DogFluent Training

10/30/2026

Human beings have been creating art since long before we had cities, or even reliable food surpluses. Art is a vital part of what makes us human. It enriches our lives daily.

Recently, Meta has made several unethical moves that threaten the rights of artists and creators, raising concerns not only about artwork shared on its platforms, but also about attempts to claim rights over content on artists’ own websites!

As a supporter of the arts, I believe this is unethical and harmful to individual artists and The Arts as a whole.

We all deserve better. As a supporter of real artists, I don’t want to support a machine that eats the work of artists to feed the machine so it can spit out more Al slop into my feed.

Artists deserve to have their work, their livelihoods, and their rights respected, hard stop.
That’s why I’m joining the Go Dark For Artists campaign from October 30 through November 6. No posts. No stories. No engagement.

Art matters, and so do the people who create it.
Please consider standing with us.

Go Dark For Artists | 10/30-11/6

Thanks Megan Wimberley | Western Art

10/28/2026

I’m sure you’ve noticed that evening dog walks are gradually getting darker and darker. Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 1, which means it will be dark by suppertime!

To make your dog and yourself more visible in the dark, consider switching to reflective or illuminated dog walking gear.

There are so many options to choose from, like reflective leashes, LED collars, light-up tags, headlamps, and hi-vis outerwear, to name just a few.

I recommend staying away from anything that flashes, which may be upsetting to your dog.

I personally prefer to use a reflective leash and harness, and a glow in the dark tag bumper for my dog; and a jacket or vest with reflective features for myself.

Tell me, what’s your go to gear for being more visible in the dark?

10/27/2026

10/26/2026

As the weather cools, you may notice your dog making fewer trips to the water bowl. But hydration still matters even when the summer heat is behind us.

If the bowl seems to be staying more full than usual, try these three small changes to keep your dog hydrated:

**1. ADD WATER TO MEALS**
Mix a little extra water into their regular food for an easy way to add moisture at mealtime.

**2. REFRESH + RELOCATE**
Keep water fresh, and consider adding another bowl near a favorite hangout spot. Sometimes making water more convenient makes a difference.

**3. MAKE IT MORE INTERESTING**
Some dogs prefer moving water from a pet fountain. You can also ask your veterinarian about dog-safe ways to add a little flavor or interest to the bowl.

And pay attention to what’s normal for your dog. A significant or unexpected change in how much they’re drinking, especially alongside changes in appetite, energy, urination, or behavior, is worth mentioning to your veterinarian.

The temperature may be dropping, but the importance of staying hydrated isn’t.

10/25/2026

So much of life with our dogs happens in the in-between moments...

The familiar walk around the block. The sound of breakfast being prepared. The spot they always choose on the couch. The brushing routine they may or may not cooperate with. The greeting at the door that happens so often we barely think about it.

Until someday, those are the moments we remember most.
Not every memory has to come from a big adventure, milestone, or perfectly planned day.

The ordinary routines are the relationship.

So be fully present with them: give them scratches when they ask, linger on the couch a little longer, take the walk more slowly.

What’s one ordinary thing your dog does that you know you’ll always remember?

For me, it’s when Lily gets on the couch next to me for our evening snuggles.

10/24/2026

A good Halloween is different for every dog.

Some are ready to greet every trick-or-treater, model their costume, and supervise the entire evening.

Others would much rather have a favorite toy, a cozy quiet space, and absolutely nothing to do with the doorbell.

So tell me:
Is your dog Team TREAT or Team RETREAT?

And what would their ideal Halloween actually look like?

10/23/2026

Many people have heard the word “enrichment” but don’t fully understand what it means.

Enrichment involves meeting your dog’s species-specific needs, which is vital for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It has a direct effect on how well your dog lives in your world, which is often expressed through their behavior.

This 10-minute reset provides easy ways for even the busiest dog moms to meet some of your dog’s needs through a little movement, a little thinking, and a little connection.

Change them up regularly to provide some variety and keep them fresh.

Tell me...
Which of these do you already do with your dog?

Which ones will you add to your regular enrichment plan?

10/21/2026

October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month, and a good time to look beyond the number on the scale.

A quick at-home check can help you notice changes in your dog’s body condition:

• Can you feel their ribs with gentle pressure, without having to press through a thick layer of fat?
• Looking from above, can you see some definition at the waist?
• From the side, does the abdomen tuck up behind the rib cage?
• Have you noticed changes in stamina, movement, breathing, or willingness to play?

If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian to assess your dog’s body condition score and help determine what a healthy weight looks like for their individual age, breed, body type, and health needs.

Small adjustments can add up, too. Measuring meals, accounting for treats, choosing appropriate enrichment, and building regular movement into the day can all support a healthy routine.

The goal isn’t a “perfect” number. It’s helping dogs feel comfortable, stay active, and enjoy more of the things they love.

Check out:
PetObesityPrevention.org
to take the body condition quiz, estimate how much to feed, find safe weight loss guides, and more.

When was the last time you checked your dog’s body condition?

10/20/2026

Maybe your senior dog takes a little longer to get going after waking up. The stairs seem to require more thought. Getting into the car isn’t quite as effortless as it used to be.

“Slowing down” is still information worth paying attention to.

Notice whether your dog seems stiff after resting, changes the way they walk, hesitates before jumping or climbing, has difficulty getting comfortable, or starts avoiding activities they usually enjoy.

You don’t have to figure out *why* it’s happening yourself. That’s where your veterinarian comes in.

If you’re noticing changes in your dog’s mobility or comfort, especially in a senior dog, bring it up at your next veterinary visit. And if the change is sudden, significant, or your dog appears painful, don’t wait for the next routine appointment.

Getting older may change the way our dogs move through the world, but it doesn’t mean changes in comfort should simply be accepted as part of aging.

10/18/2026

Your dog does not have to participate in Halloween.

For people, Halloween may mean costumes, decorations, visitors, candy, parties, and a neighborhood full of activity.

For our dogs, it can mean a confusing day when a lot of familiar things suddenly look, sound, smell, and behave very differently...

The doorbell keeps ringing, strangers appear at the door, sometimes wearing masks, hats, or bulky costumes. Kids are running and shouting outside. Decorations move or make noise. Normal walking routes may be busier than usual. And the people in the house may be excited, distracted, or coming and going more than they normally do.

That can be a lot for a dog to take in.

So if your dog would rather skip the costume, please respect their feelings.

If greeting trick-or-treaters at the door isn’t their thing, they shouldn’t have to.

If the neighborhood is unusually busy, plan their evening walk for earlier.

You know your dog best. Is their ideal evening spent in a quiet room with a comfortable bed, something familiar to do, and a little distance from the festivities?

Halloween is supposed to be fun. Your dog doesn’t have to participate for you to enjoy the celebration.