Why does my dog…

Why does my dog tilt their head when I talk?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Most dogs seem to live the good life: treats, walks, and naps on repeat. But they can get bored faster than we think. When dogs don’t have enough stimulation, they often show it in ways we mistake for bad behavior: chewing furniture, barking nonstop, or digging up the yard. It’s not defiance. It’s instead restlessness.

Vets say boredom can also look like excessive grooming or sleeping too much. Working breeds like border collies, labs, and shepherds are especially prone since they’re wired for activity.

Try adding variety with new (and durable) chew toys, puzzle toys, sniffing games, and interactive walks instead of the same route every day. You can also rotate their toys so something always seems “new”. Even hiding treats around the house gives them a job to do.

If you’re seeing signs of boredom, think of it as your dog’s way of asking for more adventure. Just a little extra play, challenge, or attention can make every day feel exciting again.

Some toys don’t last a day. Others get ignored after a week. That’s why Bite Force toys are built to be strong, fun, and to keep dogs entertained.

Made with double-lined plush fabric, reinforced seams, and Kevlar® yarn, Bite Force toys are tough enough for rough play and destructive chewers, while still being soft enough for cuddles.

Meet the Bite Force Double Monster Squeaker Crinkle Plush Toy, the newest must-have from the brand built for both durability and fun. This two-headed heart monster has a goofy grin, one single tooth, and endless charm. If your pup loves squeakers, crinkles, or just making a mess of the toy box, this one’s a keeper.

Shop Bite Force Products at PetSmart.com.

Thank you to Bite Force for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Jasper is nearly 12, and he’s never looked sharper in his new fall bowtie. Daily Dig reader Kathy says he’s not just handsome. He’s a fighter, currently beating mast cell cancer for the second time.

He may be battling illness, but Jasper’s spirit is as strong as ever. From his alert ears to that stylish accessory, he’s showing cancer who’s boss, with plenty of tail wags along the way.

Have a dog who deserves the spotlight? Send us a photo, their name, and a few fun facts to be featured in a future Dog of the Day!

If you’ve ever wondered how your dog learns, researchers say it’s surprisingly similar to how babies do. A new study found that dogs can group toys not by how they look, but by how they’re used, much like a child sorting toys by purpose. That means your dog isn’t just playing fetch. They’re processing information about how the world works.

The study focused on “gifted word learner” dogs, those who already know the names of many toys. When researchers introduced new ones, dogs could still identify whether the toys were for “fetch” or “tug” based on play style alone. That kind of conceptual thinking has only been documented before in apes and parrots.

The key takeaway? Dogs learn naturally during everyday play, not structured lessons. Every tug, toss, or fetch session is teaching your dog how to understand and categorize their world.

From floppy ears to faithful hearts, here’s what’s making tails wag:

• 🦮 This dog toy is indestructible 

• 🐾 20 incredible stories of loyal dogs through history

• 🐶 Why we’re obsessed with dogs with floppy ears

Meet the Bite Force Double Monster Squeaker Crinkle Plush Toy, the newest must-have from the brand built for both durability and fun.

Shop Bite Force Products at PetSmart.com.

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 aligning their ears and reading your facial cues. Head tilts help isolate key sounds.

🐶 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 how your dog communicates with you for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!