Best 7 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Special

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Your dog is a companion, and you can show you care in ways dogs notice.

These seven ideas cost little and use things your dog already enjoys.

Every dog is different, so watch how yours reacts and stop anything it does not like.

Ask your vet if you are unsure about food, exercise or anything that affects your dog’s health.

7 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Special

Keep A Routine

A regular routine of meals, walks and play makes your dog’s day predictable. You do not have to schedule it to the minute, but doing things at roughly the same times each day helps many dogs settle.

Pick Them Up A Special Treat

A special treat is an easy way to say well done. Keep treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food (AKC), and choose treats sized for your dog.

The Greenies Teenie listing is a dental treat for dogs 5 to 15 lb (about 2.3 to 6.8 kg); pick the size that matches your dog’s weight.

If you bake treats, check that every ingredient is safe for dogs. Peanut butter, for example, must be xylitol-free: the AKC says some brands now use xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, so read the label.

Learn Their Body Language

Dogs cannot tell us when they are uncomfortable, but they show it. The AKC lists signs of stress: the whites of the eyes showing (whale eye), ears pinned back, a tucked tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, panting, looking away, growling, whining, freezing and pacing.

If you see these, work out what is bothering your dog and, if you can, remove it. A trainer or your vet can help when you cannot.

Leave Them Something To Do

Leaving your dog home alone can be hard on both of you. Do not leave a puppy for long, as Dogs Trust advises, and build up gently. Give your dog a safe toy or a food puzzle to do while you are out, and ask your vet or a qualified trainer for help if your dog seems distressed.

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado puzzle listing describes an intermediate (level 2) puzzle, 9.8 inches (about 25 cm) across, where the dog moves rotating layers to reach hidden treats. Use it with supervision.

Respect How They Like Affection

Not every dog likes hugs and kisses. Let your dog come to you, and stop if you see the stress signs above. Some dogs like a stroke, some a game and some just your company.

Take Them For An Outing

Dogs often enjoy going places with you. Try the dog park, a walk somewhere new, or a safe stretch of water where your dog can paddle. Stay close to your dog near water, as not every dog swims.

The BARKBAY no-pull harness listing is for small-sized dogs and has two leash clips; check the size chart against your dog.

The Jasonwell foldable dog pool listing describes a collapsible bath pool that sets up without inflating and drains easily. Supervise your dog in and around water.

A homebody? Invite one of your dog’s friends over to play.

Snuggle

Many dogs enjoy a cuddle in the evening. If your dog is not allowed on the bed, a dog bed or blanket near you works too.

The Snuggle Puppy listing describes a 12 x 8 in plush toy with a battery-powered heartbeat, sized for medium breeds.

Final Words

You do not need to spend much to make your dog feel special. A routine, a safe treat, a toy to work at, an outing and a cuddle on terms your dog likes go a long way.