Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• How to Travel Without the Dog Parent Guilt 🧳

• PDQs: Those Little Things That Stress Your Dog Before You Leave 🏡

• Thread: What is good food for dogs at our rescue center?

• Video: Now that’s a proper celebration for getting a treat

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

PDQs: Those Little Things That Stress Your Dog Before You Leave 🏡

Ever notice your pup getting anxious before you even reach for the door? Those pre-departure cues (PDQs) might be the culprit!

Dog behaviorist Qiai Chong explains this fascinating phenomenon that's driving our dogs nuts.

What Are PDQs?

Think of them as your "getting ready to leave" routine. Grabbing your keys, putting on shoes, even brushing your teeth - dogs notice it all!

These observant fur-babies pick up on every little sign that you're about to head out, and for some, it triggers serious anxiety.

The Wind-Up Effect

Each PDQ is like turning a wind-up key on a toy.

One cue might cause a little stress, but multiple cues stack up, creating a pressure cooker of anxiety that can explode into destructive behavior once you're gone.

Breaking the Cycle

Expert Jessica Jacobson suggests this approach:

• List everything you do before leaving

• Test each action separately

• Break down complex actions (like putting on shoes) into smaller steps

• Practice these actions randomly without actually leaving

• Give your pup time to adjust to each step

What Not To Do

Some surprising don'ts from the experts:

• Skip the pre-departure walk (it can actually increase anxiety)

• Avoid cuddling right before leaving

• Don't give food as you head out

• Never punish anxiety behaviors

• Skip the dramatic goodbyes

When to Get Help

If you're feeling trapped by your dog's separation anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Sometimes what looks like separation anxiety might be something entirely different, and a professional can create a tailored plan for your specific situation.

Remember, your dog isn't trying to manipulate you - they're genuinely stressed!

With patience, understanding, and maybe some professional guidance, you can help your furry friend feel more secure when you leave. 🐾

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. That’s a good life

3. Now that’s a proper celebration for getting a treat

How to Travel Without the Dog Parent Guilt 🧳

Can't imagine leaving your furry friend behind while you travel?

You're not alone!

But experts say it's possible (and healthy!) to balance wanderlust with being a devoted pet parent.

Here's your guilt-free guide to taking that vacation you deserve.

The Surprising Truth About Dog Separation

Behavior consultant Daniel Neale has some comforting news: Your dog isn't pining away for you like you might think.

While we're feeling guilty on our vacation, our dogs are living in the moment, focused on their immediate joys - like breakfast, walks, and belly rubs.

They're not wondering when you'll return or feeling abandoned; they're probably too busy charming treats out of their sitter!

Smart Preparation Makes Happy Pups

Dr. Ambika Vaid emphasizes that success lies in the setup:

• Keep your dog in their familiar environment when possible

• Stick to their regular feeding and walking schedules

• Let your sitter meet your dog multiple times before you leave

• Write down everything from medication times to favorite games

• Pack their favorite toys and blankets with familiar home smells

• Share emergency contacts, including your vet's information

• Ask for daily photos or videos for peace of mind

Budget-Friendly Solutions That Work

Don't let expensive pet-sitting stop your travel plans. Consider these creative options:

• Build a local pet-sitting community with neighbors and fellow dog parents

• Arrange house swaps with friends who have dogs

• Explore neighborhood Facebook groups for reliable sitters

• Join pet-sitting Facebook communities for longer stays

• Set up pet-sitting exchanges with other local dog owners

Creating Your Safety Net

Always prepare for the unexpected:

• Have a trusted neighbor who can step in if needed

• Research and visit local boarding facilities before you need them

• Keep vaccination records easily accessible

• Leave detailed emergency instructions

• Trust your instincts about potential sitters

Expert Tips for Success

• Have the sitter do a training session with your dog before you leave

• Let them give your dog favorite treats to build positive associations

• Start with shorter trips to build confidence

• Don't make dramatic goodbyes

• Remember that a happy, relaxed owner means a happier dog

Remember, taking care of yourself by traveling and having new experiences doesn't make you a bad pet parent.

In fact, returning refreshed and energized can make you an even better one!

Your pup will be too busy enjoying their "vacation" with their temporary best friend to count the days until you return.

And those reunion videos?

They'll be worth every minute away! ✈️🐾

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

The Answer: It's All About Endurance!

While the cheetah can reach mind-blowing speeds of 70 mph, they're nature's sprinters - built for explosive bursts that last only 30 seconds.

Greyhounds, though running at "just" 35 mph, can maintain their pace for seven miles!

This challenges our assumptions about speed and victory.

The cheetah's magnificent acceleration and top speed ultimately mean little against the Greyhound's remarkable endurance.

In nature, as in life, the flashiest performance isn't always the winning one - sometimes steady persistence is the real superpower! 🏃‍♂️🐾

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

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