How to Make a Dog Happy with Small Gestures

First of all: don't spoil them. To win the love and company of dogs and cats, and even to educate them, it is not necessary to stray into manias, obsessions and waste. What use can a enamel For pets? Or fur, coats, and pads? And how could anyone possibly consider paying for a dog spa, as they do?

It may seem strange to you, but these objects and treats are also part of a long shopping list of Italians for their dogs and cats: in total about 2 billion euros a yearMoney, in some cases, really wasted, even if more than half of this amount is represented by the cost of cans and croquettes. Only for dogs, in fact we spend, 309 million euros in cans e 814 million in croquettes.

If we truly want to win over our dogs and cats—a worthy goal, given that they're lifelong companions—then let's try to keep our feet on the ground. And in a simple, yet highly effective way, let's apply a few rules. Like the ones we outline here.

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  More empathy, less leash

Leave your dog as free as possible, even indoors. For his freedom of movement, for the warmth he seeks and finds within the family. Use the leash only when necessary, and communicate with him:empathy It's the first way to educate him well.

• Give him his space

Dogs, like humans, thrive on habits, including their space. So, establish a place where they sleep—preferably not in your bedroom—and where they eat. Their life will be more regular and therefore more peaceful.

• Respect the timetables

Do you know the time of the baby food For children? Or the usual bath time? It's the same with dogs. They need to eat regularly (preferably just once a day, early in the morning) and go outside to do their business regularly (at least twice a day).

• Educated, not trained

Remember that a dog, like a child, is educated, not trained. Therefore, avoid all attitudes and requests, for example regarding positions to assume, that are reminiscent of games. circus.

• Speak, don't impose

Even for dogs, training is always a two-way process: you ask and you receive, and vice versa. Don't shout your commands unnecessarily, and try to be convincing. Reprimand your dog, making him understand where he's going wrong, for example, when he urinates in the house.

• Don't forget your vaccinations

Choose yours veterinarian of reference and entrust your dog to him consistently, starting with the vaccinations he tells you are essential.

• The walk

For a dog, a walk isn't just an essential opportunity to relieve himself. There's much more. It allows him to let off steam, socialize with the outside world, and get physical activity, which means exercise so he doesn't gain weight. It relaxes him and makes him less aggressive.

• In contact with children

Dogs thrive and are happier when they feel the company and warmth of a welcoming family. The company of children is very helpful in this regard, as dogs quickly learn to play and communicate with them.

• Your dog is part of the family

When a dog enters your home, he's not a temporary guest: he becomes an essential member. A new member of the family. Make this clear with your attitude and the way you communicate with him.

• Never abandon it

Always try not to leave your dog alone at home for too long. If you go out and no one can look after him, give yourself time to come back. A dog alone feels abandoned and is likely to become sad.

How to recognize a stressed dog

• He gets overexcited when we get home
• He can't stay alone, even for a short time
• He barks often and for no specific reason
• He is too attached to his master
• Compulsively licks certain parts of the body
• He constantly bites objects in the house
• He suddenly goes to the toilet in the house

Read also:

• Dogs as natural antidepressants: they ward off anxiety, stress, and relationship problems.
• Dogs or cats: which is better at home? Both: they all extend our lives.
• Pet therapy with fish increases concentration and relaxation. Here are all the benefits.