They say a dog is a man’s best friend. A loyal companion until the end.
But, in a day and age where everyone is constantly on the go, taking care of your pup has taken on a new meaning.
Dog trainer Jenn Gavin, owner of A Pleasant Dog Dog Training service, says being busy is not only a challenge for owners, but it can also cause frustration for your pet. “Some people think that having your dog out in the yard for playtime is sufficient exercise for them and it’s really not,” Gavin explains.
This doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for city dog owners, Gavin says there are many solutions to engage in activities that are enjoyable for both you and your dog.
“There are also games you can play, fetch is a fun one,” Gavin said, “Hide and go seek is an easy one to teach.”
But even if an owner can exercise Fido after work ours, it can still be difficult to attend to the dog during the workday.
So, if you do have to cage your dog you can use toys like a stuffed Kong filled with peanut butter or a small ball to keep their minds busy while you’re away.
However, if you cannot make it home, Gavin says you can seek the help of a dog walking service.
Dog walking husband and wife duo Jackie and Luke Moord, owners of Nature of the Dog, try to help out working folks as much as possible.
“We cater to the business professional,” Jackie said. “And they’re normally too tired to walk their dog at the end of the day.”
They even try to educate their customers about the needs of catering to having a dog in the city. “It’s about being competent dog handlers,” Luke explains.
Overall, Gavin says while some dogs vary in the types of lifestyles they need-with the right mental and physical stimulation any dog will be just fine. According to Gavin, “A good dog is a tired dog.”
