Creating or Building a Relationship with Your Dog
Does your dog not listen to you? Maybe you will ask your dog to come to you and they will proceed to turn to look at you then off they go in the opposite direction. Maybe your dog jumps all over you constantly because they are craving attention in your busy life. Is your dog extra destructive? To the point your dog is tearing off the siding of your house. Maybe your dog has little to no interest in you at all. You and your dog simply co-exist.
You have to do more than taking care of your dog. You cannot expect your dog to be well behaved if you only make an appearance once or twice a day to feed and water your dog. In this circumstance these are the only times your dog sees you and of course they are super excited and lose their minds while jumping. Though they are pushing you away and making you upset, these dogs are craving attention. I also see families give their dogs everything and more. These dogs have unlimited amounts of food, water, love, toys, and much more. But these families are still struggling with their dogs not listening, possibly being destructive, and could very well be dealing with behavioral issues. In the examples given, one circumstance is a family providing the bare minimum and the other circumstance is a family providing everything. Both families fail to create or build a relationship with their dog. The question is, how do we create a relationship with our dogs?
1) Grooming
· One of the easiest ways to build a relationship with your dog is grooming. Take the time daily, once a week, or multiple times a week depending on the breed of dog you own to brush them. If your dog is mouthy as you brush, then take baby steps. You may have to let your dog lick a treat from your hand as you are brushing. Then after several reps you can fade the lure and treat randomly after a couple brush strokes. This is creating positive association with brushing. As your dog masters being groomed you can stop treating during their groom.
2) Training
· Not only is training a great bonding exercise but its great for mental stimulation. Training should be enjoyable for both human and canine. Make it fun and exciting. Dogs are nose, eyes, and ears learners. They learn with their nose first, second their eyes, and lastly their ears. Pretty cool right? Dogs also learn through play. Playing tug of war or even adding in a ball during training is a great way to add excitement, build engagement, strengthen bonds, and uses of a high value reward.
3) Attention
· Giving your dog attention looks different for everyone. Some may think it is allowing them to lay on our laps and others may think its head scratches. Whatever it is, make sure you are giving your dog your undivided attention when you do pet them or love on them. Also, look your pet in the eye when giving them attention. It makes it more personable.
4) Activities: Walks, playing tug, fetch, frisbee, swimming, going for a ride.
· The more activities you do that your dog loves to do or allow your dog to do with you the happier your pooch will be!
5) Trust
· Build trust through affection, touch, training, and doing fun activities together.
6) Clear communication
· Make sure to praise your dog for what they do right but also correct what they do wrong. This way they know what is right and what is wrong. They won’t be seeking for the right answers.
7) Empathy
· There is a time and a place when we need to advocate for our dogs. If our dogs are being triggered or “breaking down” then we need to stop or change something in the moment. Always set your dog up for success and end on a good note.
8) Know your dog
· No one knows your dog better than you. The best way to understand your dog is to spend more time with them and begin strengthening that bond.
9) Give them space
· Not every dog is a cuddle bug; many are aloof. If your dog is demanding space then give it to them. Your dog will cuddle and come visit when they decompress and have alone time.
10) Routine
· Humans and canines are creatures of habit. Dogs thrive on routine and structure. Establish a routine for meals, potty breaks, play time, rest, walks, and more.
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