So, you are a responsible dog owner and want a healthy, happy, and energetic dog. That’s great! Below I share five keys to having a dog who will be full of joy and live a long, healthy life…the perfect companion!
KEY ONE: Dogs Don’t Need to Run to be Healthy, They Just Need a Good Walk
Dogs are well-known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm, but it’s important to remember that not every dog is a natural runner or athlete. In fact, for many dogs, a leisurely walk can be just as enjoyable and satisfying as a high-intensity workout.
One of the reasons why dogs are happy just taking a walk is because it provides them with an opportunity to explore their surroundings and engage with the world around them. Dogs are curious creatures by nature, and a walk allows them to sniff out new scents, investigate interesting sights, and maybe even meet new friends along the way.
Walking also provides dogs with valuable mental stimulation. Dogs are highly social animals, and walking with their owners gives them a chance to bond and interact in a meaningful way. It can also be a great way for dogs to experience a change of scenery, which can be a welcome break from the monotony of their everyday routines.
Another benefit of walking over running is that it’s generally less physically demanding. While some dogs are natural athletes and love to run and play, others may not have the stamina or energy for high-intensity exercise. For these dogs, a walk can be the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise without overexerting themselves. This is especially true for older dogs or those with health conditions that may limit their mobility.
Finally, it’s worth noting that dogs are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and energy levels. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, a brisk walk with your dog can be a great way to clear your mind and boost your mood. And when you’re feeling happy and relaxed, your dog will pick up on that positive energy and feel more content as a result.
In conclusion, while some dogs may thrive on high-energy activities like running or playing fetch, others are perfectly content with a leisurely stroll around the block. As long as you’re spending quality time with your furry friend and providing them with opportunities to explore and engage with the world around them, they’ll be happy and content – whether they’re running or walking.
KEY TWO: Treats Can be Healthy Ways to Encourage Your Dog
Our healthy, small-batch made treats are not only delicious but also provide many health benefits for your furry friend. We understand the importance of giving your pet the very best, which is why we use only high-quality ingredients to make our treats.
One of the key benefits of our small-batch made treats is that they are made with natural, whole food ingredients. We avoid using any artificial preservatives or additives, which can be harmful to your dog’s health. By using only natural ingredients, we ensure that your pet is getting the nutrients they need to maintain good health.
In addition to being made with high-quality ingredients, our treats are also small-batch made. This means that we carefully monitor the production process to ensure that each treat is made to our exacting standards. We believe that this attention to detail is important because it helps us to maintain the quality of our treats and ensures that your pet is getting the very best.
Our treats are also designed to be healthy and beneficial for your dog. We offer a variety of flavors that are formulated to provide specific health benefits. For example, our treats made with salmon provide omega-3 fatty acids that can help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Our treats made with sweet potato are a great source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
Finally, our small-batch made treats are perfect for pet owners who are looking for a more personalized touch. We believe that every pet is unique and deserves treats that are tailored to their specific needs. Whether your pet has food allergies, a sensitive stomach, or just a picky palate, we can work with you to create treats that are tailored to their individual needs.
In conclusion, our small-batch made treats are a great choice for pet owners who want to give their furry friends the very best. From our natural, whole food ingredients to our attention to detail during production, we believe that our treats provide the perfect combination of taste and nutrition. So, the next time you’re looking for a treat for your dog, consider our healthy, small-batch made treats for a delicious and nutritious option.
Come check out our wonderful treats!
Key Three: Dogs Need More Than Correction. They Need Positive Reinforcement, Just Like Humans.
In addition to treats, dogs need other forms of positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Your praise also plays a vital role in your dog’s mental health and overall happiness. Here are some [keys] to using positive reinforcement with your dog:
- Find what motivates your dog.
Use rewards that your dog finds motivating. These rewards might include treats, as mentioned above, but also can include toys, praise, and affection. Choose rewards that your dog finds motivating and use them consistently to reinforce good behavior. My dog is entirely food-motivated, but he also loves my praise! Your dog loves you and wants to know if he’s doing it right. So make sure you show them a lot of love so he knows that he’s doing just fine.
2. Reward immediately.
Reward your dog immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior. This helps your dog understand which behavior is being rewarded and reinforces the behavior. If you wait too long to reward, it only confuses your dog and can reinforce the wrong behavior, leading to some undesired results. Remember, dogs live in the moment, so timing is everything. As soon as you see your furry friend exhibiting the desired behavior, shower them with praise, affection, and a tasty treat. This will make them feel loved and appreciated, and will encourage them to continue displaying the desired behavior. By reinforcing good behavior in a timely and consistent manner, you can help your dog become the best version of themselves, and build a strong bond with them that lasts a lifetime.
3. Consistency matters.
Use positive reinforcement consistently to reinforce the desired behavior. Like mistimed rewards, inconsistent rewards will confuse your dog and possibly reinforce the wrong behaviors.
