Your German Shepherd is your best furry friend and you want to make sure that they are living their best life! The good news is that they are several ways to ensure that your puppy is happy and well-cared for. Find out what you can do for your pooch to keep them happy at all times.
What Can I Do to Make My German Shepherd Happy?
Here are some of the tips and tricks you can try with your German Shepherd:
How Meeting Your German Shepherd’s Basic Requirements Keeps Them Happy?
You’re probably here to learn new and interesting ways to keep your German Shepherd feeling good. This means that meeting your dog’s basic requirements isn’t the kind of advice you’re looking for.
Although this may seem pretty basic, making sure that your dog’s everyday needs are taken care of can guarantee that they stay happy. Proper nutrition, comfortable bedding, adequate exercise, and attention contribute to your dog being healthier. As you know, a healthy German Shepherd is a happy one.
Just to be certain, check on your pooch’s diet, exercise plan, and so on to be certain that you meet the necessary goals. You will be surprised at the difference this can make.
Why is Showing Your Dog Attention Important?
Most German Shepherd owners don’t realize how important they are to their dogs. This breed is incredibly people-oriented and once they bond with you, you become their entire world. They will even experience separation anxiety if you are gone for too long.
Showing your dog enough attention is one of the best ways you can make them happy. It isn’t enough to just be around your pup, however. You need to actively engage with them. This could involve playtime, cuddling on the couch, or simply massaging your pooch.
This begins with making time for your dog. If you lead a busy lifestyle, it can seem like there isn’t enough time to bond with your pup. You need to clear out short pockets of your day to spend with your dog, however.
For instance, you can try to wake up a little earlier in the morning. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic – just fifteen minutes can do the trick. You can also carve out some time before you go to sleep. Figure out how you can devote more time to your dog each day.
To let your German Shepherd, know that your attention is fully on them, give these activities a try when it is just the two of you around, with no other distractions.
Can Other People Make Your Dog Happy?
Some dogs love being around people. For these pups, being in the company of other humans is enough to make them happy. Not all dogs experience this, but it can be true for some pups.
If this describes your dog, take them with you when you hang out with your friends or family. You may want to make sure that these individuals like dogs, of course. This way, your dog can bask in the attention of others, with plenty of pets and cuddles to spare.
How Can You Vary Your German Shepherd’s Exercise Routine?
It is no secret that your German Shepherd loves to exercise. They are high-energy pups and need an outlet for all this excess drive.
At the same time, if all you do is take them on a walk, this type of physical activity will lose its appeal. This is especially true if you only take them down the same path day in and day out. What your German Shepherd needs are varied.
The easiest way to do this is to check out some other spots around where you live. If you want to give your pup an adventure, take them on a hike. Make sure that your pooch doesn’t have to walk for too long, though, and check that the surfaces aren’t too rough for them.
Switch things up even more by including a daily game of fetch or Frisbee. Not only does this give your pup a workout, but it also allows it to actively engage with you.
There’s no need to stop there. German Shepherds are incredibly physical and do well with agility training, dog sports, and other activities. The more variation you can offer them, the happier they will be.
Some, but not all German Shepherds love swimming. If your pup falls into this category, try to organize a weekly swim. At the very least, fill up a paddling pool and let your pooch splash around in it. This will be especially appreciated during the warmer months.
Is Sniffing the Ultimate Dog Adventure?
As you know, German Shepherds love to stop and smell everything around them, including blades of grass. This is why they may feel upset when they’re not allowed to enjoy their favorite hobby. Like most owners, you probably pull your dog away after a few seconds.
The next time you go out with your German Shepherd, let them sniff and smell to their heart’s content. You may feel bored, but you can guarantee that your pup is having the time of their life. Get into the habit of doing this at least once a week.
You can also turn your dog’s sniffing obsession into a game. Hide treats around your house and yard and let your dog find them. As your pup gets better at this trick, try storing the treats in closed containers to make it more challenging for them.
Why Does Mental Stimulation Boost Your German Shepherd’s Mood?
German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. To top it off, they have been bred to enjoy working on tasks. This means that if your pup is lazing around all day, they may feel unfulfilled and this can lead to depression.
