We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful Old English Sheepdog named Lily.
My mom and dad said, “I am beautifully groomed, and fluffed”, waiting for my time to “show.” “Please stay that way.”
As you may know, we love to herd, I tried to herd the skunk. Thanks mom for the tomato juice bath in attempt to rid the skunk odor. Ha! Ha!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
When dogs are trying to get our immediate attention, they will sometimes resort to “hand gestures”, and throw their paw up in our direction. Some owners find this behaviour rude and disruptive, while other owners will tolerate it. It’s often viewed more tolerable if the dog is smaller. Pawing from extremely larger dogs can knock over kids, cause scratches and injuries.
Studies have shown that dogs have “feel good” hormones that are released during petting sessions and they will throw their paw your way to continue this action if you decide to stop petting. This is one of the most endearing times that your dog will use their paw to communicate.
However, pawing could also be a way your dog apologizes for something they have done. Pawing is their way of asking for forgiveness. (along with their sad puppy eyes)
Some dogs will paw or nudge when they are hungry or if it is getting close to dinner time.
Do your best to not create a food demanding dog. Some dogs have perfected the art of begging for treats. Do not reward bad behaviour.
A dominant dog will often put his paw on a weaker dog as a sign of being “above” them. It is their way of asserting their dominance.
Breeds that are prone to “digging” are ironically also the dogs who use their paws more often to communicate. These breeds are Australian Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Boxers, Dachshunds, Beagles, and Miniature Schnauzers.
Did you know dogs tend to favour one paw over the other. Majority of dogs are right-handed, however many dogs can use both paws equally.
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