Your child has wanted a puppy for years now. You’ve finally decided to grant their wish by giving them an adorable fur baby for their birthday. Now comes the task of making sure that the dog is happy and healthy in their new home.
What makes a happy dog? Of course, there are the basics like treats, love, and snuggles, but there is more to being a good pet parent. You’re going to need to teach your child how to raise their puppy and make it a happy member of the family.
To help you become an ideal pet parent, check out this guide on how to make your new family member happy.
1. Get Them a Baby Pool
There are a lot of dog breeds that love to swim. If you have a water-loving dog, consider providing your four-legged friend with a baby pool. It will also be a good way for your dog to cool off if you keep them outside.
If your dog is a bit hesitant to get into the pool, throw some waterproof toys into the pool to let them know that the pool is for them.
2. Keep Them in Good Health
Your dog trusts you. It’s your responsibility to keep him or her in top physical condition. Give your dog quality food that’s full of all the nutrients it needs.
If you’re not sure what food is best for your dog, ask the vet when you take them to get their first-year vaccinations. Speaking of taking them to the vet, you should do so at least once a year to check for common health problems.
The last factor in keeping your dog healthy is exercise. Dogs who lay around too much gain weight and could suffer from joint problems later in life. A lack of exercise can also cause behavioural issues from pent-up stress and boredom.
3. Let Them Destroy Their Toys
We know that it’s awful when your dog shreds a toy that you spent 20 dollars on, but rest assured that you didn’t spend 20 dollars in vain. It’s good to let your dog destroy their toys, even though it can sometimes cause a bit of a mess.
Destroying their toys allows dogs to take hold of their animal instincts and allows them to burn out some pent-up energy.
4. Dogs Need Socialization
Dogs are pack animals, so they need socialization to get a sense of fulfillment. They like to be around people they have a connection with.
No matter how friendly your dog is, they may act out at a doggy daycare where they are surrounded by unfamiliar people and animals. However, you shouldn’t keep your dog isolated because they aren’t good around new people.
Take your dog for a walk or to a dog park when it’s not too busy to socialize them. Once they’ve gotten used to the idea of being around other dogs and people, you can put them in the hands of a capable dog walker.
5. Give Them a Job to Do
Your dog is your baby, and you always want to treat them as such, but there comes a time when you need to realize that they are growing up. Like you, they want a job to do.
Since there is no such thing as the puppy want ads, you’ll need to provide them with a job, or task, to give them mental enrichment. For example, teach them how to pick up their toys after they’re done playing with them. It will make a world of difference to your dog.
6. Solidarity
Dogs want to feel like they are part of a team, with you as their leader. That means that you’re responsible for morale. Take them to meet up with your friends and their dogs.
When they see you acting cheerful and having fun with them, they will mimic your behaviour. If you have more than one dog, you can build pack solidarity by taking them out on dog group walks.
If you only have one dog, make sure you spend plenty of time playing with them. Grab your dog’s favourite rope toy and play tug-of-war with them. Take them to a tennis court or your backyard and throw a ball for them to catch. They’ll love the physical activity and personal attention you give them.
7. Give Them a Spa Day
A lot of dogs don’t like baths unless they are one of the breeds that love water. You don’t have to give them a bath to pamper them, though.
Give them a doggie spa day. Massage their head and shoulders, give them a pedicure, and brush them from head to toe. They’ll look and feel great, and you will get to watch your dog prance around on their next walk because they know they look good.
8. Let Them Earn Praise
When your dog does something good and you praise them, they will learn to repeat the good behaviour. This doesn’t mean that you should give your dog treats and praise for everything that they do, though. If you do that, they will train you instead of the other way around.
Don’t give freebies. Give them a chance to earn praise by getting them to sit or do a trick before giving them a treat.
The Secret Behind What Makes a Happy Dog
Has your family recently welcomed a new fur baby into your home? You’ll want to do everything in your power to make sure that they are happy and healthy. What makes a happy dog though?
Give them praise, give them a baby pool on a hot day, set up a spa day, and socialize them. Give your dog the quality of life that they deserve.
Does your dog get anxious when you leave them alone? Let us take care of them! Contact us today to ask about dog walking, pet sitting, and puppy visitation services.
