We all strive to live a high-quality life, and our pets want the same for themselves and their best human companions. The only difference is that we have control over our choices; our furry friends depend on us for everything. We’re responsible for feeding them, sheltering them, training them, vet care, and just about everything else that adds value or enrichment to their lives. This adds up to a lot of responsibility for you, the owner…but what you get in return? It’s well-worth the effort.
The problem is that there’s a lot of subjectivity in caring for dogs. Everyone has a different opinion of how to care for canines – especially breeders, trainers, and experts. Like people, there’s really no one “right” approach. Let’s start with some tips to help you keep your dog happy, safe, and healthy.
Is It Time to Eat?
Every minute of the day is an opportunity for enrichment, including meal time. Adding some depth to this daily ritual is a great way to not only put your pup’s mind to work, but also to make sure they’re slowing down their eating a bit at the same time. While you can buy special food dishes designed to make your dog work harder to get their food,you don’t necessarily have to spend money to reach this goal. You can scatter some food in a small section of grass in your yard so you dog has to hunt for it or use an upside down muffin tin. Both will make it so your dog has to move the food to get it out. Be creative!
Increase Your Dog’s Activity
Taking your dog for daily walks is important for their health and wellness. Extra activity never hurt anyone, though – especially an energetic pup. Find fun ways to fit in extra hikes, jogs, or special outings. Explore new dog parks or find a dog-safe beach to explore. Try to find a place that’s fenced in so you can take your dog off-leash for a while, too.
Adjust the Collar
You know how you really enjoy taking off your shoes or your bra at the end of a long day? Your dog might feel the same way about their collar. While it’s important for them to be used to wearing it, they need a break sometimes, too.
Even more important is paying attention to how your dog reacts to the tags attached to the collar. Some pups really hate the jingling sound they make more than the collar itself. If this is the case, tape them together so they don’t make noise.
Communicate with Your Hands
Stimulate your dog differently by teaching them to understand hand gestures in addition to verbal commands. Believe it or not, they can understand hand commands better than words. You’ll have your own secret language, and you’ll encourage her to use her brain more often, too.
Learn Your Dog’s Language
Speaking of communication, make sure you take some time to learn what your dog’s body language means. While your dog may wag their tail or jump in excitement when happy to see you, you also need to understand what things like turning away, yawking, hiding, and even rapid blinking represent. The more you know about your dog’s body language, the easier it will be to figure out if they are feeling stressed, tired or sick. Your dog will be at ease knowing you understand, and you’ll be happier knowing you can make them more comfortable.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Ok, maybe not the roses, but the ground all around the rose bushes. And three feet away from the bushes. And a few feet further a few seconds later. In other words, exercise some patience and allow your dog some time to explore the world. They process and explore by sniffing out different scents. Refusing to indulge them is a bit like taking a human for a walk blindfolded!
While it’s important to train your dog to walk well on a leash, it’s OK to give them more freedom from time to time. You can even find “nose work” games to play for added stimulation – or have them try to find treats at home.
Occupy Your Dog’s Free Time
Does your pup spend a lot of time home alone while you’re working? Give your dog a few things to do to keep them distracted while you’re gone. Food puzzle toys that they really have to work for will ensure they spend a good deal of time playing while strengthening their problem-solving skills. The key to making these toys enjoyable is to adjust them so that they’re really easy to get the food out of at first. Over time, use toys that are harder to get the treats out of. Your dog will rise to the challenge.
Socialize with Other Dogs
Do you have a neighbor or friend with a dog? Make sure your pup has time to play with others like them. Not all dogs love being around others, so don’t push this if yours is shy. If your pup does love her four-legged friends, find ways to bring them together to run around in an enclosed yard. Playdates aren’t just for people.
Play Together
It should go without saying, but your dog craves your attention. Walking is wonderful, but actual interaction with you is even better. Throw a frisbee or ball, kick around a soccer ball so your dog will run and chase with you, or start up a game of tug-a-war. Anything you can do to burn extra energy while at the same time strengthening your bond is helpful (and your pup is sure to love it, too).
Provide Undivided Attention
Do you usually have someone with you on your walks or during playtime? Always have your phone within reach? Dogs are like people in that they can tell when no one is paying attention to them. It’s usually just about when the annoying behaviors start (like dogs chewing on chair legs because you aren’t petting them).
Make sure you give your pup at least 15 to 30 minutes of your undivided attention every single day. This is especially important if you have more than one dog. They’re social, and they’re loyal to you. Give them the loving attention they deserve.
Keep your pup well-groomed, choose the healthiest foods you can, make sure your home environment is safe and comfortable and spend as much time as you can together. You are in complete control of your dog’s level of happiness and it starts with how you interact with them. Shake things up from time to time so your dog doesn’t get bored and you’re bound to have a happy, well-behaved pup living a very happy life.