Dog’s Happiness Wish List
There is a huge difference between providing a dog with what he needs to survive, and making an effort to ensure he has a happy life. To do this, you need to know what makes a dog happy and what doesn’t.
Generally speaking, dogs are real people pleasers and very much want to be involved in our lives. Ensuring that they feel secure, loved and welcome in their ‘pack’ is probably top of a dog’s happiness wish list.
Survival basics
There are four essentials that every dog needs in order to survive:
- Food - scavenging for scraps or living off human food is unhealthy. Dogs need fresh dog food that contains all the nutrients they require.
- Water - constant access to fresh, clean drinking water is a must.
- Exercise - dogs need regular walks and activity to keep them physically healthy and mentally stimulated.
- Shelter - escape from the cold and refuge from heat are essential.
Happiness essentials
As well as the basics for survival, dogs need some extra commitments from their owners in order to be happy. These include:
- Companionship - dogs are naturally pack animals, but when they don’t have access to a pack they will substitute their human/s or other family pets.
- Socializing - behaving well with other dogs and people is essential to prevent a dog becoming anxious, aggressive and isolated.
- Training - basic training will make everyone’s life much easier. A well-trained dog can be taken anywhere and will be confident and happy.
- Grooming - some breeds of dog are high maintenance and require more grooming than others, but all dogs will benefit from being brushed, combed and occasionally bathed.
- Routine - dogs appreciate going out for walks and being fed at set times. This becomes even more important when they enter their senior years.
- Veterinary care - regular preventative and reactive health care will ensure that a dog has a long and healthy life.