SPOILING YOUR DOG

Bake a healthy homemade treats for your fur kid.  There are a lot of delicious dog treat recipes out there on the internet to find. I'm sure you'll find a few simple recipes. If you're not into baking, go to your local pet store and let them pick out their own treat.

A teaspoon of peanut butter is always a good treat. It can be a good source of protein and healthy fat for your dog — in moderation, of course. Read the ingredients very carefully. Do not give peanut butter that contains xylitol (or chocolate).  Xylitol is technically an "all natural" sweetener that is very harmful to dogs.

The internet is full of recipes appropriate for dog meals, but we can definitely depend on the veterinarians recommendation of giving your dog boiled rice and skinless boiled chicken,  or boiled rice and non-spiced cooked hamburger for dinner. 

Follow the dietary recommendations that your veterinarian will make according to the nutritional needs of your dog, based on size, age, level of activity and breed.

Create a safe backyard complete with a secure fence, shelter from wind and rain, self-filling water feature where he can drink, a grassy area, and plenty of shade. 

Your fur kid really wants is your undivided attention. Teach your dog a new trick, play a game of Hide & Seek, play a game of chase. Learning a new trick and playing games can give your dog confidence, and stimulate their mind.   

Praise and affection is a great way to show your pet how much you care (although it’s proven that dogs do prefer physical pets over verbal praise). It also provides positive reinforcement for good behavior and is a good way to connect.  

Just like people, dogs like to go out and explore. Planning different activities will give your fur kid something to look forward to. Make plans to go on adventures together to explore new places, meet new people and  meet new fur kids. Planning a doggie picnic at your local park. Pack a special meal and snack for your fur kid.  

Take nice walks at the park and enjoy some scenery. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and enjoy listening to the birds and watching the squirrels. (Make sure you keep a good hold of the leash). 

A little dog training is always good. Start with some basic and necessary commands.

If you work long hours during the week, it's always great to get out on the weekends and take your dog to a doggie meetup where he can play with dogs his size, experience positive  socialization, fun and exercise, and come home tuckered out and happy.  

Hair and nail care is very important. Choose a groomer with high customer reviews. You want your fur kid to have a positive grooming experience so they can feel great and look great too! If you're not able to take your fur kid to the groomer, find a mobile groomer to come to you.  

There is always something to learn everyday. Dogs that learn gain self esteem, whether its' learning a new trick, or an understanding breakthrough when they know your commands on what  you're asking them to do

Dogs love exploring new places like the beach, the mountains, lakes and snow. They love seeing different things and sniffing different smells. They get plenty of exercise and they'll love spending new adventures with you. 

Some dogs may not like taking a bath, but for those that don’t mind getting wet, a nice, warm, bath can be great! Before you start, spread out a towel on the floor for them to dry themselves off afterwards. 

Start the bath by scrubbing from tail to neck. If they have itchy spots, scrub on those areas a little longer and watch your dogs expression saying ...aahhhh yes!  Wash their face and head last,  rinse, and dry them off as much as you can. Point to the towel on the floor, tell them to dry themselves off, and praise them for doing a good job. . 

Put 15 minutes aside to brush your dog.  Brushing your fur kid does many positive things. It stimulates hair  growth, removes tangles and dirt, improves circulation, and its very relaxing. Your brushing routine is a great way to bond and show how much you care for

Giving your dog a massage improves their circulation, relieves stress, and helps them sleep better.  Steps to a dog massage: 

1. Rub the top of their head gently with your fingers for 15 seconds.  

2. Massage their neck for 15 seconds. 3. Massage their upper part of their back for 15 seconds.  4. Massage the lower part of their back for 15 seconds.  5. Roll your fur kid onto their back and massage their arms and legs for 5 seconds each. By this time, your fur kid  will be very relaxed if not already asleep. Job well done! 

Having a comfortable bed is very important. Get a bed that has adequate padding to keep them off of hard floors and is firm enough to give your dog excellent back support. Even your bed will work.