If you’re a dog person, chances are that dogs make you happy. And how could they not? They keep us active, they’re extremely loyal, and they’re so darn cute! Have you ever wondered what your dog thinks about you though? More specifically, do you wonder if you make your dog happy? Caring about this says a lot about you as a dog owner, and there are many things you can be doing to make sure that your dog’s happiness is flourishing under your care. Below, I’ll share my top 5 tips for keeping your dog happy.
1- Attention:
Have you ever hung out with someone who is glued to their phone? Not very exciting, is it? When it comes to your dog, nothing shows you love them more than your undivided attention. All those scratches, cuddles, and belly rubs go a long way when it comes to making your dog happy.
2- Quality time together
This tip goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. Your relationship with your dog is what you build it up to be. Taking them out for walks in the park, going on road trips to the mountains, or even relaxing together at home is invaluable when it comes to bonding. Doing all these activities with your dog is sure to make them happy, and to make them feel a sense of belonging in your family.
3- Treats, lots of treats
Anyone in the dating world will tell you that food is the key to a man or a woman’s heart. As it turns out, this tip is also helpful when it comes to keeping your dog happy. By giving your dog a treat to reward positive behaviours, you’ll be making certain that both you and your dog are happy and getting the most out of your relationship together.
4- Being around the people they love
You’ve probably experienced first hand—either from your own dog or someone else’s—how excited dogs get when you come home. Just as you feel fulfilled when you spend time with people you care about, dogs need these interactions as well to be connected and happy. While it can be difficult to always be around your dog, try incorporating some time into their day where they can freely be around you and your family.
5- Make it a routine
This last point touches on all of the previous ones. Similar to how your body’s internal clock is happiest when you stick to a sleep schedule, dogs are happiest when there is some structure in their day that makes their activities somewhat predictable. This means taking some time to consider activities and fall into a routine with your dog, such as walks in the morning and evening, or cuddle time right before bed. Help your dog know that you’ll be there for them, and they’ll love you all the more for it.
These are the top five tips that I use to keep my dogs happy. Of course, there are other factors that you may also want to consider from time to time. For instance, buying your dog a new toy can always fill them with excitement, and it’s especially useful for keeping them entertained when you’re not around. However, the 5 tips I’ve listed above are absolute essentials for keeping your dog happy day in and day out. Keep them in the back of your mind, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a conscientious dog owner that any pet would be lucky to have.