There are a few things you can do to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Engaging toys can help, particularly puzzle toys. These require your dog to solve a puzzle and they get a treat as a reward. This works well when you aren’t at home.
The key is to give your dog increasingly difficult puzzle toys. The easier puzzles will be stepping stones to solving the more challenging ones. At the same time, the varying difficultly levels reduce the risk of your dog getting bored.
You should try to rotate these puzzle dogs when you’re away. This way, they won’t get bored playing with the same old toy, ensuring that they can maintain the same level of pleasure as before.
Another thing you can try is to give your dog something to do. As mentioned, German Shepherds were bred to be herders and got used to learning new commands and having their attention occupied for most of the day.
Let your pup exercise these traits by teaching them how to do various jobs around the house. This can be picking up laundry, turning lights on and off, or other similar activities.
Teaching your pup these tricks will give them the mental stimulation they need. Completing these tasks will give your pup a sense of accomplishment, making them feel good about themselves.
What Kind of Treats Should You Give Your Dog?
Treats is an obvious answer – most dogs are thrilled by them. The problem, however, is that most traditional dog treats tend to be heavily processed. Due to this, they aren’t the best options for your dog.
If you don’t mind taking the time and effort, you can try your hand at making dog treats. What’s great about this is that you can incorporate your dog’s favorite tastes and textures, customizing it specifically for them.
Another other option is to find better quality treats. You can find homemade treats from local bakers and stock up on those. You can also look for treats that contain high-quality ingredients but also maintain a great flavor and texture.
How to Take Your German Shepherd Out for Treats?
As pets take on a more important role in people’s lives, an increasing number of cafes, restaurants, and even bars are offering dog-friendly treats. Make a note of these and take your pup to visit these spots.
This is ideal because it combines two of your German Shepherd’s favorite things – spending time with you and treats! As a bonus, it is a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind and senses and may allow you to get in some exercise as well.
You can also take your German Shepherd to stores where dogs are allowed. Let them pick out a toy or treat to make the trip that much sweeter.
Can Other Dogs Perk Up Your Pup?
If you socialize your dog at a young age, they should enjoy meeting and play with other pups. In some ways, your German Shepherd may like playing with other dogs more than you. They can be rougher and can engage with them more physically.
This is why you should allow your German Shepherd to meet other dogs. The simplest way to do this is to go to the dog park. You can also schedule playdates with other pups they like. It is best to do this with well-behaved dogs, though, so that your pooch doesn’t pick up any bad habits.
You may want to think about scheduling these playdates when you are busy with work. This way, your dog can stay engaged and occupied even when you are not around. Make a plan with other dog owners to alternate the schedule so that everyone takes on hosting duties.
What Makes Your Dog Happy?
Keep in mind that every German Shepherd is different. What may make one dog happy may not necessarily elicit the same reaction from another. Not to mention, your dog may have completely unusual happiness triggers.
The best way to discover what makes your dog happy is to observe it. Watch for when they perk up and take note of what gets them excited. This should help you to accumulate a list.
If you aren’t satisfied with the passive approach, try out various new things with your dog. This could include playing with them, cuddling, massages, trips, walks, trying out new activities, and more. Through trial and error, you will figure out what your dog loves to do.
How Do I Know If My German Shepherd is Happy?
You need to make sure that these steps are working. This means that you should be able to tell when your German Shepherd is happy.
There are many different signs. In some instances, it can be subtle. Your pup may show you they are content simply by nuzzling or cuddling you. Some dogs will depict their feelings with a happy stare and lolling tongue.
With other dogs, the signs are more obvious. Your pup may jump up and down, run around in circles, wag its tail, and try to lick you all over. They may also let out happy barks.
Once again, every dog is different and has their own way of showing how they feel. The good news is that you know your pooch best of all and should be able to tell when they are happy.
If you notice a change in your dog’s mood, consider whether anything in their environment or routine has changed. In case it has, you can try to fix it or come up with an alternate solution. If your pup continues to be down and you can’t pinpoint the cause, it’s worthwhile to visit your vet and see if there is a medical condition to blame.
These are some of the best ways to keep your German Shepherd happy. Just try them out and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
