Who can resist those beautiful, big eyes and a waggy little tail? When dogs are ready to play, which they usually are all the time, there are not many things in this world more heartwarming than that. However, what does it mean when your dog is suddenly feeling blue and doesn’t respond to dog training lessons or invitations for some fun time together?
Of course, just like humans do, dogs can also have their off-days when they feel too tired or lazy to get active. That being said, if your generally active and happy dog is suddenly lethargic or you just brought home a new pup that doesn’t seem to socialize well, there might be a cause for concern. If your beloved furry friend seems down and won’t play with you, here is what you will need to do.
Spend more alone time with your dog
If your dog is new to the family, they surely need some time to get acquainted with their surroundings and new owners. If your new dog is only a puppy, it’s critical to teach them good behavior while they’re still very young. Refusing to play with you right away doesn’t necessarily represent a red flag in this case. With some patience and affection, your new friend will be playful in no time.
However, if your dog is older and has been around for a while, that’s an entirely different matter. Try to remember if your pet has recently been left home alone for prolonged periods of time, and ask yourself how much time you dedicate only to them when you actually are home.
Dogs are pets that love to socialize and loneliness can make them feel sad and abandoned. Whenever you need to leave home for an entire day or longer, invite a family member or a friend to look after your furry pal.
Don’t use your dog’s kennel as a punishment
Although disciplining your pets is a part of your normal routine, certain punishments should be avoided at all costs. One of such punitive measures is closing your dog in its kennel to teach them good behavior.
Nobody likes to be locked up, and dogs are no different. This sort of punishment makes them feel like you rejected them, and spending time in confined space can only make their state of mind worse.
If you notice that your dog has suddenly become nervous around the time to enter their kennel, this can be a clear signal that they feel the time spent there is a punishment.
Avoid confusing and misleading commands
Dogs love to fetch and bring back items, act funny, and do tricks. If you are teaching your dog some new play moves, make sure your commands are clear and understandable. The same thing goes for training your dog for any other purpose. Your pet will be happy to listen to you, but it takes a good teacher for a pupil to master any skill.
Confusing commands can make your dog feel insecure and afraid to try new things, and if you don’t have enough patience, they can try to avoid playing with you altogether. Stay calm, loving, and caring, and your pet will soon be back in your arms.
Don’t be too comforting when your dog is scared
Yes, when we see our pets with their tails between their legs, tucked away under a table, all we want to do is hug and pet them and tell them everything will be all right. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with comforting your pet sometimes, but if that’s all you do, it might become a problem at some point.
Just as we do, dogs must sometimes face their fears and learn to overcome them. If you’re always supportive of their skittish behavior, they will learn that it’s okay to be scared all the time, and living in fear and without challenges makes nobody playful and socially active.
Visit the vet with your dog regularly
Best essay service reviews experts experienced in canine health-related topics emphasize that taking your dog to the vet regularly is a must, especially if your pet has suddenly become shy or depressed. Not all health issues are visible to the naked eye. Sometimes it takes the look of a professional to discover that your dog might be having some issues that leave them in pain or constantly tired.
No dog is ever happy to go to the vet, but don’t let that be the reason why you put off this important action. Health always comes first, so make sure your little friend is always in good shape physically and mentally.
Conclusion
When your dog is feeling down, you are feeling down, too. It’s natural to be worried about the wellbeing of your best four-legged friend, so if you want them to be happy and playful at all times, make sure to take the pieces of advice given above very seriously.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you made some mistakes in the way you approach and treat your pet. Learning to live with a dog is a process, and we all need time to train ourselves to be good owners and true friends to these beautiful creatures. With a little effort and a lot of love and support form your side, your dog will soon be back to its joyful self, living its life to the fullest.
This article was contributed by Susan Saurel.
