21 Ways to Make Your Dog Happy

                                                                       

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1)  Go for a ride in the car together. Dogs love to put their head out the window and take in all the scenery and smells.

2)  Treat your best friend for fleas. This can be done in several ways so speak to your vet about the best method for your breed of dog.

3)  One of the best of the 21 ways to make your dog happy is taking him or her to a groomer for a bit of the personal touch. Your dog will feel great and so will you.

4)  Exercise and play with your dog. You will both feel better.

5)  Keep fresh water available for your dog so he has good clean water when thirsty. Change the water daily.

6)  Take a daily walk together. You will both feel better and healthier.

7)  One of my favorite ways I keep my dogs happy is to go to the local park and play Frisbee with them. They love it and we all get plenty of exercise.

8)  Speak with your vet about how to properly clean your dog’s ears clean. This will prevent ear mites and infections as well as ensure he does not suffer from hearing loss.

9) While you’re thinking about the vet, make sure you have scheduled regular checkups for Fido every 6 months. As explained in an article on the MyFoxTampaBay.com website:

Yearly checkups seem to have gone the way of 8-tracks and cassette tapes. Visiting the veterinarian at least twice a year ensures long-term health and well-being for your dog.

10)  Another of the great 21 ways to make your dog happy is giving him a treat. This can be for obeying commands to just for being good. I give my dogs a treat before bedtime and they never let me forget this treat time!

11)  Do all you can to insure his safety. This can be with an identification tag snapped on his collar, a microchip for locating him if he became lost or is stolen.

12)  Take your dog swimming. This is a wonderful exercise for all dogs, especially older dogs suffering from stiff joints and arthritis.

13)  Take pictures of him and make a photo album (this will keep YOU happy!).

14)  Keep him out of hot weather. Provide shade for outside dogs.

15)  Always see to his health with regular visits to you vet. He will live longer, be healthier, and be a happier dog.

16)  Give your dog a bath using a gentle shampoo that soothes his skin and fur.

17)  Always be gentle with him even when he does a no-no. No hitting allowed!

18)  Spend time talking to your dog. He is not going to understand what you are saying but he will be happy you and he are “talking” together.

19)  Teach him a new trick he can show friends and family.

20)  No table scraps. It is detrimental to his health.

21)  Always include his favorite blanket when you go on a trip.

There are lots more ways than just these 21 ways to make your dog happy!

You can no doubt add a few ideas below. Also feel free to share or tweet this article to friends below.

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 Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable  

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The Secrets To A Happy Dog

Your dog brings you joy. Do you ever look over at her while she is sleeping and wonder if you make her as happy as she makes you? Is she as glad to be yours as you are to be hers? How do you know if your dog is content? All social species have the same basic needs, just different ways those needs are fulfilled. We can use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs with a little canine twist to discover the secrets to a happy dog. When all of these needs are met, you will know without a doubt that your dog is living a fulfilled and joyful life.

Physiological Needs

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Clean water - The most basic and most vital need for dogs is fresh clean water. Give your dog virtually unlimited access to water. The only exception is limiting a few hours before bedtime when housetraining. Keep water bowls clean and free of debris. Make sure outside water does not freeze in winter or overheat in summer. Change water in outdoor containers often. Stagnant water can lead to disease. It doesn't have to be Evian, but it should be fresh! If your dog has a habit of knocking over her water bowl, it's not because she doesn't want water. It's because dogs live in the right now, and right now it's fun. It doesn't occur to her that later, she won't have any water to drink. Weighted water bowls will solve this problem.

Good Nutrition - Ask a dozen people what dog food is the best, you will get a dozen answers. The elusive Absolute Best Brand has not yet revealed itself. However, there are better and worse choices. Feeding a quality dog food means your dog will be healthier from the inside out - from a stronger heart and bones to a shinier coat with less shedding and itching. The little extra money spent on a better food is more than made up for in fewer Vet visits. Nutritionally balanced dogs get sick much less often, fewer ear infections, fewer outbreaks of worms, fewer UTIs, and even fewer injuries. There is even evidence that better food makes for a better behaved dog, as well! A quality dog food will have meat as at least the first 2 ingredients and little or no corn as a filler. Dogs are primarily meat eaters. If your dog has a dull coat and flaky skin, it could be her food! more...

