Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• No, Your Dog Doesn't Feel Guilty - Here's What Those Sad Looks Really Mean 🐾

• 5 Ways Your Dog Could Be Putting You at Risk for a Bacterial Infection (But Don't Panic!) 🦠

• Thread: Dog with allergies

• Video: The perfect gym body

Bark Bulletin of the Week

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DOG BEHAVIOUR

No, Your Dog Doesn't Feel Guilty - Here's What Those Sad Looks Really Mean 🐾

We've all seen it: the lowered head, the averted eyes, the droopy ears after your dog has demolished your favorite shoes or helped themselves to your pizza.

But according to science, that "guilty" look isn't actually guilt at all - and misunderstanding it could be hurting your relationship with your furry friend.

The Myth of the Guilty Dog

Those viral "dog shaming" videos might be hilarious, but they're based on a fundamental misunderstanding of canine emotions.

Research from Dr. Ljerka Ostojić and other animal behavior experts reveals that what we interpret as guilt is actually something quite different.

Primary vs. Secondary Emotions

Dogs experience primary emotions like happiness, sadness, and fear - these are automatic reactions with long evolutionary histories.

But guilt is a secondary emotion requiring complex cognitive abilities like self-awareness and understanding of social norms.

Science suggests dogs don't experience these secondary emotions.

What's Really Happening

When your dog looks "guilty," they're actually responding to your reaction, not their own knowledge of wrongdoing.

Alexandra Horowitz's groundbreaking 2009 study found that dogs showed more "guilty" behaviors when scolded by their humans - even when they hadn't done anything wrong!

It's not guilt - it's fear and appeasement.

Your dog is trying to reduce conflict and avoid punishment by showing submissive behaviors.

They're reacting to your body language, tone, and facial expressions, not their memory of destroying your favorite slippers.

Environmental Clues, Not Moral Understanding

Even when dogs show "guilty" looks before being scolded, it's likely because they've connected past punishment with present environmental cues.

One veterinarian found that when he left a dog alone with paper he had shredded himself, the dog still acted "guilty" when the owner returned - proving the dog associated shredded paper with punishment, not their own actions.

Why This Misunderstanding Is Harmful

Believing your dog feels guilt might seem harmless, but it can actually damage your relationship.

When we assume our dogs understand right from wrong the way humans do, we:

• Miss addressing the root cause of behaviors

• Skip teaching them what we actually expect

• Create fear rather than understanding

• Potentially damage the human-dog bond

A Better Approach

Instead of interpreting your dog's behavior through a human lens, try to understand what they're really communicating.

Focus on prevention and positive reinforcement rather than punishment after the fact.

Your dog can't feel bad about something they don't understand is wrong - but they can certainly feel afraid of your reaction.

"It's hard to be a dog," says animal behavior researcher Julie Hecht, "but they're also very tolerant of us and our shortcomings.

This, I would say, is one of our shortcomings."

Source: Kinship

Playful Picks

1. h

2. The perfect Gym body

3. Excuse me?

DOG HEALTH

5 Ways Your Dog Could Be Putting You at Risk for a Bacterial Infection (But Don't Panic!) 🦠

We love our furry friends, but let's be honest - they can be pretty gross sometimes!

Between the butt-licking, the garbage-diving, and the roll-in-something-dead adventures, it's natural to wonder if your canine companion might be a walking petri dish.

Good news: The experts say it's (mostly) all good!

The Truth About Dogs and Bacteria

According to Dr. Mark Verdino, chief veterinary officer at North Shore Animal League America, the risk of getting bacterial infections from your dog is actually quite low.

In fact, he admits, "My dogs lick my face, sleep in our bed, etc., and I generally don't think twice about it." Phew!

Still, Here Are Five Situations to Watch Out For:

1. Scratches and Bites Left Untreated

That playful nip might not seem serious, but any break in your skin creates a doorway for bacteria.

Disinfect cuts and scratches promptly, and seek medical attention for deeper bites or puncture wounds.

As Dr. Verdino warns, "Cat bites are particularly problematic since their teeth can penetrate deeply like a needle."

2. The Backyard "Minefield"

We all pick up after our dogs on walks, but what about in your own yard?

That pile you meant to clean up tomorrow can become a bacterial breeding ground.

Plus, if Fido decides it looks tasty (yes, some dogs do this), you could end up with those same bacteria on your sofa - or worse, your face!

3. Counter-Surfing Canines

Those muddy paws exploring your kitchen counters aren't just an annoyance - they're potentially transferring bacteria to food preparation surfaces.

As Dr. Verdino eloquently puts it: "Poop plus food equals bad." If your pup's paws touch your counters, disinfect before cooking.

4. Those Slobbery Kisses

While there's minimal risk for healthy individuals, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Rebecca Smith cautions that dog saliva contains bacteria that could potentially enter through the many openings on our faces (eyes, mouth, nose).

Those at higher risk (pregnant, immunocompromised, or ill) might want to redirect those kisses to less sensitive areas.

5. Bathing Your Dog in the Family Tub

Despite the Chelsea Handler/Kevin Hart debate, experts agree this is generally safe - as long as you clean up afterward.

That gray, sandy residue isn't just dog hair and dirt; it could contain bacteria too. A quick clean with regular bathroom cleaner should do the trick.

The Golden Rule of Dog Ownership

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Wash. Your. Hands. Regular handwashing after handling your dog, their toys, or cleaning up after them is your best defense against potential infections.

For most healthy people, the joy of dog ownership far outweighs the minimal health risks.

So go ahead and enjoy those cuddles - just maybe keep the face-licking to a minimum and remember where those paws have been! 🐾

Source: Kinship

Quiz Answers

The Answer: Lady and the Tramp! 💕

This unforgettable romantic moment from the 1955 Disney classic "Lady and the Tramp" features the refined cocker spaniel Lady and the streetwise mutt Tramp sharing a plate of spaghetti behind Tony's Restaurant.

Their accidental noodle-led kiss has become one of the most iconic scenes in animation history, symbolizing how love can bring together even the most different backgrounds.

The scene is so beloved that real-life couples have recreated it at Italian restaurants around the world, and Tony's Restaurant in Disney World even offers a "Lady and the Tramp" spaghetti experience for true Disney romantics! 🍝

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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