Simple ways to make your dog happier this year
From small changes to big, here are some ideas to improve your dog's quality of life!
From small changes to big, here are some ideas to improve your dog's quality of life!
December 4, 2024
As a new year begins, many of us make resolutions in our commitment to a happier, healthier, more prosperous year.
Well, you know me - I’m always going to make it about dogs!! So here’s my list of things you can do to make YOUR DOG happier in 2025.
The good news is, dogs are so responsive to even the smallest changes we make - and little things can have a big impact on their happiness. I’ll start with simple, easy things that anyone can do, then we’ll work up to the bigger ticket items.
Going on the same walks every day can get boring for your dog. This year, switch it up! Take them to new parks, walking tracks, or even urban areas where they can encounter a whole range of new smells. New environments are exciting and provide valuable mental stimulation. Each unique location will help your dog feel engaged and less likely to develop boredom-driven behaviours. New smells = more stimulation = happier and better behaved dog. DOC provides information on their website about walks that are dog friendly, and many councils also have clear instructions as to where dog walks are available and where they can be on lead or off lead. Get exploring!
Dogs are social animals and benefit from regular play with dog buddies. Arrange safe playdates with other dogs, go to off-lead dog areas, or join a local dog group. Socialising with other dogs keeps them mentally and physically active, helps them practise good behaviour, and offers a unique type of joy that only fellow dogs can provide. It’s also a great outlet for that rough and tumble play they love! Members of our Virtual Schools often organise play date meet ups which I love to see - especially as they’ll all be using the same techniques and positive socialisation will be a big focus!
Letting your dog run and play off-leash in safe, designated areas can bring them immense joy. Off-leash time allows them the freedom to explore in a natural way and properly stretch their legs. Just be sure they’re in a safe environment and have reliable recall skills to ensure a positive experience for both of you. If you can’t trust your dog to be off lead, do some training to improve their recall using a 10 metre long lead to give them the sensation of being “free” while still retaining control - you can even let it drag behind them for a greater sense of freedom! Check out my recall blog here.
Be aware that off-lead dog parks can be a bit more challenging for dogs who are not so well-socialised - if this is your dog, some training work in a more controlled environrment is recommended first. Our Virtual Schools can guide you through this training if you need support.
Physical affection strengthens your bond and helps your dog feel secure and loved. Spend time each day sitting with them, cuddling, and giving them the affection they crave. Close contact releases oxytocin in both you and your dog, making you BOTH happier and more relaxed. I’m sure you’ll need no convincing on this one! If you dog isn’t used to this, make sure they are comfortable by watching their body language and go at their pace.
Just like physical touch, eye contact is a way to communicate with your dog on an emotional level. Gentle eye contact (as well as physical contact) releases an extraordinary amount of oxytocin in you and your dog, which creates feelings of peace and happiness. You can cultivate this skill if your dog doesn’t do it naturally! Check out my blog on teaching a bond gaze.
Dogs explore the world with their noses, they have up to 2 million times better sense of smell than us so it’s like reading the newspaper to them (without the bad news!). Letting them slow down and sniff on walks gives them a chance to learn more about their environment and reduces stress. Consider adding “sniffari” walks to your routine, where they can fully indulge in their curiosity. It’s a great way to practise patience and mindfulness for you, too!
Interactive games like tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or fetch are fantastic for engaging your dog’s body and mind which ultimately makes them happier. Puzzle toys and scent games are also excellent for mental stimulation and can help tire them out in a healthy way.
Leaving toys or interactive feeders when you’re out keeps your dog occupied and engaged. You can make homemade enrichment toys or buy puzzles with treats hidden inside to satisfy their foraging instincts. Paddling pools and sand pits for digging in are great options too! This mental stimulation can reduce separation anxiety and keep them entertained in your absence.
Whether it’s a trip to the park, running errands, or going to a pet-friendly café, taking your dog along for daily outings can make them feel like a more integrated part of your life. Being included in these activities boosts their confidence and deepens your bond. However, do make sure they learn to stay at home and apart as well so they don’t become overdependent and suffer separation distress.
Many dogs thrive when they have a sense of purpose, especially those breeds that were bred for work (such as herding or hunting). Jobs don’t have to be complicated—they could be as simple as carrying a backpack on a walk or practising new tricks. Consider activities that tap into their natural instincts, like herding, retrieving, or agility exercises. There are numerous dog sports out there that you can join and enjoy dog and human contact - agility, rally obedience (rally-o), nose work or scent work, dock diving, lure coursing, herding trials, trick training, canine freestyle dancing, sledding, gun dog trials and more! Get going and join something, your dog will love you for it and you may discover a new passion too!
Behavioural issues like fear, anxiety, or aggression can have a major negative affect on your dog’s happiness - imagine feeling stressed, scared or hyper-alert all the time? No fun at all. Resolving these issues will relieve stress and help them feel more comfortable and secure in their environment. If you would like guidance on how to resolve any behavioural issues your dog has, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to offer some advice.
Dogs are intrinsically social animals, and they like to be in contact with you or others. If you’re often away from home for long hours, doggy daycare can be a great way for your dog to socialise, exercise, and have fun while you’re at work. Choose a facility with staff who understand dog behaviour and provide a safe, positive environment. Daycare can help your dog avoid loneliness, socialise with people and other dogs and get the physical activity they need.
Taking your dog on a family holiday can be an incredible experience. Look for dog-friendly destinations where they can safely explore with the family. Beaches, forests, and pet-friendly campgrounds or baches are ideal spots. Traveling together also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, while giving them the excitement of new surroundings, sounds, and smells. Plan well, crate train them, clip station train them and travel condition them before you go if needed.
Making small adjustments in your dog’s routine and focusing on their physical and emotional well-being can add a lot of joy to their lives. Try a few of these suggestions and see how your dog responds! A happy dog is a healthy, loyal, and loving companion, so this New Year, prioritise the things that bring them joy and fulfilment. Their joy is your joy too!
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