Many say that a dog is a man’s best friend, and for countless, that remains true. Dogs are most known for their loyalty, strong companionship, and the occupational services they provide for humans. However, most dog owners get a furry friend to build an emotional bond to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the lifespan of dogs is 6 to 7 times less than the average human, so it’s important that all dog owners take advantage of that, and live their lives to the fullest.

   I put out a poll asking what are some regrets owners express as their dog ages or has already passed. One response from Brynn Joyce reads, “Spend more time with them. Don’t ignore your dog when they want to spend time with you.”

   Over 76% of students felt that they wished they would’ve done more with their dog, most often mentioning things that they are no longer able to do, such as playing, teaching them new things, and in general, devoting more to their pets. Studies show that over 99% of dogs in the U.S. exhibit behavioral issues, over 75% of dogs have exhibited signs of depression, and about 18% exhibit symptoms of depression weekly all due to lack of stimulation. This is the kind of behavior that most dog owners realize in time. So how can pet parents improve their dogs' lives and relationships? Simple! There are 6 different kinds of easy enrichments any pet owners can try with their animal friend. Nutritional, physical, cognitive, occupational, sensory/environmental, and social. A few will be mentioned in this article.

   When asked about what activities MHS students do with their dogs, one response was, “Me and my dog read together–I read to her, do tricks with her, and we go on walks.” says Lynnea Jackson.

   Jackson’s response is a perfect example of social enrichment! It is the most important part of owning a dog since they’re a social animal. It’s crucial that you devote at least 1-2 hours to your dogs a day. Simple ways you could do that is doing your regular daily things together. Eat together–most fruits are beneficial for dogs to eat, so see which ones they enjoy! (Please do a basic search to see if they’re consumable for dogs) Sit down and watch a movie with them, along with petting and cuddling. Talk to them, they’re smart if you encourage it! You guys can play and if they’re not super playful, make it a challenge to find something that they want, or don't want to watch on TV. In doing this, I found out that one of my dogs is scared of fart noises and bears.

   Speaking of bears–bears in the wild thrive on a diverse diet and so do dogs! Offering nutritional enrichment for your beloved balls-of-fur isn’t hard at all. The easiest way to make it happen would be letting your dog try new foods! Preferably natural ingredients that have little-to-no seasoning. My dogs’ favorite veggies are cucumbers, and their favorite fruits are strawberries and bananas! This small, simple interaction provides a lot of mental stimulation just like the satisfaction people derive from getting a sweet treat. If some are looking to make it more interesting, place some treats in a muffin tin, tennis balls over the tops, and see how quickly your dog can retrieve them. If that's too easy, there’s many cheap puzzles for dogs on many online stores, give it a try.