What to Know
Your dog is your best friend and constant companion. They shower you with love every day. But how do you show them you love them in return? Follow along for 7 ways to make your dog feel as special as you know they are.
7 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Special
Find a Routine and Stick With It
Dogs crave structure, and it is up to you as an owner to provide it to them. Plot out a routine that works for both of you. It should contain a set wake up time, meal times, and plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. You do not have to schedule your dog’s day down to the minute, but everything should be done at approximately the same time each day, no matter what is going on with your schedule. At the end of the day, you will find that your dog is happy, fulfilled, and best of all, tired out!
Pick Them Up a Special Treat
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The way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach, and nothing shows love more than surprising them with a special treat. Stop at the local dog bakery and pick up some cookies, or even a cake. Bring them home to your pooch and watch their eyes light up as they devour them.
If you do not live in an area with a dog bakery, try to make your own treats. One simple recipe is Peanut Butter and Pumpkin cookies. Toss canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and rolled oats into a food processor and hit puree. Once evenly blended, roll them out and use fun cookie cutters to make shapes. Bake in the oven until crisp.
Learn Their Body Language
Dogs cannot talk to us, but they do try to communicate through body language. It is important to learn your dog’s body language so you can tell when they are uncomfortable with a situation and get them out of it. A happy dog has a wagging tail, will make eye contact with you, and has their brow raised in curiosity. An uncomfortable dog’s tail is tucked. They do not make willing eye contact with you; instead, their eyes seem bulged out, to the point where you can see the whites of their eyes. They also continually lick their lips.
Leave Them Something To Do
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Leaving our four legged friends home alone is often hard–moreso on them than us! Ease their anxiety by leaving them something to do. Fill their space with a few of their favorite toys. Even better, leave them with a treat dispensing toy. This way, your pup has to work with the toy to gain treats. The mental stimulation will not only distract them but eventually wear them out.
Learn Their Love Language
As humans, we express affection with hugs and kisses. These may not be appropriate for your dog; in fact, they can be downright threatening. Instead, learn your dog’s love language. Dogs lean into people as a sign of affection. Do not be afraid to lean back; this will show them you feel the same. Additionally, dogs greet the ones they love with eyebrows raised. Feel free to give this excited greeting–accompanied by a relaxed smile–right back.
Taken Them For an Outing
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Dogs love to go everywhere with their humans, and we love to take them along. Organize some special outings for your pup.
Take them to the dog park or down to the local creek to play in the water. Contact a local swimming pool and see if they do a dog’s night, where people take their dogs to swim safely in the pool.
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More of a homebody? Bring the fun to your dog by inviting some of their special friends over to play.
Snuggle
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Dogs love to cuddle, and the perfect time to do this is before bed. The contact will make them feel both secure and safe, and letting them sleep next to you at night shows them you at your most vulnerable state. This builds trust and is the ultimate sign of affection for a dog.
Final Words About How To Make Your Dog Feel Special
Live in a household where your dog is not welcome on the bed? Create cuddling opportunities elsewhere, such as the floor or on their bed. You can even take your affection outside for a nap in the grass on a sunny afternoon. Dogs are incredible animals who are loved by their owners. With these seven tips, you can show your dog just how much you love them by using their own language.