Monday, October 12, 2015

8 Ways to Show Your Dog Appreciation

Every now and then, a special dog-themed holiday will come along and I'll do something a little extra special with my dog, Shiner. Of course, holidays like National Dog Day are a great excuse to show my dog that I appreciate her but really it's something I try to do every day.

This year, National Dog Day fell on August 26th and we had a great time. We even got a special package in the mail from Just Right by Purina and PrideBites.


Much to my surprise, I opened up a box to find an absolutely gorgeous and unique portrait of Shiner! I love it and I think it's something that I will always cherish. Shiner has never had her portrait done.

And because Shiner needs a bit of pampering every now and then too, I ordered her a custom made dog collar from PrideBites. Her collar should arrive soon. Since it's a custom collar, it takes time to make but we will share pictures once we have it. We do have some other custom items from PrideBites already.

There are many ways you can show your dog how much you appreciate their unique characteristics. Here are a few ways I show my dog appreciation on special and regular days:

  • Love and attention. Dogs love attention and something as simple as petting your dog for a few minutes several times a day is something they appreciate from you. I can tell Shiner feels extra special when I stop what I'm doing to pay attention and pet her. 
  • Treats. Shiner usually gets some sort of treat at least once a day. You can make your dog homemade dog treats, fruits, vegetables, or their favorite store-bought treats. Remember that treats should always be fed in moderation to avoid weight gain. 
  • Play time. Shiner loves to play with me. Sometimes, we play inside with toys. Sometimes, we go outside and run around the yard. Either way, it's a simple way to show your dog you appreciate and love them. 
  • New stuff. As a human, I must admit that I do like getting new things. I don't know how much dogs share this characteristic with people but it seems like Shiner does appreciate a new toy or dog bed every now and then. PrideBites carries lots of fun toys, dog beds, dog collars, and more that you can customize for your special dog. 
  • Food. Shiner lets me know when I am behind schedule on feeding her breakfast or dinner. I take special care in making sure she eats good food and feeding time is one of her favorite times of the day. She enjoys when I give her Just Right by Purina dog food. Food that is specially formulated just for her unique needs. 
  • Walks. We don't get out nearly as much as we would like to. I try to visit the park on special days at the very least. And we try to walk in the nearby neighborhood every now and then. Dogs enjoy seeing and smelling new things from time to time. 
  • Spa days. Dogs like Shiner might prefer if I left this one off my list, but keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is important. 
  • Learn new tricks. Many dogs enjoy training and working with their humans to learn new tricks. It's great mental stimulation for them and keeps their minds healthy. We try to work on training from time to time. Shiner is stubborn, so she hasn't learned many new tricks but it's good to make sure she doesn't forget the ones she should already know. 

These are the main ways I show my dog appreciation. It always puts a smile on my face to know she's happy and loved. If you have anything you'd like to add to this list, please let us know what it is in the comment section!


For a chance to show YOUR dog a little extra love, we are partnering with Just Right by Purina and PrideBites to bring you a special giveaway. Want to spoil your pup with their own custom gifts too? Just Right by Purina and Pridebites are giving away a personalized prize pack. One lucky winner will receive a free order of Just Right by Purina – a personalized dog food (up to $68.95 value) – and a $50 PrideBites gift card.

This giveaway is open from October 12th, 2015 - October 26th, 2015 and is open to US residents (void where prohibited by law), ages 18+. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below with as many entry options as you want. By entering this giveaway, you consent to subscribing to Just Right by Purina and PrideBites email lists which you can unsubscribe from later on if you wish. Full terms & conditions can be found on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We receive free products from Just Right by Purina in exchange for occasional blog posts. All opinions expressed here are our own. 

55 comments:

  1. I make my dog feel special by treating him like the best friend that he is. We are ALWAYS together. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin

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  2. Shiner, we can tell you are appreciated every day!

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  3. Playtime is one of our favorite. Purrs

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  4. Great ideas! My pack loves new toys (and treats - always treats). That's a beautiful portrait of
    Shiner!

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  5. We just had discussions on this topic at nose work camp over the weekend. Most people don't show their dog enough appreciation for things they do. It was quite interesting.

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  6. That portrait of Shiner is beautiful, as is she.

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  7. I try to make my dog feel special by getting her special treats, adding special things to her food to make it more interesting, getting her new toys from time to time, and taking her to new places. I entered with a Facebook account under "Amie De"

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  8. LOTS of play time, walks, trips to the mountains or lakes and LOTS of love and kisses!

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  9. I make my dog feel special by hugging her and holding her and buying her cute stuff.

