Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• How to Deal With Your Dog’s Begging Problem

• 5 Puppy Development Stages

• Thread: Happy tail syndrome

• Video: A green dog!

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

HEARTWARMING STORIES

French actor Alain Delon, who recently passed away at 88, had a pretty shocking last wish. He wanted his beloved Belgian Malinois, Loubo, to be put down and buried with him! 😱

But here's the scoop:

• Delon's family said a big "Nope!" to this idea

• Animal rights groups were seriously not happy about it

• Loubo is a healthy 10-year-old pup

Turns out, Delon had a special bond with Loubo, calling him his "end of life dog." Sweet, right? But wanting to euthanize a healthy dog? Not cool, Alain!

The good news? Loubo is safe and sound with Delon's family. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed that Loubo "of course, will not be euthanized!"

So, breathe easy, folks! Loubo gets to live out his doggy days in peace. It's a reminder that while we love our pets fiercely, they deserve their own shot at a full, happy life - even after we're gone.

Source: TheGuardian

DOG TRAINING

How to Deal With Your Dog’s Begging Problem

Let's talk about something that's probably driving you bonkers - your furry friend's Oscar-worthy begging performance at dinnertime!

I know, I know, those puppy eyes are hard to resist, but let's dig into why this is happening and how we can turn your pup from a professional beggar into a well-mannered dinner companion.

Why Begging is Problematic

1. Mealtime Stress: It's difficult to enjoy your meal when your dog is constantly vying for attention.

2. Dog Frustration: Your pet may become anxious or frustrated, wondering if they'll receive a treat.

3. Guest Discomfort: Having a dog beg for food can be awkward when you have visitors.

4. Health Concerns: Human food isn't always suitable for dogs, and extra calories can lead to weight issues.

The Golden Rule: No More Table Snacks!

I get it, those pleading eyes are hard to resist.

It's crucial to understand that giving your dog food from the table reinforces begging behavior.

Even occasional treats can encourage persistence, making the habit harder to break in the long run.

Effective Solutions for Mealtime Manners

Let's explore some strategies to improve your dog's behavior during meals:

1. Provide Alternative Activities

Give your dog something engaging to do during your mealtimes:

• Use a treat-dispensing toy filled with their favorite snacks

• Offer a puzzle feeder with their regular meal

• Provide a safe chew toy to keep them occupied

• Align their mealtime with yours

Consistency is key - make this a regular part of your mealtime routine

2. Reframe Begging as a "Stay" Command

Consider your dog's persistent behavior near the table as the foundation for a "stay" command:

• Start by praising them for remaining in place near the table

• Gradually encourage them to "stay" slightly further away

• Continue praising and rewarding for staying in the new location

• Incrementally increase the distance until they're staying in a preferred spot

This process, known as "shaping" in dog training, helps mold existing behavior into desired actions.

3. Create Distance

For dogs that find food particularly tempting, try these approaches:

• Have a family member engage them in another room during meals

• Use mealtime as an opportunity for backyard exploration

• If crate trained, provide a special toy for quiet crate time during meals

The goal is to make mealtime enjoyable for everyone, including your dog.

The Importance of Patience and Consistency

Breaking the begging habit requires time and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Ensure all family members follow the no-table-food rule

• Use positive reinforcement to praise good mealtime behavior

• Start with short periods of good behavior and gradually increase the duration

• Maintain consistency in your approach

Long-term Benefits

With patience and these strategies, you can cultivate better mealtime manners in your dog.

Imagine enjoying your meals peacefully while your pet contentedly engages with their own activity nearby.

Remember, this process not only improves your dog's behavior but also strengthens your bond and promotes a healthier relationship. That's an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership.

Keep up the good work, dog owners! Your efforts will lead to more pleasant mealtimes for everyone involved.

Source: Kinship

Playful Picks

1. That’s a really cute partner in crime

@lovepets.tv

#pet #pets #fyp #foryou

2. This is Mako. He's a cat trapped in a dog’s body

3. This… 😆 😆 

DOG BEHAVIOUR

5 Puppy Development Stages

So, you're thinking about bringing home a bundle of furry joy (or maybe you already have)?

Let's talk about what to expect as your little fluffball grows into a full-fledged doggo.

1. The First 48 Hours: Liquid Gold Time

Yep, the first two days are crucial! Here's why:

• Puppies get their first taste of milk, called colostrum

• It's packed with antibodies to boost their tiny immune systems

• Missing out on this could leave them vulnerable to infections

Think of it as nature's first vaccine.

2. Neonatal Stage (0-2 weeks): Eat, Sleep, Repeat

These pups are basically adorable potatoes:

• Eyes and ears are closed – they navigate by smell and touch

• They eat every 2-4 hours and sleep the rest of the time

• Mom does everything for them, including helping them potty

Your job? Just watch and enjoy the cuteness overload!

3. Transitional Stage (1-4 weeks): Hello, World!

Now things get interesting:

• Eyes and ears open – hello, sights and sounds!

• First wobbly steps and tiny barks

• Teeth start coming in (watch those fingers!)

• They start exploring beyond mom's side

Time to puppy-proof your space and introduce soft foods around 3-4 weeks.

4. Socialization Stage (4-16 weeks): The Crucial Period

This is where you come in, big time:

• Puppies form lasting bonds with people and other animals

• They're learning about their environment at warp speed

• Time to start basic training and potty training

• Teething kicks into high gear – RIP your shoes

Your mission: Positive experiences with new people, pets, and situations. But keep it safe – their immune systems are still developing.

We dove deep into socialization in last week’s release.

Juvenile Stage (4-6 months): The Chewing Champion

• Full-on teething mode – everything's a chew toy

• Energy levels through the roof (followed by sudden naps)

• They're mastering basic commands and developing habits

Keep up with training, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys, and talk to your vet about spaying/neutering.

6. Adolescent Stage (6-18 months): The Rebellious Teen

Just when you thought you had it figured out:

• Growth spurts make them clumsy (but adorable)

• They might start testing boundaries

• Hormones kick in, leading to new behaviors like marking or roaming

Stay consistent with training and keep socializing them. Remember, they're not fully grown yet!

The Toughest Stage?

Many paw-rents find the adolescent stage the most challenging.

Your pup looks grown but still acts like a baby sometimes. Patience is key!

The Most Critical Stage?

That socialization period (4-16 weeks) is make-or-break time. It's your chance to help your pup become a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Remember, every puppy is unique. Some may breeze through these stages, while others might need extra support. And hey, if puppy parenting sounds too intense, there are plenty of amazing adult dogs waiting for homes too!

Source: Kinship

Quiz Answers

False

Turns out, that old "one dog year equals seven human years" rule isn't quite on the mark.

Our canine companions do age faster than we do, but it's not as straightforward as that simple math suggests.

Dr. Trimble, a veterinary expert, explains that a dog's comparative age depends on a mix of factors: breed, size, and genetic makeup. It's like each dog has their own unique aging recipe!

Here's the really interesting part: bigger dogs actually age more quickly than their smaller counterparts. Imagine a tiny 10-pound terrier at 16 years old.

That little guy might still be full of energy, acting like a puppy!

In human years, we'd consider them about 75 to 80 years old.

Pretty sprightly for a senior citizen, right?

Now, let's flip the script and think about a Great Dane reaching 16.

We're not just talking old - we're talking record-breaking territory! In human years, that would be equivalent to over 130 years old.

That's beyond great-grandparent status in the dog world!

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

Please let me know what you think about this release in the poll below (Feel free to leave any recommendations. I take into consideration every comment).