Things Dogs Love

You've surely noticed your dog likes some things more than others, and that your friends' dogs coincidentally might not like the same things — this is because every dog is different, just like humans. The things dogs love can surprise us with how simple they are.

At SoyUnPerro, we've gathered a series of things all or most dogs enjoy and love, so you can put them into practice with your four-legged furry friend and make them happy. Shall we look at them?

Dogs Love Getting Our Attention

As strange as it might sound, since you surely spend a big part of the day with your dog, it loves getting your attention and knowing you're paying attention to it. We often focus solely on walking and playing for a bit, without giving importance to the moments when it's simply sleeping.

If we approach it every so often to give it a massage, check its ears and little paws, or simply talk to it a little, it'll be thrilled knowing it's important and that we're paying attention to it.

They Love Getting New Toys

We already know it's not recommended for them to have more than three or four toys, but when one breaks, we can replace it with a new, completely different one for it to enjoy playing with.

For them, it's the best gift we can give — plus, they'll have a blast bringing it over for us to try to take it away, or throwing it for them to run and fetch. Something as simple as a toy can brighten your dog's day.

Food, Their Greatest Passion

We all know the theory that diet is the fundamental pillar of our dog's health, but we shouldn't just focus on giving it the best kibble — we should also switch things up.

As an example, we can switch from meat to fish every couple of months to keep it from getting bored of its kibble, or we can also prepare a bit of homemade dog food, like the BARF diet.

Anything involving variety and trying new flavors, they'll love, since dogs love eating as much as they love sleeping. You can even buy a special dog bone at your vet clinic and surprise it.

They Love Exercising

Statistics show over eighty percent of dogs only go out two or three times a day for walks, at best getting to play with another dog at the dog park.

Exercising with our dog won't just help it burn off its excess energy — it'll also greatly improve its health and quality of life. Also, it'll feel much happier, since it'll release a bunch of hormones.

You don't need to run a marathon — simply take a bike ride and have it come along, or go rollerblading, whatever you prefer.

Petting, Your Dog's Weak Spot

There are very affectionate, clingy dogs, and others a bit more independent and standoffish, but whatever your dog is like, it surely loves getting your pets.

When we pet a dog, we're not just conveying our affection — we're also strengthening our bond with it, trust, and mutual respect.

Dogs love being petted, whether it's while lying in bed and we scratch their belly, or while sitting next to us and we give them pets on the neck and head.

Don't let a single day go by without showing your dog affection, because it loves it and values it enormously.

Socializing With Other Dogs and Humans

Something inside us breaks a little when we see someone carrying their dog in their arms like a baby... without letting it greet other dogs or humans.

We need to understand dogs are dogs, not babies. They should smell other dogs, growl at each other when needed, and above all, play and enjoy new friendships.

Letting a dog play with another dog releases more happiness hormones in it than an entire day of nonstop walking through its favorite spots. Dogs need to interact with other dogs, and above all, feel like dogs.

A Blanket, the Trick to the Perfect Bed

If you thought your dog was happy in its bed at bedtime or during a mid-afternoon nap... it's because you haven't tried giving it an old blanket.

You can use an old blanket or towel — simply put it on its bed so it feels more comfortable while sleeping. Or, if you prefer, you can lay it over it while it sleeps.

You'll see how your dog enjoys it like it's the best toy in the world — it'll chew on it a bit, turn it into a ball, and finally sleep peacefully next to it. It's surprising what a simple old blanket can achieve.

Stimulate Its Sense of Smell Through Play

A dog's most developed sense is smell, so nothing beats playing a bit with it and its sense of smell for it to have the time of its life.

Have your dog sit, and while it watches you, leave treats behind the table legs, on the couch, and in some corner of the house. When you're done, give it the command to search and eat them.

Repeat this exercise several times, and after a few days, pretend to leave treats in many places but only actually leave them in some, this way it'll use its sense of smell to search for treats at home.

It's a very simple but highly stimulating game for dogs — they'll love playing this with you, whether at home or out on the street.

Nothing Beats Traveling

If there's something dogs truly love, it's traveling with you and discovering new places, especially if they're surrounded by nature.

Going on hiking trails or following a stream through the woods is something they love, due to the newness of the place, the new smells, and even new animals or critters they'll come across along the way.

Also, it'll know that wherever you go, it'll always be with you, that you won't abandon it, and it'll feel much more bonded to you.

Can I Sleep With You?

Since it's common in packs, dogs take it as something very positive to sleep with you, in the same bed or with their bed right next to yours.

There's nothing more pleasant for your dog than sleeping peacefully knowing you're right there, by its side. That said, to do this, it needs to be clean and dewormed, for obvious health reasons.

You'll even benefit from the experience, since in winter, they provide a lot of warmth, and sometimes their snoring is very relaxing, ideal for falling asleep.