A Dog Essentials Checklist
Dogs aren’t that complicated as animals go. They’re fairly easy to keep happy and safe and if you are a responsible owner then you can’t wish for a more loyal companion. Now, you might already know everything I’m about to go through on this list, but I would say that you might still learn something. I’m going to take you through, in my opinion, four necessities of a happy pooch.
This comes from over 40 years of experience. I’ve had seventeen dogs in that time, as pets, and every one of them has led a happy and healthy life.
Toys
Toys, toys, and more toys. A dog can never have too many toys. All dogs are different but there are certain toys that the majority of dogs will love. In my experience, you can’t go wrong with a ball. I think the fact that it’s unpredictable is why dogs love it. You throw it and it carries on going. It travels by itself, it bounces off of walls, and it rolls into the distance, allowing your dog to give chase.
Another toy that it seems all dogs love is the humble bone. You can buy them from all pet shops or online from ecommerce pet stores. It’s a toy that they can chew on their own, it helps their teeth stay healthy, plus they last for years (unless you have a pit-bull as I saw one crush a bone in one bite once).
Cuddles
Beneficial for both parties. Unlike the majority of cats, dogs just want to be cuddled and fussed over. Dogs are at their happiest when they’re with their owners and they’re getting lots of attention. It’s your job to give it to them. This is one of the perks of being a dog owner as well as it has been proven that spending time with you dog and stroking and playing with hit decreases your stress levels. Science says so and so it must be true.
Walks
Again, beneficial for both parties. Exercise for you and exercise for the dog, however that isn’t the only benefit for your dog. Walking is the best thing your dog could do, not only do they get out of the house and see the fields and parks; they also get treated to a cornucopia of smells. We all know dogs’ sense of smell is infinitely better than ours, but did you know they can also conjure up a mental picture of the past through smells. Apparently dogs can smell up to three weeks’ worth of smells.
Treats
Dogs are greedy creatures, and anyone who owns one knows this. No matter how much they love you, chances are they love food more. They can’t help it, its instinct. This is why treats are such a good idea. It’s like giving sweets to a baby. Don’t over feed them treats, though, as too much can cause health problems, plus they’ll grow to think of you as a biscuit dispensing machine and any love they give you is purely ‘cupboard love’. A couple of treats at a regular time, however, is perfect.
Be Prepared
You have to have the right gear for your dog, be it the best toys, the healthiest snacks, or the perfect, most comfortable lead. If you don’t live near a pet store, you could always try out an online pet shop. You might be able to find a great deal.
Looking after a dog is a full time job and you have to be committed. You have to make sure you have the right equipment for the job and you have to put your dog first sometimes and make sure it’s leading the fullest and happiest life possible.
