When you’re a dog owner, you’ll want to do the very best for your four-legged friend, and you’ll certainly want them to lead a happy and energetic life, which is why it’s so important to remember that taking care of a dog isn’t just about providing them with food and shelter, and it’s not just about loving them (although these things are vital, of course).
You also need to make sure they have plenty of activities to keep them entertained and healthy. With this in mind, here are some of the essential activities for a happy and energetic dog.
Daily walks
If there’s one thing you can do to help keep your dog healthy and happy, it’s to take them for regular daily walks. One walk a day is great, but ideally, you’ll want to try to fit in at least two, depending on your dog’s fitness level and age.
Walking isn’t just about exercise, although that’s a crucial part of it; it’s about providing your dog with plenty of mental stimulation as well—the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoor world are exciting for them, and no matter whether you take them for a walk close to home or further afield, your dog will have a great time exploring.
Remember that if your dog is sick or injured, your daily walk might have to be put off until they’re well, as it could make things worse. It’s best to always get advice from a vet if you’re not sure what to do, and you should invest in Perfect Pet dog insurance so that things can be put right as soon as possible if necessary.
Playtime
Although having regular playtime with your dog is definitely a good way to keep them entertained and give them a little extra exercise (it’s ideal if you can only manage one walk a day with them, for example), it’s also a good way to bond with them, so it’s an absolutely essential activity.
There are so many games you can play with your dog to achieve this bond and fun, and some of them include:
- Fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Hide-and-seek
- Using squeaky toys, frisbees, and puzzle feeders (among other things)
All these things make playtime something for your dog to look forward to and can engage them well, meaning they’ll learn, get healthy, and enjoy their time with you much more.
Socialization
Dogs are social creatures for the most part, but they can also be very territorial, which can make going for a walk or just being outside in your own garden if your neighbors have dogs a problem. This is why another activity you should engage in with your dog is socialization training.
You can join various groups that are designed for exactly this purpose, where your dog will be introduced to lots of other dogs, and you can train them to behave in the right way. If you’d prefer something less formal and organized, you can do socialization training when you’re on your daily walks together, but just make sure you’re consistent, and you’ve done all your research so you get it right. When you do, your dog can become a happy, friendly creature, and you can relax a little more when you’re out and about with them.
