A dog always brings a lot of positive emotions to its owner. But what if your friend is sad, doesn't greet you at the door, and is quietly lying in the corner? You need to urgently come to your beloved pet's aid and cheer them up.
Take a spontaneous walk
A dog is unlikely to refuse a walk. It's great if you take it somewhere new. This could be a park it hasn't been to. It's also good to take it out into the woods occasionally. There, it can run freely among the trees and bushes, rustle the leaves, or try to catch a squirrel.
During the warmer months, a walk to a river or lake is a great option. Choose deserted beaches so your pet can frolic in the water to their heart's content.
Learn new commands
Perhaps your pet already knows what to do when you say "no," "fetch," or "voice." Or maybe you haven't trained them at all? Now is the time to pay attention and teach them a few commands. Be patient and have a treat for your pet. For dogs who haven't yet been trained, something simpler like "sit," "down," or "give me your paw" will do. For experienced dogs, introduce them to "crawl" or "freeze." Reinforce each successful execution of a command with a treat. It's important to reinforce these skills regularly, so your pet will remember them perfectly.
Don't scold a dog if it can't understand what you want it to do or doesn't obey. This can worsen the animal's stress.
Pamper yourself with treats
You've probably bought something tasty for your pet at the pet store. Now's the time to take a closer look at the selection and treat your sad friend to something new. Dried offal, beef jerky, chicken delicacies—offer your dog a few options to choose from. Or perhaps rabbit's foot or dried venison sticks? All of these will not only give your dog new taste sensations but also distract him from his sad thoughts. These treats are perfect for chewing for hours.
How about taking a piece with you on a walk and burying it under a tree in the yard? Besides all sorts of dry treats, there are delicacies in the form of real sausages and hot dogs, and even sugar-free chocolate for pets!
Buy a new toy
Every four-legged friend has their own collection of favorite toys. Give your dog a treat by buying them a new one.
Toys come in different types:
- Treat toys. These include all kinds of sinew bones, beef, or pork hooves. Dogs can not only chew on these toys but also run with them, bury them, and dig them up again. These toys are beneficial for both mood and dental health.
- For training. There are special toys available called feeding bowls. The toy contains a container hidden inside, which holds a treat. When the dog correctly performs a command, it receives a reward. These toys are shaped like a dumbbell or a ball.
- To run around. It's hard to find a dog that doesn't enjoy retrieving a thrown ball or stick. You can have fun playing with your pet using a Frisbee or a ring.
- Soft and rubber toys. They are made in the shape of animals, birds, balls, ropes, and rings. To make these toys more appealing, squeakers are often added.
Talk to your pet
Your friend may be feeling sad from a lack of attention. Try to praise and pet your dog daily. Pay attention to what your pet enjoys most. Some dogs love being scratched behind the ears. Others relax from a gentle pat on the belly.
Even if you're busy right now and your dog is following you around, showing signs of boredom, don't ignore it. A few minutes of time with your pet will put it in a good mood for a long time.
If your dog is feeling down, there are plenty of ways to entertain them. Playing and interacting together will bring joy to both owner and pet.
