Structure is key to the overall well-being of a dog. In addition to providing emotional support and security, structure helps encourage positive behavior, helps to establish routines which promote healthy eating and sleeping habits, and can provide a canine social network.
There are many different types of structure that can be implemented into your dog’s lifestyle depending on his individual needs and personality. Some common types of structure include:
- Physical shelter: This includes housing that is both large enough for your dog to have plenty of space to move around and weatherproof, as well as enclosing fresh air and storage for food, water, toys, and other necessary items.
- Regular daily activities: Activities such as walks, runs, playing fetch in a safe location, or taking part in obedience training give your dog purpose and can help keep him motivated. Scheduling these activities at regular times ensures they are always occurring and avoid having them stand out as “special treats”.