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  • 🐩Should your dog walk in front? - Here's the truth.

🐩Should your dog walk in front? - Here's the truth.

PLUS: ✔How to enrich your dog for happy, stress-free holidays. ✔🎄Beware of these ‘toxic to dogs’ holiday plants. ✨Relax with this Labrador Lullaby.

Read time: 5 minutes

🐶Welcome back patient pawrent, Let’s go, with clearing the confusion about your dog walking in front of you. Plus, how to give your dog happy holiday mental enrichment, 5 ‘toxic to dogs’ festive plants to avoid, & more…

We wish you a fabulous holiday season, & I thank you so very much for being a part of our dog loving community, & for all of your support this year! We stay as focused as ever on cutting through the clutter to bring you true dog understanding to help you & your pup have the best life together.

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Dogs should eat like wolves’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

  • 🐩Should your dog walk in front? - Here's the truth.

  • 🧩How to enrich your dog for happy, stress-free holidays.

  • 🎄Beware of these ‘toxic to dogs’ holiday plants.

  • Relax with this Labrador Lullaby

  • 🧐More to chew on…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
Should your dog walk in front? - Here’s the truth.

Whoa there folks, there’s a new smell about😋

There are differing opinions on this often asked dog parent question. Let’s dig in.

Firstly, an outdated theory that still pops up (yup, this one has been going for years!):

  • Alpha Dog Theory: Some people think dogs need to see their owner as the leader, but this idea is outdated. Dogs are social & thrive on positive experiences rather than strict rules.

So when is it OK?

Letting your dog walk in front can be okay if they’re not pulling on the leash & you’re allowing them to sniff & explore (no lunging either🤔).

  • Controlled Exploration: If your dog is well-trained & responsive, letting them lead while keeping the leash loose can allow them to enjoy their surroundings without creating chaos. This way, they get to sniff & explore while you maintain control.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Allowing your dog some freedom to sniff can be a reward for good behavior. Just be sure to praise them when they stay close or respond to your commands while they’re exploring.

  • Balance is Key: It’s essential to find a balance between giving your pup the freedom to explore & ensuring they stay by your side.

When is it not so good?

  • Pulling on the Leash: If your dog walks in front of you constantly pulling on the leash the walking experience can be spoiled for both of you, so it is good to train them out of this habit.

  • Walking Together: When your pooch walks beside you, it’s good for your bond & improves communication. This way, you can correct unwanted behavior & teach commands more easily.

How your dog walks depends on your relationship. By using positive reinforcement & training, you can create a fun routine that works.

Overall, as long as your pup is well behaved & you can manage the walk, letting them lead a a bit can make for an enjoyable outing for both of you. Just keep communication clear & stay attentive to their behavior. After all, they love your attention.💗 

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Anyone who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog”

Franklin P Jones

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
How to enrich your dog for happy, stress-free holidays.

A happy pooch has an enriched mind🧠

The holiday season is a time for joy & celebration, but it can be a little chaotic for our pups. To help your dog feel happy & relaxed, try these fun ideas to keep them entertained.

  • Create a Calm Space: Set up a cozy area in your home where your pooch can unwind away from all the hustle & bustle. Playing calming music or giving them a chew toy can help ease any stress.

  • Keep Routines Consistent: Dogs thrive on routine. Try to stick to regular feeding & walking times, which will give your pup a sense of ‘normal’ amid the holiday craziness.

  • Play Scent Games: Take advantage of the delicious holiday smells by hiding dog-safe treats around the house for your pooch to find. This fun activity is a happy distraction.

  • Holiday-Themed Stuffed Puzzle Toys: Stuff a KONG or puzzle toy with seasonal dog-safe ingredients. This gives your dog a tasty challenge that keeps them busy.

  • Make Frozen Holiday Treats: Create festive ice treats using dog-safe ingredients. These are fun to make & even more enjoyable for your pup to eat. (& might be yummy for you too😋)

With a little planning, you can both enjoy a joyful holiday season together.

🎄Beware of these ‘toxic to dogs’ holiday plants.

OK to look but not too close🙊 

As much as they can be beautiful, some holiday plants can pose a danger to our pups. It's important to know which plants to avoid so that your home stays safe for everyone.

  • Poinsettias: These popular holiday plants can cause mild irritation in dogs if ingested, leading to stomach upset or vomiting. Keep them out of reach to avoid any mishaps.

  • Holly: While holly adds a lovely touch to holiday decor, its berries can be toxic. If your dog eats them, they might experience nausea & diarrhea.

  • Mistletoe: This festive plant is not just for kisses; it can also be harmful. Mistletoe can lead to serious health issues if swallowed, including difficulty breathing.

  • Amaryllis: Known for its striking blooms, amaryllis is toxic to dogs & can cause vomiting & diarrhea if ingested. Keep it safely out of reach.

  • Christmas Tree: The needles can cause irritation to your pup's mouth & stomach, & the water may contain harmful additives, so be cautious when setting up your tree.

By being aware of these toxic plants, you can ensure a safer holiday season for your precious pup.

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Proper Leash / Lead Fit. Ensure your dog’s leash is the right length & stretch for their size & behavior. Check the attachments regularly as well as the leash for wear & tear, & replace it, if worn.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to chew on.

😮OH MY DOG
Relax with this Labrador Lullaby

Meet Billy, the music loving Lab mix who brightens the holiday spirit with the adorable way he asks Mum to play music for him on the piano & bathes in the blissful serenade.

Watch, enjoy & relaxxxxx 😁 

🐕TAP a TAIL TRIVIA

Dalmatians are born with...?

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🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FLUFF

Domestic dogs have evolved differently to wolves including the ability to digest & utilize grains, including starch, so their best diets differ.

We are here to please🐶

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