🐶❤️🐶 This dog has been a very good girl! 🐶❤️🐶
Here are some dog photos to brighten your day 😊.
Here’s your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Jess!
Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.
Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.
Meme of the day:
| You May Like | ||||||||||||||||||
Subscribe to our sister newsletter!
|
Why Do Dogs Nip at You When You Lay Down?
It can be surprising and even a little upsetting when your usually affectionate dog starts nipping at you when you lie down. This behavior, while sometimes playful, can stem from a variety of reasons, ranging from instinct to anxiety.
Playful Invitation: When you lie down, you might be inadvertently triggering your dog's play instincts. To them, your lowered posture might resemble a play bow, signaling an invitation to wrestle or engage in a chase. Nipping can be their way of initiating a fun interaction.
Herding Instinct: Certain breeds, like those originally bred for herding, may have a stronger instinct to nip at moving objects, including your hands or feet when you shift positions while lying down. This isn't necessarily aggression, but rather a deeply ingrained behavior.
Attention-Seeking: If your dog feels ignored or wants your attention, they may resort to nipping to elicit a reaction from you. Even if you respond by scolding them, they may still perceive it as attention and continue the behavior.
Anxiety or Insecurity: Lying down can make some dogs feel vulnerable. If your dog is anxious or insecure, they may nip as a way to create distance or protect themselves. This is often accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as panting, pacing, or lip licking.
Protecting Resources: If your dog is possessive of their space or toys, they may nip at you when you lie down near them. This is a form of resource guarding, and it's important to address it with proper training and behavior modification.
Medical Reasons: In some cases, nipping can be triggered by underlying medical conditions causing discomfort or pain. If your dog suddenly starts nipping when you lie down, it's worth consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Understanding the reason behind your dog's nipping behavior is crucial for addressing it effectively. If it's playful, redirecting their energy to appropriate toys or activities can help. If it's anxiety-driven, creating a safe and secure environment for your dog is essential. For attention-seeking nipping, ignoring the behavior and rewarding calm behavior can be effective. And if it stems from resource guarding or medical issues, seeking professional guidance from a veterinarian or certified dog trainer is recommended.
References:
- Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior problems of the dog and cat. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Horwitz, D. F., & Mills, D. S. (2009). BSAVA manual of canine and feline behavioural medicine. BSAVA Library.
Family photo of the day: Barbie!
Make Your Pup Famous!
We want to share your pup. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Share our newsletter with your friends!
We’ll donate on your behalf!
🐶 Refer 10 people: we will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶
🐕️ Refer 50 people: we will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐕️
🛏️ Refer 100 people: we will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏️
You currently have 0 referrals, only 2 away from receiving Dog Safety Guide.
Sources:
Dog of the day: IG jess_thenorfolk_terrier
Meme of the day: IG scottishstantheman
