Tips To A Happier Dog

There are several ways you can help to ensure that your dog is feeling happy and staying active while you and your family are away during the day.

A good idea is to do some fun activities with your dog before you leave the house.

Try making some time in your routine for a walk together before you leave for work or the kids go to school. That way both dog and humans will be getting exercise and you’ll be spending some quality time together.

If there isn’t enough time to go on a walk in the morning, try having a play session before you leave the house. You can give your dog some exercise and tire her out so she’ll spend at least part of the rest of the day relaxing until you return.

The following are some tips to help enhance your dog’s home environment:

Introduce a new toy. A new toy can add some excitement during the day while your dog is home alone. A tough chew toy that can’t be torn apart while you’re gone is best, just in case your dog likes to gobble things up. Also rotate toys: After a day or two, put one toy away so it’s out of sight and mind, and bring out another to replace it. This will keep all of your dog’s toys fresh and exciting.

Fill up a treat-dispensing toy. Coaxing a toy to dispense treats may be a fun “alone time” activity for your dog. The treat toy will help entice your dog to stay active and the rewards will enforce good behavior during your absence. Even the laziest dog may not be able to resist a toy that gives out yummy treats when you play with it.

Add a fountain. Making sure your dog has enough water for the day while no one is home is very important, and a dog fountain can provide a constant supply of clean fresh water while also piquing your dog’s interest. Many dogs love water and the running water of a fountain can create a diversion for your dog. Be sure to have the regular bowl of water out just in case your dog does not take to the fountain while you’re away.

Use sound and video media. Pleasant sounds and video images in the home help your dog from feeling like he or she is alone when no one else is around. On some days, you can play a soothing classical CD. On other days, you can leave the TV on and put in a “for dogs only” video that will let your dog enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without having to leave the doggy bed.

Create a comfortable napping place. It’s inevitable that your dog will want to snooze part of the day away while you’re gone, so set up a comfortable place for your dog to relax. A soft bed in a darkened room is always calming. If your dog has been crate-trained, you can leave the crate door open and put a bed inside the crate, making it the perfect doggy den for napping.

Use a dog pheromone. If you sense that being alone causes anxiety in your dog, try using a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser, spray, or collar. The pheromone released by these products is similar to one that a lactating mother would emit to calm her newborn puppies. This pheromone will be familiar to your dog and create a sense of relaxation. You can place the diffuser in a room that is usually occupied by your dog, apply the spray to a dog bed, or have your dog wear the collar.

Install a dog door. If you have an enclosed yard in which your dog is safe to roam around while you’re gone, consider installing a dog door. The door will allow your dog to leave and re-enter the house at will, and to enjoy the sensory delights that your neighborhood has to offer.

Hire dog caretakers. This is a good option for dogs who are going through training or who suffer from separation anxiety. You can take your dog to a day care facility where your companion will be under constant supervision, or you can have a dog sitter or dog walker come to your home and make sure that your dog is getting the attention and exercise he or she needs while you’re out. Your dog may greatly appreciate the mid-day exercise and visit.

Consider a second dog. Deciding whether to get another dog—and integrating a new dog into the household—are major undertakings that are beyond the scope of this article. But if Resident Dog and New Dog get along, each may benefit greatly from having company during parts of the day that would otherwise be spent alone.

Dog Activities

Earth Care would like to share some great activities for you and your dog to do together.

If you are gone during the day and your dog is left alone, it is a very good idea to make sure you set time aside each day to spend with your dog so you make sure to give him/her the attention he needs. Check out some of these Dog Activities you and your pet can do together.

Play Ball – Many types of breeds like terriers love balls.  A lot of dogs will fetch the ball after you throw it and once that starts your dog won’t leave you alone, asking you to throw the ball over and over again.  Tennis balls are inexpensive and can provide entertainment for hours for your dog.

Take a Walk – Spend quality time with your dog by taking  a walk together.  This provides health benefits for both of you.  Did you know dogs have a natural migration instinct and need to go on walks daily to become mentally sound?

Swimming – Take your dog to the lake.  Some dog breeds love water and you can throw a ball into the water and your dog can get exercise by fetching the ball in the water.

Create a Job for Your Pet – Use the internet or your local library to find training methods that are useful for search and rescue, sledding or cart pulling.  Long ago, your dog was bred for a certain purpose and most dogs are happier if they are working.

Grooming – You can groom your own dog and save money on bathing and grooming charges.  Most dogs enjoy being groomed and when they look good, they feel good.  This also creates an opportunity for you to learn your dogs body so you can know when something doesn’t look or feel right.

Therapy Dog – Taking your dog to a nursing home, hospital or group home for people with developmental disabilities is both rewarding for you and your dog.  Dogs can lessen stress and always bring a smile to those around them.

Quality Time – More than anything, your dog just wants to be around you.  Even if it involves taking a nap next to each other or watching TV together, your dog is satisfied just being with you.

Dog Park – Do a local search on the internet for dog parks near you.  This is a great opportunity for your dog to exercise and socialize with other dogs.

Pets play a big role in our lives and they are most often considered part of the family.  Remember to use Clear the Air’s Odor Eliminator to remove any urine or feces odors which may have been caused by your pet.