Modern Mutts

Did you know dogs should get 12-14 hours of sleep and puppies up to 20 hours? 😴

If you find your pup is too energetic and you’re constantly trying to tire them out with exercise and enrichment, consider how much sleep they’re getting. Not enough sleep can cause your dog to be hyper and struggle to control their emotions and energy. Make sure they’re getting plenty of quiet time in their own safe space at home to get some good naps during the day 🐕

There’s no such thing as spoiling your dog by loving them too much.

It's the owners fault, they spoilt the dog too much.

In varied forms, I hear this statement alot and my heart sinks when I do. Showing affection, empathy and compassion is not spoiling an animal, it's knowing how to support another being when they need it.

Loving our dogs does not make them needy, letting them feel unsafe does.

The only time I see this statement being true, is when a dog is not allowed to be a dog. We can spoil them by:

Not allowing them to sniff and forage.

By not allowing them to explore.

By not allowing them to process their environment.

By forcing them into situations they feel uncomfortable in.

By ignoring them when they are crying or stressed.

When we are inconsistent and unclear in our communication.

We are NOT spoiling them when:

We share our food.

When we snuggle up on the sofa with them.

When we let them sleep with us.

When we comfort them when they are scared or stressed.

When we put a coat on them because they are cold.

When we listen to their needs.

When we take them to the vets for regular check ups or because we are worried about something that appears tiny.

When we pick them up because they are terrified.

Dogs will not become unruly or try to dominate us because we are being kind.
Dogs become unruly when they are feeling unsafe, confused or frustrated.

So keep that love coming!! Love and empathy does not make any animal badly behaved. The opposite does.