National Hug Your Hound Day
Give your own hound a big hug on Hug a Hound Day, consider adoption, or volunteer at a dog shelter to make sure these dogs get the love they deserve.
Dogs have been standing loyally beside their humans since the dawn of history, being one of the first, if not the first, animals that was ever domesticated.
Since then they’ve been warm and loving companions, loyal workers, and stalwart defenders of the homes and families of their owners.
National Hug Your Hound Day reminds people that their four-legged companions deserve recognition and loving attention.
And it encourages folks to remember the importance of building the bond between humans and dogs, by understanding how life is when it is experienced from the perspective of four legs!
It’s time to Hug Your Hound!
How to Celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day
While celebrating National Hug Your Hound Day might be a little obvious, there are all sorts of ways to enjoy this day and give attention to these four legged friends. Try out these fun ideas or come up with your own:
Hug a Hound!
First, the best way to start is by giving that lovable ball of fur and teeth a hug and telling them how much they are loved.
Then take some time thinking about how their world looks from down low, surrounded by us lumbering two-leggers with everything built too high for them. A little bit of affection and empathy goes a long way when it comes to taking care of a pet.
Don’t have a pet of your own? Volunteer to help out a neighbor or friend by taking their dog on a walk. They certainly won’t mind if you try to get a few hugs on the way.
Or head over to a dog park to see if it’s possible to show interest and befriend some dog owners.
They’re usually pretty friendly and like to talk about their dogs, breeds and various other hound-related topics. It’s a great way to learn the ins and outs from a dog owner!
Adopt a Dog as a Pet
Those who don’t yet have a dog might consider whether this is a good time of life to adopt a dog.
While breeders are certainly one option, the most humane way to include a pet into the family is to find one that already needs a home. Drop by a local animal shelter to see what kind of options are available for adopting a dog.
Spend some time researching breeds and what kind of characteristics they have (even in mixed-breed dogs) to see which type might fit well with certain circumstances.
Don’t forget, a dog is a part of the family–and a big responsibility–so be sure to think it through carefully before bringing a dog home!
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Those who, for a variety of reasons, might not be able to be a pet owner can still participate in Hug a Hound Day!
This would be a great opportunity to check in at a local animal shelter to see what kind of volunteers they could use.
From filling food and water bowls to cleaning cages, from spending time with animals to training and socializing them, volunteers play an important role at animal shelters. And certainly there will be time to Hug some Hounds while there!
Help a Dog Solve Their Problems
Once a dog’s perspective has been assessed, it’s time to start figuring out what kind of problems they have that they might need human assistance with.
This could be anything from potty issues to chewing through the drywall to running away. National Hug Your Hound Day is a perfect opportunity to seek out ways to help curb those behaviors, equipping the dog with what it needs to live a happier life.
Most negative behaviors are signs of an unhappy pet, and National Hug Your Hound Day is all about making sure every canine is happy and healthy!
History of National Hug Your Hound Day
National Hug Your Hound Day was originally created by Ami Moore, the “Dog Whisperer of Chicago” to remind people of the importance of having a long and lasting bond between a pet and its owner. The day is docketed to be celebrated on the second Sunday of September.
Ami Moore is certainly the right person to have created this special day! She has a long history and amazing qualifications that have led to her being one of the world’s most famous dog experts.
Trained as a Native American Medicine Woman, and carrying a list of qualifications so long you’d need three cans of alphabet soup to spell them out, Ami sought to increase the health and happiness of canines all over the world through the creation of National Hug Your Hound Day.
Ami has specialized in working with canine behavior and problem-solving, and even worked to pioneer the concept of positive reinforcement using electronic dog training equipment to motivate a dog’s natural drive to follow a strong leader.
Through the development and use of her techniques, Ami has helped to curb unwanted behaviors in dogs all over the world, creating a better relationship between them and their human families.
From destroying furniture, jumping on guests, even dealing with curing separation anxiety and socializing them so they’re no longer aggressive to people and other dogs, Ami’s expertise has made the world a better and safer place for dogs and dog lovers.
National Hug Your Hound Day is about learning how to make your relationship with your pet that much better, and Ami Moore is the world’s leading expert on safe and humane techniques.
Now to celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day!
National Hug Your Hound Day FAQs
How did the term “hound” originate?
The word “hound” comes from the Old English “hund,” which referred to all types of dogs. Over time, in the English language, “hound” became specific to hunting breeds known for their tracking abilities.
Are there any ancient traditions similar to Hug Your Hound Day?
In ancient China, during the Dog Days of summer, people honored their dogs with special foods and ceremonies, believing it would protect them from evil spirits and misfortune.
How do different cultures celebrate their bond with dogs?
In Nepal, the festival of Tihar includes a day called Kukur Tihar dedicated to dogs. People adorn dogs with garlands, apply tika (a mark on the forehead), and offer them special foods to honor their loyalty.
Is it true that some dogs don’t like hugs?
Yes, while many dogs enjoy physical affection, some feel restrained or threatened by hugs. It’s essential to observe your dog’s body language; signs of discomfort include turning their head away, licking their lips, or yawning.
What are some unique ways to celebrate Hug Your Hound Day?
Beyond hugging, you can celebrate by organizing a hound-themed scavenger hunt, baking homemade dog treats, or setting up a playdate with other hound owners to let the dogs socialize and play together.
Are there any famous hounds in history?
Yes, “Laika,” a stray dog from Moscow, became the first animal to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Her journey marked a significant milestone in space exploration.
Do hounds have any special abilities compared to other dogs?
Hounds, especially scent hounds like Bloodhounds, possess an extraordinary sense of smell. They can track scents that are days old, making them invaluable in search and rescue missions.
Are there myths associated with hounds?
In British folklore, the “Black Shuck” is a ghostly black dog said to roam the countryside. Sightings of this hound were often considered omens of death or disaster.
How has the role of hounds evolved over time?
Historically bred for hunting, many hound breeds have transitioned into companion roles today.
While they still retain their keen senses and instincts, hounds now often serve as therapy dogs, family pets, and even participate in dog sports.
What’s a common misconception about hounds?
A common misconception is that hounds are not trainable due to their independent nature. In reality, with consistent and positive training methods, hounds can learn and excel in various tasks and commands.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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