One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it’s time to go to sleep.

Dogs don’t always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that’s not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Why do dogs want to sleep on your bed?

When you bring a pup home, you become part of their pack. While the dominance theory has been thoroughly debunked, they still want to sleep in close quarters with you and anyone else they deem to be in the group. Sleeping next to you helps them feel safe and happy.

Plus, it’s really comfy to lie in your soft and warm bed with your fuzzy blankets. Because canines often go by smell, they may also be attracted to the scent you leave behind. Approximately 50% of dog owners report sharing their bed with their dog, but that doesn’t mean you have to join the crowd.

Methods for keeping your dog off your bed

There are a lot of great approaches and tips you can follow to keep your dog in their own comfy bed. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not being “mean,” you are simply being firm. Read on to learn about the best ways to achieve this bedtime goal:

1. Consistency is key

When it comes to training your dog to do something, it is important to always remain consistent and firm. Always use the same commands, such as “off” to get them off your bed, or “place” to get them into their bed. By using the same commands over and over again, your dog will begin to react almost instantly. You can always use rewards like affection, praise, their favorite toy, or small treats to reinforce the good behavior. This type of training can take weeks or months to fully click with your dog, so it is important to be patient.

2. Get your dog a bed they can’t refuse

If your dog has the comfiest bed on the market, they may not even miss sleeping next to their favorite person. There are so many amazing beds available online and in pet stores. You can do some research and read reviews to see what beds are loved the most.

3. Keep them close by

Just because you are kicking your dog off the bed doesn’t mean you need to keep them out of the room. A setup near your bed or right outside of your bedroom will promote a sense of security for your dog and will help them accept this new sleeping arrangement.

4. Reinforce with the “off” command

One of the best commands you can use for this type of training is “off.” This word is short and easy to say. It is important to say it firmly and point to the floor to give your pup some direction. Whenever you find your dog on your bed, immediately command “off” and then reward the behavior once they hop down.

5. Use placement training

Just like “off,” you can utilize another short word like “place” to give your dog some direction. The word “place” can be used to describe their very own bed. By telling them to go to their place, they have a sense of direction. You can use both “off” and “place” consecutively to let them know it is bedtime.

Why keep your dog off your bed in the first place?

Although many of us love bedtime snuggles with our furry best friends, there are quite a few benefits to keeping your sleeping spaces separate. Some of these reasons include:

• Better sleep for you. Dogs tend to be bed hogs. They love to stretch out and get comfy. Although this is great for them, it’s not so great for you. People usually sleep better when they have the space they need to rest. It is also common for loud snoring from your dog to create some issues at bedtime.

• Your bed stays soft, not furry. Shedding is a common characteristic of nearly every breed of dog. Some shed way more than others, but their small hairs still end up everywhere, regardless of breed. When you don’t allow your dog on your bed, your bed stays cleaner and less hairy. The excessive shedding on your bed can cause itchiness on your skin and face, not to mention some unintentionally swallowed hairs in your mouth.

• Fewer trips to the laundry room. Very few dogs wear shoes outside every day and take a daily bath before bedtime. Because of this, it is easy for dogs to track dirt, insects, and debris onto your soft sheets. By keeping your dog off your bed, you’ll spend less time washing your sheets and more time enjoying them.

Keeping your dog off your bed requires consistency, patience, and firmness. You have to do everything you can to resist those puppy eyes. You will be happy you did in the long run, though, because both you and your pup will benefit from a better night’s sleep every time.

Awesome news for pet parents: here are 7 fantastic dog training podcasts so you can better know your doggo and keep him happy. There are times every pet parent feels as though they’re the only ones doing “life” with their dog. Whether it’s a behavioral problem, a health concern, or simply how to find the right doggie day care, wouldn’t it be great to have an expert on speed dial to answer your every burning question?

Well, short of spending your life searching online, might we suggest finding a good podcast to listen to? Podcasts are a great way to get free advice from experts in the field, especially as you’re performing mindless chores around the house or settling in for a long plane ride. And when it comes to dog training, podcasts feature a variety of experts who can help any pet parent. Which podcast should you listen to? These are a few of our favorites.

