</h2>Abstract: The pet industry is catching up in the wearables market, and pet activity and location trackers are increasingly worn by our furry friends. We report on an empirical study investigating the user perceptions of a popular dog activity tracker. Results show that these trackers have a positive impact on owners' motivation to increase their physical activities with their dogs.Read the full article on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8812161">IEEE</a>. A previous version of this article is available on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330888131_Log_My_Dog_Perceived_Impact_of_Dog_Activity_Tracking">ResearchGate</a> (no subscription required).<hr>A recent study by the Tech4Animals lab, published in IEEE Computer (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8812161">https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8812161</a>), a high-impact leading magazine on technological innovations, features the FitBark product, posing some fascinating questions on the dog-human bond through the lense of technology. By interviewing more than eighty FitBark users, the study showed that FitBark is perceived to have positive impact on owners' motivation to increase their mutual physical activities with their dogs. Moreover, the human-dog bond is perceived to be further reinforced, increasing human awareness to animals’ needs by giving them a “digital voice”, potentially improving the quality of human caregiving.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Love_My_Dog_Chart_1be3199289.png" alt="A research chart" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Love_My_Dog_Chart_1be3199289.png 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Love_My_Dog_Chart_1be3199289.png 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Love_My_Dog_Chart_1be3199289.png 750w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_Love_My_Dog_Chart_1be3199289.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">The study shows that “healthier together” is more than just a slogan, as dog and human activity go hand in hand. Several participants particularly noted the effectiveness of synchronization of FitBark with their own FitBit on increasing their mutual daily activity with their dogs. Thus activity trackers such as FitBark may increase the depth of our understanding of what motivates people to increase their activity not only for their own good, but for that of their pets as well.A next step will be to see how product integration between FitBark and Fitbit can play into this joint increase of activity to stimulate more enduring benefits to activity and health than 'individual' devices tracking only human fitness have so far been shown to have.&nbsp;In general, the authors believe that smart collars and activity trackers are the “underdogs” of the IoT world, and that these devices will have a significant impact on society in more ways than we can imagine today. One aspect of this is that dogs and cats are beginning to generate huge amounts of wellbeing data, and that the insights scientists will eventually obtain through analyzing this data are about to transform the way we take care of our companion animals’ needs today.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_tech_4_animals_7920f2e114.jpeg" alt="A dog wearing a FitBark" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_tech_4_animals_7920f2e114.jpeg 208w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_tech_4_animals_7920f2e114.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_tech_4_animals_7920f2e114.jpeg 750w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_tech_4_animals_7920f2e114.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><img src="https://www.fitbark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FitBark_tech_4_animals-900x675.jpg" alt="">Becky, a founding member of the Tech4Animals Lab, proudly trying her new FitBark

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University of Haifa taps FitBark to show that dog health monitors motivate humans to be more active

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Fitbit. Together, we aim to inspire humans to be more active with their pets, generating better health outcomes for both.We’ve long believed that our pets not only are great life companions, but also get us moving - each and every day. Over and over, we hear from our users that since starting to use their FitBark, they have become more active themselves. Today, we are closing the loop in encouraging healthy habits for all family members.And we’re doing it in style, partnering with a global leader in health technology! As much as Fitbit has inspired our mission here at FitBark, we hope to inspire many Fitbit users to better care for their pets. Together, we have the potential not only to improve care giving, but also to enhance pet-owner interaction as well as the human-animal bond.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Composition_Fitbit_Versa_59b4d6e52a.png" alt="FitBark on Fitbit" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Composition_Fitbit_Versa_59b4d6e52a.png 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Composition_Fitbit_Versa_59b4d6e52a.png 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Composition_Fitbit_Versa_59b4d6e52a.png 750w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_Composition_Fitbit_Versa_59b4d6e52a.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Available in Q1 2019, the FitBark app and watch face for Fitbit Versa and Ionic shows your daily Fitbit stats such as activity, distance and calories burned alongside those of your furry companion - right on your wrist!And if you have a FitBark, you can already visualize your Fitbit steps in the FitBark mobile apps for iOS and Android, which also provide a unified leaderboard with the pets and the humans in your life.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Composition_Leaderboad_Comparison_900x872_c566808ff4.png" alt="App screenshots" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Composition_Leaderboad_Comparison_900x872_c566808ff4.png 161w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Composition_Leaderboad_Comparison_900x872_c566808ff4.png 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Composition_Leaderboad_Comparison_900x872_c566808ff4.png 750w," sizes="100vw">Ready to get healthy together? Head over to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://investor.fitbit.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2018/Fitbit-Enhances-Health-and-Fitness-Smartwatch-Experience-Powered-by-Fitbit-OS-30-Update-New-Popular-Brand-Apps-and-Advanced-Developer-Tools/default.aspx">Fitbit's Website</a>&nbsp;and read the announcement!<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Fitbit_OS_3_350x518_d0a9fa9116.png" alt="A Fitbit" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Fitbit_OS_3_350x518_d0a9fa9116.png 105w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Fitbit_OS_3_350x518_d0a9fa9116.png 338w," sizes="100vw">

