Most people think that having a dog means spending a lot of time at home. However, your dog needs exercise too, just like you. Your dog needs to experience fresh air and would feel claustrophobic all day in the house, just like you would. So, here are a few things you can do with your dog outdoors.

(Also read – Things that may destroy your dog’s spirit)

Walks

Walks are a great way to bond with your dog. Take him for a long walk and enjoy fresh air while you get to meet people as well. This way you’re giving your dog the exercise he needs while you get the mini workout too! Best of both worlds! Make sure you carry a spare bag, however, since outside is not a pooping place for your dog!

Go to the park

A park with grass is a great place to play with your dog. Just like your children, if you have any, would like to go to the park and roll on the grass, so would your pooch.

(You may find this interesting – Foods that can poison your dog)

Swimming

Get your pooch in the pool if it is allowed, or take him to a river or lake for a swim on a hot summer day. The water helps cool the heated skin and offers an alternative form of exercise when it is too hot outside.

Hiking

Your dog loves the outdoors and hiking would be a good exercise for him, especially when it means bonding time as well with you!

(Try reading – Things to consider before bringing home a dog)

Games

Take your dog to the backyard or the building playground and play catch with your dog. Use a ball, a frisbee or a baton to make him improve his reflexes as he fetches.

Vacations

Instead of keeping your dog home or at a dog crèche, take your dog along with you on your vacation. He will love it if you care that much!

(Also read – 4 reasons why you should adopt a homeless dog)

If you have decided to parent a dog, make sure you love it and care for it like you would as a proper parent! Do not neglect it because it is an animal!

“Stop it! Stop barking you little pest!” How would you like to be treated that way? Well, dogs have emotions too. Not as much as we humans do, but if we call them man’s best friend, then we ought to treat them that way. Here are a few things that we say and do to our dogs that can crush their spirit.

Hitting

Hitting a dog will make him fear you

Dominance and animal submission is a very outdated belief and training method. Hitting a dog does nothing but teach him that you are to be feared. Love is lost between you and the dog and he will not be the friend to you that you want him to be.

Take your dog’s food away while he is eating

Dogs should be left alone when eating. Many people view a dog who growls when eating as being greedy, but this is just a dog being a dog. Some dogs will bite out of fear or confusion, so let them eat in peace.

Not taking your dog for walks

Ignoring your dog in this way is going to make him feel lonely and unloved. A dog that is unloved will not love back. If you want something that lives yet requires no attention, other than to give it water and occasional sunlight, get a houseplant and not a pet.

Leaving the dog alone

Leaving your dog alone for excessively long periods of time is going to crush his spirit severely. If you are going out for a long time, seek the services of a family member, friend, neighbour, pet sitter, or dog crèche if you must leave the dog for long hours at a time. Nothing destroys a dog’s spirit like emptiness, so don’t do it.

The more you love your dog the more will he love you

If you own a dog, don’t own it! Be a friend, be a parent, but don’t be a boss. A dog is man’s best friend, not a slave!