Happy Walks for Happy Dogs
Back to autumnal walks this week, with a bit of early morning frosts thrown in.
Always Learning
This week, I have been reflecting on how we can describe emotions both in terms of happy or sad and high or low energy. As with most things, it’s all good in moderation and not so good in excess. For example, we need some fear to help us avoid danger, but if we have too much high energy happiness, this can lead to unhealthy mania.
Where would you put your dog on this emotional scale? Are there any activities that they do that put them in a particular corner?
Thought for the week – The “Cuddles” cue
Do you ask permission to hug your dog? We often assume that they are always happy to be hugged, especially if they are affectionate dogs. But they don’t necessarily want to be a teddy bear 100% of the time. Penny and I have developed a dialogue where I say the cue word “cuddles” to ask if she wanted to be picked up for a hug. She responds by reaching up to me (yes), or turning away (no). This way, I can ensure that she is enjoying the hug as much as me.
Previous posts:
- Heather’s Happy Dogs: Weekly walk photos, muzzle training with a flowerpot, and a quiet space for the holidays.
- Heather’s Happy Dogs: Weekly walk photos, why long nails are like high heels, and give your dog some scraps.
- Heather’s Happy Dogs: Weekly walk photos, doggie emotions and the Cuddles cue.
- Heather’s Happy Dogs: Weekly walk photos, resource guarding update, and cold smells.
- Heather’s Happy Dogs: Weekly walk photos, resource guarding webinar, and dog whispers.
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