Well Mannered Fido - Bark 10 Why Our Dogs Lean Against Us

The Reason Behind Your Dog Leaning on You and It's Significance

When a dog leans against you while facing the room, it can be a comforting gesture that provides them with a sense of security and affection. This behavior signals trust as they seek safety from you, while still keeping an eye on their surroundings. Leaning is also a sign of bonding, showing your dog’s desire for closeness and emotional connection. Additionally, some dogs may do this out of a protective instinct, standing guard while staying physically connected to their trusted owner.

Leaning is often a form of affection, akin to a dog hug, and reinforces the strong bond between dogs and their humans. Studies show that interactions between dogs and owners can trigger oxytocin release, contributing to feelings of happiness for both. Beyond affection, dogs may also lean to seek comfort, attention, or reassurance during moments of anxiety. This behavior is not only a reflection of their social nature but a deep-rooted way of offering emotional support when they sense that their owner may be stressed or unwell.

While leaning is usually a positive behavior, there can be negative reasons, such as resource guarding or dominance. However, most dog owners find that their pets lean out of love and trust. These affectionate gestures, whether through leaning, seeking eye contact, or following you around, highlight the strong, codependent relationship between dogs and humans, developed over centuries of companionship. Embracing these moments allows for deeper bonding and mutual comfort between pets and their owners.

Well Mannered Fido - Bark 9 Important Tips for Potty Training

Here are the 5 most important aspects of potty training-

1. Consistency: Establish a routine for taking your dog out at the same times each day, like after meals, naps, and playtime. This helps them understand when it's time to go.

2. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with praise or treats immediately after they go outside in the right spot. This encourages the behavior you want to see.

   
   

3. Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog indoors to prevent accidents. Use baby gates or keep them in areas where you can watch them closely.

4. Crate Training: A crate can help teach your dog to hold their bladder since dogs typically avoid soiling their sleeping area. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized—not too big or too small.

5. Patience and Persistence: Accidents will happen, but it's important to stay calm and avoid punishment. Correct mistakes by taking your dog outside immediately and reinforcing the right behavior.

Well Mannered Fido - Bark 8 Essential Grooming Tools and Tips

6 important reasons to routinely groom your Bernedoodle and the essential tools needed.

1. Maintain Shiny, Healthy Skin and Coat: To keep your Bernedoodle looking it's best, to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting...we recommend these steps and tools for home maintenance. Brushing routinely, even while watching TV in the evenings, (slow, methodical strokes), helps your Bernedoodle associate brushing as a loving gesture. Don't fall into the trap of 'My dog hates to be brushed' mode. The results will be less to no matting, healthy skin and coat, early detection for certain health issues, including: skin problems, locating and removing stickers, lumps, parasites, or other signs of illness that may go unnoticed. Bathing & blow dry every 2 weeks, with a gentle shampoo, is also very important. (See #5) The BEST part... this creates added bonding between you and your fur companion.

2. Prevents Matting: Doodles have wavy, curly or straight coats that are prone to matting if not brushed regularly. Mats can cause discomfort, dry skin, itching, restrict movement, and lead to skin irritation or infections. To maintain healthy skin and coat, these are some of my favorite tools. Brush/Comb options: Slicker Brush, Dematting Comb, 7.5" Stainless Steel Comb, and a Pin Brush. I personally love a gentle brush and the Steel Comb (for locating mats and tangles close to the skin. Let's just say, the Stainless Steel Comb is my 'Go To' ... MUST HAVE!!!

3. Grooming Scissors/Shears: For those of you that want to do your own grooming or simply trim areas around the face, paws, and sanitary areas. Here are my suggestions regarding shears. I use a curved pair, straight pair, curved chunker shears, and straight thinning shears. All 4 are amazing for specific and varied applications! I wouldn't want to be without any one of them. Let me know if you'd like my Amazon link forwarded for the exact scissors recommended.

4. Dog Clippers: If you are serious about grooming your Bernedoodle, a good quality pair of clippers is essential for giving your Doodle an overall trim. I love my Andis AGC2 Pro Grade. Not cheap, but SOOOO worth it. If you've ever tried to trim your dog with inferior clippers, you know what I'm talking about. They don't work and it's more frustrating than it's worth. I also bought compatible clipper guards from Wahl, set of 8, 1/8" - 1" cut. Might I suggest watching YouTube videos to learn how to groom your Bernedoodle. Super helpful and informative!

5. Dog-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Bath time can either be a challenge or a non-issue. Let's start with getting your dog into the tub. Please go slowly with this. Start by baiting them to get into the tub with a special treat. Lots of praise & treats when they get in. Then let them out. No bath or running water just yet. Do this for a few days so they get used to the process of getting in. Once you start to run water and bathe them, make it a calm process...all the while talking them through the experience. A calm, soothing voice goes a long way in helping your Bernedoodle learn to love their baths. Doodles often have sensitive skin, so use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to maintain a healthy, soft coat. I personally have had good luck with what I use on my hair... Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner sold at Costco. Leaves my dogs smelling great and the conditioner creates a shiny, soft coat. Love it!!! Make sure you rinse well, so as to not create itching. Here's the fun part: Watch your dog get the Zoomies once they are clean and out of the bath. Yup...It happens with most Doodles! HAHA!

6. Ear Care: Bernedoodles have floppy ears that can trap moisture, dirt and debris. Regular cleaning is IMPORTANT and reduces odor, and the risk of bacterial or yeast infections. Please use a cleaning solution after every bath and/or exposure to water, i.e. swimming, beach play, etc. I particularly like Veribac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner. Available on Amazon.

   
   

   Regular grooming with these Tips & Tools keeps a Bernedoodle's coat in top shape! Once you develop this routine, your Fur-Baby will look forward to their Spa Days, stay calm and comfortable while being groomed and love all the attention lavished on them!