How to build the bond between you and your dog

Having a solid bond with your dog will make everything else click into place; it aids in recall and loose lead walking as well as making life with your dog far more enjoyable. How do you work on this though? I have a few ideas below...

Ditch the bowl, hand feed Firstly, ditch the bowl! This means hand feeding your dogs meals. If they get wet food then put on some gloves. If you're too squeamish for this then full interactive food toys, like a Kong, with their food instead. Hand feeding increases your 'value' to your dog. All good things come from you therefore your dog will show more focus and attentiveness in anticipation of a food reward.

 Play games
Bond with your dog through games such as tug, hide and seek etc. Keep in mind that you want the big excitement and reward to be you or directly from you rather than being thrown away (like a ball in a ball launcher!!).

 Reward for check insWhen your dog looks back at you when out on a walk, or even when in the house mark and reward that! Say 'good boy!' and give a treat or pick up their favourite toy and initiate a game. This lets your dog know that its valuable to check in with you and that eye contact brings reward.

Time Building a bond takes time so please be easy on your new rescue dogs or puppies. As with humans, trust and a bond will take time and strengthen as you experience more together.

Training (positive!) Positive reinforcement training will help build a bond between you and your dog as they see the benefits of being attentive and getting treats. Utilising food in training releases feel good chemicals, which the dog will attribute to you.

 Care
Providing care to your dog such as grooming, massage and t-touch will be a good experience for both of you. Your dog will seek this kind of care. Be mindful if your dogs body language and ensure they are comfortable with being touched.