How to keep your dog happy and content
For me it’s a joy to capture a dog’s unique personality through photography of them having fun and showing their happiness! Their personality shines through when you take photos of them just being themselves, doing what they love to do, and having their best day!
As dog owners, all we can do for our dogs is to make every day their best day!
Dogs bring an overwhelming amount of happiness into our lives so let’s show them our appreciation by keeping those tails wagging!
Here are some ways you can show your dogs how much you appreciate them.
5 ways to keep your dogs happy
Give your dogs exercise by having them play fetch
1. Exercise
Are you one of those people who thinks its okay to simply let your dog out into the back yard to do its business? Well I am here to say think again!
Dogs need mental stimulation and much of that comes from a daily walk where your they can sniff the good smells, see new and exciting things, meet other dogs, try to chase squirrels. Dogs that don’t get exercise are bored dogs and bored dogs will will often make their own fun through destructive behaviour!
2. Friends and Play
Just as we need to socialize, so do dogs. If you have friends that have dogs and you can set up doggie playdates, your dog will thank you and will be pleasantly tired out after an hour or two of socialization.
Arrange Doggie Playdates
Your dog prefers humans? Well then take the time each day to play with your dog - games of fetch and hide and seek work well.
3. Grooming
Keep your dog well groomed. Your dog will feel better and thank you for it. A good grooming routine is essential. Think about those dogs with hair or fur that mats. Ouch - those mats pull on the skin!
What about nails - keep them trimmed too for your dog’s comfort.
Dogs that shed need all that excess hair removed to keep them cool and comfortable. Give them a weekly brushing.
Many dogs don’t enjoy the grooming so remember to start slow with shorter sessions and offer lots of treats and praise. Make the bath feel secure with a non-slip bath mat. Offer a nice massage as you lather the soap. They will get used to it and once they are nice and clean they will feel so much better!
4. Toys and Chews
Chewing is a normal canine pastime so make sure your dog has the opportunity to do what he or she loves and offer safe toys, such as those you can stuff with treats. Also offer edible chews like bully sticks and dental bones.
5. Keep up with the training
Teaching new tricks is a fun way to entertain and give your dog mental stimulation. Keep it fun for both yourself and your pooch by using positive reinforcement! Regular training sessions have the added advantage of providing your dog with that much needed one-on-one attention.
These 5 things are easy to do and will have a lasting effect on your dog’s well being!
So let’s capture your dog’s personality at a fun filled photography session, photographing them doing what they love to do!. Dogs are great at expressing their joy, and capturing this love of life with the people they love the most is my favourite photo session. That inner joy gives us endless opportunities for beautiful photos. So along with those more formal posed dog portraits, you’ll usually find a few photos showing your dog’s happy face!
It could be running around with their toys, splashing in the lake, chasing squirrels, even nose to the ground sniffing the smells (think Beagles!)
Dogs can really inspire us to live life to its fullest and teach us some lessons in happiness. I try to capture some of that happiness and personality in the photos I take during each dog photography session here in the Toronto area.
Below are photos of happy dogs taken during dog photography sessions.
If you would like to discuss your own pet photography session, feel free to book a phone call or contact me by email.
Terri J Photography serves the Greater Toronto area including Richmond Hill, Markham, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Scarborough, Brampton, Thornhill and beyond. Terri specializes in on-location pet photography including family, couples & engagement sessions with your beloved pets.