Not just fur and four paws, i.e. 100% dog emotions!

Hey guys, Pyra here, and next to me, as always, is my furry companion – Leia, a Scottish Collie, who is currently trying to sneak a bite of my sandwich (yes, again!). And it's her behavior that has prompted some reflections that I must share with you. Because, you know, it's not just fur, four paws, and a tail wagging at the sight of a treat. It's much, much more!

How many times have you heard "It's just a dog"? Exactly. My blood pressure rises when I hear it! Because my dog, your dog, every dog ​​in the world, is not "just a dog." It is a feeling being, a thinking being (sometimes too much, right, Leia?), and above all – EMOTIONAL!

Dog emotions, or a rollercoaster of feelings on four paws.

Have you ever seen a dog who misses me? I see it in Leia's eyes every time I leave the house. That sad look, those drooping ears... And then that burst of joy when I return! She jumps, barks (too loud, Leia!), wags her tail so hard it could fly off. It's not "fake." It's pure, unfettered joy and relief. They feel it, just like we do.

Anger? Fear? Sadness? Yes, they feel it too!

Dogs can get angry too. When another dog tries to take her favorite toy, Leia can show her teeth and growl. Of course, I always calm her down because I don't want them to argue, but it shows that she has her boundaries and knows how to defend them.

And fear? Thunderstorms, fireworks—those little furry hearts beat like crazy. They seek shelter, cling to us, tremble. This is real fear, and we must understand it and help them get through it.

Why is it so important to know this?

Because when we understand that dogs feel just as intensely as we do (and perhaps even more, because they can't hide their feelings), our approach to them changes. We begin to treat them with the respect, empathy, and love they fully deserve.

• Think about it: Would you yell at a crying child? No. And at a dog that's misbehaving? Often, yes. And yet, dogs don't always understand what they've done wrong, or they do it out of fear, boredom, or frustration.

• Raising dogs based on fear is a mistake. A dog that fears its owner is not a happy dog. Trust and positive reinforcement are key.

• Spend time with them! They need it. Walks, playing, petting, lying on the couch together – all of this builds a bond and makes them feel loved. And believe me, they'll reciprocate a hundredfold!

In summary, dear Pyromaniacs (and our four-legged friends):

Dogs aren't stuffed toys to be put on a shelf. They're living, feeling beings who need our love, attention, and understanding. Leia looks at me with those eyes of hers now, as if I'd just discovered America, yet it's all so obvious. Love your dogs, listen to them, learn their language. Give them the love they deserve, and they'll give you the most sincere and beautiful love in the world.

Remember, a dog is a man's best friend. And you love and respect a friend, right?

Stay warm (and pet your furry friends!), PyraWBrylach & Leia the Collie Princess 👑