You Need a Good Human-Animal Bond
The key to living a happy life with your dog is a good human-animal bond.
Do you have a good human-animal bond with your dog?
Do you ever feel like you and your dog can’t communicate?
What is he asking for?
Why is he acting out?
You’re frustrated. You want to be as close to your dog as other people are with their pups.
What’s the secret of the human-animal relationship?
Dogs Respond Better to Physical Signals Than Vocal Cues
Dogs are always observing your actions, rather than listening to your words.
Communicate with Your Dog
Since dogs respond better to visual cues than sounds, use physical gestures to express yourself.
For example, create a hand signal to go along with the command “sit.”
Your pup will understand you better if you focus on body language and hand gestures vs. repetitive words.
Your facial expressions matter too. When your face shows stress, your dog can sense it.
Maintaining calm, assertive energy will help you communicate more clearly with your pet.
Dogs Need Discipline, Training, Physical and Mental Exercise
Dogs thrive when you meet their specific needs.
They are pack animals who need to spend time with you.
They need a nutritious diet.
Spend Time with Your Pet
When you spend time with your pup, you have more opportunities to build a strong bond.
Your pup needs daily exercise and playtime depending on the breed. As humans, 30 minutes of physical activity today is recommended as a minimum.
Share experiences together by taking daily walks – and mixing up the route you take.
Play with your pup in different ways, too. Do what’s best for your furry friend. This is a very good way of strengthening the human-animal bond with your pet.
Provide a Nutritious Diet
Showing your pup you care by putting more time and attention into their food.
Does your dog have a dull coat? Add some fish oil to their food.
Is your pup a picky eater? Try offering them their favorite foods.
Cooking your pet’s food, or adding extra ingredients to their existing diet, is another way to show Fido you care.
Try mixing chicken broth or pureed pumpkin into their dry food.
They will appreciate the variety and taste!
Set Standards for How Your Pet Behaves in Specific Situations
Dogs look to you, the pack leader, for guidance.
For example, they must know not to jump on or bark at guests in your home. Dogs will act out of fear if they are not told how to behave.
Additionally, your well-trained pet will get more freedom off-leash or during meals.
Furthermore, when you train your dog, you tell him what you want, and he knows how to respond.
Discipline Your Pup When He Acts Out
Dogs thrive on structure and look to you for how to behave.
A dog without discipline can hurt itself or others. Protect your pup by providing him with appropriate, but not excessive discipline.
Don’t Forget About Mental Exercise
Like people, dogs need mental exercise. They need a mental challenges on a daily basis.
Examples of mental exercise can include:
- Taking your pup with you to run errands
- Giving your dog a job, such as fetching, which retrievers love
- Learning a new trick
- Playing with an interactive toy
- Introducing your pup to new people
- Rotating and replacing old toys with new toys
Give Plenty of Touch/Contact/Petting/Scratching/Belly Rubs
Physical contact can include different types of touch.
For example, studies suggest grooming and petting reduce stress in shelter dogs.
Because dogs enjoy touch, this is an easy way to strengthen your bond.
In fact, petting fur has been shown in studies to reduce stress in humans, too!
How to Give Pets What They Need Play!
Across species, scientists have observed play bonds relationships. This is also true of humans and dogs!
Having fun together will strengthen your bond.
For example, go for a run or walk with your pup, or play a game of tug-of-war!
Be Calm
As we’ve stated before, your pup is looking to you for social cues. Your dog will reflect your emotions and energy level.
So, if you get anxious before company comes over, your pup will too. Your anxiety may manifest as pacing around the house; your dog’s anxiety may manifest as aggression when your guests arrive.
You and your pup will have a stronger bond if you maintain your composure in front of your pup.
As the pack leader, your dog looks to you for emotional and psychological cues. Be calm, and your pet will trust you, strengthening your bond.
Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Likes and Dislikes
Some dogs like a pat on the head and others don’t. Some dogs hate the sound of the vacuum, and some don’t like the smell of citrus.
Knowing and respecting your pet’s boundaries strengthens your bond.
How to Bond with Your Pet
You may think putting a cute sweater on a terrier is cute, but if clothing stresses out your pup – leave it for the dolls.
Your pup isn’t a toy. Dogs have personalities, preferences, and feelings.
Bonding with your pet is simple – do something together you both love, and respect your pup’s boundaries.
What Is the Human-Animal Bond?
The human-animal bond is a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between animals and people, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society.
This bond is the result of a combination of behaviors, including:
- Emotional
- Psychological
- Physical
- Why Is Bonding Important?
A mutually beneficial, harmonious, and balanced relationship is achievable.
By spending time with your pup, paying attention to his needs, and providing him with adequate discipline and affection, you and your dog will strengthen your bond.
Do you and your pup need help with your communication? How do you know your dog doesn’t understand you?
Do you feel confident about your understanding of your dog?
Comment below and let us know how you feel!