In addition to the right type of food, your dog also needs the right amount of food. This is a case where you can get too much of a good thing. Being overweight causes health problems in dogs just as in people. Since dogs have a shorter life span than humans, the ill affects are even more severe for them. Overweight dogs are not happy dogs. Lucky for them, it's much easier for them to follow a diet than it is for us. We control their access to food. They can only eat as much as we give them. Feed them a measured amount on a schedule, usually twice a day, rather than free feeding. The dog food bag tells you how much to give. Even that is too much for some dogs. Observe your dog's weight and adjust the amount you feed her accordingly. A dog is at her ideal weight when you can easily feel the ribs and can see the outline of the ribs when the dog turns sideways. She is underweight if you can see the ribs easily, and overweight if the ribs and hip bones are not easily felt and she has no waist.


Exercise - In addition to proper nutrition, exercise is vital for good health. Not only will it increase your dog's longevity, it will also decrease her unwanted behaviors. A dog's energy has to go somewhere. If she doesn't get enough exercise, she may find undesirable ways to expend that extra energy or even develop neuroses such as obsessive spinning. Just as you should see your doctor before starting an exercise program, so should your dog see hers! Some breeds need more exercise than others, and some cannot tolerate intense activity. Be sure your dog's exercise program is right for her breed. more...

Good Hygiene - It's true, dogs love to roll around in the stinkiest thing they can find. They don't seem to mind being dirty or smelly. However, for a dog's overall happiness, cleanliness is next to dogliness! Dogs may not care how they smell, but people sure do. A smelly dog does not get petted by people and generally isn't allowed in the house, and a dog shunned to the back yard with little or no human contact is not a happy dog. Filthiness can also lead to health problems. For example, dirty ears can lead to ear mites which are itchy and can cause ear infections. Being too dirty can also be painful, especially for a long-haired dog. Mats in a dog's fur pull on the skin and are extremely uncomfortable. Nails that grow too long can cause a dog to walk awkwardly and lead to problems in their joints and muscles. Keeping coats brushed, ears cleaned, and nails trimmed is essential for a happy dog. Bathing too often can lead to dry itchy skin. Dogs need a bath only when they start to smell bad. If your dog is on a quality food, this won't be very often.

Chew Toys - Dogs have a physiological need to chew. This is especially true for teething puppies. Providing them with safe chew toys will help them satisfy this urge without having to gnaw on your coffee table. Thick rubber toys like Kongs are a good option because they will not break apart and become a choking or obstruction hazard.

Elimination - Dogs need reliable and sufficient opportunity to eliminate away from their sleeping area. Normal healthy dogs will not eliminate where they eat and sleep. Dogs who do use the bathroom in their dens do so because they have learned that they will not be given sufficient opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. For optimal happiness, make sure your dog doesn't have to hold it too long.

Shelter

In the wild, dogs are able to seek out shelter when they need it to get out of the rain, to shield themselves from the cold, or to find relief from the heat. In a domestic environment, we keep them confined to a limited area. They don't have the option to go out and look for adequate shelter. Therefore, it is up to us to provide it. The ideal place for your dog when it's raining or cold is in the home with you. Most dogs are happiest living inside with you. It's also the easiest way to provide appropriate shelter. However, if your dog is one of the few who prefer living outdoors, or bringing her inside is not an option, you can make sure she is well-sheltered outdoors. Follow these tips to properly prepare her dog house for winter weather.

Some breeds are simply not equipped to deal with cold weather and should not be left outside in winter. This includes most of the small breeds and the short-coated large breeds, such as Dobermans. Remember, these are man-made dogs. Cropped coats and tiny dogs do not occur in nature. Likewise, some breeds are not equipped to deal with the heat of SC summers and should not be left outside in hot weather. This includes the arctic breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and St. Bernards. These dogs living outdoors are not only unhappy dogs, they are also not safe! They could literally die from the heat.

