19 hours Ago By Samantha Bartlett
They offer unconditional love and are always thrilled to see you return home. We're not talking about our significant others, but rather our cherished canine companions. But how do you express your affection for your dog ? Green Pantry , a natural dog food company, has collaborated with Dog Psychologist and Trainer Philip Legood to delve into the best ways to communicate love to our dogs, and it turns out that not all pooches are fans of human 'hugs'.
Philip explains: "Whilst cuddling our dogs offers us great comfort, the same can’t always be said the other way around. Some dogs can actually find hugs quite stressful. "This is because the action of wrapping our arms around them and holding them tightly can feel quite overwhelming and threatening to some dogs, an especially important lesson to teach young children.
" He adds: "Some of the many signs to look out for that indicate that your dog may not be enjoying hugs can include, stiff body posture, ears laying flat and back on the head, lip licking, grinning (lips pulled back) and a raised paw. How can I show my dog I love her? by u/ThrowARpsychotic in Dogtraining "There are also some clear signs that show your dog is happy, including relaxed ‘floppy’ body posture, loose or wagging tail, ears hanging down or slightly forward, a soft face with an open mouth." To help owners show their furry friends some love, Philip has offered five top tips.
1. Let them go somewhere new Dogs love to explore new places, especially when it’s an outdoor environment. Phillip says that changing up their routine and taking them somewhere different for a walk is a great sensory experience for them.
He says: "Try not to use the same route every day. Dogs have a phenomenal sense of smell and can investigate the world around them largely through their nose up to one and a half kilometers away! "A new location introduces them to so many different smells and exploring in this way is very mentally stimulating, helping them to burn off plenty of energy." He says a well stimulated dog will sleep soundly after a good walk.
"For dogs that love to meet new dogs and people, it can also be a great socialising opportunity," he adds. 2. Make sure affection is on their terms It's fair to say that dogs love affection from their owners in some form, but allowing them to choose how and when to interact with you is a great way to build trust as all dogs enjoy attention in different ways and amounts, according to Phillip.
The expert said: “Your pup might like to be in physical contact with you whilst they sleep, expose their tummy for a gentle belly rub or even snuggle in close to your face. "However they choose to show their affection, just embrace the moment and, if you can, spend a few moments appreciating their comfort." 3.
Keep their brain active All dogs have differing energy levels but engaging your dog in training or play is a fantastic way to build a strong bond with your best friend, says Phillip. He says many working breeds love to engage in training activities as it fights off boredom and is highly stimulating. The training guru adds: "Play time with your pup can also involve training too.
Games such as fetch and tug can be extremely fun and rewarding, but also consider sniffing games, puzzles and even agility training." 4. Make sure their diet is both delicious and healthy Phillip says that healthy dog is a happy dog and emphazises that you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a good and balanced diet.
He says: "Feeding your pooch natural dog food with great nutritional value can have a big impact on their mood and energy levels, not to mention keeping them healthy for years to come. "Food is an easy way to your dog’s heart and they’ll always appreciate a treat or two. Just be sure to give treats in moderation and ideally as a reward for good behavior.
" 5. Ensure you respect their boundaries Just like humans, sometimes dogs want to be left alone, says Phillip. He says: "Your dog will appreciate you respecting their boundaries, especially when they’re asleep or eating.
Giving them space when they need it will help to strengthen your relationship. "Sometimes our pups need time to rest and recharge, without us interfering!".
