You may express your love for your dog through words, toys, and cuddles, but you may still question whether they understand.
The general rule is that actions speak louder than words. Recent studies, however, indicate that your pet might not miss the sentiment behind spoken displays of affection. That said, every pup has their love language. By using any of the following tips, you can strengthen your bond with your dog.
Advice on how to express your affection and deepen your friendship with your best friend:
1. Communication
Acts of affection are vital, but don’t undervalue the impact of telling your dog you love them.
Berns found that when given the choice of food or verbal praise from their beloved human, nearly every dog in his study opted for praise.
“We know how it feels when someone praises us; there’s a positive feeling associated with it,” he says. “That might be comparable to the feelings that dogs are experiencing.”
2. Respect
According to one study, mutual respect between dogs and humans promotes trust, security, and even a greater degree of dependency.
The same study goes on to say that many pet parents find the satisfying realization that they are meant to be their dog’s caregiver when they acknowledge and respect their dog’s boundaries.
3. Play
Playtime may look different for every dog, especially as puppies mature into adults and, eventually, towards their senior years.
Thus, try different toys that keep your dog moving and thinking. Hunter recommends tug-of-war toys, and puzzles/games that turn mealtime into a treasure hunt.
Dogs thrive on attention. You may also find your dog can reciprocate, paying attention to your gestures.
If dogs cannot see their interactive play as the humans they adore, they will probably get bored, and in some cases, become destructive or depressed.
4. Exercise
When you engage in any activity with your dog – walking, swimming, or working on agility – you have not only blessed your dog with another new experience, but also displayed love and solidified your relationship with that dog.
5. Let Them Be Alone
While dogs take pleasure in being with their humans, they also require alone time.
Dogs are den animals, and by providing a cozy retreat (such as a crate or dog bed), your dog will have a place that is safe to relax alone.
Establishing a space for your dog is a great way to create a sense of safety, and you’ll create a deeper bond when your dog knows they have their place to go when they feel overstimulated or just tired.
6. Give Your Dog a Massage
A relaxing massage is a great way to bond with your dog and help alleviate muscle tension.
A gentle massage will help reduce stress, improve circulation, and may help with digestion.
7. Be Your Dog’s Best Advocate
Be an advocate for your dog in new or stressful situations, and do not push them into interactions that are uncomfortable with other people or animals.
Pay attention to what makes your dog insecure and intervene when it comes to their emotional and physical health.
Example: A stranger walks on your walking path and approaches you and your dog, and your dog seems uncomfortable, just because they ask to pet your pup, do not allow it.
Conclusion
Despite their apparent similarities, bonding with your dog and loving them are two different aspects of the human-pet relationship.
A dog’s affection for its pet parent grows organically.
Love is what makes your dog want to curl up with you on the couch every night and why he jumps on you with joy when you get home.
All of that love is enhanced by the bond. The foundation of a bonded dog-human relationship is equal parts mutual respect and trust.
In essence, a solid bond serves as the relationship’s glue. Your dog will listen to you when you ask him to do something because of it, and it prevents him from bolting out the front door without a backward glance.
The relationship promotes cooperation, good manners, and attentiveness.
Try these relationship “tweaks” to expedite the bonding process with your furry best friend and build a deep, meaningful relationship.
