Spending meaningful time with your dog should be about more than just the happiness you both share in each other’s company. It’s also a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. To have a strong bond with your dog, it will enrich their life and yours too, and It will help you to understand your dog’s behavior and what they need as their fur parent.
However, finding the extra time to spend with your pup may take work on your part. It’s understandable and quite common for a pet parent to get caught up in their busy schedules and other commitments.
But daily quality time with your dog is doable and should be thought of as such, whether it pertains to walking your dog in good weather while they’re wearing one of their favorite custom dog bandanas or simply lounging around at home on the couch after a long workday. So, here are some bonding suggestions to keep in mind when spending quality time with your pet.
1 Be Fully Present
When you’re spending time with your dog, make sure to be fully present, both physically and mentally. Dogs are incredibly perceptive creatures and can sense when their owner’s attention is divided. So to truly connect with your pet, set aside distractions such as phones, laptops, or other electronic devices.
Focus instead on your dog’s cues, body language, and the subtle nuances of your interactions. Giving them your undivided attention will strengthen your mutual bond and set the stage for even more meaningful experiences together.
2 Incorporate Quality Time into Your Daily Routines
Dogs thrive on routine and structure, and they’d be delighted to expect quality time from you as part of their daily habit.
On top of keeping a consistent daily schedule for feeding, exercise, playtime, and rest – all of which will help your pet feel secure and balanced – signal to them that they can look forward to quality time with you when they’re out on a walk or choosing which of their dog toys to play with.
Doing so will provide your dog with a sense of predictability and stability in their day-to-day life, as well as help them develop love and loyalty towards you.
3 Exercise Together
Regular exercise is vital for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. But it’s also one of the best ways to spend quality time and let loose with them.
Engage in activities that cater to your dog’s energy levels and interests, such as going for a run or participating in agility training. Active experiences like these will further strengthen your bond while keeping your pet happy, healthy, and stimulated.
4 Go for Daily Walks
Even if neither you nor your dog are the sporty types, it helps to get at least a daily walk in. Walks allow your pup to take necessary bathroom breaks, explore their environment, sharpen their senses, and socialize with other dogs and people—the latter of which you might enjoy doing together.
If you want to keep your daily walks interesting, take different routes, let your dog sniff around, and vary your pace. Just remember to use a leash for safety and always clean up after your pet so that you can be a responsible dog owner.
5 Play Games with Each Other
Simple games with your dog will be fun for both of you, and each game will do a lot to stimulate them mentally and develop their canine intelligence. When playing games together, you have countless options, from classic fetch to hide-and-seek to games with cutting-edge puzzle toys.
Be sure to choose the games you’ll play according to your dog’s interests and abilities. At the same time, ensure that they’re challenging, yet achievable to your dog. You can also consider games like tug-of-war and agility courses, as they provide physical exercise and promote healthy competition between you and your pet.
6 Go to the Park Together
Do you live near any local dog-friendly parks? If so, these are great places to spend quality time with your beloved pooch. Explore different parks in your area and allow your pet to survey their new environment. You can also play games like fetch or frisbee or let them interact with other dogs.
Just be sure to adhere to park rules, supervise your pet at all times, and practice good pet etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable park experience for everyone.
7 Pet and Give Them Affection
Lots of dogs think of physical affection as one of their top love languages, and if your dog is the same way, they shouldn’t be starved for physical touch. It shouldn’t take more than at least a few minutes a day to pet, cuddle, or even give a gentle massage to your furry friend.
Whenever giving your dog physical affection, observe their body language and respond accordingly. Resist the urge to tease your dog or rough-house around them if they don’t like it.
When you spend quality time with your dog, you are doing your part in investing in your relationship with them. Every moment shared with your dog is precious, which is why you should actively choose to bake in quality time with them as part of your daily routine.