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  10. I make my dog Hazel who is a Bichon/Poodle Mix feel special by taking her on regular spa days where she gets groomed and a blueberry facial. We go for walks, we play, we cuddle, and we play dress up. Hazel is my four legged child and I treat her as if she is just that, MY CHILD! I show her constant love, attention, & affection. She loves me too!

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  11. I like to make them feel special by giving them their favorite treats and walking them every day.

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  12. I make my dogs feel special by taking them on outings, cooking them meals, playing games with them and buying them treats and toys.

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  13. Well, we ALWAYS appreciate Shiner for always making us smile. :)

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  14. i buy my 3 gals special treats that i know they love, buy them new toys, loving and kissing on them constanty and playing with them several times a day.

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  15. My dogs feel special when they get cuddle time although they might tell you they really love nothing better than riding in the truck.

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  16. We show them lots of love and playing ball with them. Taking them for a ride to get ice cream! A special treats. My sons would say the furry brothers are spoiled and I say the are very loved just like you were growing up.

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  17. My guys always get lots of attention with hugs, petting, cuddling, playing and walking.

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  18. I make sure Phoenix knows he's appreciated by making sure he gets stimulating toys and exercises. He gets high quality meat based treats and dog food. He also gets brushed every day which he loves.

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  19. i give her lots of attention

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  20. We take lots of daily walks (normally twice daily) and we practice tricks regularly and cuddle every night.

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  21. By showing him a lot of love and affection.
    Gloriawalshver@yahoo.com

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  22. I make my doggies feel special, by giving them special treats & giving them doggie rubs.

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  23. I have five dogs and try to make them all feel special. Usually it's with lots of cuddles, kisses and treats that they love.

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  24. Thanks for the GiveAway - Layla is spoilt rotten with lots of love, toy, treats and fun in the dog parks

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  25. I spend special time with my furbabies every day. They all get cuddles and treats from me.

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  26. Beautiful portrait. Can I win Fancy Feast or cat food by Purina or is this strictly dog?

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    1. Thank you CK :) I wish! Callie loves her Fancy Feast too. Unfortunately, they don't have this food for cats.

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  27. Every day with her special treats she gets.

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  28. I make my pup homemade treats to make her feel special.

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  29. I always treat my dogs special by spending time with them. We always make sure to make time for walks, yard sitting, and enjoying the water together..

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  30. My humans always making me feel special by spending time with me! :)

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  31. with lots of love and cuddles and can't forget endless belly rubs

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  32. I make my dog feel special by setting aside time everyday to play, snuggle and bond!

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  33. With good nutrition, physical and mental exercise, regular grooming and vet checks. being my obedience and agility partners, but mostly I make them feel special by making sure they are part of the family, and included in as much of our daily lives as possible. My best friends. (Tammy Horn)

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  34. We show our dog turbo affection by playing with him and giving lots of love on a daily basis.

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  35. We always stride to keep our three labs as healthy and happy as we can every day...and show them love just the same...individual walks...individual time alone with us...they are not just dogs..they are our family...the best unconditional love anyone can.ever have!!

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  36. Lots of hugs kisses and cuddles. Thanks so much for the chances to win

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  37. Roxy LOVES car rides, so I try to take her for a ride as often as possible. Sometimes that involves driving through the dry cleaners and using the drive thru ATM, but she's worth it.

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  38. By taking care of him. I make sure all his needs are met- food, vetting, grooming, mental stimulation... We spend a lot of time together- training, doing agility and other dog sports, or just sitting together on the couch. He knows I love him, and I know I'm his entire world.

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  39. I try and make them special treats

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  40. I do my best to make my dogs feel special by taking care of them, making them feel loved, playing with them, and being the best dog mom I can be.

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  41. I take him for rides in the car and we also go for walks often!

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  42. I make my dog feel special by treating him like the best friend that he is.

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  43. I make my pets feel special daily by paying attention to them, giving them treats and letting them sleep with me.

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  44. I like taking my dog to the pet store with me sometimes. She loves car rides.

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  45. We make our dog feel special by feeding quality food and treats, going on adventures, treating him as a member of the family, and giving him opportunities to exercise and socialize.

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  46. We make Boots feel special by pampering him,buy his favorite treats,toys and take him to the park every time we go

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  47. I give my ol Bo treats and tons of love.

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  48. We play with Georgie and give him lots of attention.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  49. I spoil them with treats and toys and love of course..

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  50. With treats, walks, and switching up his food, because he gets bored with the same flavor all of the time!

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  51. I like to sit and play ball with them they always enjoy it so much.

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  52. The photo of Shiner is PAWfect! Looks just like her.

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