💗How to Sense and Strengthen Your Dog's Bond.

🐶Welcome back pristine pawrent, Let’s go, with truly understanding our dogs, so vital to protecting their mental & physical wellbeing. Sniff into decoding how your dog bonds with you, & how to make it better. Plus calculating how much exercise your dog really needs, the importance of managing prey drive, & more…

P.S. This is the first issue of your FREE Best DOG’s Life email digest now that it has moved from weekly to fortnightly. Still me & the rest of our passionate dog loving expert team, bringing you all the important dog parent ‘need to knows’, right to your inbox.

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Newborn puppies find where to feed by smell’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

• 💗 How to Sense & Strengthen Your Dog’s Bond.

• 🐾How to Calculate What Exercise Your Dog Really Needs.

• 🐕What is Prey Drive in Dogs & How to Manage it?

• Adorable Pup’s Selfie Smile Gets All the Laughs, & the Treat!

• 🧐More to Chew On…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
How to Sense & Strengthen Your Dog’s Bond.

We know the unconditional love we feel for our pups, but how do we know how they really feel?

Our pups have their own special ways of bonding with us, & understanding these behaviors can really help us strengthen that bond.

Look out for these signs,:

• Tail-wagging: An energetic tail wag, especially propeller tail (round & round not just side to side) when their whole body gets involved, means your pup is thrilled to see you. It’s like their way of saying, “You’re my favorite!”

• Relaxed body movements: When your dog’s body language is calm & loose, they’re feeling safe & at ease with you. That relaxed vibe? It speaks volumes about your bond.

• Rolling over to show their belly: This can mean different things, but often it’s a playful gesture or a request for belly rubs. Either way, they feel comfortable with you.

• Leaning against you: If your pup leans in for a cuddle, it’s a sweet sign of trust. They’re looking for comfort & connection.

• Lying on you (or near you): When they choose to snuggle up or lie on your feet, it’s their way of saying they love your warmth & companionship.

• Following you: Dogs that stick close by, want to be part of your world. It’s their way of showing they adore you!

• Pawing you: If your pup taps you with their paw, they’re often asking for some love & attention. Who can resist that?

• Licking: Those enthusiastic licks? They're like tiny kisses from your dog, expressing affection & excitement (& yes, they can mean other things as well).

• Sharing toys: When your dog brings you a toy, it’s not just about playtime, it’s an invitation to bond & connect.

To make your bond with your dog even stronger:

• Spend quality time together with petting, grooming & quiet time.

• Stick to a routine like with feeding & walks.

• Make time for regular, fun play sessions. Your dog’s mental & physical enrichment are as important as each other.

• Teach them. Dog’s love to learn, they love to be challenged & they love to be trained (even though sometimes it may not seem like it😏)

Dogs thrive on that connection, & the more you engage with them, the stronger your bond will grow.💗 

🐾MORE HERE

💎PLUS FOR PUPS & PAWRENTS

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🎙YOUR POLL

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
How to Calculate What Exercise Your Dog Really Needs.

Understanding how much exercise your dog really needs can feel like a tricky puzzle, but it’s crucial for their health & happiness. I’ve been there, wondering if my pup is getting enough activity or if I’m just wearing myself out chasing after him.🤔 

The good news is that calculating your dog’s exercise requirements can be pretty easy.

First, consider your dog’s age. Puppies are bundles of energy & need short bursts of play throughout the day, while older dogs often prefer calmer activities. Typically a senior dog enjoys leisurely strolls more than wild zoomies.

Next up is breed. Some breeds, like Retrievers, thrive on long runs & active playtime, while others, like Bulldogs, are more about lounging. Knowing your dog's breed can help you tailor their exercise routine to their energy level.

Don’t forget about health & weight. If your dog has any health conditions or is packing on a few extra pounds, a quick chat with your vet can guide you in the right direction for safe exercises.

Lastly, keep in mind that mental exercise (mental enrichment) is just as important as physical activity. Incorporating games like hide-&-seek or puzzle toys can be a great way to tire them out while also keeping their minds sharp, & it strengthens your relationship.

As you build your dog’s exercise routine, focus on making it enjoyable for both of you.

Celebrate those small victories, whether it’s mastering a new trick or simply enjoying a sunny walk together. It’s all about finding that balance that works for you & your precious pup.💗 

🐾MORE HERE

🐕What is Prey Drive in Dogs & How to Manage it?

If you've noticed your pup fixating on a birdie or a moving toy, you’re witnessing what’s known as prey drive. This instinctual behavior stems from their ancestral roots, where chasing prey was a survival skill.

Over the years, humans have selectively bred dogs to accentuate prey drive in different ways, resulting in a wide range of behaviors across breeds.

While it can be entertaining to watch, managing this drive is essential for keeping your dog safe & well-behaved.

What you need to know:

• Understanding Prey Drive: Prey drive is a natural instinct that varies by breed & individual dog.

  Some dogs have a high prey drive, making them more likely to chase after smaller animals or fast-moving objects. Yes, there are the breeds you’d expert but I’m not mentioning them (OK one, Border Collie - herding dog group) because temperaments vary no matter the breed & with that prey drive.

• Redirecting Focus: Teaching your dog to focus on you instead of potential prey can help. Use treats & commands to redirect their attention during walks or playtime.

• Providing Outlets: Engaging your dog in activities that satisfy their instincts, like chasing balls or participating in agility training, can help channel that energy in a positive way.

  Additionally, incorporating mental enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys or scent games, can keep their minds engaged & provide a challenge that reduces the urge to chase or herd.

Managing your dog's prey drive takes patience & consistency, but it can be done.

By understanding their instincts & providing appropriate outlets, you can create a safer & happier environment for both you & your pup. Enjoy the journey.🙂

🐾MORE HERE

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Make Changes When the Clock Changes. Dog’s need to adjust to daylight savings starting & finishing or they can stress. Gradually adjust feeding times, shift walk & play times gradually, use natural light to your advantage, stick to a consistent bedtime, be mindful of bathroom breaks, keep them active during daylight hours, & be patient & observe their behavior.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to Chew On.

• 🤠Caring Dog Trainer Sharing…2 simple hacks to stop dogs jumping on people.

• 🌼Changing Seasons? The benefits of canine allergy testing, is this the best test?

• 🐩👩🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏻Sharing the waistline… Scientists find genes that make Labrador & Human obesity more likely.

😮OH MY DOG
Adorable Pup’s Selfie Smile Gets All the Laughs, & the Treat!

Everything in the correct order right Mum?!

Smiles can be as contagious as yawns & when Django’s Mum says treat second, selfie with a smile first. It’s about as wonderfully contagious as you can get.

Try it & brighten your day.😄💗 

djangosmiles

343K followers

View more on Instagram

🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FLUFF

Newborn puppies find their mother’s teat by heat (their nose acts as a heat sensor). The teat is the hottest part of the mother’s body.

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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