Bonding with your dog is a recurring process as a dog parent. This means that bonding is not a one-off event, as at every stage of your pet’s life, as a dog parent, you should endeavour to cultivate a close relationship with your pet. From different types of toys to cuddle cushions, this article explores essential items that will be instrumental in bonding with your new dog.
In no particular order, here are easily accessible items to promote bonding time with pets:
Interactive toys
Playing fun games with your pooch is an important way of bonding with your pet. There are a variety of toys for this purpose that promise to improve interaction and close relationships between a pup and its owner. If your dog is very energetic, playing fetch, thug of war, or dog rope games with your pooch is a fun way to spend time with your new dog.
Communication toys
On the flip side, interactive communication buttons that help your dogs learn commands and familiarize themselves with human verbal communications and squeaky stuffed toys are an ideal bonding method with less energetic and more laid-back pooches. Simultaneously, you may mix communicative and interactive games (indoor and outdoor toys and games) not only to have wider options for bonding processes but also to contribute to the cognitive and physical development of your dog.
Cuddle cushion
A cuddle cushion or a cuddle dog bed is a staple piece for any home with pets like dogs and cats. You want that one piece of furniture that is designated for spending quality time with your furry friend. Some dog owners cuddle with their dogs in their beds or sofas but we advise this timeless furniture to establish boundaries with your pet and also give your dog some sense of independence.
Pro-tip: Ensure to use a Dog Towel or blanket over your cuddle cushion if your dog sheds and also to prevent your dog from chewing, tearing, and scratching in excitement. Such “destructive” acts may also stem from underlying stress and anxiety triggers, so endeavour to cover the cushion with the dog blanket when not in use.
Tips for Bonding with Your New Dog
Here are tips to help you bond with your new pooch:
- Be gentle and patient with your new pooch during your attempts at bonding. Depending on your dog’s past (for non-pups), human interactions may be traumatic and stressful. Therefore, patience and gentleness are required to help you breakthrough dogs difficult to bond with.
- Give your new dogs space, and do not overwhelm them with your presence. As much as visiting fun places to encourage bonding with your pooch is healthy for building a relationship with your pooch, it is important to give your dog space to explore independently of you and build resilience.
- Create a routine or a schedule of activities to be consistent with the bonding process because consistency will fast-track the deep connection you aim to build with your new dog.