Even if you are tired, sick, or think you are too busy, you must be stay consistent with your positive reinforcement. A little goes a long way, so just a few minutes each day is all it takes. Remember, your dog is counting on you to guide them and help them learn. Consistency is key when it comes to positive reinforcement training. Every time you reward your dog for exhibiting good behavior, you are building a stronger bond of trust and respect between you and your furry friend. So, even on those days when you don’t feel like it, take a few minutes to show your dog some love and positive reinforcement. Your efforts will pay off in spades, as you watch your furry friend blossom into a well-behaved, happy, and obedient companion!
4. Don’t mix rewards and punishment.
Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior only rather than punishing bad behavior. As much as possible, avoid using punishment, as it can be confusing and may cause your dog to become fearful or aggressive. But that doesn’t mean that you leave your dog to whatever they’re doing. It means, as Cesar Milan says, being the bigger person, or in this case, dog. Take him away and tell him your chosen scold word (no, bad, stop, don’t, etc.) but stay calm the whole time.
Remember, positive reinforcement is not just about teaching your dog good behavior, but also about building a strong, loving, and trusting relationship with them. Punishing bad behavior can harm that relationship and cause your furry friend to become anxious or stressed. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior consistently and lovingly. This approach not only reinforces positive behavior, but also helps your dog feel safe and secure in their home environment.
By using positive reinforcement, you can help your furry friend grow into a happy, healthy, and well-behaved companion who loves you unconditionally, but remember that that doesn’t mean don’t scold them, just make sure you don’t harm them or yell. Be calm and make your point clear.
5. Be patient.
Positive reinforcement takes time and patience. It may take several repetitions before your dog learns a new behavior, so be patient and consistent with your training. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well-trained dog. Positive reinforcement takes time, patience, and a lot of love. But the rewards are immeasurable. As you watch your furry friend grow and learn, you will be filled with a sense of pride and joy that only a dog owner can understand. So, stick with it, stay positive, and keep training. With time and patience, your dog will become the best version of themselves, and you’ll have a loyal companion for life.
Key Four: Socialization is Critical for Dogs of All Ages
A lot of people think that socialization is only important for puppies. They fall for the myth that once a dog reaches a certain age, socialization is no longer necessary.
But the reality is that socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted and happy dog. This applies at all ages.
Socialization is not just about exposure, but also about teaching your dog appropriate behavior around other people and dogs. It’s important to expose your dog to a variety of people, dogs, and environments, but it’s equally important to teach your dog how to behave appropriately in those situations.
Yes, dogs are naturally social creatures, but they still need to learn how to interact with other dogs and people appropriately. Socialization helps dogs develop confidence and good behavior around others.
While socialization is especially important during a puppy’s critical socialization period (between 3 and 14 weeks of age), it is still important throughout a dog’s life. Dogs continue to learn and adapt to new situations throughout their lives, and continued socialization can help prevent behavior problems and improve their quality of life.
So, expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop confidence and good behavior around others. And continue to introduce them to new dogs frequently throughout their life.
Key Five: Dogs Need Mental Stimulation as Well as Physical
In addition to good walks and other physical activity, your dog needs to maintain an active mind to stay healthy, happy, and energetic. If nothing else, it will help prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior that often results. Here are five ways to provide your dog with mental stimulation:
1. Puzzle toys: Puzzle toys are a great way to challenge your dog’s brain and keep them entertained. These toys require your dog to use problem-solving skills to figure out how to access a treat or toy hidden inside.
2. Hide-and-seek games: Hide-and-seek games can be a fun way to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Hide treats or toys around the house or yard and encourage your dog to find them using their nose and problem-solving skills.
3. Training exercises: Training exercises can be a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog while also reinforcing good behavior. Teach your dog new tricks, work on obedience training, or try agility training to keep your dog mentally engaged.
4. Scent work: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and enjoy using their noses to find things. Scent work exercises, like hiding treats or toys and encouraging your dog to find them using their sense of smell, can be a fun and rewarding way to provide mental stimulation.
5. Rotating toys: Rotating your dog’s toys can help prevent boredom and keep them engaged. Introduce new toys regularly and put away old toys for a while, then reintroduce them later to keep things fresh and interesting.
BONUS – Playdates: As mentioned above, dogs are social animals, so they enjoy spending time with other dogs. Find some time for a playdate with other friendly dogs and it will provide a fun form of mental stimulation.
By providing your dog with mental stimulation through these activities and others, you can help keep them happy, healthy, and mentally sharp.
Don’t Stress…You Only Need to Pick One Key
So, you now know five surprising keys to having a healthy, happy, energetic dog.
Don’t worry about mastermind all five keys right away. Pick one key to focus on for the next week. Master that key and watch the results. Make sure you bookmark this post to come back and refresh yourself on the other four.
Now that you know the five keys, if you are ready to help your dog be even healthier and happier, consider joining our membership. You can join for only $1 for your first month here.
