🐶Why Does Your Dog Huff and Puff at You?

🐶Welcome Back Devoted Dog Parent, Ready to dive deeper into your dog’s world? Let’s dig into the curious huffing & puffing sounds your dog makes & reveal the trusted 3-3-3 rule that helps pooches settle smoothly at home. We’ll also tackle why dogs paw & share simple steps to curb it. PLUS there’s always more to chew on to help you & your pup’s relationship & understanding grow together.💗

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Dogs can cool down by putting just their feet in water’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

• 🐶Why Does Your Dog Huff & Puff At You?

• 📅What’s the 3-3-3 Rule Dog Parents Swear By?

• 🐕Why Do Dogs Paw & How to Stop It?

• Whoops! Adorable Dog Philip’s Embarrassing Burp Moment. 

• 🧐More to Chew On…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
Why Does Your Dog Huff & Puff at You?

Your dog’s huffing sounds might feel puzzling or even worrying at times, but they’re actually a rich way your pup communicates with you (My dog makes me think he’s dissatisfied with the food service😏).

Dogs huff & puff for lots of reasons, from simple physical reactions to emotional signals. Understanding these tiny air puffs can help you tune into your dog’s needs & feelings better.

Here are some key reasons why your dog might huff & puff:

• Natural spasm. Sometimes a little throat spasm causes your pup to expel air suddenly, which can look like they’re struggling but usually passes quickly on its own.

• Stress signal. Huffing can be a way for your dog to release tension or anxiety, much like how we take big breaths to calm down.

• Feeling threatened or aggressive. Your pooch might huff as a warning sign when feeling annoyed or challenged, whether by other dogs or during activities they dislike.

• Happy & content. After playtime or exercise, your pup may huff to express joy & relaxation before settling down for a nap.

• Disappointment. If your dog expects a treat or attention & it gets delayed, they might huff to show their frustration.

• Anticipation of fun. That excited puff could mean your dog is eagerly waiting for a walk or playtime.

• Eating too fast. Huffing after meals might simply mean your dog is gobbling food or water too quickly, if so it is important to manage. You can use slow feeders or puzzle toys & other types of enrichment activities.

Whether it’s stress, excitement, or just a natural reflex, your attentive care & calm response make all the difference.

If you ever suspect breathing issues or persistent discomfort, a quick vet check can give you peace of mind. Otherwise, celebrate those small moments of connection, they’re part of the beautiful language you share with your pup.

🐾MORE HERE

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🎙YOUR POLL

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
What’s the 3-3-3 Rule Dog Parents Swear By?

Bringing a new dog home is an exciting but sometimes challenging time that calls for patience, understanding, & a clear plan. The 3-3-3 rule is a simple yet powerful guideline to help you & your dog adjust smoothly during those crucial first months together. This approach isn’t just for rescue dogs, it works for any pup entering a new home because it respects their natural need for time, space, & gradual trust building.

Here’s what the 3-3-3 rule looks like in use:

• First 3 days: Decompression. Your dog needs space to explore & settle at their own pace without pressure or forced interactions to feel safe. Giving them a quiet area with familiar items like toys & bedding helps reduce anxiety & lets them start adjusting without feeling overwhelmed.

• First 3 weeks: Building trust. Expect your dog to start showing their personality as they become more comfortable & begin learning routines & boundaries. This is the time to introduce gentle social interactions, consistent schedules, & positive reinforcement to help your pooch understand what life at home looks like.

• First 3 months: Settling in. This is when your pooch feels mostly at home, routines become solid, & training can deepen as trust is firmly established. You’ll see your dog relax more, explore confidently, & form strong bonds with you & family members, while you continue guiding them with patience & kindness.

Using this rule helps avoid overwhelm for both you & your dog by setting realistic expectations & encouraging gentle progress.

Even consider aspects of the 3-3-3 rule if your “hasn’t-just-arrived” dog is going through an uncomfortable stage due changes in the home environment.

Every dog adjusts differently, so making the most of small wins & staying consistent with kindness & patience is important. The 3-3-3 rule is a thoughtful approach that lays the foundation for a happy, confident dog who knows they belong & that’s a gift every dog deserves.

🐾MORE HERE

🐕Why Do Dogs Paw & How to Stop It?

It’s not unusual to wonder why dogs paw at people & how to gently put a stop to it, especially when those enthusiastic paws can leave scratches or catch guests off guard.

Dogs often paw because it works. It gets attention, pets, or even treats. But when pawing becomes too much or a bit painful, it’s important to understand the reasons behind it & offer your pooch better ways to connect.

So, why do dogs paw?

• Pawing is often rewarded. Dogs learn that when they paw, they get attention or petting, so they keep doing it to get what they want.

• Teaching “shake hands” can increase pawing. When dogs associate pawing with treats, they might try pawing more, especially with new people.

• Seeking interaction or communication. Pawing can be a way for dogs to say “hello,” ask for attention, or express excitement.

…And how do you stop unwanted pawing?

• Reward four paws on the floor. Only give treats or praise when your dog’s paws are all on the ground, encouraging them to stay grounded rather than pawing.

• Use “touch” to greet guests (nose targeting). Training your dog to gently touch a guest’s hand with their nose keeps their paws down & still allows friendly interaction.

• Be patient & consistent. Ignore pawing behavior by stepping back & waiting until your dog calms down before giving attention.

• Replace pawing with calm behaviors. Teach your dog to sit or stay when greeting people instead of pawing for attention.

If pawing is a problem for you with your pup, with calm guidance & consistent practice, your dog will learn polite ways to engage without using their paws. This approach creates safer, happier greetings for everyone involved.

🐾MORE HERE

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Create Calm Moments. Taking time each day to quietly sit with your dog helps build trust & emotional balance. Calm moments can ease stress, strengthen your bond, & give your pup a safe space to recharge. Skipping these quiet breaks may leave dogs feeling restless or overwhelmed. The healthiest enrichment plan for any dog involves the right mix of uptime & downtime - activity & relaxation.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to Chew On.

• 🩺Vet Issues Warning…To dog parents over common outdated mistake.

• 👶Human Baby Blues? When pet resentment strikes & how to fix it.

• 🌳🐕Doggo Sixth Sense? Dog warns dog parent to safety before tree crashes into home.

😮OH MY DOG
Whoops! Adorable Dog Philip’s Embarrassing Burp Moment.

Meet Philip the adorable Golden Retriever…or should I say the “burp & exit bandit”…

It’s OK Philip…but were you really embarrassed or was that burp a bit on the stinky side?😂

Watch & Enjoy!

P.S. My dog doesn’t get embarrassed when he burps…not a care in the world…& yes, he’s he looks pretty happy with himself!🤔

🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FACT

Standing in water with just their paws can help dogs cool down by letting them release heat through them as they mainly sweat through their paws. So even for non-swimming dogs standing in a puddle of water in a shady spot can be refreshing & cooling.

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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