Best Friend or Just a Fan? The 4 Secret Habits of True Dog Besties

He calls you his person—but are you really his ride-or-die?

Latest update: August 10, 2022

The purest joy of owning a dog: no matter how long you're away, you're greeted like a returning hero. Family might barely look up; your dog throws a parade. He adores you on bad-hair days, through breakups, even after you jet off without him. He wants to dig craters, mark his territory and gnaw your sofa—you say no, he loves you anyway. That's your best friend. But honestly? Could he say the same? Four ways to make sure you're holding up your half.

Puppy days spin madly around him—potty clocks, feeding schedules, shadowing every move so he stays out of trouble. It's fresh love, and you're inseparable. As he grows, it's natural to drift. You won't manage 24/7, but you must carve out real time daily.

Life piles up—work, family, hobbies, friends. Your dog has you. You are his entire universe; he craves your attention. Play. Snuggle. Discover what sets his tail on fire. Best friends find time for each other.

We know, some days are brick walls. But even the most jam-packed schedule has room for The 10 Minute Miracle, dreamed up by toddler experts at Big Little Feelings. Dogs are basically furry toddlers, so the logic holds: quality crushes quantity, and a short blast of undivided focus is transformative. Ten minutes—set a timer if you like—phone down, all eyes on him. Tug? Fetch? Belly rubs? Whatever makes him spark, do exactly that, and only that, ten focused minutes daily.

Dogs aren't born knowing your house rules; you teach them. It pays off for both of you—well-mannered pups get invited more places. Here's the essential kit every dog should own:

• Eye contact on command. Teach him to look at you when named, locking in full attention. You'll use it before every cue ('Fido, Sit'). No attention, no obedience. And don't weaponize his name only for scolding or 'stop that!'

• Come. He should respond on the first call—convenient before walkies, critical if he bolts out of a loose collar into traffic.

• Sit. Endlessly practical: politely parked while you clip the leash, sitting for pets instead of launching, holding still for ear cleaning or eye drops.

• Loose-leash walking. Nobody enjoys being dragged down the block. A miserable walker gets fewer trips—and a big dog yanking after a squirrel can flat-out take you down.

• Down. Flopped by the table means no begging. Easier grooming too. Teach a 'Place' down in his bed to settle during chaos like guests dropping by. A dog who isn't a pest gets welcomed to Grandma's and book club.

Don't stop there—Leave It, Take It, Drop It, Fetch and a revolving door of tricks: Shake, Wave, Sit Pretty, Spin, Play Dead, the list is endless. More training, deeper bond, and vital mental fuel. And keep it fun—a dog who loves learning will outshine one who dreads it.

Every dog needs exercise; how much depends on age, health and breed (or blend). A teenage Golden needs way more than a senior Pug. Heard 'a tired dog is a good dog'? It's gospel. Boredom breeds trouble like destructive chewing and nonstop barking—a bouncy, underworked pup finds his own 'workouts,' and you may hate his choices. Aim for 30 minutes to two hours daily, not just weekends.

Attention every day—yes. But too much is a real thing. A dog who implodes when left alone isn't devoted; he's panicking. Refusing food, self-injuring to escape a crate, clawing through doors or hoarsely screaming—that's a panic attack screaming for professional help.

Early on, arm him with interactive toys so he's occupied while you're busy. Let him nap. Prove he's fine solo till you're back. A dog who can self-settle is a dog with a healthy head.

Your bond is one of a kind; there'll never be another like him. So show up for him the way he always does for you—because that's exactly what best friends do.

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