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FitBark and Fitbit team up to get dogs and their humans healthy together

Hello FitBarkers! On the recommendation of countless dog parents and veterinarians, we are excited to announce two new features available to all FitBark users.<h3>Historical Views</h3>These views are your new best friend to get short-term and long-term insights into all the health metrics your FitBark device tracks. How's my pup's activity changing based on daily rest hours and quality of nocturnal sleep? How is weight changing based on total activity, minutes of play time or calories burned? How are the FitBark Health Index and Sleep Score evolving over time, and how do they compare with those of similar dogs? What's the correlation between my activity and that of my dog? On what days, or months did my dog get a bad night's sleep at daycare? In what months was my pup sick, or in best shape last year? How many miles did my dog run in summer vs. winter? Tap the little bone in the standard daily, weekly and monthly views, then select one, or two overlaying metrics and find out!<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Historical_Views_Composition_Health_Play_Time_i_Phone_Gold_6dd9c475bb.png" alt="Historical views on the FitBark app" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Historical_Views_Composition_Health_Play_Time_i_Phone_Gold_6dd9c475bb.png 125w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Historical_Views_Composition_Health_Play_Time_i_Phone_Gold_6dd9c475bb.png 400w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Historical_Views_Composition_Health_Play_Time_i_Phone_Gold_6dd9c475bb.png 600w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_Historical_Views_Composition_Health_Play_Time_i_Phone_Gold_6dd9c475bb.png 800w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Weekly Email Report</h3>In addition to a quick in-app weekly card, you can now dive deep into a report that helps you review how the health of all your pups is changing week over week. Make sure to sync your FitBark on Mondays (or just use a Wi-Fi Base Station) so we may send you the report!<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Weekly_Email_Report_Fitz_418b6ec572.jpeg" alt="Weekly email " srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Weekly_Email_Report_Fitz_418b6ec572.jpeg 56w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Weekly_Email_Report_Fitz_418b6ec572.jpeg 180w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Weekly_Email_Report_Fitz_418b6ec572.jpeg 270w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/large_Fit_Bark_Weekly_Email_Report_Fitz_418b6ec572.jpeg 359w," sizes="100vw">

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Introducing Historical Views and Weekly Email Report