Security

Happy dogs feel safe in their environment from threats either real or perceived. Dogs who live confined outdoors but without a physical fence are not secure. Invisible fences and chains may keep the dog in the yard, but they do not keep other animals out. A dog living this way is a sitting duck. She is vulnerable to attacks from coyotes, other dogs, and even mean people, and she has no way to escape. The dog who lives this way is not a happy dog.

A happy dog trusts her owner to not put her in harm's way. She knows exactly what is expected of her and what happens when she doesn't follow the rules. She does not fear her owner because she knows he will do her no harm. She is also not overly dependent on her owner because she feels secure in being alone sometimes. A trained dog is a secure dog.

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Social Needs

Dogs are social animals who thrive on companionship with others. They are unique in the animal world because they enjoy companionship with people as much as they do with other dogs. A dog who lives in a backyard with only minimal human contact is a lonely dog, like a hermit living on an isolated mountain. The happy dog gets lots of ear scritches and belly rubs. She gets to associate with lots of different people and dogs because she has been well-socialized and trained in basic obedience and manners. She is a dog who can go anywhere, and people are happy to see her.

Esteem Needs

Do dogs have a sense of self-esteem? If you doubt it, just watch a dog who has accomplished a complicated task. See how she holds her head high and struts! Dogs need to have confidence in themselves and their ability to master tasks. Training a dog builds her self-esteem. It makes them feel good to master the perfect Sit and earn your appreciation! Learning tricks is fun for dogs. There are also all sorts of canine sports available that dogs enjoy. Agility, flyball, ultimate frisbee, and lure coursing are just some of the examples. A dog with a hobby is a fulfilled dog.

Cognitive Needs

Dogs are more than just instincts. They also have the ability to think and problem solve. They need to experience more than just the same old scenery of their own home. Mental stimulation leads to a happy dog. Just walking a different path and letting her smell new smells and see new sights provides mental stimulation. At home, puzzle toys like the Buster Cube let her put her brain to use. You can play games with her like hiding and she has to find you, or hiding a treat that she has to find. Learning new tricks also works her brain. Put her to work. Make her fetch the paper (make sure it's safe first) or bring you a drink from the fridge. Yes, working makes for a happy dog!

The Secret to Happiness

The meaning of life is to live it. The secret to a happy dog is to help her live a fulfilled life. That means she actively participates in it. She plays, goes places, and does things. Basically, the secret to a happy dog is not much different at all from the secret to a happy person.  


Read more:
 Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog

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Top 10 Secrets for a Healthy, Happy Dog

Posted by Danielle Farrington

 

