Give your dog their best life. Have you tried to do this? Do you know what it takes to accomplish this? Well, the happiest dogs are the ones who are well fed, exercised, socialized, and loved!
We all know that dogs need to be loved and they need their basic needs met. You know the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Oops! As much as we love to dress our pups up in clothes, they don’t actually need clothes. However, they do need exercise and socialization. Those are 2 basic things that dogs not only love, but actually NEED. This is very important when raising a well-behaved dog.
Dogs’ Basic Needs
Many people believe that raising a dog consists of providing a loving home and feeding them. And while this is true, that isn’t all it takes for responsible dog owners. Dogs are pack animals and are social beings. They need to interact with people and other dogs. Additionally, they are energetic little buggers and need to drain that energy through exercise or work-related activities.
Exercising Your Dog
While many breeds aren’t considered working breeds, they still need to release their energy. Moreover, the working breed dogs who don’t have actual jobs need stimulation even more than the others. Neglecting them of those basic needs is abuse. Sorry, not sorry, it’s true. If you aren’t able to provide your dog with the exercise that they need, please seek out the professionals who are able to help. Having your dog roam around your fenced in backyard is great in certain instances. However, this should not be considered exercise. Exercise comes in the form of walking, running, herding, fetching, etc.
Dogs Love Food Too
It is probably safe to say that all beings love food. Dogs are no different in that respect. However, since food is essential to survival, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to enjoy eating. That being said, dogs need to be limited in what they are fed because left to their own devices, many would overeat to the point that they would make themselves sick. And, if they didn’t get sick, they would surely become overweight.
Feeding them a balance of protein, carbs, and fiber is essential to their well being. Further, regulating their caloric intake is crucial to their joints and keeps them from developing health issues. While a treat from time to time is perfectly fine, it is important to limit those sinful indulgences on a regular basis.
Shelter & Comfort
We know that dogs need shelter as a basic need just as humans do. Part of providing them shelter from the outside elements can include making them comfortable in the house. That consists of a safe space that they can retreat to when they are tired. Further, they probably want a cozy, warm bed that they can snuggle in when they settle in for a much needed nap.
Providing your dog with those comforts makes them spoiled, yes. However, do they deserve it? Heck yes! They are your fur babies and you want to give them their best life after all. This is a perfect way to do that.
Dog Socialization & Stimulation
Another way you can give your dog their best life is through dog socialization. Yes, it’s true. Dogs need to socialize with their doggie peers. Building friendships gives them a sense of belonging and enjoyment. It sounds so corny, but it’s really is essential to their mental health.
Dogs need stimulation constantly. However, it is important not to overly stimulate your dog constantly. Random doses throughout the day will do just fine. As long as the stimulation is controlled, they will be a happy and healthy pup!
For example, a little stimulation by playing fetch and then resting for a while. Later on, they can do a doggie treat puzzle to work their mental ability. That provides a great source of stimulation, but in a non-frantic state. Providing your dog with different types of stimulation throughout the day keeps them exercised in their mind and body.
Give Your Dog Love
Finally, if you want to give your dog their best life, you need to give them what they crave the most – LOVE! Dogs aim to please and their purpose (or so it seems) is to please their owner and be told that they are a “good dog”. They live for that type of reward! You could have a food motivated dog or a dog that is NOT food motivated. However, you will not find a dog who hates being rewarded with affection. Even dogs who were not properly socialized as a puppy will like the positive attention.
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