Top Activities For A Dependent Dog

Introduction

Every single dog in the world has a unique set of qualities and personalities, regardless of what breed they are. There are dogs who are confident and independent while there are others who are timid and quite reliant on their owners. If you happen to own a dependent dog, chances are you keep trying to find new ways to bond with them and, at the same time, gradually teaching them how to be independent. You need to help your dog find the perfect balance between being needy and doing things on their own. Below are some of the top activities that your dependent dog can engage in.

Spa Day

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Dog shampoo

Nail trimmer

Brush

Towel

Dog toothbrush

Activity description

If you have a dependent dog, there is a pretty good chance that you spend a substantial amount of your time with them. One activity that you can do with your clingy pooch is to have a dedicated “doggy spa day”. This activity is not only a great way for you to bond; it is also a practical move as you get to maintain your dog’s overall well-being. A grooming session every once in a while is necessary, especially if you have a dog that is high-maintenance. Being pampered is something that your dog will truly appreciate and can strengthen your connection with each other.

Step

1

Prepare your grooming equipment

Before you start with the spa session for your pooch, make sure that you have all the grooming stuff ready. The essentials include a dog-safe shampoo, nail trimmer, a brush for your dog’s coat, towel and dog toothbrush. Make sure to have warm water in your tub (or a doggy tub) to help your dog relax.

Step

2

Clean your dog up

When you have all the equipment ready and organized, place your pooch inside the tub and get them wet. Lather your dog with some shampoo and make sure to scrub their entire body, especially those hard-to-clean areas. Rinse off the shampoo and dry your pooch with a towel. Then, start brushing your dog’s coat. Afterward, you can proceed to brush their teeth and trim the nails.

Step

3

Cap off with a massage

The best way to end a grooming session is to give your dog a soothing massage. Before attempting the massage, make sure that your dog is totally calm and in a submissive state. Gently pet your dog and talk to them using a soothing voice. Afterward, you can start massaging the neck by making circular motions. Do this to all other parts of your dog’s body, focusing on one area at a time.

Add your dog's photo

Work For Food

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Food-dispensing toy

Treats

Activity description

There is no denying the fact that owners like to spoil their dogs a lot. If you think about it, owners provide their dogs with a place to stay, a warm bed, lots of praise and attention and all meals for free. However, when dogs are spoiled by their owners, they are unable to fulfill their original purpose of working and miss out on activities that will stimulate their minds. An ingenious way to make a dependent dog more self-supporting is to make them “work” for their food with the help of food-dispensing toys. This activity is easy, mentally-challenging and can be done within the comforts of your own home.

Step

1

Do your research

Food-dispensing toys are a lot more common than you might expect, with several varieties available in stores. In order to narrow down your choices, look for reviews or descriptions of these toys online and see which one you think is best suitable for your dog. You can also visit a pet store and check the toys out on your own or get some help from the salespeople.

Step

2

Teach your dog

Once you have chosen which toy to buy, bring it home and put it to the test. Fill up the toy with some dog food or treats. The tricky part would be to teach your dog how to use the toy. Start by doing a demonstration of how the toy works. If your dog does not get it right the first few times, just keep on showing the mechanics of the toy until they eventually figure it out. Being rewarded with a treat can be motivation enough for your dog to learn.

Add your dog's photo

Make Treats

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 minutes

Items needed

Chicken Broth

Eggs

Cheese

Oats

Flour

Activity description

Treats are a dog owner’s best friend; these can be used to train your pooch or to simply make them happy. Some dog treats also have useful nutrients that your dog will benefit from. But if you have the spare time and would like to spend time with your dog, you can opt to create your own dog treats at home instead of buying them straight from the store. After all, it is nice to know exactly what goes into the stuff that your dog eats. This activity also presents an opportunity for you actively bond with your dog while giving them something to look forward to. Making treats is not an expensive venture - typically you will have the ingredients on-hand at home. Research a recipe online and get your little taste-tester to try it out!

Step

1

Look for a recipe for dog treats

The internet is a landmine of information and it should be easy enough to find a simple and easy-to-make recipe for dog treats. Look for one that you can easily whip up and has ingredients that you can easily acquire or that you may already have at home. The recipe you choose may be dependent on other factors such as preparation time.

Step

2

Buy everything you need

When you have settled on a recipe for the dog treat, head out to the store and buy the necessary ingredients. If there is an outdoor market or farmer’s market near your place, you can even opt to bring your dog with you while you go shopping. Just make sure that your dog is leashed and well-behaved so that you won’t disturb other shoppers.

Step

3

Start making some treats

Once you have bought all the ingredients and items you will need, head back home and straight to the kitchen. Prepare the ingredients as indicated in the recipe you have chosen. Then, just follow the procedures listed in your recipe. While making the treats, make your dog the official “taste tester” and let them have a piece of the treat.

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Share a Meal Together

For dependent dogs, something as simple as having a meal with their owners is an activity that they will deeply appreciate. Whether it’s a homemade meal or store-bought, make sure to enjoy a meal with your pooch every once in a while.

Master Obedience

Dogs who like to depend on their owner are usually willing to learn new tasks. You can take advantage of your dog’s dependency by mastering basic obedience commands. Not only will it prove useful in daily situations, obedience training also helps keep your dog’s mind stimulated.

Conclusion

A dog’s everlasting loyalty is just one of the main reasons why they are so easy to love and care for. However, this unconditional devotion may border into dependence, which can be problematic especially when you are cannot be around your dog at all times. But with the right amount of time spent together and proper activities, you can train your dog to become more and more independent.