How to Turn a Bad Day into a Good Day with Your Dog

We all love our dogs, but let’s face it: sometimes being a dog parent sucks.

Whether it’s dealing with behavioral issues, health problems, or just the daily challenges of living with a furry companion, there are days when we feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or hopeless.

But don’t worry, you are not alone. And you are not a bad dog parent. You are just having a bad day or two. And they will pass, these things are temporary.

As a dog mum to two rescue lurchers, I know how hard it can be. In the early days, I had more bad days than good days. More rain than rainbows. And it felt so bloody tough.

But over time, I learned some strategies to help me cope on those difficult days. And today, I want to share them with you.

These are some of the things that I recommend to my clients when they are struggling with their mindset and negative feelings as dog parents. They are simple, practical, and effective ways to make you and your dog feel better.

Next time you have one of those days, try one or more of these tips and see if they help:

1. Give your dog an activity they can do on their own for a while

Sometimes, you just need some space and time for yourself. And that’s okay. You don’t have to be with your dog 24/7. In fact, it’s good for your dog to learn how to be independent and entertain themselves.

One way to do this is to give your dog an activity that will relax them and tire out their brain, such as:

• Scatter feeding in the garden: This is where you scatter some kibble or treats around the garden and let your dog sniff them out. This is a great way to stimulate your dog’s natural foraging instincts and keep them busy for a while.

• Find it games: This is where you hide some food or a toy around your house or garden and ask your dog to find it. This is a fun way to challenge your dog’s nose and memory and reward them for their efforts.

• Puzzle feeder: This is a device that dispenses food or treats when your dog solves a puzzle, such as pushing a button, sliding a lid, or spinning a wheel. This is an excellent way to make your dog work for their food and exercise their brain.

• Lickimat: This is a mat that has grooves or bumps that you can spread some wet food, peanut butter, or yogurt on. Your dog will lick the mat to get the food, which can be very soothing and calming for them.

• Long lasting chew: This is something that your dog can chew on for a long time, such as a rawhide, a bully stick, or a dental stick. This can help your dog relieve stress, clean their teeth, and satisfy their chewing needs.

2. Take a walk (with or without your dog)

Walking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It can help you relieve stress, boost your mood, and improve your fitness. It can also help you connect with nature, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the scenery.

You can take your dog with you if they enjoy walking and are well-behaved. Walking with your dog can also be a great way to bond with them and exercise them.

But if your dog’s walks are a pain in the bum for various reasons, such as pulling, barking, or reacting to other dogs or people, then you may want to leave them at home. Walking with a stressed dog can make you more stressed.

Instead, take some time to walk by yourself or with a friend and reset your mind. You’ll come back feeling more positive and ready to take on more challenges.

3. Do something that brings you joy

One of the best ways to cope when being a dog parent sucks is to do something that makes you happy. Something that sparks joy in you and makes you smile. It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive. It can be something simple and easy that you enjoy doing, such as:

• Reading a book: Reading can transport you to another world, teach you something new, or inspire you.

• Baking: Baking can be fun and relaxing. Plus, you get to eat something delicious afterwards.

• Working on the car: Whether it’s fixing something broken, upgrading something old, or customising something new, working on the car can be satisfying and rewarding.

• Talking to a friend: Whether it’s on the phone, online, or in person, talking to a friend can be comforting and supportive. You can vent about your problems, share your joys, or just have a laugh.

• Whatever it is that you love doing, just do it and try to do it regularly. Your mindset will be in a much better place for it.

And don’t feel guilty for taking some time for yourself. You are not neglecting your dog. You are taking care of yourself. And that’s important.

4. Do some super simple training with your dog / teach them a new trick

Another way to cope when being a dog parent sucks is to do some training with your dog. But not the kind of training that is stressful or complicated. The kind of training that is easy, fun, and positive.

Training your dog can have many benefits, such as:

• Improving your dog’s behaviour, skills, and manners

• Strengthening your bond with your dog and increasing their trust in you

• Boosting your dog’s confidence and self-esteem

• Providing your dog with mental stimulation and enrichment

• Making you proud of your dog and their achievements

But you don’t have to train your dog to do anything fancy or difficult. You can just do some super simple training with your dog, such as asking them to do things they already know how to do, like sit, down, stay, come, or leave it.

Or you can teach them a new trick that is fun and easy to train, such as:

• Spin: This is where you ask your dog to spin around in a circle. You can lure them with a treat or use a hand signal.

• Roll over: This is where you ask your dog to lie down and then roll over onto their back. You can lure them with a treat or use a hand signal.

• Middle: This is where you ask your dog to walk between your legs and sit. You can lure them with a treat and begin to use a hand signal.

• Hand touch: This is where you ask your dog to touch their nose to your hand. You can hold out your hand and reward them when they touch it.

• Shake paw: This is where you ask your dog to lift their paw and place it on your hand. You can gently lift their paw and reward them when they let you hold it.

• High five: This is where you ask your dog to lift their paw and touch it to your palm. You can hold out your palm and reward them when they touch it.

These are just some examples of simple training and tricks that you can do with your dog. They are easy to teach, easy to practice, and easy to enjoy.

5. Listen to music with your dog

Music can be a great way to relax and distract yourself from negative thoughts. You can choose something that suits your mood, whether it’s soothing, uplifting, or humorous.

You can also share the experience with your dog, who may enjoy listening to the sounds and feeling your presence.

Did you know that reggae music has been proven to help relax dogs? I enjoy reggae music myself, so it’s a win-win situation.

You could also try some other genres of music that may have a calming effect on dogs, such as classical, soft rock, or ambient.

Or you could listen to some podcasts that are interesting, informative, or entertaining. There are podcasts on almost any topic you can think of, from comedy to history to science to sports.

You can find music and podcasts online or on apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or Google Podcasts.

So there you have it: five ways to cope when being a dog parent sucks. I hope these tips help you and your dog feel better on those tough days.

And remember: you are not alone. You are not a bad dog parent. You are just having a bad day or two. And they will pass. These things are temporary.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you.

And if you liked this blog post, please share it with other dog parents who may need it.

Thank you for reading and happy dog parenting!