Friday, 9 May 2025

Gazing Behavior of Dogs

 



https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/gazing-behavior-of-dogs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKLLcVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFmOVZSYVVSdm02TmxBSTRjAR4iw5BLfSDNsBmN4gLeFT-Xx8uTixQLYPlYUS46bMNgHxuhthgYzMJAmHnCfA_aem_CangQTLH88i-UZg_Tx0pAA


Have you ever noticed your dog staring at you? This simple behavior reveals much more than you might think. Gazing is a critical way dogs communicate with humans, especially in uncertain situations. A recent study highlights how different dogs use this behavior in response to new stimuli, such as a remote-controlled toy car.

What the Study Revealed

Researchers observed dogs and recorded how often they gazed at their human companions during a minute of exposure to the toy. The results were fascinating! Dogs were grouped into four clusters based on their gazing frequency. Those who looked at their humans six to seven times were perceived as less aggressive. In contrast, dogs who gazed two to three times were rated higher on the aggression scale.

The Emotional Connection

Gazing isn’t just about communication; it also reflects emotional bonds. Dogs who gazed more at their humans were seen as providing greater emotional comfort. Many reported feeling more loved and secure in their relationships with these dogs. This insight is vital for anyone wanting to strengthen their bond with their furry friend.

Personality and Breed Insights

The study also uncovered intriguing breed differences. German shepherds tended to gaze less frequently compared to golden retrievers. Personality traits influence these behaviors, making it essential to consider breed characteristics when interpreting gazing patterns. If you have a golden retriever, expect frequent eye contact, which may signal affection and engagement.

Age and Behavior: What You Should Know

Interestingly, factors like age, sex, and willingness to approach the toy car did not impact gazing behavior. This finding highlights the innate ways dogs communicate, suggesting that their gazing patterns are hardwired rather than influenced by external conditions.

Practical Takeaways for Dog Parents

Understanding your dog’s gazing behavior can enhance your relationship. Encourage positive interactions by engaging with your dog during playtime or training sessions. These moments foster trust and emotional connection, leading to more meaningful gazes.

The next time your dog gazes at you, remember it’s more than a fleeting moment. It’s a glimpse into their emotional world and a sign of trust and comfort. Paying attention to these behaviors deepens your bond and improves your dog’s well-being.




Tom Hardy, 47, opens up about health woes and painful surgeries - as well as his harmful habit - as he covers Esquire with his pet pooch

 By SAM LAWLEY

Tom Hardy opened up about his various health woes in a candid chat with Esquire magazine. 

The Havoc star, 47, posed for a striking photoshoot to accompany the interview, which saw him share the cover with his French bulldog Blue.

During the interview, he opened up about various surgeries he's undergone over the years and the way he's trying to build his strength up - but did admit one unhealthy habit - he vapes.  

Tom told the interviewer: 'I've had two knee surgeries now, my disc's herniated in my back, I've got sciatica as well.

'And I have that… is it plantar fasciitis? [inflammation of foot tissue]. Where did that come from? And why? Why?! And I pulled my tendon in my hip as well. It's like, it's all falling to bits now, and it's not going to get better. Unless you do all the stem cells...

'This is the biopsy of where we’re at: two vapes, somebody else’s clothes, and a hotel room that neither of us feels comfortable in.'

Tom Hardy, 47, opened up about health woes and painful surgeries - as well as his harmful habit - as he covered Esquire magazine with his pet pooch

Tom Hardy, 47, opened up about health woes and painful surgeries - as well as his harmful habit - as he covered Esquire magazine with his pet pooch 

The Havoc star, 47, posed for a striking photoshoot to accompany the interview, which saw him share the cover with his French bulldog Blue

The Havoc star, 47, posed for a striking photoshoot to accompany the interview, which saw him share the cover with his French bulldog Blue 

Tom previously revealed that he needed to undergo surgery on his knee as a result of injuries sustained from filming stunts and practising jiu-jitsu. 

Later in the interview, Tom was described by the interviewer as stopping mid-answer to 'wheeze' and then 'suck' on the vape before continuing. 

The actor has previously been spotted vaping while filming Guy Ritchie's The Fixer earlier this year. 

The Peaky Blinders star also revealed that he had taken Sudafed that day to fight dizziness, before suggesting that he had been losing his hair, his teeth were loose and his knees were getting weaker.

Tom previously seemed to confirm that his hair isn't all natural during an interview with Hits Radio UK's Will Best last week.

'You've got your own hair and everything,' he said to Will, before adding, 'I've got someone else's.' 

It was unclear if he's referring to a hair transplant or some kind of toupee, or if he was simply just joking. 

The Hollywood actor has insisted on having a lavender diffuser in his movie trailer to help him relax on set, making the demands while filming Venom 3 in New York City.

During the interview, he opened up about various surgeries he's undergone over the years and the way he's trying to build his strength up - but did admit one unhealthy habit - he vapes

During the interview, he opened up about various surgeries he's undergone over the years and the way he's trying to build his strength up - but did admit one unhealthy habit - he vapes 

Later in the interview, Tom is described as stopping mid-answer to 'wheeze' and then 'suck' on the vape before continuing

Later in the interview, Tom is described as stopping mid-answer to 'wheeze' and then 'suck' on the vape before continuing

The 27 items he was attempting to request from producer Peter Heslop for his trailer were revealed by The Sun. 

