Activities For Kind Dogs

Don't just show up to your friend's door with your dog. No one likes someone who just shows up without calling first. Call your friend, set a time and day, and then head on over once you get a green light. Bonus tip: it may help to bring your dog's favorite toy, especially if it's a silly one, because any additional embellishment of cuteness is welcome in times of crisis.

Once you get green light, drive on over to your friend's house. Be there for your friend. Talk less, and listen more. Whenever you're faced with strong, emotional questions, offer the best advice you possibly can. And if you just don't know the answer to something, be honest about it. Meanwhile, your dog will be playing with the toy, being cute, walking around and exploring. Make sure to call your dog up to cuddle your friend if need be.

If your dog seems super comfortable, and your friend loves dogs, ask if temporarily adopting your pet is something they'd be interested in. Could be a day, maybe two, or even just an afternoon. It could even become more of a routine thing that helps both of you out for as long as it's needed. If the answer is a no, let them know they're welcome to visit you and your dog whenever. And be there for your friend! When you visit, take the dog! In the meantime, suggest a walk around the block. Your friend may perk up in the fresh air and the walk will do everyone good, especially your kind pup!

One would think you need an ESA dog to help with depression. But emotional support dogs are actually every dog. Only some people choose to have a prescription letter written by their psychologist, psychiatrist, or a different mental health professional, that confirms that having that dog around is critical to their well being. It's not something you technically have to do, though. Instead, look up the breeds you know your loved one would enjoy the most, breeds known for being extraordinarily kind, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Corgi, Pug, and Irish Wolfhound.

Now that you've got a clearer picture of the breed you're looking for, look for the right individual dog. Contact shelters and inquire if they happen to have any dogs of the breed you have decided on, and ask them to call you the moment that they do. If you know someone who is giving away puppies of this breed, such as a farm, try that out. Shopping for a pet companion should be your last resort, and only because you're looking for the breeds of dogs known for being extra kind and gentle.

Once you find the dog, it's time to adopt. Bring your dog along for a meet and greet, seeing as they will probably be spending time together. Once you have the new dog, invest in at least 2 to 3 toys, a bag of food, some water and food bowls, and maybe a dog bed. Remember, your loved one is depressed, so it's best to take this on yourself, as it will mean the world. You can't put a price on mental health. Present your loved one with the dog, pick a name out together, and see if it's a good fit. Hopefully they will be friends for a long time to come. Be prepared to help out with the initial getting to know each other, as well as some aspects of the training, if needed. Arrange times to walk together; you and your pup can help this new duo as they make a transition in their lives. And of course, if your loved one cannot manage the dog full-time at this time, you will have to foster their dog now and then, until the adjustment is complete.

Before running out the door, there are a few things to reach for. Remember things like your phone, your keys, doggy bags, and the dog leash, for instance. Leave the headphones at home; headphones are a clear social indicator that you don't want to be disrupted, which is against everything you're actually trying to do here!

Now that you feel prepared, there's a few things to keep in mind. For instance, at the end of the day, a lot of these social encounters will be a one-time thing. You'll meet a local, they'll offer suggestions on food or entertainment in the area, and then you'll never see or hear from them again. That's okay, at least it's practice. Plus, no one is saying you can't exchange numbers or offer to do something sometime.

Once you're prepped with everything you need and your mental checklist is zen-approved, head out there and strut your stuff with doggo! Don't forcibly talk to people about their dogs as an ice breaker, read their body language. If they want to talk, they'll seem much more relaxed and inclined to stop and chat. If you're not having any luck, look up your closest dog park. Every single owner there is looking to talk about dogs, the area, and the new restaurant that just opened up. Socializing in a dog park is the perfect way for your kind dog to make someone's day and perhaps bring a new person into your life.