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7 Pawsome Ways to Bond with Your Dog
You know the adage: A dog is a person’s best buddy. You and your furry friend have a special connection built on unconditional love and loyalty. But, as with a friendship, there are things you can do to strengthen and deepen the bond between you.
Here are 7 „pawsome“ ways to connect with your dog and take your friendship to the next level:
1. Express Your Affection
Your dog understands your emotions and reads into your actions, perhaps more than you give them credit. This is one of the reasons they make for such fabulous (furry) friends. Science has shown, conclusively, that dogs can, without a doubt, recognize human emotions. Your pooch remembers what you are feeling when you are feeling it. Experiments have shown that dogs can integrate visual and auditory cues to perceive specific emotions in humans and other dogs.
What does all this mean when deepening your bond with your puppy pal? Your dog will pick up on your affection and love for them through your actions. So, if you want to reinforce your dog’s sense of security and let them know you love and care for them, tell them how you feel.
Don’t skimp on the pets, pats, hugs, cuddles, and belly rubs. Tell your dog you love them, all while using their name so that they associate it as a cue of your affection. Non-pet owners will probably look at you like you’re from another planet, but overall, that’s small stuff—don’t sweat it. Your “weirdness” will pay off in a more solid than ever bond with your pooch.
2. Brush Your Dog’s Coat
Brushing your dog’s coat is essential grooming, something many pet owners know well. Regular grooming helps keep your dog’s fur silky and shiny, as brushing distributes the skin’s natural oils evenly throughout your pooch’s coat. A thorough brushing session will help remove matted hair, preventing hot spots and a bacterial eczema-like infection on your dog’s skin. It likewise enables you to familiarize yourself with your dog’s coat and skin, allowing you to discover any parasites and other issues quickly.
Regular grooming is beneficial, even necessary, to your pet’s appearance, comfort, and health—but the benefits go beyond that. A fur-brushing session also creates an incredible bonding experience you can share with your pet. It’s a particular time you and your dog can enjoy together, one that can be as relaxing for you as it is for them.
Remember, some dogs initially shy away from the grooming experience or may initially be nervous. Take your time to introduce your dog to the process. Use even, light to moderate brush strokes until your dog is accustomed to the brushing. Remember that the belly of a dog’s body is often more sensitive, so brush even more gently in that area.
3. Make Mealtime Fun
Mealtime is a much anticipated time for your beloved dog. First off, prepare and feed your dog healthy, top-quality nutritious food. Buying the good stuff at the onset may be costlier, but you will reap the rewards of a happy, healthy hound. Spending on quality food still comes out cheaper than on vet bills – something you should keep in mind when choosing dog food for sale.
Pay attention to your dog’s unique nutritional needs, as well, in the selection process. Better yet, prepare a lovingly home-cooked meal for your pooch as often as your schedule permits you to do so. Aside from the health benefits of proper nutrition, feeding time also strengthens your bond with your dog. Your dog trusts and sees you as their provider; mealtime reinforces that trust.
Here are some ways to build on that trust and make mealtime even more exciting for your happy hound:
• Switch up your dog’s food every so often, but be sure to introduce new food the proper way.
• Emplo a food dispensing toy occasionally, and… Reward your dog with their favorite treat.
• Use a slow-feeding bowl if your dog is prone to scarfing down their food; this way, your pooch will enjoy its meal without the consequences of eating too quickly.
• Make your dog’s food extra scrumptious by topping it with low-sodium gravy, bone broth, or a bit of milk or warming it up.
4. Play! Play! Play!
Just as human kids and their parents bond over playtime, you form a deeper connection with your dog doing the same. From fetch and other running games outdoors to hide-and-seek and interactive games indoors, you can play an array of fun and exciting games with your pet. Active play benefits your dog’s overall health, physically and mentally.
Games that require physical exertion help keep your dog at an ideal weight, which is beneficial to their heart health and the condition of their joints. Active play lubricates your pet’s joints, improving their balance and coordination. Mentally, playtime provides your pet with the chance to engage their brain, sharpening their ability to focus. It also decreases behavioral problems in dogs, giving them a great outlet for excess energy and pent-up emotions.
When you get in on playtime with the pooch, your dog will learn to see you as their provider and source of fun and entertainment, a companion in camaraderie—a true friend. Some tips for fun and fulfilling playtime include:
• Purchase sturdy, non-toxic dog toys for sale that are appropriate to your pet’s size and age
• Learn what games your dog enjoys by trying a bunch of different activities
• Reward and praise your dog if you are playing interactive games with them
• Use your “excited voice” to amp up the fun for you and your dog; this will also help your pet learn the cues and commands associated with playtime.
• Schedule daily play sessions that are short but frequent to maintain your dog’s interest and energy levels.
• Don’t force your dog to play if, for some reason, they aren’t up to it.
