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Creating a deep, deep bond with your dog is incredibly important if you are a dog parent. Dogs are unique in the way they are able to be in harmony with human emotions.
They become our confidants, our therapists, and our family. That’s what drives us to connect with them on a deeper level.
Here are six ways to strengthen that bond and connection in a way that both you and your pup will find meaningful.
Training is caring
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Training goes beyond teaching your dog some tricks to impress your friends. It builds a bond of trust and understanding and focuses your goals on making each other happy.
When your dog understands your commands and follows them, they see that you are happy. If you praise and reward your pup, you have satisfied him.
Your relationship in training leads to mutual happiness and can be a deeply emotional experience. Try to exercise every day and see if your bond with your dog gets even stronger.
Feeding your dog by hand
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Manual feeding is especially important when your dog is a puppy because it reduces food aggression and teaches respectful eating behaviors but on a much deeper level it shows your pup that you are a caregiver caring for your pack.
Manual feeding has many benefits, including slowing down fast eaters and improving socialization. But keeping your dog’s focus on you, building trust, and showing that you can care all lead to a greater emotional connection with your pup.
Experience nature together
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A deep bond isn’t just about you and your dog, but how you both see the rest of the world. Walking together in nature and learning to walk will help you to learn about each other.
You can set boundaries and show your dog that you can lead him in exploring the world around you. Your dog will also show you his likes, dislikes, and personality.
Notice what distracts them, what they avoid, and what they want to explore further. By getting to know each other while gaining new experiences, you can develop an even deeper connection.
Playing and connecting go hand in hand
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Dogs learn a lot from their behavior especially social behavior, through play. A dog must rely on a playmate’s voice and body signals to know what is appropriate and what is not.
Playing with your dog is fun and bonding, but it’s important to let him know when enough is enough. If the behavior becomes too aggressive, express your displeasure to your dog with vocal commands and by withdrawing from play.
Not only does this help your dog learn boundaries that aid in socialization, it also helps your dog learn to read your emotions, focus on your commands, and pay attention to your body language. This will only help your dog stay connected with what you are feeling.
look at each other
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Wolves use eye contact to challenge potential rivals, but your dog is not a wolf, and eye contact can mean something completely different to them. Every time you see those puppy dog eyes, you may find yourself melting in a puddle. But, it turns out, the feeling is mutual.
Dogs and humans are inundated with oxytocin, a chemical released when feeling love, when they look at each other. This is probably the result of evolution when dogs and humans came to rely on each other.
Just looking at each other will help release oxytocin and promote feelings of well-being. Take a moment every day to stare at your pup, and you’ll find your connection deepening very quickly.
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Taking a nap together
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Maybe you let your dog sleep in your bed, or maybe you both prefer your own space. But sleeping side by side is important to show that you trust each other.
If your dog falls asleep near you, chances are he will feel safe and protected with you. In addition, physical contact with your dog can help release endorphins, which promote relaxation.
You will find that when you feel safe and comfortable together, you can share a deep emotional bond.
In what ways have you deepened your bond with your dog? How can you tell that your dog loves and appreciates you? Let us know in the comments below!
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