💗How to Supercharge Your Bonding with Training Rituals?

🐶Welcome back pristine pawrent, “Do Lunch With Your Dog Day” is coming up on 15 May…hmmm, I think my dog would rename it “Give Me Your Lunch Day...everyday”😏. Anyway, speaking of food, let’s super-feed your dog smarts with the importance of training rituals, not just training, in building the closest bond with your pup. PLUS How understanding your dogs ear positions is a window into their feelings, also why & how switching your dog’s diet is important….& more…

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Dogs have a seeking circuit in their brain that motivates them to explore & find things they want’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

• 💗How to Supercharge Your Bonding with Training Rituals?

• 🐶How a Dog’s Ear Positions are a Window Into Their Feelings?

• 🍖Why & How to Switch Your Dog’s Food Safely?

• This Dog is Extremely Rare & Wow Can She Dance! 

• 🧐More to Chew On…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
How to Supercharge Your Bonding with Training Rituals?

If you’ve ever wondered why some training sessions with your dog feel effortless & others fall flat, it often comes down to one simple thing, training rituals. As a fellow dog lover & expert, I can’t stress enough how these little routines, more than just the commands, build the foundation of trust & connection between you & your dog.

It’s not just about teaching tricks; it’s about creating a shared language that your dog can count on, making every training moment a chance to deepen your bond.

Here’s why training rituals work like magic for your relationship:

• Establishing Trust: Dogs feel safe when they know what to expect. Consistent cues & routines give them a clear roadmap, so they’re confident in what you want.

• Shared Experiences: Training becomes teamwork. Working toward a goal together strengthens your connection through cooperation & positive moments.

• Predictability: Dogs love routine, it’s their comfort zone. Rituals help reduce anxiety by creating a familiar structure around training.

• Improved Communication: Using the same signals every time helps your dog understand you better, which makes learning smoother & more enjoyable.

• Positive Reinforcement: Pairing rituals with treats & praise turns training into a fun, rewarding experience your dog looks forward to.

• Mental & Physical Stimulation: Training rituals keep your dog engaged both mentally & physically, preventing boredom & sharpening focus.

Here’s how to get started with training rituals:

• Choose a phrase or a signal like “Let’s train” to kick things off, & a release word such as “All done” to wrap up.

• Pick a consistent spot or use a special collar that only comes out during training sessions, dogs quickly associate these cues with what’s coming next.

• Keep sessions short, upbeat, & full of positive feedback.

Over time, these simple but powerful rituals will help your dog settle into training with confidence, making your bond stronger with every session.

Yes, they can be simple but don’t overlook the power in these small routines, they’re the quiet glue that holds your relationship together, building trust & understanding one step at a time.

Try adding a training ritual today & watch your connection grow.

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🎙YOUR POLL

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
How a Dog’s Ear Positions are a Window Into Their Feelings?

I know how tricky it can be to read what your dog is really feeling, especially when their ears are doing a little dance of their own. But here’s the thing, your dog’s ears are like a mood meter, quietly telling you what’s going on inside their head.

Learning to “listen” with your eyes to these subtle ear signals can help you understand your dog better & respond in ways that build trust & keep them feeling safe.

Here’s how to decode those ear positions:

• Neutral ears: When your dog’s ears are relaxed, whether standing tall or gently floppy, (or one of each 😊), it usually means they’re calm & comfortable, just chilling in the moment.

• Ears back or flattened: This can have different meanings. It can show fear or submission, signaling your dog might feel unsure or nervous, but in some playful dogs, pinned-back ears are a sign of excited affection.

  Confirm which it is by looking at the rest of your dog’s body language.

• Perked up ears: Forward facing ears mean your dog is alert & focused, catching sounds or sights that have their full attention, this is often when they’re ready to jump into action.

• Changing ear positions: If their ears are moving around, your dog is gathering information, trying to make sense of what’s happening nearby by tuning into different sounds.

Paying close attention to your dog’s whole body language along with their ears gives you a clearer picture of how they’re feeling. If you notice signs like frequent head tilting (not just the curiosity head tilt) or scratching, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to rule out any ear problems.

Watching & understanding your dog’s ear positions isn’t just about reading signals, it’s about tuning into their world & strengthening the communication between you both.

🐾MORE HERE

🍖Why & How to Switch Your Dog’s Food Safely?

Switching your dog’s food can feel like a big step, & it’s easy to wonder how to do it without upsetting your pup’s tummy or appetite. I want you to know that a thoughtful, slow transition is key to helping your dog adjust smoothly.

Whether you’re switching because of their age, health needs, cost, or just trying to find a flavor they love, approaching the change with patience & care will keep your dog comfortable & happy.

Let’s have a sniff at how & why to switch dog food:

• Reasons for switching: Dogs need different nutrition based on their lifestyle, or sometimes vets suggest special diets for medical reasons or allergies.

• Take it slow: Mix small amounts of the new food into the old over at least seven days, gradually increasing the new food to avoid digestive upset like gas or diarrhea.

• Watch your dog: Keep an eye on their eating habits & digestion; if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat, slow the transition down or check in with your vet.

• Pick the right food: Choose a diet that suits your dog’s health & preferences, & when in doubt, lean on your vet’s advice for guidance.

• Life stage matters: Switching often aligns with milestones like moving from puppy to adult food or adjusting for senior needs.

• Consider support: Sometimes probiotics can help ease digestion during the transition but always check with your vet before adding supplements.

Switching dog food is more than just a quick change, it’s about tuning into what your dog needs & giving them time to settle into something new.

🐾MORE HERE

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Regular Vet Visits Save Lives. Preventative care through annual checkups can catch health issues early & keep your dog feeling their best. If your dog starts acting out of the ordinary & you cannot identify the reason, always err to caution & seek a vet’s advice as soon as possible.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to Chew On.

• 👑Well excuse me!…8 surprising things your dog’s breed reveals about your social status, so says psychology!

• 👃Super Sniffers. Scent Detection Dogs trained to track elusive orchid you can’t see.

• 🐶🐶Absolutely adorable comes in all sizes…with four paws when the world’s tallest dog & smallest dog meet.

😮OH MY DOG
This Dog is Extremely Rare & Wow Can She Dance! 

Saz, is an ultra cute Belgian Laekenois, a dog breed so rare there are less than 1000 left in the world!

She’s pretty relaxed about it thou…& loves to show it by happily strutting her stylish dance moves to one of her favorite tunes.

Watch & Enjoy.💗 

🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FACT

Dogs do have a seeking circuit in their brain, which drives their natural curiosity & motivation to explore, search for food, & engage with new stimuli. This circuit is important to their mental stimulation & overall happiness, which is one of the reasons that dog enrichment is so vital to caring best for them.

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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