Why is it so important to be bonded to your dog? It’s simple: A strong bond leads to a happier, healthier, and more enriching life for you both. It doesn’t have to involve any grand gesture—with a foundation of respect and love, often the little things mean the most.
But how does a close-knit relationship with a four-legged friend develop? Like with people, a strong human-animal connection is based on trust. Bonding occurs naturally between dogs and the people who give them the attention, love, care, and enrichment they deserve.
Doing these actions with a routine can help strengthen your bond:
1. Give Love and Affection
Petting your dog is a feel-good activity for you both—it’s calming for your pup, and it’s also relaxing for you. Cuddling is also a great way to bond with your furry pal. If your bestie jumps into your lap or curls up next to you, then you know you’ve got a pooch who likes to snuggle.
2. Learn Canine Body Language
Did you know that dogs wag their tails when they’re happy and also when they’re nervous? Canines communicate with their entire bodies. So to figure out how your pupper is feeling, you have to know what to look for. Learning a dog’s body language clues you in to their emotions. And that kind of understanding is bound to take your bond to the next level.
3. Care for Their Needs
Show your pup you care by consistently providing for all of their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Feed your pooch high-quality dog food, make sure there’s always fresh water available, give the appropriate amount of daily exercise, keep up on vaccinations, provide comfort when your furry friend is scared, and keep your pooch safe from harm. Luxury Pet Grooming offers human grade dog food right in our Boutique.
4. Discover Your Dog’s Preferences
Not all dogs enjoy walks or playing fetch, for that matter. Each has their own unique personality and preferences, so watch your pooch to see what really gets him or her really excited. Once you’ve figured out what activities make your pupper the happiest, do more of them. The more things you do together for joy and laughter, the stronger your bond will become.
5. Provide Enrichment Activities
Dogs are social, intelligent, and active animals. Enrichment enables them to explore and use their natural instincts. It can also prevent boredom, build confidence, and teach a variety of skills. General enrichment includes daily walks, social interaction, playtime, and opportunities for sensory stimulation.