STRONGER. Made of high-impact polycarbonate, FitBark 2 is even more durable on land and underwater, while still fitting dogs of any size.BATTERY LIFE UP TO 6 MONTHS. FitBark 2 adds a stunning battery life up to 3.5 dog years. This means better data, more complete behavioral information, and more reliable performance. Worry less about recharging and more about bonding with your dog!INTERCHANGEABLE COLORED COVERS. Let your pup's true colors shine with a signature FitBark 2 cover. Easily swap covers while the FitBark 2 stays securely on the collar. Whether you're celebrating your dog's personality, coordinating with a new seasonal coat or gearing up for a special occasion, you have 12 options to have fun with.MONITOR ACTIVITY &amp; SLEEP 24/7.&nbsp;Track minute-by-minute activity, sleep quality, distance traveled, calories burned, and overall health and behavior.GET ACTIVE WITH YOUR DOG!&nbsp;Link your Fitbit, Apple HealthKit, Google Fit or Jawbone device and review health side-by-side.KEEP AN EYE ON MEDICAL ISSUES.&nbsp;Monitor mobility, anxiety and skin diseases through changes in behavior and sleep habits.As we introduce our most precise and human-friendly dog wearable yet, we'd like to send a heartfelt thank you to the 45+ research institutions worldwide we have had the honor to learn from. The opportunity to work in preclinical and clinical grade contexts to help advance dog health has not only shaped our mission, but also the design and reliability of our products.Healthy Together.

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Introducing FitBark 2 Dog Activity & Sleep Monitor

Researchers at the University of Cambridge completed a One Healthy study that has the potential to improve outcomes in treatment of a wide range of orthopedic diseases in humans and animals, including osteoarthritis.The researchers explain that several potential treatments fail at the animal to human translational stage; one of the primary causes being a lack of technology available to measure changes in behavior and pain in free living conditions.This study validates use of the FitBark activity monitor for tracking movement and activity of experimental sheep before and after surgery, through a correlation between FitBark data and radiography, macroscopic and histological scoring (well recognized outcome measurements). In other words, the FitBark allows for the measurement of behavioral outcomes in animals in a way that more closely replicates the increasing emphasis on "patient reported outcome measurements" in humans.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_sheep_a8eeb872fb.jpeg" alt="A sheep walking" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_sheep_a8eeb872fb.jpeg 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_sheep_a8eeb872fb.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_sheep_a8eeb872fb.jpeg 750w," sizes="100vw">In the article, the researchers highlight the benefits of FitBark's cost and ease of use and conclude suggesting that telemetry (wireless monitoring) should be considered for inclusion in outcome measures in preclinical orthopedic research.Congratulations to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://sciences.musculoskeletal.group.cam.ac.uk/members/karin-newell/">Karin Newell</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.smartbell.io/">Dr. Jose Chitty</a>&nbsp;and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.orthopaedics.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-frances-henson/">Dr. Frances Henson</a> for completing this groundbreaking work that has the potential to improve not only animal health but also human health as it relates to osteoarthritis and other&nbsp;orthopedic diseases.Head over to PubMed to review the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29087600">abstract</a>, and read the full article <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jor.23790/epdf">here</a>.

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University of Cambridge pioneers telemetry in orthopedic research with FitBark's activity monitor

We're excited to announce that we are teaming up with Animal Planet on their new TV show, My Big Fat Pet Makeover!<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_MBFPM_Logo_Lockup_White_Generic_900x422_552ee50c81.jpeg" alt="My Big Fat Pet Makeover logo" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_MBFPM_Logo_Lockup_White_Generic_900x422_552ee50c81.jpeg 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_MBFPM_Logo_Lockup_White_Generic_900x422_552ee50c81.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_MBFPM_Logo_Lockup_White_Generic_900x422_552ee50c81.jpeg 750w," sizes="100vw">The show airs on Saturdays at 10 p.m. EST, with the season premiere on September 30th, 2017. In each episode, pet expert and trainer Travis Brorsen works with different families to help make big changes. We are thrilled to support his cause and watch these animals' lives improve dramatically. At FitBark, one of our biggest goals is to get pets and humans healthy together, and My Big Fat Pet Makeover makes this a reality for those families. Below is an exclusive sneak peek of the show. Watch out for FitBarks on the collars of dogs and cats who are ready to transform their lives!<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyWjuFXmfAE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>With over half of our nation's dogs and cats obese or overweight, we're on a mission to promote an active lifestyle and healthy nutritional options to improve quality of life. Travis feels the same way. “My goal for this series is to raise awareness of the pet obesity problem while educating and empowering pet owners to make big changes for their furry family members,” Brorsen said. “I’m thrilled to be sharing health, wellness and training tips [with] the Animal Planet audiences that will help owners find new ways to love their pets and add years to their life.”<hr>Catch My Big Fat Pet Makeover&nbsp;on Animal Planet on&nbsp; Saturdays at 10 p.m. EST starting 9/30, or click below to watch on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.animalplanetgo.com/my-big-fat-pet-makeover/">Animal Planet GO</a>!<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Animal_Planet_GO_900x380_ddab82ea02.png" alt="A dog's paws on a scale" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Animal_Planet_GO_900x380_ddab82ea02.png 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Animal_Planet_GO_900x380_ddab82ea02.png 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Animal_Planet_GO_900x380_ddab82ea02.png 750w," sizes="100vw">