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People often wonder what they can do to make their dog the happiest he can be. Should they buy more toys? Perhaps take the four-legged friend to the park more often? Or maybe give him fewer baths? (Note: this last method is not recommended). The answer? Your dog is a fantastic friend not only because of loyalty and love for you, but also love of a simple life. Here are ten tips that can lead to a mentally and physically happy dog.
10. Home Sweet Home
Not only is it important for you to feel comfortable with a dog in your home, but it is equally important for your dog to feel comfortable in the home as well. Ensure that your pup has enough space to play, eat, and relax. When they are outside, make sure they have a nice, shady place to rest and avoid the sunlight. Most importantly, be sure that your pooch has a space to be comfortable, safe, and really feel like they can call their place “home.”
9. “Puppy Proofing”
Whether your dog is 10 months old or 10 years old, there are still things around the house and yard that can be dangerous for your him. The term is called ‘puppy proofing’ because puppies tend to be more rambunctious (thus, running into things) and wish to explore their world more thoroughly (in other words, eat random things).
Not only can puppy proofing help save your home, but also it can save your dog’s life. If a dog runs into something breakable, they can be cut or smashed in the aftermath. If they eat something unusual, it can cause anything from diarrhea to, at worst, death. If nothing else, eating indigestible things means a lot of vomit for you to clean up – not a pretty sight.
8. Vitamins
Yes, dogs do need their vitamins. Anything from multivitamins (to help them grow) to supplements (for joint pain and longevity) can be integral in your dog’s health. Many companies are devoted to supplemental health for dogs, whether in prescription form or homeopathic form. For example, garlic supplements tend to be fantastic for keeping bugs away (that is, if you do not mind garlic breath when receiving puppy kisses).
7. Grooming
Not only does grooming help your pal feel pretty, it is very important to their health. Trimming nails can prevent walking issues as well as bleeding and pain from a broken nail; brushing teeth helps with gum disease and digestion; grooming the coat helps prevent bugs and skin infection.
6. Rest
Though they are experts at wearing you out, dogs need plenty of rest as well. Puppies need between 10-14 hours of sleep a day! Sleep (and dog naps) is important to your dog for growth, energy levels, and overall mood.
5. Socializing
When your dog is awake, they need to play! With you, other people, and especially other dogs. Being that they are social creatures, dogs are in need of attention and exploration to keep them happy.
4. Training
Yes, training. Not only will this keep your dog’s mind and body active, but it will create a happier living environment for you and your pooch as well.
3. Water
Water, water, everywhere. Be sure that is the case with your dogs. As with many creatures, dogs are prone to dehydration and it is a very serious issue. Provide clean, cool water 24/7 as well as after playing and eating.
2. Good Foods
Finding the right food is integral to your pet’s health. It is important for their teeth, their digestion, and their growth to find the right type and amount of food. Every dog is different, and there is a lot of variety out there.
1. TLC
At the top of our list: tender loving care. All of these tips are very important to your dog’s health, but your love is just as important (but cannot replace) good food and water. Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason!
Taking care of a dog can be extremely rewarding if you have a compliant, healthy, and happy dog. Especially with home dog boarding, utilize these practical tips to maintain a well-rounded pup.


Read more:
 My Dog!: A Kids' Guide to Keeping a Happy and Healthy Pet

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40 Ways to Make Your Dog Happy

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Have you ever watched your dog sleep? His paws twitch, his tail wags and he lets out little barks. Perhaps he's dreaming of a romp through a meadow or a game of fetch with his best friend. Ever wish you could make him this happy while he was awake? You can. Here are 40 ways to brighten his day - and maybe his whole life.

1. Groom often. Regular brushing doesn't just make your pooch look pretty; it also helps prevent skin disease and can strengthen the bond between you.

2. Feed him like a king. A high-quality food promotes your dog's health and well-being.

3. Banish fleas! These pesky insects can make your dog miserable, plus they can cause allergies and transmit tapeworms. Ask your vet for treatment recommendations.

4. Play each day. Dogs don't understand when you say, "I had a rough day at work and I just want to lie on the couch." Take the time to play; you might be surprised how much better you’ll both feel.

5. Help him age gracefully. Just like you wouldn't feed dog food to a cat, don't let your puppy eat adult food or your senior dog eat puppy food.

6. Keep his water fresh. Would you like to drink water that's been sitting in a bowl for days? Neither does he! Plenty of fresh water is vital to your dog's good health, so keep his water dish full and change it daily.

7. Take a trip. Whether it's a drive out to the country or a quick jaunt to the park down the road, your dog will love the change of scenery.

8. Don't play doctor. Unless you're a vet, don't try to treat your dog's ailments yourself. Medicines meant for humans can have adverse effects on dogs. Your vet can provide appropriate remedies and advise you on keeping a canine first-aid kit handy. It may save your dog's life.

9. Dog-proof your home. Take a dog's view and look for possible dangers your house poses to your pooch. Do you see a dangling electrical cord? An inviting, open cupboard full of cleaning supplies? Sharp tools in plain view? Put away anything that could injure a curious canine.

10. Update your phone list. When you save important numbers in your phone, be sure to include your vet's number, along with the after-hours number in case of an emergency.

11. Walk, walk, walk. The two of you will bond during this time. Plus, walking is good exercise for both of you.

12. Spay or neuter. Neutered pets often lead longer, healthier lives. And it’s good to know that you’re doing your part to prevent pet overpopulation.

