Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

A little birdie whispered in my ear a shocking secret that almost turned my world upside down.

Can you believe it?

They said that dogs have secretly mastered the internet and are the true brains behind all those cute animal videos we adore.

Yes, that’s right, our furry friends have been outsmarting us all along, orchestrating their adorable antics to take over the web one paw at a time!

double-checks the dog

HAPPY LATE APRIL FOOLS!!!

Oh, who are we kidding? Our beloved pooches might be smart, but they're too busy chasing tails and dreaming of treats to plot internet domination.

With that playful thought, let's roll out the red carpet for this week’s newsletter, spotlighting the joy and adventures of living with our beloved canine actors.

News Section Alert: At the bottom of our newsletter, we’ve added a new feature— a poll where you can select the topic you'd like to see in our next edition. Don’t forget to vote. your input shapes our content!

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

• How to teach your dog to smile?

• Dog Birthday Cookie Recipe

• Thread: Puppy won’t stop biting

• Video: Look how patient these Labradors are

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions of our forum!

DOG TRAINING

How to teach your dog to smile?

Why Teach Your Dog to Smile?

Teaching your dog to smile is more than just a cute trick; it has practical benefits like aiding in dental health maintenance. Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen your bond and keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Incorporate these tips into your training routine, and you’ll likely see your dog’s adorable smile more often, earning you both smiles and applause from friends and family.

Key Steps to a Doggy Smile:

1. Observation: Notice when your dog naturally shows their teeth, like during play or excitement. Use these moments to encourage smiling.

2. Reward System: Introduce the command "smile" during these happy times and reward your dog for showing their teeth.

3. Repetition: Consistently practice the "smile" command, rewarding your dog each time to reinforce the behavior.

4. Consistency: Regular, short training sessions help your dog learn the trick faster and build a routine.

5. Adaptation: Keep training sessions positive and stress-free. Change rewards to maintain interest and prevent weight gain.

Additional Tips:

• Train in a distraction-free environment.

• Ensure your dog is relaxed and happy during sessions.

• Use the command "smile" for positive reinforcement and dental care.

• Vary training locations and rewards to keep your dog engaged.

Source: Hepper

Playful Picks

I've noticed how much you all enjoy the videos I've been sharing, so naturally, I'm excited to bring even more dog-related content your way, and not just videos!

So, I thought it’s time for a little update to the name of our section.

Without further ado, let's dive straight into the fun

1. Look how patient these Labradors are!

2. Relatable, but that’s for his own good!

RECIPES FOR DOGS

Dog Birthday Cookie Recipe

Sweeten your dog's special day with these delightful birthday cookies that are sure to get tails wagging! Crafted with dog-safe ingredients, these cookies are not just tasty but also packed with nutritious elements. Here’s how you can whip up a batch of these celebratory treats.

Ingredients

For the Cookie:

• 1 cup plain pumpkin puree (no sugar added)

• 2 tbsp plain peanut butter (no sugar or salt added)

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, or choice of oil (vegetable, olive, or coconut)

For the Frosting:

• ¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tsp honey

• Optional: food coloring, xylitol-free sprinkles

Instructions

Preparing the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 180°C.

2. Mix the Dough: Combine pumpkin puree, peanut butter, flour, eggs, and applesauce or oil in a large bowl until well blended.

3. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.

4. Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

Crafting the Frosting:

1. Make the Frosting: Whisk cornstarch, water, and honey, adjusting water to get a slightly runny consistency suitable for dipping.

2. Color and Decorate: Add food coloring to the frosting if desired, then dip the cooled cookies in it and sprinkle with xylitol-free sprinkles.

Enjoy watching your dog savor these homemade cookies, knowing they are eating something made with love and good health in mind.

Source: Dogster

Quiz Answers

And the most popular breed in the UK iiiiiiiiiis……

THE LABRADOR!

No surprise there – Labradors have a way of fetching everyone's affection, not just because they're adorable but because they embody the spirit of loyal companionship.

Hot on their tails in the popularity contest are:

2 - Border Collie
3 - Cockapoo
4 - English Cocker Spaniel
5 - German Shepherd Dog
6 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier
7 - Springer Spaniel
8 - Golden Retriever
9 - Jack Russell Terrier
10 - Labradoodle

Source: tug-e-nuff

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).