Get your Favorite Pal a new toy or goodie.
It is always times for presents and Valentines Day should be no exception. Get your dog some new Kong Toys, chew bones, or anything he especially likes. Make a big deal when you give them to him or even scatter them around the house and play “Where’s the toy?” with him. This will not only build a stronger bond with him, but also allows you to reinforce the types of toys and activities that are acceptable to you.
Get in some great exercise.
Play fetch in the back yard or go for a healthy, relaxing walk. It is also a great time to bone up on some of those obedience commands like Come, Sit, Stay. If he is already great at these, practice them when there are other people around so you all can give him a great big “Good Doggie” when he succeeds.
Make sure you maximize your quality time today.
Spend as much time with him as you can. It might be as simple as having him under your desk while you are working at home or taking him to work if that is allowed.
Take him for a drive on a quiet road. Stop and point out interesting sights for him to check out. Give him little goodies and praise for being good.
Go to your favorite café for a cup of coffee for you and a bowl of water for him. Let him sniff other (willing) patrons and engage where appropriate.
Go to a Dog Park and let him run with his friends. Always play and be with him so that he understands that you are his care giver and keeping him safe. That is always his favorite present from you.
Cross off your annual vet visit.
Yes, I know this isn’t a “Valentines Thing”, but your dog’s health is important. This would be a great time to take care of this important activity.
Get away for a doggie mini-vacation.
See if you can get a day or two off from work and find a great place you can go with your dog. This allows you to really build your bond and share new experiences together. If your dog has favorite activities like swimming, long walks, hunting in the woods, etc., look for pet-friendly locations that offer those amenities. Out dogs need their little vacations too!
Let’s go on a date!
If you don’t have the ability for that mini-vacation, a dinner and a movie is also a great way to celebrate the Holiday. Make sure you have some of his favorite snacks and pick a pet-friendly movie. There are so many “dog movies” available now, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that you both will like. Start the movie, get on the sofa with your goodies and a fluffy blanket, and just relax.
Bake a poochie valentine.
If you are a baker, consider baking some special doggie biscuits for your doggie. Check the internet for recipes (i.e. www.allrecipies.com). You can also find great doggie boutiques that already have them prepared. These are just special occasion goodies that your dog will love. (Always check the ingredients and ask your vet about them if you have any questions.)
Valentines Day is not your only bonding day.
We have talked about some great ways to bond with your dog and take charge of his time. Please remember that you shouldn’t just do this on “Special Days”. Be sure to take him out for one-on-one time every day. Build your bond by playing and having a good time. Reinforce his trust in you by always keeping him safe and never trying to purposely scare or startle him. Keep him healthy by having regular Veterinary visits and keeping him on a good, nutritious diet. And, finally, just have fun.
Get your Favorite Pal a new toy or goodie.
It is always times for presents and Valentines Day should be no exception. Get your dog some new Kong Toys, chew bones, or anything he especially likes. Make a big deal when you give them to him or even scatter them around the house and play “Where’s the toy?” with him. This will not only build a stronger bond with him, but also allows you to reinforce the types of toys and activities that are acceptable to you.
Get in some great exercise.
Play fetch in the back yard or go for a healthy, relaxing walk. It is also a great time to bone up on some of those obedience commands like Come, Sit, Stay. If he is already great at these, practice them when there are other people around so you all can give him a great big “Good Doggie” when he succeeds.
Make sure you maximize your quality time today.
Spend as much time with him as you can. It might be as simple as having him under your desk while you are working at home or taking him to work if that is allowed.
Take him for a drive on a quiet road. Stop and point out interesting sights for him to check out. Give him little goodies and praise for being good.
Go to your favorite café for a cup of coffee for you and a bowl of water for him. Let him sniff other (willing) patrons and engage where appropriate.
Go to a Dog Park and let him run with his friends. Always play and be with him so that he understands that you are his care giver and keeping him safe. That is always his favorite present from you.
Cross off your annual vet visit.
Yes, I know this isn’t a “Valentines Thing”, but your dog’s health is important. This would be a great time to take care of this important activity.
Get away for a doggie mini-vacation.
See if you can get a day or two off from work and find a great place you can go with your dog. This allows you to really build your bond and share new experiences together. If your dog has favorite activities like swimming, long walks, hunting in the woods, etc., look for pet-friendly locations that offer those amenities. Out dogs need their little vacations too!
Let’s go on a date!
If you don’t have the ability for that mini-vacation, a dinner and a movie is also a great way to celebrate the Holiday. Make sure you have some of his favorite snacks and pick a pet-friendly movie. There are so many “dog movies” available now, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that you both will like. Start the movie, get on the sofa with your goodies and a fluffy blanket, and just relax.
Bake a poochie valentine.
If you are a baker, consider baking some special doggie biscuits for your doggie. Check the internet for recipes (i.e. www.allrecipies.com). You can also find great doggie boutiques that already have them prepared. These are just special occasion goodies that your dog will love. (Always check the ingredients and ask your vet about them if you have any questions.)
Valentines Day is not your only bonding day.
We have talked about some great ways to bond with your dog and take charge of his time. Please remember that you shouldn’t just do this on “Special Days”. Be sure to take him out for one-on-one time every day. Build your bond by playing and having a good time. Reinforce his trust in you by always keeping him safe and never trying to purposely scare or startle him. Keep him healthy by having regular Veterinary visits and keeping him on a good, nutritious diet. And, finally, just have fun.
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