Ways to Bond with Your Dog Everyday
The bond some people have with their pets is intense and full of love, as many consider them to be members of their own family. And just like with other relationships, it is important to continue to develop the bond you have with your pup. There are many ways to bond with your dog that do not take a lot of effort and are small gestures that you can make every day.
Eye Contact
When you make eye contact with someone, even your dog, both parties’ bodies release oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released inside your body when you are feeling loved, empathetic, or building a relationship.
Making eye contact with your dog is an effective way to build the bond you have with your dog with little effort. Eye contact not only makes your dog feel more loved, but it helps you feel the positive effects of oxytocin as well.
Touch
Similar to how eye contact creates a bond, simply touching your dog can make the bond between an owner and dog grow stronger. When you connect with your dog, it releases serotonin which can mean a decrease in anxiety and stress. Touch can benefit mental health in both dogs and humans, so the importance of touch can greatly increase your bond.
Cuddle
Cuddling is comparable to touching, but for an extended period of time. When you touch your dog for long amounts of time, like when you cuddle, those important chemicals and hormones are released longer. When released for extensive amounts of time, these chemicals can make a more lasting impact on your animal and the bond you have with them, rather than just a temporary feeling.
Attention
By giving your dog attention, your bond can grow exponentially even with the smallest amounts of attentiveness. Doing little things with your dog like going to the park, out to eat, or on a car ride are all ways to hang out with your dog and give them some attention.
Communicate
Through body language, your dog can clue you into what they are trying to communicate with you and others. Clues can come from the ears, tail, and other body movements that all can communicate different things. By learning what your dog’s body language means, it can lead to a better relationship and bond between you all.
Train
By training your dog, they will feel that they are fulfilling a purpose and making you proud. Training through teaching commands and tricks are both ways to further the bond between you and your dog. If you have previously trained your dog, you can reinforce these commands or teach them new tricks.
Praise
Like mentioned, your dog likes to make you proud and when you give them praise, dogs feel satisfied and fulfilled. You can reward their good behavior with treats, toys, cuddles, or praise them aloud.
Calm
If you are having certain emotions, dogs are able to sense that you may be off or uncomfortable. Dogs can sense what humans are feeling, their moods, and can empathize with what their humans may be going through. When you stay calm, your dog will also become soothed and remain calm.
Treats
Whether for praise, nutrition, or bonding, treats can serve many purposes for you and your furry friend. Treats can show the love for your dog and act as a reminder when they eat the gift you gave them. Bones, rawhides, or scraps of doggy-safe foods can excite your dog and make them feel special.
Even though these are all acts that you can accomplish in small, mindless ways, they can truly make an impact on your dog. The bond between you and your dog is an important one that lasts forever and can be strengthened. These are some simple gestures to make your dog truly feel special and nourish the relationship with your furry friend.