To ask a dog owner if you can pet their dog, approach from a distance, ask clearly "May I pet your dog?", wait for permission, let the dog sniff your fist first, and then gently pat its shoulder or chest, avoiding the head, watching for positive cues like a wagging tail, and respecting a "no" to keep interactions safe and polite.
I always ask specific questions about the dog. How often do they go out? What is their poop schedule? Do they bark? How long can they be left alone? Are they crate trained? Do they go to dog parks? Are they allowed on the furniture at home? Do they get along with other dogs? Do they have allergies?
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
The number of people who regard themselves as pet parents, rather than 'owners' is definitely increasing. According to data, one in three people in Britain regard themselves as 'pet parents'. In the United States, legislation relating to companion animals has replaced 'owner' with the term, 'guardian'.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
Eaten from at least 7 different containers • Been held and petted by at least 7 different people • Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides • Been in a crate at least 7 times • Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys • Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
This shift in perception has given rise to two distinct terms: "pet parent" and "pet owner." While both terms refer to individuals who have animals in their care, the underlying philosophy and approach towards pet care and relationship differ considerably.
Dogs don't always prefer their owners and can quickly form strong preferences for certain strangers over others.
Stray dogs are dogs without an owner. While the term stray dog is sometimes used to refer specifically to dogs which have been lost, in a more general sense a stray dog is any unowned free-ranging dog.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.
Essential Supplies for New Dog Owners
Pet sitter red flags include poor communication (slow/vague replies), refusing meet-and-greets, lack of questions about your pet's needs, inconsistent updates, a messy environment, unclear pricing, no emergency plan, or your pet showing fear/stress around them, signaling potential neglect or incompetence. Trusting your gut and looking for professionalism, clear communication, and genuine interest in your pet are crucial signs of a good sitter, notes Rover.com and A-Z Animals.
Let them share their fears, emotions, and memories. Simply saying, “I'm here for you,” can provide immense comfort. Offer Practical Help: When a pet's health is declining, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Offering to help in tangible ways can go a long way in demonstrating your support.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
15 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Will Become Your BFFL
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
pooch (slang) cur. He called my dog a mangy cur. man's best friend. kuri or goorie (New Zealand)
A velcro dog is a term used to describe dogs who are overly attached and clingy with their owners. Velcro dogs usually follow their owners from room to room, refuse to leave them alone, and become anxious when separated.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
How do they do this? It's biological. All animals have circadian rhythms - physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, responding to light and darkness in the environment. They may also be affected by factors like temperature and social cues.
Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are being put to sleep. They may behave differently at this time generally because they feed off the emotions of their closest humans, who are understandably destraught. Plus they also getting all of this extra attention so they probably wonder what is going on!