Every pet parent wants the absolute best for their dogs. Even though most of us have good intentions, it can be easy to slip into bad owner habits over time — especially if you live a busy life.
To help you be the best dog owner you can possibly be, we have researched the everyday habits that will help strengthen your relationship with your pup. From maintaining a healthy diet to following the law, take a look at what you can do today...
1. Provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation
Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but our furry friends will also need plenty of mental stimulation to keep their brains active. Dogs benefit from new learning experiences and challenges, so why not become a better owner by working on a new trick, playing interactive games, or giving them some obedience training.
"Brain games are beneficial for every dog, but they are particularly important if you have a dog who can't do as much physical exercise, for example if your dog is a little older or is recovering from an operation," say Battersea Dogs & Cats. "Brain games also help build self confidence in puppies as they encourage them to learn to play by themselves."
2. Follow the law
Dog laws aim to keep you, your dog, and everyone else safe and happy. Following the rules — even small ones — will make you a responsible pet owner. From how your dog behaves in public spaces to keeping them under control around livestock, it's important to be respectful of the rules set in place.
3. Set house rules
Bringing home a new puppy? While many dogs take time to adjust to rules and regulations, setting expectations at home will make you an excellent owner. Some of the house rules to consider include not letting your dog into your bedroom, teaching them not to beg for food, and discouraging behaviour such as barking at the postman.
The team at Webbox say: "Rules are put in place to show your dog or cat that you are the alpha and letting your pet break these rules will send them a message that you aren't in charge, which could lead to them ruling the roost and breaking more rules."
4. Respect that not everyone loves dogs
They might be one of the nation's most-loved animals, but not everyone gets along with dogs — whether it stems from family traditions, a personal experience or simply a developed feeling. In order to be a good dog owner, respect how other people feel, particularly strangers you might meet on a walk. Keep your dog on a lead and remember that not everyone is a dog lover.
5. Train your dog
Obedience training for dogs is a vital part of socialising them, but not every owner does it. Training your dog to respond to simple cues, for example, will make both of your lives easier. As well as this, it will also help to build up a language of communication between you and your dog that promotes security.
"Teaching a dog that certain behaviour results in good things happening means they'll be more likely to behave that way again. Training your dog can also prevent unwanted behaviour problems developing in the future," say The Dogs Trust.
6. Adopt eco-friendly habits
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From eating habits to their bathing routines, our canine companions can take a serious toll on the planet — but thankfully there are lots of ways we can reduce our ecological impact. Some of the simple swaps you can make include ditching plastic poo bags, buying sustainable toys, and donating old items to a rescue shelter instead of tossing them in the bin.
The climate crisis and destruction of habitats are a huge existential threat to both animals and humans alike, which is why becoming a more sustainable pet owner is one of the best things to do for the planet.
7. Feed your dog a healthy diet
Feeding your dog the right type of food is crucial to their wellbeing. While foods will vary for each dog, the RSPCA recommend owners choose human-grade meat as some pet meat and bone products contain preservatives. Many owners will like feeding their dogs a raw meat diet, while others enjoy mixing it up with fish, vegetables and rice. To ensure your dog stays healthy, always choose high-quality foods and avoid feeding them scraps from your own meal.
If you are worried about which diet to choose, speak to your vet and they will be happy to provide advice on which food is right for your dog's individual needs.
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Designed for comfort, Bedsure beds are filled with premium microfiber in separate chambers and ultra soft reversible design. This pet bedding creates the ultimate place for your pet to rest and relax. The beds have a durable scratch-resistant surface and designed to resist water like dog sweat or urine.
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This Danish Design Maritime Blue Box Duvet bed features combinations of linen look stripes and denim look textures in three relaxed colour-ways, all highlighted by a special nautical edition of the Danish Design embroidered paw.
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This Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Bed features a removable and machine washable waterproof outer cover made from Oxford weave. It also has a waterproof and breathable inner cover.
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This popular paw print pet mattress has a double sided waterproof pet cushion with carry handle and paw print motif. Both sides are waterproof but only one side has the printed motif. It has a zip fastening with removable cushion.
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The waterproof hard wearing Oxford fabric is easy to clean, highly durable and is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The bed cover zips off, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The cover is 100% machine washable. Non-slip backing, ideal for use on polished floors and tiles.
This Orvis bed has a soft quilted sleep surface, and a streamlined bolster make it comfortable for your dog. The ComfortFill-Eco cushion is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and doesn't flatten or clump.
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This best-selling yellow dog bed comes with a machine washable removable cover. It's made of high-quality furniture fabrics, which allows your pet to feel very comfortable inside. Elastic pillows provide pets safety and comfort.
This waterproof pet mattress helps your dog relax and sleep comfortably by keeping them supported, warm and dry. The laminated fabric of the bed helps to repel water and although the bed is strong and durable, it is still comfortable for them to sleep or rest on. The removable cover and removable internal pad are both machine washable for when you need to clean it.
This Petface water resistant mattress is designed to help keep your dog's bed clean. It comes with a removable berber fleece top cover which you can easily take off and reattach with the poppers. The removable cover is machine washable and the wipe clean base makes cleaning super easy. The non slip backing helps to keep the bed still as your dog gets on and off.
P&L Country Dog Tough Heavy Duty Rectangular High Sided Waterproof Dog Beds in 3 Sizes Medium, Large & XL/Jumbo
The ideal dog bed for country dogs who get wet and dirty on a regular basis. The tough, heavy duty, hard-wearing, 100% polyester, waterproof material is easy to keep clean. The thick base cushion is removable and the high walls of this bed are filled with bonded thermal polyester fibre to insulate your pet from the cold floor and keep it out of draughts.
This dog bed is thickly padded on all sides to provide warmth and extra comfort with reversible cushions. It's also machine washable and has a non-slip base.
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