How to Make Your Dog Love You – A Complete Guide
Having a dog improves your life and teaches you to appreciate satisfaction, consistency, and loyalty. But adopting a dog may be a stressful situation for your new furry friend and it also requires patience from both sides. The relationship with your dog develops over time like any other type of relationship. Establishing an unbreakable bond with your dog may take months or years.
At PremierPups.com, they have researched how dog owners can make their dogs love them more. Take a look at the list below!
Create a comfortable area for your dog
Your dog will get more easily accustomed to his new home and lifestyle if he feels safe. A good idea is to give him a place of his own where he can relax and feel good. You can choose an area, such as a corner in the living room, from where he can see the activity in the house.
Make that area comfortable for your canine friend. You can use a crate or a dog bed and fill it with blankets and chew toys. Respect his space and don’t let other persons or pets get out there.
Adopt a protective attitude toward your dog
Although dogs tend to protect their owners, there are times when you should be your dog’s protector. Defend him from other people and animals if he doesn’t like to interact with them. Step in between your dog and what frightens him.This will make him feel relaxed and protected. Every time your dog is scared. comfort him.
Make time for activities with your dog
As you get to know your dog, you’ll find out what makes him happy. Use those things to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. For example, if your dog loves an activity, do it more often.
Also, make time to play with your dog. Keep a tug toy on hand for a quick game or play with your dog without toys. You may also try some play games during training sessions. This will build focus and bring enthusiasm, strengthening the relationship.
Plan adventurous activities with your dog. Take him to hiking, to the beach or to the lake, go on picnics, camping trips or at dog shows. Create memories with your dog which are not related to training sessions or to fixing behavior issues.
Analyze your dog’s reactions and emotions
Pay attention to what your dog is trying to communicate and take the necessary measures to react properly. If you don’t listen to his language he may become anxious and frustrated. When your dog refuses to do what you want, he may feel worse or scared or he may be distracted by something else. There are many situations that may determine your dog not to obey your commands.
Don’t get offended and try to find out what are the reasons. Train your dog properly and note if it is something that requires working on better.
Let your dog into your personal space from time to time
Let your dog sleep in your bedroom until he gets settled in or from time to time. This way, he won’t be scared, especially if he is a puppy. Sleeping with you reassures him and makes him feel part of your family.
Since your dog is attached to you, he will appreciate if you let him into your personal space. Let him sit on the couch or sleep in bed with you and he’ll feel privileged. When you keep him outside of your room, he feels lonely and neglected. Let him follow you around the house and be your companion and he will love you.
Use positive reinforcement
Dogs crave to spend time with their owners, so training can be a great way to accomplish their needs. Make sure you adjust your training level to your dog breed.
Furthermore, dogs need mental stimulation to be happy. Highly intelligent dog breeds need regular activity such as hunting, herding or working. Training helps keep your dog challenged and prevents aggressive behaviors like running away or biting people or other animals. Knowing how to please you, your dog is much happier. He feels satisfaction every time he plays fetch and performs tricks.
Training sessions should involve positive reinforcement. Modern training methods are based on showing your dog how to behave, not on correcting bad behaviors. Dogs are sensitive creatures and feel uncomfortable when being punished or treated harshly. They can develop long-term emotional problems from being hit.
Positive reinforcement techniques have proven to be fruitful when training a dog to behave well. Training should be fun and based on confidence. Dogs can be taught to help with daily tasks such as getting the paper, keeping birds out of the garden, opening doors, getting drinks from the refrigerator and picking up trash. They do best when they are active and pushed to their own limits.
A consistent walking and training program keep your dog in a good shape, as well as well behaved. If you’re not consistent, your dog may develop behavior issues like barking, chewing up things and digging holes.
Take care of your dog
An old adage says that dogs reflect their owners as their behavior and health being are related to how their owners treat them. Give your dog your attention, especially when working with him on training sessions,if you want your dog to be present in the moment.
Pay attention to your dog feelings, note if he is hot or cold. Make his bed accessible and place blankets on him to make sure he is warm. During the summer, get your fans on and leave him enough fresh water. Also, shave him if he has a long fur.
Take your dog out more often
Dogs are not sedentary creatures, they need physical activity, depending on their breed. Walk your dog two or three times per day. Take your dog for walks without hurrying up to come back home. Dogs love to get outside and smell new things.
Walking is a great way to spend quality time with your dog and develop your relationship. It also helps him sleep better and stay fit, preventing health issues like bad hips.
Feed your dog with love
When feeding your dog, make it an interactive activity, don’t just leave his food in the bowl. Also, avoid letting the bowl of food out for your dog to pick at whenever he wants. Pick up any leftovers after fifteen minutes.
A great idea is to hand-feed your dog sometimes by giving him a couple of handfuls before setting the bowl on the floor. This helps to prevent food aggression.
You can also use food as training rewards. Give your dog treats like bones, carrots, apple or other fruits or vegetables.
Take your dog on trips and holidays with you
Your dog doesn’t like being left at home. He wants to come with you even when you go on trips or holidays. He is happy whenever you take him with you. He feels he is part of your family and wants to protect you. Look for places that are dog-friendly and enjoy memorable moments together. Also, don’t leave him unattended in the car for long periods of time.
Show your dog you are a reliable and trustworthy person, offer him guidance or reassurance when needed, and he will love and respect you unconditionally.