Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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

• Why Do Dogs Wink?

• Dogs Learn More If You Pet or Praise Them, New Study Says

• Thread: Help needed with play-biting

• Video: This is not the shower water he expected 😆 

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Why Do Dogs Wink?

Ever noticed your dog winking at you and wondered what it means? While it might seem like a playful gesture, there's more to it than just being cute! Let’s dive into why dogs wink and what it could mean for your furry friend.

What’s Behind the Wink?

Winking can be a sign of affection, peace, or a playful request for attention. Dr. Megan Conrad from Hello Ralphie says dogs might wink to mimic their owners or simply to get your attention. So, if your pup throws you a wink while lounging on the couch, it could be their way of saying, "Hey, I love you!" or "Pay attention to me!"

Reading the Body Language

To understand your dog's winking, look at their body language. A high, wagging tail and erect ears usually indicate excitement or a request for attention. If your dog’s tail is low and their ears are back, they might be showing submission or trying to appease you.

Health Concerns

Frequent winking with the same eye can signal an underlying issue. Dogs might wink if they're experiencing discomfort, light sensitivity, or pain. Irritants like dust or hair can also cause winking or blinking.

If you notice discharge, redness, or increased blinking, it's time to see the vet. Conditions like entropion, common in breeds with heavy brows and short noses, can also cause excessive winking but are usually treatable with surgery.

Is Winking Always a Problem?

Most of the time, winking is harmless and just a quirky part of your dog’s behavior. It’s a fun way for them to communicate, and you might even enjoy winking back at them.

Training Your Dog to Wink

Yes, you can teach your dog to wink on command! Here’s a quick guide:

1. Touch Technique: Sit with your dog and gently touch one side of their muzzle near the whiskers. If they wink, reward them with a treat.

2. Add a Cue: Use a verbal cue like "wink" along with the touch. Reward them when they wink.

3. Practice: With consistent practice, your dog will learn to wink just by hearing the cue.

So, next time your pup gives you that adorable wink, you’ll know just what they’re trying to say!

Source: DailyPaws

Playful Picks

1. This is not the shower water he expected 😆 

2. This dog has got some special moves!!

@ladyminiweenie

#dog #dachshund 🧸🤎

DOG TRAINING

Dogs Learn More If You Pet or Praise Them (Instead of Scolding), New Study Says

Training your dog can be challenging, but there’s good news! A new study shows that positive reinforcement, like petting and praising, helps dogs learn more effectively than scolding.

So, keep those treats coming, but don’t forget the chin scratches and “good dog” affirmations!

The Experiment

Researchers trained dogs using two different methods: permissive and controlling. In the permissive sessions, successful dogs received praise, pets, and treats. In controlling sessions, dogs only got treats and were softly scolded with phrases like “No” if they failed.

Dogs were taught new cue words in English for tricks they already knew in Hungarian.

After training, the dogs napped and had their memory functions analyzed through EEG scans. The results were clear: dogs who received positive reinforcement showed less stress and performed better.

Why Positive Reinforcement Works

The study found that scolding caused stress, making dogs seek comfort from their owners and sleep more, which negatively impacted their ability to learn.

Dogs that received praise and pets along with treats learned better and remembered more after sleep.

Interestingly, dogs exposed to controlling sessions first and then permissive ones showed the most improvement. This might be because they found the positive environment more rewarding than expected.

Key Takeaways

Lead author Vivien Reicher highlights the importance of positive reinforcement in enhancing both performance and welfare.

Petting and praising your dog not only reduces their stress but also improves their learning and memory. So, ditch the stern approach and shower your pup with love — it’s good for their brain and your bond!

Source: TheWildest

Quiz Answers

True!

Most often, scooting means your pup has worms or an impacted anal gland. Regardless of the cause, when you see your dog doing the "scoot," it's time to get them to the vet!

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

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