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

• Why Does Your Dog Lick Your Other Dog's Ears?

• "My childhood dog would never do that!" Sound familiar?

• Thread: Homemade dog food

• Video: Only Pack The Essentials

Bark Bulletin of the Week

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Got 'My Last Dog Syndrome'? You're Not Alone! 🐕

"My childhood dog would never do that!" Sound familiar?

If you find yourself constantly comparing your current furry friend to the angelic pup of your youth, congratulations - you've got what dog trainers call "My Last Dog Syndrome"! Let's talk about why we do this (and why it's totally normal).

What Is "My Last Dog Syndrome"?

You know that feeling when you're dealing with your current dog's quirks, and suddenly memories of your perfectly-behaved childhood dog come flooding back? That's the syndrome we're talking about!

And guess what?

Dog trainers see this ALL the time - you're definitely not the only one reminiscing about the "perfect pup" of your past.

Why We Get So Nostalgic

Think about it: Your childhood dog was probably there for all those big moments - your first heartbreak, that time you didn't make the team, or when you just had a really awful day at school.

They were your furry therapist who never charged by the hour! No wonder they hold such a special place in your heart.

Rose-Colored Puppy Goggles

Here's the funny thing about memory - it tends to be a bit... selective. Remember all those times your childhood dog chewed up your mom's favorite shoes or had accidents in the house?

Probably not! And you know why? Because you weren't the one dealing with it! Your parents were handling all the tough stuff while you got all the cuddles and fun parts.

The Reality Check

Let's be honest - being a dog parent is WAY different from being a kid with a family dog. Now you're the one:

• Paying those vet bills (ouch!)

• Cleaning up the unexpected messes

• Dealing with the 3 AM bathroom emergencies

• Managing the training challenges

Every Dog Is Their Own Personality

Your current pup might not have that exact heart-shaped spot over their eye like your childhood dog did (yes, that's a real story!), but they've got their own special charm. Maybe they're better at catching treats mid-air, or they've got this adorable way of tilting their head when they're confused.

Making Peace With The Present

Here's the beautiful truth: No dog will ever replace your childhood pup, and that's okay! They were your first furry love, your secret-keeper, and your loyal friend during those important growing-up years. But your current dog? They're writing a whole new story with you, complete with their own quirks, challenges, and magical moments.

Remember, when your childhood dog was young, they probably weren't perfect either - you just weren't the one dealing with the puppy chaos!

Give your current four-legged friend the chance to be their own kind of wonderful. After all, they might just become someone else's "perfect childhood dog" someday! 🐾

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. Only Pack The Essentials

3. Stuff happens

@amyrejalynn

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Why Does Your Dog Lick Your Other Dog's Ears?

Ever caught one of your dogs giving the other an unexpected ear cleaning session? While it might look a bit weird (okay, a lot weird), this behavior is actually pretty fascinating! Let's dive into why our furry friends are such ear enthusiasts.

The Social Side of Ear Licking

Think of it as the doggy version of a friendly hug! Dr. Valli Parthasarathy explains that this quirky habit often starts with mama dogs licking their puppies.

It's like their first lesson in "How to Be a Good Dog 101." From there, puppies start copying this behavior with their littermates - it's basically their way of saying, "Hey, we're family!"

Why Do They Do It?

Our four-legged friends have several reasons for this peculiar behavior:

The "You're My Best Friend" Lick

Just like when they shower us with kisses, dogs often lick each other's ears to show affection.

If you see tail wagging and happy wiggles along with the ear licking, congratulations - you're witnessing a doggy love fest!

The "Let Me Help You With That" Lick

Sometimes it's just practical - ears are hard to clean by yourself! It's like having a built-in grooming buddy. How thoughtful, right?

The "You're the Boss" Lick

Here's an interesting twist: Sometimes the ear-licker is actually showing respect! It's usually the more submissive pup who does the licking - kind of like saying "You're the top dog here!"

The "I'm a Little Anxious" Lick

Just like some of us bite our nails when we're nervous, dogs might go overboard with ear licking when they're stressed. If your pup turns into an ear-licking machine when you're away, they might be dealing with some separation anxiety.

Should You Worry?

Generally speaking, a little ear licking is totally fine! But keep an eye out for:

• Raw or irritated ears (too much of a good thing isn't great)

• One dog getting annoyed (consent matters in the dog world too!)

• Excessive licking (might signal stress or health issues)

When to Step In

If the ear licking party is getting out of hand, try these tricks:

• Redirect with a fun toy (squirrel!)

• Use positive training (treats work wonders)

• Give them something else to lick (like a special licking mat)

Remember, while this behavior might seem strange to us humans (who prefer a simple handshake), it's perfectly normal in the dog world. Just keep an eye on things to make sure everyone's comfortable and having a good time!

As Dr. Parthasarathy puts it, "There's generally nothing overtly harmful about it" - unless, of course, your ear-licking enthusiast has been sampling some questionable things beforehand (we're looking at you, garbage raiders! 😉).

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

Laika was a young, part-Samoyed terrier found as a stray in Moscow.

She was chosen as the Soviet scientists believed a homeless animal would be better equipped to endure the cold, hunger and harsh conditions of space travel.

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

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