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Owning a dog has numerous benefits. These loyal companions provide constant love, loyalty, emotional comfort, and endless cuddles, especially during tough times. While people may come and go, dogs stay by your side throughout their lives. With over 450 million pet dogs worldwide, their presence in homes is clearly important.
Being a dog owner requires patience, time, and empathy. Since dogs can’t speak, miscommunications between humans and their dogs are common and can sometimes lead to frustration for both parties.
Fortunately, there are many ways to improve communication and strengthen your relationship with your dog. Here are 41 tips to help you better understand and connect with your furry friend.
#1 Not giving treats at the right time
Giving your dog treats is more nuanced than it appears. Experts suggest offering treats only when your dog is calm, preferably when they are sitting or lying quietly.
Avoid giving treats during meals as they should not replace a nutritious diet. Timing is key—do not offer them too soon or too late. A few minutes following a meal is the ideal time for a tasty reward.
#2 Leaving your dogs for a bit
It’s often necessary to leave your dog at home when you go to work, attend school, or travel. However, dogs might not grasp these obligations and can feel abandoned when they’re left alone.
Dogs, unlike humans, do not perceive time, making even short separations feel lengthy to them. Understanding this can help you discover ways to ease their loneliness.
#3 The low growl
Dogs are affectionate and loyal, but they can also be protective, especially towards the people they care about the most. A gentle growl isn’t always a sign that they are about to bite; it often serves as a warning.
If your dog is softly growling, it might be signaling that it feels uncomfortable or is unwilling to share its toys, food, or even your attention. Recognize this signal and gently step back.
#4 The meaning of howling
Dogs instinctively howl as a way to signal their presence, draw attention, or interact with others.
It doesn’t always mean something negative. Occasionally, it’s just due to irritation, like the smell of citrus fruits. Be prepared to investigate the cause when your dog unexpectedly starts howling.
#5 Sleeping on the stomach
Dogs adopt various sleeping positions, each reflecting their comfort level or environment. When they lie on their stomachs, similar to a lion, it’s typically to help them cool off.
Veterinarians state that while this position helps with temperature regulation, it might not offer the most restful sleep.
#6 The right amount of exercise
Similar to humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. Depending on their breed and age, they should get between 30 minutes and 2 hours of physical activity daily.
The quality is just as crucial as the quantity. Simple activities like daily walks can help your dog use up energy and strengthen your bond.
#7 Side-sleeping pooches
When dogs sleep on their side, it usually indicates that they feel safe and comfortable. This common position demonstrates trust and contentment.
In this position, their vital organs are vulnerable, which emphasizes their sense of security in their environment.
#8 Rules that can be bent or broken
Dogs thrive with consistency. Establishing and upholding rules helps set boundaries and ensures they don’t become confused or stressed.
Do not let them violate the rules one day and enforce them the next, as this inconsistency can lead to misbehavior.
#9 Knowing they bark
Not every bark signifies distress or a threat. Pay close attention to the pitch and pattern of your dog’s bark to understand its mood.
A gradually intensifying bark often indicates excitement and a desire to play. A higher-pitched bark denotes happiness and enthusiasm.
#10 Understanding puppy eyes
One of the most endearing expressions dogs use to express love and trust toward their owners is puppy eyes.
When your dog looks at you in this way, it’s their way of showing love and seeking your attention.
#11 Chasing tails
Chasing their tail is a common behavior in young dogs, as they might not realize that their tail is a part of their own body.
For older dogs, this behavior could indicate boredom or a lack of expended energy. Providing exercise and mental stimulation might help prevent this behavior.
#12 Changing your smell often
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, which is far more developed than that of humans.
Frequently altering your fragrance, such as by wearing various perfumes, can bewilder them. Employ recognizable scents to provide them with a sense of security.
#13 Allowing your dog to nip your hand
Even though playful biting might seem harmless, it can lead to dogs being unclear about limits.
Dogs may not distinguish between soft nibbling and biting, which can be problematic, especially around children. It’s crucial to train them to steer clear of this behavior from an early age.
#14 Sleeping back-to-back with other dogs
An intriguing dog sleeping position is the back-to-back style. Contrary to the cuddler position, your dog opts to snuggle back-to-back with another dog rather than a human.
This position demonstrates the trust and affection between the dogs. It shows that they feel safe and comfortable with each other. Isn’t that just heartwarming?
