Hey there, Barkers!🐾

That’s right, you’re officially part of the inner circle that speaks woof fluently!

Ever wonder what your dog’s trying to say when they tilt their head, lick their lips, or give you the side eye? No, they’re not plotting world domination (well… maybe snack domination).

They’re communicating! Reading your dog’s body language isn’t just about understanding when they’re happy. It’s about catching the subtle signs of stress, excitement, or discomfort before they escalate.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “No dog body language signals act alone… from the tail height to the eye shape.” A loose, wiggly body means they’re relaxed; a stiff posture with a tucked tail signals fear or anxiety. Paying attention to these cues helps build trust and prevents misunderstandings (or accidental zoomie-induced chaos).

So grab your notepad and your best treats. Class is in session, and your teacher’s got four paws and a bark.

Nothing says happiness like a good meal under the sunshine. Meet Sonny, living his best lunch life among the flowers.🌸🐾

Q: Why did the dog sit in the shade?

A: To keep his cool while giving mixed signals!

Even the most social pup can get stressed, especially in new environments or around unfamiliar dogs. Watch for these common stress signs:

Yawning (outside of nap time)

Lip licking when no food is around

Turning their head away or avoiding eye contact

Shaking off (like they just came out of the bath. Drama much?)

When you see these signs, take a break, create space, and let your dog decompress. Think of it as giving your furry friend a little emotional “sniff break.”

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

📌Pack Tip: Keep your eyes peeled and heart open.

Understanding body language isn’t just a party trick. It’s vital to your dog’s health and safety. Misreading signals may causes of bites and behavior issues.

When we respect a dog’s space and recognize discomfort early, we prevent stress hormones like cortisol from spiking. Chronic stress can weaken immunity, disrupt digestion, and affect sleep. Even for dogs who seem “fine.” So, reading your dog’s signals doesn’t just build trust; it keeps them healthier and happier long-term.🦴

When your pup’s stress meter hits red, these calming tools can help bring it back to green:

Thundershirt® Calming Wrap: gentle pressure therapy that feels like a hug.

Adaptil® Diffuser: releases dog-appeasing pheromones to help ease tension.

LickiMat® Soother: perfect for redirecting nervous energy into focused licking (aka: canine zen).

📌Bark Tip: Pair any of these with your calm energy because your pup looks to you for reassurance.

Do you have a product or service that a dog lover would adore? Our readers are passionate pet parents who value trusted recommendations.

Hey, Barkers!

Have you ever misread your dog’s body language in a funny or eye opening way? Maybe you thought your dog was smiling but turns out, he was just tooth-baring about bath time.

Share your stories, photos, or training wins with us for a chance to be featured in next week’s issue! [email protected]. 📸🐶

Until next time, keep those tails wagging and those eyes soft.

Remember communication is a two way leash. 🐾💙🧡

A Worthy Bark.

Where every bark has meaning and every reader's part of the pack.