by Michelle Paszkowski

Created on: February 27, 2010

Dogs, like children, thrive in an environment based on structure. All living things require the basics, which are food, drink, exercise, socialization. When it comes to dogs different breeds require different levels of these. High energy breeds, such as Dalmatians, need room to run and plenty of play time. For those energetic types games of fetch, long runs and even an exercise regiment work wonders. Many high energy breeds get a bad rep for being trouble makers, they chew, they dig, and maybe run wild through the house. Those behaviours simply mean the dog is bored. When those breeds are challenged both mentally and physically most owners will see a rapid change in behaviour. When dogs get bored, they misbehave, and that goes for any breed.On the other end of the spectrum are those breeds that don't require much on the exercise scale, such a Basset Hound. For these types a nice walk twice a day usually fills the physical aspect.

All breeds require two basic necessities, food and water. Some studies have shown that feeding your dog on a consistent schedule eases stress and even makes digestive easier. Dogs are smarter than we as humans give them credit for, and just like us they know when it's dinner time, and their bodies react to the schedule they know. Less stress, and easier digestion makes life much smoother for all involved. As far as water, I am a believer that it should be available at all times, however not everyone has a schedule that allows for this. If you can't be there to let your pooch outside to empty out, water should be given in the early morning, and again in the evening and overnight. The most important step in making your doggy happy is to earn their trust, scheduled feeding, and water availability are key to the trust issue. Your best friend needs to know he or she can count on you to fill their bellies and keep them hydrated.

Playtime is every hounds favorite time of day. Whether your best buddy is a city pooch in an apartment, or a country hound on a farm, every dog needs play. There are so many games to play with your dog, and it takes trial and error to find the ones right for your tail wagger. I've never met a dog who could resist a tennis ball thrown to the song of " go get it !" Some may run like the wind, and others trot lazily along, but they all enjoy the chase. Fetch is not the only game of four legged champions though, and making up your own is even better. When you combine the fun of a game with a challenge for the brain, that's when your dog will shine. Another great game is find it.  This game is intensely fun for rescue breeds like German Shepherds and Saint Bernards. It can be played with small treats or your dogs favorite toy. To start you have the player sit and stay, and you then slink off to another room. In the room you hide the prize. When you call your dog to play and encourage him to " find it !" he gets to use his brain, and his natural sense of smell.

There are common sense things that make a dog happy. They need exercise, play, love, and trust. Dogs are the most loyal friend most people have and they deserve to be treated as such. Dogs benefit from pretty much any interaction, whether it's with humans or with other dogs. They are social animals and if they are brought around people and other animals from a young age, then they learn to trust more than just their owners. Studies have shown for years now that patting and cuddling with your dog can lower your blood pressure, I would be willing to bet it lowers theirs too! Dogs are more like people than most can see, but they thrive when they get the same respect and love they give to us.

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