This Valentine's Day Goes to the Dogs

Celebrate your dog with their preferred love language 

Dogs are the purest form of unconditional love we have in this world! This Valentine's day whether you have a human companion or not you know you can always count on your dog to be there for you. By first understanding our dog's love language we can show them how much we love and care about them and thank them for all their comfort and support they give us all year long. 
​Is your pup's love language acts of service? This usually involves doing the routine/simple things for your dogs like feeding them, grooming them and taking them to the vet. As responsible pet owners we do all of those things, but maybe if your fur baby requires more we go the extra mile for them such as regularly brushing their teeth and hair, cleaning their skin folds, dressing them up before going outside, wiping their paws and bottom, cleaning their ears and eye googles, and making or baking special meals or snacks for our dogs. These are all acts of service and a labor of love for our pets. There are lots of really easy and healthy dog treats you can make with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have. I couldn't think of a single dog who wouldn't love a batch of baked with love cookies or pupcakes for Valentine's Day! 
Perhaps your dog's love language is physical touch. Is your pup a Velcro dog and always right at your feet or on your lap? Well here's how to spoil them on Valentine's Day, give them a doggie massage! There are tons of videos online to show you how and it's really easy and relaxing for them and for you. If your dog loves physical touch they may enjoy some head scratches, ear rubs, belly rubs, and lots and lots of pets. Some dogs even like hugs and kisses and being held and cuddled. Don't force it or over do it and pay attention to their signs of distress such as trying to get away, licking their lips, big whale eyes, or making any grunts or growls. Some dogs may be particular about their paws and tails, so best to avoid any places you know they don't like being touched. 
The next love language is quality time. This is giving your dog your undivided attention, not while multi-tasking on your phone, working or watching TV. This is that special one-on-one time you make just for your dog such as taking them on a walk and letting them sniff until their heart is content. You can also do a mini training session with them to teach them new tricks or refresh their memory at old tricks using yummy treats or their kibble. Some dogs absolutely love a wild game of tug of war or long game of fetch. If your dog loves car rides why not take them out for a spin? Even if you don't get out to walk anywhere I'm sure they will be so happy just to be spending quality time with you, but I'm sure they wouldn't complain about getting a free puppachino at the Starbucks drive-thru either.  ​
Receiving gifts is another love language and just might by your dog's favorite like it is Mickey's. We used to get him a subscription tough chewer box from bullymake.com and only stopped because we acquired too many toys. Mickey absolutely loved getting it every month and opening it up to find out what special toys and treats he was getting. He always knows when a box is for him with that incredible sense of smell he has. Mickey also loves his regular chewy.com boxes for his food, dental treats and other pet products we pick out for him and Belle. Every year we take him to the pet store on his birthday to pick out his own toys and treats. He also gets to do this when he goes to the vet so it's worthwhile and fun for him instead of stressful and scary. These are just a few ways to spoil your dog with gifts this year for Valentine's Day.
Finally there is words of affirmation. This love language is for the really good boys and girls who love nothing more than making you happy. They aim to please and want to be told they are doing a good job. These dogs are very intelligent and love to listen to you talk, especially about them in kind and loving words. They know lots of commands and will do whatever it takes to win you over and try their very best to understand you with those adorable head tilts they do. These pups are emotionally sensitive and don't respond well to yelling or negative tones. This Valentine's Day try talking to your dog and telling them the story about the day you brought them home and other fun memories together as well as all the things you love about them. Consider it a verbal card of appreciation since dogs can't read. That will absolutely make their tail wag.
Your dog may have multiple love languages just as people do. Mickey prefers receiving gifts and words of affirmation. Belle prefers physical touch since she will cuddle anywhere and anytime but she also loves quality time especially during her long walks and bursts of fetching fun. What are your dog's love languages? What are your plans for Valentine's Day to show them you care?