SOCIAL:
Leaving the house, instead of just letting them out in the back garden is stating the obvious really! Going out allows them to meet other people and other dogs; it also helps them discover and experience different situations, weather conditions, times of the day/year, traffic etc...
MENTAL:
Work their brain, give them mental exercise. Feed your dog using puzzles or make up a game where they have to search and find treats, play tug of war, this will provide mental stimulation. Do voice command training - Look, Sit, Paw, Down, Spin, Twist, Stand, Stay, Roll-over and reward them to recognise their successes. Mental exercise will make your dog concentrate and help make them more content.
IMPROVISE:
Dogs do like routine, but if they're looking unhappy or showing signs of boredom it is important to take them on different walks and mix up the routes a bit, take them on different walks, they like to sniff, discover and explore new situations.
LOVE:
Make sure you spend quality time with your dog, they’re your best friends. Take them on long walks and loose yourself for the day with them, enjoy the wildlife in the countryside. Take them on holiday, dogs love the beach, plenty of open space and a different landscape to what they're use to. All this will help you and your dog to unwind and keep stress free.
EXERCISE:
Always make sure they go out on regular walks throughout the day. Morning and evening are essential but to help satisfy their needs a walk during the day maybe required for a lot of breeds. If the weather is terrible, play a game of chase in the house and remember to do all the mental exercises to keep them satisfied.
Obviously watch the hot temperatures during the summer, especially on the hot pavements. Walk them very early 5-6am or late 8-9pm if the weathers really hot. Walk them in shady woods or near a stream to cool off. Try to do shorter walks mixed with plenty of brain exercise. Take a bottle of water and a fold up bowl so they can keep hydrated.
