Want to Be the Best Dog Parent Ever? Grace Helbig’s Got You Covered

Who doesn’t love staring at their dog for hours on end or letting them dictate the Netflix queue?

For influencer and actor Grace Helbig and her adorable dog, Goose, these are just some of the many ways they like to connect. In a new PETA video, Grace shares her dog-bonding tips and reminds guardians of the best ways to care for their animal companions—i.e., how to be the best dog parent ever.

“I’m here today because I love dogs. Some of you know my dog, Goose, who is my best friend and partner in crime,” Grace says in the video introduction. “So I want to share some tips from my friends at PETA on how to be the best dog parent ever, so you, too, can have a dog whose smile takes up over half of her face. It’s adorable.”

Watch this cute video featuring Grace and an animated Goose to get all her dog-parenting tips:

While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many well-intentioned guardians can mistakenly neglect to give their animal companions the full attention and time that they need to feel happy, safe, and healthy. Exhibit A: Walking your dog. You’d be surprised how many people consider a 30-second dash to the nearest lamppost a “walk.” A walk is often a dog’s only chance to explore, sniff, and roll around in the grass (it feels so good). Be sure to walk your dog at least four times a day, and when you do, ditch the phone and be present. After all, it’s their walk.

Then there are those who just flat out should never be responsible for a dog (or any animal). Caring for an animal is a full-time commitment, and like caring for humans, it requires that you put their needs before your own. If you’re considering bringing an animal companion into your family, be sure that you’re prepared to make the emotional and financial commitment.

Grace closes her list with a crucial reminder for anyone with an animal companion—always be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered:

Just one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce thousands of puppies in just a few years. So if you remember one thing from this rant, let it be this one: Get your dog spayed or neutered, in the wise words of Bob Barker.