13. Keep him slim. A slim, trim dog is a happy dog, so say no to table scraps and yes to exercise. If he needs to lose weight, try feeding IAMS Weight Control Formula. It helps burn fat while maintaining muscle mass.

14. Clip those nails. When his nails get too long, your dog could be in discomfort. Ask your vet to teach you the tricks of trimming.

15. Check those toys. Take a look at the toys your dog treasures. Are they safe and durable? Keep a special eye out for small parts that could be easily swallowed or sharp edges that could injure him.

16. Let him sniff. Dogs love to sniff; it helps them discover new facts about their world. Take your dog to a park, an open field, or your favorite walking trail and let him sniff all the new scents.

17. Fetch! Head out to the garden to toss around a rubber ball or teach your dog to catch a Frisbee.

18. Try to understand his language. Your dog can't tell you how he's feeling, so you need to learn to read his body language. Low-hanging tail? This can mean fear or anxiety. Wagging tail? Happiness, of course! If you keep your eyes peeled, pretty soon you'll be a pooch-language pro.

19. Keep his ears clean to avoid ear problems due to common mites and infections. To clean his ears, fill his ear canal with ear cleaner, massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds, then wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid. Talk to him gently while you're doing this and give him a treat afterward.

20. Make cuddle time. There's nothing quite like curling up with a good dog. Spend some special time holding and hugging your pooch. Let him know how cherished he is.

21. Keep him safe. Millions of dogs get lost each year - make sure your dog isn't one of them. Determine the best identification option for your dog, whether it's a collar tag, a microchip or a tattoo. Make sure you abide by local laws. In the UK all dogs must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner.

22. Give him new chews. Chewing reduces stress and helps decrease barking. Provide your dog safe chew toys to satisfy his instincts.

23. Hit the water. Just about any breed of dog can learn to love water, and some dogs are naturals when paddling around.

24. Play "Find the Treat." Tell your dog to sit and stay, Show him a treat, then put it behind a door or chair or under a towel. Tell him to "find the treat," and praise him when he does.

25. Scrap the scraps. Eating too much human food can cause several problems in dogs, including obesity, intestinal problems, choking and hyperactivity.

26. Snap his picture. Many dogs love to ham it up for the camera. The bonus? You'll have tons of adorable photos to show everyone you know.

27. Chat. Dogs seem to think they're human, so why not treat them like they are? Sit down with your dog for a heart-to-heart. He'll cock his head and listen intently.

28. Beat the heat. During the hot summer months, only exercise your dog in the cooler hours - generally morning and evening. If he's outside during the day, provide a shady area or maybe even a wading pool.

29. Don't dodge doctors. Even if your dog's not a fan of going to the vet, remember that regular checkups are vital to his health.

30. Brush. Taking good care of your dog's teeth can prevent gum disease, tooth loss and bad breath. And the real benefit? Daily dental care can lengthen his life.

31. Bath time. Your dog needs baths, even if he doesn't think so. Make the process as enjoyable as possible by being gentle. Remember to use a dog shampoo formulated to meet dogs' special skin needs.

32. Skip the sweets. You know that old warning about chocolate being poisonous to dogs? It's true. Keep your dog safe by keeping him away from chocolate and sweets..

33. Teach him a new trick. Give your dog a lesson on how to roll over or play dead. He'll be proud to show off his tricky techniques to anyone willing to watch.

34. Be gentle. Don't ever hit, threaten, frighten or force-train your dog. Though he may make a few mistakes (who doesn't?), he is relying on your love to teach him the differences of right and wrong.

35. Bring the blankie. Whether you're taking your dog along on a trip or leaving him with a friend or at a kennel, be sure to bring his favorite blanket. The familiar scent and feel of it will comfort him as he cuddles up and dreams of home.

36. Do a dance. Play a lively song on the stereo and dance with your dog.

37. Be best friends. Treat your dog right and you'll be showered with loyalty, love and friendship - not to mention all those happy, sloppy, one-of-a-kind dog kisses that make your day.

By:
  Dog Care Tips: Learn how to make your pet happy at iams.co.uk

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 Read more:

 Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques

            

    

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