Activities For Loyal Dogs

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Introduction

You are the center of your dog's world. The apple of their eye. The only one who they want to be with. If this all sounds like your relationship with your pup, then you have a very loyal dog. Playing and interacting with a loyal dog is special as it strengthens your bond and gives your pup exactly what they want - time with you! So set some time aside each day to do a few of these activities with your loyal dog - it will mean the world to them!

Be Inseparable

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Activity description

A bond between a dog and their human is sometimes so strong due to what is known as the rescue factor. If you adopted your dog, they may have come from a bad circumstance and going home with a loving, caring person such as yourself literally saved them. This can make your dog fiercely loyal to you and for good reason. Make sure your dog knows that you are also loyal to them and that you will never leave by bringing them with you anywhere possible. Yes, you may not be able to bring your dog to work or to the grocery store but you can bring them on other adventures!

Step
1
One on one
Make sure to spend one on one time with your dog each day. A loyal dog craves your attention and just by giving it to them will make them the happiest pup! You don't need to do much, just a cuddle on the couch or a walk around the block will remind your dog that you are there for them.
Step
2
Go places
If you are headed out on an errand, bring your dog! If you are going to a friend's house, bring your dog. If you are going on vacation, bring your dog! Having a dog means making a commitment to them and vowing that they will be in your lives no matter what. So make it happen- bring your pal wherever you go and they will be even more loyal to you in the long run.
Step
3
Dog days
Plan "dog days" where you and your pup do activities together that your dog loves. Hiking, running or going on a road trip to the ocean are all fun things that will get your dog moving and also strengthen your bond. Affection, dependability and also training is what makes a dog stay loyal!
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Distractions

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
Toys
Radio
Treats
Activity description

If you have a fiercely loyal dog, they may be upset when you inevitably leave them home alone. Your dog may destroy toys and furniture while you are away, they may bark incessantly the whole time or they may even nervously lick their fur right off - all signs that your pup is anxious when you are gone. To combat this problem, set your loyal dog up for success. Providing them with a fun atmosphere that they can thrive in alone is ideal. Eventually, you will have to leave your dog alone so plan ahead and make sure that they will be happy and entertained even when you are gone. 

Step
1
Toys
Get several toys that your dog can play with while you are gone and put them out on display. The idea is that your dog will chew or toss their toys around rather than your furniture of precious belongings! It is a good idea to have a rotation of toys that you hide and take out when you need to leave your dog. This will keep the toys exciting and new for your pup.
Step
2
Puzzles
Teach your dog how to use a puzzle toy where you hide treats inside and your dog needs to use their brain to open the toy and get the treats out. These toys can keep your dog distracted for a good amount of time and therefore they won't even notice you are gone! And, they get a treat as a reward when they figure out their toy - a win win!
Step
3
Remember me
Give your dog one of your shirts that still has your scent on it to cuddle and lay on in your absence. The smell of you will comfort your dog and hopefully relax them into a nice nap. You can also go as far as making a recording of you talking and keep it on while you are gone so your dog can be soothed by the sound of your voice.
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Separation Training

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
1 - 8 hrs
Items needed
Toys
Blankets
Treats
Activity description

While having a loyal dog can be great, it may also become a nuisance when your dog just doesn't want to leave your side. If you find your dog barking at the door as you go to the bathroom, whimpering if you are talking to someone else or chasing after you whenever you leave the room, you may have what is known as a "Velcro dog". A Velcro dog is one who just cannot separate themselves from you and it can get to be tedious. It is time to teach your dog that leaving your side is not a bad thing - you will always come back!

Step
1
Stay
It may sound simple but training your dog to "stay" is extremely beneficial when it comes to training your dog to be less attached. Practice slowly by having your pup sit and stay as you take a few steps away. Then call them to you and reward them. Do it again but this time leave the room. Then go a few rooms over. This distance will help your dog learn that it is okay for you to be away.
Step
2
Special place
Create a "special place" for your dog and train them to go there when you ask. Make a nice corner extra comfortable with a dog bed and blankets and surround the area with your dog's favorite toys. You can even look into anti-anxiety pet spray to spritz the area with and make your dog feel relaxed. Give your dog a treat whenever they are in their "area" to further communicate how great it is for them to be alone, in their own little spot.
Step
3
Play
Some dogs become clingy just because they are bored. When you are home, they want to play and interact with you to release some of their energy. To combat this, bring your dog for a long walk, schedule time to play with them and spend at least a little time showering them with affection. Give your pup a little of what they are looking for and they may leave you alone for a minute or two!
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More Fun Ideas...

Leash Free

Test your dog's loyalty by walking them or going for a run without the leash. Begin in an area that is fenced in just in case your pup does decide to venture off. Being leash free is exhilarating especially when you are sure that your dog will always be right by your side.

Hide and Seek

The perfect classic game you can play with your dog is hide and seek. A loyal dog will almost always be sure to find you and be super excited when they do! 

Conclusion

Loyal dogs are a blessing and also a curse. While it is great that your dog only has eyes for you, it can get a bit tedious sometimes especially when the loyalty turns into neediness. Try a few of these activities to celebrate your pup's loyalty and also to curb any unwanted behaviors. Loyal and happy is great, clingy and whiny is not so great. You want the happy loyal pup so nurture that side and just be happy that your dog loves you so!