Pet experts in Old Bridge are encouraging owners to better understand their dogs as Responsible Dog Ownership Month continues and National Dog Week approaches.

Arushi Daggumati, owner of Hounds Town Old Bridge, and manager Miranda Bobrowski recently shared three things they say dogs wish their owners knew.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a wagging tail always means a dog is happy.

"A very common misconception for a lot of people is that a wagging tail means a happy dog, and that's not always the case," Bobrowski said.

She said dogs communicate with their entire body and owners should look beyond a dog's tail.

"You want to make sure that you're looking at their entire body, their ears, their eyes, their general posture to get a full sense of what they're trying to communicate to you," Bobrowski said.

The experts also say dogs need more than just a daily walk.

"Our daycare allows for dogs to have physical activity, mental stimulation, as well as socialization," Daggumati said.

She said walking alone may not provide all of the stimulation dogs require.

The pair also highlighted the importance of consistency at home.

"Changes in routines are hard for dogs," Daggumati said.

Bobrowski said dogs regularly communicate with one another through body language.

"When we observe them in our daycare, they're constantly communicating with each other to say when they're enjoying the play or maybe when they need a little bit more space," she said.

The experts say understanding those signals can help owners become more responsible pet parents and build stronger relationships with their dogs.