Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• Why Do Our Dogs Let Out Those Dramatic Sighs?

• Puppy-Feeding Schedule 101

• Thread: The most disgusting thing my dog has ever done…

• Video: The room service is a scam 😂😂😂

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

VIRAL TRENDS

Ever wonder what treats make your pup's tail wag the hardest? Thanks to dog trainer Shannon Spencer's viral test, you can now become a certified expert in your furry friend's food preferences! And trust me, even those "I'll-eat-anything" Labs have their favorites!

The Muffin Tin Challenge

Here's the scoop: Grab a muffin tin, and turn it into your pup's personal taste-testing tray! Fill each section with different dog-safe goodies – from fancy meats to humble kibble. Pop on some labels, set up your phone to record, and watch the magic happen!

What to Put in the Tin

Want to make this food festival extra special? Try mixing:

• High-value treats (think meaty goodness, fish, cheese, or even fruit for the sweet-toothed pups)

• Everyday favorites (kibble and store-bought treats)

• Veggie options (for our health-conscious furry friends)

Just remember: We're not trying to trick our pups here – skip anything they absolutely hate. This is supposed to be fun, not a trust-breaking experiment!

Why Knowing Their Favorites Matters

Here's the clever part: Once you know what makes your dog's taste buds dance, you've got a secret weapon for training! That premium treat might be just what you need to convince your pup that coming back to you is way more exciting than chasing that squirrel across the park.

Keep the Magic Alive

Even the yummiest treats can become "meh" if they're an everyday thing. Mix things up now and then, and save those extra-special favorites for when you really need them – like teaching new tricks or braving scary situations.

And here's a pro tip: If your pup inhales everything at first (we're looking at you, Labradors!), try the test again when they're not quite so hungry. That's when their true preferences shine through!

Remember, knowing your dog's favorite foods isn't just about spoiling them – it's about building a stronger bond and making training more effective. Though let's be honest, seeing their eyes light up when you pull out their favorite treat is pretty much the best thing ever! 🐾

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Why Do Our Dogs Let Out Those Dramatic Sighs?

Ever caught your pup letting out the BIGGEST sigh after a day of being pampered and loved? You know, acting like they're the ones dealing with Monday meetings and tax season! Let's dive into what these adorable dramatic moments actually mean.

The Happy Sigh: Pure Contentment

When your pup plops down after a perfect day and lets out that big sigh, it's usually their way of saying "Life is good!" Dr. Valli Parthasarathy tells us that most often, these sighs are just your dog's version of a happy "ahhhh" moment. Look for those relaxed ears, soft eyes, and that wiggly tail – that's your content pup right there!

The "I'm Bored" Sigh

You know that dramatic huff when you're not throwing the ball for the 100th time? Yep, that's your dog's way of saying "Come on, human, entertain me!" These little attention-seekers have figured out that a well-timed sigh might just get them some extra playtime or cuddles. Clever, right?

The "Getting Comfy" Sigh

That big exhale when they finally find the perfect spot on their bed? It's like us humans getting into fresh sheets after a long day! This type of sigh usually comes with a lot of circling, pawing at their bed, and finally that satisfying "plop" as they settle in.

The Snuggle Sigh

During cuddle time, some dogs let out little sighs of happiness. But watch out – if your Great Dane thinks they're a lap dog, their sigh might actually mean "Hey, I'm a bit squished here!"

The "Something's Not Right" Sigh

While most sighs are totally normal, keep an ear out for excessive sighing, especially if it comes with stiffness or changes in behavior. Our furry friends sometimes use sighs to tell us when they're not feeling their best.

And here's a fun fact: Those squishy-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs? They're professional sighers! Their unique facial structure means they often breathe through their mouths, making them the drama queens of the dog world.

Remember, next time your pup gives you their Oscar-worthy performance of "World's Most Burdened Dog," they're probably just telling you how comfy and content they are. Unless, of course, you're eating a sandwich – then they're definitely trying to guilt you into sharing! 🥪

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. At least she finished the video

2. Acting cute when they want something

3. The room service is a scam 😂😂😂

@lucyganney

I want a refund #naughtydog #labrador #roomservice #popcorn

Puppy-Feeding Schedule 101

Just brought home a bouncing bundle of joy? Wondering how to handle those puppy-dog eyes begging for food all day long? Let's dish out everything you need to know about feeding your new furry friend! And trust me, getting this right from the start makes all the difference between a well-fed, happy pup and a tiny food monster who runs the house!

The Basics: When Do Puppies Start Eating?

Those tiny teeth start wanting real food at around 3-4 weeks old. Dr. Helle Brandrup tells us this is when they start graduating from mom's milk to puppy food. Want a pro tip? Adding a bit of milk replacer to their food for the first couple of weeks makes the transition super smooth!

How Much Should Your Pup Really Eat?

Here's the scoop: There's no one-size-fits-all answer! Your teacup Yorkie won't need the same portions as your future gentle giant Great Dane. But don't worry - there's a cool formula called RER (Resting Energy Requirement) that helps figure out the perfect portion size. Just remember: those puppy food bag guidelines are a great starting point!

The Perfect Puppy Schedule

Ready for the timeline breakdown? Here's how to keep those meal times on track (and your sanity intact):

Under 3 Months

These tiny tummies need 4-5 small meals a day! Think of them as adorable little hobbits with their multiple breakfasts. And yes, they really do need to eat that often - their little bodies are growing super fast at this stage!

3-6 Months

Time to switch to three meals a day. Morning, lunch, and dinner - just like us humans! This is also the perfect time to start establishing a routine that'll last through puppyhood.

6-12 Months

Now we're down to two meals daily. Your pup's growing up so fast! 🥺 But don't worry about them being hungry - their tummy has grown enough to handle bigger portions less frequently.

Choosing The Right Food

Whether you go wet or dry (or a mix of both), make sure it's specifically labeled for puppies. Those growing bodies need different nutrients than adult dogs! And if you've got a large breed puppy, they might need special food just for them - their growth needs are a whole different ball game!

Pro Tips For Staying On Track

• Skip the "free feeding" - set mealtimes are the way to go!

• Try this schedule: breakfast at 7am, lunch at noon, dinner at 5pm

• Working late? Get a pet sitter to keep that schedule rolling

• Pick a quiet spot for mealtimes - no distractions from those important nom-noms!

• Keep treats to 10% of their daily food intake (yes, even though they're super cute when begging!)

• Watch for signs that portions need adjusting - too riby means more food, too round means less

When Things Go Wrong

Not every pup jumps right into their feeding schedule like a pro. If your little one's being picky, try making their food more exciting - warm water on kibble works wonders! And if they skip a meal? Don't panic! Just pick up the bowl after 10 minutes and try again at the next scheduled time. Being consistent here is key!

Remember, consistency is key! As Dr. Brandrup says, keeping those mealtimes regular isn't just about preventing hangry puppies - it's super important for their growth and development. Plus, regular mealtimes make potty training SO much easier (because what goes in on a schedule tends to come out on a schedule, if you know what I mean! 😉).

And hey, while those puppy-dog eyes might be hard to resist, stick to the schedule! Your future well-behaved adult dog will thank you for it. After all, a well-fed puppy is a happy puppy, but an over-fed puppy... well, let's just say your shoes might regret it! 🐕

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

False

The average dog can learn to understand around 165 words, though some exceptional dogs can learn many more.

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