Ideas to Help Your Dog Get Along with You
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When you bring home a new dog, the two of you might not bond right away. Your dog might be nervous and confused, and it could take him some time to feel comfortable around you. The same goes for you: you will certainly need a moment to get to know your new dog, and to get used to the idea of sharing your home with him.
You want your relationship with your new companion to be built on trust and affection. You can get started by implementing several tips to help your dog get along with you. Here are some ideas to help your dog get along with you.
Learn how to read your dog’s body language
As you already know, dogs can’t talk. To communicate with us humans, they use their ears, their eyes, their posture and, of course, their tail movements. If you want your dog to get along with you, you should first try to learn how to read his body language.
If your dog is yawning, quickly licking its lips, or scratching and biting its paws, it may be experiencing discomfort, feeling overwhelmed, or anxious. Give him some space and let him relax.
If he is growling, baring his teeth, and his hair is standing up on his back, he might be afraid of something or very unhappy with his current situation. On the other hand, if he looks relaxed, his tail is thumping on the floor, or he is in a play bow wagging his tail, it means he is happy or in a playful mood.
Pay attention to what your dog likes and dislikes
Knowing how to read your dog’s body language will help you figure out what he likes and doesn’t like. Find out which toy he likes the most and give it to him whenever he wants to play. If he enjoys walking in your neighbourhood park, take him there as often as you can, just to make him happy. And if he doesn’t like to be petted or hugged by people he doesn’t know, be sure not to allow any stranger to touch him.
Let your dog know you’re the one feeding him
Treats are among the best ideas to help your dog get along with you. Dog biscuits, bully sticks, and jerky treats are sure to make him happy, and they can be used as rewards during training sessions.
But to make your dog fall in love with you, make sure he knows that you’re the one feeding him his meals, too. Let him see you fill up his food and water bowls, so he will quickly understand that his meals don’t simply appear, and that you’re the one meeting his needs.
Spend time exercising and playing with your dog
Your dog and you will bond more quickly if you spend quality time together. Go on long walks together or spend some time hiking or swimming in a dog-friendly lake. Play games with him, and when you find out there’s a game, he seems to enjoy more than the others, play it often.
Talk to him and interact with him to make him a part of your life. You should also brush him regularly, pet him gently, and cuddle with him on the couch while watching a movie.
Make sure your dog has a safe space
After a long walk or after playing fetch with you in the park, your dog will probably want to spend some time relaxing. Ensure he has a comfortable bed or a crate where he feels secure.
His safe space will also be where he goes whenever he feels overwhelmed, stressed out, or anxious. When he gets in his bed or crate, leave him alone and don’t allow anyone to bother him. Respect his space, and he will be more likely to respect you and to get along with you.
Set consistent rules to teach your dog how he should behave
You want your dog to be your friend, but he also must remember that you’re the boss and that you’re the one who makes the rules. Not him.
It’s up to you to decide how you want your dog to behave and to set the rules. Teach him what he’s allowed to do, and what he’s not allowed to do. It might take some time, but he will eventually understand what type of behaviour is acceptable. Be consistent in the way you enforce the rules and ensure that everyone in your household follows the same ones.
Always use positive reinforcement
As you teach the rules to your dog, or as you train him to obey your commands, be sure always to use positive reinforcement. Don’t yell at him and don’t punish him. Instead, reward him with a treat or with affection and praise whenever he does something you’re happy with. This is how you will help him improve his behaviour and get along with you.
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