The Three Pillars of Happiness

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. 

Are our dogs any different?

SOMEONE TO LOVE

We love our dogs, we put in the time to play, exercise, cuddle and build a relationship with them. It’s not hard to imagine that, for our pooches, they love us for all that we do. We all know how warm and fuzzy it feels to see the whole body wiggle dance when we return home, when they see their favourite human– so that ticks off that box.

SOMETHING TO DO

As humans, we all have some sort of job to do in our daily lives. It could be anything; our occupation, a chore, being a parent or role model, being a student. These are all things we go about day in and day out. 

What about our canine friends? Yes, we have the working dogs that are highly trained to do a given JOB, but what about the majority of dogs that we ask to simply be our pets? 

We’re not saying our companion dogs need to go off and work sheep or be assistance dogs, but it wouldn’t hurt to give them another job. 

Enrichment is going to be yours and your dog's new favourite thing. Many dogs get fed their food out of a bowl, but that doesn’t require much effort on their part to hoover it all up. Try hiding kibble around the lawn, in scrunched up toilet paper rolls, in cardboard boxes, or even an old rolled up towel requires them to WORK for their food. By doing this we give them a regular job; sniff to your heart's content, find the food, shred the cardboard, use your brain. These are all fulfilling behaviours and will absolutely contribute to the happiness of your dog. 

We can also think outside the literal and proverbial box for other jobs our dogs can participate in. Trick training is a great way to build the bond you have with your dog, or joining your local dog sports club. Any sort of skill that uses brain and body gives more purpose to your dogs’ day than just lazing around waiting for the single walk that comes in the morning or the evening… Which brings us to:

SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Most people will have some weekly event they look forward to; it might be a sports game, date night, a weekend outing, even Sunday brunch. Knowing that everyday brings us closer to our highlight of the week is uplifting and energising. Even when we finish the grind of the nine to five we can plop down in front of the TV to watch our favourite series, or read a chapter of an interesting book. 

Overall, it is beneficial to our wellbeing and, you guessed it, our furry friends are no different! 

We know that grabbing the lead can incite the wiggle dance of excitement, but think about how many other ways we can incorporate what our dogs love more often to bring them joy. Whether it's a special bushwalk you venture to, or that training class your dog loves (their new job!), visiting grandma who always sneaks them special treats, they’re all highlights! Adding new and exciting adventures to your schedule will bring you both together and create very special memories.

We are the curators of the things our dogs can do to create those three pillars of happiness… What will you do with your pooch to help them feel fulfilled?

Check out our range of courses and training that could become your dogs’ new highlight of the week!