Why does my dog…

Why does my dog sniff the exact same spot every day?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If your dog had to choose between you and a snack, what do you think they’d do? According to a study from Emory University, most pups are torn, but many might surprise you.

Researchers trained 15 dogs to sit through an MRI scan and watched how their brains lit up for food vs. their owner’s praise. Most dogs responded strongly to both. A few had a clear favorite, but the majority showed just how much they value both affection and a good treat. When tested in real life, the dogs often hesitated before choosing, clearly wanting both.

The truth is, dogs love us and food, and the perfect combo is when their favorite human is the one bringing the snacks.

So next time you say “Who’s a good dog?” while holding their favorite food bowl, know you’re hitting the sweet spot.

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Daily Dig reader Connie shared this picture of peak relaxation: Frankie, living the good life aboard a pontoon.

With the breeze in his fur and the lake view on full display, Frankie knows how to take it easy. He’s got the perfect setup for a lazy summer afternoon with just enough shade, a soft seat, and front-row people-watching from the water.

Thanks for sharing your laid-back lake pup with us, Connie! Want your dog featured as the Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send in a photo and a few fun facts—they might be next!

Want to teach your dog some fun party tricks? Be sure to start with the basics. Sit, stay, and come might not sound flashy, but they’re the foundation for every impressive skill. Once those are solid, your pup will be primed to learn just about anything!

Some of the coolest “tricks” are actually practical behaviors. Think waiting patiently for food or calmly ignoring the doorbell. Even hide-and-seek games with toys can fire up your dog’s brain and senses, and give your guests something to marvel at.

If you’re ready for something a little flashier, go for playful classics like shake, crawl, or roll over. Just make sure you’re both enjoying it. The best tricks come from trust, not pressure.

And if your dog chooses to ignore the trick and lean in for snuggles instead? That counts as a win, too.

From food, to first-time trims, to grandma’s care, here’s what’s trending:

• ❤️ Your dog will love these meals, toppers, and treats

• ✂️ Adorable puppy just had their first haircut and it’s beyond cute

• 👵 Grandma babysitting a golden retriever? It’s outrageously sweet

If you’re looking for shinier coats, better digestion, and tail-wagging energy, it might be time to switch things up.

Browse Stella & Chewy’s full selection and bring home your dog’s happiest, healthiest bowl yet.

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: Dogs revisit "scent posts" to catch up on messages from other animals, like reading a community bulletin board.

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