5. Practice „Pawsitive“ Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is among the best tools in your doggy training arsenal and is a beneficial tactic in shaping your pet’s behavior—all in a loving, non-threatening way. It is a type of training that employs a reward system to acknowledge and ingrain desired behavior in your pet. Way more than scolding or yelling at your pet, which is punishment-based training, a reward is far more likely to get your dog to remember and repeat the desired behavior.
Everyday rewards include treats, physical signs of affection (like patting your dog), verbal praise, toys, etc. Positive reinforcement lets you connect with your dog throughout the teaching and training process. It bridges the communication or language gap between you and your dog and helps to strengthen your relationship.
Ultimately, it creates an atmosphere of security and confidence between you and your pet. Your dog will develop a deep trust in you, encouraging them to cooperate with you, and want to please you by repeating the desired behavior. Dogs trained using positive reinforcement techniques are more good-natured, self-disciplined, secure, confident, and well-adjusted overall.
6. Get to Know Your Dog’s Likes and Dislikes
While this may sound like a given, it is sometimes easy for dog owners to overlook that their pet has their likes and dislikes, too. No two dogs are the same, and it would do you well to take the time to learn your dog’s unique preferences. Every dog has their specific shtick, from food and games to scents around the house and routines. For instance, some dogs can’t get enough of your hugs, while others may sometimes want their personal space.
Some dogs love socializing with other dogs, while some poppers shy away from canine contact. Some dogs prefer long, slow walks, while others prefer short but spirited sprints. The list goes on, and you learn from observing your dog and trying new things with them. Finding out what your dog prefers is vital to deepening your bond with them, as it will enable you to respond appropriately to your dog. This, in turn, makes your dog even more secure around you as their source of gratification.
7. Express Your Affection
Of course, you can’t deepen or form a solid bond with your dog if you’re never around! No matter how busy your schedule may be, spend time with your dog. Quality time with your dog is super important—not just for them, but for you.
This factor must come into play when deciding to bring a furry friend into your home or considering how many pets you can handle. Your pet will require a certain amount of time, and you’d best be ready and willing to give it. Spending time with your dog will result in a happier, healthier hound who will be your faithful friend.
“There you have it—7 ways to forge a firmer friendship with your furry friend. These are just a few of the many “pawsome” ways to deepen your bond with your darling doggo. Your efforts will be well worth it as your pup rewards you with love and loyalty!”
7 Pawsome Ways to Bond with Your Dog
You know the adage: A dog is a person’s best buddy. You and your furry friend have a special connection built on unconditional love and loyalty. But, as with a friendship, there are things you can do to strengthen and deepen the bond between you.
Here are 7 „pawsome“ ways to connect with your dog and take your friendship to the next level:
1. Express Your Affection
Your dog understands your emotions and reads into your actions, perhaps more than you give them credit. This is one of the reasons they make for such fabulous (furry) friends. Science has shown, conclusively, that dogs can, without a doubt, recognize human emotions. Your pooch remembers what you are feeling when you are feeling it. Experiments have shown that dogs can integrate visual and auditory cues to perceive specific emotions in humans and other dogs.
What does all this mean when deepening your bond with your puppy pal? Your dog will pick up on your affection and love for them through your actions. So, if you want to reinforce your dog’s sense of security and let them know you love and care for them, tell them how you feel.
Don’t skimp on the pets, pats, hugs, cuddles, and belly rubs. Tell your dog you love them, all while using their name so that they associate it as a cue of your affection. Non-pet owners will probably look at you like you’re from another planet, but overall, that’s small stuff—don’t sweat it. Your “weirdness” will pay off in a more solid than ever bond with your pooch.
2. Brush Your Dog’s Coat
Brushing your dog’s coat is essential grooming, something many pet owners know well. Regular grooming helps keep your dog’s fur silky and shiny, as brushing distributes the skin’s natural oils evenly throughout your pooch’s coat. A thorough brushing session will help remove matted hair, preventing hot spots and a bacterial eczema-like infection on your dog’s skin. It likewise enables you to familiarize yourself with your dog’s coat and skin, allowing you to discover any parasites and other issues quickly.
Regular grooming is beneficial, even necessary, to your pet’s appearance, comfort, and health—but the benefits go beyond that. A fur-brushing session also creates an incredible bonding experience you can share with your pet. It’s a particular time you and your dog can enjoy together, one that can be as relaxing for you as it is for them.
Remember, some dogs initially shy away from the grooming experience or may initially be nervous. Take your time to introduce your dog to the process. Use even, light to moderate brush strokes until your dog is accustomed to the brushing. Remember that the belly of a dog’s body is often more sensitive, so brush even more gently in that area.
