Do you know that making your pup the happiest dog on the planet takes less effort than you can even think of
In this blog post, I will introduce you to 15 things that you can start doing right now to make your dog happy and healthy.
If you are a lover of dogs like me, and you want to ensure that your furry friend is not just a member of your house but a truly living soul, stay with me as I uncover the things you can start doing to make you do happy
Let’s begin
1. Sniff Your Scent
Did you know that your dog’s favorite smell is your scent?
Studies have shown us that when you allow your dog to sniff you, their brain lights up with joy
I mean the kind of joy they can’t get from sniffing other dogs or treats.
This joy is because dogs tend to love their human for who they are and not just for treats, walks, or food like y’all think.
So it is important you spend more time with your dog and allow them to sleep on your lap.
And if you are going to be away for some time, drop an old T-shirt of yours for them so that they sniff it and fill your present even when you are not around.
This simple act of smelling your scent makes your dog feel secure and deeply connected to you. Just Your Scent can make their day brighter.
2. Relieve stress with music
Leaving a dog alone lonely is not a good idea or practice.
If you are going to be away for a while, play them a cool relaxing song on a low volume can do wonders for their mood.
Research has found that classical music helps dogs feel relaxed and barkless
Songs by Beethoven or Mozart are like lullabies for your pup.
This type of music can help your dog turn their stressful and lone time into a peaceful Spa experience.
So when next you won’t be around, just set a Playlist and let the smoothing sound do the magic.
And if your k9 is a type that enjoys chewing like mine, pairing this music with Kong or a long-lasting treat isn’t a bad idea.
This simple but powerful combination wi help your dog feel calm and relaxed until you are back home.
3. Change their toys
Have you ever noticed how excited your dog becomes when you present them with a new toy?
And at the same time, did you also notice how they lost interest in that same toy after some time?
I have carefully observed this and I know that rotating your dog’s toy works on their mood like magic.
What you need to do here is to hide most of their toys and only give them one or two to play with at a time, and, after a few days, swap them out for new ones.
This small action makes them feel like they are getting a brand-new toy all over again.
This method helps you keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom over and over with having to buy new toys.
4. Sleep together
Experts already say it is a fantastic idea to allow your dog to sleep on your bed. So why shouldn’t you allow them?
Dogs who always sleep with their human using feel more secure and bonded. And just so you know, cuddling with your dog helps you two increase oxytocin (the same hormone that makes us feel happy and loved)
And if you can’t allow them to sleep on your bed, letting them sleep on a cozy dog bed in the same room you are sleeping is another great alternative.
Feeling close to you at night will help your dog relax and build an unbreakable bond between you two.
After all, dogs love nothing more than being close to their favorite person, which is you.
5. Sniff on Walk
Dogs feel the same thing we humans feel when we read a fascinating book when we allow them to sniff when on a Walk.
Sniffing Is no doubt a dog’s way of exploring the world.
Dogs that are allowed to sniff during Walks are calmer and happier, which makes their heart rate even drop, meaning they are more relaxed. I didn’t come up with this, it is what studies have shown.
So next time you are going on a walk with your furry friend, make use of a long leash; it gives them more freedom to explore. This makes this walk special to them
And if you don’t have a long leash, no problem. Just make sure you are not fast while walking, slow down, and let them sniff as much as they want.
Taking your time on a Walk with your dog isn’t just good for their nose; it is good for their mind and heart, too. Remember I stated it above.
6. Relax through chewing
Chewing isn’t just an activity for dogs, it’s also their therapy.
So give your pup a long-lasting chewing treatment or a frozen kong filled with peanut butter; this will keep them calm and entertained for hours.
Studies show that chewing releases endorphins (hormones that reduce stress and make your dog happier)
Chewing is really helpful when you aways because it keeps them focused and content.
7. Give them a job
Have you ever noticed that dog loves to have a purpose? So therefore giving them a job makes them incredibly happy.
Whether it carrying a small backpack on a walk or helping you fetch items around the house, or even practicing a new trick. All this helps them fulfill their natural instincts.
For example, hing breeds enjoy tasks that stimulate gathering or organization, while retrievers thrive on fetch games.
Providing jobs for your dog isn’t just fun; it boosts their confidence and strengthens your bonds with them.
8. Engage in eye contact
Have you ever stared into your dog’s eye and felt a special connection?
Science lets us understand that when dogs and humans gaze at each other, it increases their levels of oxytocin.
This love hormone creates the feelings of trust, affection and happiness, this same hormone is what strengthens the bond between mothers and babies.
So, learn to take a few moments daily to look into your dog’s eyes and share this magical connection. It is an easy but powerful way to deepen your bond with them. Additionally, this action is a great excuse for extra cuddles and kisses. Lol
9. Routine and surprises
Dogs thrive on routine; it gives them a sense of security and helps them reduce anxiety.
Make sure that meal time, walk, and potty breaks are set at the same time each day. This makes your dog confident in their world.
But here is the twist: while consistent routines are great, dogs also love surprises.
Getting them a new toy, taking them on a different working route or a surprise visit to the can add excitement to their day.
The key is to balance the two; sticking to a routine is essential, but mixing it with some new experiences keeps things fresh and fun.
10. Belly rubs
Belly rubs can help dogs digest better. I’m sure you know that most dogs enjoy belly rubs, but this is not just about affection. It also helps their health.
By gently massaging your dog’s belly can stimulate their digestive system, which can help them improve circulation and relieve minor discomfort.
This is especially helpful for dogs that are prone to bloating or digestion issues.
And it is not just about rubbing their belly. It is about doing it the right way.
To try it, use slow circular motions with light pressure showing your dog is relaxed and enjoying it.
11. Allow them to spend time with other dogs
I’m sure you know that dogs are social creatures, meaning they need to go outside and play either with other dogs or meet new people.
So allowing your dog to run, wrestle, and sniff with other pups isn’t just fun for them, it’s also helps their mental and emotional well-being as in, it essential to them
So if you really want your dog to be happy, regular playdates or trips to the dog park are a must as they help them burn off more energy, practice social skills, and feel more confident.
I understand that some dogs are shy, no problem. If your dog is a shy type, then introduce a calm walk with a doggy friend; this can also be a great way to socialize.
The advantages of all this is that it helps them reduce boredom and also prevents them from a destructive behaviors at home.
12. Help them yawn
Many people think yawning is just a sign of sleepiness. No, it is also a calming signal that dogs use to soothe themselves
Have you ever noticed how your dog yawns whenever they are feeling stressed or when something feels tense?
So if you notice your dog feeling anxious or overstimulated try yawning slowly in front of them, they might just mimic you which will help them feel calm
This action is simple but it’s a powerful and surprising way to help your dog relax and feel safe from stressful situations.
13. Reward them with Praise
I understand that treats are the popular way to reward good behavior when it comes to this four-legged creature
However, research has shown that dogs actually value human praise more.
There was a study carried out where dogs were given the choice between food rewards and verbal praise paired with petting.
Surprisingly, most of the dogs showed a strong preference for praise from their owners.
So next time your dog obeys commands or does something good, simply saying “good boy” with a belly rub can help them feel happier and healthier.
This marks the end of this blog post, so tell me which of the things listed here you have been doing before or which one you would like to start practicing now. Let me know in the comment below
If you found this blog post insightful be sure to share it with those out there that are still not aware of it
