Building a Relationship With Your Dog

Dogs are such great animals; entertaining, athletic, funny, affectionate and fascinating.  Maybe all of these characteristics are reasons why we bond with them so easily.  Sometimes we see certain clients with an obvious, amazing bond that they have with their dog; that is what dog ownership should be about.

Building relationships and bonding do not always happen automatically or easily, we can’t simply command our dogs to bond.  In order to have a healthy relationship with your dog, certain things like leadership, communication, interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, praise, and respect all have to be present.  These things take time, patience, and consistency to establish, but the rewards are worth it!

Here is a short list of things you can do to build or improve the relationship you have with your dog…

• Train them not only in obedience, but with some different things like agility, tricks, and games
• Take your dog for a walk, run, hike or swim
• Praise your dog when you are proud of them
• Groom your dog.  Clean their ears, bathe them, trim their nails, brush them, and handle them
• Play with your dog
• If you have multiple dogs, occasionally take turns walking or playing with one at a time
• Implement and practice leadership skills and exercises

Pictured above is Jim and his dog Maverick, an English Pointer puppy.  Jim and Maverick have a great relationship and bond that is extremely clear from the first second you see them together.  Jim and Maverick have this great relationship because Jim frequently practices the tips mentioned above, and thoroughly enjoys spending time with his dog.

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