6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Bond With Your Dog
They say that dog is a man’s best friend, but some dogs take a little bit longer to bond with their owners. In some cases, it is simply a matter of breed temperament, but even if your dog isn’t the lovey-dovey type you can still work with him to strengthen your bond. Keep reading to learn about six of the best budget-friendly ways to spend time and build a bond with your dog.
- Take a nap together. Sometimes all it takes is a little quality time and close proximity to form a bond with your dog. There is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than curled up on the couch with your canine companion by your side. If your dog isn’t up to this level of bonding quite yet, you can try just spending a few minutes by his side, petting him and talking to him calmly.
- Be generous with healthy treats. There is no harm in a little bribery, as long as you don’t go overboard. There are plenty of treats that your dog will love that are also good for him such as frozen peas, baby carrots, or a teaspoon of peanut butter. To end your training sessions with an extra boost of goodwill, reward your dog with a particularly tasty treat.
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- Go on an adventure. It is easy to fall into a routine when it comes to taking your dog for a walk. But if you really want to take things up a notch and share a special experience with your pup, try taking him to a nature reserve or a nearby lake for a fun day of outdoor exploring. Even the time you spend together in the car can be a boost for your bond with your dog.
- Learn some new tricks. If your dog has already mastered the obedience basics like sit, stay, and come, you may want to branch out and learn something new. Teaching your dog a new trick can boost his obedience while also strengthening your bond with him. Just remember to break the new trick down into steps and use positive reinforcement to teach him what you want. And don’t be stingy with the treats!
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- Make a new friend. Some dogs are more social than others so it may help for you to find your dog a canine companion of his own. Set up some playdates with your dog-owning friends and watch your dog’s confidence and his personality blossom right before your eyes. You don’t have to limit him to dog friends, either – try paying a visit to a local farm and see how he gets along with some of the animals there!
- Take a trip together. Sometimes you just need to “get away from it all” but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get away from your dog as well. Taking your dog on a day trip or inviting him along for a weekend away can be a great opportunity to spend some quality time building your bond.
When it comes to building a strong bond with your pup all that really matters is that you shower your pooch with plenty of love and affection… though a few extra treats now and then wouldn’t hurt!
Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.
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