Animal Training Academy

Available on: Spotify, Apple, Stitcher
Professional animal trainer Ryan Cartlidge hosts this show featuring training techniques from experts such as behaviorist Dr. Susan Friedman, experienced guide dog mobility trainer Tony Harvey, and award-winning writer Laura VanArendonk Baugh. If training dogs is your passion or you just need advice on training yours, this podcast covers a variety of positive reinforcement training techniques that apply to animals in every situation.

What Would Jeff Do?

Available on: Apple, Google, Spotify
Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training hosts this popular podcast that helps you have fun while gaining a greater understanding of your dog. Gellman believes the most important part of being a dog trainer is helping pet owners stop their pet’s bad behavior to keep them in the house. Tune in to hear him field questions from his live Facebook and YouTube sessions on everything from dog training to business to life in general.

Dog Talk with Dr. Jen

Available on: Apple
Dr. Jennifer Summerfield is a veterinarian and dog trainer who specializes in treating behavioral problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior issues. Podcast topics include how to deal with housemate aggression, taking the stress out of vet visits, and how to choose the right dog for your family. Summerfield’s compassionate voice calmly explains the problem, then suggests practical solutions for solving it.

Drinking from the Toilet

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher, Spotify
Hannah Branigan hosts this authentic, sometimes hilarious look at the reality of dog training, behavior, and learning. Branigan, who has a background in both sports and biology, applies her knowledge and experience in positive reinforcement training to the training and competing she does with her dogs. Podcast topics include an in-depth look at fear and whether it can be reinforced, how you might be reinforcing your dog’s herding behavior, and a deeper look at learning and memory as it relates to training your dog.

Positively Dog Training, the official Victoria Stilwell podcast

Available on: Apple, Spotify, Google
Dog lovers will recognize Victoria Stilwell from her hit television series It’s Me or the Dog. On her podcast, she teams up with CNN reporter Holly Firfer to discuss dog-related topics and also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at life on the set. Her Positively Dog Training network focuses on humane, force-free, positive training techniques. Podcast topics range from dog education and behavior to intelligence, social learning, and evolution.

Canine Conversations

Available on: Apple, Facebook
Master behaviorist and dog trainer Robert Cabral hosts this well-rounded podcast on all things canine. From training and sport competitions to health concerns and food choices, Cabral brings his years of experience with shelter dogs and competitive obedience and protection dogs to the airwaves. Topics range from daily enrichment, fearfulness, and dominance to how to prepare your home and family for a new puppy.

Your Family Dog Podcast

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher
Between them, co-hosts Julie Fudge Smith and Tina M. Spring have more than 60 years of dog training experience. Fudge Smith and Spring believe that “life is better with a dog” and cover a wide variety of topics to help families love living with their dogs. Subject matter includes what you need to know about dog bites, what to look for in a doggie daycare facility, and how to deal with parasite invasions of the flea and tick persuasion.

Why dog training is important

In addition to ensuring that your dog knows how to follow commands, which can keep your pup safe, training helps to build your dog’s confidence. Just like us, dogs sometimes suffer from anxiety and depression, but well-trained dogs are less likely to suffer from mental health conditions. Training your pooch also provides the mental stimulation all dogs crave while strengthening your bond with your fur baby. You can’t beat that.

See? You’re not alone. Consider this: More households have at least one dog in them, making dogs the most popular pet in the world (cat owners, you run a close second!). So, it stands to reason that if you’re wondering about a dog-related topic, there’s probably another dog owner somewhere in the world who is wondering the same thing — and, fortunately, a dog training expert who is talking about that topic on a podcast near you. All you have to do is tune in.

The joys of having a new dog can come with many challenges, but there’s even more to learn when you bring home a puppy. Learning how to house-train a puppy isn’t always simple, and some breeds are easier to train than others.

Even though Chihuahuas are as tiny and as cute as can be, they are known for being difficult to potty train just like Bichon Frises. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes Chihuahuas as “tiny dogs with huge personalities,” and this often includes a stubborn streak. As you can imagine, this can complicate house-training efforts.

