Whether you are a first-time or long-lasting dog owner, do you ever find yourself questioning whether you are good at it? Looking after a pet can be overwhelming for everyone at times and it can be hard to know if we are doing it right and if our dogs are truly happy.
We know for a fact that, in 2020, many people have become dog owners for the first time as the demand for four-legged companions soared during lockdown, while people spent more time at home.
So what does it take to be a good dog owner? Waggel pet insurance have partnered with canine dietary and integrative wellness consultant, Junior Hudson from Heal the Dog, to provide some useful and reassuring signs that you are doing your best and your pet is not only healthy, but happy:
1. You're educated
A great dog owner knows the details of their breed's needs, characteristics and temperament and treats them accordingly. The owner's and the dog's needs are similar so their lifestyles don't jar. Two walks a day? No problem.
"It’s essential to learn how you can best support your pet, whether it be by researching credible information in books, online articles, or speaking to other owners. With such varied information that can often be contradictory, I would recommend booking a session with a professional trainer or behaviour specialist for assurance that you are on the right track," says Junior.
2. Your dog is well socialised
... and well behaved and adaptable in different situations. A good dog owner exposes their pets to different aspects of life in a reassuring and supportive way.
"'Socialisation’ is not just a buzzword thrown around by trainers and behaviourists, it is probably the single most important activity that pet parents can carry out for their puppies or dogs," says Junior.
"If appropriately implemented during puppyhood and beyond, socialisation will ensure your dog is as well-adjusted as possible. This involves careful introduction to various social stimuli including; people, other dogs/animals, objects, environments and sounds."
3. You have well-establish boundaries
Both owner and pet respect each other's needs and the dog doesn't rule the roost.
"When raising well-adjusted dogs, there should be loving guidance and understanding but there is often also a need for boundaries. Whether it be respecting personal space or other house rules, boundaries can make life a lot easier for both you and your dog. Without the need for punishment, we can use positive reinforcement to encourage self-discipline in our dogs, this is best started during puppy hood."
4. You feed your dog for optimised health
"You are what you eat and this is as true for dogs as it is for us. With so many different dietary options on the market it can be difficult to know what is best for our dogs. Speaking to a pet nutritionist or doing lots of research can help you make better choices. Whether that be feeding kibble, canned or more fresh home prepared options," says Junior.
5. There's a whole lot of love and understanding
You are friends and companions and are always excited to see each other. You can read each other well and know what they need, whether that's a cuddle, a walk, a bit of space or a reassuring head on your lap.
"Like humans, pets are all individuals with character strengths and weaknesses. We have all felt at times misunderstood, overwhelmed, confused by expectations etc. Being a different species altogether, imagine how difficult it is for pets to adapt to living with us humans in our crazy world! For us pet parents it is our job to guide and instil tools, enabling our pets to live comfortably and happier, in a world of ideals and expectations which often oppose their natural instincts," Junior explains.
6. You know it's long term
"As a good pet parent, your priority should be to maintain your pet’s wellbeing long-term. Therefore, researching the best way to support them throughout their whole lives is essential. Choosing the right pet insurance plan is also important as many insurers will not cover all conditions so remember, cheapest is not always best.
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28 wonderful Christmas presents for dogs
Every dog needs a tennis ball. Designed for fun and endless fetch, these balls from Pets At Home are just the right size for your dog to grip and go. And we can't get enough of the fun patterned designs either.
Both a fun way to keep your furry friend entertained and a tasty treat for them, this jolly Christmas tree lickmat with accompanying cranberry and turkey paste will certainly get them in the festive spirit.
Something they can wear all year round, this charming handmade dog bandana scarf comes in a number of lovely patterns and colours, from gingham and stripes, to polka dots and florals.
Or why not kit them out for the festivities with this super cute bowtie. At just £4, it would also make a fantastic stocking filler.
Put turkey on the menu for your dog this Christmas with these delicious dog treats. The heart-shaped and hand baked turkey and cranberry soft bites are perfect for your pet to join in with the feasting. Plus, each dog treat can be broken in two for smaller dogs – or to make them last that bit longer.