His must have items include an IV drip, 60 strawberry ice cream vapes, M&S low alcohol Czech lager and Molton Brown peppercorn shower gel.

He attempted to email these demands to producer Peter, but instead the email went to namesake Pete Heslop, a 31-year-old IT worker from London.

Last month, Tom fiercely defended Barry Island's famous ghost train as he cheekily told off a radio presenter during a very chaotic radio interview.

The Hollywood legend - who has been filming a project in Wales this year - made an appearance on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, where he was interviewed by co-host Dominic Byrne.

He asked of his time in Wales recently: 'People were saying they spotted you on Barry Island.

'And apparently you were on the ghost train, is that true?,' to which Tom replied: 'I don't know.'

'Okay, because I've been on ghost train, and it's one of the scariest,' Dominic added.

The Legend actor then quipped: 'Hang on a minute, it's brought it back to me. It's brought it back to me. It goes around in a loop and comes back out on the left?

It comes after he seemed to confirm that his hair isn't all natural, during an interview with Hits Radio UK's Will Best last week

It comes after he seemed to confirm that his hair isn't all natural, during an interview with Hits Radio UK's Will Best last week 

Older photos of the Venom actor show him with what appears to be a receding hairline compared to his current look (pictured in 2010)

Older photos of the Venom actor show him with what appears to be a receding hairline compared to his current look (pictured in 2010)

Last month, he fiercely defended Barry Island's famous ghost train as he told off a radio presenter during a very chaotic radio interview

Last month, he fiercely defended Barry Island's famous ghost train as he told off a radio presenter during a very chaotic radio interview

'Yes, I've been on that,' while the host admitted: 'And the guy running the ride is actually scarier than the ride itself.'

But Tom looked serious as he quipped: 'I wouldn't say that.'

'Right,' said Dominic.

'You can't say that,' remarked hilariously the Venom star.

'Because he might be listening, and that's just a terrible thing to say about Barry Island, isn't it, when you think about it? I feel I should defend him immediately.'

'That's wrong. I had a great time on Barry Island.'



Honey-baked madeleines

 https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/honey-madeleine-recipe



A Letter from Your Bull Terrier (If They Could Write One)

 



A Letter from Your Bull Terrier (If They Could Write One)
To my favorite human…
Dear Human,
I know I can’t speak your language, but I watch you.
I study every move you make, every sigh, every smile.
And if I could write you a letter, here’s what I’d say:
💬 “I don’t always understand your words, but I feel your energy.”
When you’re happy, I dance. When you’re sad, I stay close.
Please don’t ever think I don’t care—I care more than you know.
💬 “When I seem stubborn, I’m just trying to figure out the ‘why.’”
I’m not here to blindly obey. I want to understand.
And once I do, I’ll give it my all—every time.
💬 “Your approval means the world to me.”
A kind word from you fills my chest with fireworks.
I might act cool… but I live for your “Good boy.”
💬 “I know I act tough, but I’m sensitive in ways I can’t explain.”
A harsh tone cuts deeper than you think.
Please teach me with love. I’ll learn faster—and trust deeper.
💬 “I’m not like the others. I know that. But you chose me anyway.”
You didn’t want easy. You wanted unforgettable.
Thank you for loving me exactly as I am.
💬 “You are my whole world.”
When you leave the room, I follow.
When you laugh, I light up.
And when you’re near me, everything feels right.
Yours forever,
Your Bull Terrier 🐾
(Yes, even when I chew your shoes.)
❤️ Want more moments like this?
“Dear Human: 150 Things Your Bull Terrier Wants You to Know” is a collection of letters, confessions, and truths straight from the Bull Terrier soul.
It’ll make you laugh, cry, and fall even harder for your dog.
Let your Bull Terrier do the talking. You’ll never see them the same way again.



Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Do Dogs Dream?

 If your sleeping dog suddenly twitches and whimpers, don’t be alarmed — chances are they’re probably off to dreamland. Here’s what you need to know about dreaming in dogs.


https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/2024-09-09-do-dogs-dream/?cid_source=bwret&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1ReadMore&cid=20250506Z2&ref=bark-whiskers-newsletter




STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Dogs likely experience dreams during REM sleep, similar to humans. They may twitch, move their legs and whimper while dreaming, often reliving memorable moments from their day
  • A dog's sleep cycle includes slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep, where dreaming occurs, typically begins about 20 minutes after falling asleep
  • Dream patterns in dogs can vary based on age, breed, and size. Puppies and senior dogs tend to dream more frequently, while smaller breeds dream more often but for shorter durations
  • Dogs often dream about their daily experiences and activities they find interesting. Studies suggest they may dream about their owners, as they are emotionally attached to them
  • It's important not to wake a dreaming dog, even if they appear distressed. Disturbing their sleep can be startling and dangerous, especially for children who might get bitten accidentally



Saturday, 3 May 2025

The Welsh - Laurie Lee


 

Bore da, bawb.
I stumbled across this quote recently and felt obliged to share it with you all.
Throughout history, the Welsh were often viewed as being a bit shorter and darker than the English, so that might explain the "wine-dark race" comment.
Have a great Saturday!