Whether you’ve always been around dogs or are planning to be a first-time owner, there are always new lessons to learn about how to train your furry friend and bond more easily with them. Owning a dog is such a rewarding experience, especially when you’re able to establish loyalty and obedience.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most effective ways of bolstering the bond between you and your dog.

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Make sure they are comfortable

Ensuring your dog feels at ease in your home is vital when trying to establish loyalty. A dog that is stressed won’t be as willing to cooperate with you and may need some adjustments in order to be fully relaxed around you.

For starters, you want to give them a place of their own where they can process their emotions and relax on their own. This is particularly important if your dog is a rescue or from another home, as you may not be aware of what their previous life was like.

Pick an area that is out of the way, such as a corner of the house or a spare room. Make sure their sleeping quarters are comfortable by providing them with a large dog bed or an exercise pen. They may prefer a crate but it’s always best to see what the needs of the dog are first.

Add some extra items such as chew toys, blankets, and interactive puzzles to keep them interested and cosy. 

Knowing when to reward

When your dog correctly responds to a command or behaves well, it’s highly important that they are positively rewarded for their behaviour. Doing so means they’re likely to listen to you in the future and repeat these actions.

When going out for walks, it’s a good idea to bring some treats along with you and try getting them to come back when you call their name. Also, try out some simple commands, such as sit and stay. Make sure to only reward them when they are doing what they are told and behaving correctly, otherwise, they may become confused.

Eventually, your dog will respond well to you and listen to your instructions without always looking for a treat, increasing both your trust and your bond.

Schedule regular playtime

If your dog is healthy enough to go outside on walks, try to make time each day to do so. Even if this is just a stroll around the neighbourhood, they’ll appreciate the time you spend together. If this is at the same time each day, they’ll look forward to the walk and be excited to see you, which is great for bonding.

Try to also establish a playtime routine every day, even if just for a few minutes. This is another great way of encouraging loyalty, especially if someone else in the household also has a strong bond with the dog – you should be the person from whom all the good things come. Once your dog sees you as the individual who meets all their needs, loyalty will soon come naturally.