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FitBark and Animal Planet team up to launch My Big Fat Pet Makeover

Great news for those who can’t bear to be apart from their pooches: allowing Fido to sleep in your room can actually give you a better night’s sleep!<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_JM-rMXnX2M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“Most people assume having pets in the bedroom is a disruption,” says Lois Krahn, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist at the Center for Sleep Medicine on Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campus and an author of the study. But is this actually true?&nbsp;The Mayo Clinic published the findings of their sleep study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30486-X/fulltext">The Effect of Dogs on Human Sleep in the Home Sleep Environment</a>, which used the FitBark to measure sleep efficiency, in early September 2017. While it is commonly thought that having a dog in the bedroom disrupts sleep, the study reveals that having your pup sleep in your room is generally not a disruptive habit. Not only that, our dogs also seem to achieve desirable sleep scores from being allowed to stay near us in the night.The study ran over the course five months and focused on 40 adults, who did not have any sleep disorders, and their dogs. Both the humans and the dogs had activity trackers, with the canine participants using FitBarks, which were worn for 7 consecutive nights. The study shows that the overwhelming majority of participants maintained their sleep efficiency while having their dog in the room. However, it’s important to note that while having your pup sleep in your room can provide great comfort and have no ill effect on your sleep, allowing Fido to crawl into bed may slightly decrease your sleep efficiency.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Mayo_Clinic_Study_Dogs_Bedroom_900x527_649441b9f7.jpeg" alt="A dog sleeping next to a bed with people in it" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Mayo_Clinic_Study_Dogs_Bedroom_900x527_649441b9f7.jpeg 245w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_Mayo_Clinic_Study_Dogs_Bedroom_900x527_649441b9f7.jpeg 500w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/medium_Fit_Bark_Mayo_Clinic_Study_Dogs_Bedroom_900x527_649441b9f7.jpeg 750w," sizes="100vw">As Dr. Krahn says, “The relationship between people and their pets has changed over time, which is likely why many people in fact do sleep with their pets in the bedroom. Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that. And, now, pet owners can find comfort knowing it won’t negatively impact their sleep.”Head over to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30486-X/fulltext">Mayo Clinic's Proceedings</a>&nbsp;to download the entire study, and view coverage on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/dog-sleeping-bedroom-hurt-quality-sleep/story?id=49787352">Good Morning America</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20170912/its-time-to-kick-fido-out----of-bed-that-is#1">WebMD</a>.

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Mayo Clinic uses FitBark's activity monitors to show that dogs are good sleep companions

Ever misplaced your FitBark? Did Fido manage to get his collar off and now it's lost somewhere in the backyard?A few apps are coming to the rescue.&nbsp;The two most useful that we've found are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lightblue-explorer-bluetooth-low-energy/id557428110?mt=8">LightBlue Explorer</a> (iOS) and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.macdom.ble.blescanner&amp;hl=en">BLE Scanner</a> (Android) - both of which are free in their respective app stores.Both of these apps are designed to locate missing Bluetooth LE (low energy) devices - which means it can locate a missing FitBark but also any other low energy Bluetooth device, like most human activity trackers. These apps will not accurately identify other Bluetooth devices, only low energy devices.To be able to find your FitBark, it needs to have battery life and be within range (about 30 feet or 9 meters). If you still cannot find your FitBark after using these apps, please reach out to customer support and we will be more than happy to help.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_lightblue_screenshot_cdf17f274a.jpeg" alt="Screenshot of lightblue app" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_lightblue_screenshot_cdf17f274a.jpeg 88w,https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/small_Fit_Bark_lightblue_screenshot_cdf17f274a.jpeg 282w," sizes="100vw">Thanks for&nbsp;Dale Graham of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.llamarada.com">llamarada.com</a>&nbsp;for the nice tip! Neither Dale nor FitBark have any affiliation with the makers of these tracking apps. We just found them&nbsp;extremely useful and thought you might as well.This was originally posted June 9th, 2015 and updated May 2nd, 2017.

