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Before Heading to the Dog Park, Read This
I’ve never been a dog park person in the past, but in the last few years, I’ve decided it might be a good thing. Originally, it was due to getting a new 6-month old rescue pup, and she was our only pet. And, our neighborhood wasn’t very dog-social, so I started taking her to small dog parks with an area specifically designated for small, old, or shy dogs. These days, I have two dogs who are both high-energy working dogs. This means they require more mentally engaging activities or enrichment, and lots of physical exercise to keep them engaged, relaxed, and happy. My dog, Cali, loves to play ball, but…
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Part of the Pack: Your Dog Accepts You as Family
There is one moment every dog owner dreams about, and it relates to bonding with their dog. It’s that subtle shift when your canine companion stops seeing you as just someone who fills the bowl, and instead sees you as part of the pack. This is where your relationship changes, and becomes deeper and stronger. You’ll feel it, and know that it’s permanent. Becoming a family is a part of the journey that transforms routine care into genuine companionship. *This page may contain affiliate links. As an Affiliate & Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualified purchases. Clear Signs You’re Part of the Pack Dogs communicate social bonds in obvious and subtle ways. If your dog follows you around from room to room (aka the “velcro dog”), they aren’t actually being clingy. They’re doing what dogs do: staying close to the pack. And, a relaxed, wiggly dog greeting you with soft eye contact is showing trust and affection that usually only pack members get to experience. Pay close attention to how your dog sleeps with you. Any dog comfortable enough to sleep with their back to you, or with their belly exposed, has put their complete trust in you (Cali sleeps this way). It’s like your pup is saying, “You’re part of the pack, so I know I’m safe.” And, dogs who bring you their toys or lean against you are showing bonding behaviors that build pack connection. The most telling sign…
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Should I get a second dog?
The first time I thought about getting a second dog, I was watching my dog look out the window and through the backyard fence, happily, as she wagged her tail at everyone passing by. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar when spending time with your dog. The idea of adopting another dog may have you already searching through dog adoption websites. This happens to me a lot, and I already have two dogs! The possibility of getting a second dog triggers both excitement and fear, because it means twice the happiness, but also twice the work. Adding a new dog to your home requires thorough evaluation, and could make your home…
