When it comes to keeping your dog’s mental wellbeing in tip-top shape, there’s lots to consider. But we’ve got you covered with advice from our experts.
Did you know that your furry companion can experience many of the same emotions as humans? Everyone wants their pet to be happy all the time, but unfortunately they don’t come with a set of instructions!
The secret to success is getting to know their individual likes and dislikes, because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Below are some things you can try to help your pet stay happy – and live their best life.
Giving your dog a chance to use their nose is not only a great way to mentally stimulate them, but also lots of fun too! Scent work involves hiding toys and food for your dog to sniff out. You can place items in a digging pit, a ball pool, or even in a pile of cardboard boxes.
There are lots of sports for your companion to compete in and potentially become ‘top dog’, including agility and flyball. Agility is basically an obstacle course that you tackle together, while flyball is a race between dogs to retrieve a tennis ball. Both are known to get tails wagging ! Barn Hunt and Hoopers are worth thinking about as well.
This is an activity that almost any dog will enjoy, but especially small ‘toy dog’ breeds which love being up high. It’s all about using the environment around you, including fallen trees, tree stumps and low walls, and including them into your training. Doggy Parkour is a great way to boost your dog’s confidence.
Why not enhance your dog’s eating experience by giving them small amounts of food with different tastes and textures? Simply throw together some treats onto a feeding board and let them tuck in. This could include cooked meats, boiled eggs, porridge oats, fresh fruit, veg and yogurt – it’s like tapas for dogs!
They say variety is the spice of life, and this applies to dogs too. Taking your companion to different places can really increase their enjoyment of a walk. It’s an opportunity to have a proper nosey around the area (literally) – dogs can learn a lot through a good sniff!
Spend time learning how your dog shows enjoyment and discomfort. Wagging tails, soft eye contact and a loose, relaxed body usually indicates happiness. Licking lips, a tucked tail and tense body could mean they’re not so happy.
For more expert dog behavioural advice, visit Ask Woodgreen today.
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