8 Ways to Make Your Dog's Life Happier - Canine Campus Dog Daycare & Boarding

Pretty much all pet parents want their pup to live their best life. You try to do everything you can to make them happy – buy the best dog food, try to find the best toys and go out of the way to buy or make them their favorite treats. But is there a way to make your dog’s life happier?

By and large, dogs are pretty easygoing. In general, a comfy place to sleep, exercise, food, water and affection from their human is all they need to be happy. However, there are a few things you can do ensure your dog lives a fulfilling life.

Here are eight essential ways to make your dog’s life happier.

Feed them nutritious food

Proper nutrition is the basis for enjoying good health and one of the keys to happiness. Dogs love to eat so we need to feed them food that covers all their nutritional needs and is appetizing at the same time. Most people agree a variety of food has many advantages. Carefully consider what to feed your dog, do some research, and ask your veterinarian for help in making good food choices based on the specific needs of your dog.

Use a food dispensing toy for meals

Using a food dispensing toy for your dog’s meals gives them a fun problem to solve and adds mental stimulation to a regular part of their day. In the wild dogs would have to scavenge and hunt for their food, so hunting and scavenging is a normal activity for them. There are many food dispensing toys on the market, but one of my favorites is the Bob-A-Lot because it’s durable, dishwasher safe, and you can adjust the size of the hole the treats fall out of.

Give them a good night’s sleep

Dogs, like people, need a good bed so they sleep well and feel rested in the morning. In a study conducted by Mayo Clinic Proceedings, it was found dog owners sleep better if their dog sleeps in his or her own bed. Dogs need a bed to support their joints (especially as they age), is washable and soft. Beds containing a special interlocking fill material will provide the comfort and support your dog needs.

Play with them

Games offer so many ways to make your dog’s life happier. Playing games together strengthens our bond with them. Don’t hesitate to try different toys to see which ones they enjoy or even learn how to make them yourself. Playing can even help reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety.

Exercise them regularly

Dogs need regular exercise. Exercise is good for their physical and mental health. Life is boring for dogs who don’t get enough exercise. Take your dog for a brisk walk, play fetch or take your dog swimming. These are all great forms of exercise. No time to exercise your dog? Bring Fido to Canine Campus where he or she can burn off excess energy by running around and playing with the other dogs in the pack.

Never stop training

You might be tempted to stop training your dog when you’ve finished puppy basic training, but training is a fun way to stimulate your dog’s brain. When you use positive reinforcement methods, dogs look forward to learning new behaviors. Training also eliminates your dog’s frustration and confusion because the more he understands what you expect, the more confident he will become. And regular training sessions provide your dog with one-on-one attention, something dogs adore.

Learn about your dog’s breed characteristics

Understanding your dog’s breed can help you recognize and predict certain behaviors. Most dogs were developed for a purpose – to have the drive to do specific things. Dogs retain some of the drive they were bred for, and without a proper outlet for that energy, it can come out in inappropriate ways. For example, terriers don’t dig up the yard to ruin your flower garden; they just love to dig. Terriers were bred to dig in the ground and hunt for vermin, so it’s bred in them to dig. (The word “terrier” comes from the Latin word “terra”, which literally translates to “the earth”).

The more you understand your dog’s breed – and dog culture in general – you will be able to decipher your dog’s behavior. There will be less confusion and frustration, and your dog will appreciate you can quickly recognize whenever he or she is uncomfortable or stressed.

Give your dog choices and listen to what he or she wants

Some dogs love to please their owners, some dogs work for toys or treats, and other dogs want to do what they want to do. These dogs are generally independent and stubborn. These dogs do best if you let them make their own decision about some things, when it is safe and acceptable to do so.

For example, you can teach your dog “inside” and “outside”. Honestly, your dog probably knows these words already. You can give your dog the choice to stay inside or go outside by asking “inside or outside?”. Be sure to distinguish your “command” voice from your “choice” voice. Let’s say you’re inside and you want to give your dog the choice to stay inside or go outside. You can open the door and ask “inside or outside”? Whichever your dog chooses to do, say “OK” and go back to what you were doing.

A dog door is great for this because it gives your dog autonomy when it’s acceptable, but you can close the lock panel when your dog needs to stay out or in.

Another example of giving your dog a choice is laying down. Sometimes you need your dog to lay down in a certain spot. In this instance, you give the “YourDog’sName, down” command and they are expected to lay down where they are. But sometimes, it’s OK for them to settle somewhere in a room or vicinity. In that instance, you could tell your dog to “go lay down” and, as long as they lay down in the general area, that is OK.

It’s not always feasible to give your dog a choice, but if it is, try practicing by using a different command and “listening” to what they want.

Final Thoughts

Making the effort to ensure your dog has a happy, healthy life is worth it! Cherish the time you do have with your pooch and make your time together as happy as you can. Don’t take your pup for granted – dogs have a shorter lifespan than humans so make sure the time you do have together is as happy as possible!

How do you make your dog’s life happier? What should be added to this list? Please leave your suggestion in the comments below…