Being a pet parent is more than having a loving and faithful companion. Multiple research studies indicate that pet parents are healthier than other people, with significantly lower heart rates, systolic blood pressure, and stress levels. If you have a dog, you will probably be healthy and fit because of the daily walk. Dog bonding sets you up for better mental health.
New research confirms that 95% of pet owners consider their furry companions a part of the family. But what goes into fostering a bond with your canine companion? You cannot expect the animal to blend with your family and lifestyle from day one. The process may take a few weeks or months, but you can accelerate it by investing time and effort.
The good thing is that canine bonding isn’t about grand gestures but little things you do consistently and daily. You can seek inspiration from the success secrets of dog parents who have already mastered the skills. Here are some actionable tips to ace the canine bonding game.
Understand Your Dog’s Demeanor
The first step is to understand your dog’s demeanor, which might be trickier than you imagine. New studies emphasize the value of digging deep into canine behavior for a better relationship. You can get a step ahead by implementing behavior modification for dogs to overcome problems such as aggression, anxiety, fearfulness, and toilet woes.
According to Dreamy Skies Dog Training, personalized training programs for behavior modification can make things easy for owners. The Dreamy Skies website highlights different approaches to canine training to address diverse behavior issues and help owners decide on the apt one. The idea is to pick an approach that addresses the deep-seated emotions instead of working on the issue itself.
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is a cornerstone of canine-human bonding because it fosters love and trust. Gazing triggers the release of oxytocin hormone in dogs and humans. It is the same hormone released when mothers (human and canine) nurse their offspring.
Frequent eye contact with your furry friend should be on your daily checklist. Try doing it as often as possible- while leaving for work, returning home, feeding your pet, and during playtime. The more you do it, the closer you become as companions.
Touch More often
Besides eye contact, physical touch is another way to foster a connection with your dog. Touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, like eye contact. It helps canines and owners stay tuned in to each other. Just being around and showing your presence reduces separation anxiety and keeps your companion calm and relaxed.
A quick hug is a good way to show love and attention when you cannot set aside cuddle time amid a tight schedule. You can indulge in petting and grooming sessions when you have more time to spare. Remember to return gestures when your dog extends a paw or leans on you. Be generous and shower loads of affection to build a bond!
Communicate Consistently
Consistent, positive communication gets you closer to your pet and strengthens your bond with it. Dogs are intelligent animals, so they can understand verbal and non-verbal cues. Keep your tone consistent during all interactions, through the daily routine, and during the training sessions.
Consistency breeds comfort and trust, which are the mainstays of human-canine companionship. Positive reinforcement is crucial to make the animal understand the significance of good behavior and discipline. You can reward your dog with praise, treat, and toys.
Give Focused Attention
Good bonding with your pet is also about giving them focused attention because canines thrive on it. Understand the unspoken needs when it wants to be near you, sit by, cuddle, and play. Think beyond the physical needs and pay attention to emotional ones as well. Offering undivided attention is the key to strengthening the connection.
At the same time, give your pet some alone time and space because dogs are den animals. They need to unwind and relax to stay sane and happy. Create a dedicated space where your fur buddy can retreat when it wants a quiet nap or a break from noisy kids and loud houseguests. Believe it or not, alone time for your pet will get you some brownie points for bonding!
Key Takeaways
An incredible bond always goes both ways, even when it is with a pet dog. As a pet parent, you must do your bit to foster trust, comfort, and closeness with your furry friend. Try these easy secrets successful pet parents swear by. Also, remember to include time-out in your bonding strategy because distance can get you closer together!
