Why does my dog…

Why does my dog walk in a zigzag on a leash?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Dancing With the Stars pro Alan Bersten didn’t hit the road solo this season—his pup Jeff, a Brussels griffon, came along for the ride. Touring across time zones might sound chaotic, but Jeff quickly adapted to the rhythm of life on a bus. According to Alan, Jeff even managed to skip the bathroom mishaps (aside from one shoe incident).

Traveling with a dog means thinking ahead. Hotel elevators and late-night potty breaks can be tricky, but a bus setup offered more flexibility. To keep things simple, Alan relied on ready-to-go meals for Jeff, specifically microwavable options that smelled good enough to get his picky eater excited.

Fans noticed too. Jeff was showered with love (and gifts) at every stop.

Now back home, the duo is catching their breath before DWTS starts again this fall. Jeff’s ready—especially if there are more socks involved.

Daily Dig reader Regina brings us this dynamic Havanese duo: 4-year-old Cookie and 10-year-old Lily, each with their own favorite seat and plenty of charm to spare.

Cookie, the younger of the two, is full of curiosity and energy, while Lily brings the wisdom (and probably the best spot on the chair). Whether lounging in style or just keeping their human company, these two know how to make every room feel a little cozier.

Thanks for sharing your sweet pair with us, Regina! Want your pup—or pups—featured as the Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send in a photo and some fun facts—they might be next!

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If your dog turns every walk into a sniffathon, it’s not just a delay tactic. Sniffing is how dogs explore and understand the world—it’s their version of reading the news. One quick stop at a fire hydrant might give them info about another dog’s age, mood, and health.

With over 200 million scent receptors (and even more for some breeds), dogs can detect what’s ahead, who passed through, and whether it’s worth checking out. A single sniff might even reveal if another animal was stressed or relaxed.

That’s why walks that allow time to sniff—aka “sniffaris”—can lower stress and boost brain activity.

Experts recommend giving your dog at least 10 to 15 minutes a day to sniff freely, even if it’s just after a bathroom break.

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From tail wags to pupcakes, here’s what’s trending:

• 🧁 Make pumpkin carrot cupcakes for your dog. They’re soft, healthy, and super easy to bake. Get the recipe.

• 😁 How to tell if your dog’s excited—yes, even chattering teeth can be a clue. Read the signs.

• 👯‍♀️ This golden retriever girl gang is giving total “Mean Girls” energy. Meet the crew.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Why does my dog: They’re following scent trails and “mapping” the area. It’s also a leftover behavior from tracking instincts.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

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💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with how often your dog likes to go on walks for a surprise in your inbox!

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