Reasons Chihuahuas can be difficult to house-train

In addition to being stubborn, there are numerous other reasons why Chihuahuas can be harder to potty train than other breeds. Understanding these hurdles can help when it comes to training your tiny dog.

Small dogs’ accidents can easily go undetected

Part of learning how to house-train a puppy is catching your dog in the act. When you do see your puppy peeing indoors, you should immediately redirect him to the appropriate place to potty. However, small dogs can easily slip out of sight, meaning their accidents frequently go undetected. When this happens, pet parents miss a valuable teaching moment. Additionally, accidents aren’t cleaned up immediately, encouraging the dog to eliminate in the same spot again.

Small dogs can get away with small accidents

Because tiny dogs have tiny accidents that are easy to clean up, some pet parents are more forgiving. However, according to the AKC, the quicker you teach your puppy that there is an “approved place to potty and that some places are off-limits,” the sooner you’ll have a fully housebroken dog.

Some dogs have trouble transitioning from pee pads

According to Veterinarian Elizabeth Robertson and the National Canine Research Association of America, some Chihuahuas trained to use pee pads may have difficulty transitioning to doing their business outside. This is because they are used to just going on the pad whenever they need to, and it takes time to learn that they have to alert pet parents when they need to go outside. One thing to try is taking a soiled pee pad to the outdoor space. When they use the potty pad outside, make sure to praise your dog and repeat the process.

4 effective ways to house-train your Chihuahua

Constantly supervise your puppy to avoid undetected accidents

Constant supervision is key when housebreaking your puppy, say experts at the Chihuahua Club of America (CCA). Small puppies are like babies and frequently eliminate with little or no warning. You can never let your puppy roam unsupervised around your home.

“Prevention, supervision, and rewarding the desired behavior are the way to train your puppy,” according to the CCA.

Confine your puppy in a crate or pen when you can’t supervise them

When you can’t watch your puppy, he needs to be confined in an exercise pen or puppy-sized crate. Provide him with a bed at one end and a pee pad or newspaper at the other. Puppies don’t want to soil where they sleep, so they will naturally use the pad or newspapers when they need to. When training your puppy to go outside, you can take some poop or a piece of soiled newspaper to the desired outdoor spot. The smell will help him understand that he is supposed to do his business there.

Create a potty break schedule to keep your pup on a routine

Puppies do best on a regular schedule. This schedule teaches them that there are separate times to eat, to play, and to do their business. Feeding your puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that he’ll eliminate at consistent times as well, making housebreaking easier.

When setting up a housebreaking routine, you’ll need to monitor daily events and your puppy’s daily habits. With a very young puppy, AKC experts say you can expect to take potty breaks around these times of day:

• First thing in the morning
• Last thing at night
• After playing indoors
• After spending time in a crate
• Upon waking up from a nap
• After chewing a toy or bone
• After eating
• After drinking

This schedule can be overwhelming early on, but by being consistent, your dog can be successfully housebroken.

Focus on praising your puppy for getting it right

You should expect that your dog will have a few accidents during housebreaking. After all, that is how they’ll learn! How you react to these accidents will play a big role in successfully house-training your dog, so follow these tips when accidents happen:

• Don’t overact if you catch your dog eliminating in the house. Simply interrupt the behavior with an “oops” or “no” and immediately take him outside to the correct bathroom spot. If he finishes his business there, praise him and give him a treat. Continue reinforcing correct behavior by rewarding your puppy every time he eliminates outside.
• If you find a soiled area in the house, don’t punish your dog. Yelling or doing something as cruel as rubbing his nose in it will only scare your dog and make him afraid to do his business in front of you. Instead, clean the area thoroughly with an odor-neutralizing product such as No Go or Nature’s Miracle. This will prevent your pup from potentially marking the same spot if they detect the scent of urine.

When trouble with potty training could mean a visit to the veterinarian

If your dog seems to be regressing in his training, don’t always assume it’s a behavioral issue. Of course, puppies will still have accidents while they’re getting used to a regular potty schedule, but an extended issue could be a potential sign of a problem. In rare cases, puppies may suffer from a spinal concern or genetic abnormality that complicates things. Fortunately, you should have several pre-set veterinary appointments to get your puppy vaccinated where you can bring up your concerns.

