To say "hi" in dog language, use relaxed body language like a wiggly body, soft eyes, and a loose tail wag, approach sideways, and let the dog sniff you first, offering a gentle scratch on the chest or side rather than looming or making direct eye contact, as dogs communicate through calm, non-threatening physical cues.
Here are a few ways you can show love to your dog:
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.
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.
Dogs say "I love you" through actions like leaning on you, making soft eye contact (releasing oxytocin), following you around, bringing you toys, licking, gentle tail wags, and cuddling, all signs of trust, affection, and bonding that show they feel safe and happy in your presence.
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.
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.
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.
How do dogs choose their favourite people? There are several factors that may influence your dog to choose one person over another, although, in general, they will always prefer those members of the household who devote more time to them and, above all, who are synonymous with positive experiences for them.
It's important to remember that some dogs may really like hugs from their human family, but not from new acquaintances. It's the same way we like close physical contact from friends or family, but we might feel awkward or freaked out if a stranger gets too close to us.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Off leash creates less tension than on leash, but can only be done if it's 100% safe. (Skip and Ruby were were in a large, fenced area of mixed pasture and woods.) There are many factors to consider when introducing unfamiliar dogs, but if there's one thing to remember over all the others, it's keep moving!
Our actions and words can impact a dog's emotions, with negative behaviors like ignoring or punishing them potentially causing distress. Signs of hurt feelings in dogs include changes in body language and demeanor, such as a lowered head, droopy ears, and withdrawing from favorite activities.
Studies found that classical music with a low Bpm of 50-60 is proven to reduce stress, but after time, dogs become bored. Instead, reggae and soft rock are better genres for reducing heart rate, barking and stress.
Bad Smells to Steer Clear From
Your pooch will hate the smell of mothballs, alcohol, cleaning products and nail polish!
Yes, dogs often choose to sleep with their favourite person as it provides them comfort and security.
If your dog seems relaxed in their posture and not tense or stiff, this is a good indication they are feeling good. Loose shoulders, soft eyes without a fixed gaze, and a dose of 'wiggliness' or pure 'flopped-outness' are all clues that your dog's feeling super chill. They're playful.
As well as expressing love, a dog's stare can sometimes indicate that they are not happy. It's unlikely that your dog will give you this sort of assertive stare, but it may be reserved for other dogs that they feel threatened by. It's usually accompanied by a stiff upright body and a stillness.
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.
Licking: Doggy Kisses as a “Thank You”
Licking is another way dogs express their gratitude. Whether it's a gentle lick on your hand, face, or even your feet, your dog offers “kisses” as a form of appreciation. This behavior stems from puppyhood when dogs lick their mothers to show affection and bond.
Our natural instinct to reach our hands out to dogs when greeting them is incorrect. Dogs are scent driven, and when they approach you, allow them to smell you without reaching, talking or leaning in. Just neutral and very calm. After they're done sniffing you, if the dog shows that they want affection, give it.