Building a bond with your dog is one of the most important things you want to work on when getting your new puppy or rescue dog. Here are 5 ways to strengthen your bond with your dog. Whether you have just adopted her or have had her for 10 years you can start trying out these 5 top tips today.
#1 Training
Teach your dog some fun tricks!! Roll over, peak-a-boo, spin etc. By teaching your dog some fun simple tricks to show off to your friends or at the dog park, you will build a stronger bond. Why tricks and not obedience training? Of course obedience training is essential but it can feel a little too serious. Even though obedience training and tricks are all the same to our dogs I have found that when humans teach their dogs tricks we loosen up, don’t take it so seriously and both the humans and dogs have lots of fun in the process.
#2 Learn your dogs body language
Dogs communicate through body language. They are constantly “talking“ to us but we very rarely listen. By understanding our dogs body language it will help us to know what our dog’s likes and dislikes are, learn what scares our dogs, and what makes them feel uncomfortable. Are they feeling excited, happy, nervious, content, frustrated? Once your dog learns that you will protect them and take them out of scary situations, the trust between you will grow. To find out how to learn more about reading your dog's body language I would reccomend this beautifully illustrated book by Lil Chin: Doggie language
#3 Play with your dog
Playing with your dog is a sure way to build an ever lasting bond. Even if it is just 5 minutes a day, having some quality one-on-one play time with your dog is a great way to increase that bond with your furry friend. Tug is a great little game to play, it encourages your dog to stay close, reminds your dog that all the reinforcement is with you and builds connection. Tug is just one of many great ways to play with your dog. How about playing some frizbee or searching for hidden treats in the garden. Getting your dog to chase you or playing some hide and seek, where you hide and get your dog to find you! Or my all time favourite... scentwork!! I love nothing more than to get my scent tin out, place some scented clove articles out and watch my dog use that amazing nose of hers to find all the hides. The possibilities for having fun with your dog are endless.
#4 Affection and grooming
Touch between human and dog is beneficial for both; it reduces stress and anxiety for both them and us. The best time to give your dog some physical affection is when they are feeling relaxed and slightly sleepy. Try giving them a gentle massage along their body or calm soft strokes on their chest and along the side of their body. Try to avoid pets on the head and face area as this can be a little overwhelming for some dogs, and avoid hugging your dog as this can feel very stressful for most dogs. Getting your dog used to physical touch helps them to feel more comfortable at the vets or groomers.
Get out the brush and have a little 2 minute groom time with your dog. The brush is not only for getting the knots, sticky seeds and dried mud out of their fur, it is also a lovely relaxing way to bond with your canine buddy.
Note: Not all dogs like touch or grooming! Be aware of your dog's body language. If they move away from you when you try to reach out to them or show signs of stress (such as ears back, yawning, lip licking, turning head away, slow blinking) let them be. Never force a brush on your dog if they activily show signs of stress, growl or snap. Please use caution when meeting unfamilier dogs. Wait for them to approach you with a loose body posture and wiggly bum.
#5 Spend some quality time with your dog
Dogs are social animals and thrive on doing things with their family. Take your dog out to your local coffee shop or pub. Get the picnic blanket out and settle in the park with them while you both watch the world go by. Spend some quality time with your dog each day. Try and be fully present with your dog, take them out for a walk, put the phone away, and focus on enjoying the moment with them. You will quickly start to notice that these quality moments with your dog can be boost your mental health and build a special, connected bond with your best friend.
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