Accidents in an otherwise house-trained dog could mean there’s a health issue, such as a bladder infection or urinary tract infection. Robertson urges pet parents to visit the vet if they notice blood in the urine, straining when eliminating, or urine that dribbles out when a dog isn’t actively urinating.

If you’re just training a Chihuahua who isn’t used to proper potty training, you’ll just need to be patient and gentle. The same goes for learning how to potty train a puppy! If you remain vigilant in supervising your puppy, avoiding punishment, and rewarding him for desired behavior, you will eventually enjoy an accident-free home.

There are so many ways to tell whether a dog is happy. We all know to look for a wagging tail, but there are countless clues hidden in a dog’s body language to let you know how they feel. But for the first time ever, Japanese researchers have confirmed that dogs show emotion in another way: by crying.

While the image of a crying dog can be enough to bring a person to tears themselves, empathetic people can rest assured–there are no sad dogs here. In fact, scientists recently discovered that dogs cry happy tears when reunited with their pet parents. Now that is a sign of true love!

Scientists wanted to explore whether tear reactions are similar in dogs and people

Azabu University professor Takefumi Kikusui was first inspired to discover the role of tear production in dogs while watching one of his Standard Poodles nursing her puppies. He noticed that she appeared to tear up while nursing, and the professor hypothesized that dogs can experience happy tears, too. After a bit of research, this pet parent and the professor found zero studies focusing on emotional tear production in animals.

The study he co-authored was published in Current Biology and shows that dogs do indeed experience emotional tear production. In fact, researchers “measured tear volume in dogs before and after reunions with owners and familiar non-owners” to test their theory. They found that dogs’ tear production increased after a reunion with a pet parent, but not after a reunion with a familiar person who wasn’t their owner.

As a confirmation, researchers studied whether or not canine tear volume increased with the introduction of oxytocin, a ‘feel-good’ chemical that the brain secretes. It did! This suggests that this emotional hormone plays a role in the ‘crying dog’ phenomenon.

Tear production may help increase emotional bonds between dogs and humans

Tears have several purposes, including washing away debris in the eye. They can also be a physical manifestation of strong emotion and a tool for people to understand one another’s feelings. As Takefumi Kikusui and his colleagues uncovered, though, tears may also play a role in the human-animal connection.

The last phase of the study included a test in which people were asked to rate their impressions of pictures of dogs. Participants rated pictures of dogs both with and without artificial tears in their eyes, and they actually had a more positive impression of the dogs with tears. This could be because people relate more to an animal if they can physically see a sign of emotion. How fascinating!

Kikusui has come to the conclusion that the bond between people and pets might be even stronger than originally believed, especially since he has seen evidence of emotional response in dogs. Still, it’s easy to understand why some folks are surprised to learn that dogs’ emotions and humans’ emotions might show themselves similarly. People can’t wag a tail when happy and prefer not to sniff behinds out of curiosity, but our two species may not be as different as we think.

The video is a snippet from a broadcast and is entitled “Guard dog or accomplice?” on TikTok. The newscasters explain that a $1,000 e-bike was stolen out of a garage, and we all get to witness the scene. A sweet pup goes right up to the presumed thief and demands pets and belly rubs. The bike thief happily obliges and looks a little confused, perhaps unsure if he should stick to his original plan after meeting such a delightful pooch.

Commenters immediately pointed out that this approach is classic golden retriever behavior, with one top poster, emily remarking, “Such a golden thing to do. My dog too.” Another, Annchris10, mentioned that they had a similar thing happen and explained, “We have the same experience like this. Our mountain bike was stolen and our golden was very welcoming of the thief!?”

Some even went so far as to give the robber a bit of credit, like Tabz, who said, “Shouldn’t have left the garage open, but love this guy, he was kind to the dog!?” It’s hard to be too mad after watching that sweet exchange. Finally, JoeGrine592 had a good theory: “The dog actually was the one who sold the bike… it wasn’t stolen… sold for belly rubs.” We’re here for that twist.

Why do golden retrievers make such bad guard dogs?

