Food, water, belly rubs! While you know the basic doggie needs, read on for five less obvious but no less important things every pup should get on a regular basis.
Brain Play
You know that feeling you get when you have just crushed the day? Dogs can get that same satisfaction from conquering a challenge-and it’s good for them, says veterinary behaviorist Christopher Pachel,DVM, owner of Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. “Mental stimulation provides an outlet for dogs’ natural busyness and problem-solving abilities,” he says, adding that, without it, behavioral issues could arise. Try teaching a new trick, giving them p;uzzle toys, or hiding treats or kibble around your home for him to find.
Time to Sniff
“Dogs ‘see’ the world through their nose,” says Victoria Stillwell, a dog trainer and the star of “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet. When you let them stop to sniff the roses, you give them a chance to gather information, engage in naturally enriching behavior and lower their stress levels. Stillwell suggests devoting 10 to 15 minutes of your walks to sniffing, letting them linger at a fire hydrant or bush. Afterward, you can pick up the pace to get some cardio in (which of course dogs need-amount depends on breed, age, and other factors, so talk to your vet). To make sniffing even more stimulating, take new routes as often as possible.
Social Time
Just like us, dogs are highly social creatures. In fact, they’ve evolved to be particularly bonded to humans. That’s not to say they need constant companionship(though some Velcro pups may beg to differ). “The good news is that dogs are a naturally pretty sleepy species, spending an average of 60% of their day resting or sleeping,” says veterinary behaviorist Kelly C. Ballantyne, DVM. “So hanging out by themselves while their humans are at work can be well tolerated, but they’ll need interaction before you leave and when you get home.” Most breeds need at least two hours of social time-with humans or other pups-each day. They can include long walks, or just snuggles with you.
Their Own Little Space
Your dog doesn’t need a room of it’s own, but she does need a spot or three. Dogs should have beds in a few different locations to choose from. Sometimes they might want to be close to the action(that is, keep an eye out for any crumbs that might fall on the floor). Other times they may be more inclined to curl up in a quiet corner or under a coffee table (dogs often seek the comfort and security of tight, denlike spaces) to catch some undisturbed shut-eye. Or they may want to head upstairs to get a break from guests. If your dog uses a crate, keep the door openso she can hunker down whenever she wants.
A Routine
“Consistency is helpful for dogs because they have so little control over their lives,” Ballantyne says. They rely on everything, she explains, and the more predictable their days are, the less anxious they should be, because they’ll know when to expect certain activities. (Yes, they do have a general idea of what time it is, owing to their internal clocks!) This doesn’t mean every day has to be Groundhog Day, just that dogs should be able to count on a regular schedule for meals, potty breaks, and walks. Oh, and consistency applies to rules too: “If one human lets them on the couch and the other person in the home does not, this makes life very unpredictable and can create stress,” Ballantyne says.
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