Let’s think for a minute what it feels like to be a dog. And to be your dog.

Dogs Share Our Emotions

Dogs have emotions and get moody just like humans.. for instance when I tell my cattle dog Akia she has to go to bed so I can let the cat out, she will stall, try and ignore me and then give a pathetic hang dog look and walk super slow to the bed room with her head down and ears back. On the other hand when I come home from work and open the door, she leaps out to greet me wanting to play and hoping for a walk with a huge smile on her face and a great look of hopeful anticipation.  Yes, dogs and humans share many of the same moods and emotions. And like humans, they can be finicky at times.

Thus, what I’m about to share with you will hopefully:

1) Provide practical tips for assessing and improving your dog’s mood

2) Strengthen your relationship, communication, and bond of love with your dog

3) Enhance your sense of well-being, knowing your dog appreciates and loves you

A Dog’s Basic Needs is Much More Than Just Food & Water

So what are dogs basic needs? Well in my opinion they need more than food, water, a yard to be in, and a short walk and a ball. They need your time, attention, and interaction with you. They need to know they matter, have a job and you are happy with them. They need to know what is expected of them and how they can please you. Plus they need to have a chance to run and play.

There is a saying a tired dog is a happy dog.  Watching dogs play can be very entertaining. Dogs are so athletic and want to be in on the game.  If the game is with you, it’s all the better because  most dogs would rather be playing and going places with their owners than anything else.

Thus, here are some questions to ask yourself to know if your dog is happy:

1) Is your dog panting, smiling, out of breath, and checking in with you as to what to do next?

2) Is your dog bringing you a ball or toy and asking you to play?

3) Is your dog laying at your feet blissfully relaxed?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then your dog is telling you he or she is happy.

Tips From A Professional Dog Walker

As a professional dog walker I’m always looking for ways to meet dog’s needs and ways that leave them happier then when I found them. Let’s say we have a good walk. What’s a good walk? 30 min or more  of good sniffing changing scenery, a park, some good trees, maybe get to say hi to a couple of other dogs and then some play time. Once back in the house we can have one or two rounds of hide and seek. This is how you play. I leave the dog outside or in a room with the door closed so they can hear me but can’t see me.( I hide treats you can also use kibble) in as many rooms as possible in hard and easy places, the whole time I’m saying wait, hide and seek. The dog is waiting on the other side of the door having to sit still in anticipation. The anticipation is building when the dog and only when they are quiet not scratching the door or barking or jumping around do I open the door. But still they have to wait till I say their name. This is a great training opportunity because you are accomplishing several things at once. The dog holding herself back is increasing self-control which is not only tiring but valuable in so many different scenarios  maybe even lifesaving. The ability to wait is paramount to good dog behavior. Once released to get the treats the nose takes over. That is the best time to leave. The dog is searching and finding treats and distracted and you slip out the door. Hide and seek is great to do when it’s raining or your walk had to be shorter for some reason.

When your dogs mind and nose are getting a work out the end result is happy, tired dog.

It’s also fun to play outside, change toys for treats, or have 2 people play: one hides and the other one tells the dog to go find you.

Playing chase master is one of Akia’s favorite games. She gets the rubber toy or big ball and then I have to catch her and take it away. She loves to stick the toy of choice in my other dog’s face and show him I can’t get it. Then they play tug of war with it. Akia always wins.

Most dogs love to ride in the car with you and go places. The best is to go in the car to a cool dog place, take a walk, then ride home. This makes for an extra happy dog. Examples of places to go include a dog beach, forest preserve, open lands, and even a dog class. Additionally, training your dog to perform tricks is another excellent way to make your dog tired and happy. Sometimes only five minutes of positive training time added on to a walk or before bed will have your dog out like a light, tired, satisfied and happy.

So now you know what it feels like to be a dog, and to be a happy dog.

All the best,
Pamela