Though known as man’s best friend, dogs don’t start out that way. Even with the most well-mannered canines, it requires a quality investment of time, love, and attention to create a lasting relationship with your pet. If you’re not entirely sure how to do this, it can be difficult to build the bond both you and they crave the most. These are some of the different ways to bond with your dog and foster the close connection you’re after.
Participate in Training
One of the best methods to establish a bond with your pet is to spend time properly training them. Dogs have a natural desire for structure, especially working breeds like German Shepherds and Newfoundlands. As such, putting the work into their training can provide them with this much-needed sense of order while keeping their minds and bodies active. If you want to get a little closer with your pup, consider brushing up on old tricks or even teaching them something new.
Make a Playtime Routine
Playtime is also an effective way to bond with your dog because, like training, it maintains a certain level of physical and mental activity. When dogs don’t have that frequent stimulation, they can become bored and find undesirable ways to behave. This can lead them to chew on your belongings and develop a barking habit. Because of this, we recommend taking your dog out to play at least a few times each day. They’ll get to burn off some energy, and you’ll get some quality time interacting with them.
Learn How To Read Them
Another effective strategy to creating a stronger relationship with your pet is to learn how to understand them. Like with humans, fostering better connections comes with seeing the other party’s point of view. While dogs can’t communicate with their words, they can give us key indicators through their body language. Knowing how to read dog body language cues can let you know when they’re upset, frightened, or happy and allow you to respond to their needs accordingly.
Control Your Own Mood
You can even bond with your pet through your emotions. Dogs are very good at reading the emotional energy of a room, and it can affect how they perceive the world around them. If you’re angry or on edge, it can give them a sense of unease as well. Likewise, yelling or screaming can have a negative impact on their mental well-being overall. Keeping yourself calm makes your dog feel like they can more readily approach you, promoting a better rapport in the long run.
Though it can take considerable effort to build a lasting relationship with your dog, it’s one of the most rewarding things about owning a pet. So, try using one of these techniques to start. You and your dog will both reap the benefits.
