30/01/2023
TOP TIPS FOR A HAPPY DOG
1. Give them choices - where to sleep, toys, the route they take on a walk, to engage or not, to play or not, to be petted or not, to wear a jersey or not...
2. Prioritize their physical and emotional safety.
3. Listen when they speak with their voices and bodies.
4. Create routines, predictability and structure. This gives rescues and anxious dogs certainty and helps calm them.
5. Let them express their innate dog behaviours like barking, chewing, hunting, sniffing, playing, exercising, and digging via various enrichment activities.
6. Groom them periodically if they like it. If not, get a behaviourist to assist you. Don't force them into a grooming van.
7. Give them a safe place to sleep. And stop bugging them while they rest or sleep.
8. Ensure that they have nutritious food and fresh water daily.
9. Give them lots of cuddles when they ask for it. Check in with them during cuddle time to confirm ongoing consent.
10. Wait for consent before touching, kissing or hugging them. Most don't really like kissing and hugging.
11. Protect them from unfamiliar people touching them.
12. Don't coerce them to engage with people and dogs that they feel uncomfortable with.
13. Encourage them to engage in independent activities to build confidence and emotional resilience.
14. Don't make fun of them or shame them...tiktok trends are dangerous and stupid.
15. Don't punish them. Rather use positive reinforcement to modify behaviour.
16. Don't ask for sits when the environment is new and when they are anxious because of the presence of new people and dogs.
17. Aim for happiness and not obedience.
18. Don't withhold snacks and treats.
19. Let them walk on your clean floor with muddy paws. One day you will miss it.
20. Let them sleep on that couch or bed and leave their fur on it - one day you will miss it.
21. Don't leave them alone for long hours...8 hours is about 2 days for them.
22. Let them sleep inside at night. They are family and the world is a dangerous place out there when alone.
23. Shield them from harsh weather conditions.
24. Use a harness to walk them...even a flat collar can hurt their throat if they suddenly lunge at a trigger.
25. Invest in 5 minutes of force-free training per day. It will be fun for both of you.
26. Let them lead the walk and sniff as much as possible. Don't ask them to walk rigidly by your side.
27. Be their voice. Advocate for them. Be rude if you have to if it means protecting them.
28. Take them for annual check ups and dentals.
29. Consult a qualified pet professional if you need help to understand their behaviours.
30. Consult a qualified pet nutritionist if you need dietary guidance.
31. Don't take random advice from dog mums and dads on social media. Each dog is different and the issue can worsen with the wrong advice.
32. Make time for them in your busy schedule.
Every 52 days is estimated to be a year in their lives. Cherish them. Don't sweat the small stuff. Their time with us is short. In creating a happy dog, you will be a happy guardian...