#15 The proper way to deal with stressful situations
Stress impacts both humans and animals, including pets. Dogs can exhibit stress through behaviors such as whining, barking, pacing, trembling, panting, shedding, or changes in body posture. Common causes of stress in dogs include loud sounds like fireworks.
It’s crucial for pet owners to effectively manage their dog’s stress. Avoid speaking softly to comfort them, as this may accidentally reinforce fear and encourage unwanted behaviors.
#16 Being too handsy for comfort
Extending your hands towards a dog’s face can confuse or surprise them, potentially leading to problems. While people commonly present their hand for a dog to sniff, some dogs may interpret this gesture as intimidating.
Be careful about where you put your hands when around dogs, since their natural instincts and personal boundaries might make them react defensively, such as by biting, if they misunderstand your intentions.
#17 Sleeping with their legs spread
Dogs often sleep in the most delightful and curious positions. An example of this is when they lie with their legs spread out, which might seem odd to people.
This posture indicates trust and relaxation. A dog that sleeps like this feels safe and comfortable in its surroundings, as it is willing to be in a vulnerable position.
#18 Not letting things go
As a dog owner, it’s important to forgive and move past your pet’s occasional misbehavior. While it’s natural to feel frustrated for a short time, holding onto resentment only confuses your furry friend.
Dogs don’t dwell on past events, and you shouldn’t either. Letting go aids in developing a positive and trusting bond with your pet.
#19 Making sense of your dog’s high ears
When a dog’s ears are perked up, it usually indicates that something has caught their attention. If the ears are paired with a relaxed tail and an open mouth, it implies curiosity rather than alertness.
An open mouth suggests relaxation, so there’s no need to worry if you observe all these signs simultaneously.
#20 Choosing the right name
Selecting a name for your dog is an intentional choice that requires careful consideration. Avoid names that sound similar to commands like “no,” “heel,” or “sit,” as they might confuse your dog.
Select a straightforward name with two syllables ending in a vowel, as dogs usually find it easier to recognize and respond to such names.
#21 Dealing with dogs other than yours
Every dog experiences varying training and socialization methods, so it’s important to exercise caution around unfamiliar dogs. What works with your dog may not be effective with others.
Hand signals or gestures might convey different meanings to various dogs, so exercise caution while engaging with a dog you don’t know.
#22 The language of gift giving
Dogs have a unique way of showing their affection, and one of those methods is by giving gifts. They might bring you items from the yard, like sticks or occasionally things that are less pleasant.
Even though their gifts might not be extravagant, they come with genuine intentions.
#23 The squint of love
When a dog squints, it doesn’t necessarily indicate discomfort. If your dog is relaxed and squints while looking at you, it is expressing affection.
As long as there’s no sign of discomfort, such as eye rubbing, you can enjoy this beautiful display of affection.
#24 The fox sleeping position
When a dog curls up tightly like a fox, it is trying to conserve heat and protect its vital organs. This position is common when they feel a bit chilly.
Consider providing your dog with a warm blanket or adjusting the room temperature to ensure their comfort.
#25 The act of snarling
A snarl, characterized by a raised lip and exposed teeth, is a clear sign of aggression. This behavior is not playful and indicates that a dog is feeling threatened.
If a dog is growling, it’s best to leave them be and avoid provoking them further.
#26 Before hugging your dog
Humans see hugs as a sign of affection, but dogs may not interpret them that way. For many dogs, hugs can feel confining or threatening.
Think about your dog’s comfort before hugging them, as they might simply put up with hugs rather than actually enjoy them.
#27 Things to consider before pointing
Pointing can be an effective way to communicate, but using it inconsistently might confuse your dog. For instance, refrain from using pointing to express both positive and negative signals.
Make sure your gestures are clear and deliberate to avoid sending mixed signals or causing misunderstandings.
#29 Obedience should have its rewards
A key rule for dog owners is to regularly reward their pets for good behavior. Without positive reinforcement for following commands, a dog might start to doubt the advantages of being obedient.
Rewards for following commands can include treats, petting, toys, or verbal praise. While many dogs really like treats, especially during training, it’s important to determine what your specific dog prefers since each one is unique. Make sure to reward them consistently!
#30 Not letting them be
Dogs are naturally messy creatures, and it’s unrealistic to expect them to always be perfectly clean. Pet owners should accept that their dogs will sometimes track in mud or bring in things from outside. This behavior is simply a natural part of their nature.
