Surely you know your dog very well, but have you ever stopped to think about what things dogs love the most? We bring you some of the most common tastes.
Dogs are special animals because they are transparent and expressive. It is easy to guess what is wrong with them and how they are feeling. However, it is always good to know what they really like and what they hate in order to make them as happy as possible.
Studies on the behavior, characteristics and psychology of dogs are on the rise. For example, a 2017 study conducted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico found that dogs can distinguish human emotions by how they are represented in their brain. The emotion they distinguished best was happiness.
Surely, at some time, when you have felt sad or very happy, your dog has reciprocated by rejoicing or trying to comfort you. It's no coincidence! This is how they perceive our emotions and act accordingly.
Communication with our dog is very important. We must make an effort to make our facial expressions clear to them, as well as using body language to communicate with them. Even if he understands us, he is not a fortune teller, so be patient, especially during the first weeks at home. This is a fundamental moment to establish the basis of your relationship.
Dogs are also influenced by the tone of our voice. They have been domesticated for so many years that they have learned that this is a good way to understand us. According to a study done by the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, dogs' brains process language in two hemispheres. In one hemisphere they process verbal language and in the other they process non-verbal language (i.e. tone of voice and gestures). This is similar to the way our brains process language.
They are able to perceive not only the words we say to them, but also the intonations and inflections with which we address them. They also seem to be very in tune with our moods.
But, for a good communication and a good relationship with our dogs, it is essential to know what they love and what they hate. That's why we bring you some of their favorite actions, for you to keep in mind.
1. Being the center of attention
Almost all dogs, in general, love to be part of a group and be the center of attention. I'm sure your dog enjoys it very much when you bring friends or family home and everyone gives him a cuddle.
2. Making "doggy" friends
You must keep in mind that your dog does not only need your company, he also needs to socialize with other dogs. Therefore, on your walks, frequent parks, squares... where he can come into contact with his own kind and make friends.
3. Preparing his bed
Surely you have noticed how, before going to sleep, your dog turns several times in his bed, and even places his blanket with his paw to his liking. This is his way of "making his bed".
4. Your bed, the couch
You may have noticed that they love to sleep in anything other than their beds, and if possible, with you. This will depend on the rules you establish at home, but usually they love to take little naps in places that smell like you, such as the couch or an armchair.
Read also: Why Does My Dog Rub Against The Couch
5. Cuddling and petting
This is no secret: most dogs love to be petted and cuddled by their family. The key is to find a balance between cuddling and the necessary discipline.
6. Exercise
Especially if it's with you. Dogs love to spend time in our company and what better way to do that than a run, a hike, or a swim.
7. Taking away your things
You already know that your dog loves anything that smells like you, especially when you're not at home. Therefore, it is common for him to "steal" clothes or shoes from you to get your attention and to have something that reminds him of you. You can solve this by giving him an old t-shirt or something similar, so he can keep it on his bed and not be tempted to take anything.
8. New toys
No matter how many toys our dog has, he will always welcome a new knot or ball and won't let go for a few days.
9. Stimuli and challenges
Dogs can easily get bored if they are not stimulated by new challenges, especially the more active ones. Taking them to practice agility, including them (as much as possible) in some of our plans, or taking a trip to the beach can be good options.
However, when taking your dog to the beach, it is important to keep an eye on them and ensure that they do not drink too much saltwater. Saltwater poisoning can occur quickly and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death if not treated promptly. If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much saltwater, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
10. Travel
Although dogs are creatures of habit, they also appreciate a change of scenery and environment, with new places and smells to explore. You can take them with you now that it's getting easier and easier to travel with them. You'll both have a great time.
11. Eating
Eating is probably one of a dogs' favorite things to do. But be careful! Try to educate him so that he doesn't become an anxious eater, as this can lead to obesity.
12. Getting dirty
13. Music
There are studies that show that dogs seem to like music and that it is a good way to keep them calm when they are alone at home. You can try to see what kind of music relaxes your dog the most, although usually it is always slow songs and classical music.
14. Work
The truth is that there are many dogs that are quite lazy and have no desire to work, but, in general, in certain breeds or mongrels of these, the instinct to work does appear because of their past, and they will want to "help" in any way they can.
15. Waiting for you when you're not there
This doesn't fail; everyone does it. You'll probably come home from work, open the door and find him sitting there; or you'll see him from the street looking intently through the window glass.