Is your dog truly happy? You may answer a definete yes. Why? Is it because he/she has food, water, and shelter? If so then your dog may be getting his/her most basic needs met but that is about it.
Have you ever looked at a day through your dogs eyes? What does she do for the day, what mental, physical and emotional stimulation does she receive?
Most dogs spend 10-12 hours a day alone. They receive a pat on the head upon waking, go out to potty, come inside, eat breakfast, lay down and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait for their humans to return home. If they are very lucky their humans are kind enough to realize they should not have to wait more than 4-6 hours max to relieve their bladder or have a bowel movement and they will come home mid-day to take them out to potty. Then the dog will wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait some more for their human to return home. At that time they will be so excited and happy to have some companionship they will jump for joy only to be pushed down, kneed in the chest, toes stepped on for their pure and undiluted affection. They will go out to potty, come inside, get a bowl of food, and their humans will eitiher leave again for other activities or they might prepare a meal and affix themselves to the televsion, video game or computer until the wee hours of the night as the dog looks longingly and hopefully to the human for some kind of interaction, before bed the dog will get another trip outside to go potty, come inside, the human will go to bed and the dog will sadly watch the door close right in front of its very nose. The dog will find a lonely spot to curl up and dream about someday being able to have a day full of something fun and exciting to do with his/her human because laying on the floor or being tossed out into the backyard all day waiting and waiting all day every day is NOT "a wonderful dog's life".
Our dogs give us their all each and every day. They are always willing and ready to be with us everywhere, everytime. We OWE our dogs more than we could ever repay them. The sadest part is their lives are so very short. They are with us 8-16 years depending on breed and genetics. Sadly much of that time for most dogs is void of the stimulation they need to truly enjoy life.
Dogs suffer boredome, depression, sadness, lonliness, anxiety, stress, pain, excitement, happiness, and love. It's up to us as their best friend and closest family members to make sure each day is the BEST day of their life.
- Toss a favorite toy a few times after the dog has completed their potty business. As this becomes a routine the dog will realize the quicker they potty the quicker the fun begins. Make sure not to endulge in the game until the business is complete or YOU will be the one waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
- Instead of sitting a bowl of kibble down for breakfast the dog will eat alone make a game of breakfast. Hand feed each piece of kibble, requesting a differnet trick or skill for each one. This is the perfect opportunity to practice attention exercises. Keep it fun !!!!
- First thing upon waking up find your furry friend and make over them like it's Christmas, birthday, all holidays rolled into that very moment. Tell them how wonderful they are, rub all their favorite spots, give them kisses and hugs if they enjoy them. Make this a daily routine.
- Upon arriving home repeat the above, make them feel like they are the most special, most loved dog on the entire planet. Spend 5-10 minutes focused entirely on them.
- During commercials play a game of tug. You can get in several tug games during one program. This will allow you to practice "give" and "take".
Remember make sure every day is "WONDERFUL DAY" from your dogs perspective.
