This article is contributed by guest author Hannah Fitchett (Writer at Howling Wolf Pack).

5 Ways to Bond with Your Dog and Build a Stronger Relationship

If you are looking for ways to build a stronger relationship with your dog then you may be relieved to learn that it won’t require an expensive grand gesture. Dogs make amazing companions and can turn bad days into good, simply by being present. They are loving, loyal, and truly are ‘man’s best friend.’ Below are 5 simple ways to help you bond with your dog to build a happy and loving relationship, as you walk through life together.

1.) Learn what their body language means

Being able to read your dog’s body language is one of the best ways to build a stronger relationship with them. Even though dogs can’t speak words to us, they can tell us so much about what they are thinking and feeling with subtle body movements.

It’s important to show your dog you understand what they are trying to tell you by responding to their communication. Examples of this are removing them from distressing environments if they show signs of anxiety or letting them out for a potty break if they are going back and forth towards the door.

2.) Take them on adventures

Dogs are natural explorers and love new adventures and activities. They love exploring new scents and sounds and find stretching their legs in the great outdoors enriching. They rely on you, as their owner, to take them on these adventures so doing so allows for quality bonding time. These adventures don’t need to break the bank. You’ll be surprised at how much enjoyment your dog will get from a new dog park or sticking their head out the window on a car ride.

Other fun adventures to take your dog on include:

• Kayaking
• Hiking
• Canoeing
• Beach days
• Camping trips

3.) Speak to them in a high-pitched voice

You may already speak to your dog in a high-pitched voice, especially when no one is looking. But new research has actually shown that speaking to your dog in a high-pitched tone can help increase your bond with them. The study showed that dogs spent more time in closer proximity to someone who had just spoken to them in a high-pitched voice compared to someone who had spoken to them in a regular voice. This is a clear indication that your tone of voice can have a big effect on your relationship with your dog. So the next time you feel silly for using your “dog voice,” just know your dog is drawn to this type of speech.

4.) Have a routine

Having a regular routine is important for building trust with your dog. If dogs know that, at particular times of the day, they will always have their needs met, they can relax and won’t be as stressed. They will learn what to expect in a day which boosts their confidence and overall well-being. They will begin to trust you to always feed them, walk them and groom them which will deepen your relationship. Having your dog’s trust is one of the most important ways to have a loving relationship with them.

5.) Make eye contact

Making eye contact with your dog is also a great way to strengthen your bond. Studies have shown that looking into your dog’s eyes triggers the release of oxytocin – the “love hormone” in both you and your dog. Oxytocin is the same hormone that is released when maternal mothers look at their babies, bonding them together. This surge in the hormone, after eye contact, helps to strengthen the bond with your dog and build a loving, trusting relationship.

Conclusion

Building a strong bond with your dog is an important step in creating a stronger relationship. From reading their body language to changing your tone of voice when speaking to them, you can build trust and ultimately create a lasting connection. With quality time and love, you can strengthen the bond between you and your pup and create a lifetime of happy memories together.