Follow these simple tips and tricks to strengthen your bond with your dog. It’s not always easy to form and maintain a connection with your pet, especially if you are busy. If they’ve been in your company for some time or if they’ve been recently purchased and still new, they may come running every time they see you or they may be shy about snuggling up.
Here are ways to bond with your dog and how to do it:
Create a Schedule
Dogs thrive on daily schedules. Set times for when they will be fed, walked and cuddled. Your dog will know what to expect. They will trust you more because they know that at specific times, ‘x’ will happen, or they will be there to do ‘y’ with you. Be consistent with this schedule and ensure that, more days than not, you or someone else keeps your dog happy.
Be Calm with Your Dog
A dog can sense mood when they are near you. They know how to identify smells and sounds and use those cues to sense how you are doing. Try to maintain calm. Your dog will likely pick up on that if you are stressed, anxious, or angry. It may get in the way of fostering or maintaining one. Try to project calm when you can and work to regulate any mental health difficulties you may be struggling with.
Train Your Dog on Basic Commands
Training your dog is a bonding experience. Start with basic commands to help your dog tune into you for guidance. As you train them, use dog treats to reward them and tell them they follow instructions well. Praise them verbally as they do it. Dogs enjoy being well-behaved, mental enrichment, and training. Praise and treats reinforce manners, behaviours, and expectations. It builds confidence and a relationship.
Avoid Punishment and Yelling
Try to avoid negatives in communication with your dog. Curb yelling. Avoid punishing them unless they have done something bad. Try to keep your messaging positive. Punishment generally does not work well with dogs because they rarely understand and cannot connect the punishment to the crime. For this reason, instead of punishing, encourage, praise, and reward positive behaviour. That will help your dog know good and bad.
Give Your Dog the Best Meals
Make sure your dog gets the best food possible from you. Ideally, this is a source of wholesome protein with limited fillers. Don’t hesitate to make them a fresh meal at home now and again, but be careful not to encourage unhealthy weight gain with portion sizes. Most dogs eat kibble exclusively. Kibble can be topped with cheese, boiled eggs, cooked pumpkin, banana, unsweetened peanut butter, plain yogurt, salmon, or freeze-dried chicken.
Exercise and Go for Walks Together
Exercise together. Just as it bonds humans, it can also bond humans to their pets. A walk or run is an excellent choice for physical activity so long as it suits the dog’s breed and activity level. Certain breeds handle endurance better than others. A dog that is out of shape, older, or short-nosed may benefit from a short stroll. Assuming your dog is all-clear, take them for a solid walk daily to give them something to look forward to and instill positive feelings.
Play with Your Dog and Engage with Them
Active play with a dog is often more stimulating than regular walks and exercise. Play may be your dog’s favourite activity, and when you do it with them, it’s a major opportunity to bond. Try new dog toys with them. Play basic dog-friendly games, such as fetch or tug-of-war. Wrestle your dog if they don’t mind. This feeds into their excitement and creates a positive association with you.
Groom Your Dog But Be Gentle
Grooming is another activity where dog treats come in handy. Many dogs are nervous about grooming. A bath, brush, and nail trim are all activities where a dog needs to trust you. As you assist them with their grooming, please give them a dog treat when they overcome their fear or when they’re a well-behaved pet. Be gentle, and don’t be conservative about treats or attention.
Spend Time with Them
The best way to bond with your dog is to spend time with them. Sit on the couch if you can’t exercise, play, or groom them. Pat their heads. Have physical contact with your pet and snuggle them. Give them ear scratches and belly rubs. Listen to your dog regarding what they like and what touches relax them. Time spent with your dog is always worth it. Consistently doing this every day will further that bond.
