Strengthen the Relationship with Your Dog

Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, dogs hunt and play together. The bond of a dog-pack provides emotional support, socialization and affection, all of which stimulates the animals mentally as well as physically.

As in the wild, a truly deep relationship with your dog involves mutual respect and trust. To develop a stronger bond with your pet, it is important to spend meaningful time together, to interact. Play together, participate in joint activities and go on daily walks. It takes a real commitment to nurture a deeper relationship with your pet. Strengthening your connection leads to a more trusting and flourishing companionship. If you are willing to do the work and put in the time, the payoff is tremendous.

Exercise

Daily exercise is important for many reasons. In addition to the many health benefits, exercising together strengthens the human / canine bond. Dogs that are exercised regularly tend to be more obedient and have fewer behavioral problems than dogs that do not receive enough exercise.

Simply taking a walk with your dog is beneficial. Go to different locations to help your dog become more relaxed and socialized in a variety of environments. As you walk in a new location, your dog will look to you as the leader who will guide him safely through unknown territory. Make time for some type of exercise with your dog every day. You will both benefit from the increased activity.

Unstructured play

It's also important to add unstructured play-time into your schedule.

Joint Activities

Agility training, obedience classes and dog shows are enjoyable ways to strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. In fact, classes of all types are a fun and productive way to interact. Constantly reinforcing the bond you have with your dog in this way helps to socialize him with other animals and people, and offers an opportunity to spend quality time together.

Consider enrolling in the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program and prepare your dog for the CGC test. Dogs that pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and are deemed to be trustworthy community and family members.

Learn more about the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program here.

Dogs have earned the designation as man's best friend. The human / canine bond is distinctive. It is our responsibility to strengthen and nurture this bond, to care for our pets and provide them with a good quality of life.

Exercise, play time and joint activities build understanding and mutual respect - thereby strengthening the connection with your pet. As you strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion remember that this important relationship benefits the health and well-being of you both!

Related articles:
How to Choose a Responsible Day Care Facility for Your Dog
Stem Cell Research Offers New Options for Ailing Dogs, Cats and Horses
Dog Breed Profile: Cavachon
How to Groom Your Yorkshire Terrier

For fun:
A poem about our pets

And because I'm crazy for them:
Cute photos of our dog with her best friend, our cat.

Sources:
Our dog
American Kennel Club
Public Broadcasting Service