Our dogs are a part of the family and sometimes they might not feel that way. Whether you have children or work to commit to, your dog may sometimes feel left out. Not all dogs need endless attention and recognition, but some do. Some dogs require more love than others in order to feel content and somewhat special. If you find yourself lacking enough time to make your dog feel special, here are some tips.
Allow them to show off their skills
Sometimes dogs just want you to watch them play, be silly, or eat. They like to know that you are there to watch and listen when they want to be playful or want some love. Your dog might have impressive entertainment skills, which they could show off at a show. You could take your dog along and have a day out at a canine entertainment show, which can satisfy them and delight any audience, from adults to young children.
More playtime
Playing with your dog will show them that you do have time to give them and that you care. It could be just ten minutes each morning or evening, any amount of time is enough. Dogs like to play to expend their energy. If they do not have another pet or young child to play around with, then you will need to offer them your time. Playtime can also involve training, which will enhance their obediency and happiness. Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to communicate your love, and training your dog will give you that opportunity and only make your bond stronger. It will let you present your dog with their favorite forms of motivation, whether that’s food, praise, or play, and your dog will come to see you as a provider of the things they love the most. They’ll see that when they work with you, they’re making you happy, and your rewards will make them happy in return.
Establish a routine
Dogs thrive off of routine. They like to know when it’s mealtime, playtime, and so on. Dogs need rules and boundaries, just like humans do, in order to function normally. Make sure you teach your dog from the start what is acceptable and what isn’t. If you don’t communicate clearly with your dog, they will feel confused and unhappy. So be consistent with your training them and make sure they know they did something wrong the moment it happened. Failing to set these boundaries properly will create problems for your relationship since dogs will always feel punished due to your frustration. Giving them a routine, which they thrive off, will help them understand you are there to cater to their needs.
Show more affection
All dogs love affection, through kisses, cuddles, and rubs. Have you ever scratched behind your dog’s ears only to find that they lean into your hand and slowly drift into a sort of doggy trance? That’s because ear rubs literally make your dog so happy.
A dog’s ears are full of nerve endings that send impulses all through the body, triggering the release of endorphins. These hormones act as painkillers and are natural “drugs” that are also released when dogs feel love.
When you show your affection for your pups with ear rubs, you can be sure that they’re getting the message.
