The word “Love” can be tossed around loosely when it comes to our pets. Absolutely without a doubt we love our pets. However, how many pet owners can say that they have a true bond with their dog? The answer may surprise you.
For a companionship between your pet and you to truly flourish, a bond is essential. A dog doesn’t have to be a puppy to form a bond with someone, a bond can be formed with a rescue, a 10 year old senior dog or even after years of struggling to form a bond with a dog that’s been in your household. The wonderful thing about a dog is their flexibility to love us humans unconditionally during any stage in their life. Many people can experience more frequent successes in training after working on their bond with their dog, and training struggles can sometimes improve and be overcome after simply working on a few bonding techniques. So, what are some ways you can work on bonding with your pet?
- Spend more one-on-one time with your dog, take time out of your day to sit on the floor with them and give belly rubs, ear scratches and just show them love in general, play a little tug or fetch in a calm demeanor and appreciate how beautiful they are—their eye color, the little white tips of hair on their toes, appreciate the silly way they leap for that ball as it rolls across the floor and talk calmly to them.
- Go for regular walks and reward their loose leash walking with some sniffing around, engage with them on outings or in the car driving, dogs LOVE when we talk to them!
- Work on some basic obedience training together, things they already know but find fun, like fetch, leave-it (try upping the ante), recall (get rowdy and be fun!)
- Touch your dog, his or her ears, feet, mouth, tail, lightly massage their shoulders and hips, give bum scratches, our dogs love those!
- Consider joining a sport with your dog! Have fun together, working as a team where you can celebrate your accomplishments together.
RSS Feed