The reason is simple: Because they are so social, they don’t do well at distinguishing friends from foes. This is why they make great family pets — they put loving humans above all else. It’s also why they often work well as guide dogs and service animals. But while they can be protective and loyal, don’t expect the average golden pup to face off against an intruder. Getting the naturally happy-go-lucky breed to learn how to guard takes a lot of training from a young age, although it can be done. No matter what, a golden retriever shouldn’t be the go-to breed for this job and should stick to important tasks like jumping on their owners and licking people’s faces.

In this case, while the adorable retriever failed in his duty to watch out for the bike, he succeeded in giving us all the entertainment we needed. Perhaps he should get a sidekick with a few more guard dog tendencies for next time — maybe a German shepherd or chihuahua could help teach him a few things.

When you first bring home a new puppy, you’ll have so many firsts to look forward to. Some milestones — the first accident, for example — aren’t quite as cute as the others, so that’s why you’ll want to start training with your pup as soon as possible. Understanding puppy training stages will help you break down all your goals into realistic steps, making you and your new best friend more likely to succeed.

Remember, training your pup is just one important aspect of their well-being. Ensure you’re taking care of their diet, health, and happiness, too. Good luck and keep reading to learn about a puppy training schedule.

Here’s your ideal puppy training schedule for puppies 8 weeks of age and younger

It’s important to establish a routine as soon as you bring your puppy home. Not only will this ensure that you and your pup have every need met, but it also will let your new dog become more familiar with their environment. As dog trainer Ken McCann said in his YouTube video guide for puppy training, “You’ll be setting them up for success,” especially in potty training. Make sure to supervise while they’re outside, too.

Here’s another idea: Luring your new pup to you with a delicious treat is a great first step toward bonding and training. At this point, they’re working purely on instinct, but they’re learning the reward value of treats as well as a praise word — something like “yes” or “good” to let them know they’re doing well. Make sure to use this word as you continue training!

This also gets your pup used to working for a treat, which builds motivation and confidence. Negative reinforcement won’t teach anything but a feeling of unease at this age, so it’s a good idea to focus on rewards instead (and always). Now that they know that following you gets that reward, they’ll soon be ready to move on to the next stage.

When your puppy is 9 weeks old, try to stick to a training routine that looks like this

By 9 weeks, your puppy has had time to adjust to their new environment, notes the American Kennel Club. They’re probably gaining confidence by the hour as they learn what their little body can do, so it’s extra important to keep your fur baby supervised during this developmental stage.

Your puppy’s name should be used as a tool for training at this age. Instead of using it at every chance to get them used to it, use it sparingly to grab their attention — and then reward them for responding. This positive reinforcement will help the name stick, so they’ll be eager to respond when they hear it.

Keep your routines consistent to give your young dog a chance to learn new habits. For example, knowing by the setting sun that it’ll be time to go potty soon could determine whether your pup chooses to potty in the house.

At 10 weeks old, your dog will be ready for more challenging training. Ready to try something new?

This is a great time to start increasing the challenge of your pup’s commands — using baby steps! If you haven’t already, have your puppy sit (use a treat to lure them into position by raising it from nose level to above their head) before receiving every meal. This further integrates training and teaches your puppy to look to you before indulging.

If you’ve been luring them toward you with a treat, try leading them a few steps back and forth, or even in a circle, for more of a challenge. Use the word “come” when you lure your pet around with a treat, and soon they’ll start to understand. Don’t forget to praise your pet with words and a treat every time they complete a command. Yes, every time!

When your fur baby is 11 weeks of age, try this puppy training schedule to keep them busy

During this time, keep practicing everything you’ve introduced to your pup. Have them wait a little longer before getting rewarded, teaching a bit of patience at a time. Take each “sit” a step further by practicing “down” (lower the treat down toward the floor) or take a few steps away while your pup works on patiently sitting.

It’s a good time to introduce a collar, harness, or leash if you haven’t already — though you shouldn’t jump right into wearing it. Baby steps are a good idea when trying anything new with your fur baby! For a first step, let them sniff their new fashion accessory.

