We all have unique rituals when it comes to feeding our dogs – whether they always eat out of their special bowl, perform their best sit-stay, or show off a sequence of spins, jumps, and tippy-taps in anticipation. Yes, mealtimes are about nutrition. But they’re also a moment of excitement – a daily dose of joy that strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
But is that just how we feel? Or is there some truth to the feeling? We decided to put it to the test.
The team here at Tails.com commissioned new research, and guess what? It turns out dinner time isn’t just about filling bellies…
Mealtime is key to the bond between dog and owner
There are many ways to build a loving bond with our dogs – and mealtime is a big one. This study found 61% of UK owners consider feeding time to be one of the top ways to strengthen that special connection, right alongside affection, walks and playtime.
Making the most of this daily ritual, 90% of owners said they employed a specific dining routine to help build love and trust. Whether that’s through tailored food, designated eating spots, or something a little more jazzy…
The dinnertime dance
Whilst the data reveals mealtime to be a top way of bonding for owners, it also found that over two-thirds of our dogs (68%) display a dancing habit when dinner comes around. Yep – it’s official. Our dogs love to get a groove on at mealtime.
So we decided to celebrate this by partnering with some pro dancers – and they want to see your dog’s best moves.
Introducing our new partners, Janette and Aljaž
In honour of those special mealtime moments and all those canine choreographers out there, we’re thrilled to be partnered with dog lovers and professional dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec. They’re ready to turn those doggie dinner dances, leaps and spins into something special.
Having both had beloved family dogs, these dancers know all too well what that special bond between dog and owner feels like. Janette and Aljaz can’t wait to join us in celebrating the moments that make our doggy dinnertime rituals so magical.
How you can get involved?
Does your dog have a special routine they perform when they get their dinner? Or do they just sit and give you those puppy dog eyes? Either way – send us your videos of your dog’s unique dinner dance and they could be the inspiration for Janette and Aljaz’s next project!
Please send your submissions to tailsaudition@mischiefpr.com – submissions close on the 5th of August. By entering you are accepting the Ts and Cs of this competition, which can be found here.
Top tips for your submission:
Our resident dog behaviourist Carolyn Menteith has shared her top tips for getting your dog’s best moves on camera:
Tip 1: Enjoy your dog’s unique talent and expression
While we humans have to practise our dance routines, for dogs it is much more of a natural expression of their excitement and joy. Every dog is different, and some will show their dinnertime moves with some noisy and energetic creative ‘dance’ displays, while others will be more self-contained in showing their culinary excitement. Enjoy your dog’s unique talent and remember that not everyone is a dancer.
Tip 2: Laugh and smile during the mealtime performance
Laughing and smiling at your dog while they are performing their mealtime routine is a great way to encourage them, and to join in with this great bonding opportunity. Don’t be tempted to withhold their food to encourage more moves though. Your dog ‘dances’ through joy and happiness – you don’t want to turn that into frustration.
Tip 3: Make trick time a regular occurrence
Work on teaching your dog fun tricks at all times of the day, not just mealtimes. The more things they learn to do with you – like spins, twists, play bows and waves – the more steps they have to choose from when they are building their own routine. Daily trick training is another fantastic way to build the bond between dog and owner.