[CorkyMax]

This is from a newsletter I get. Thought it needed posting.

Spend Quality Time with Your Dog
5 simple ways to spend more quality time with your dog.



Down the street from me lives a young Labrador Retriever whose plight breaks my heart every time I see him. He’s not mistreated, at least not in an obvious way. He’s just always alone. Day after day, he stays outdoors in his fenced yard, with no one for company. From his yard, he barks at all who pass by as though he were asking for someone — anyone — to pay attention to him.

The dog’s owner is a busy guy. He’s got a full-time job, a house to maintain, and all the other tasks to perform that go with life today. I sympathize: 21st century life can be chaotic for anyone. But we can make time for our dogs without exerting very much effort or spending a lot of extra time. Here are some ways to do just that.

Take her along. Whether running errands, picking the kids up from school, or stopping by your office, including your dog can be a hassle-free way to give her attention and stimulation. “For adult dogs whose owners’ lifestyles primarily revolve around being home, at soccer games, and ferrying the kids to school, having the dog participate in these activities can meet much of her social needs,” says Alice Moon-Fanelli, Ph.D., certified applied animal behaviorist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Sleep with her. Experts agree that having your dog sleep in your bedroom, but not necessarily on your bed, can be a great way to spend extended time with your canine companion with no additional effort on your part. You sleep, she sleeps. What could be easier?

Find things you both like to do. Some activities you do for your own enjoyment are even more fun if your four-legged friend does them with you. Moon-Fanelli recommends spending some one-on-one time with your dog “in mutually enjoyable physical activities,” such as swimming and hiking.

Try multi-tasking. Are you busy fixing lunch or preparing dinner while your dog hangs around? Use this opportunity to help her practice sit-stays and down-stays. Are you watching TV? Use that time to brush your best friend, too — or at least give her some cuddle-time.

Do some delegating. If you don’t live alone, other family members can help out with dog care. For example, “when there are children in the household, they can become the designated walkers, exercisers, and players,” notes Terry Curtis, DVM, veterinary behaviorist at the University of Florida in Gainesville. “It just spreads the interactions over more people.”

That said, you do need to at least spend a little extra time with your dog if she’s to become a happy member of your household and stay that way. Every dog needs training, exercise, and some one-on-one time with her people each day. A little creativity on your part can go a long way toward meeting those needs without putting much of a dent in your schedule.

Maybe I can find a way to explain that to my Lab-owning neighbor the next time I see him.

[Lara's mom]

I'm extremely lucky in that I'm home with my fur kids all day and we get to spend loads of quality time together whether we're outside walking or playing or, just snuggling together on the sofa listening to music or watching TV.

Hearing about a dog left alone like that just breaks my heart. Why do people adopt dogs if they don't have enough time to give the animal a decent quality of life?

[Marco]

Thankfully, my work allows me to bring my pup in with me, and the wife is home most of the day so if, for some unknown reason I can't bring the pup in to work, she can keep him busy and entertained at home. A neighbour of mine has two Shih Tzu pups who are shut outside in the back garden all day and are let in at night when the people are going to bed. They have a small plastic dog kennel, and a make-shift dog bowl, made out of an old plastic pot. Needless to say, local staff from the shops are even calling the RSPCA down.

[lawnmunchkin]

I am also fortunate enough to be home with my animals most of the time. However, this wasn't always the case and here are some of my tips, in case anyone is interested.

Spend at least an hour after work with your dog(s). Go to a local dog park, go for a walk, find a field and play fetch, or tug, or a good game of chase.

Talk to them a lot - not only does this improve their vocabulary, it often will increase the bond between you. Also include them in whatever you do in the house. Even something as simple as going from the living room to the laundry room. I always ask my dogs to come with me. They get excited, they wag their tails and they are happy to be included, even in the boring everyday chores!

Spend 15 minutes everyday, even when they are adults, doing tricks or other mind-enhancing games.

Try asking your boss for bring your dog to work day on Friday's. It is common in a lot of workplaces now, and it is great for morale!

If you can't bring your dogs to work with you, find a neighbour who has dogs who stays home, or maybe a retired neighbour and ask them to take care of your dog(s) during the day. Not only does this give the dog(s) some people time, but I find with my retired neighbours who do this, it really helps them out as well. If gives them a reason to get out in the community and go for walks and gives them some company

[Yogi]

In my case, retired so hardly ever not at home. Going to the grocery story for dog, cat and bird food is like a vacation.....

In my case, retired so hardly ever not at home. Going to the grocery story for dog, cat and bird food is like a vacation.....

[mypetisloved]

I am never at home as much as I'd like to be with my dogs, nor can I take them in to work with me. I love this list though, thanks so much for sharing it with us!

[Dirky47]

I'm always at home that's why I spent lots of quality time to my dog. Right after I wake up in the morning, he started wagging his tails on me. Love it.