This is the ideal way to train a puppy that’s about 12 weeks or 3 months old

The American Kennel Club lists this age as an ideal time to expose your pup to new people, places, and things. Once your vet gives you the go-ahead, it’s important to socialize your puppy. Doing this in short, calm trips outside will help your fur baby build confidence as you go.

As your pup gets to know other dogs and people, practicing commands like “leave it” and any others you’ve been learning is extra important. This will give you more control over playtime should anything get out of hand. Generally, pups can be great at giving one another a verbal signal — a little yelp — if a sibling or playmate bites too hard.

What if my puppy isn’t following this training timeline? Try not to worry if you have a late bloomer

Remember, every dog runs on their own body clock, no matter their age. No two pups develop at exactly the same rate, so don’t feel discouraged if your furry friend is technically “behind” in any area. Think about the way human children grow and learn — it’s not a linear path. Some skills may click more quickly than others, and that’s perfectly normal. If your puppy isn’t responding to their name, for example, they may be excelling in athletics or social skills.

If you’re truly concerned, it’s never a bad idea to let your veterinarian know what’s going on. They’re here to help you find your way along this crazy path of puppyhood, and they’ll have ideas you may not have heard before. Sometimes, though, all it takes is some time, patience, and practice.

You can do it, pet parents!

Famous for their energy, tantrums, and professional opera skills, Siberian huskies are truly something else. Honestly, they can be hard to keep up with. Understanding husky language is a lot more straightforward. From playful postures to misleading tail wags, we’ll review them all. Before you know it, it’ll feel as if you’re reading your dog’s mind.

It’s important to remember to look over their whole body — and not one feature alone — when determining their mood or desires. The same behavior can have multiple meanings, so you’ll need to know how to read their body language from nose to tail. Ready to dive in?

Are huskies aggressive? What kind of behavior can I expect when bringing home a husky?

While huskies are well known for their expressive facial markings, they’re typically not as angry as they look. These sled dogs are incredibly social and unlikely to show unprovoked aggression, though combative behaviors can occur with dogs of any breed. Fear is a leading cause of aggression that can affect any breed with equal likelihood, though an individual dog’s personality will give you a better idea of what to expect.

The American Kennel Club notes that huskies are especially playful, open to strangers, and highly adaptable, so you’re bound to have a pup who’s more excited to say hello than to fight. You can thank this breed’s history as team sled dogs for its agreeableness in a variety of homes and situations. They’re even known to be friendly and gentle with children, though some huskies don’t know their own size (or strength) and can easily knock over smaller kids. It happens!

Understanding husky body language: What do certain postures mean?

Here’s what some of the most common gestures and behaviors mean to a husky:

Posture

Dogs use their body language a lot like people do, so it can be easier than you think to interpret your husky’s mood from their posture. If your pup is feeling confrontational, angry, or even just afraid, they may try to look bigger and more threatening. You might notice their hackles — the coarse hair on a canine’s neck and back — stand on edge. A dog in this state will be tense in their face and body, and they may bark.

In contrast, a happy husky will have an extremely relaxed posture. Their mouth may hang open slightly, showing you their tongue or even teeth, and they may close their eyes when lying down. An anxious or unhappy dog won’t let their guard down like this, so any signs of sleep, play, or seeking attention are generally positive signs.

Bowing is another posture dogs use to communicate their harmless intentions, whether in play or in greeting. Bowing to their human, though, can be a sign of respect and even love, according to Snow Dog Guru.

Wagging tail

A tail wag usually means exactly what you think it does: contentment, pleasure, or joy. In these cases, you’ll also see a calm body, relaxed face and mouth, and other signs of husky happiness. Tail wagging during play can be a sign of enjoyment or of letting you know that they had fun, but they’re ready to move on to another activity.

VCA Hospitals reminds pet parents to pay attention to the tail’s position and speed of the wag when making a judgment. Generally speaking, the faster the wag, the more excited the dog is. A very slight wiggle of the tail, for example, is a common indicator of hesitation or insecurity, whereas a rapidly wagging tail (this is called flagging) can show either great stress or extreme excitement.

