Is Your Dog Lonely? How To Spend Quality Time With Your Dog Without Giving Up Your Life
Is your dog lonely because of your hectic lifestyle? While it's true that we all have many stresses in our lives and often feel that we can't always keep up with all our obligations, spending quality time with our dogs is not something that should take a backseat in our daily lives.
Dogs are pack animals and they consider us part of their packs.
They are sociable animals and need to spend time with us to feel happy.
We have brought the dogs into our lives and domesticated them.
So it is our responsibility to ensure that all their needs are being looked after properly.
Making time for your dog doesn't have to be a difficult thing.
The secret is to find ways to include your dog in your daily life.
This could be as simple as one of the following: Take Your Dog With You If your dog is okay with riding in the car, take him with you when you run to the store or are doing some simple errands.
Unless you are going to be away from the car for a long time (like longer than half an hour), your dog will be delighted to go along with you.
This together time won't infringe on your time because these errands are tasks you needed to do anyway.
An outing with you is full of excitement for your dog.
He will experience a variety of new and intriguing smells and sights that will be very stimulating for him.
Allow Your Dog Into The Bedroom This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sleep in your bed with you.
Having his own bed on the floor of your room is fine.
This way the dog is spending time with you and this will help increase your bond.
Dogs like to sleep with their pack so this will encourage your dog to feel close to you.
You don't need to purchase a fancy dog bed.
An old blanket on a piece of foam will be comfortable for your dog.
The important thing is for him to be near you.
Go For Walks Together Let's face it, going for a walk is always exciting for your dog even when you follow the same old path around the block.
For him the smells are new and it's a change from being in the yard or house.
But for you, it can quickly become a chore if it's boring.
To keep your walk time an exciting time for both of you, shake things up.
Take a different route or drive to another location and take a hike.
Your dog will enjoy the variety as well.
Multi-tasking Isn't Just For At Work You can involve your dog in your daily chores around the house too.
If you're waiting for dinner to cook, take advantage of the opportunity to work on some training.
You know your dog is going to be sitting near you with those sad eyes begging for food anyway.
Why not work on "sit," "down," or other commands while giving him whatever reward system you use for training.
When you want some time for yourself to watch TV or read a book, include your dog.
If he's allowed on the sofa, invite him up for a belly rub.
Or if he has to stay on the floor, have him sit on your feet or near you so you can still give him an occasional pat if he nudges you.
Our dogs aren't here for as long as we'd like them to be, so it's important to make the most of the time we do have with them.
By doing even these few simple things, you will find yourself looking forward to your "doggy-and-you" time and this will make your relationship even more satisfying for both of you.
Dogs are pack animals and they consider us part of their packs.
They are sociable animals and need to spend time with us to feel happy.
We have brought the dogs into our lives and domesticated them.
So it is our responsibility to ensure that all their needs are being looked after properly.
Making time for your dog doesn't have to be a difficult thing.
The secret is to find ways to include your dog in your daily life.
This could be as simple as one of the following: Take Your Dog With You If your dog is okay with riding in the car, take him with you when you run to the store or are doing some simple errands.
Unless you are going to be away from the car for a long time (like longer than half an hour), your dog will be delighted to go along with you.
This together time won't infringe on your time because these errands are tasks you needed to do anyway.
An outing with you is full of excitement for your dog.
He will experience a variety of new and intriguing smells and sights that will be very stimulating for him.
Allow Your Dog Into The Bedroom This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sleep in your bed with you.
Having his own bed on the floor of your room is fine.
This way the dog is spending time with you and this will help increase your bond.
Dogs like to sleep with their pack so this will encourage your dog to feel close to you.
You don't need to purchase a fancy dog bed.
An old blanket on a piece of foam will be comfortable for your dog.
The important thing is for him to be near you.
Go For Walks Together Let's face it, going for a walk is always exciting for your dog even when you follow the same old path around the block.
For him the smells are new and it's a change from being in the yard or house.
But for you, it can quickly become a chore if it's boring.
To keep your walk time an exciting time for both of you, shake things up.
Take a different route or drive to another location and take a hike.
Your dog will enjoy the variety as well.
Multi-tasking Isn't Just For At Work You can involve your dog in your daily chores around the house too.
If you're waiting for dinner to cook, take advantage of the opportunity to work on some training.
You know your dog is going to be sitting near you with those sad eyes begging for food anyway.
Why not work on "sit," "down," or other commands while giving him whatever reward system you use for training.
When you want some time for yourself to watch TV or read a book, include your dog.
If he's allowed on the sofa, invite him up for a belly rub.
Or if he has to stay on the floor, have him sit on your feet or near you so you can still give him an occasional pat if he nudges you.
Our dogs aren't here for as long as we'd like them to be, so it's important to make the most of the time we do have with them.
By doing even these few simple things, you will find yourself looking forward to your "doggy-and-you" time and this will make your relationship even more satisfying for both of you.
