Dogs often dislike having their tails touched because it's an extension of their spine, full of sensitive nerves, can feel vulnerable or threatening (like an ambush), might be associated with past trauma, or simply because they haven't been socialized to it as puppies, leading to discomfort or pain. While some dogs enjoy it, many find it invasive and a disruption to their balance and communication.
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, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
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 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.
Tips for Asserting Dominance Over Your Dog
It's relatively easy to spot a submissive dog, but identifying the alpha dog can be trickier. Reading a dog's body language can help indicate dominant and aggressive behaviors. Some signs of alpha dog behavior are: The dog quickly becomes jealous if you give attention to another dog.
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.
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.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
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.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
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.
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
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.
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.
The 30-Minutes-Before-Bed Rule: If your main goal is helping your dog wind down for sleep, aim to walk them about half an hour before you want them settled. This gives them time to do their business, burn energy, and then decompress. Walking too late—like, right before you climb into bed—can actually backfire.
But if they feel that someone in the pack has overstepped his or her bounds, these dogs can quickly resort to aggression. An aggressive response is usually provoked by things that a dog perceives as threatening or unpleasant, such as: Taking food away. Taking a chew bone, toy or stolen object away.
They will know that being hit is a bad experience and that it hurts, but they won't know that the action is all on you. Do your best to reassure them in the future that you love them. Dogs simply don't understand the concept of forgiveness, but they're very good at it all the same.
5 Common Painful Conditions in Pets
Some experts believe that dogs know we are a different species, so they wouldn't consider us eligible for their furry four-legged group. That said, dogs often treat us as like we're part of one big happy pack. They can be incredibly loyal and loving to their family members.
Daily Habits That Show Your Dog You're in Charge
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.