By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Hilarie Erb
This Valentine’s Day, think about who really loves you unconditionally. It’s nice that your human significant other doesn’t steal your socks, but does he/she match your dog’s crazy enthusiasm every time you come home?
Here are some things you can do for your dog that will show your love for him all year long.
Sign up for a training class. There are classes for basic manners, competitive dog sports including agility, obedience, tracking, herding – something for every dog! Search for a class here.
Initiate play with your dog every day. Ten or 15 minutes can make all the difference because what she really wants is time with you.
Buy him a toy that can be stuffed with food. Keep it ready for when he must be home alone. You can feed him meals this way.
Teach her a new trick. Here’s a great place to start. He’ll love showing off for when he’s learned it!
If you receive a gift of chocolate from your Valentine, keep it away from your dog. The darker it is, the more dangerous – it can be deadly.
Take him for a ride in the car – even if it is a toy car – somewhere fun.
Get a dog tooth brush and toothpaste – and start brushing her teeth. Most dogs love it, because what’s better than poultry flavored toothpaste?
Find a good recipe and make some homemade dog treats.
Buy him a nice new bed and teach “Go to Your Place.” Once your dog learns this, he can be part of the goings-on without being underfoot. Here’s how.
If your dog spends the day alone while you are at work, find a dog day care he can go to, two or three times a week. He’ll have a blast and will be ready to chill on the couch with you at the end of the day. If your dog does not enjoy playing with other dogs, hire a dog walker to take your dog out a for a stroll a couple of times a week.
Your dog will return the love many times over and will be an even more agreeable companion. Happy Valentine’s Day!