Why does my dog…

Why does my dog scratch the floor before lying down?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Meet Duncan, a 9-week-old Westie puppy and curious little explorer, submitted by Daily Dig reader Sandy.

Duncan is fully in his “discover everything” era: climbing, hopping, tunneling, and chewing his way through the world one tiny adventure at a time. Whether he’s chasing after his Boston Terrier big brother or soaking up a warm patch of sunshine, he’s always on the move (with the occasional pit stop for a cozy nap on his favorite blanket).

He’s fueled by puppy food, powered by curiosity, and surrounded by humans who remind him he’s the best boy, even during his slightly mischievous moments. With a lifetime of adventures ahead, Duncan is just getting started.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Sandy for sharing Duncan with us! Want to see your dog featured next? Send us their photo for a chance to be our next Dog of the Day!

Most dog parents already feel it: that sense that their dog is more than just a pet. And while dogs don’t think in terms of “mom” or “dad,” they do recognize who takes care of them, keeps them safe, and shows up every day. That bond tends to show up in small, consistent behaviors rather than one big moment.

A lot of it comes down to trust and connection. Dogs who look to you in new situations, follow you from room to room, or check in on you throughout the day are using you as their anchor. Eye contact, tail wags when you walk in, and choosing to curl up next to you all point to the same thing: they feel safe and comfortable around you. Even things like bringing you a toy or listening to your cues reflect that sense of attachment.

Some dogs also mirror your energy more than you might realize. If you’re calm, they settle. If you’re excited, they join in. That kind of back-and-forth is part of how dogs build relationships and figure out their place in your world.

It’s less about labels and more about the role you play. To your dog, you’re the one they rely on, and that shows up in ways that are easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to mean overthinking the perfect gift. The best ones are often the things she’ll actually use and appreciate every day. This year’s picks focus on comfort, care, and small upgrades that make daily life feel a little easier:

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Looking for more ideas? Shop the full Mother’s Day Gift Guide here.

Thank you to Mother’s Day Gift Guide for sponsoring Daily Dig.

That head tilt gets a reaction every time, but it’s not just your dog being cute. Research suggests dogs often tilt their heads when they’re trying to process what you’re saying. After thousands of years living alongside humans, dogs have developed the ability to recognize familiar words and respond to them in surprisingly complex ways.

Studies show dogs are more likely to tilt their heads when they hear words they recognize, especially when spoken in a warm, engaging tone. Brain imaging research suggests dogs may even use similar parts of their brain as humans when processing language, which helps explain why they seem so tuned in during those moments.

There’s also a physical side to it. Tilting their head might help dogs better locate sounds or focus on your facial expressions, giving them more information to work with. Not every dog does it, and some do it more than others, but when it happens, it’s often a sign they’re paying close attention.

So the next time your dog tilts their head mid-conversation, it’s likely not for the reaction. It’s because they’re genuinely trying to understand you.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, smart pups and cozy routines included:

• 🌷 Our favorite Mother’s Day finds

• 🤓 8 signs your dog might secretly be a genius

• 🦮 Golden retriever won’t start day without snuggles

🐶 Join us on Instagram for more cute dog content

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,

Ivy, Callie, Finnegan, Stitcher, and Huey 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Why does my dog: It’s an ancient nesting behavior. Dogs used to flatten grass or dirt to create safe, comfy sleep spots.

🐶 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.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s funny habit for a surprise in your inbox!

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