TianaThis post may contain affiliate links. You can read my Disclaimer for more information.
Animals just like humans develop into their own little beings. Humans need to work on their personal development to life their best life.
So how can you help your animal on their journey to personal development? Well, continue reading.
Why should you care about your animal’s personal development?
Many, many reasons
- it will help their mood
- it is proven that they ways can help them live longer
- they will learn new things
- it will keep them entertained which means minimal destructive behavior
1. Work their brain
Brain stimulation is most important for everyone’s personal development.
Toys
One way I help stimulate Kobe’s little brain is by getting him a BarkBox every month. A BarkBox is a box with snacks and toys that is custom to your dog’s needs.
It is well worth the subscription monthly cost when I see his face light up when his box arrives.
Meanwhile, one of Kobe’s favorite toys is a bacon ball. Just be warned that it will be nonstop squeaking for quite a while. They come in all sizes and colors to please all the nuggets. The odor may be bad (smells like rubber bacon) but it is well worth it
Buy a Bacon Ball Now and see your pup go crazy!!!!
Catnip is also a great idea. I make sure I am outside watching them play and make sure they do not have too much. I also only get them one every so many months.
Hide and seek
Sure most animals are not going to play hide and seek if you ask them. The best bet is to hide randomly and see if they notice. When they do find you, give them a snack
Hide a snack or make a snack trail
One of the things I love doing is getting a bowl and putting a treat underneath it. I watch in awe at how quickly Kobe figures out how to get the snack.
The snack trail is also a vision test. If they can not find the snacks, then make it easier for them.
I got something like this for Kobe and he loved it. You hid the aliens in their little space ship and the pup finds them Alien hide and Seek Toy
2. Excercise them
We are all aware that one of the signs to personal development is physical. This should be applied to animals as well.
Related post- The 6 Areas of Personal Development
Bigger dogs like Huskies need more physical time than smaller dogs like Yorkies.
Strive for 20-minute play time for small dogs. 2+ hours for large dogs. Puppies need 30minutes
Break play time into multiple times a day. For example, 20 minutes in the morning and 20 before dinner. It really does not need to be 20 minutes at one time.
The only thing that matters is you and your animal is getting plenty of exercise.
Keep an eye on the weather if you play outdoors or go for walks. Too hot for you is too hot for them especially when grass and pavements can burn those feets
Pay close attention as they can not communicate their pain well. Do not overdo it
3. Talk to them
Not the baby talk. Ok, maybe the baby talk a little. Speak to them as though they are a friend who never talks back because that is what they are. Have conversations with them
Related– 5 reasons to talk to your dog
The more words they know, the more behaved and listening they will be. Communication is key to all relationships
It is perfectly normal to talk to your animals. I say hello to every animal I see
Related post– The truth about animals and mental health
4. Feed them well
As much as I would love to say I gave Kobe Blue Buffalo all the time, the truth is I did not. He liked his Ceaser so he had wet food for breakfast and dinner. I tried with other wet foods but picky boys will be picky.
All living things need to be fed with plenty of fluids. Make sure there is always fresh water in the bowls. Make sure to feed them every 12 hours or keep a small amount of food in the bowls.
Do not overfeed as you do not want a pudgy one.
Chicken and rice is great as a special treat. It is human food which is why I said special treat.
Pro tip- keep an eye on what you feed them, some things are toxic. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of allergies
5. Socialize them
The one thing I regret about my boy growing up is I didn’t have friends. Not having friends made me only hang with my mom. This had made my dog, not into people.
You can socialize them with other animals as long as someone is watching. Again my boy is scared of other dogs. This has nothing to do with my lack of friends but with people’s lack of watching their dogs. They run away resulting in them attacking my boy. He was just 4 months old when he first got bit (right after his vet appointment)
With socializing, it is best to be careful about whom your animal comes in contact with.
A great way to do this is to enroll them in daycare. Yup, doggy daycare does exist. It helps you relax while they socialize and have fun.
Pet Smart offers doggy daycare as well as other companies.
Conclusion
Remember when trying to help your animals, it is best to take things easy. They will not be able to communicate well that they are tired.
As always, keep an eye on their physical development. Teeth check, eye check, skin check, tick check… Anything and everything to make sure they stay healthy so you can be together for a long time.
Pro tip- enjoy all the time you have with your animals and people. A sad fact is you never know when someone is leaving this Earth. I wish I gave Kobe more time, I wish I did not sleep as much or was depressed because he just wanted love and to play with his toys. (getting emotional here)
Related post- Why animals are better than humans
TAKE A SECOND TO PIN THIS
A huge animal lover and keeper but never thought of this topic like this. Thank you, a lovely read xx
Thank you. Yes Nalayini (love the name) animals devlop much like humans. So it is important to help them so they can enjoy their little time on Earth
Helpful tips!!
I am glad you found them helpful Jeff
Helpful tips for those who have pets, I will pass it on to my friends!
Thank you Smiley, I appreciate those kind words