Are you looking for ways to deepen your relationship with your four-legged companion? Thankfully, it does not demand grand gestures for that to happen. With love and attention, the little things often mean the most to our dogs. Taking care of your pet by supplying 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 pet dog, we’ve collected a few guidelines you can follow.
5 Ways to Strengthen Human-Dog Relationships
Whether it’s a pup or an adult pet that has been with you for many years, there are simple things that can further enrich the relationship between you and them. Here are five pointers to get you started:
1. Give Them One-On-One Attention
One-on-one quiet time and touch are powerful bonding tools to interact and express your attention and love 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 produces a sense of safety and comfort that lets your pets know they’re a true part of your pack.
2. Understand Their Body Language
While dogs might not speak the same language as us, they can communicate with us through their body language. Like individuals, 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 are relaxed, excited, or stressed can help you adjust your behavior to communicate with them better.
Being sensitive and attentive to the signs they are showing also helps you be proactive in knowing how they feel. For example, if they are feeling under the weather and are showing signs of illness, you can immediately take them to the veterinarian for a checkup. Routine vet checkups are essential for detecting and treating your pet’s underlying health conditions. This is why checkups for dogs and cats in Natick should be taken seriously by pet parents.
3. Teach Them to Socialize
If your puppy is still learning, teaching them to be relaxed in many different situations is important. Taking your pet to dog parks or socialization classes 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 develop your bond. However, the best time to socialize your puppy is when they have finished three shots of core vaccines and one booster shot. This protects your pet from deadly viral dog diseases like parvo and distemper.
Vaccination of pets for parasite prevention and prevalent conditions reduces their risks of contracting life-threatening diseases and gives you peace of mind. So if your pet still lacks essential preventative treatments, visit the veterinarian for an appointment.
4. Exercise Together
Getting exercise is always a plus for canines and humans. Additionally, 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. Canine breeds that have high energy levels and can handle endurance can benefit from learning how to run alongside you while biking. But if your canine is a short-nosed breed, out-of-shape, or in senior age, a walk in the park or community can be a great routine.
When exercising with your pet, always practice caution and safety. If you see unusual movements, fractures, or signs of limping in your pet while walking or running, stop the activity immediately and take them to a veterinary surgeon to be examined. You may visit this page to see the common surgical procedures for pets.
5. Keep Your Cool
Patience and consistency are vital when developing a bond with your pet. It can be discouraging and annoying when your pet does not understand what you’re telling them to do, especially if you’ve been repeating yourself several times. However, yelling at them can only worsen the situation. Canines can be sensitive to your feelings and emotions, so if you lose your temper, they might feel uneasy too. When you stay calm and confidently lead them to what you want them to do, you are also telling your pet they can always count on you.
Final Thoughts
Humans and dogs can deeply improve each other’s lives. Through bonding with your dog, you can fill their days with satisfaction, happiness, and health. Making your pet dog feel they belong to your household and that you care for them equally can help bring them closer to you, making you and your pet a solid duo.
