🎊 Happy New Year, Dog Lovers! 🐾

Welcome to the first Dog Forum Newsletter of 2025! As we wag goodbye to 2025 and say hello to a fresh year, we're excited to share some tail-wagging stories and paw-some tips for starting the year right with your furry best friend.

Whether your pup's New Year's resolution is to learn a new trick, chase fewer squirrels (good luck with that one!), or just get extra belly rubs, we've got something special for every four-legged friend and their human.

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

• 7 Ways You're Accidentally Confusing Your Dog 🐕

• Does 'Air Jail' Really Work? The Truth About Lifting Your Pet 🐾

• Thread: Lead training

• Video: He should have thrown it

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

7 Ways You're Accidentally Confusing Your Dog 🐕

Ever feel like you and your pup are having a lost-in-translation moment? Dr. Karen London reveals how we might be sending our dogs mixed signals without even knowing it!

The Greeting Goof-Up

Think getting up close and personal is friendly? Think again! While we humans love face-to-face greetings, to dogs, it's like someone getting way too close in your personal space. Instead of leaning in for that "hello," try turning sideways and squatting down - much more doggy-friendly!

The Push-Play Confusion

Here's a funny one: When you push your jumping dog away, they think you're playing! That's right - your "stop that" gesture is actually saying "let's party!" to your pup. Instead of pushing, try turning away when they jump. They'll soon learn that jumping = no attention.

The Breath-Holding Puzzle

Did you know your dog notices when you hold your breath? Whether you're stressed about bills or that aggressive dog across the street, your held breath sends your pup into confusion mode. The fix? Keep talking to them - it forces you to breathe!

The Voice-Message Mismatch

Saying "come" in an angry voice is like sending your dog a text that says "I love you" while scowling - super confusing! Use a happy, upbeat tone for active commands and a soothing voice for calming ones.

The Stay-Walk Contradiction

When you tell your dog to stay then walk away facing them, your body is basically shouting "follow me!" while your words say "stay put." Try backing away instead - much clearer communication!

The Surprise Play Attack

Suddenly starting to wrestle with your dog without warning? That's like a stranger jumping out to tickle you - pretty startling! Always use clear play signals first, like showing a toy or doing a playful bow.

The "Leave Me Alone" Mix-Up

Pushing away or talking to a clingy dog actually encourages more attention-seeking. Instead, use the universal doggy "not now" signal: the look-away. Just turn your head (chin up!) and avoid eye contact. It's like putting up a "do not disturb" sign in dog language!

Remember, just like us trying to understand a new language, our dogs are constantly trying to decode our human behaviors. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping those tails wagging and those relationships strong! 🐾

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. Should have thrown it

2. He has to pay the price

@miller.the.shiranian

Stupid question!! #dogoftiktok #foryoupage #flouf #shiranian #puppy #rescue #dog #foryoupageofficiall #bestfriend #cute #shihtzu #pomeranian #kiss

3. No humans, only my dad

@a_golden_fam

#goldenretrieverlife #puppy #dogsoftiktok #funny

Does 'Air Jail' Really Work? The Truth About Lifting Your Pet 🐾

Ever found yourself lifting your pup mid-mischief, holding them in the air like a furry prisoner? Welcome to what the internet calls "air jail"! But before you become your pet's personal elevator operator, let's hear what the experts have to say about this common practice.

What Is "Air Jail"?

It's pretty much what it sounds like - picking up your pet and holding them in the air to stop unwanted behavior. You know, like when your pup is getting too frisky with a visitor's leg, or your cat is eyeing that Christmas tree a little too intensely!

The Good, The Bad, and The Fuzzy

According to Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Kellie Stevens, air jail is like using a pause button - it works in the moment, but doesn't teach your pet anything useful. Worse yet, it might actually create some not-so-great side effects:

Why It's Not The Best Solution

• Your pet might start avoiding being picked up (even in emergencies)

• It can make them defensive or anxious

• For small dogs, it might lead to feeling powerless

• With cats? Get ready for some serious scratch action!

The Emergency Exception

Stevens says there are times when picking up your pet is unavoidable - like genuine emergency situations. But make it the exception, not your go-to move!

Better Alternatives

Instead of playing elevator operator, try:

• Teaching your pet to walk away from trouble on cue

• Creating predictable patterns for anxious situations

• Working on appropriate social behaviors

• Training them to respond to commands before problems arise

Remember, while that momentary lift might stop the chaos, it's better to keep all four paws on the ground and work on long-term solutions. After all, you want to be your pet's trusted friend, not their aerial warden! 🚀

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

Meet Bluey, the incredible Australian Cattle Dog who lived nearly three decades! Born in 1910, this hard-working farm dog spent his days herding cattle and sheep, staying active well into his golden years. While most dogs live between 10-13 years, Bluey showed us what's possible by remaining healthy and active until 1939.

His record still stands today in the Guinness World Records, making him the verified oldest dog in history. Just imagine - this pup saw the entire Roaring Twenties! Maybe there's something to that active farm life after all! 🐕

Pawing Into 2025! 🎆

That's all for our first newsletter of 2025! As we embark on this new year's adventure, remember that every day is a fresh opportunity for walks, treats, and making memories with your faithful companion.

Don't forget to share your pup's New Year celebrations in our "New Year, New Dog" thread - we'd love to see those party hats and festive poses! And if your dog hid under the bed during the fireworks, well, that's worth sharing too!

Here's to a year filled with wagging tails, happy barks, and countless adventures with our four-legged family members!