Spending Quality Time with Your Canine Companion

The first time I went over to my in-laws home and stepped outside, I looked into their neighbor’s yard to see a German Shephard chained outside of a dog house. I was warned to stay away from him because he was not “socialized”.

I walked right up to him and he jumped in the fence eager for any attention that I was able to give. This dog’s life was dark. Not because he was abused but because he was severely neglected. Day in and day out he remained chained to his dog house. Rain, snow, or sun he remained outside of where his family lived.

The Business of Life

In this day and age of economic hardship, being busy is par for the course. The German Shephard’s mom and dad each work, the kids go to school and an after care program and when they are home they have homework, house duties and the business of life that simply gets in the way. But we can make time for our dogs without letting our responsibilities go.

Take him with you.

\Whether you are running errands, picking up the kids from school or stopping by a friend’s house, take your dog with you. Having your dog participate in your every day life will meet many of your dogs socialization needs.

Sleep with him.

Many experts agree that having your dog sleep in your room but not necessarily on your bed with you can be a great way to spend additional time with him without exerting any extra energy.

Find things you both like to do.

As the mother of two very different Shelties, I’ve had to find ways they can exert their energy and spend time with them. While one is skittish, the other loves her walks. I’m an avid runner so on my running days, I strap the baby in the jogger, put the leash on the dog, and go.

Idle time can be cuddle time.

After writing an article on dog massage, I’ve started to massage my pups while watching TV. As a working mother, I don’t have a ton of time but this is a way my husband, son and I can all be in the same room and give extra attention to the dogs.

Delegate.

We’re all busy but if you don’t’ live alone there’s no reason for you to shoulder the care for your dog as if you do. If your children are of an adequate age, walking the dog once a day can be one of their chores. Brushing and bathing the dogs can be something your husband does. Make sure the entire family takes part in spending time caring for and being with your furry friends.

With all that said, you still do need to spend some quality time with your dog in order for him to remain a happy, healthy part of your household.

Every dog needs training, social and exercise time each day and if you are creative about it, you might not need to put a dent in that already packed schedule.

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