And you can keep their favourite treats fresh with this handy glass treat jar. With space to add their name and birth year, this is one of our favourite personalised picks.
With rope arms and legs, this sweet bear toy is the ultimate Christmas present for your dog. Aptly named Spencer Bear™, it's the ultimate tug-of-war companion for your pooch.
We're certain your pet will love this small pet collar, featuring a pretty dandelion print. Ideal for small breeds, it has a buckle clasp and hook for your lead.
Enrichment Set - Liki Mat Brain Training For Dogs
Train your pup over the holidays with this clever enrichment set. The perfect sensory activity for keeping dogs engaged, each pack comes complete with a mat, tube of liver paste and one tub of liki mat sprinkles.
Created for comfort, this stylish dog bed from John Lewis has comfort at its heart. With a plain design on one side and classic gingham on the other, it is made from 100% cotton and filled with polyester.
With rainy weather here to stay, this waterproof dog coat from Regatta is what every pet parent needs. The stylish blue check design will also make it easier to spot your pup when out and about.
This dog bowl combines style and functionality in one elegant design. Featuring two bowls for food and water, it can also be personalised with your dog's name.
This set of 10 chew toys for dogs has been designed to distract anxious pups. Each pack contains a variety of rope toys, including a fun carrot-shaped tug and pink teddy bear.
Keep your furry friends refuelled with Lily's Kitchen Breaktime Biscuits. This box features eight packets for your pets to snack on during the day.
We love this tweed and fleece dog bed from the Country Living Marketplace. With six sizes to choose from, the bed boasts thick memory foam pads and high sides to offer support.
Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Level 3 Dog Puzzle Toy
Ideal for keeping energetic and excitable pups entertained and slowing down those who ordinarily race through their food, this interactive puzzle toy will keep them occupied for hours.
Keep your furry friend safe and secure with this soft dog harness. It has a scratch-resistant outer layer, nylon webbing to ensure good visibility at night, a sturdy handle, and a comfortable and ergonomic design. It's available in five different sizes and a range of colours.
This soft dog bed, made from non-toxic materials, has been designed to keep anxious dogs calm. It has a silky feeling, a raised rim to create a sense of security, and head and neck support for when they are sleeping. But that's not all: the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief to relieve a pet's anxiety. Clever!
Excellent for aggressive chewers, this blue chew toy helps pups to release their extra energy by chewing. Suitable for larger breeds, it also helps them to develop healthy chewing habits that can clean their teeth, relieve anxiety and reduce boredom.
With the cold weather well and truly here, this super soft pet blanket is great for keeping your dog warm when the temperatures tumble. We think it would make a wonderful Christmas present.
Perfect for dark winter walks, this light-up dog collar will keep your dog safe and seen. It works for over eight hours of lighting per full charge and is available in a range of colours.
In bright red, this toy is incredible for dogs who like to chew while also playing. Ideal for keeping aggressive chewers occupied, it is available in six different sizes, allowing you to tailor it exactly to your pup.
Coming complete with three tail-wagging retrieval toys, they work equally as well in the water as they do on land, making them a great pick for pups that love to play while out on their daily walks.
Joules Joules Bee Print Dog Bed, Small
Buzzing with bees, this khaki-hued small dog bed is the perfect place for pooches to recline on.
Perfect for a game of tug of war or keeping them entertained by themselves thanks to its fun squeaker, this is one toy you can bring out year after year.
Want to treat your dog to something luxurious this Christmas? OUAI's animal range includes this gentle pet shampoo for pampered pets.
If you're looking for a personalised dog toy but don't want to shell out too much, this great option has 80 pre-stitched names to choose from. But don't worry if your dog's name isn't one of them, there's also the 'best dog ever' title which we're sure your four legged friend is.
Emma-Louise Pritchard is the Membership Director for Country Living UK & House Beautiful UK, previously Executive Digital Editor for Country Living UK. Emma-Louise is a digital expert specialising in content strategy, social media and newsletters. Her topics include sustainability, homes and interiors, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and countryside news. She has previously written for Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan and has won several awards, from AOP Digital Editor of the Year 2019 to PPA 30 Under 30. Emma-Louise studied at Cardiff University where she completed an MA in Magazine Journalism.
