You may tell your dog that you love her ten times a day—but are you showing it? No matter how fond you are of your beloved pup, communicating it to her takes know-how and effort.
By showing your dog just how much she means to you, you can foster a deep, meaningful bond. Here are six ways to let your dog know that she’s a Very Good Girl:
Make Eye Contact
Studies show that when you make direct eye contact with a dog, oxytocin is released in both the dog’s brain and yours. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a role in trust, altruism and maternal bonding, and can help create a strong emotional bond.
To reap the benefits, maintain eye contact for 30 seconds, then increase to one minute, says Mark Bennett, a certified professional dog trainer, animal behavior consultant and owner of Brooklyn’s Finest Dog Training. “This gives the dog time to lower her heart rate and calm down while looking into your eyes,” says Bennett. “It also creates a feeling of closeness, similar to being hugged.”
Enroll in a Training Class
Teaching your pup cues such as “sit” and “come” helps to develop trust. “When you can trust the dog to sit and stay and come when you call her, it will make her entire life easier—and yours, too,” says Bennett.
When training, it’s important to use only positive reinforcement methods and never punish your dog, cautions animal behaviorist Cari Cannon. “Science demonstrates that aversive training methods destroy the human-animal bond at best, and at worst promote aggression,” she says.
Show Them the World
Puppies need exposure to the world early and often to avoid developing fears and phobias. Make an effort to introduce your dog to a variety of environments, people and other animals—it’s not only enriching in the moment, but it will set your pet up for success.
“Give treats during these exposures so they learn that the great, big, beautiful world is a fun place to be,” says Cannon.
Play Often
Playtime is one of the most fun ways that we can show our pets we care.
Stock up on dog toys and puzzle games, and don’t be afraid to get involved. For an interactive play session, Bennett suggests fetch or tug-of-war. Or create an agility course in your yard and teach your dog how to navigate it. “It will build her confidence and strengthen the relationship you have with her,” says Bennett.
Speak Respectfully
Dogs may not be able to speak themselves, but they can understand a lot by the tone of your voice. Never speak harshly to your dog, and avoid baby talk. “Dogs can tell when you’re condescending to them, and they interpret this as being insincere,” says Bennett.
Instead, speak to your pup in a friendly yet matter-of-fact way.
Learn to Read Body Language
Good communication is a cornerstone of good relationships. By learning about dog body language, you’ll be better prepared to show your pet how much you care. “It turns out that many things we do to dogs cause them considerable stress,” says Cannon. “For instance, the majority of dogs do not like hugs. They merely tolerate them.”
“Once you learn to read dog body language, you can discover a lot about your furry friend,” she adds.