{"id":1293,"date":"2024-10-15T21:32:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T21:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/termray.net\/?p=1293"},"modified":"2024-10-18T17:36:51","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T17:36:51","slug":"how-to-make-your-dog-happy-12-effective-vet-approved-tips-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/termray.net\/index.php\/2024\/10\/15\/how-to-make-your-dog-happy-12-effective-vet-approved-tips-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Your Dog Happy: 12 Effective Vet-Approved Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\n Click to Skip Ahead <\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

How to Make Your Dog Happy<\/a>
\nHow to Know if Your Dog Is Sad<\/a>
\nHow to Know if Your Dog Is Happy<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s a saying that goes, \u201cOur pets are just a small part of our lives, but to them, we\u2019re their whole life.\u201d As sad as this phrase is, it\u2019s very accurate. The best thing we can do for our dogs is provide them with the happiest years possible.<\/p>\n

But what must dog owners do to ensure their pets are happy? Read on to find 12 easy and actionable tips you can implement today.<\/p>\n

\"PGV<\/p>\n

The 12 Tips for Making Your Dog Happy<\/h2>\n

1.<\/span> Provide Appropriate Playtime<\/h3>\n

Physical activity in the form of exercise and play, isn\u2019t only good for your dog\u2019s physical health, but their mental health, too. Going for walks, hikes, swims, and playing fetch are great exercises you can do daily that\u2019ll help your friend stay trim while also burning off excess energy.<\/p>\n

\"man
Image Credit: Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

2.<\/span> Mentally Stimulate Them<\/h3>\n

Dogs are brilliant and active animals, so they need just as many opportunities to exercise their minds as they do their bodies. Great ways to offer mental stimulation include interactive puzzle feeders, scattering treats for them to find, and rewards-based training sessions.<\/p>\n

Additionally, as much as we wish we could be with our dogs 24\/7, this just isn\u2019t possible for most of us. In your absence, provide your pup with mentally stimulating toys and games they can use independently.<\/p>\n

\n

3.<\/span> Promote a Healthy Lifestyle<\/h3>\n

A healthy lifestyle involves more than physical and mental stimulation.<\/p>\n

Perhaps one of the best things you can do for your dog is to feed them a highly nutritious diet. As tempting as it can be to give into the puppy dog eyes your pet gives you at the dinner table, human food isn\u2019t always appropriate\u2014or safe\u2014for dogs.<\/p>\n

Treats can be a yummy snack for dogs and a great training tool, but when fed in excess, they can be the reason your dog becomes overweight. Your pup\u2019s treats shouldn\u2019t account for more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.<\/p>\n

\"owner
Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

4.<\/span> Commit to Lifelong Training<\/h3>\n

Many dog owners think that once their pups understand the basic commands and know to go potty outside, they\u2019ll be done training. This doesn\u2019t have to\u2014and shouldn\u2019t be\u2014the case.<\/p>\n

Training is a fantastic and fun way not only to entertain and challenge your dog but also to strengthen your relationship.<\/p>\n

\n

5.<\/span> Make Time for Quality Time<\/h3>\n

Dogs are very social animals, so they thrive on companionship. You should set aside time every day to spend quality, one-on-one time with your pet, providing them with the attention and affection they not only crave but deserve.<\/p>\n

What kind of quality time your dog craves can vary from pup to pup. Some will prefer being outside hiking with their humans, while others will take a Netflix binge session over physical activity any day.<\/p>\n

\"Cute
Image Credit: annokhotska, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

6.<\/span> Take Your Time<\/h3>\n

One of the simplest ways to boost your pup\u2019s happiness quotient is to take your time on your walks. We\u2019ve all done it\u2014pulled on our dog\u2019s leash when they stopped to sniff something on the sidewalk. It\u2019s important to remember that walks aren\u2019t just about getting physical activity, but it\u2019s the one time of the day your pup gets to go outside and explore their neighborhood. Let your pooch sniff around and give them the opportunity to explore the world around them.<\/p>\n

\n

7.<\/span> Provide Socialization<\/h3>\n

Keeping your puppy isolated can not only be detrimental to their emotional health, but it can also create fear when introduced to other people or pets.<\/p>\n

Socialization is essential as it ensures your pup grows into a confident and well-adjusted dog. It also teaches your pup how to interact with other animals and humans in a positive and fun way.<\/p>\n

Socialization is best started during the first few months of your puppy\u2019s life, but if you\u2019re a bit late to the party, that doesn\u2019t mean you should skip out on it altogether. It is never too late to socialize your dog<\/a>; it may just take a bit longer and require more patience and consistency if your pet is older.<\/p>\n

\"Two
Image Credit: anyloyo, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

8.<\/span> Let Them Make Choices<\/h3>\n

While dogs generally thrive on routine and enjoy knowing when their next meal, nap, and potty break will be, sometimes it\u2019s nice for them to break up the monotony. Giving your pup a bit of say in their daily tasks is a great way to bring them joy. Look for ways to allow them to make small and safe decisions, such as what street you\u2019ll turn down on your next walk or which toy to take from the basket.<\/p>\n

\n

9.<\/span> Be Generous With the Praise<\/h3>\n

Dogs are highly motivated by praise and generally find this kind of reinforcement equally or even more rewarding than food. Praise can even help your pup develop a trusting bond with you. So, don\u2019t be afraid to give them an enthusiastic \u201cGood job!\u201d when they\u2019ve accomplished a task worth praising.<\/p>\n

\"dog
Image Credit: Maria Galutva, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

10.<\/span> Put Their Toys on Rotation<\/h3>\n

One can only imagine how boring it would be to read the same few books over and over. The same applies to your pup, so try putting their toys on a rotating schedule to keep things interesting for them. Leave a handful of toys in their basket and put the others in a closed box somewhere they cannot access. Every week or two, swap them out and see your pup\u2019s eyes light up at the prospect of having been spoiled with \u201cnew\u201d toys<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

11.<\/span> Give Them a Job to Do<\/h3>\n

Many dog breeds were bred to work alongside other pups or humans to perform specific tasks. When these instincts aren\u2019t utilized, some dogs may become bored or destructive. If your pup is exceptionally high energy and isn\u2019t happy with just going for walks or playing with you, you might consider giving them a \u201cjob\u201d to do around the house.<\/p>\n

Providing them with a job can add structure to your pup\u2019s day and offer an opportunity to teach your pet something new while spending quality time with them.<\/p>\n

Research your dog\u2019s breed to learn more about what they were initially developed for to get an idea of what type of work they\u2019d thrive doing. For example, scent hounds like Beagles<\/a> or Bloodhounds<\/a> might love putting their nose to work by finding misplaced items and alerting you to their location.<\/p>\n

\"Bloodhound\"
Image Credit: Glikiri, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

12.<\/span> Give Massages<\/h3>\n

Just like us, dogs can experience aches and stiffness, so giving them regular massages<\/a> can help keep them feeling their best. It\u2019s also a wonderful way for you to bond and spend quality one-on-one time with your pup.<\/p>\n

\"Divider_Dog<\/p>\n

How Can I Know if My Dog Is Sad?<\/h2>\n

Dogs can develop depression, just like people do. In fact, some research suggests that nearly \u00be of all dogs show signs of poor mental health. While there isn\u2019t a lot of research in the area of canine depression, there are some telltale signs owners should be on the lookout for, many of which mirror the signs of this condition in humans.<\/p>\n

Signs of dog depression can include:<\/p>\n

\n