The mercury is rising, and for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere who has taken a step outside since early July, there’s no doubt we’re in the throes of the “Dog Days” of summer.

Named for the year’s dawn rising of Sirius, the dog star, it was believed in ancient times that the rising of this brightest star in the night sky – combined with the heat of the sun – contributed to the extreme weather of the summer. Some thought the “Dog Days” of summer brought ill fortune to man and dog in the form of drought, disease and discomfort.

While the lore lives on with the ever creeping temperatures, we thought it best to bring the focus to the more reliable part of the name – the dog. Whether this scorching heat finds you in the shade, poolside or indoors with the air conditioning on full blast, we invite you to enjoy – in video form – three of the biggest questions about our canine companions.

What caused the domestication of wolves?

Hint: It probably wasn’t us.

How intelligent are dogs, really?

He’s a good boy, but is he a smart one?

Do dogs love us or do they just want treats?

It’s time to learn the truth once and for all.

And, a recipe for treats…

Because we love them regardless.

Ingredients and supplies: 

• Bone-shaped cookie cutter
• Large bowl
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup bacon fat
• 3-5 eggs (start with 3 and add more if the mixture is too dry)
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• Bacon bits or kibble (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, adding more eggs if the mixture is too dry.
• Use your hands to knead the dough until fully combined, sprinkling flour on the dough if it is too sticky.
• Take small chunks of dough and form them into a ball, and then into a large disc.
• Dust a flat surface with flour and roll the dough to a quarter-inch thick.
• Use the bone-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the biscuits (push down and wiggle the cutter to ensure it separates).
• Place the cutout shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden-brown around the edges.
• To make the biscuits crunchy: use a dehydrator or lower the temperature of your oven to 100-150 degrees Fahrenheit and place the biscuits in the oven overnight.
• To glaze the biscuits: add equal amounts bacon fat and creamy peanut butter to a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, drizzle the glaze over the biscuits. Glazed biscuits must be kept in the refrigerator.