"Dog reads"

Having fun with your dog is one of life’s biggest joys. In today’s busy world, it can be hard to find time to do the things we truly enjoy. But regardless of how short you are on time, there is always time to share with your four-legged friend!

Whether it’s a few stolen moments during the week or a new way of performing simple tasks on the weekend, there are countless ways to make sure your dog is an integral part of your life.

“Even doing something together for 10 minutes is better than nothing,” says Jt Clough, a trainer who works with owners and their dogs to get the most out of their time together. “You have to break through the idea that you can’t do something [together] because you don’t have enough time. Every little bit counts.”

Dog Walks & Lunch Breaks
Whether it’s at home or on the go, Jt says there are many ways to share special moments – you just have to look at your life in a new way.

Of course, finding little things to do together depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you live close to where you work, one great way to squeeze in more time with your pal is to eat lunch at home — together! (Tip: Make your lunch beforehand, and you’ll have more time to spend together enjoying your lunch break!)

It’s not only a wonderful break for your dog — who will benefit from getting an extra walk — but you’ll be surprised how much better it makes you feel to spend your lunch hour with your best friend.

You can also squeeze extra time out of your schedule by using the “buddy system” to complete routine tasks. Jt says that many times, we overlook opportunities to share time together by excluding dogs from basic household chores. “The easiest way to spend time with your dog is to take a mundane thing that you do, like laundry, and make it fun for both of you,” she suggests. “Including your dog in everything you do is a good way to bond. So often, we just don’t think to include them.”

Errands with Your Dog
Among the everyday ways you and your dog can spend time together are:

• Get the mail. Every day you go to the mailbox – and most likely, you do it alone. Grab a leash and bring along your four-legged companion, or use this as a time to practice being off leash (if the situation is appropriate). If you have a little bit of extra time, keep walking past the mailbox and get in a short, brisk walk – then pick up your mail on the way back.
• Take out the trash together! This may not seem like much fun to you, but taking your trash out provides you and your dog one more opportunity for togetherness. You can also use this as a time to practice “sit” and “stay.”
• Look for your keys. Even your departure can be made into a fun game, Jt says. “Dogs love to play hide and seek. You can hide your keys under a pillow or in the couch, and let him help you find them. It’s something they’ll start to look forward to.” (Of course, you’ll want to remember to reward him with a treat when he finds your keys!)

All in a day’s fun
Once you start becoming aware of it, you will discover countless ways to add more togetherness to your day; from running errands together (even a short ride through the bank drive-through can make his day!) to hanging out around the backyard.

“It’s a matter of looking at what you do and coming up with creative ways to make it fun and include your dog,” Jt says. “Even if you only have five minutes, it counts for more than you realize.”

That’s enough time for a quick game of fetch or even just a good belly rub.

“The more you do these little things together,” she says, “the more you become a single unit. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have much time; you just have to make it fun.”

This article is courtesy of WagWorld magazine by Beneful® brand Dog Food.

Ready to plan some great adventures for you and your dog?

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