10 Everyday Habits That Dog Owners Should Adopt To Keep Pups Healthy and Happy
1. Make Time for Walks, Even on Busy Days
To your dog, a walk isn’t just exercise—it’s their version of reading the morning paper.
Every sniff, sound, and sight is a story they can’t wait to explore. Even on hectic days, a short stroll means the world and can have significant impacts, not only on their health, but on their overall behaviour.
A good walk every day can be the difference between a floofy angel or a razor toothed demon hanging out in your home.
Check out our Dog Walking 101 Guide, to help get the right amount of exercise for your dog in a safe and fun way
2. Serve Up Meals That Nourish, Not Just Fill
Feeding your dog is more than scooping kibble—it’s fuelling their physical and mental development as well as powering their adventures.
Choosing a balanced, high-quality diet gives them the energy for those joyful sprints and the nutrients for a healthy life. Common dietary choices include: Kibble, Tinned, Freeze-dried, Fresh Cooked and increasingly RMBD (Raw meat-based diet). Often owners utilise a mixture of different food types for the
best balance their own needs with what their pup needs, and what the pup likes.
Check out our science backed guide on picking the right diet for you and your pup.
3. Keep Them Cool & Hydrated
Nothing says “I care” like making sure their water is cool, clean, and always topped up. On hot days or after playtime, they’ll appreciate it more than you know.
What’s more, you’ll be keeping your new best friend well hydrated. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems and can even be fatal, particularly during the hot summer months.
Our guide on how to spot dehydration and heatstroke could help save your pups life.
4. Brush Away the Day
Nail clipping, ear cleaning, bathing, shampooing and trimming – grooming can be onerous task, especially for some breeds.
But not all dogs need to be preened ready for the show ring, a few minutes with a brush does more than keep your pups coat shiny—it’s a bonding moment. Plus, you might catch a hidden tick, burr, or patch of irritated skin before it becomes a problem.
Check out our Grooming 101 guide to keep your pup’s skin and coat happy, healthy and with a beautiful shine.
5. Mind Those Teeth
A healthy mouth means a healthy pup. Brushing their teeth (or offering dental chews) prevents discomfort they can’t tell you about—and keeps those kisses fresh.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay if their teeth aren’t cared for regularly. Poor dental hygiene can even lead to painful infections. Regular brushing, along with professional cleanings and dental chews, helps prevent these problems while keeping your dog’s breath fresh.
Starting a dental care routine early helps normalise the process and protects their health whilst ensuring they stay comfortable and happy throughout their life.
Take a look at our best at home methods to keep on top of your pups dental hygiene
6. Challenge Their Brain
Challenging your dog’s brain is just as important as keeping them physically active, and mental stimulation plays a huge role in preventing boredom and unwanted behaviours.
Dogs are naturally curious and thrive when given opportunities to think, solve problems, and engage their senses. Activities like puzzle toys, scent games, obedience training, and learning new tricks all help keep their minds sharp and engaged. Rotating toys, introducing new environments, or even incorporating short training sessions into daily walks can provide fresh mental challenges.
By stimulating your dog’s brain, you
not only enrich their life but also strengthen your bond and foster a calmer, more content companion.
Check out our top 5 best ways to keep your dog entertained in the comfort of your own home.
7. Let Them Meet the World
Socializing your dog—safely, gently, and in a positive way—is one of the most valuable things you can do to help them grow into a confident, well-rounded companion. Every new experience, whether it’s meeting a friendly dog in the park, greeting a neighbor, or simply encountering a new smell on the sidewalk, teaches your pup how to navigate the world around them.
The more positive exposures they have, the less likely they are to become fearful or anxious in unfamiliar situations later in life. Socialization isn’t just about other dogs, either—it includes people of all ages, different sounds, environments, and even everyday things like car rides or a trip to the vet.
By introducing your dog to a wide variety of experiences early on, and always making sure those experiences are safe and enjoyable, you’re giving them the tools to be adaptable, calm, and happy wherever life takes them.
Check out our puppy socialisation guide to ensure your pup grows up to be happy, confident and well adjusted.
8. Register With a Veterinarian
Registering with a trusted veterinarian is one of the first steps every dog owner should take.
Regular check-ups aren’t just for when your dog is sick—they help monitor growth, catch issues early, and provide important preventative care like vaccinations, parasite control, and dental checks. Vet visits also give you the chance to ask questions about nutrition, behavior, and overall wellbeing.
Building a relationship with a reliable vet ensures your dog has consistent, expert care and gives them the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life.
9. Give Them a Cozy Corner
Even the most energetic dogs need a space to rest and recharge. A soft bed or crate in a quiet part of your home gives your pup a safe spot to relax, nap, and feel secure. This personal corner helps them settle during busy or stressful moments and can also support routines, teaching your puppy when it’s time to rest.
Over time, they’ll come to associate this space with comfort and safety, making it an important part of their overall wellbeing. For tips on setting it up, check out our complete guide to puppy place and crate training.
Check out our complete guide to puppy place and crate training
10. Take them to Puppy Classes
Taking your puppy to training classes is one of the best investments you can make in their development and your relationship together.
These classes provide structured guidance during your puppy’s most formative months, helping them learn essential skills like obedience, good manners, and how to interact positively with other dogs and people. Early training builds confidence, prevents common behavioural problems, and sets the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog.
Just as importantly, training classes give you, as the owner, the tools and techniques to communicate effectively with your pup, strengthening trust and deepening your bond.
Get a headstart with our Brilliant Basics for Puppy Obedience