The Dogs Trust survey 2024 results are in. 98% of you consider your dog as part of your family and 9 out of 10 describe your dog as your best friend. How can you make sure that you support that family orientated connection with your canine companion?
1. Playtime is Fun Time.
Most dogs love to play. Find out how your dog likes to play with you. Do they enjoy a game of tuggy? A short game of fetch? Chase the toy or find the hidden toy?
As well as thinking about how your dog likes to play with you, you can consider the type of toys your dog enjoys.
Does your dog like toys that are soft? Toys that squeak? Toys that make a crinkle sound? You can give your dog a choice of breed size appropriate toys that have different sounds and textures and see which they prefer.
Playing with your dog just for fun even for a few minutes a day can help your dog feel happy and strengthen your connection.
2. Walk This Way.
Giving your dog choices on their walk can help build their confidence and trust in you. You can let your dog choose which collar or harness they wear and if it is cold or wet and your dog enjoys wearing a coat then you can let them choose which coat they want to wear.
On your day to day walks you can let your dog choose the route, pace, and direction of your walk, letting them sniff and just be a dog. You can take note of any routes your dog chooses and what their preferred pace is on their regular walks. This way you can see where your dog likes to walk and how fast or slow their usual pace is.
3. Family Time.
Dog’s love being a part of our lives and will enjoy being part of your everyday routines and activities. Try and involve your dog as much as possible in your everyday life whilst considering their personality. Your dog is outgoing? Then they may enjoy a family outing. Your dog is more reserved? Then they may enjoy quieter 1:1 time or a quiet activity together.
Think about different outings, quiet 1:1 time or quiet activities you and your dog can do together throughout the year depending on your dog’s personality. This may vary in the summer and winter months.
4. Chill Time.
Try and find time during your day to chill and relax with your dog. Spending quality, relaxing time together, even if it is just watching TV or listening to music can help both you and your dog feel calm and relaxed.
Think about ways that you and dog can spend time together to chill out and relax.
5. The Nose Has It.
Tap into the amazing power of your dog’s nose and try canine scent work with your dog. It does not have to be formal (although there are canine scent work organizations you can join). You can play find the treat at home and when on a walk. You can buy or make puzzle games for your dog.
You do not have to use food as you can teach your dog to find a toy with a specific scent. Dog’s love using their noses, and your dog will enjoy playing scent-based games with you.
6. Terrific T-Touch.
When you stroke or pet your dog, do they enjoy it? If so, then your dog may enjoy canine T-Touch. T-touch involves different types of special touches to different areas of your dog’s body and there are many courses available both online and in person including https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/ttouch-calming-arouseddog. T-touch can help you and your dog relax and can help strengthen your relationship.
Check out my classes for fun way to bond with your dog. https://www.fitdogsclub.co.uk/services
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