Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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

• Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

• Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

• Thread: Tips for Washing Pet Hair Off Clothes With Minimum Effort

• Video: 100 Huskies Escaped During Their “work Hours” in a Dog Cafe

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions of our forum!

DOG TRAINING

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Ever caught your pooch napping again and... again? You're not alone! Dogs love their sleep, clocking in around 12 to 14 hours daily. But what's behind their snooze-fest? Let’s dig into the dreamy world of dogs and discover why they're such big sleepers.

• Puppy & Senior Zzz’s: Age matters. Puppies and older dogs often need more shut-eye to support growth and cope with aging.

• Breed Specifics: Some breeds just love to lounge more than others. Large breeds and couch-potato canines often out-snooze the rest.

• Nutrition Naps: A balanced diet equals better energy. Dogs with less-than-ideal meals might find themselves feeling more sluggish.

• Boredom Siestas: Without enough play or mental stimulation, dogs might turn to sleep to pass the time.

• Stress Slumbers: Anxiety can lead to extra sleep as dogs try to escape stressors.

• Health-Driven Dozes: Recovering from illness or managing a condition can lead to longer sleep times.

In the realm of doggy dreams, there’s a lot that goes on behind those closed eyes. While it’s normal for dogs to love their sleep, staying tuned to their sleeping habits can help you catch any unusual changes early.

After all, a well-rested dog is a happy dog!

Source: Dogster

Playful Picks

1. 100 Huskies escaped during their “work hours” in a dog cafe

2. Poor little pooch. That’s not a good brother.

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

Have you ever noticed how your dog seems to be your constant companion, following you to every corner of the house?

It turns out there’s more to this behavior than meets the eye.

Dogs are naturally social creatures and their following behavior stems from a variety of reasons, from seeking companionship and attention to responding to their instincts and needs.

Key Reasons Your Dog Might Be Your Shadow:

•  Companionship: Dogs are pack animals and thrive on social interaction. They form strong bonds with their owners and often follow them around to stay close to their trusted companions.

•  Attention Seeking: Your movement might signal to your dog that something exciting is about to happen, prompting them to follow you in anticipation of play, treats, or affection.

• Hunger Cues: Dogs often associate their owner's movements with mealtime, so they might follow you in hopes of getting a tasty snack or their next meal.

• Walk Anticipation: If you're on the move, your dog might think it's time for a walk or outdoor adventure and doesn’t want to miss out.

• Separation Anxiety: Some dogs follow their owners because they fear being left alone. This can be due to separation anxiety, where the dog feels stressed or panicked when away from their owner.

• Boredom: A lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead dogs to follow their owners simply to alleviate boredom and find something interesting to do.

• Curiosity and Interest: Dogs are curious by nature and may follow their owners to explore and be part of whatever activity is happening.

• Health Concerns: Sometimes, a dog following you more than usual can be a sign of feeling unwell. They seek comfort and reassurance from their owners when not feeling their best.

While it’s flattering to have a loyal companion, there might be times when you need some space. Encouraging independent play, providing ample exercise, and engaging in training exercises that promote calm and relaxation can help give your dog confidence and reduce their need to follow you constantly.

It’s good to know how to stop a dog from following you around because doing so often leads to a happier dog.

Understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior is key to ensuring both you and your dog are happy and comfortable in your shared environment. If your dog’s following behavior is excessive or accompanied by signs of distress, consulting a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist is advisable to address any potential health issues or anxiety-related problems.

Source: TheWildest

Quiz Answers

False. Most dogs do not recognize themselves in a mirror. They may react to their reflection as if it's another dog but typically don't show signs of self-recognition like some other animals do.

But wouldn’t it be amusing if they could?

Imagine our furry friends admiring their own wag-tastic reflections, perhaps pondering a new hairstyle or just admiring their sheer cuteness!

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).