Bond with your dog

Start Slow

A new environment can be a scary place. Your new dog many be feeling overwhelmed or try to test boundaries to settle into their new home. Creating a healthy relationship with your new dog means giving them space to learn the ropes.

Test toys, treats, and other rewards with your new pet to see what they prefer.

Pay attention to their barks and body language. Dogs use a variety of barks, facial expressions, and tail and other body language to express how they feel. When you learn your new pet’s cues, you can prioritize their safety and comfort in any situation, giving them a sense of security.

Eat. Play. Groom.

Enriching your dog’s life through activity is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with your pet. Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage your pet to be on their best behavior with a tasty treat! Incorporating basic and advanced training with treating moments increases your connection.

We tout the importance of play not only because it helps reduce restless energy in your dog, but playtime with your pet has also been proven to help reduce your stress hormones, too!

Grooming activities such as brushing and bathing are great bond builders. The physical touch, close connection, and care in these activities can help boost trust and reduce anxiety. Plus, regular grooming keeps their coat and skin healthy.

Remember to pay attention to your dog’s body language during playtime and grooming for signs of disinterest or distress.

It’s the Little Things

From their daily walks to lounging together before bed, sometimes the little things we do with our pet by our side create the safest and longest-lasting bonds.

Other small things you can do to build a bond with your dog:

• Share mealtime. If your dog eats promptly at 6, join them, especially if they are a social eater. Create a space for when and where you eat together
• Build a routine. A routine can help your dog know how to act, what to expect, and reduce behavior problems.
• Training and Tricks Some dogs thrive when they are actively learning new things. From at-home agility courses and the pet communication buttons taking over social media to basic commands and clicker training, your relationship with your dog will flourish. Training helps ensure healthy boundaries with people and other animals, and the reward makes your dog feel good.
• Talk to your dog. It may sound silly, but studies have shown that reading out loud or talking to your pet can reduce stress and create a connection with them. Research suggests that dogs can recognize their owner’s voice, meaning the more you gossip with your pup, the stronger your friendship will be.