Have you recently added a new puppy to your family? If so, you might be stuck for ideas when it comes to building a solid relationship with him. Even if your dog isn’t a new addition, you may sense that your owner/pet relationship could use a bit of tweaking. We’re going to talk about a few tips you can exercise with your fuzzy pal that will help you to generate a trusting and loyal bond.
The first thing you need to understand is that all dogs want to be a part of a pack. It’s a natural way of life for them in the wild and it still holds very constant today—only the pack is your family (or you and the dog if you’re a duo). Dogs want to feel as though they serve a place in the pack, which means hanging out with the family and being included in everyday activities. However, it is very important that your dog understands his position in the pack. If you do not assert your authority as the “leader of the pack,” your dog is likely to assume the role, which can result in very hard-to-handle behaviour. When your dog is clear on the hierarchy of the family, he will respect you, which is a huge part of forming a solid foundation in your relationship. I know this all sounds primitive and even a little cheesy, but it’s very much true!
As I mentioned before, it’s important that you include your dog in everyday activities. Trust is probably the single most important factor in having a good relationship with your dog, so try to make sure that your actions don’t imply any untrustworthiness on your part. Routines are a good way of showing your dog that you’re dependable, as long as you stick to them. Little things like taking your dog out to potty and feeding him around the same time everyday are ways that will help your dog to naturally trust in you. Imagine if you relied upon someone for your food/water and bathroom privileges; if you aren’t given these necessities on a regular and dependable basis, you would never grow to trust your supporter.
Activities are a great way to let your dog feel he is involved in the family. Dogs are naturally playful and sociable, so including them in everyday activities such as chores or playing in the back yard are important. You could also take the time to brush your dog or walk with him every day. Training is an excellent way to bond with your dog as praise and (gentle) correction lets him feel involved. I recommend that you get a set of dog steps and train your dog to use them. Whether he’s a puppy or not, it’s better for his joints than jumping to and from furniture and that added training time will only serve to rekindle your dog’s trust and obedience in you.
For more great tips about raising pets, or to purchase a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets here.
