This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tender & True Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.
When you’re taking that leap to add a dog to your family whether they are from a breeder or rescue from the shelters, you need to make sure that dog isn’t treated as a new toy. Dogs are a huge responsibility but the love that they can give you is worth all of the time it takes to take care of them. We treat our dog Chloe as if she is our child. She really is a part of our family and I wouldn’t know what we would do without her. She is gentle with our children and she knows when you’re stressed out. She will actually come up to you and give you a hug. I’m not kidding when I say she wants to give you a hug. She gets up on her back legs and sits down on her butt then she puts her two front paws up and waits for you to hug her. I really feel she became the dog she is because of the way we showed her that we love her. So here are some of my few tips on how to show your love to your dog.
How To Show Your Dog You Love Them
Training
Now yes training is very important so the dog doesn’t destroy your house and eat everything up. But the most important part of the training is it gives them a job to do. How would you feel if you just had to sit at home all day long with nothing to do? You will go bored and you would get destructive. Even though Chloe is now turning six years old we still work on the basic commands with her on a regular basis. I’m not saying that you need to teach your dog how to get a beer out of the fridge, even though that would be really cool. You just need to work on the basic tricks like how to sit and stay.
Playtime
Now just like a child dogs really enjoy playtime. Whether it’s a fun stuffed animal or a squeaky tennis ball there are so many pet toys on the market. If you’re on a budget you can always do what I do and recycle your kid’s old stuffed animals as dog toys. Also getting them outside to play is a great change of scenery for them. Chloe is an Australian Shepherd so she needs to be put to work every single day. That work doesn’t have to be boring, for her it’s chasing her bright red frisbee. It took us some time to figure out exactly what kind of toy she wanted to chase but once we did she wants to play with that frisbee every single day.
Proper Hygiene
It is so important to take care of your dog’s hygiene since they’re not able to do it themselves. To prevent gum disease, rotting teeth and bad doggy breath you really should be brushing your dog’s teeth every day. Taking care of someone who can’t do it themselves always shows that someone that they are important. Even if your dog does not like to have their fur combed or their teeth brushed.
Socialization
Dogs do not care if they are getting attention from another dog or a person they are just looking for some affection. It is important to start them off young with socialization. The longer they are not around other people or dogs the more they get stuck in their old ways. We try to get Chloe together with her doggie friends a few times a week and sometimes she even gets to go to the dog park. The easiest way to show your love is just to snuggle with them and give them a good belly rub.
Nutrition
Now you wouldn’t give your child junk food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so why do most people think it’s ok to feed their dog that way.?!? Most dog food you will find at your local grocery store is full of fillers. Dogs do not to eat things like wheat or corn, they are a by-product of human food processing which offers very little nutritional value. We show our love to Chloe by feeding her Tender & True Food which you can get at your independent pet stores or natural/holistic grocery.It is USDA Organic certified, free from fillers, soy, antibiotics, preservatives and anything artificial! All of the animal proteins are certified by the Global Animal Partnership and are humanely raised in a reduced-stress environment with out any added antibiotics or hormones!
Find Tender & True near you to show your Dog family member how much you love them!
Comments & Reviews
Danielle Charles says
Great article! Im a doggie grandparent and this is a great information for when I babysit for my daughter. Very detailed and an easy read. I really enjoyed thank you.
Stephanie says
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LeAnn Brown says
I choose dogs over people any day. Lol I love the picture of the dog at the vanity.
Stephanie says
She is always good for a laugh!
Trecie says
I love my doggie.
Stephanie says
They are the best!
Michelle Wentworth says
I’ve always treated my dog like family. Pets need love and attention. They also need to play and burn off energy or they will chew on things in your home. Great article!
Stephanie says
Thanks!
Jennifer Ambio says
Great article with lots of good information. We have been contemplating adding a new four legged family member and this information will be very helpful in explaining all the work and training and caring involved to our kids. A dog is a member of your family and deserves the same love and attention.
Stephanie says
They are a lot of work but they are worth it with the love they share.
Pamela Smith says
Great article! You all have a great weekend anda enjoy family time! 🙂
Stephanie says
Thank you, I hope you have a great week.
Amanda F says
We don’t have a dog yet. We have been looking at shelters trying to find the perfect fit for the kids.
Stephanie says
Good luck!
Trina L says
Good read! My dog is a 98lb “lap dog,” or so he thinks! ? He is the best cuddler though.
Stephanie says
oh wow, I thought a 62-pound lap dog was a lot!
Michele Tyska says
Fantastic article. Love your pet !
Stephanie says
Thanks, we love her too!
Amy says
Good information! My kids have been begging for a dog, but I’m not sure they can handle the responsibility and adopting a pet is a commitment to care for that animal for the rest of its life. Also, I’m pretty sure the cat would kill us if we bring anything else home… she’s still not too sure of our 2-year-old…
Stephanie says
Just make sure you figure out the right breed for your family if you end up with a herding breed like our dog be ready for lots of play time.