While organizing and cleaning up demands effort and time, it’s a crucial responsibility for dog owners. If this duty seems overwhelming, you might need to reconsider owning a pet.
#31 Dogs on alert
When dogs are alert, their body language shows it. They may exhibit a tense or forward-leaning stance, have wide eyes, ears pointing forward, and a tightly closed mouth. Their tail might stand upright and sometimes wag.
This alert posture usually happens when dogs encounter something that piques their curiosity, and they’re trying to learn more about it. Their ears move forward to detect certain sounds. If the dog isn’t generally anxious, there’s no need for concern.
#32 The Superman pose
Have you ever seen a dog lying flat on its stomach with its front legs stretched out in front and its back legs extended behind? This playful stance is known as the “Superman pose.”
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, often seen in energetic puppies.
This posture shows that the dog is tired, yet still ready for action. It’s their way of unwinding while staying prepared to play at any time.
#33 Communication through butt sniffing
While it may seem odd to humans, sniffing each other’s behinds is an essential way for dogs to communicate. Even the smallest change in scent can reveal a lot, like where the other dog has been, what they have eaten, or what activities they have participated in.
In addition to offering information, this action has a calming effect on dogs, helping to reduce stress. It is akin to humans shaking hands and aids dogs in assessing their compatibility with one another.
#34 Giving doggos equal love
While dogs don’t experience emotions with the same complexity as humans, it’s still important to treat them equally. Despite common misconceptions, dogs can sense favoritism, and feeling less loved may lead to depression.
If you have multiple dogs, ensure each one gets equal attention and care. For example, if you give a treat to one dog, make sure the others receive one as well. Ensuring fairness is key to maintaining harmony among your pets.
#35 Training your dog properly
Training a dog requires patience, effort, and consistency, making it quite difficult. Many pet owners hire professional trainers to ensure their dogs are trained properly.
One important tip for effective training is to consistently use the same keywords to avoid confusing your dog. For instance, if you use the word “potty” for bathroom breaks, continue using it rather than changing the terms.
#36 Know when your dog is exhausted
Dogs are usually full of energy, but they can also get tired. It’s crucial for their well-being to recognize when they need a break. Look out for signs like repeated yawning, being overly restless, or simply lying down on their back.
Making sure your dog gets enough rest helps keep them happy and healthy, and ready to interact and play once they’re recharged.
#37 Dogs seek approval
Dogs naturally seek approval from their owners, whom they view as their leaders. This behavior is normal, but it’s important to set boundaries and manage it properly.
When your dog seeks approval after following a command, reward them with praise or treats. This positive reinforcement improves obedience and deepens your bond with your pet.
#38 The floppy tongue
If your dog’s tongue is sticking out, there’s no need to worry—it’s typically a sign that they are relaxed and happy. As long as it doesn’t hang awkwardly to one side, it’s perfectly normal.
If your dog experiences a jaw injury or loses its lower canine teeth, consult a veterinarian for advice. In some breeds, like the Pekingese, a floppy tongue is normal.
#39 Eating hacks
Not all dogs are eager to eat their meals. Some may carefully sniff it before eating, while others might quickly devour their food and then look for more. It’s recommended to discourage the latter behavior to prevent the formation of bad habits.
Encourage your dog to eat solely from their bowl, but be prepared to stand your ground if they attempt to charm you for extra treats.
#40 Forcing doggy friends
It’s fine if some dogs don’t enjoy being around other animals. Forcing your dog to socialize with other pets can lead to anxiety and stress for them.
Focus on building your dog’s confidence and praising them for remaining calm. Taking a slow and patient approach is most effective for nervous dogs.
#41 Sweet but shy
Does your dog often sleep curled up similar to a fox, with its tail tucked in and paws nearby? This adorable sleeping position might indicate that your furry companion has a gentle but reserved personality.
While this position may seem restrictive, it mirrors their reserved yet loving nature, especially with strangers. They may be shy, but they love cuddling with their familiar owners.
#42 Sitting on your lap
As a woman, you might enjoy sitting on your partner’s lap because it creates a sense of intimacy. Interestingly, this feeling can also be found in the dog world. While not every dog exhibits this behavior, many find great joy in it.
When your dog decides to sit on your lap, it could be their way of asking for attention or wanting to feel closer to you. Dogs frequently view their owners as members of their pack, seeking warmth and companionship. This behavior might also stem from feelings of insecurity, with your dog seeking comfort and reassurance from you.
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