How to make your dog truly happy for free

I often think about how we live at a very odd time in history. For dog’s in particular, in some ways there has never been a better time to be alive. Dog’s have better healthcare than ever before. Better quality food, mountains of toys and treats and games. Designer collars and beds and clothes. Birthday parties. Doggy day care. Dog grooming and pampering and dog retreats. Our dogs certainly are better kept than many before them.

And yet, at a natural level. When we think about our knowledge of dog training and dog behaviour. When we think about how many people really understand their dogs psychology. As opposed to all of the people who believe that dogs really are little people (and yes we are all guilty!) - in some ways we are more disconnected from our dogs than ever.

The vast majority of dogs in the UK do not receive their minimum required exercise. Most spend 23 hours a day indoors. Obesity is as much of a problem in dogs as it is in people. We have dogs with separation anxiety, dogs that are hyperactive and manic. Dog’s that are being diagnosed with obsessive compulsion, or ADHD. Dog’s that are dangerously aggressive (and before you go judging, it’s actually toy dogs smaller breeds that are more likely to call me with aggression issues).

As a dog behaviourist, I find this particularly interesting - because dogs haven’t changed. What’s changed is that the more we treat our dogs in the same way as people, the less we respect them as dogs. We don’t respect them for who they are, and as a society we don’t fulfil many of our dogs most basic needs. We can all do better.

• We honour our dogs when we make sure that they get to enjoy as much time outside as possible. How many hours does your dog spend outside?

• We honour our dogs when we allow them to experience new environments, and socialise with many different members of their own species. How often does your dog get to meet other dogs, and how often does your dog come with you to new places?

• We honour our dogs when we give them a purpose. A job, a sense of belonging. A skill that helps them burn energy and gain confidence. What does your dog do?

• We honour our dogs when we give them a structure to follow - so they know how to navigate the world around them in a way that keeps them safe

• We honour our dogs by learning to communicate their way. Which means calmly, subtly, and with our bodies, not our mouths. And that brings us to my final challenge to you. Can you ask your dog to come to you, to settle down, or to follow you somewhere… but without you making a single noise? And can you communicate in the same way in public?

We can all commit to being mindful of these five things, that make our dogs happier, healthier, calmer creatures. No expense required.