The Dog Mom Essentials

Hey there, fabulous dog moms, and happy Mother's Day! Today, as we honor all the incredible moms out there, I want to celebrate you – the unsung heroes of the canine kingdom. So, let's raise a paw to all the love, laughter, and yes, even the dog hair, that comes with being a dog mom. And what better way to celebrate than by unleashing your inner diva with confidence-boosting essentials fit for a queen?

1. Black Leggings with Dog Hair... Everywhere! Let's face it: dog hair is the ultimate accessory for any dog mom. Those sleek black leggings? They're not truly yours until they've been adorned with a generous sprinkle of fur from your four-legged companion. Embrace the fluff and wear those leggings like the badge of honor they are! Who needs designer patterns when you've got the natural elegance of canine fur? And let's view every strand of dog hair as a testament to the love and joy your furry friend brings into your life.

2. Comfy Sneakers: Keeping Up with Your Pawsome Pal When you're constantly on the move with your pup's sidekick, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. Say hello to adventure with a trusty pair of comfy sneakers. Whether you're on your daily walks or embarking on a spontaneous hike, these shoes will keep you one step ahead of the game (and your dog!). With each step, feel the confidence coursing through you as you tackle whatever adventures come your way – dog hair and all!

3. Fanny Pack: The Stylish Solution to Doggy Dilemmas Forget bulky purses that get in the way. The fanny pack is the ultimate accessory for the modern dog mom. Keep your essentials close at hand – from poop bags to treats to your phone for those impromptu photo ops – all while maintaining your hands-free, dog-walking prowess.

4. Sunscreen: Protecting Your Skin from Pup-tactic Adventures When you're out and about with your canine companion, it's easy to forget about the sun's sneaky ways. But fear not, because sunscreen is here to save the day! Shield your skin from harmful UV rays while frolicking with your dog in the great outdoors. Just remember to reapply regularly, because nothing ruins a day of fun in the sun like a sunburn – for you or your dog!

So there you have it, fellow dog moms: the essential toolkit for navigating the wild and wonderful world of canine companionship. From leggings adorned with dog hair to practical accessories that make life with your furry friend a breeze, these essentials have got you covered – literally and figuratively. Here's to you, fabulous dog moms, on this special Mother's Day. May you embrace the chaos, the dog hair, and the endless love that comes with being a mom to your furry friend. May you do it all with the confidence and grace of a true queen. Happy Mother's Day!

A Dog’s love language

For anyone who has read The Five Love Languages, you know that not everyone speaks the same love language. Everyone expresses and feels love in very different ways. Well, dogs do as well. Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I thought it would be a great time to go over the ways in which our dogs show us love. Here is a guide to help you interpret your dog’s behaviors and how you can show your love in their language.

Doggie Kisses

Dogs show love through licking as well. This behavior in the canine world is called “all grooming” which is when dogs lick other individuals they are attached to. (Animal Wellness). If they lick your face while you are lying down this is another sign they love you because they may be worried if you are unconscious or sick and by licking you they are checking to make sure you are well.

Lean on Me

Dogs also show us, love, by leaning on us. If you lean on them as well they understand this as a sign of affection. This may not always be at the best time, like when we are cooking dinner or trying to run out the door, but it's important to understand your dog is doing this as a sign of affection, not to be disruptive. 

Velcro Dog

Whether that is snuggling up on the couch with you or following you from room to room. If your dog is following you that is a sign they feel safe and secure with you. You may have noticed when you are snuggling with your dog they let out an audible sigh; that is another sign of love from your dog. It shows contentment as well as a feeling of safety.

Say My Name, Say My Name

One of my favorite ways dogs show their love for us, is by being able to recognize our names. I love hearing from my clients that when they say my name within earshot of their dog, their dog becomes excited! That dog is showing their love for me and anyone else they start to recognize by name.

Have you Herd

Has your dog ever tried to herd you? Maybe you were in another room and your dog tried to lead you to the couch? Herding is a common behavior shown in dogs that shows they feel protective and what to make sure we are safe.

Face Time:

If your dog has ever rubbed their face on yours, you may have already guessed that that behavior was a sign of affection. And you are right! "It's a common way to show affection. By rubbing their face on you, your dog is marking you as theirs” (Insider) Also if your dog looks into your eyes for long periods of time, this is another way they are showing their love. From the time they are puppies, they start to look into their human's eyes, which is a sign of attachment. (Insider)

Now it's your turn to show your dog how you feel through their language. For many human’s our firsts instincts are to kiss and hug their dogs to show affection. However, this may not be the best. Some dogs can view hugging as a threat, you can tell if your dog doesn’t like you hugging them if they display lowering their tails, pulling their ears back, tensing up, or trying to move away. (Animal Wellness)

Dogs really love to be scratched behind their ears. This is a great way for you to show your love to your pup. Research shows that dogs release the love chemical oxytocin and endorphins when they get their ears scratched.

Another idea for showing your dog lots of love is playing with them. If you play with their favorite toy it helps your dog develop social skills, releases energy as well as creating a bond between you and your dog.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and I would love to hear if your dog does any of these behaviors in the comments below.