Tips, Tools, and TLC for Lifelong Companionship
Here are a few quick reminders and tips to help you be best in show.
- Whether you’re moving or adding a new addition to your family, check out this 3-day guide to helping your dog settle into their new home.
- Be sure to wash your dog’s bedding and toys monthly.
- Annual well visit vet appointments will keep your dog happy and healthy. Scroll down to see our helpful check list.
- Exercise is important to you and your dog. Scroll down to find fitness ideas to that will fit into both your schedules.
- Mental stimulation is essential for a healthy lifestyle. We’ve got a great list of ideas below for ways to keep your dog’s brain sharp.
- Just like people, dogs never stop learning. Our training and education pages offer professional tips from our certified training partners. Click here to learn more. https://www.grrmf.org/golden-retriever-care-adoption/training/
- Make an emergency kit for your dog. This link includes items to include, where to find dog friendly shelters and hotels, and Florida evacuation zones. https://www.grrmf.org/hurricane-season/
Annual Veterinarian Exam Check List
Physical examination
| Weight & body condition | Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth | Heart and lungs with a stethoscope |
| Skin & coat condition | Abdomen palpation | Joint mobility |
| Lymph nodes | Thyroid check | Muscle tone |
Vaccinations
| Rabies | DHPP | Kennel cough |
| Leptospirosis | Lyme disease | Canine influenza |
Routine Lab Work
| Fecal & heartworm test | Tick-borne screening |
| Bloodwork | Urinalysis |
Preventative Medications
| Flea prevention | Heartworm prevention |
| Deworming schedule | Tick prevention |
Dental Check
| Tarter & gum disease | Cracked teeth |
Lifestyle and Behavior Review
| Nutrition | Weight management |
| Mobility concerns | Behavior changes |
Update Microchip and Records
| Verify microchip contact info | Update any changes in your contact details |
Finding the Right Exercise
Classic Walks with a Twist, make sure to have your dog on a leash
- Neighborhood walks with training stops – Incorporate short obedience cues (sit, stay, heel) to make it mentally stimulating.
- Change the route often – Keeps it interesting for your dog’s nose and your mind.
- Pack walks with friends – Social for both you and your dog.
For Active Humans + High-Energy Dogs
- Running or jogging – Start slow and build endurance together.
- Canicross – Cross-country running while your dog (in a special harness) runs ahead and helps pull.
- Agility – strengthens the relationship and trust between your dog and you.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Activities
- Hiking – Trails with varied terrain are great for paws and legs. Choose dog-friendly parks.
- Beach runs or lake swims – Ideal for water-loving breeds.
- Camping trips – Let your dog carry their gear in a dog backpack for added effort.
Low-Impact or Senior-Friendly Options
- Doga (dog yoga) – Gentle stretching and bonding exercises with your pup beside or involved.
- Leisurely park-strolls – Add sniffing time, people-watching, and picnicking.
- Water therapy/swimming – Good for joint health in older or recovering dogs.
Mentally Engaging Physical Games
- Agility training – Fun for dogs, and you get moving too by setting up/timing/teaching.
- Fetch with cardio – Do squats, lunges, or sprints between throws.
- Hide-and-seek – Great indoor or yard game with light running and mental work for the dog.
Sports & Structured Activities
- Frisbee (disc dog) – For high-energy, high-drive pups.
- Treibball – Think soccer for dogs (you guide them to push large balls into goals).
- Skijoring (winter) – Cross-country skiing pulled by your dog (in snowy climates).
Matching Activities Based on Lifestyle
| Human | Dog | Suggested Activity |
| Gym rat | High-energy breed | Running, bikejoring, agility |
| Nature lover | Medium-energy | Hiking, trail walks, backpacking |
| Homebody | Low-energy dog | Puzzle games, indoor fetch, trick training |
| Yoga/meditation fan | Calm dog | Doga, slow walks, massage/stretching |
| Busy schedule | Any dog | Short sniffari walks, flirt pole sessions, enrichment toys |
Mental Stimulation
Enrichment Activities
- Puzzle toys – Toys like KONGs, snuffle mats, or Nina Ottosson puzzles encourage problem-solving.
- Frozen treats – Stuff a toy with peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble and freeze it for a longer-lasting challenge.
- Sniffari walks – Let your dog lead and sniff on walks. Engaging the nose is deeply mentally enriching.
- Treasure hunts – Hide treats or favorite toys around the house or yard for your dog to find.
- Cardboard shredding – Let your dog rip into a cardboard box with treats hidden inside (if they don’t eat cardboard).
Training and Learning
- Teach new tricks – Keep sessions short and fun. Try shake, spin, roll over, or even cleanup (putting toys away).
- Name their toys – Dogs can learn to recognize toy names and fetch the right one.
- Scent work games – Hide a particular scent (like a bit of vanilla or a treat) and teach your dog to find it.
Interactive and Novel Experiences
- DIY obstacle courses – Set up a mini agility course using couch cushions, tunnels, or broomsticks.
- Rotate toys – Don’t leave all toys out at once. Rotate weekly to keep things fresh.
- New environments – Change walking routes, visit a friend’s yard, or go on a dog-friendly hike.
- Window time – Set up a dog-safe perch or spot by a window so they can safely watch the world go by.
Social and Emotional Enrichment
- Playdates – Supervised time with other dogs can be both mentally and physically stimulating.
- Massage or “talk time” – Gentle touch and calm talking can be soothing and enriching, especially for anxious dogs.
- Doggy job – Give them a task like carrying a small backpack or helping bring in the mail (if trained).