If a husky is holding their tail neutrally (down by their ankles) or slightly raised while wagging, they’re most likely feeling happy. A tail tucked between the legs is another story, though, as dogs do this when they’re anxious or fearful. On another note, you may see an erect tail, wagging or not, during one of the breed’s famous husky tantrums or when they’re otherwise unhappy.

Ear position

One less obvious signal of a dog’s emotions is the position of their ears. When a husky is relaxed, you might notice their ears drooping off to either side, though they may perk up when listening. An alert dog’s ears will stand at attention, while a nervous pooch will pull their ears straight back.

If your dog seems to scratch at their ears more often than usual and doesn’t seem to have an ear infection, they may be stressed — just as people bite their nails or develop other nervous habits.

Nose licking

This is another surprising sign of stress in canines, though not every lick should be a cause for concern. Excessive unprompted nose licking is more indicative of nervousness, while some nose or chop licking while being petted should be taken as the highest of compliments. If your husky makes a funny, stretched-out face when they get a good scratch, this is another awesome sign. Dogs also lick their nose for medical reasons, so be sure to check up on them if you notice a pattern.

Don’t forget about mixed signals

Don’t assume your pooch is tired if you notice your husky yawning frequently when you’re entertaining guests or visiting a dog park. According to K9 of Mine, yawning is often a sign of anxiety. Another commonly misinterpreted sign is lip licking, which doesn’t necessarily mean your dog wants a treat. Incessant lip licking, like yawning, usually means your dog isn’t sure they feel comfortable and is trying to soothe themselves. Termed “calming signals,” habits like yawning and lip licking should be taken in context.

If you’ve spent several hours playing outside with your dog, then yawning is to be expected. However, if your husky begins to yawn and lick their lips when your friend visits for lunch, consider removing your pup from the area and give them a chance to relax.

Ultimately, your husky is one in a million. Don’t expect them to check off every box of typical sled dog behavior, and be patient if you’re still figuring each other out. Huskies are known for being highly energetic yet super friendly dogs, though some training and mutual understanding will go a long way for you both.

The TikTok starts out with a pup laying in his crate with the text “Smart dog gets too hot so he adjusts the fan.” He easily pushes the door open and walks over to a fan previously off-screen. Fido jumps up and uses his paws to push the cooling device a little bit, thereby making sure the air blows directly on his little home. Of course, he returns to his crate, now with the cooling breeze, and closes the door behind him (like a little gentleman). That’s why the caption states: He understood the assignment. Comments agreed with Mr. O remarking, “Too cute.” It’s certainly one of the cutest — and cleverest — things we’ve seen in a while.

How to cool down a dog during summer

You have to be careful when the weather gets hot because it’s pretty easy for our canine friends to overheat. Many dogs live in areas of the world that are much warmer than what they were bred for: Think a husky who resides in the American South. That situation requires even more proactive care to ensure the four-legged members of the family stay comfy. There are a few things you can do to help your pup regulate his temp starting with a lot of cool water.

• Make sure he always has access to a big bowl of it and consider putting in a few ice cubes (lots of dogs love to chew on them anyway).
• Additionally, consider where your dog spends the hot days, both his location and his furniture. If you don’t have a cooling system in your home, you may want to give your pooch access to the basement or, yes, even a fan.
• Many dog beds will help them chill as well, especially if they are elevated or designed with cooling gel.
• Lastly, consider calling it a pool day and taking your beastie to a place where the both of you can get in the water.

Remember never leave your pet unattended outdoors on a hot day and don’t lock him alone in the car, even for just a minute. By taking a few of these measures, you can guarantee that your furry friend will make it through the dog days of summer.

Dogs like to sleep in so many places: in your bed, in their own bed, on a sunny spot on the floor, and in their dog crate, to name a few. But that’s not the only thing a crate is helpful for. It can keep your canine friend out of mischief and give you peace of mind when you’re out of the house. A dog crate should ideally be a place of security and comfort for your pup (and it can be even better if you personalize it for their own unique needs). Of course, this raises the question of where to put a dog crate.

Have you been Googling something like, “Where to put dog crate?” We’ve got you covered! Always remember that a dog crate is supposed to create a safe space for your pet, while also assisting in their training, so the way you utilize that space in your home is essential for both of you.

