5 Ways To Create A Stronger Bond With Your Dog
As a pet owner, your dog is not just a friend; they are part of your family. Therefore, in addition to supplying them with essentials such as shelter and nourishment, you aim to forge a deeper relationship with your furry friend. By enhancing your bond with them, they’ll become more at ease in your presence, significantly contributing to a positive rapport with them.
Moreover, when there’s mutual trust, you’ll have an easier time commanding them to do basic tricks. This also reduces the chances of your dog acting out, especially in public.
In this article, we’ll explore tips to help you establish a stronger bond between you and your dog:
Teach Them New Tricks
Instilling discipline through training is an essential part of being a dog parent. When your dog knows how to follow commands, they’ll become more well-behaved, especially when taking them outdoors. Doing so can also prevent aggression when they meet strangers, which could cause serious harm to others or your dog’s safety.
But aside from allowing you to teach your furry pals new skills, tricks, and good behavior, one-on-one sessions can also be a great way to spend more time and bond with them. And to make your training sessions more fun and engaging, you can use positive reinforcements like praising them, giving them their favorite treats or toy, or petting them. In addition, there are also dog training programs you can consider to help you with agility and obedience training.
Ultimately, training with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience you both get to share. It can be a great way to build and strengthen a positive relationship with your furry pal and allow you to understand them better.
Play Together
Dogs are naturally fun and playful. They tend to move around, jump, and run. And so, by playing with them, not only do you match their energy, but you also get to connect and bond with them.
You can spend time and play with your furry pal in various ways. For instance, you can take them to dog parks and play fetch, hide and seek, or tug-of-war. On the other hand, if you have enough space in your backyard, you can set up an obstacle course where they can run around, jump over hurdles, and climb mini fences.
Active play can be a wonderful activity that can strengthen your relationship with your dog while allowing them to be physically healthy and stimulated.
Give Lots Of Praise And Attention
One of the best ways to express love and affection towards your furry pal is by showering them with praise and attention. Such simple gestures can help strengthen the trust between you two and promote a sense of safety, security, and comfort.
Besides using verbal praises, like ‘good boy’ or ‘great job,’ or communicating with them with non-verbal signals when they do something right, you can also show affection by petting or cuddling with them. More so, give your furry pals undivided attention from time to time. All these can help you connect better with them and create lasting memories.
Avoid Yelling At Them
Frequent yelling or freaking out at your dog can affect your relationship with them. When you do this often, they’ll likely feel terrified of you and make them feel anxious whenever you’re around.
Moreover, yelling can make your dog feel stressed. It can also affect the trust and respect building between you two. That said, you must try your best not to yell at your dog. Instead, practice talking to them using a calmer voice or an upbeat tone.
If you’re getting frustrated by them not being able to listen or follow you, consider offering them rewards to encourage them to get the actions you want instead. This means using a positive reinforcement technique rather than causing emotional harm to your furry friend.
Pamper Them
Another way to create a stronger bond with your dog is by pampering them. You can give them a massage or take them to a doggie spa. You can also spoil them with their favorite treats or take them to a pet shop and allow them to select an item of their liking. On the other hand, you can take a simpler route and pamper your furry pals by giving them a nice bath, brushing or petting their hair, or taking them for a stroll in the park.
These simple gestures can make your dog feel special, cared for, and loved, which can go a long way in strengthening their bond with you.
Wrapping Up
Like us, dogs have love languages too! This means you can show and express love and affection and nourish your relationship with your beloved furry pal in various ways. Aside from taking good care of your dog, you can spend time with them and teach them new skills and tricks, play and be active together, shower them with attention, and pamper them.
All these can help you create a stronger bond with your dog and allow you to create wonderful memories to last a lifetime!
