Showing Appreciation For Your Dog
Published January 31st, 2008
Our dog friends and family members give us their unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty, every day, rain or shine. It’s true they are creatures of habit, but think about just how excited they get when something fun and unexpected happens to them: That pure joy and exuberance is priceless.
Many of us know our family appreciates all of the hard work that we do, but it’s still nice if they actually show us or tell us sometimes. It makes a big difference when someone reaches out and says: ”You’re doing a good job, thank you.” Now I don’t think that dogs sit around all day hoping that someone will recognize their efforts, but they sure are happy when you do.
I came up with a list of things that we all know, but don’t always think to do for the important dogs in our life. Showing gratitude and appreciation doesn’t have to take a lot of time, or cost a lot of money, it’s the giving of your undivided attention and energy for a set amount of time that’s most important.
Here is my list of simple ways that we can consciously show appreciation for wonderful the canines in our lives:
1. Give them a sliver of their most favourite food. They don’t care about the quantity, they just care that they are getting something extra that they love (as long as you know their tummy can handle it). Naula’s favourite is pineapple pizza…and her birthday’s coming up!
2. Set aside sometime to just play with them until you’re both tired out.
3. Spend some quality time petting, scratching, or grooming them if they like it. For many dogs, touch is the most potent reward they can get.
4. Take them outdoors for a walk.
5. Surprise them with something new. My guys love new toys that make different animals noises. One dog loves to learn new tricks, so we want to try agility!
6. Take them on a doggie friendly, or dog-related trip. There are many pet friendly hotels, cabins, and cool dog daycares popping up all over the place. When we go on a trip with our guys we always make sure that there is a good daycare nearby so they can be well taken care of for a few hours, if we have to do something without them. Even just a trip to the lake or a dog pool is sure to brighten their day!
7. Celebrate their birthday and Christmas. They might not know what day it is, but it’s a good chance for you to consciously thank them for being so great, and they’ll love the extra attention and gifts.
8. Let them play with their other animal friends. They play differently with them than they do with us so it adds a new dimension of excitement.
9. Take them in for their annual vaccinations and check-up. This is important for everybody in the family. They need a check up for the same reasons that we do, and also because they can’t talk to tell us if something else might be starting or going on.
10. In their time of need, do whatever you need to do, and use whatever resources you have to help them. They would never turn their back on you, ever. Use your veterinarian, family, friends, and anyone else to support you and help to make the right decisions for the dog in your life.
Now, time’s a wasting, let’s get out there and show our dogs some love!
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