Where to put a dog crate in your home — it depends on these important factors

Dogs are known for being very social animals — they love being close to their owners. In fact, dogs are considered a part of the family’s daily life. Thus, your crate must give your pooch a positive experience instead of a traumatic, negative one.

A high-traffic area is best for social pups that enjoy lots of time with family

For dogs who enjoy lots of social time, the best place to put your preferred dog crate is in a busy area. This location will help your dog feel the vibe of the household and make them feel like a real family member. They’ll be literally in the middle of it all!

Whether you’re crate training a new puppy, introducing a crate to an older dog, or simply offering your dog a place of their own, there will be benefits to placing the crate in the middle of the home. This will enable your dog to see all the activities going on in the household. It will make them feel included in the family. Hiding the crate away in a basement or laundry room, for instance, is completely unfair, as your dog will be excluded from all activities carried out in the home.

The precise location for placing your dog crate varies from one house to another. For some, it can be in the living room; for others, it can be in the kitchen or any other busy place. Ensure your dog crate is located where activities in the house are visible, so your dog won’t worry about being left alone.

A quiet spot, such as a back bedroom, may be best for anxious dogs or those that need space

Alternatively, you can place your dog’s crate in a quieter area of your home. This may contradict our previous though, but sometimes a central location can be too overstimulating for a shyer pet. Parties, animated family mealtimes, loud music, and guests coming around can lead to dog anxiety.  This is when having quiet refuge for your dog to escape to is important.

What about placing a dog crate in my bedroom?

If you are caring for a puppy, your bedroom is an ideal location for their crate. Your bedroom will certainly give your baby that warm, inclusive feeling. This transition of coming home can be difficult, to say the least, so having someone nearby will be comforting.

At the very least, move the crate to your bedroom at night. A puppy sleeping in another room will feel insecure, stressed, and even abandoned. If you don’t want to move the crate from the bedroom to the living room or kitchen every day, getting a second crate isn’t a bad idea.

Tips for choosing a spot for your dog crate

• When choosing the location for your dog crate, ensure it is far from the fireplace or radiator — you don’t want your dog’s blankets to catch fire by accident. You wouldn’t want your pup getting overheated, either!
• The location should not be drafty, as that can adversely affect your dog’s health over time. Avoid locations that are extremely cold or in an exposed area.
• Avoid direct sunlight.

Dog crate safety 101: The location isn’t the only important factor to consider

If this will be the first crate you purchase for your dog, you’ll want to know a few basics to keep your fur baby as safe and comfortable as possible.

• Crate size. A dog’s crate should give them just enough room to stand up and turn around, but not enough room that they could go to the bathroom in the crate.
• Don’t place anything on the crate. Remember, just because your dog’s crate is in a busy area of the house doesn’t mean it’s a piece of furniture. Never place anything on top of the crate heavier than 1 pound unless you splurge for a specially made crate built into a table.
• Avoid hazardous items. Don’t place your dog’s crate near power outlets, toxic plants, or other hazards.

Potential problems

Many veterinarians and trainers recommend crate training — and for good reasons. It gives your pet a safe, secure place to go (and can prevent your pup from getting into items in your home, including toxic ones, during training). However, some issues may include:

• Whining. Your dog’s whine may break your heart. See if your pet needs to go out to potty.
• Separation anxiety. Whining may be from separation anxiety — and crate training won’t solve it. Separation anxiety often triggers destructive behaviors, like chewing blankets. Talk to your vet if you notice this behavior.

You may wonder if you should move the crate if you notice these issues. On the plus side, moving the crate may help with whining. For example, your pet may do better if they can see you (so move it to your bedroom) or if you two are separate at night (so move it out). Your vet is a great resource and can recommend trainers should you have issues with crate training.

When deciding on a spot for your dog crate, consider your dog’s personality and your family’s lifestyle. Keeping a dog crate in a highly visible, high-traffic area is a good idea, enabling your dog to feel like part of the family. However, if you have an anxious dog or your family is a bit too rambunctious, it might be best to place the crate in a quiet corner so your dog can escape the noise and commotion. When in doubt, get two crates, so you can always have the right location for your pup’s crate without lugging it around.