😁Do dogs really smile? and what's the role we play?

🐶Welcome back Proud Pawrent, Let’s go, sniffing out the truth behind those adorable doggo grins, also what makes our pup’s possessive..& more, to understand our pooches better, sharing the best life together…

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Dogs see in the dark with their whiskers’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

• 😁Do dogs really smile? & what’s the role we play?

• Why dogs get possessive & how to stop it.

• 🧠Study reveals how dog brain size + breed affects their temperament.

• Watch this pup watch the beach tennis & tell me dogs aren’t human… 

• 🧐More to chew on…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
Do dogs really smile? & what’s the role we play?

We love seeing our pups happy but “Is that a smile?” It’s a common question among dog parents.

While most experts, (not all), don’t think dogs smile the same way humans do, they do show happiness through different expressions that we pick up on at the same time. It's all about how they communicate with us & each other.

• Can Dogs Really Smile? While dogs don’t smile like we do, their wide-mouth panting & relaxed expressions can look like a grin. This behavior may come from their understanding of how to make us happy.

• Do Dogs Mimic Our Smiles? Here opinions differ. Some views are that dogs mimic our smiles & some not, but regardless, they can respond to our happy expressions.

  Just like laughter can spread, so can happiness between us & our pups.

• Do Dogs Smile at Other Dogs? Dogs communicate with their whole body, using posture & movement to express friendliness, rather than just facial expressions.

• Do Dogs Like When People Smile? Most dogs love seeing their owners smile because it usually means attention, playtime or treats, making them feel good too.

• Do Dogs Smile With Their Teeth When They Feel Guilty? That “guilty grin” isn’t really about guilt. It’s more about submission & trying to calm any potential tension.

• How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Happy If They Aren't Smiling? Look for relaxed body language & a wagging tail, these are great indicators of a happy pooch.

If you’re wondering if your dog is smiling at you, well maybe they are, or maybe they just have their own special ways of showing happiness that you are intuitive to. It’s a win win whichever way you look at it!😁

💎FIDO FRIENDLY

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📣DOG PARENTS POLL: YOUR PODIUM🙂

Dog Parent Poll Results from last week: What type of dog breed do you have?

• A big adorable pooch (38%)

• A medium mighty pooch (0%)

• A mixed breed wonder pooch (25%)

• A small super pooch (12%)

• A rescue remarkable pooch (13%)

• A purebred power pooch (12%)

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
Why dogs get possessive & how to stop it.

If your pup gets a little too protective over their toys, food, or even their favorite spot on the couch, you’re not alone.

Many dogs display possessive aggression, which can lead to some pretty tense moments. Knowing why this happens & how to manage it can help ensure a happier home for both you & your pup.

Things to know.

• What Is Resource Guarding? This behavior happens when dogs growl or snap at people or other animals that approach their prized possessions, like toys or food.

• Signs of Possession Aggression: Look out for growling, snapping, or fighting when your dog feels their belongings are threatened.

  Different dogs show this behavior in different ways.

• Why Do Dogs Get Possessive? Possession aggression can stem from learned behaviors in puppies, competition for resources when new pets arrive, or even past experiences in shelters where resources may have been limited through no fault of the shelter.

How to stop possessive behavior.

• Offer Special Rewards: Instead of taking away your dog’s item, introduce a special treat or toy to encourage them to drop it willingly.

• Try Multi-Step Conditioning: Use multiple bowls with food placed at a distance while your dog eats, gradually introducing more valuable food to shift their focus.

• Keep Desirable Items Away: In the beginning, limit access to high-value items & control the environment to prevent guarding behaviors.

• Consult a Professional: If your dog's aggression is severe or worsening, don't hesitate to reach out to a trainer or behaviorist for assistance.

With patience & the right strategies, you can help your dog feel secure & less possessive over their things.

🐾MORE HERE

🧠Study reveals how dog brain size + breed affects their temperament.

It’s no surprise to any of us that some dogs are more friendly or playful than others?

In fact it turns out that a study has found a link between a dog's brain size & breed, which can actually affect their temperament.

Exploring these connections can give us greater insight into our pups behaviors.

• Brain Volume & Behavior: Larger brain volumes in dogs are often associated with more positive temperaments, suggesting that brain size can play a role in how a dog reacts to different situations.

• Breed Differences: Certain breeds may have specific traits tied to their brain structure, meaning that some breeds might be naturally more sociable or trainable than others.

• Environmental Influence: While brain size & breed are important, how a dog is raised & trained also significantly impacts their behavior & temperament.

Understanding the science behind dog behavior can help us create better environments for our pets & build a close relationship that suits us both the best.

🐾MORE HERE

💎FOR PUPS & PAWRENTS.
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👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to chew on.

• ❤️❤️ Two hearts beat as one. See how you & your dog’s heart match up.

• 🤔Pampering for whom? Dog Mum’s 5 star dog hotel stay reviewed.

• 📷️ Picture Perfect! 19 amazing dog photo award winners.

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Emotional Wellbeing As research shows us more & more, it’s as important to dogs as it is to us. We can support emotional wellbeing by providing holistic care, affection & mental stimulation, keeping them calm in a safe environment, with routines they can predict & by reducing unnecessary forms of stress.

😮OH MY DOG
Watch this pup watch the beach tennis & tell me dogs aren’t human…

Who’s that in the crowd? It’s wonderful Samoyed Akia, who’s got the moves in perfect harmony with everyone!

Blending in nicely don’t you think?..& sure loves a cheer!😀

🐕TAP a TAIL TRIVIA

🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FACT

Dogs whiskers are multi-functional sensory tools that help them orient themselves in tight places, particularly in low light.

We are here to please🐶…

Thanks for being part of the pack 😀

Keep yourself & your pups, happy & safe & see you next time!

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