Dogs express their love in thousands of ways! For example, they can show love by the way they look at you, by their body language, or by licking you. As dog owners, it’s important that we show love to them in return. Don’t wait for a special occasion to show your furry friends that you love them! It’s the little efforts that we make as dog owners that allow them to truly blossom and grow. However, knowing how to show a dog love is not obvious! In this article, we will share our advice.
Show your love with affection
As dogs are gentle and affectionate, they are very receptive to displays of affection. It brings them comfort, serenity, and a feeling of security. With that being said, while dogs love to be petted, they are not usually big fans of long hugs. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to signs of enjoyment or stress that your dog may be showing.
Exchanging glances is also a great way to show your dog that you love them. It may seem small but this gesture allows you and your dog to create a real bond.
Make efforts to get to know and understand your dog
It’s important to remember that dogs are living creatures with emotions just like us. They can feel joy, fear, sadness, and frustration. They can even change their behavior following a major event in their life. For this reason, it’s important to learn to get to know your dog and understand their behavior.
For example, your dog may bite someone when this sort of thing has never happened before. This does not mean that your dog is mean. It may have been the only way they felt they could get their message across at that moment in time. It is important that you learn to decipher your dog’s behavior so that you can understand your dog better and communicate better with them. You will then be able to have a stronger relationship and avoid unpleasant situations.
Spend quality time with your dog
Dogs are sociable animals that are known for proving their owners with unconditional love. They need to share quality time with their owners. For this reason, before adopting a dog, you must make sure that you have enough time to dedicate to them.
You need to be ready to spend several hours with your dog on a daily basis because it’s necessary for them to grow and be happy. Even if your loyal companion is not capable of understanding you when you talk to them, hearing your voice will make them happy. In addition, according to certain studies, speaking to dogs helps regulate their blood pressure.
When it comes to going for walks, they need to be organized according to their capabilities and personality. If your dog is energetic, a little walk around your neighborhood isn’t enough for their well-being. A long walk is necessary. If possible, it’s also beneficial to let your dog wander around a bit so that they can discover their surroundings. If you regularly practice a sport, do not hesitate to take your dog with you if their physical condition allows it.
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Give your dog some freedom
A dog has no choice but to live according to their owner’s rhythm, whether it be for when they are fed, when they are able to go out to pee, or when they are able to go for a walk with you. When you are not there, they need to wait patiently for you to return home. For this reason, in reality, dogs do not have much freedom.
You can show your dog love by offering them the possibility to live as they like sometimes. When you are going for walks, let your dog have some time to discover the area without their leash if possible. This will allow them to smell and observe the environment around them.
At an intersection, you can also let your dog choose the direction that you will go in for example. Another way that you can give your dog some freedom is to not always hug your dog systematically. When you dog wants to be petted, they will come on their own. It is by having these small daily attentions that you will develop your bond.
Show your dog love with treats
Since we cannot talk to our loyal companions, treats are a simple and efficient way to show our dogs that we love them. Do not hesitate to give your dog treats to reward them when you are training them or occasionally when your dog is behaving well. Sometimes you can let your dog take the treat from your hand because it will allow you to be closer and develop your bond.
However, keep in mind that it’s important to not give your dog too many treats because it can lead to obesity. Fortunately, there are special treats that are specifically made to be used as rewards. They are typically small and have little impact on your pet’s weight.
Make sure to provide your dog with what they need
If you love your four-legged friend, you must let them act according to their nature. Dogs are above all sociable animals that need to make new friends, especially with other dogs. When walking or going to a park, let your dog meet other dogs if their owners do not mind. It’s best to not use a leash during these special moments because they need to be able to express themselves. They’ll probably want to play with their new friend.
Smells are an important aspect of your dog’s life. No matter how big your backyard is, it is important to organize outings every day so that your dog can explore new environments and make new discoveries. This is one of the things that your dog needs for their well-being and happiness.
Show your dog love by training them
Dogs are dynamic animals that need to learn to channel their excess energy to avoid having it turn into stress. For this reason, it is important to train your dog to ensure that they have a balanced lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Training your dog will stimulate their body and mind. Socialization is also important so that they can learn to handle relationships with strangers, both humans and animals.
You can spend 15 minutes a day teaching your dog basic commands. Show your dog consistency and establish a daily routine so that your dog can properly assimilate their lessons.
Take good care of your dog
Even though it may seem trivial, taking good care of your dog’s hygiene and feeding your dog properly are wonderful ways to show proof of your love. Listen to your dog’s needs and make sure to meet them to help your dog understand that they are loved and that they are part of your family. Pamper your loyal companion by taking them on walks to their favorite places or by preparing their favorite meal from time to time.
However, it’s best to avoid overdoing it. For example, you can jeopardize your dog’s health by overprotecting them. They must be able to express themselves to be happy, but it is equally important that they learn to respect the rules of living together. This will help you avoid behavioral problems both indoors and outdoors. Make efforts to find the right balance to ensure that your pet is educated and loved.
Understanding your pet and responding to their needs is all it takes to show your love. Give your dog some freedom, some moments of affection, and some quality time. If you do this, your dog will be happier and more fulfilled.