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A helpful tip to locate a missing FitBark

We are thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with&nbsp;PetSure to launch FitBark in the Australian market.<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Petsure_Logo_350x113_9660036ccc.png" alt="PetSure logo" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Petsure_Logo_350x113_9660036ccc.png 245w," sizes="100vw">With 360,000 policy holders, an 85% market share, a network of 22&nbsp;pet insurance brands as well as access to major retailers and pet healthcare providers in Australia, PetSure is an ideal partner to help us bring&nbsp;new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.fitbark.com/explore/">pet&nbsp;health data sets</a> to the insurance industry and beyond.In the words of&nbsp;Alexandra Thomas, CEO of PetSure:<img src="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/Fit_Bark_Alexandra_Thomas_8bbb0f2c6f.jpeg" alt="CEO of PetSure, Alexandra Thomas" srcset="https://fb-strapi.s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Fit_Bark_Alexandra_Thomas_8bbb0f2c6f.jpeg 156w," sizes="100vw">"FitBark encourages healthy habits&nbsp;for dogs and their owners, but more importantly, it can help pet parents and their vets to create better welfare outcomes for pets – something we’re really passionate about.&nbsp;It is also the first platform that&nbsp;brings a wealth of ‘real-world’ data on the behavior, activity and sleeping patterns of dogs to the pet insurance industry. These insights have great potential to help us shape future products and premiums.”We are proud to help dogs and their owners stay healthy in over 110 countries. After launching in the US, Canada and the UK, Australia is the fourth country (and the third continent) where we are developing our retail&nbsp;presence.Learn more about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://petsure.com.au/">PetSure</a>&nbsp;and find out&nbsp;about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://petsure.com.au/FitBark/Enquiries">FitBark wholesale distribution in Australia</a>.<hr>About PetSurePetSure is Australia’s leading Pet Insurance Underwriting Management Agency (UMA) powering the pet insurance propositions of twenty-two (22) brands, including some of Australia’s most recognisable and prestigious brands, such as Woolworths, RSPCA, Medibank, Bupa, HCF and Petbarn. It is one of Australia’s fastest growing UMAs of scale.As Australia’s only dedicated and specialist underwriting manager with a sole focus on pets, PetSure have pedigree when it comes to pet insurance policy. PetSure design relevant policy solutions to meet the specific needs of each different pet owner, building on a 15-year track-record of agility and innovation in this specialised area of insurance.

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FitBark partners with PetSure, Australia's largest pet insurance underwriter

We've partnered&nbsp;with Nulo to help you and your pups get healthier together.&nbsp;Check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://nulo.com/nulochallenge/">Nulo Challenge</a> to see how you can share your health&nbsp;journey and enter to win a FitBark! Some of the athletes who have accepted the challenge include:Natalie Coughlin with Dozer and She-ra 5-Time Gold Medal SwimmerJosh Isner with Magill Professional Tennis PlayerCharlie White with DJ &amp; Finn Gold Medal Ice DancerCarly Patterson and Beauxgart &amp; Jasper Gold Medal GymnastHilary Knight and Winnie Olympic Medal Hockey Player and 6-Time&nbsp;World ChampionCheck out these athletes and their dogs on social media.&nbsp;You may just see a FitBark on those collars!

FitBark's API Goes To The Shelters

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