We’re always told that a dog is a man’s best friend, but what about the dog? Are you your dog’s best friend? It’s important that you focus not just on all the ways in which your dog makes your life better but the ways in which you can make your dog’s life better.
Much like a relationship with your friends or family members, you need to see your relationship with your dog as a two-way street. It’s not enough for them to give you love if you’re not returning that affection and care.
Dogs make great companions in the home and on the farm. They are loyal and trusting, loving and giving. They deserve to have the same treatment back. When you become your dog’s best friend they will reward you with years of happiness.
Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Being a Dog’s Best Friend.
Be Your Dog’s Best Friend…Keep them healthy.
Your priority, above all else, needs to be the health of your pup. They keep you healthy and you keep them healthy. It’s a beautiful never-ending cycle. Obviously, the best way to keep both of you healthy is to go on regular dog walks. Humans have become quite sedentary and unhealthy. But dogs still want to run around and stay active so you need to allow them that freedom if you want to avoid ruining their health. Plus, as mentioned above, it’ll keep you healthy too.
Moreover, they’ll need a lot of rest in order to recover from their active lifestyle, so make sure that your dog has a comfortable place to sleep. Sleep is very important for a dog’s health, much as it is for humans; the amount they need depends on their breed, size, and age.
You also need to think about the food that your little buddy eats. You need to make sure they avoid certain foods, most importantly. Chocolate may be delicious (if a little unhealthy) for we humans but it can be very unhealthy for dogs. You might want to look into brands such as Betsy Farms that provide very healthy and tasty jerky-based treats (chicken, duck, or turkey). You can even make your own Berry Pumpkin Dog Treats.
It’s important that you give your dog all the protein and sustenance they need. Additionally, you should always leave a bowl of water out for your dog before you leave the house so that they don’t go thirsty during the day. A good choice for a waterer is the Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer.
Be Your Dog’s Best Friend…Keep them safe.
The second most important part of being a dog owner is keeping your little companion safe at all times. Dogs are loving and beautiful creatures but, unlike independent animals such as cats, they are prone to wandering off and getting lost. Losing your dog is probably one of your biggest fears, not only for your own personal heartache but for the sake of the safety of your furry family member.
You might want to look into pet trackers to make sure you never have to run the risk of being unable to find your dog when he or she goes wandering. You can get GPS trackers installed into pet tags these days. Putting your name and phone number on the tag is always a smart decision too.
A strong but comfortable leash is also very important. The tobeDRi Heavy Duty Dog leash is a great choice for any size dog. With a good leash, you can walk and run with your dog at your side safely and securely.
Be Your Dog’s Best Friend…Keep them happy.
Finally, you need to keep your dog happy. Much like humans, dogs love to socialize. They love meeting new people and other dogs, so you should get them out there as much as possible in order to help them to make new friends. Most importantly, of course, they want your love and affection. If you want to be your dog’s best friend then simply be their best friend. Spend time with them, throw a ball for them to catch, and let them chase you around your local park (if it’s safe to do so).
Many dogs will play with toys. If you really want to be your dog’s best friend give him a Kong Classic Dog Toy. These are chewable toys that you can fill with peanut butter and treats for your dog. They come in all sizes for all size dogs and most dogs love them. They are great for puppies too. You can find many other toys at your local pet stores.
One last piece of advice.
Make sure you keep up with veterinary appointments for your dog. Your dog’s health can be maintained with annual checkups and routine vaccinations. A healthy dog is a happy dog. Regular treatment for fleas and warm baths will also be needed to keep your dog’s coat in pristine shape.
If you follow the guidelines above you will be well on your way to becoming your dog’s best friend in no time. IS your dog your best friend? Are you his or hers? Feel free to leave me a comment below and tell me all about your best friend.
7 Comments