6 ways to show your dog that you love them
As a nation we love dogs and some 50% of households now host at least one. They bring us joy, companionship and loyalty and are always pleased to see us when we give them our time.
How can you be sure that the way you show your love to your dog means the same to him as it does to you? Dogs are not people, think in a different way and communicate without words. Here are 6 areas to consider, to guide you in giving your dog the best life possible and so showinhim that you love them.
We all have to eat to survive and most dogs really enjoy their food. One of the best ways to show your dog how much you care, is to feed him a natural, fresh, balanced diet, designed specifically for dogs. If your dog is eating natural food, you can offer plenty of variety to please him and keep his interest. So much more fun than a bowl of dry biscuits!
After good food, the most important thing you can offer your dog to please him, is security. To feel secure, dogs physically need their own safe space where they are comfortable and warm, and psychologically they need to know what we expect of them. Give your dog a bed that he knows is his own, near to where you spend time so he can see you, but not right in the centre of busy activities. Set up consistent household rules that recognise your dog’s needs to feel safe and to be useful to you and he will return your care with love and affection.
Try varying where you take your dog for walks. Dogs love exploring new environments – finding new smells, seeing different people, dogs and maybe other animals too. Best of all, he will be sharing this adventure with you and recognising that you have given him this wonderful experience.
Your dog needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, to keep him happy and fulfilled. You will really please your dog if you offer him opportunities to sniff, lick and chew using a concept like ACE Free Work. A dog’s primary sense is the sense of smell and there are many benefits to giving them opportunities to fulfil their instincts, including the fact that you are offering them something they love.
Training your dog also encourages him to use his brain and is a powerful way to bond well with him and let him know how much you care. From simple obedience cues to complex tricks, taught with patience and sensitivity, your dog will really appreciate learning.
Many people love to cuddle their dogs to show them how important they are to them. Unfortunately not all dogs like to be restrained in this way as it isn’t natural for them. Some don’t really appreciate touch at all, or only on certain parts of their body. This doesn’t mean that they don’t care about you, but it’s really supportive to your relationship to be sensitive to what your dog does and doesn’t like. If they are unhappy with physical contact, dogs may pull their ears back, roll their eyes, yawn or move away. Rolling on their backs is not necessarily a request for a tummy rub. Sometimes it means that your dog would rather not be touched at all but is too polite to complain.
Watch your dog to find out what he finds pleasurable. It could be stroking, ear rubs, a gentle massage or just being in contact with you. Try something once and wait to see if your dog invites you to do it again. If he walks away, don’t force the issue. In the same way, when meeting dogs you may not know well, it is always best to let them approach you rather than going forwards to touch and caress them uninvited.
Work out what your dog actually likes and you will be showing him that you understand what is best for him.
How will you know if you are treating your dog in a way that they really likes? Dogs are not people and cannot tell us when they feel stressed or uncomfortable. One of the best things you can do to build a really great relationship, is to learn as much as you can about your dog’s body language. It is very easy to misinterpret what our dogs are trying to say to us and even easier to miss the subtle body language changes they use to communicate how they feel and what they want. Your dog is always talking to you so learn to listen and you will be creating a loving, long-term bond that can’t be beaten.
