Our dogs show their love for us through tail wags, face licks, wiggly butts, and lots of late-night cuddling. But how can we demonstrate our love for our dogs in a way they’ll understand? While your dog has probably picked up on your adoration already, here are a few tips for showering your deserving pup with affection:
Take Your Dog On Regular Walks
Walking isn’t just good for exercise. It’s also a vital way of establishing a strong emotional connection with your pup. By taking your dog on one or two long walks a day, you’ll fulfill your best friend’s instinctual need to go outside, explore their territory, and work off some energy. You’ll also score some bonus points by establishing a regular morning and evening walking routine. Why? A relaxed and tired dog is a happy dog, and nothing says “I love you” like being the provider of that happiness.
Make Time For Special Adventures
Dogs are well-known for their grateful attitudes. A walk along the same path, year after year, will still always be enjoyable. But by providing your pup with lots of outdoor adventures, you’ll expand their enjoyment of life even more. Thus, on the weekends or whenever you have free time, consider taking your dog on a hike or other activity in nature. Note: Urban dogs will especially appreciate the break from noise, traffic, and sidewalks!
Exploring a national park, state trail, or visiting an out-of-town dog park are great ideas, but also feel free to use your creativity. Water-friendly dogs may enjoy riding along in a kayak or canoe, or even learning how to stand on a paddle board. (Just make sure your dog also gets strapped into a life jacket.) If your dog enjoys fetch or other athletic activities, an agility course or club might be a wonderful break from the norm.
Whatever adventure you embark on, all dogs will enjoy spending time with you outdoors. For an extra dose of love, remember to bring dog treats along in the picnic basket.
Bring Your Dog With You On Vacation
It’s not always possible to bring Fido along to Florida. Flying with dogs, for instance, can be expensive and stressful. But when the opportunity arises, bring your pup with you on vacation. Like humans, many dogs enjoy a good road trip followed by rest, relaxation, and outdoor activity.
While plans will have to be arranged to accommodate your pet, there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, cabins, campgrounds, and other rental places that allow dogs. Furthermore, the majority of state and national parks across the country also permit dogs on trails, beaches, and in other natural areas. The best part? Making arrangements for your dog to stay by your side during vacation is a wonderful reminder of how much you love them.
Provide Toys, Treats, and Chews
Our dogs love us unconditionally even when we have bad days (or bad weeks). In order to show that love back, consider rewarding your pup with fun and delicious gifts from Bark. Luckily, Bark has a wide array of products that are specialized for various dogs’ needs and wants. Here are a few ideas of what to buy:
Soft Baked Treats
Most dogs love sinking their teeth into a dense, savory, and soft treat. Providing a burst of nourishment and flavor, Bark’s treats are also made with with all natural ingredients like chicken, salmon, tuna, pork, and many other whole foods. This is the perfect bite-sized way to say “I love you.”
Jerky Chews
For those with dogs who have that instinctual need to chew, express your love through a delicious and healthy outlet for chomping. Bark’s Jerky Chews are fun to gnaw on and full of meaty flavor. They’re also low fat and free from grain, wheat, corn, and soy.
Plush Toys
What better way is there to say “I love you” to your dog than give them something soft to cuddle with? (Or, perhaps, something soft to chase and attempt to rip apart.) Bark’s plush toys come in a variety of interesting shapes, textures, and clever designs. They also feature things like internal squeaky or spiky bouncy balls, crinkly sounds, fluff, multiple components, and fun surprises.
Super Chewer Toys
Being a super strong dog in a world of weak and easily destroyed toys can be difficult. Where’s the fun in tearing something apart in just mere minutes? With Bark’s Super Chewer Toys, you’ll be the sole loving provider of what your dog craves most: something she can sink her teeth into. Made from highly durable rubber and/or nylon, these toys also have unique textures, erratic bounces, and even squeakers.
Show Your Dog You Love Them With BARKBOX!
Going for walks, hiking, and loads of cuddling are all excellent ways of saying “I love you” without words. But seeing the look on your dog’s face every time a monthly BarkBox arrives is another way of knowing that you’ve demonstrated your true feelings. Filled with American-made toys, treats, and chews, BarkBoxes are little deliveries of joy for your little monster. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. (<– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription!)
For those who are living with a vigorous chewer, there’s also the specialized Super Chewer BarkBox that provides extra-durable products. Plans start at $29/month with 2 toys, 2 treats, and 2 chews delivered to your door each month! Sign up here and you’ll get 1 month free on any 6 or 12-month plan!
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