Taking care of a dog is a lot of work! No dog parent is perfect but there are many things we can be doing to make sure our doggos are getting the most out of life. Today I’m hitting you with the best tips for becoming a better dog owner.
Let’s get into it!
1. Stick to a Schedule
We’ve all been there – you’ve had a long day at work and really can’t be bothered to take your dog out for a walk so you let them out in your backyard or take them for a short walk to pee. While it’s okay to do this on occasion, it’s always best to prioritize your dog and make sure they’re getting enough exercise each day!
Setting a schedule that you can stick to will make your life and your dogs so much better. This goes for sleep schedules, walks, play time, mental stimulation and meals. Your dog will appreciate the security and will understand expectations. Making your pup more calm and happy in the long term!
2. Training is Key
If you’re interested in becoming a better dog owner, training is crucial! It’s best to train from a young age but you can still train dogs that are over the age of one. Training classes will help them break bad habits and work on healthier ones!
3. Consider Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for a dog. Introduce toys or experiences for your pup that keep them busy when they’re not out for a walk or socializing. Here are a few options you can check out:
- Snuffle Balls
- Slow Feeders
- Enrichment Toys
- Scent dens
4. Help Them Make Friends
Dogs need friends too! If you don’t have friends or family members with dogs, you can always meet new dogs at the dog park or go to dog meetups. Don't forget to dress your doggos matching bandanas to seal the deal!
5. Choose the Right Food
You are what you eat, right? The same goes for doggos! Make sure you do your own research and look into what foods are best for your dog’s breed and lifestyle.
You probably know your dog shouldn't eat chocolate or onions, but there are a ton of ingredients to avoid giving to your dog. Including cooked bones, avocados, macadamia nuts, garlic, chives, and grapes. Replace these with healthy ingredients for dogs like blueberries, carrots, pumpkin, bone broth and coconut oil. Pro tip: Consider adding a food topper to their meal to up the nutritional value.
6. Be Present
It’s important to be mindful of how present you are with your pup. Sometimes we forget to put our phones down when we’re out for a walk or spending time with them and that takes away from special moments! Appreciate every small moment you have with them.
Now you're well on your way to becoming a better dog owner! Come back to our blog each week and stay up to date with dog news and more on our Instagram.
Lots of love,
Francesca & Hershey 🐾