Learn Why Loving Your Pet Is Vital To Their Health

Looking after the health and well-being of your dog requires more than simply buying a good dog insurance policy. Having a close loving relationship with your dog is vital for your dogs health. It may sound silly and you may not think your companionship plays a big role in your dogs health, but in actuality, it does indeed! Companionship is vital to any pet especially dogs, because dogs are very social animals who intuitively need to be with the one they love and care for all times. When you bring new dog or puppy into your home, you and your family become his new family. It is a natural instinct for dogs to be with their pack at all times. When separated from their pack and they come with us to live in their new home they immediately associate us in their mind as their new pack.


They Dont Want To Be Without You


Your puppy or dog will want to spend all of their time with you no matter what you are doing. They will go to any lengths to catch your attention. For example, when I am reading the newspaper on the bed my dog will hop on the bed and lay down right on top of the paper to distract me so he can get all my attention. Your dog wants all your attention. He wants 100% of you at all times. He does not want just a pat on the head. He wants to be your best friend.


DSA - Dog Separation Anxiety


Just like babies and toddlers, dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Sometimes dogs turn out being worse than the children are. Dogs have a strong need for companionship. Many dogs when left alone suffer from separation anxiety when left alone by their owners. Some symptoms of dog separation anxiety are the following:


Chewing up the furniture


Going to bathroom in the home


Any type of destructive behavior


They panic, thinking the members of their pack have abandoned them


What Should You Do If Your Dog Suffers From DSA Dog Separation Anxiety


If your dog displays anxiety and acts up while you are away, do not punish your dog. He is not trying to get back at you for leaving him alone. Your dog just has not learned that there are times when you cannot take him with you. Just like if you have a toddler and you go out for a little while the child will begin to panic and cry; so will a dog, especially a young puppy. When you go out the best way to prevent your dog from experiencing behaviours of anxiety is to separate your dog from you and leave your dog in another room for a certain period each week. Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes. Then increase the time slowly to a half-an-hour to an hour and so forthAfter a while your dog will begin to understand that you will come back home and you just have to leave for a little bit. There fear of being alone will begin to lessen and eventually your dog will stop having anxiety separation attacks.


Time Out for the Bad Puppy


If your dog misbehaves, you can put your dog in his crate for a ten to fifteen minute timeout. Most dogs do not like appreciate being confined to a crate unless by their own choosing. Using a crate to teach them not to misbehave can be a resourceful way to train a dog. Each time the dog is bad and misbehaves, you can put them in the crate for a certain amount of time as a punishment. Eventually the dog will stop misbehaving because they know that if they do misbehave then they get a timeout in the crate. Your dog will learn from past mistakes what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. However, do not take this scolding too far. Ignoring your dog, locking him in the basement or leaving him outside longer than necessary can be harmful to a dog emotionally and physically. You run the risk of de-socialising and severely stressing your dog if he is left isolated for too long, so dont go overboard. Stress can deteriorate anyones health, animals or humans, so use your common sense.


Bonding With Your Doggie


Now that you understand how important it is to spend time and love your dog, spending quality time with your doggie will create a special bond between you and your dog that nobody will be able to replace. Here are some tricks and techniques that you can do on a regular basis which will help you develop a tight bond with your dog and help make your dog become an active, healthy and happy pet:


Take your dog for long walks


Play games together


Teach your dog tricks


Groom your dog regularly


If you are able try to take your dog on holiday with you


Allow your dog to socialise with friends and family members in your home


Take training classes together where you can participate too


Remember to give your dog plenty of love and attention. Spending time with your dog will be a rewarding experience for the both of you. Love goes a long way and no one cherishes love more than a dog.