Dogs are loving animals that require their main needs to be met to be he althy and happy. A home, a good place to sleep, a balanced diet according to their requirements and lots of love from their human companions are some of them.
When you think about giving your dog the best, you should ask yourself how to make your dog happy It's not about pampering him to the extreme and allow it to behave in any way, but to cover the elementary requirements that will make it a balanced, he althy and happy dog. Next, in this article on our site, we give you our tips to make a dog happy. Keep reading!
What does a dog need to be happy?
The truth is that dogs don't need much to be happy, since they settle for very little. Thus, giving them all our love, giving them the attention they need, giving them a comfortable place to sleep, quality food and ensuring that they exercise and go outside to relieve themselves, dogs are the happiest animals in the world! And not only that, they will return all that love multiplied and they will adore us forever, since we are facing enormously grateful animals
Take note of our tips on how to make your dog love you.
1. Clean dog, happy dog
Does your dog usually roll in the dirt right after his bath? Despite this, they love to feel clean, so hygiene is a priority when keeping a dog happy. Regular brushing will help keep his coat looking beautiful and eliminate knots, as well as prevent disease and the invasion of external parasites.
The cleaning the ears is also important, it keeps mites and infections at bay. Of course, we recommend that a professional perform this hygiene routine. Also, do not forget oral he alth, important to protect your dog's teeth. In addition to this, cutting his nails to keep them at the ideal size will prevent him from scratching himself or his paws from getting stuck in different materials. Similarly, the bathroom is essential to keep it clean and fresh.
Grooming time is a perfect opportunity to bond with your dog, don't miss the opportunity to play together, it will make him very happy! To do this, remember to positiveize the moment of bathing, brushing, etc., so that it really is a pleasant experience for both of you.
two. A good diet, the key to making your dog happy
Some dogs are capable of eating almost anything, but this does not mean that it is good for their he alth. In the long term, a disordered diet will only bring you illness. Because of this, quality food is an essential element in making an adult, puppy or senior dog happy.
It is important that you remember that the food, whether dry, wet or homemade, must be adapted to its size, age, breed and physical activity, in addition to taking into account the possible conditions it may suffer from, in case there are. Similarly, do not forget to offer a container of fresh water at all times to keep it hydrated. Consult the following article to know the nutritional requirements of dogs: "What is the best diet for dogs?".
3. Games and fun
What does a dog need to be happy? Many games! Maintaining a routine of games, daily if possible, will make your dog burn all the accumulated energy, especially if he spends many hours inside the house, and keep himself properly stimulated. Besides, he will spend a lot of time with you!
At game time, you can let your imagination run wild and acquire different toys, taking into account the size (so they are not ingested) and the material (to prevent them from getting hurt). Also, keep in mind that the intelligence games are highly recommended to keep your mind stimulated, since the objective of playing is not only to make the animal burn energy.
In the following video we talk about the importance of games and show some very simple ones that you can do at home.
4. Exercise, essential to have a happy dog
In addition to games, it is important that you offer your dog physical activity outside the home, this is an important element for make him happy! Walks, visits to parks where he can sniff out new things and face challenges that stimulate his intelligence, are a way to give him fun and enrich his life. Dogs are sociable animals by nature, curious and active, so they need to run, interact with other dogs and discover new environments. In this sense, good socialization is essential for it to learn to communicate properly with its peers, other animals and people.
On outings, remember to wear your leash and a collar with your name and contact details. Similarly, make sure the area is safe and don't let your dog stray, otherwise he could get lost.
5. Affection, attention and communication, the basis of happiness
Cuddles and caresses are very important demonstrations of affection, both for humans and animals, and dogs are no exception. Showing affection to your dog will improve your relationship with him, it will strengthen ties.
Showing affection doesn't mean just pampering and playing, but also paying attention to his needs, tending to his ailments and doing everything possible to understand him. To achieve this, don't miss this article: "The language of dogs and calm signals".
6. Veterinary attention
It is very important to guarantee your dog's he alth by offering him good preventive medicine, and what better way to do it than to schedule frequent visits to the veterinary. Ideally, the professional should carry out a general check-up of the animal to find or avoid any condition or anomaly, in addition to applying the necessary vaccines and deworming it when he considers it most appropriate. In addition, these visits can also help you determine the best hygiene and care practices for him.
7. Positive education
Education is essential for a harmonious coexistence at home. A spoiled dog used to doing everything he wants will never be happy, because he will constantly clash with the routine of the home and tensions will be created around him. Don't worry! Whether it's an adult or a puppy, your dog is capable of learning, you just need patience, time and love.
Dog training should include not only tricks for both to have fun, but also the basic rules that the dog must follow in the home, such as what parts of the house are allowed and what are not. In addition, this education should also focus on establishing meal times, walks, games, places to rest and eat, adaptation to home routines, among other aspects.
Apart from the above, to make your dog happy and get him to love you, it is essential to follow techniques based on positive reinforcement. Punishment-based training only increases the animal's discomfort, develops stress, anxiety, fear and frustration, which can lead to an aggressive attitude. Through positive reinforcement, the animal is able to understand much better what is expected of it, to stay motivated and to want to continue learning. Prizes, caresses and words of encouragement are some of the best techniques. In the next video we tell you all the details.
How to make an elderly dog happy?
The above tips apply to all canines regardless of age, but there are a few additional items that can help you make an older dog happy.
Respect
After adulthood, some games or activities may no longer be to your dog's liking, or he may want to do them for less time. It's important to respect how your dog feels and allow him to lie down or sleep instead of playing if he wants to.
Longer rides
Some adult and elderly dogs may need longer walks, as they need to stay fit and take care of their physical and mental he alth. This, obviously, will depend on the conditions in which your dog is and the temperature of the season in which you find yourself.
Try going for a few laps in the park or on the beach, these are good times to play with your dog and exercise it while you enjoy the walk.
You understand what you mean
Dogs communicate with humans in various ways, however, it is often difficult to understand what they mean. For this, it is important that you know how to decipher what the different ways of moving its tail, its ears and even its legs mean. In this way, you and your dog will achieve a better communication and you will be able to make him very happy.
