Did you know…

Dogs can recognize your ___ before they see you.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If your dog sits with their paws neatly crossed, it’s easy to assume they’re just being adorable. And sometimes, they are. But trainers say that little pose can actually tell you a lot about how your pup is feeling.

In many cases, crossed paws simply mean your dog feels safe and comfortable. Soft eyes, relaxed ears, and loose muscles usually point to contentment. But context matters. If you notice stiffness, limping, repeated weight shifting, or licking at one leg, that same crossed paw could signal discomfort. Dogs are good at masking pain, so subtle posture changes are worth noting.

Crossed paws can also show boredom, stress, or social deference depending on the situation. A relaxed dog at home is very different from a tense dog in a busy vet waiting room. The key is looking at the whole body, not just the paws.

The more you notice these small signals, the easier it becomes to understand what your dog is really saying without a single bark.

Meet Pete, Daily Dig reader Adrienne’s happy-go-lucky Goldendoodle rescue! His joy runs so deep that even in his sleep, his tail keeps wagging.

When Pete gets that sparkle in his eyes, you know it’s officially zoomie time. He never turns down a walk and would choose pets over treats any day of the week. Friendly, affectionate, and always ready for adventure, Pete is living proof that rescue dogs bring endless love (and energy) into a home.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Adrienne for sharing Pete with us. Want to see your pup featured next? Send in a photo for a chance to be our next Daily Dig Dog of the Day!

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Some dogs greet every pup like a long-lost friend. Others politely pass and keep walking. Trainers say that’s completely normal. Just like people, dogs fall on a spectrum of sociability. Some are social butterflies, some are cautious, and most land somewhere in the middle: tolerant, selective, and opinionated about who makes the cut.

Early socialization in the first 12 weeks plays a role, but it doesn’t determine everything. Positive play experiences help, while negative ones can stick. Energy level matters too. A dog who loves calm sniffing walks may avoid a bouncy, barky greeter. Higher-energy dogs often gravitate toward others who match their speed. Mutual respect is huge. An older dog who isn’t jumped on or crowded is far more likely to accept a younger companion.

Dislike usually comes down to mismatched personalities, past experiences, or even outside factors like a loud owner nearby. And if your dog suddenly seems less friendly, pain or illness could be part of the picture. Sometimes it’s not drama. It’s just preferences.

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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

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs can recognize your scent before they see you.

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