Responsible, loving, compassionate and thoughtful are some common qualities that dog dads possess. Although no two dog dads are the same, here’s a few ways you can be the best dog dad and give your furry friend the best life possible:
Swim In The Ocean
One of the best experiences you can give a dog is taking them for their first swim at the beach. They can interact with the local wildlife like sand crabs and seagulls and dig their hearts out in the sand. Keep in mind that a beach with small waves and a calm current is best to ensure your dog is as safe as possible. Some dogs will be scared of the water, but they will still have tons of fun barking at the waves lapping the shoreline.
Take A Hike
Many trails around the world are dog friendly thanks to responsible owners who clean up after the K9’s and are committed to leaving no trace. High energy dogs who need to get a significant amount of exercise per day will perform well on more difficult hikes as smaller, lazier dogs will prefer a trail that is relatively short with little to no incline.
Provide A Safe Place To Live
It seems like a no brainer, but this brings it down to the basics. Dog dads who give their furry friend a warm, cozy and safe space to live and grow are simply the best. Just consider how many dogs have been seized by law enforcement because of improper and unhealthy living conditions. The number is astounding, so if you’re providing a safe space for your pup – you’re a spectacular dog dad.
Schedule Regular Vet Appointments
If you want your dog to have a good time for a long time, scheduling and attending routine veterinary appointments will ensure that your dog continues to be healthy and reduces the risk of illnesses going untreated for too long. This will also help remind you to keep your furry friend up to date on their necessary vaccinations as well as flea and tick and heartworm prevention medicines.
Romp Through Rivers
There’s nothing that compares to cooling off during a hot summer day in a river after a long session of fetch. Your dog will enjoy the cool water on their legs as they explore the babbling brook full of fish and other critters. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for any potentially dangerous wildlife and always keep your dog on a leash in case you need to leave the area immediately.
Play Fetch At A Lake
Work on your dog’s fetch command while also enjoying yourself on a wonderful day at a nearby lake. You can even invite some friends who are also dog parents and plan a doggie double date! Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and extra towels.
Serve Up Good Food
Understanding the nutritional benefit of your dog’s food is a great way to be a fantastic dog dad. So many popular dog food brands on the market are under investigation. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened an investigation into a potential link between grain-free dog foods and a form of heart failure in dogs called dilated cardiomyopathy (or DCM). Researchers still don’t know the exact cause, but the current thinking is that fillers used in grain-free foods are somehow blocking the absorption of essential nutrients. The investigation of the potential link is ongoing.
Have A Pocket Full Of Patience
Training a puppy or older dog is possible, but having a pocket full of patience during the process will help you tremendously during the early days. It can be frustrating at times, but a good dog dad understands that progress is never linear. The best dog dads out there give their furry friends time to learn new tricks and offer up treats when they perform something correctly.
Reinforce Training
All dogs – and especially more hyperactive breeds – love to use their brain and make their owners proud. Reinforcing training is a great way for dog dads to keep their furry friends’ minds active and healthy. It’s also a great way for dog dads to keep their K9 safe. Reinforcing commands like “here” and “heel” will come in handy in situations you might not expect – so it’s wise to work on them often.
Give Lots Of Love
Of course, it’s easy to love your furry friend – right? But so many dogs around the world don’t have access to love. They don’t even have to be strays on the street. There are dogs that live in big, beautiful homes that aren’t given the love they deserve – and desperately need. Taking a couple minutes out of your day to give your undivided attention to your dog will do wonders for their spirits and will absolutely make you a one of the best dog dads ever – at least in their eyes, that is.
Belly Rubs
‘Nuff said.
