BEYOND THE BASICS (that every dog deserves)

Beyond the basic needs of your fur baby(ies) like food, water, walks and belly rubs, there are other essential things every dog should get on the regular.

• Walking Fido should revolve around his needs, not yours. This is an enriching exercise and alleviates stress. You can, of course, get that jog in with him/her (depending on their health, age, and breed), but allow your dog to stop and sniff along the way for the first 10-15 minutes as this is their way of "seeing the world." For even more stimulation, change the route often.

• Dogs love a challenge and problem solving, so engage him in mentally stimulating activies such as puzzle toys, teaching him a new trick, or hiding treats for him to find. This will keep him from getting bored and chewing on your furniture or favorite pair of shoes.

• Dogs spend an average 60% of their day sleeping, but when they aren't, they need social time with humans or other dogs, just like us. Spend at least 2 hours each day playing, walking, and/or cuddling.

• A dog should have a designated space or three - beds in different areas so they can choose to be close to all the activity or a quieter spot for some shut-eye.

• They need a routine! Since they have so little control over their lives, consistency is key! The more predictable their days are, the less anxious they should be, because they know what to expect during certain times of the day (like meals and potty breaks). Rules must also be consistent or it will cause confusion and stress, and we don't want that for our beloved pets.

*Article by Juno Demelo (Real Simple Magazine, 9/24)