As pet owners, we want our canine friends to be to be happy in our company and in their life. Health is a significant portion of a dog’s happiness, and there is quite a bit you can do to increase your furry friend’s overall life happiness. There are some basic things that you can do to structure his life to increase his comfort, and then there are a bit more advanced things you can do to add to his happiness.

11. Make sure he gets enough exercise

Our pets are designed to have energy that they need to use up. Excess energy and boredom are often the causes for our dog’s misbehavior. As a baseline, your dog should get some significant movement time at least twice a day.

When you take your dog for a walk, not only are you both getting exercise, but your dog is fully engaging his complex senses, getting more things to think about, meeting new people and places, as well as using up the extra energy. As an additional benefit, it is a great bonding time with your dog, as you both get out of the house and get some fresh air. Dogs do not tolerate being cooped up in a house all the time and rapidly get bored with their limited experiences, leading to exploration you may not like.

While you are with your dog, get rid of the phone. Your pet deserves some uninterrupted attention and time. Your dog knows when you are distracted and he craves your attention. So, set the phone to silent and just enjoy some time together. Your dog will be much happier, and likely you will enjoy the time away as well.

Read more on the next page

Back
SHARE