Most dog-care advice stops at food, walks, and vaccinations. While these are essential, dogs need much more nuanced care — physical, emotional, and environmental — to truly thrive.
- Respect Their Emotional Memory
Dogs remember experiences emotionally, not logically. Harsh scolding, shouting, or sudden isolation can leave lasting fear. Instead of punishment, use calm correction and redirection. A dog who feels emotionally safe learns faster and trusts deeper. - Allow Dogs to “Sniff-Walk”
Walks aren’t just exercise — they’re mental enrichment. Let your dog stop and sniff. Sniffing lowers stress hormones and stimulates the brain. A 20-minute sniff-walk can tire a dog more than a rushed 45-minute walk. - Paw & Nail Awareness (Not Just Trimming)
Most owners trim nails but ignore paw sensitivity. Regularly massage your dog’s paws and gently press each toe. This improves circulation, reduces anxiety, and helps detect early injuries or infections — something vets rarely mention. - Teach Them How to Rest
Dogs don’t always know how to switch off. Constant stimulation, TV noise, or guests can overstimulate them. Create a quiet “safe zone” where your dog can rest undisturbed. Deep rest improves immunity and emotional balance. - Feed for the Brain, Not Just the Body
Rotate textures and feeding methods — slow feeders, frozen meals, puzzle bowls. This mimics natural foraging, prevents gulping, and reduces anxiety and boredom-related behaviours. - Observe the Subtle Signals
Excessive licking, sudden silence, yawning, or avoiding eye contact often indicate stress or pain — not “bad behaviour.” Early observation prevents bigger health or behavioural issues later. - Touch Therapy Is Real
Gentle chest rubs, ear strokes, and slow body massage stimulate the vagus nerve, helping dogs calm down naturally. Five minutes daily can significantly reduce anxiety and aggression. - Consistency Over Control
Dogs feel safest when life is predictable. Fixed meal times, walk schedules, and sleep routines reduce stress far more than strict obedience training.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
About Author :
Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviorist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police.
He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel: (+95) 2883388