Ways to Pamper Your Dog

Imagine what our dogs might say if they could tell us in English the best ways to pamper them. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to pamper means to indulge with kindness or care. Dogs would probably cast their vote for the archaic meaning, which is to cram with rich food. Excessive amounts of rich food would pose a health risk for many dogs, but there other ways to indulge man's best friend with care and kindness.

  1. Walking

    • What dog doesn't jump for joy when he sees his master grab the leash, or pull out the walking shoes? Take your four-footed friend for a walk around the neighborhood or to the neighborhood park to show her how much you care. For a highly social pooch, consider taking him to a dog park, just for canines and their human companions. Some parks are fully fenced and allow the dogs to play together or roam off-leash. Wags Park in Newtown, Ohio offers a pond with a diving dock for dogs that love to swim.

    Training

    • Consider going to school with your dog to learn new ways to interact with each other whether a simple obedience training course or for those dogs of working stock heritage, agility training may provide a new level of joy to these high energy, work-loving types. According to Katrina Scott, dog trainer and owner of Friendship Academy, it is never too late to strengthen your relationship with your dog through training. Hunting dogs such as retriever types will dig training courses related to sniffing out a particular scent, via the sport K-9 Nose Scent. This low cost, just-for-fun activity requires your dog's favorite toy or treat.

    Doggy Daycare

    • Dogs are pack animals and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If your dog is home alone much of the time, pamper him with visit to doggy daycare one or more days per week. For those who want to pull out all the stops in pampering their pooch, put a colorful bandanna around your pup's neck and head to a luxury pet resort such as the Doggy Dude Ranch in Watkins, Colorado. Choose what your dog would most enjoy, from indoor and outdoor pools, play rooms, brushing and pet massage.

    Quality Time

    • Dogs yearn for companionship. Pamper your dog to some degree every day by giving her some special time, whether throwing a ball in the backyard, going for a hike together or providing a long tummy scratch. According to expert dog trainer Cesar Milan intentionally making time for your dog will result in a strengthened bond between you and your dog as well as increased respect for you as the pack leader. From a pack-animal's perspective, this equates to feeling safe and cared for.