Ever wonder why your dog suddenly goes wild with the ‘zoomies’? It’s not just random hyperactivity! According to dog behaviour expert Alyssa Ralph, these energy bursts are often your dog’s way of releasing stress and resetting after emotional overload. Dogs communicate in ways that might surprise you, and we often misread their signals by interpreting them through a human lens.
For example, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean your dog is happy. Pay attention to the tail’s height, speed, and stiffness. A high, fast, rigid wag might indicate that your pup is feeling anxious or alert. Similarly, behaviours like leaning, following you closely, or the endearing head tilt aren’t just signs of cuteness or bad habits. These actions mean your dog is seeking security, processing sounds, or engaging with you.
Ever caught your dog with a ‘guilty look’? It’s not guilt they’re showing! More often, it’s an effort to appease you or react to your tone and body language, not a true understanding of doing something wrong.
Misreading these signals can even impact feeding habits and overall health. Stress or overstimulation might lead your dog to gulp down food, skip meals, or show inconsistent hunger, warns Alyssa. Instead of tweaking the meal plan, consider what might be affecting your dog’s behaviour and make changes accordingly.
For a healthier, happier pet, take notice of patterns over time, look for recent environmental changes, and don’t hesitate to seek expert pet advice. Dogs are incredibly expressive when you know what to watch for, and understanding their language can make a world of difference in strengthening your bond. 🐾❤️
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