Anyone who’s ever been head-butted by a dog knows that they’re not exactly the most respectful creatures. Dogs can be downright rude, whether they’re stealing your food, hogging the bed, or licking their you-know-what’s in front of you. But despite all their flaws, we still love them.
Why? They are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason. Because dogs are loyal, loving, and make us laugh, even when we’re having a bad day. And developing a healthy relationship with our furry friends is essential to their well-being. After all, they rely on us for food, shelter, and yes, even respect. But even the best dogs get bored sometimes, which can lead to destructive behavior.
That’s why it’s important to keep your dog entertained and happy. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 ways to do just that!
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 ways to keep your dog happy and entertained:
1. Get them a canine companion– If you can’t be home with your pup all day, another dog can provide much-needed companionship. Just make sure to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions at first. If this is not an option then take them to the dog park. Dog parks are a great place for dogs to socialize and burn off some energy. Just make sure to keep an eye on your pup at all times and be aware of other dogs’ temperaments before letting them play together. Sign up for doggy daycare. If you work long hours or travel often, doggy daycare can be a great option for your pup.
2. Take them on walks– If you’re like most dog owners, you probably hate walking your dog. It’s so boring, and your dog just refuses to listen! But believe it or not, there are some benefits to taking your dog on walks. For one thing, it’s a great way to get some exercise. And if you live in a hot climate, it can also help keep your dog cool (as long as you don’t make the mistake of walking during the hottest part of the day). Walking also gives your dog a chance to relieve himself, which can help prevent accidents in the house. So next time you’re feeling guilty about neglecting your furry friend, go ahead and take him for a walk – it is good for both of you! Walking is also a great way for you to bond with your furry friend. If you’re looking for some company on your walks, joining a dog-walking group is a great option. This way, you and your pup can make some new friends while getting some exercise.
3. Play fetch– Playing fetch with my dog is one of the most fun and rewarding activities that I have ever partaken in. There is something about chasing a ball through fields and forests, leaping over obstacles, and feeling the wind blowing in your hair that just makes me feel alive. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that my dog loves it too – her eyes light up as soon as she sees me reaching for the ball and she can barely contain her excitement. Whether it’s with a throw from across the room or an epic journey to distant fields and woods, there’s nothing better than playing fetch with my best friend. So if you haven’t tried this yet, give it a shot – you’re guaranteed to make some great memories as well as have some fun along the way!
4. Set up an obstacle course– It’s raining, it’s pouring, and your dog is bored. If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog entertained, why not set up an obstacle course? It’s the perfect way to let them burn off some energy and have some fun. And, who knows, you might even get a little exercise yourself in the process. To get started, all you need is a little imagination and some household items. You can use things like chairs, cushions, blankets, and even toys to create an obstacle course that’s perfect for your pup. Just be sure to supervise them closely, as they may not be able to tell which obstacles are safe to play on and which ones aren’t. Repeat the course as many times as your dog’s little heart desires. They’ll be tuckered out in no time – and you might just have some fun too.
5. Give them some chew toys– If you’ve ever come home to find your favorite pair of shoes chewed to bits, you know how important it is for dogs to have chew toys. Chewing is a natural canine behavior that helps keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy. It also satisfies their need to gnaw on something. If your dog doesn’t have anything to chew on, they’ll likely find something else – like your furniture or footwear. Chew toys can help keep your dog happy and content, and save your possessions from being destroyed in the process. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your dog entertained and your things safe, give them a chew toy to enjoy.
6. Enroll them in obedience classes– For some, these two words bring to mind images of well-behaved dogs sitting quietly at their owner’s feet. But for others, the thought of spending an hour or more each week trying to get their dog to heel, sit, and stay is enough to make them want to tear their hair out. So, does enrolling your dog in obedience classes make sense for you? That depends on several factors. If you have a young dog with boundless energy, it can be a great way to burn off some steam and learn basic manners. If you have an older dog who could use a brush-up on her obedience skills, it can help keep her sharp. And if you’re struggling with behavioral issues like separation anxiety or aggression, enlisting the help of a professional trainer may be the best course of action. Of course, there’s no guarantee that your dog will graduate from obedience school as a model citizen. But even the most obstinate pups can benefit from spending some time in class. So, whether you’re looking for a way to bond with your furry friend or just hoping to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of the neighbors, enrolling in obedience classes may be the smartest move you ever make.
7. Teach them tricks– Have you ever seen a dog that could perform impressive tricks and wondered how its owner did it? Well, it turns out that teaching dog’s tricks is not only fun for both you and your furry friend, but it also has some benefits. For one thing, it helps to keep dogs mentally sharp. As they learn new tricks, they have to engage their brainpower and figure out how to complete the task. This cognitive stimulation can help to stave off age-related mental decline, keeping your dog sharp well into their golden years. In addition, trick training strengthens the bond between you and your dog as you work together towards a common goal. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, consider teaching them a few new tricks.
8. Go swimming– At first glance, it may not seem obvious why swimming is such a good exercise for dogs. It seems like they’re just floating around in the water and playing around with their favorite toys, right? Well, what most people don’t realize is that swimming offers all sorts of great benefits for our canine companions. For one thing, the buoyancy of water provides resistance that works muscles in a very different way than running or walking. Swimming also exercises your dog’s joints, helping to reduce stiffness and pain in older dogs while improving agility and coordination in younger ones. And of course, swimming is simply great fun! Whether they’re racing against each other or chasing their favorite ball through the waves, dogs love to get out on the water and splash around. So next time you take your dog swimming, pat yourself on the back for providing them with such a fun and healthy activity!
9. Take off the collar – You may not realize it, but leaving your dog’s collar on all the time can be harmful to their health. That’s because the constant pressure of the collar can cause irritation and even sores on your dog’s neck. So, if you want to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable, make sure to take their collar off when they’re not wearing it. Try taking it off at night.
10. Great food helps – Just like people, the food dogs eat has a big impact on their health. A nutritious diet can help keep your dog’s coat healthy and lustrous, their energy levels high, and their digestive system functioning properly. On the other hand, a diet of processed junk food can leave them feeling sluggish and prone to health problems. So, if you want your furry friend to enjoy a long and happy life, make sure to feed them plenty of nutritious meals.
BONUS:
Happy Dog Happy Life
If you’re like most dog owners, your furry friend is more than just a pet – they’re part of the family. And just like any other member of your family, developing a healthy relationship with your dog is essential. after all, you’re the one in charge! Fortunately, loving your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember to show them respect and build trust, and you’ll be on your way to a lifetime of tail wags and belly rubs. Treat them like royalty, and they’ll return the favor tenfold.
Author: Nate Richardson
May 3rd, 2022
