While loving a dog may seem like a simple concept, loving a dog is more than just admiring and pampering him with treats and toys. A dog that gets enough love will feel safe, valued, and secure, but still knows the rules. If you take the right steps, you will still be in control even if you have a close relationship with your dog.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Your Dog
Step 1. Know how to raise your dog
Make rules and enforce them to show him that you love him. Rules and expectations will help your dog to know what behavior is acceptable and what is not. This way, your dog knows what to do to avoid problems. Your dog will know that he is loved, because he feels safe knowing you are in control and taking care of you.
One of the things that must be done in raising a dog is to reward him for good behavior. These rewards can be food, attention, or playtime. In addition, you must know how to correct bad behavior. Thus, he will not repeat it
Step 2. Recognize the importance of boundaries
Your dog lives in your home, so he should understand your rules and expectations, such as where to pee, not biting on furniture, and not picking up food from the table. If you don't set boundaries, your dog will do something to upset you. Setting boundaries also helps him to deal with the world outside the home so he is less likely to act dangerously.
For example, if you don't set boundaries, don't be surprised if your dog suddenly tries to bite your partner or chew on your favorite designer handbag
Step 3. Enforce the rules consistently
When you see your dog breaking the rules, don't let it be that sometimes you just ignore it and sometimes you reprimand it. This will confuse him so that when you try to correct his behavior, he will feel confused and stressed. Your dog may even try to challenge you by growling or trying to bite.
- For example, if your dog violates the "dogs don't get on the couch" rule, distract him from getting out of there, then reward him for obeying your orders to get off. You can distract him by playing with his favorite toy or dropping a snack on the floor.
- If he disobeys you anymore, you may want to tie him up while you're home so he doesn't get on the couch. Or you may have to put him outside the room and distract him.
Step 4. Read your dog's body language
Start paying attention to your dog's body language so you can understand him better and understand what he's trying to convey. For example, look for signs that your dog is feeling uncomfortable. His head will drop, he turns his gaze elsewhere, bends down, and his tail is hidden under his stomach. This sign shows that he is stressed and needs your help to get comfortable again.
By understanding his feelings, you will respond appropriately by distancing your dog from what is frightening him, distracting him with some practice, or leaving him to relieve the pressure your dog is feeling
Step 5. Love your dog
Always respect him and appreciate the affection shown by him. Show a caring, kind, and understanding attitude when handling them. Dogs are part of your family. He really reads your tone of voice, so try to have a nice conversation with him and he will understand what you mean.
Make the dog feel comfortable by not fighting with other family members in front of him. Watching fights can be stressful
Step 6. Take the time to talk to him
Dogs love to get your attention. So try to spend every day, even if you're watching television, to spend some time with him or pet his head. Make sure you talk to him so that you too will have your own language in the end. You can also try to encourage children or other family members to read books to your dog. Don't forget to stroke, scratch or massage her tummy. This is a great way to show affection.
If your dog has his head in your lap, it doesn't mean he wants to be petted. He's probably trying to figure out where you've been, who you've met, and what you've eaten
Part 2 of 2: Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment
Step 1. Create a routine
Routine gives the dog a sense of stability that makes him feel more secure. He didn't have to think about mealtimes or walking hours because these activities always happened at the same time. In the dog world, routine means knowing when he gets up, goes for a walk, gets his food, and it's time to be brushed. If these things happen at the right time, he knows that you love him.
Experts believe that we can comfort a grieving or depressed dog by sticking to a daily routine, not changing it
Step 2. Feed your dog nutritious food
Even if your dog loves treats, that doesn't mean he can always get them, instead of getting nutritious food. Try consulting with your vet to find out which dog food is healthy and what amount is right for your dog. This way, your dog also gets the vitamins and minerals it needs.
By paying attention to your dog's health and occasionally giving him treats, you are showing that you care about him
Step 3. Provide a special comfortable place for your dog
Make sure your dog has his own sleeping area that isn't a shed or a place where people walk around a lot. Dogs have a place to be alone if they feel like doing it and need to relax and calm down. You should give him a safe place where there is a place for a comfortable sleep.
Try to do crate training on him. Crate or cage provides space for the dog to lie down. You can try to close the crate slightly so that it is closed and your dog feels like he is in the nest. This will help him relax when he feels overwhelmed or tired
Step 4. Get your dog moving around a lot
Depending on the breed of dog, being in the house too much can drive him crazy. Working and herding dogs usually have a lot of energy and that energy should be channeled into something productive and enjoyable. Try tossing a ball so your dog can run around or you can walk him (or jog if you like a challenge). Taking him for a walk also gives him the opportunity to see the world outside and sniff out like most dogs do.
- Dogs who exercise are quite happy and are less likely to have behavioral problems such as breaking things or being disobedient.
- Small dogs have a lot of energy but it runs out quickly. You just need to take him for a short walk to use up this energy in one day.
- Dogs with thicker builds are usually calmer and less interested in exercise. However, once in a while you need to ask him out.
Step 5. Provide regular training sessions
You can try a reward based training program. Try doing two training sessions of 10 to 20 minutes each day and make these sessions enjoyable. If your dog is a beginner, try starting with basic commands like, "sit," "shut up," and "come here." Your dog will love being rewarded and showing off his skills to others when he has mastered a trick.
Training helps dogs stay mentally stimulated and is a great opportunity to get one-on-one attention, which is something they enjoy. Keeping your dog mentally active is a great way to show that you love him because it adds some purpose and stimulation to his life and keeps him going through the day
Step 6. Reward your dog
Let your dog know if he's well-behaved by rewarding him with a snack, extra praise, or playtime with a favorite toy. If you're giving treats, choose healthy treats specifically for dogs. Or you can make it yourself. Remember to immediately reward the dog when he behaves well so he relates positively to it.
Tips
- Use the same words when teaching him what is right and wrong. In this way, your dog will begin to understand what you want from him.
- If your dog is in trouble, and he hides his tail when you tell him to stop, use a soft but firm voice and then say that everything will be fine.
- Try (if possible) not to hug your dog. Most dogs, especially large dogs, don't like it because dogs want to feel dominant. If you hold him back, he won't feel empowered either.
- If your dog is still training to poop, don't be upset if he's pooping inappropriately. Use a firm voice and point out where he should be. When he does his job, praise him. Repeat this process until your dog is always going where it needs to be.
- If he starts to get too excited, stop playing with him for a few minutes until he calms down.
- If your dog is scared, take him and accompany him to make him feel safe. The method? By stroking it.