3. Make Mealtime Fun
Mealtime is a much anticipated time for your beloved dog. First off, prepare and feed your dog healthy, top-quality nutritious food. Buying the good stuff at the onset may be costlier, but you will reap the rewards of a happy, healthy hound. Spending on quality food still comes out cheaper than on vet bills – something you should keep in mind when choosing dog food for sale.
Pay attention to your dog’s unique nutritional needs, as well, in the selection process. Better yet, prepare a lovingly home-cooked meal for your pooch as often as your schedule permits you to do so. Aside from the health benefits of proper nutrition, feeding time also strengthens your bond with your dog. Your dog trusts and sees you as their provider; mealtime reinforces that trust.
Here are some ways to build on that trust and make mealtime even more exciting for your happy hound:
• Switch up your dog’s food every so often, but be sure to introduce new food the proper way.
• Emplo a food dispensing toy occasionally, and… Reward your dog with their favorite treat.
• Use a slow-feeding bowl if your dog is prone to scarfing down their food; this way, your pooch will enjoy its meal without the consequences of eating too quickly.
• Make your dog’s food extra scrumptious by topping it with low-sodium gravy, bone broth, or a bit of milk or warming it up.
4. Play! Play! Play!
Just as human kids and their parents bond over playtime, you form a deeper connection with your dog doing the same. From fetch and other running games outdoors to hide-and-seek and interactive games indoors, you can play an array of fun and exciting games with your pet. Active play benefits your dog’s overall health, physically and mentally.
Games that require physical exertion help keep your dog at an ideal weight, which is beneficial to their heart health and the condition of their joints. Active play lubricates your pet’s joints, improving their balance and coordination. Mentally, playtime provides your pet with the chance to engage their brain, sharpening their ability to focus. It also decreases behavioral problems in dogs, giving them a great outlet for excess energy and pent-up emotions.
When you get in on playtime with the pooch, your dog will learn to see you as their provider and source of fun and entertainment, a companion in camaraderie—a true friend. Some tips for fun and fulfilling playtime include:
• Purchase sturdy, non-toxic dog toys for sale that are appropriate to your pet’s size and age
• Learn what games your dog enjoys by trying a bunch of different activities
• Reward and praise your dog if you are playing interactive games with them
• Use your “excited voice” to amp up the fun for you and your dog; this will also help your pet learn the cues and commands associated with playtime.
• Schedule daily play sessions that are short but frequent to maintain your dog’s interest and energy levels.
• Don’t force your dog to play if, for some reason, they aren’t up to it.
5. Practice „Pawsitive“ Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is among the best tools in your doggy training arsenal and is a beneficial tactic in shaping your pet’s behavior—all in a loving, non-threatening way. It is a type of training that employs a reward system to acknowledge and ingrain desired behavior in your pet. Way more than scolding or yelling at your pet, which is punishment-based training, a reward is far more likely to get your dog to remember and repeat the desired behavior.
Everyday rewards include treats, physical signs of affection (like patting your dog), verbal praise, toys, etc. Positive reinforcement lets you connect with your dog throughout the teaching and training process. It bridges the communication or language gap between you and your dog and helps to strengthen your relationship.
Ultimately, it creates an atmosphere of security and confidence between you and your pet. Your dog will develop a deep trust in you, encouraging them to cooperate with you, and want to please you by repeating the desired behavior. Dogs trained using positive reinforcement techniques are more good-natured, self-disciplined, secure, confident, and well-adjusted overall.
6. Get to Know Your Dog’s Likes and Dislikes
While this may sound like a given, it is sometimes easy for dog owners to overlook that their pet has their likes and dislikes, too. No two dogs are the same, and it would do you well to take the time to learn your dog’s unique preferences. Every dog has their specific shtick, from food and games to scents around the house and routines. For instance, some dogs can’t get enough of your hugs, while others may sometimes want their personal space.
Some dogs love socializing with other dogs, while some poppers shy away from canine contact. Some dogs prefer long, slow walks, while others prefer short but spirited sprints. The list goes on, and you learn from observing your dog and trying new things with them. Finding out what your dog prefers is vital to deepening your bond with them, as it will enable you to respond appropriately to your dog. This, in turn, makes your dog even more secure around you as their source of gratification.
7. Express Your Affection
Of course, you can’t deepen or form a solid bond with your dog if you’re never around! No matter how busy your schedule may be, spend time with your dog. Quality time with your dog is super important—not just for them, but for you.
This factor must come into play when deciding to bring a furry friend into your home or considering how many pets you can handle. Your pet will require a certain amount of time, and you’d best be ready and willing to give it. Spending time with your dog will result in a happier, healthier hound who will be your faithful friend.
“There you have it—7 ways to forge a firmer friendship with your furry friend. These are just a few of the many “pawsome” ways to deepen your bond with your darling doggo. Your efforts will be well worth it as your pup rewards you with love and loyalty!”