Ruffin's Pet Centre - Tillsonburg

08/08/2026

🐕 Myth: A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog

We all know the classic happy dog image: a wagging tail, a big smile, and a pup excited to see you!

But did you know a wagging tail doesn't always mean a dog is happy? 🐾

Dogs use their tails as a way to communicate, and the meaning behind a wag depends on the whole picture—their body posture, ears, facial expression, and the situation around them.

A loose, relaxed wag with a wiggly body often means your dog is feeling friendly and excited. ❤️

But a stiff tail, a fast high wag, or a tense body can mean something very different, such as uncertainty, excitement, or needing a little space.

Learning to read your dog's full body language helps you better understand what they’re trying to tell you!

💬 Tell us: What is your dog's biggest "tell" when they're excited? The tail wag? The zoomies? The happy dance?

Thanks for following along with Dogust at Ruffin's Tillsonburg! We're celebrating dogs all month long by learning more about how they think, communicate, and show us love. 🐶

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

🧠 Why Every Dog Needs Enrichment

A tired dog isn't always just a dog who needs more exercise—sometimes they need something to think about! 🐾

Enrichment gives dogs opportunities to use their natural instincts like sniffing, chewing, searching, problem-solving, and exploring.

Mental stimulation can help:
🐶 Keep curious minds busy
🐶 Reduce boredom
🐶 Encourage natural behaviours
🐶 Build confidence
🐶 Make everyday life more interesting

Enrichment doesn't have to be complicated! It can be as simple as hiding treats around the house for your dog to find, offering a safe chew, using a puzzle toy, or changing up their play routine.

Every dog is different—some love to sniff, some love to shred, some love to solve puzzles, and some just really love a good chew. 😂

At Ruffin's Tillsonburg, we're always happy to help you find enrichment options that fit your dog's personality, play style, and needs. 🐶❤️

💬 Tell us: What is your dog's favourite kind of enrichment—sniffing, chewing, playing, or solving puzzles?

08/06/2026

👀 Why Do Border Collies Stare at Sheep?

Ever seen a Border Collie freeze, lower their body, and lock their eyes onto something? That famous "stare" isn't just them being intense—they're using a behaviour called "the eye." 🐾

For generations, Border Collies were bred to help herd sheep. Instead of chasing livestock like some herding breeds, they use their focused gaze, body position, and movement to control the direction of the flock.

That intense stare helps them communicate with sheep and encourages them to move where the dog wants them to go. It's a big part of what makes Border Collies such incredible working dogs!

Of course, that instinct doesn't disappear just because they aren't on a farm. Some Border Collies may try to "herd" their family members, other pets, or even toys! 😂

💬 Tell us: Does your dog have a funny habit that comes from their breed?

Thanks for following along with Dogust at Ruffin's Tillsonburg! We're celebrating dogs all month long by learning more about what makes them amazing. 🐶❤️

08/05/2026

🍉 Can Your Dog Eat Watermelon?

Yes! Many dogs can enjoy watermelon as a tasty summer treat. 🐾☀️

Watermelon is made up of mostly water, making it a refreshing snack on a hot day. It also contains vitamins like A, B6, and C, along with antioxidants.

But before sharing a slice with your pup, there are a few things to remember:

🍉 Remove the seeds — they can cause digestive issues if eaten in large amounts.
🍉 Remove the rind — it can be tough for dogs to digest and may cause stomach upset.
🍉 Serve in moderation — even healthy treats should only make up a small part of your dog's diet.

A few bite-sized pieces of seedless watermelon can be a fun way to help your dog cool down during those warm summer days!

💬 Tell us: Does your dog love fruity treats? What's their favourite?

Thanks for following along with Dogust at Ruffin's Tillsonburg! We're sharing a new dog fact, tip, or treat idea every day to celebrate our amazing canine companions. 🐶❤️

08/04/2026

You've probably seen it before: front legs stretched forward, chest down, tail up, and a big excited look on their face!

But what is your dog actually saying?

A play bow is one of the clearest ways dogs communicate: "I want to play!" 🐕

Dogs use this adorable pose to let other dogs (and humans!) know that any chasing, bouncing, barking, or silly behaviour that follows is all in good fun.

A play bow can also be a way for dogs to invite interaction, reduce tension, or show another dog that they are being friendly. It's basically your dog's way of saying, "Hey, let's have some fun!" 🎾

Next time your pup bows at you, consider it an official invitation to play. ❤️

💬 Tell us: Does your dog do a play bow? What game usually comes next—zoomies, fetch, tug, or something else?

Thanks for following along with Dogust at Ruffin's Tillsonburg! We're celebrating our favourite four-legged friends with a new dog fact, tip, or trick every day this month. 🐾

08/03/2026

We are open 10am-5pm today!

08/03/2026

🎃 Ingredient Spotlight: Pumpkin

You may have seen pumpkin listed in your dog's food, treats, or supplements—but what makes this ingredient so popular? 🐾

Pumpkin is naturally rich in fibre, which can help support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Many pet parents reach for plain pumpkin as a simple way to add a little extra fibre to their dog's diet.

Pumpkin also contains important nutrients like vitamin A, antioxidants, and water, making it a tasty ingredient that many dogs enjoy.

Whether it's mixed into a meal, baked into a treat, or included in their favourite food, pumpkin is a classic ingredient loved by many pups! 🎃

(Remember: when adding new foods to your dog's diet, introduce them slowly and always use plain pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.)

💬 Tell us: Does your dog love pumpkin, or do they turn their nose up at it? 😂

Thanks for celebrating Dogust with Ruffin's Tillsonburg! Follow along all month as we spotlight the ingredients, facts, and tips that help our dogs live their happiest lives. 🐶❤️