Just like us, our pet dogs require regular exercise to keep them fit, healthy and happy all year long. But when our lives get busy, it’s easy to forgo the routine activities our beloved pooches need and deserve. Unfortunately, a lack of exercise and a sudden change in lifestyle can have a negative impact on our dogs mental and physical wellbeing. Thankfully, we’ve got 5 simple tips to help you keep your dog happy and healthy in the New Year and beyond…
Doggie Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for keeping your dog fit and healthy, but every dog has different requirements dependant on their breeding, age, weight and intolerances (if any). When choosing the best type of food for your dog, it’s worthwhile considering the pros and cons of complete kibble, wet/tinned, a raw food diet or even a ‘‘lite’’ food option for dogs looking to shed a few pounds.
Just like their humans, dogs require essential nutrients for their development, energy levels, internal functions and to keep their personalities shining! We stock a range of popular brands in our High Street store including Seven, Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Arden Grange, Autarky and many more! But with the pet food market more saturated than ever, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with dog food choices. Thankfully we’ve got lots of advice for dog owners looking to find the best food type for their dog and our team in store are very friendly (and big dog lovers!). You can be sure you’ll find the perfect diet for your pet pooch packed full of key nutrients to keep their noses twitching and tails wagging!
Run, Pooch, Run!
When it comes to exercise, most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. A walk around the block or a game of fetch in the park are great ways to stretch their legs and burn some energy. But the amount of exercise your dog will need is dependant on their breed, age and lifestyle.
For example, large dogs such as German Shepherds or Dobermans will need around 2 hours of exercise every day. Owners of large dogs tend to find it easier exercising their pet in intervals throughout the day rather than in one go; A walk in the morning and another in the evening with time to run off-lead in a secure area, plus playtime with toys at home will keep your bigger dog fit, healthy and happy.
On the flip side, smaller dogs like pugs and chihuahuas, or older dogs who may be battling arthritis, aren’t built for speed and might benefit from a slower-paced and shorter walk.
Dogs who don’t have enough daily exercise tend to pile on the pounds, becoming lethargic and suffering from boredom as a result, leading to outbursts of poor behaviour. Not only does exercise keep our pets in a good physical state, but it’s great for their mental health too… Happy dog; Happy life! Plus, active dogs are much less likely to suffer from problems such as arthritis, obesity and behavioural issues too.
And why not add some style to your daily walks with the Doodlebone range of leads, collars and harness – we’ve got just about every colour you can image!
Rapturous Rewards and Positive Praise
Positive reinforcement can be beneficial to our dog’s mental health so it’s important we reward their good behaviour as this is how they learn. Whenever your dog learns a new command, for example ‘‘sit’’ or ‘‘stay,’’ or displays good behaviour, as owners we should reward them with praise. Praise can involve lots of fuss and a big fluffy cuddle, saying the words ‘‘good boy’’ or ‘‘good girl’’ with a few pats on the back, a toy to play with or even a tasty treat!
When your dog is rewarded, Dopamine (the feel-good chemical) is released and the brain builds an association between a cue, a behaviour and a reward (known as a neural pathway). With repeated success, neural pathways get stronger, faster and more reliable and so from praise, your pet dog is more likely to consistently repeat their good actions.
Not only will your canine companion learn that good things happen when they follow your direction, but positive reinforcement has been scientifically proven to be both effective and enjoyable for your dog. It fosters trust and communication between you and your pet pooch, ultimately strengthening your bond.
The Importance of Routine
Dogs, like us, are creatures of habit and a daily routine gives them a sense of structure, helping them to feel happy and confident. Providing a structure to mealtimes will help regulate your dog’s metabolism so they can consistently burn calories throughout the day. Plus, establishing and maintaining a routine for breakfast and dinner times will help you to ensure they don’t become too heavy and subsequently at risk of health-related complications.
A routine that supports a balanced diet and regular exercise will not only benefit their metabolism, but it will also help your dog feel engaged and stimulated. Plus, setting a schedule that aligns with your daily routine will also help to keep your dog on the same cycle as you. What’s more, sticking to a routine should also free up some time for you to play with your dog – they’ll be happy, relaxed and ready for some ad-hoc playtime as they get to spend more time with their favourite human… You!
Furry Friends
Socialising teaches our dogs how to react to the world around us in a healthy way and without unnecessary fear or aggression. Incorporating socialising into their routine/lifestyle from the puppy stage can eliminate additional challenges for both you and your dog later down the line. For example, dogs who socialise regularly tend to be more friendly and less fearful with a willingness to explore new places. This helps boost their mental health by reducing anxiety (and the associated behaviours including excessive barking, scratching, digging, licking and chewing).
Managing to keep your dog fit and healthy is one of the most important challenges for dog owners. Diet, exercise, praise, routine and socialising are all key elements to consider when it comes to your canine’s lifestyle as they work together to keep your dog happy and healthy! For more advice on how to keep your furry friend in tip top condition, pop in store to browse our range of 7000+ products and speak to our experience team. Oh, and feel free to bring your dog with you (a ride out in the car and a visit to a store filled with their favourite foods, treats and toys… that’s bound to make them happy, right?).