Are you looking for ways to deepen your relationship with your four-legged friend? Thankfully, it doesn’t require grand gestures for that to happen. With love and attention, the little things often mean the most to our dogs. Caring for your pet by providing all their basic needs indicates that you already have an irreplaceable bond with them. However, improving that relationship goes a long way in ensuring they live their best lives.
So to help you have a better and more positive relationship with your dog, we’ve prepared a few guidelines you can follow.
How to Have a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog that’s been with you for years, there are simple things you can do to further enrich the relationship between you and them. Here are five tips to get you started:
1. Exercise Together
Getting exercise is always a plus for dogs and humans. Moreover, it can be a great way to bond when done side-by-side. However, you should choose an activity suited to your pet’s breed and energy level. Dog breeds that have high energy levels and can handle endurance can benefit from learning how to run alongside you while biking. But if your dog is a short-nosed breed, out-of-shape, or in senior age, a walk in the park or neighborhood can be a good routine.
When exercising with your pet, always practice caution and safety. If you notice strange movements, fractures, or signs of limping in your dog while walking or running, stop the activity immediately and take them to experts specializing in veterinary surgery in Natick to be examined.
2. Teach Them to Socialize
If your pup is still learning, teaching them to be comfortable in many different situations is essential. Taking your pet to socialization classes or dog parks helps them get used to other dogs and different sounds. Also, knowing you’re always there for them to get them through this development phase will further deepen your bond. However, the best time to socialize your pup is when they have completed three shots of core vaccines and one booster shot. This protects your pet from deadly viral dog diseases like distemper and parvo.
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention up-to-date reduces their risks of contracting dangerous conditions and gives you peace of mind. So if your pet still lacks the essential preventative treatments, take them to the vet for an appointment. You may visit websites like https://www.wellesleynatickveterinaryhospital.com/site/veterinary-services-natick/cat-dog-vaccinations-parasite-prevention to see the importance of preventive care for pets.
3. Understand Their Body Language
While dogs may not speak the same language as us, they can communicate with us through their body language. Like people, dogs also have good days and bad. So learning how to read their body language can significantly help you connect with them. Knowing when they’re relaxed, stressed, or excited can help you adjust your behavior to communicate with them better.
Being sensitive and observant of the signs they’re showing also helps you be proactive in knowing how they feel. For example, if they’re feeling under the weather and are showing signs of sickness, you can immediately take them to the vet for dog wellness exams.
4. Give Them One-On-One Attention
One-on-one quiet time and touch are powerful bonding tools to communicate and express your love and attention for your pet. Allotting a cuddle time with your dog while you’re sitting on the bed or chilling on the couch is a relaxing way to bond with them. Physical contact creates a sense of comfort and safety that lets your pets know they’re a true part of your pack.
5. Keep Your Cool
Patience and consistency are crucial when developing a bond with your pet. It can be disheartening and frustrating when your pet doesn’t understand what you’re telling them to do, especially if you’ve been repeating yourself several times. However, yelling at them may only worsen the situation. Dogs can be sensitive to your feelings and emotions, so if you lose your temper, they may feel uneasy too. When you stay calm and confidently lead them to what you want them to do, you’re also telling your pet they can always rely on you.
Final Thoughts
Humans and dogs can deeply enrich each other’s lives. Through bonding with your dog, you can fill their days with fulfillment, happiness, and health. Making your dog feel they belong to your family and that you care for them equally can help bring them closer to you, making you and your dog a solid duo.
