Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to the first edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Every Wednesday, you'll receive a newsletter packed with the latest stories from both our vibrant DogForum and the wider dog-loving world.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Fun and creative ideas, including crafts and dog-friendly recipes

• Useful lifehacks for you as a dog owner

• A selection of the best dog-related articles I come across

• Straightforward and effective training tips to help you and your pup

• And so much more

Without further ado let’s jump into the first edition!

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

• Why do some dogs like to cuddle—and others don't?

• Are older dogs mentoring the younger ones?

• Turkey burger recipe for dogs

• Dog refuses to eat after change of diets

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions of our forum!

BEHAVIOR

How Senior Dogs Mentor The Younger Ones

Older dogs are likewise friends for younger dogs. They show them how to behave and help them learn important things, like where to go to the bathroom and how to play nicely.

Patricia McConnell, an expert on dogs, says that having an older dog around is really good for puppies. They can teach puppies about limits and how to be good dogs.

Older dogs use gentle ways to tell younger ones what's okay and what's not, which helps puppies learn to listen and behave better. This kind of learning from older dogs makes puppies more confident and happy.

Just like people, dogs do well when they have someone experienced to learn from, making life easier and more fun for them.

Source: The Wildest

Video of the Week

Just helping with the oil change

FOOD

Doggie Delish

Make burger night a treat for your furry friend too with these mini turkey slider dog recipes! These sliders use simple, healthy ingredients that mirror what you might put in your own burgers, ensuring your dog doesn't miss out on the family fun. Not only are these sliders a delicious snack for your pooch, but they're also packed with nutrients from carrots and oatmeal, making them a wholesome choice for any pup.

Ingredients:

• ¼ pound ground turkey (or preferred meat)

• ¼ cup shredded carrot

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons oatmeal

• Organic bread or cooked plain sweet potato for buns

• Optional: Your dog's favorite "toppings"

Instructions:

1. Mix the turkey, carrot, egg, and oatmeal in a bowl.

2. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook spoonfuls of the mixture without pressing down.

3. Flip after two minutes, gently flattening, and cook until done.

4. For grilling, wrap patties in foil with coconut oil and grill for about four minutes.

5. Assemble the sliders with bread rounds, adding "cheese" and toppings.

Adaptation Ideas:

• Swap turkey with beef or chicken.

• Use applesauce instead of an egg for binding.

• Substitute bread with cooked sweet potato.

• Try spinach or kale in place of carrots.

Perfect for making together and enjoying a special moment, these tasty treats are sure to have your dog licking their chops and eager for more. Freeze extras for a quick snack, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your pup is eating healthily.

Source: Dogster

DOG FACTS

Why Do Some Dogs Like to Cuddle—and Others Don't? A Behavior Expert Explains

Cuddling isn't just a human need; it's a canine one too, yet not all dogs express this desire in the same way. In this article, Zac Pilossoph, DVM, and Kristyn Echterling-Savage, PhD, shed light on the reasons behind dogs' varying attitudes towards cuddling.

Some dogs view their human companions as part of their pack and cuddle as a form of affection and bonding, similar to their interactions with other dogs. However, cuddles can also be a response to fear, with dogs seeking comfort during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks. The reasons some dogs shy away from cuddles can range from their breed, genetics, and early experiences to their current environment and physical comfort preferences.

Understanding your dog's body language is key to respecting their space and comfort levels. While some dogs may not enjoy traditional cuddles, they might still seek closeness and affection in other ways, such as sitting nearby or engaging in playful activities. Echterling-Savage emphasizes the importance of classical conditioning for physical handling, which is vital for grooming and vet visits, suggesting that treats can make these experiences more positive.

Interestingly, while some breeds, particularly toy breeds and bully breeds, are known for being more cuddle-prone, individual personalities vary greatly. Echterling-Savage warns against choosing a pet based solely on the expectation of cuddly behavior, as it can evolve due to health issues or behavioral changes.

Source: Daily Paws

True or False...

Answer: False! While there are reports of dogs and other animals exhibiting unusual behavior before earthquakes, there is no scientific evidence to conclusively prove that dogs can predict earthquakes (I’m as disappointed as you are).

Researchers believe that animals may sense the initial weak tremors (that humans cannot perceive) before a stronger quake hits.

However, the ability to predict earthquakes, in the sense of anticipating them before any physical signs occur, has not been scientifically validated in dogs or any other animals.

That’s it for the first 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).