Having a large garden is not always enough to make a dog happy. Keeping your dog happy is a priority for most canine owners. Here are 10 tips on how to do this daily.
1. Take your dog for long walks
At least once or twice a week, your dog's well-being must take long walks in the forest or in the fields. Indeed, daily outings rarely last more than 30 minutes and do not allow him to get enough exercise. Moreover, in the city, it is sometimes difficult to take off his leash and let him run around and explore the surroundings at will.
Walking your dog in the wild will not only give him a sense of freedom but will also allow him to discover new places and new smells, a very important activity for him. Remember that a dog needs to be stimulated outdoors, whether he lives in a large house with a garden or in a small apartment.
2. Meet new friends
A dog is a social animal. That means he needs to be in contact with other members of his species and to form relationships. What could be more fun than watching your dog play like crazy with the neighbor's dog? Not only does he have fun, but he also gets his fill of contact for the day. If you were isolated from other human beings for weeks, how would you feel?
To ensure that meetings with new friends go smoothly (be careful to avoid aggressive dogs that could traumatize your dog!), it is best to choose dogs of the opposite sex and of the same size.
3. Play with him
Adopting a dog means spending time with your pet. Give your faithful friend 1 hour a day to play with him, either indoors or outdoors. This activity will only strengthen your relationship. And the more your dog feels comfortable with you and his environment, the happier he will be.
4. Set up a place dedicated to him
A dog needs to have his own place in the house to feel comfortable in the home. The ideal is to install his basket in a quiet place, where he is not likely to be disturbed. His basket is his refuge, so don't go and disturb him when he's there, even less to punish him!
5. Educate him throughout his life
Education is not only a matter of the first months of your dog's life. Even if your dog is very well trained, a few reminders from time to time are always good. And, on top of that, your dog will enjoy spending time with you, as he also likes to learn new things.
A dog needs to be in a safe environment and training can help reassure him. It's important to be consistent in allowing and disallowing the same things throughout his life.
6. Focus on quality food
Some households can't afford to spend a few extra dollars on quality kibble. However, food is an important factor in your dog's well-being. If his kibble tastes bad or he doesn't digest it well, his morale may suffer.
Choose kibbles whose main food is meat and never buy them in supermarkets. Don't hesitate to ask for advice on the choice of the brand of kibble for your dog from the salespeople in specialized stores or from your veterinarian, they are there for that!
7. Establish a routine
Pets are very sensitive to changes in daily life. It is recommended to establish a daily routine, which rarely changes, to make them feel secure.
For example, feed your dog at a fixed time each day, take him out regularly (e.g. morning, noon, and evening) and give him playtime at the same time each day (e.g. in the evening when he comes home from work).