Things Dogs Love That Most Owners Forget to Do

In the middle of all those wagging tails and full food bowls is an uncomfortable truth about how little happiness really takes.

The American Pet Products Association reports that U.S. households own 68 million dogs, up from 65.1 million. That’s a lot of wagging tails and slobbery kisses! Despite this booming doggie population, many of these pups are not living their best lives.

Think about it, while your dog may have a comfy spot on the couch and an endless supply of treats, there’s something crucial that many owners are missing: the trifecta of what makes a dog truly happy. Ignore these, and well, you might just find your dog suddenly thinking the neighbor’s garden is their new chew toy.

Real play sessions after training

Dogs that engaged in a brief play session after training performed better and retained their skills for longer. Many owners overlook this essential aspect of training and skip the play their dogs love.

Longer, purposeful walks

Many dogs are only getting short “bathroom walks” instead of structured, exercise-driven outings. Time constraints often limit walk durations, leading to restlessness, weight gain, and behavioral problems. Houndsy confirms that exercise needs vary by breed, with high-energy dogs needing 160-120 mins daily and lower-energy breeds needing around 30-60 minutes.

Unhurried sniff walks

Sniff walks, or “sniffaris,” allow dogs to follow their noses and explore the world at their own pace, providing vital mental stimulation. Rushed walks focused only on exercise or toileting miss out on the mental benefits of letting dogs explore their environment. A slower, more deliberate walk can do wonders for a dog’s mental health.

Daily brain games and puzzle play

The Toronto Humane Society states that mental stimulation activities, such as brain games and puzzles, can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs and promote problem-solving skills. Mental work can tire a dog as much as physical work. Yet many dogs are more bored than fatigued, and they crave these mental challenges to stay content.

One-on-one, undistracted bonding time

HABRI research confirms that the human-animal bond is strong and that pets positively impact owner health. Dogs thrive on quality time, whether it’s relaxing together or playing. Despite this, many owners still rely on “background companionship,” where the dog is present but ignored.

Structured social time with people or dogs

Structured social interaction, whether with humans or other dogs, has a positive effect on dogs’ mental health. Social contact reduces stress, decreases reactivity to stimuli, and promotes relaxation. 

Consistent, positive training past puppyhood

Many owners stop training once their dog learns basic commands, but continuing structured training into adulthood provides long-term benefits. ResearchGate indicates that high levels of training can improve dogs’ problem-solving skills, making them more proactive in tackling new tasks. 

Dogs love to learn, and structured training keeps their minds sharp and their behavior in check.

Novel experiences and enrichment beyond the yard

Dog owners take their pets to parks, and over half bring them along on errands. However, many dogs still miss out on new environments and experiences. Exposure to novel stimuli such as new places, scents, and activities helps dogs relax and reduce constant vigilance.

Relaxed “do nothing” time together

Frontiers in Psychiatry found that over 90% of participants reported playing games with their dogs at least once a day or every few days. Shared relaxation, such as simply sitting together in the evening, is a rewarding activity for many dogs. 

Regular health, grooming, and comfort checks

Despite rising veterinary costs, most pet owners continue to spend on their dogs’ health. Dogs benefit from regular home checks, such as inspecting their mouths, skin, and ears, paired with timely vet visits. 

Key takeaway

Dogs love more than just food and walks; they thrive when their physical, mental, and social needs are consistently met. Incorporating structured play, sensory exploration, and ongoing training can prevent behavioral issues and improve your dog’s overall health and happiness.

Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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