How do you know if your dog is happy and healthy? Maybe you’re great about getting routine vaccinations, and you buy the best dog food, but your dog’s needs extend beyond those basic elements. You’ll need to examine your pooch’s lifestyle to ensure you’re providing for his overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Why dogs need activity. It’s important to understand that your dog’s needs extend beyond the basics of food, water, and shelter. They are bred to be companion animals who love to spend time with people. Dogs need people to give them physical, mental, and social interaction. They need attention, leadership, structure, and exercise, and benefit from learning new tricks and playing games. Without an appropriate lifestyle, dogs can become very lonely, bored, and isolated, which can lead to behavioral and health issues.
Busy brains. If your pooch is either acting up or appears bored, chances are good he needs more activity—and not necessarily just the physical kind. As IHeartDogs explains, all dogs require mental stimulation to be happy. Dogs that chew up shoes, tear up sofa cushions, dig up the yard, or growl and bark a lot can be feeling agitated from a lack of appropriate engagement. Interaction with you can be a boon to improving your dog’s well-being and promoting better behavior.
If you haven’t already done so, take the time to teach your dog basic manners. This includes things like walking on a leash, behaving appropriately at the park, and not begging for food. It’s something you can do from the comforts of home, and it’ll help your pup’s outlook on life. Under your leadership, interaction and structure can make a big difference in your dog’s attitude. Besides, when you take your dog into public, everyone, including you and your dog, will appreciate the time and effort you’ve spent learning together.
Trips to the park and dog-friendly restaurants can be pleasant excursions, and even vet trips will be more enjoyable. If your pooch is already polished in public, there are other great tools you can try. Look for specially designed doggy puzzles and games made to promote his mental health. You’ll have a blast watching him problem-solve and learn with you!
Teaching your pup manners and training him requires time, effort, and consistency. If you’ve tried everything and are still having problems training your pup, it’s time to reach out to a professional dog trainer. Expert dog trainer Tom Savoca uses positive and balanced training techniques so that you’ll soon have a well-behaved pup!
Fit as a fiddle. Just like for people, there are tremendous health benefits for your dog if he engages in a routine exercise regimen. Exercise for dogs should be based on individual breed characteristics, along with a dog’s age and health condition. Some toy breeds require very little exercise, and some dogs enjoy exercising for hours. The needs for activity vary greatly, and you can’t go by preconceived notions about types. For instance, not all spaniels are created equal. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are little couch potato dogs, while the American Kennel Club considers English springer spaniels to be one of the most active dog breeds.
Appropriate exercise helps your pooch maintain a healthy weight, and he can enjoy improved digestion, better cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, and better agility. Dogs that are kept active expend excess energy and are more apt to be relaxed, focused, and well-behaved. They sleep better, experience less stress, and are more confident. Select an activity you’ll both enjoy that fits with your and your pup’s abilities and interests, whether it’s jogging, playing fetch, or going hunting. During times you travel or when life is too busy to manage keeping up with his needs, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter.
One way to keep your dog active is to let them run around at home. Of course, you’ll need to ensure your pooch stays safe outside, which is why you’ll need a fence if you don’t have one already. That way, your dog can enjoy the outdoors without your undivided attention. Use sites like Angi.com to help you find someone to help you with fence installation. Be sure to check reviews before you hire someone to tackle the job. You can save by installing a wood or chain-link fence instead of using more expensive materials.
Active dog, healthy dog. Your dog’s quality of life goes beyond the basic necessities of food, water, and shelter. Provide your dog with appropriate mental and physical activities. Both you and your pup will be happier and healthier when you’re meeting your pooch’s lifestyle needs!