Crate vs. Playpen: Which Helps Dogs Feel More Secure?
A crate and a playpen can both make a dog feel safe. They just get there in different ways, and knowing that difference matters more than picking the “better” product.…
bonding
Dog Beds vs. Blankets: Which Helps Dogs Settle Better?
Walk into almost any living room at bedtime and you’ll see it.
A plush, orthopedic dog bed sits empty in the corner. The dog stretches out on the cool hardwood floor a few feet away instead.…
Why Dogs Sit on Your Hand: Attention or Comfort?
Of all the places your dog could put his rear end, why choose the four-inch patch currently occupied by your hand?
You are petting him on the couch. Your hand pauses beside his hip.…
Why Dogs Bring You Their Blanket: Comfort or Sharing?
The house has gone quiet. You’re stretched out on the couch when your dog appears in the doorway with a blanket gathered awkwardly in his mouth.
He walks over, climbs up beside you, turns twice, and drops onto the cushion.…
Why Dogs Get Excited When You Come Home: Joy or Routine?
The key jingles in the lock, and by the time the door swings open, the dog is already mid-spin. Ears back, whole body wagging instead of just the tail, a toy snatched up and dropped at your feet, maybe a groan-howl that sounds like it’s been saved up all day.…
Why Dogs Follow Kids Around: Instinct or Affection?
A kid bolts out of the playroom with a foam sword, cuts through the kitchen for a handful of crackers, then bangs through the back door because someone spotted a lizard.…
Why Dogs Sit on Your Back: Play or Affection?
Most furniture does not suddenly get down on all fours. Your dog may consider this a design flaw.
You crouch to pick something up, stretch out on the floor, or lean over during play, and suddenly there is a dog on your back.…
Why Dogs Sit on Your Chest: Comfort or Attention?
There are easier places for a dog to sit. The couch has cushions. The floor is spacious. Your lap was specifically engineered by human anatomy to be available while reclining.…
Why Dogs Walk Between Your Legs: Comfort or Habit?
Some dogs see the narrow gap between your legs and apparently think, “Excellent. A hallway built specifically for me.”
You are standing at the kitchen counter, waiting at a crosswalk, or trying to have a normal conversation with another human when your dog walks directly into the space between your knees.…
Why Dogs Bring You Your Shoes: Helpfulness or Excitement?
You’re standing by the front door looking for your other shoe when your dog appears around the corner carrying it.
For a second, the scene looks almost impossibly helpful.…