The best way to pet a dog involves letting them initiate, approaching from the side, and focusing on gentle strokes on the chest, shoulders, neck, and base of the tail, while avoiding the head, paws, legs, and tail tip, especially for unfamiliar dogs. Always watch their body language for signs of comfort (leaning in, relaxed posture) or stress (stiffness, lip licking, tucked tail) and stop if they seem uncomfortable, remembering that belly rubs can be tricky and hugs are often seen as threatening.
Most dogs like being petted when contact is predictable, gentle, and placed where they feel safe--especially the chest, base of neck, shoulders, and rump. Always prioritize reading the dog's body language and start with neutral, non-threatening touches.
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.
To show your dog you're the leader, provide calm, consistent structure through training, clear rules (like waiting before going through doors or eating), and leading on walks (dog beside or behind you). It's about confidence, not aggression, ensuring your dog feels secure in a balanced environment where you control resources and activities, not by overpowering them but by offering reliable guidance.
7 Signs Your Dog Considers You Alpha of the Pack
The 10 commandments of Canine Respect
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.
They look to you for reassurance in situations that make them nervous or afraid. When your dog is afraid, caught by surprise or unsure, do they look to you for guidance? This is a sign that you're a safe person that your dog trusts to look after them, especially when they don't feel confident.
Common Petting Mistakes (and Why They're a Problem)
Leaning over a dog — this feels threatening. Fast or direct movements toward the dog's face — a violation of personal space. Staring into the dog's eyes — dogs see this as a challenge. Petting the head, face, or belly first — start with the back or shoulders instead.
It's summer and Texas is HOT. We love this tip for testing the pavement when walking your dogs, courtesy of the Moon Valley Canine Training Center in Sonoma, Calif. Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your 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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Signs Your Dog Loves You
Yelling – Yelling is definitely one of the main things that dogs hate about human behaviour. Yelling at your dog, or even someone else for that matter may severely scare or even upset your dog. No one likes being yelled at, not even your dog.
Dogs love to cuddle with their owners, and it's a sign of their affection and love towards you. Cuddling releases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” When your dog cuddles with you, it makes them feel happy and secure, and it also strengthens your bond with them.
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 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.
To show your dog you're the leader, provide calm, consistent structure through training, clear rules (like waiting before going through doors or eating), and leading on walks (dog beside or behind you). It's about confidence, not aggression, ensuring your dog feels secure in a balanced environment where you control resources and activities, not by overpowering them but by offering reliable guidance.
Thankfully, you can discipline your puppy the right way to prevent many bad behaviors by using these dog discipline methods.