Best Friends: You and Your Dog

Manage your stress in creative ways with a companion who will consistently be there for you. your dog.

Best Friends: You and Your Dog

Having your dog be your best friend in times of stress

As many dog ​​owners already know, spending time bonding with a furry friend can make a dog a close companion for life. This is especially true when maintaining close relationships with friends is difficult. For example, moving to a new area, quitting your job, or spending time in isolation during a pandemic makes your relationship with your dog even more important.

Dogs have the unique ability to provide their owners with endless love and emotional support, especially during stressful times. It brings and keeps you in the present moment instead of focusing on an uncertain future. In fact, studies have shown that dogs provide at least as much comfort as a close friend.

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A recent study conducted at the University of Utah found:

• The presence of a companion dog is associated with a lower cardiovascular response to stressors, even lower than the presence of a close friend.

• Being completely satisfied and attached to dogs is associated with increased levels of oxytocin in the brains of owners compared to those who do not own dogs.

• Service dogs make an important contribution in assisting social welfare settings as therapy dogs have been shown to reduce pain and suffering in chronic pain patients.

• Dogs play an important role in the psychiatric field and are successfully used with patients suffering from depression, loneliness, addiction, schizophrenia, and phobias.

• When tested for emotional reactions, participants significantly reduced stress and tension with their dogs. Overall, interacting with dogs makes people happier, less lonely, more relaxed, safer, and more loving.

Fun and stimulating activities to do with your dog

Getting creative and finding new activities for your dog is essential for a happy and emotionally satisfying home companion. Some activities include:

Go for long walks or hikes. Long walks with your dog are a great way to not only explore new areas, but also give yourself some much-needed exercise. It's a welcome break from the boring gym itinerary.

Make your own dog treats. This way, you can not only spend quality time with your dog, but also hone your cooking skills to help improve your eating habits. education. The more time you spend at home, the more time you have to train and improve your dog's behavior. Not only will this give your dog mental stimulation, but the benefits will last for your dog's life.

Dog yoga practice. Finding Zen is not as important as in these trying times. Incorporating yoga and meditation into your daily play with your dog can help reduce stress and allow you to spend more time with your furry pet.

Try "Stairs". If going for a walk or fetching feels boring, this is a surefire way to make your dog feel fully occupied, not just put to bed. It's a fun way to keep your body physically busy.

Building an obstacle course. Setting up an obstacle course is a great way to get creative with your dog. Dig out hula hoops, jump ropes, and basketballs buried in the garage and set a course for your dog to move around. Then give your dog lots of encouragement and treats.

Play a tug of war. Most dogs are thrilled at the prospect of a big tug of war. Take an old towel, washcloth, or bath towel, depending on the size of your dog, and use it in place of the woven rope toy.

Just relaxing. You might feel guilty if you get too involved in this particular activity, but nevertheless, after a long day of learning new tricks and new adventures, cuddling up on the couch together and watching a movie can make for a busy day. It's the perfect way to end a busy day.

Teaching your dog new tricks

Teaching your dog new tricks is a powerful and fun way to form a closer bond. These new tricks can improve your dog's flexibility, balance and focus while also improving their overall obedience and manners. Here are some easy ones to start with:

• Shake Hands. Teach your dog handshake . Give your dog a handful of treats first. Dogs naturally tend to step on your hand, and if they still keep stepping, start using the "shake" command.

• Paws Up Tricks. Teach your dog to place its front paws on a tall object such as a table. B. A step stool, small chair, or tree stump. To do this, put the selected item next to you and hold a treat in your hands. Move your hand slowly so that your dog follows the treat and takes steps toward the object. Once he has done this, raise his hand slightly to encourage the dog to lift his front paws and place them on the object. Reward them when their feet are up. Make the same gesture and say, "Pick your feet up," and repeat until the movement is smooth.

• Crawl. Teach your dog to crawl towards you. First, have your dog lie down. Then, hold some treats in your closed hand, but place them near your dog's nose so he can smell them. Bring your hands back down. If your dog shuffles forward, reward him. Be sure to reward each small shuffle until your dog gains confidence in its movements. Once they can shuffle forward about a meter, add verbal cues such as "crawl" while repeating the movement with your hands.

Once you and your dog are comfortable with this, you can move on to more difficult tricks such as: You can also stand on your hind legs, teach your dog to wave, or make your dog jump on his back. See the "Additional Help" section below for links to other dog tricks.

Be a best friend to your dog

Remember, in all relationships, you get what you put in. Dogs are no exception in this regard. So make sure you pay attention to your dog's needs. In return, they will make you a best friend. Here's how to do it:

• Frequent grooming. Wash your dog regularly and brush his hair at least once a week, depending on the length of his coat. Especially during the rainy season, if your dog gets dirty while playing outside, wash it off immediately. Remember to only use shampoos and other products specially formulated for dogs.

• Respect your dog's personal space. Dogs, like humans, need alone time to rest and recover. Giving your dog this time and space is important to their health and functioning as house companions. Get a better understanding of your dog's body language so you know when he feels the need for alone time.

• Please take the dog to the veterinarian. Keep your dog happy by making sure he's healthy and has the latest vaccinations. This also has to do with reading your dog's body language. If they show any signs of discomfort, be sure to take them to the vet.

• Provides healthy nutrition. Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times. Show them you fill their water and food bowls, as they will know that you are their primary provider. A great way to control your dog's weight and ultimately make them healthier and happier.

• Creating a safe home environment. Indoors, keep household cleaners, medicines, or other possible toxins safely out of reach. Store heavy objects securely around the house to prevent your dog from falling and injuring yourself. Outside, make sure your yard is fenced and keep your dog away from busy roads.

Health benefits of dogs

Many of us are experiencing increased stress, depression and anxiety these days. Bonding with your dog will not only help you physically, but it will also help with the stress caused by the pandemic and its ensuing effects. It can also help you cope mentally.Your dog can help:

• Low depression. Pet owners of all kinds have been shown to suffer less from depression.

• Relieve anxiety. Playing with your dog increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which can help calm and relax your dog.

• Reduce stress. Petting a dog reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and calms the heartbeat.

• PTSD symptom relief. By uplifting your spirits and reducing stress, dogs evoke affection that can actively combat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

• Add friendship. Companion dogs provide a source of friendship and companionship, alleviating the physical and mental toll of loneliness.

Caring for your dog if you get sick

Have a preparedness plan in case you get sick, need hospitalization, or are unable to care for your dog.

• Arrange for a family member or friend to look after your dog if it becomes unwell.

• To ensure your dog's safety, transport your dog using only sturdy leashes, harnesses and secure transport boxes. Make sure your dog always wears an up-to-date and visible collar and identification. It should be big enough. (You may have to stay inside for hours.) If your dog has a tendency to chew on objects, check the inside of the carrier to remove or pick up objects that may injure your dog. Please make sure it is not

• Write down your dog's feeding schedule, medical conditions, information about behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you need to place your dog in foster care.

• Bring a favorite toy for comfort and a familiar blanket for warmth.

• Keep all vaccines up-to-date and have a copy of these records in case you need to board.

• Make sure all medications are documented with dosage and administration instructions. We recommend including your veterinarian's prescription.