Dogs

Dogs can feel a variety of emotions, including happiness, fear, anger, and even love. These emotions are often displayed through body language, behavior, and how they interact with others. For example, a wagging tail often means your pup is happy, while cowering may show fear. Behavioral studies and observations have shown that dogs experience emotions. A 2015 study published in Current Biology showed that dogs have the ability to distinguish between different human facial expressions. More than just reading cues, their reactions to happy and angry faces suggest that dogs—much like humans and other animals such as elephants and dolphins—exhibit emotional intelligence. Research published in a 2016 Science article also supports the idea that dogs have emotional responses similar to humans, with areas of their brains lighting up in ways that correspond to specific feelings. Research like this supports the broader understanding that dogs have emotions and can recognize and respond to the emotions of humans and other dogs.,Jump to section Do Dogs Have Emotions? What Is Dog Grief? What Are the Signs of Dog Grief? How To Help a Grieving Dog FAQs About Dog Grief

3. Golden Retriever Photo by iStock/cmannphoto Another one of the most popular breeds is the Golden Retriever. They’re considered an intelligent, loyal, easy-to-train, and very affectionate breed. Like Labs, Golden Retrievers make wonderful family dogs because they’re great with young children and other pups.   Goldens enjoy a wide variety of activities, including running, long walks, retrieving, and swimming. They also make excellent therapy dogs and guide dogs for people with impaired vision. Goldens thrive with regular activity and enrichment, and being fed a large breed-specific diet. ,The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently released its annual list of the most popular dog breeds, and this year’s results are largely similar to the last. The French Bulldog maintained the title of the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the third year in a row. In fact, the top five dog breeds are the same, though there was some shuffling in the back half of this list. The Bulldog, for instance, dropped from No. 7 to No. 9, and the Rottweiler overtook the Beagle. What other dog breeds were deemed the most popular in the country? We’ve got a rundown of the results, and what you can expect from each if you’re looking to add one of these sought-after breeds to your home. 

A dog harness is an important tool, whether you’re training a new puppy or older rescue dog. And walking your pooch with the right type of dog harness, such as a no-pull dog harness or a dog lift harness, can make your outings run more smoothly. A dog harness should be considered as more of a management tool, instead of actual training gear, according to Irith Bloom, a dog trainer with The Sophisticated Dog in Los Angeles, California. While some harnesses may keep your dog from pulling too hard, only solid training will teach your pup where to walk or how to match your pace, she explains.

Seattle is the cultural epicenter of the Pacific Northwest—it’s the city that brought us everything from grunge music to Starbucks. Today’s visitors can expect that same hipster culture paired with mountain hikes and calm waters for stand-up paddleboarding—all perfect for a pup-and-parent adventure. The Emerald City boasts a bustling urban downtown and a culinary scene that prides itself on top-notch local wine, craft beer and coffee. (Treat your dog to a puppuccino!) Plus, this waterfront city is tucked in a postcard-worthy setting on the shore of Puget Sound, full of dog-friendly restaurants, parks and activities.  ,Just about everyone deserves a vacation this year—you and your dog included. So why not book a dog-friendly vacation you can both enjoy? Whether you’re planning a road trip with a dog or a flight to an exotic locale, you can make vacationing with a dog a stress-free and fun experience at one of these 10 best dog destinations for travel in the U.S. We spoke to travel agents, hoteliers and other experts to get their top vacation picks for pets and their parents this year. The big takeaway? Whether you’re in the mood for a posh mountain resort or a beach escape, you’ve got plenty of dog destinations to choose from. These 10 top spots will make for a pawsitively memorable dog-friendly vacation. When traveling with your dog, remember to double-check the rules of your dog destination before visiting, including leash requirements for any places that are dog-friendly.

In This Article Why Brushing Dog and Cat Teeth Is Important View 3 More +

What does 2026 have in store for you and your pup? Make it the best year yet! The new year is a great time to try some new dog activities together, strengthening your bond while enriching your pup’s day-to-day life.  From exciting games you can play at home to enriching trips you’ll both enjoy, we asked the experts and rounded up 26 things to do with your dog in 2026. These activities are more than just stuff to do with dogs—they help build stronger relationships and keep your pup mentally and physically stimulated. 

There’s nothing more loyal, companionable, or loving than a dog, but dogs can get anxious and stressed just like humans. Learning the best ways to keep a dog calm naturally is important for their health and happiness. Here are some things you can try to calm your furry friend before talking to your veterinarian about a prescription option. Why Are Dogs Anxious? Anxiety can be caused by anything from separation anxiety and fear of loud noises to changes in routine and environment. It’s common for dogs to show signs of anxiety in the form of: Excessive barking Whining Destructive behavior Panting Pacing Trembling Loss of appetite Trying to hide or escape from the stressful situation Recognizing these signs of anxiety is crucial to ensuring you give your pet the best care possible. Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally 1. Create and Maintain a Consistent Schedule It’s essential to establish a routine for your dog so they feel comfortable and secure. Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on predictability and structure. Feeding times, exercise times, playtimes, and sleep times are all part of a routine. Stay consistent as much as possible so your dog doesn’t get confused or stressed. Small changes in a schedule can trigger stress. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule and exercising your dog regularly will keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Giving your dog a set bedtime will also ensure they get a good night’s sleep. 2. Play Music or White Noise When dogs experience anxiety, music or white noise can help calm them down. This provides a soothing and calming environment, and it can naturally reduce their stress and anxiety levels. White noise or music can also drown out the unpredictable noises from thunderstorms or fireworks that trigger anxiety. Luckily, many apps and playlists are specifically curated to calm and soothe dogs. Music therapy helps reduce barking by distracting the dog from the triggers that make your pet bark. Relaxation and comfort can be achieved by using music or white noise, both of which provide a calming environment. 3. Dress Them in a Thundershirt Thundershirts® are garments that help dogs cope with many types of stressful situations, including thunderstorms, car rides, trips to the veterinarian, or fireworks. A Thundershirt® works by gently applying pressure to your dog’s body, which can make them feel hugged and soothe any anxieties. As a result of this pressure, the dog stays calm in situations that would normally distress them, similar to the way humans use a weighted blanket.

When the snow starts falling and temperatures drop, your dog relies on you to keep them nice and cozy.   Blizzards can bring freezing winds and icy sidewalks, but with a little preparation, you can ensure your bestie stays warm and protected no matter how harsh the storm gets.  

The sun’s shining, the pool floats are inflated, and the grill’s heating up. And as we brush up on our cornhole skills, it’s also the perfect time to freshen up on BBQ safety—especially for those of us pet parents who have a dog or two zooming in and out of the house and getting dangerously close to the grill. For starters, it’s important to keep pets at least three feet away from the grill area the next time you throw a cookout, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). But that’s far from the only important pet safety tip to remember the next time you fire up the grill. We spoke with experts to ensure your summertime backyard BBQ ends with fun, not first aid…

Sighing is a natural body function common to humans and other animal, says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, the chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC). “[It’s] where the normal quiet respiratory rate is interrupted involuntarily by a louder and longer inhale followed by an appropriate exhale,” he explains. In humans, sighing typically occurs as part of an emotional response, to emotions like anxiety, arousal or pain, or simply to help regulate the respiratory system when the body needs it. “Occasionally, some air sacs can collapse, and sighing can help reset them,” Dr. Klein says. He says that, when it comes to dogs, sighing is often associated with emotional responses, too.,Q: Sometimes my dog will make a sound that’s pretty similar to a human’s sigh, but I can’t figure out why he’s doing this. Why do dogs sigh? Is this normal?