The future of dog guardianship is: proactive. And this newsletter is packed full of useful knowledge.

Know other dog parents who would want to be part of the future too?

I’m so glad you’re here!

Hey! I'm Andrea, dog mom to Maggie, Certified Dog Trainer, and CEO of Pack Animals. You're receiving this email because you've recently or in the past joined the Pack Animals waitlist.

I'm excited to kick off this newsletter, sharing relatable and valuable insights for you and your dog. Expect knowledge nuggets, hot tips, scientific facts and trivia, and highlights from my reading. This newsletter will also provide a sneak peek into the Pack Animals App, launching in January 2024, and the Hub, opening in April 2024 in San Ramon, CA. Both will equally prioritize you and your dog throughout your furry friend's entire life. Questions? Simply reply to this email, and I'll do my best to get back to you promptly.

Did you know…

'Tis the season for cozy nights, gift-giving, and festive gatherings. However, reality check: 41% of Americans report increased stress during the holidays (source: APA). Meanwhile, 40% of dog parents notice mood changes and stress behaviors in their furry friend (source: AKC). Even for people who aren’t part of the 41% or 40%, it’s helpful to know how to support those around us. How comfortable are you reading canine body language?

Knowledge Nugget
Kids and Dogs

You’re at a family gathering and notice the kids are trying to put a hat on the dog. But as the child reached for the top of the dog’s head, the dog turns its head and tries to lick the kid’s hand. This makes the kids giggle loudly while the dog ducks its head slightly. What would you do after observing this?

Think about which option you would select. An explanation will be available at the bottom of this email.

• A) Let the kids continue playing but keep an eye on them from afar

• B) Walk over to distract/play with the kids and give the dog a chance to leave if he wants to

• C) Don't worry about it; if the dog is uncomfortable then he'll just leave

Hot Tip: Calmer Greetings

Tip 1: Even if you already know the dog, avoid the top of their head. Instead, reach for neutral zones like their shoulder or chest. This can also limit the dog’s likelihood of jumping.

Tip 2: For a better dog greeting, let the dog decide to come close or keep their distance. Keep your hands at your sides, palms open and facing forward. Or, you can kneel down to make yourself smaller and more inviting. Either way, if you turn your body away from the dog at a 45 degree angle, then the dog will feel less spatial pressure and be more likely to feel safe approaching you.

Tip 3: Replace the behavior of jumping by giving the dog something else to do, like playing “touch”. Guide the dog to alternate touching your left and right hands, thereby using a hand target to channel their energy and excitement while their paws stay on the ground. Make it a family affair by involving everyone, including the grandparents, in the game.

What I’m Reading

You can skip the reading, I’ve got you covered. The knowledge nuggets and lessons in the new Pack Animals app are inspired by a range of sources. We find relatable inspiration from human and canine professionals, alike.

• 4,000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals - encouraging readers to reassess priorities and find fulfillment in the face of life's time constraints.

• How Dogs Love Us - the author, a neuroscientist, uses advanced brain imaging technology to explore the emotional and cognitive capacities of dogs

• Loving Edie - a wild and emotional memoir of family and self-discovery, featuring a lovable golden retriever named Edie

Coming Soon: Bundles
We’ve teamed up with Petzey

The Pack Animals App will be launching in January but we’ve been working tirelessly to bring you and your dog exciting opportunities in the meantime! Launching this week, pre-sale bundles for the App and Hub will be available! As a member of our waitlist, you’ll receive added discounts on our pre-sale bundle.

We’re especially excited by the complimentary Teeth to Tails Wellness check that the innovative veterinary telehealth platform, Petzey, will be offering as part of the bundle! Why did we team up with Petzey? Because the future of dog guardianship is proactive, and all education should start with a health check.

Knowledge Nugget Explained
Kids and Dogs

Here is the explanation for the Knowledge Nugget above.

Understanding dog body language is a top request from our Pack Animals waitlist, and it's crucial, especially during the holidays when even well-behaved dogs can get stressed.

In the scenario mentioned, the safest response is to distract or play with the kids, giving the dog a chance to leave if it wants to.

Two signs that the dog may need an out were: (1) licking the child and (2) lowering its head when the child reacted loudly.

Always provide dogs with the opportunity to do a "consent check." This lets the dog decide if he wants to stay or go, preventing feelings of being trapped that can escalate to growling, barking, or biting. People experience “unpredictable behavior” often after the clues of discomfort go unnoticed. This is why we never punish a dog for growling.

If the dog stays after a consent check, it could either mean they're okay or they’re unsure where else to go. During the holidays, create a quiet area for your dog to escape to, and guide them there occasionally to see if they choose to settle down.

Know other dog guardians who want to be part of the future? Forward this email or send them a link to our waitlist. We will be donating $2 to SNIP (Spay Neuter Imperative Project) Bus for every new waitlist entry we receive during the month of December.