How to Spoil your Dog
Dogs get bored too. Here are a few things you can do that will make their day!
- Long Walk - Take the time to go on a nice long walk, rather than your normal quick “potty break." Your dog will appreciate the extra attention, exercise and chance to stop and smell more roses.
- Chew Treats - Bully sticks, chew hooves, find something your dog loves. Avoid raw hides if possible, most are no longer made in the USA and are saturated with bleach and other chemicals.
- Training classes - Most dogs love the attention a traing class provides. They love the treats too. One on one time with you makes it the best part of the day. If you've alread taken an obedience class, try something fun like agility, flyball or dance. The options are endless.
- A really comfy bed! - If you don't want to buy one, make your own. Buy a 4" deep piece of dense foam, enclose it in plastic garbage bags (tape them so they stay on) and wrap a twin sheet around it. Easy, cheap, very nice bed!
- Massage - Canine massage is beneficial for so many reasons. And while it is a skill that requires schooling to do masterfully, there are a few techniques that dog owners can learn at home to benefit their dog’s health and well-being.
- New Smells - Jazzy will attest that this is her favorite. Even older dogs can benefit from a slow walk (or wagon ride) to new places with cool new smells. A dog’s brain is more far more scent oriented than ours.. Allow your dog to experience new smells such as flowers, plants, new trails or new people.
- New Toys - Dogs get bored of the same things over and over, so rotating your dog’s toys or purchasing them a new one monthly helps keep things fresh.
- Dental treats - The only subsittute for a good brushing is lots of chewing. If you can't give raw bones becuase you have an older dog, or you have no source, dental chews make a good subsitute.
- Your time - play a game of catch, cuddle, or just spend time together. All they really want is to be near you.
- Brushing - some love it, others hate it but if you start when they are puppies they'll ask for it. Nothing feels better when you are blowing coat (which gets very itchy and uncomfortable) than a good down to the skin brushing. Don't forget the treat afterwards.
- Teach a trick - most dogs love learning new things. Even old dogs! Find an easy trick and work on teaching it a few minutes each day. Your dog will love the attention and you will love having a dog you can show off.
- Table scraps - yes I said it. Quality table scraps can be supplemental to your dogs diet and healthy too. Left over veggies and meat in small amounts aded to your dog's regular food can be a welcome treat. Some dogs get too spoiled by this, but most will just welcome the change from boring old kibble. Add a raw egg now and then. Or some yogurt. Your dog will love the variety.
- Visitors or visits - dogs are social beings....they typically love seeing extended family or having them visit. It's exciting, it's fun, and most will welcome seeing people they know and love so bring your dog along for visits when you can!
- Puzzles - puzzle toys can be lots of fun to play with for your dog. Challenging, interesting, and your attention too! What could be better.
- A place of his own - yes a crate is great, but it doesn't have to be a crate. Holly loves her tent! You need somewhere to hoard toys and hang out.
