It’s fair to say that dogs speak a different kind of love language to people. After all, there are quite a few differences between us.
Unfortunately, that means that many of us are actually quite confused about how to love our pet pooches. We want them to have the best lives possible and feel good, but we aren’t exactly sure how to make that happen.
The good news is that this post is here to help. In it, we take a look at all the ways you can love your dog and give them the best life possible. Here’s what you need to know:
Make Eye Contact With Them
You don’t want to make eye contact with every dog you meet. But looking into the round, glistening eyes of your pet pooch from time to time is a good idea.
The reason for this has to do with connection. Dogs love it when you look at them because it helps to strengthen the bond between you. Giving them eye contact shows them that they have your full attention. You’re speaking to them directly, instead of doing something else, like the dishes or watching TV.
Spend More Time With Them
Dogs don’t usually care about the content of what you’re doing. What’s more important to them is the fact that you spend time together. Any shared time is a bonus for them, whether it’s movie night or a trip to the park.
If you’re in the house, cuddle up to your dog. Give them opportunities to build a relationship with you through physical touch. Allow them on the couch from time to time so that you can bond with them more effectively.
Give Belly Rubs
Dogs love belly rubs. It’s one of the best ways to show them that you care. They love the feeling of fingernails rubbing up against their skin, dealing with itches and parasites.
Belly rubs create an association in your dog’s mind between you and feeling good. This process automatically makes them feel better when they are around you. Their happiness can be infectious and is a great way to raise the mood of your entire family and set you up for a good day.
Give Them Food They Love
Sometimes, dogs don’t seem to be fussy at all about what they eat, and other times, they can turn their nose up at their food without any explanation. It’s a strange experience to watch a dog trying to swallow a dirty plastic bag but then refusing to eat its kibble.
As a pet owner, sometimes you just have to go with the flow, giving your dog what he or she loves to eat without qualification. If they want a certain item, give it to them, but make sure that they have a balanced diet the rest of the time.
They don’t say that the way to a dog’s heart is through its stomach, but they should. Dogs who get tasty food feel positive towards their owners and want to spend more with you. They also feel happier around meal times knowing that they are going to get something tasty rather than the usual gruel.
You need to be careful when spoiling your dog, though. Don’t bring them up on human food. It’ll disrupt their taste buds and they won’t want to go back to regular dog chow, worsening their health and putting your food bills up.
Groom Them
Dogs usually don’t like the actual process of being groomed, unless they’re a lapdog. But they certainly enjoy how they feel afterwards.
What’s nice about taking your dog to the grooming parlour is that they usually don’t have the same level of fear as when they go to the vet. Dogs despise veterinary clinics for some reason but feel quite at home getting their fur brushed and having people condition their skin. It’s all in a day’s work for them.
Of course, if you really want to give your dog the star treatment, you can groom them yourself. Get a dog brush and clip their nails in the comfort of your home, reducing their stress levels at the same time.
Introduce Them To Something New
Dogs have reasonable eyesight, but they really explore the world through their noses. That’s why it’s a nice idea to introduce them to both new sights and smells.
Taking your dog on a trip isn’t so much about the view for them, or exploring the streets of a different city. Instead, it’s all about what they can smell along the way.
Try taking them to a dog-friendly business in a new area. Perhaps you could go al fresco dining at a café or take them to an amusement park. Whatever it is, give them an opportunity to sniff around and generally enjoy themselves. After all, that’s what dogs love to do.
Teach Them Something New
A dog’s life is all about fun. They’re inherently playful creatures and remind many of us about what life was like when we were kids.
That’s why it’s a good idea to teach them something new. This way, you give them a healthy focus and show them what life’s all about.
Teach your dog various commands, such as “sit”, “stay” and “jump.” You can also try “paw.”
If your dog is a little more advanced, you could build an obstacle course in your garden and take them around that. Dogs love learning new tricks, even if they are old, contrary to popular belief.
You can also teach your dog to do various party tricks. Dogs that can high-five, for instance, always pull a crowd.
Give Your Dog The Best Gear
Strapping a collar to your dog’s neck and calling it a day is hardly a display of profound love and affection. In fact, it’s what virtually everyone does.
But it turns out that there’s a better way. These days, harnesses are all the rage. These keep your dog from running into the road while you’re walking them but don’t cause pain by pulling on their necks too tightly.
You could also get your dog a new toy to show him love. Dogs are curious creatures and they enjoy playing with new things. If there is something novel to get their teeth stuck into, they’re happy.
Invite Them To Yoga
Photo by Johnathan Macedo on Unsplash
It won’t come as any surprise to learn that dogs can’t do yoga. But they can still take part in their own way. Dog yoga involves going through the usual motions with your pup by your side. They don’t quite understand what is going on, but the more they take part in the activity, the better they feel.
Schedule A Puppy Play Date
If you’ve just ordered a new puppy from this website, then you’ll want to schedule a playdate straight away. Dogs love being around their own kind, particularly at younger ages and always know how to have fun together.
Arranging a doggy play date is surprisingly simple. Most communities organise activities you can take part in.
You can also set up playdates privately with your friends. Just go to each other’s houses or take all the dogs to the park.
Treat Them With Respect
Believe it or not, your pup can tell when you’re treating them with respect or not. Dogs are very social creatures.
A lot of dogs like to have their own space, so if possible, give them an area of the house they can go to by themselves, devoid of people. Make sure they can rest and recuperate before coming back and socialising with you again.
If a dog looks grumpy and goes off to spend time with itself, it usually doesn’t matter a great deal. After it’s had a sleep and is well-rested, it’ll soon come trotting back through, happy and healthy.
Surprise Them
Another way to show your dog love is to surprise them with a treat. Pups love unexpected events like this.
Treats can take various forms. It doesn’t always have to be food.
Dogs, for instance, love a rare opportunity to jump up on the couch and snuggle up with you. They also love playing with new toys or being able to run around without being attached to a lead.
Conclusion
When it comes to loving your pooch, there are all sorts of things you can do. Mostly, it is about creating a pleasant environment for them to live in. The more they can enjoy themselves in your company, the happier they’ll feel about you.
Of course, you don’t want to overdo it. Spoiling your dog isn’t the aim of the game. What you want to do is strike a happy balance between showing love and giving your dog independence. Avoid the temptation to smother your animal. Dogs are quite content doing their own thing 90 percent of the time.
That’s not to say that you can’t pamper your pooch occasionally. The reality is that you should. The more you can care for them, the more loved they will feel, helping you integrate them into the family.
Featured image: Photo by Chewy on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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