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  • 😢How you upset and confuse your dog without realizing...and how to fix it.

😢How you upset and confuse your dog without realizing...and how to fix it.

PLUS: ✔Why are dogs so loyal to humans? ✔Science says dogs get high on ear rubs. Here’s why. ✨Adorable pooch deserves an Oscar for this!

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Read time: 5 minutes

🐶Happy New Year pristine pawrent! Let’s zoomie into a brighter, better dog parent 2025 with ways we unknowingly confuse our pups & how to fix them. Plus, why our dogs are so loyal to us, & digging up the dirt on the ‘ooh yeah ear scratch doggo high’, & more…

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

Rubbing your dog’s nose in an ‘accident’ stops future incidents

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

  • 😢How you upset & confuse your dog without realizing...& how to fix it.

  • 🐾Why are dogs so loyal to humans?

  • 👂🏽Science says dogs get high on ear rubs. Here’s why.

  • Adorable pooch deserves an Oscar for this! 

  • 🧐More to chew on…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
How you upset & confuse your dog without realizing…& how to fix it.

The more we get to know our pups, the more we learn how sensitive they can be.

If your dog seems a bit confused or upset, it might be because of some things ‘we dog parents do’ without knowing (sigh..more dog parent guilt🙄).

Let’s sniff into seven ways you might be unknowingly sending mixed signals to your pup & how to fix them.

  1. Leaning In: When you lean toward your dog to say hi, it can feel threatening.

    Instead, try turning to the side & squatting down to greet them. This way, you come off as friendly.

  2. Pushing Them Away: If your dog jumps on you & you push them away, they might think it’s playtime.

    Instead, reward them when they sit calmly & ignore them when they jump.

  3. Holding Your Breath: If you’re tense & holding your breath, your dog might pick up on that stress.

    Instead, breathe & speak calmly to keep them relaxed.

  4. Confusing Voice Tone: If you call your dog in a grumpy tone, they might think you’re mad.

    Instead, use a happy, upbeat voice for fun commands & a calm voice when asking them to settle down.

  5. Walking Away During “Stay”: When you tell your dog to stay but walk away, they might feel confused & want to follow you.

    Instead, back away slowly while they stay to help reinforce the command.

  6. Playing Without Signals: If you suddenly start playing without letting your dog know, they might get scared, not excited.

    Instead, use clear signals like a play bow or waving a toy to let them know it's game time.

  7. Trying to Get Space: If you need alone time but your dog keeps coming over, they may not get the hint.

    Instead, use the “look away” technique by turning your head away from them to signal you need a break.

By making these small changes, you'll help clear up any confusion & strengthen your bond with your pup.

Growing your understanding of each other is key to a happy relationship.

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If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am.”

Charles Yu

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
Why are dogs so loyal to humans?

Dog parents are blessed with their dog’s loving loyalty, but why is your pup so loyal?

It’s a mix of history, behavior, & some special connections.

  • Ancient Bond: Dogs & humans have been friends for thousands of years (based on historical evidence, at least 12,000 years, possibly as far back as 30,000 years ago!).

    They helped us hunt & kept warm by the fire, creating a strong bond.

  • Understanding Cues: Dogs pick up on our signals. They want to stay close, having learnt that responding to us gets them playtime or treats (or for some of us, that may seem to be bottomless hunger😏).

  • Pack Mentality: While dogs don’t see us as “alpha,” (a longstanding myth), they consider us family.

    They feel safe with us & often adapt their behavior to fit our emotions.

So how can you strengthen this loyalty relationship?

To improve this special bond, spend quality time together, try positive training, & be attentive to your dogs needs.💗 

👂🏽Science says dogs get high on ear rubs. Here’s why.

You know that look on your dog’s face when you’re rubbing their ears? Yup, it’s a winner, & it’s making them feel amazing with some science to back it up.

  • Relaxation Response: Ear rubs help release endorphins, making your pup feel relaxed & happy.

  • Improved Circulation: Gentle rubbing boosts blood flow to the ears, keeping them healthy.

  • Bonding Time: Rubbing ears helps build trust & strengthens your relationship with your dog.

  • Stress Relief: This action can calm your dog in stressful situations, like vet visits.

  • Communication: Ear rubs mimic grooming behaviors that dogs naturally enjoy, promoting a sense of belonging.

But watch for discomfort signs.

If your dog leans in, wags their tail, & looks relaxed, then big tick they’re loving it. If they pull away, flatten their ears, or show signs of stress, it’s time to stop.

For most dogs, know that ear rubs are more than just loving canine care, they’re a little slice of bow wow bliss.🤩

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🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Being Consistent with Training. Stick with the same training commands & rules while training your dog, & make sure all house members are on the same page, to prevent confusing your pup or promoting  bad behaviour.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to chew on.

😮OH MY DOG
Adorable pooch deserves an Oscar for this!

Note. No dog was harmed making this video.🙂 

Our pup’s often surprise us with just how cheeky they can be…like faking an injury to get their way!

Here’s adorable Hank the Staffy ‘laying it on’ to avoid having to leave his comfy hotel room to go for a walk.😏

Watch him test his Dog Mum with this Oscar worthy performance…

🐕TAP a TAIL TRIVIA

What is a Pug crossed with a Beagle called?

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🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FLUFF

This myth does more harm than good because dogs only understand behavioral problems at the time they occur. It’s best to catch them in the act & direct them to where they should go potty.

We are here to please🐶

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

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