Friday, 16 October 2015

5 Tips For A Mentally Fit Dog

It depends on how you interpret this as to how you approach the issue. Having a mentally fit dog doesn't only mean keeping him mentally active and stimulated; it also means to keep him happy and comfortable. A mentally unstable dog is NOT a happy dog, and if your dog appears unstable and unhappy, you must help your dog feel relaxed again. For example, if you and your dog compete (it doesn't matter in what discipline), you may both feel under pressure. Here are a few pieces of advice on how to keep your dog mentally fit and stable.


1. Keep smiling. It may sound odd, but if you're in a good mood and a positive frame of mind, your dog will pick up on this and follow in your happy footsteps. Be happy, and you'll see your dog come out of his shell.

2. Have confidence in yourself and your dog. Especially if you compete with your dog; without having solid confidence in both of your abilities, you can both become incredibly unhappy about yourselves. If you're worried, your dog will be! On a continuous basis, this can be incredibly stressful for both of you. It isn't a healthy way to be!

3. Enjoy being in your dog's company. He is your little companion. Especially if you compete and are feeling the pressure that comes alongside competitions, remember that he is your companion to love WAY before your means to success. Successful and happy competitors put their relationship with their dog before the prizes they win. Even if you don't compete, enjoy the simple pleasure of your dog being an amazing little companion by your side on a daily basis.

4. Quit nagging your dog. If you want your dog to perform, for example in competition, or simply requesting a down on a walk or in your home, avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your little friend. Yes, teach him to do as he is told, but avoid nagging him and nagging him again. Oh, and never shout at your dog. Have patience in him; he's only dog, and you're only human.

5. Keep a positive environment circulating your dog's living space. If your children are having regular arguments, or you're always becoming annoyed over a job, think about your dog beforehand. And if you compete, is he really enjoying the experience? Ensure he does. If he isn't enjoying himself or feeling relaxed anywhere he is, remove him from the situation as soon as possible. Keep a relaxed, happy environment for your dog to be in.

Always ensure your dear pups are happy and contented.


We're joining our hosts SlimDoggyTo Dog With Love and My GBGV Life in the FitDog Friday Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.


40 comments:

  1. This is a really good article!! Confidence is so important and remembering how wonderful it is to spend time with our pups!!

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    1. Thank you! And I agree; our dogs and their welfare come before anything else.

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  2. #4 is so important for some people when they are trying to train their dog. Calling their name or saying 'sit' 20 times in a row isn't going to make them do it! Good tips.

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    1. I agree. Nagging and nagging your dog is an incredibly bad idea; for your dog, learning commands is like being taught a foreign language by someone who won't quit yelling words in your face. You'd never learn, and you'd feel incredibly uncomfortable.

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  3. These are awesome tips! I totally agree!

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    1. Thank you! It's so important to listen to our dogs and ensure they're happy.

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  4. Competing is the hard part for us as Mom is real competitive and expects a lot of us. We have fun, but if she screws up or we do, she has a hard time trying to remain happy. We have a blast competing, and are working on attitude all the time.

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    1. I am also incredibly competitive; I always have been! We have fun as well.

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  5. Hehe, and the best thingy evers is to make the peeps fink they are training us….we of course nose WE are training thems!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  6. Great advice. We should share it with the nutty lady who lives down the hill from our house who is always screaming "Bad Dog" to her dog Sadie.

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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    1. Poor Sadie. I hope her owner is kinder in the future.

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  7. Nobody likes being nagged! I tell the kids Mr. N works with that to wait after the first cue. They don't need to say it five times!

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    1. I agree! Nobody does! It isn't any fun! Once will do...

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  8. These are great tips. It is so important for humans to remember that their dog needs to enjoy competing. I've seen parents stress out their pups in the dog ring and their kids on the ball field. I always wish they had learned empathy somewhere along the way. It is obvious that Earl and Ethel love what they do. ♥

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    1. Thanks. And I agree! I ensure my dogs love competing. If they do, I do!

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  9. Great post! Dogs feel their surroundings and they are effected even if they don't get to say so.

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    1. Thanks! I agree. Our dogs have their own language, and we must learn to listen.

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  10. These are terrific tips and we wholeheartedly agree! Remembering to just have fun and staying positive can make all the difference whether you are competing or simply enjoying your pup by your side! Thanks for sharing these.

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    1. Thank you! Our dogs don't understand why we're in a bad mood; we need to keep upbeat for them!

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  11. A great post with great tips! Thank you!

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    1. Thank you so much! Glad you think so! And no problem; our pleasure!

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  12. Clever words. Thanks for the great tips :)

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  13. Great tips!!! I'm back and catching up. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you, and hello again! Thanks, hope you enjoy your weekend as well.

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  14. Great tips and wonderful article! So very true!

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  15. Great tips!

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

    athenacatgoddess.com
    purrsfulloflove.com

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  16. These are great tips pal! Paw-some post!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  17. Pawesome tips. So important to enjoy activities together and not stress and nag. Keep pawsitive. X Susie and Kilo

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