Looking for ways to build an even stronger bond with your dog? Like any relationship, good communication and trust are key. The tips below are designed to help you understand your canine companion’s needs better, so they can feel more secure and live their best life with you!
1. Create a Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on a consistent schedule. By creating and following a regular routine, your dog will learn what to expect from you, and what you expect of them. Ultimately, this helps to build trust and strengthen your bond.
2. Stay Consistent with Communication
Great communication is key to a strong bond. That’s why, along with your actions, stay consistent with your cue words. For example, if you usually tell your dog Down when he’s jumping on a guest but suddenly tell him to Get Off then he isn’t going to understand what you want. Our dogs yearn to make us happy … and will usually do so if they understand what’s asked of them.
3. Be Consistent with Your Rules
As you know by now, providing consistency is one way dogs learn they can rely on – and ultimately trust – us. So, make sure everyone in your household is on board with the same house rules. And don’t change them. For example, if you allow Fido to cuddle with you on the couch, then make sure your significant other doesn’t tell your pup “Off” whenever your dog is chillin’ on the couch. This will just lead to confusion and frustration.
4. Learn Canine Body Language
Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re great communicators. From ear position to how fast their tails wag, the way dogs carry themselves says a lot about how they’re feeling. If you really want to understand your pup’s emotions, spend a little time reading up on canine body language. Knowing what certain things mean will help you better care for their needs, and take your relationship to the next level!
Here on the Proud Dog Mom blog, we have a variety of articles on body language and decoding common dog behaviors. Start here:
5. Do More of Your Dog’s Favorite Activities
Dogs have unique personalities and preferences. Some love playing Fetch, while others could care less if the ball goes flying across the room. Some dogs thrive on hikes, while others would rather snooze on the couch. Figure out what your pup enjoys doing and do more of that!
6. Go Shopping with Your Pup
Have you ever taken your dog shopping? One of my favorite things to do when nothing is on my calendar: Leash up my pups and head to local pet-friendly shops. Whenever my dogs tag along for a shopping trip, I rarely try on clothes or spend hours searching for things to buy. Rather, my focus is on them. The goal for that outing is to provide an engaging experience. It’s a way I bond with my pups because we’re spending quality time together, focusing on each other, and communicating with one another.
7. Massage
Oh yeah … that’s the spot! It’s no secret that most dogs love to be pet, scratched, rubbed, and massaged. Heck, when I stop petting my pups they immediately reach their paw out and start scratching my hand. It’s their way of saying, “Don’t stop! Keep going!” Along with feeling great, regular massages provide many health benefits to your pooch. Plus, they’re a great way to bond!
In this instructional video below by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Dr. Narda Robinson demonstrates some traditional massage techniques that you can use for your canine kids. I definitely recommend watching the full video as it’s filled with great tidbits from start to end.
8. Teach Your Dog Something New
Since this enhances communication skills, an excellent way to build trust is through training. If your dog already has their basic commands down pat, work on new tricks! Or, if your pup has a lot of energy, try agility. I personally have a home-agility course (which I got on Amazon) and love bonding with my dog as she jumps over bars, weaves in between poles, and darts through the tunnel! I share more about agility for dogs HERE.
