Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• Why Does Your Dog Squint at You?

• How to Teach Your Dog to Shake

• Thread: Transitioning back to dry

• Video: Now that’s a good car mechanic

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Why Does Your Dog Squint at You?

Ever catch your pup giving you that sweet, squinty-eyed look and wonder what they're trying to say? Dr. Alisha Kidwell explains that your dog's eyes are like a roadmap to their health and emotions - you just need to know how to read the signs!

The Language of Squints

Just like humans use facial expressions to communicate, dogs have mastered the art of nonverbal cues. Their squints can mean several things:

The Love Squint

When your dog squints during cuddle time or belly rubs, they're likely expressing pure happiness and affection. Think of it as their version of a loving smile! This type of squint usually comes with other happy signals like a relaxed body and wagging tail.

The Nervous Squint

Sometimes squinting tells a different story. When paired with lowered ears and a tucked tail, it might signal anxiety or submission. It's like when humans give that awkward smile in uncomfortable situations.

The Medical Squint

Not all squints are about emotions. Dr. Kidwell warns that persistent squinting could signal several health issues:

• Corneal ulcers (like tiny eye papercuts)

• Dry eye conditions

• Early signs of glaucoma

• Reactions to environmental irritants

When to Call the Vet

Watch for these warning signs:

• Persistent squinting beyond a day or two

• Redness or swelling around the eyes

• Unusual discharge

• Pawing at the face

• Sensitivity to light

Keeping Those Eyes Healthy

Prevention is better than cure:

• Regular vet check-ups for eye health

• Keep your home environment clean

• Supervise playtime to prevent eye injuries

• Consider protective eyewear for adventurous pups

• Use pet-safe eye rinses when needed

Remember, while most squints are just your dog's way of saying "I love you," it's essential to stay alert for any changes that might signal health issues. After all, those adorable puppy eyes deserve the best care possible! 🐾

Source: Kinship

Playful Picks

3. Now that’s a good car mechanic

DOG TRAINING

How to Teach Your Dog to Shake: A Simple Guide to This Classic Trick 🐾

Want to add an adorable handshake to your pup's repertoire of tricks? Dr. Alisha Kidwell shares how to teach this classic move while keeping training fun and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.

Setting Up for Success

Before you start practicing, create the perfect learning environment:

• Find a quiet space without distractions

• Grab your dog's favorite high-value treats

• Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes max)

• Make sure you're in a good mood (your dog reads your energy!)

The Step-by-Step Guide

Start with the Basics

Begin with your dog in a sitting position, facing you. Hold a treat in your closed fist where they can smell it but not grab it. This creates interest and motivation for what's coming next.

Introduce the Command

Say "shake" clearly while holding your fist near their nose. Your pup will likely paw at your hand trying to get to the treat - that's exactly what we want! The moment their paw touches your hand, say "good" and reward them with the treat.

Practice Makes Perfect

Consistency is key to mastering this trick. Instead of long, occasional sessions, aim for short daily practice times. Five minutes several times a day works better than one long session. Keep the mood light and playful - this should be fun for both of you!

Moving Beyond Treats

Once your dog starts getting the hang of it:

• Gradually reduce treat frequency

• Replace treats with praise and pets

• Practice with both hands

• Try in different locations

Handling Training Hiccups

Having an off day? Don't worry! Sometimes your pup might seem distracted or uninterested. That's totally normal. Try:

• Taking a short break

• Switching up the training environment

• Using different treats

• Breaking sessions into smaller chunks

• Giving them a day off if needed

Remember, every dog learns at their own pace. Stay patient, keep it positive, and celebrate those small victories. Before you know it, your pup will be shaking paws like a pro! 🤝

Source: Kinship

Quiz Answers

The Answer: The Rhodesian Ridgeback!

Originally bred in Africa, these courageous dogs were specifically developed to hunt lions - yes, actual lions!

Known for the distinctive ridge of hair that grows backward along their spine, these powerful dogs would track and hold lions at bay until hunters arrived.

Talk about a brave pup!

While today's Ridgebacks are more likely to be found lounging on the couch than hunting big cats, they still maintain their athletic build, incredible courage, and independent spirit.

From lion hunter to beloved family companion - now that's what we call an impressive career change! 🐕

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

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