HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG
A happy, healthy dog and a great pup-human relationship depends a lot on your bond. Here are some simple tips for building and maintaining a strong bond.
3 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG
Bonding with your dog might seem like it should just happen on its own, but like most things, you get back what you put in. No matter how long you've been together, taking the time to consciously bond will not only help your dog to be the healthiest, happiest version of themselves possible, it will be incredibly fulfilling for you as well. A strong bond helps to make your day-to-day routines less stressful, helps your pup stay safe, and just generally makes life a little sweeter.
We know you have a busy life, but that's okay! Here are three simple, doable ways to bond with your dog.
1. Learn new things together.
As with any relationship, a strong bond with your dog comes from spending time together. Now, your dog enjoys a night on the couch in front of the TV as much as anyone, but one of the best ways to really connect with them is to learn and work together. So even if your dog is less puppy and more regal senior, pick a new trick to learn and put in some time once or twice a week to work on it together. While you're at it, take a few minutes to run through the tricks they already know. You don't have to spend hours each time, but engaging your dog's brain and rewarding them for their hard work with high-value treats helps them to feel loved, excited, and fulfilled – and that helps them to bond with the human making them feel this way (that would be you!). You might end up being a little surprised by how fun this time is for you, too.
1. Learn new things together.
As with any relationship, a strong bond with your dog comes from spending time together. Now, your dog enjoys a night on the couch in front of the TV as much as anyone, but one of the best ways to really connect with them is to learn and work together. So even if your dog is less puppy and more regal senior, pick a new trick to learn and put in some time once or twice a week to work on it together. While you're at it, take a few minutes to run through the tricks they already know. You don't have to spend hours each time, but engaging your dog's brain and rewarding them for their hard work with high-value treats helps them to feel loved, excited, and fulfilled – and that helps them to bond with the human making them feel this way (that would be you!). You might end up being a little surprised by how fun this time is for you, too.
2. Leashed walks together are crucial.
Of course you know that regular, consistent exercise is so important for your dog's health, and getting those steps in together when possible is also a big part of bonding. If you have a dog walker helping out during the busy week, try to make a point of taking time for a walk together over the weekend. If you love to take your dog to the dog park, don't overlook your leash walks entirely. This time together is incredibly bonding, as you are literally connected to one another, and your dog should be tuned in to what you're doing and reacting to your actions.
If your dog isn't great on-leash, now is the time to tackle this! Just work on one thing at a time, be patient and positive, and keep training sessions short and progress to longer times as you both improve. Slip a cookie in your bag or pocket and break off little pieces to use for reinforcing postiive behaviors. A cookie can do wonders in things like teaching your pup to focus on you vs barking when other dogs pass by.
Even if your dog is generally a great leash-walker, this is another chance for you to work on skills together. Vary your pace as you walk, and reward your dog for keeping the leash relaxed by picking up their own pace or slowing down accordingly. Practice them stopping when you stop. If your dog is comfortable in new places with lots of stimulation, taking them inside a dog-friendly store is a great opportunity for even very good leash walkers to test their focus and skills, as they'll be more distracted by the new sounds, smells, and people and will need to work harder to stay engaged with you. And you know what that means – bonding, baby.
2. Leashed walks together are crucial.
Of course you know that regular, consistent exercise is so important for your dog's health, and getting those steps in together when possible is also a big part of bonding. If you have a dog walker helping out during the busy week, try to make a point of taking time for a walk together over the weekend. If you love to take your dog to the dog park, don't overlook your leash walks entirely. This time together is incredibly bonding, as you are literally connected to one another, and your dog should be tuned in to what you're doing and reacting to your actions.
If your dog isn't great on-leash, now is the time to tackle this! Just work on one thing at a time, be patient and positive, and keep training sessions short and progress to longer times as you both improve. Slip a cookie in your bag or pocket and break off little pieces to use for reinforcing postiive behaviors. A cookie can do wonders in things like teaching your pup to focus on you vs barking when other dogs pass by.
Even if your dog is generally a great leash-walker, this is another chance for you to work on skills together. Vary your pace as you walk, and reward your dog for keeping the leash relaxed by picking up their own pace or slowing down accordingly. Practice them stopping when you stop. If your dog is comfortable in new places with lots of stimulation, taking them inside a dog-friendly store is a great opportunity for even very good leash walkers to test their focus and skills, as they'll be more distracted by the new sounds, smells, and people and will need to work harder to stay engaged with you. And you know what that means – bonding, baby.
3. Touch matters.
Turns out, cuddling isn't just cozy, it's actually important for bonding. Researchers have found evidence that physical touch lowers stress in shelter dogs, bringing down both heart rate and cortisol (the "stress hormone") levels, and increasing oxytocin levels. Amazing stuff, right? Touch can include petting and cuddling your dog, of course, just make sure you're taking into account the types of physical contact your dog does and doesn't like – for example, a lot of dogs do not like to be hugged.
You might not think of it first, but this can also include grooming! Get out the brush regularly, and spend a few minutes going over that coat (bonus: regular brushing helps with shedding!). If your dog has a short coat and isn't used to being brushed, keeping grooming sessions short and rewarding them with a treat will help them get warmed up to idea. You can increase the time and drop the treats from this process once they get more comfortable – at that point, they'll be happy with the attention and physical connection.
3. Touch matters.
Turns out, cuddling isn't just cozy, it's actually important for bonding. Researchers have found evidence that physical touch lowers stress in shelter dogs, bringing down both heart rate and cortisol (the "stress hormone") levels, and increasing oxytocin levels. Amazing stuff, right? Touch can include petting and cuddling your dog, of course, just make sure you're taking into account the types of physical contact your dog does and doesn't like – for example, a lot of dogs do not like to be hugged.
You might not think of it first, but this can also include grooming! Get out the brush regularly, and spend a few minutes going over that coat (bonus: regular brushing helps with shedding!). If your dog has a short coat and isn't used to being brushed, keeping grooming sessions short and rewarding them with a treat will help them get warmed up to idea. You can increase the time and drop the treats from this process once they get more comfortable – at that point, they'll be happy with the attention and physical connection.
These are just three ways to bond, and there are so many others – many that are unique to you and your pup, and the special relationship you have. The most important thing is consistency and good communication, being sure to focus on reinforcing positive behaviors. Remember that relationships are ongoing, and bonding with your dog is not something you achieve and then move on from. It's a lifetime process that will only grow stronger and stronger.
Since most dogs are food-motivated, treats are an important resource for bonding with your dog. Our goal is to make special dog treats that are fun for both of you, and perfect to reward your dog, celebrate them, and include them in all of life's happy moments and special occasions.
Browse our shop to see what we've been baking lately, and bring home a Cookie Box to celebrate your bond.