The Key to a Happy Dog
Stimulation
What are your pet’s basic needs?
You might instantly think of food, water, and shelter. That would be right of course, but did you know that pets have other needs that are often overlooked?
These include affection and stimulation (mental and physical). The first is often easier for pet parents to fulfill than the second. Stimulation involves keeping your furry friend entertained, mimicking his or her natural environment, and allowing them to carry out their species-specific and natural behaviors.
How do you go about this? Keep reading to find the keys to enriching your dog’s life and having a happy dog!
DOGS REQUIRE SOCIAL INTERACTION
Dogs naturally live in packs, and have evolved to form strong bonds with humans and other dogs.
Therefore, keeping a dog isolated is like sentencing him or her to an early death.
For a happy dog, spend time with your best friend every day, no matter how busy your schedule may be. Socialize your dog at an early age. Make sure he or she has regular play-dates and meetings with other dog friends.
Remember, keeping your dog happy through socialization is just as important as feeding them!
WALKING YOUR DOG IS A MUST
Rain or shine, your dog NEEDS to be walked every single day!
Ideally, this should be done twice or thrice a day.
Walking is excellent because it stimulates your pal in many ways, both mentally and physically:
- Walking provides exercise.
- New sights, sounds, and smells are discovered on walks.
- Socialization can take place (i.e. your dog will meet other dogs and people).
- On walks, your dog can perform certain natural behaviors which he or she cannot do indoors (e.g. digging, scratching, scent-marking, etc.).
The bottom line is that there are so many benefits to walking your dog, so it is an essential part of dog guardianship.
Check out Charity Shop’s leashes and collars, perfect for walking your best friend!
PLENTY OF TIME OFF-LEASH IS IMPORTANT TOO
While walking your dog on-leash is great, your dog should have ample time off-leash in a spacious environment.
In fact, the practice of tethering, or keeping a dog tied for extended periods of time is considered cruel and damaging to the dog’s physical and mental well-being.
An ideal place for a dog to be off-leash would be a fenced yard, where your dog would be out of danger but also able to move his or her body freely.
For a happy dog, make sure your pooch has plenty of time every day (preferably most of the day) in a safe area where they are not constrained and able to move freely, whether indoors or outdoors.
SCHEDULE PLAY-TIME EVERY DAY
It should go without saying that since dogs are generally high-energy animals, they require an adequate amount of exercise to feel fulfilled.
Playing with your dog not only exercises their body, but also their brain, especially if you devise or buy clever toys or games, such as puzzles. It’s the perfect 2-in-1!
Dog toys don’t have to be fancy or expensive either; you can entertain your dog with just a stick or a ball!
The key is to be invested and interact with your pup while playing, responding to their cues and preferences.
CHOOSE OR CREATE INTERESTING TOYS
If you do want a fancier toy, you can create your own at little to no cost by using materials and supplies you already have laying around at home, OR you can choose to purchase a pre-made dog toy.
Remember, you do not have to break the bank for a happy dog!
Dogs will play with homemade toys just as readily as store bought ones!
It all depends on what you are comfortable with. Choose or create safe toys with interesting textures, shapes, sounds, and high durability.
For example, you can make your own tug of war dog toy using old fabric scraps. You can also check out all the wonderful ones we have at Charity Shop.
TRAINING HAS MANY BENEFITS
Regular training has very positive effects on dogs. This can go beyond basic “sit” and “stay”. Dogs can also be responsive to training methods throughout their lives. Therefore, it is a myth that you cannot train an older dog.
There are many dog training methods. However, we recommend positive reinforcement and clicker training.
Training your dog benefits yourself, your dog, and the greater community in many ways:
- It will enable your dog to be well-behaved around others.
- Training entertains your dog.
- Learning more complex tasks or commands keeps their brain sharp.
- Certain methods of training (e.g. agility training) provide exercise.
So, train both the brain and the body for a happy dog!
OFFER TREATS OCCASIONALLY
Although treats should be given to dogs sparingly, they can be utilized to aid play and training sessions.
For example, you could play with your dog by having a “treat treasure hunt”. Through scattering or hiding the treats in different locations and having your dog find them, you can can keep him or her entertained physically and mentally for hours! You can also throw them and have your dog chase them.
The possibilities are endless!
For training, they can act as a reward for your dog performing the right action corresponding to a command, OR to positively reinforce a certain place, person, or animal.
Browse through our selection of high-quality dog treats here.
IN CONCLUSION: A TIRED DOG IS A HAPPY DOG
As you can probably infer from the above, a healthy balance of physical and mental stimulation is ideal for a happy dog.
How do you keep your dog entertained and stimulated? Hopefully you’ll incorporate these activities into your daily routine if you haven’t already.
Remember, keeping your dog happy is not difficult, it just requires some commitment and planning on your part!
If you would like some more ideas and in-depth tutorials and explanations, please be sure to keep up with our blog and social media posts. Until then, check out the best products on the market in Lebanon made to enrich your dog’s life.
Best regards,
The Charity Shop Team
