Have you recently adopted a dog that is different from previous breeds you have had in the past? Maybe you now own a collie or a nosy bloodhound, and you find yourself busy trying to keep your dog happy and entertained.
One important factor to consider depending on the breed you own is that certain dogs need extra special attention. That might be because they are primarily a working dog, and are at their happiest when they are busy. Or maybe they naturally crave a sense of adventure and want to get out more often. Here are some suggestions on what you can do to make life easier for yourself and your new dog if you find you got more than you initially bargained for.
Certain Dogs Are Born To Work
Some dogs find work a meaningful and necessary part of their life, depending on their breed. A collie, such as the infamous Lassie, may love to herd sheep and other farm animals, but they aren't the only ones. There are several different breeds, all with varying functions that enjoy everything from helping police apprehend criminals, acting as watchdogs, or even being a seeing-eye dog. If you find you adopted a dog that loves to work, see what tasks you can do to get it trained so that you can keep your pet entertained. Agility training, for example, is one way to keep a dog feeling productive, and something both owner and pet can have fun with.
Some Dogs Want a Sense of Adventure
Some dogs live to go outdoors and look forward to adventuring to new places. Maybe your dog would love to go hiking either in a local park or even far away, exploring new sights and smells. Depending on your dog, they might be inclined to join you on a boating trip and even jump in and swim at the same time. If you are planning on taking your dog to a new activity, start out small, and see how your dog feels. Perhaps a small boating trip in a pond might be possible, and then you and your pooch can graduate to a nearby lake, to see how they like it. Remember to bring a life jacket for your dog to help keep them safe if they are trying to swim for the first time.
Younger Dogs of Many Breeds Need Extra Exercise
Younger dogs and certain breeds might need more exercise than others. If you can't always get out for long walks, see what types of accommodations you can make in your home for your pet. This can allow them to have fun and burn off energy even when leaving home isn't possible. For example, you might find paying for a pool cost well worth your time to have one installed. This can give your pet the chance to go swimming whenever they want. You can also swim with your pet and even have the whole family join you, making it a fun activity for everyone.
Getting Out Allows Dogs Social Time
Do you have a dog park nearby? Now might be a good time to allow your pet to meet other dogs and even develop some puppy playmates. Not all dog parks are created equal, so do your research and find out what your options are in your community. You might have to travel a distance to find someplace that is better for you and your dog, so don't be afraid to try a few and see what they are like. Consider going in the afternoon or on weekends, when your dog is more likely to play with other pups.
Different dog breeds might need extra attention, depending on their age, personality, and what they were bred to do. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways you can keep your dog busy and active no matter where you live. A few simple modifications can give your pet the life they deserve.
