15 Best Ways To Bond With Your Dog Quickly

Do you want to have a better relationship with your dog?

A close relationship between humans and animals can help lead to happier, healthier lives for both species – and it only takes some dedication and guidance from you!

Bonding with your dog doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.

There are plenty of easy ways to make sure your pooch feels loved, secure, and weightless when not being told what behavior is expected.

In this article, we cover 15 best ways to bond with your dog so that your dog’s lifetime by your side is long and 100% filled with unconditional love.

Take Them For A Walk

woman walking with brown dog on grass

Spending time with your pup is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and taking them for a walk is the perfect way to bond with them.

As canine friends need an outlet for their energy and need to explore and discover new places, taking them for walks can help provide them with mental and physical stimulation.

Also, fresh air and exercise may help keep your companion fit as well as lead to healthier behaviors inside the home- ultimately creating a happy and healthy relationship between you both.

Going for daily walks not only gives your pooch quality time with you but lets them connect with the big wide world that lies outside your front door.

So, next time you’ve had a long day at work or school, remember just how easy and beneficial it could be to take your trusty sidekick out for a stroll!

Play Fetch With Them 

Playing fetch with your pup is an excellent way to build a strong bond between you and your furry friend.

Not only is it an activity that will keep them entertained, but it can also encourage physical exercise and enhance communication skills between pet and owner.

Dogs love to play, so being able to engage in playful activity with their beloved owner will create a positive relationship.

Not only that, but it’s also great for teaching practical behaviors like retrieving items and staying focused on tasks.

Playing fetch can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your dog, as each victory provides joy for both of you!

Give Them A Good Brushing 

little white brown dog getting brushed by a woman

Brushing your dog is not only about keeping its coat shining; it is also a great way to reinforce the bond between you.

Bonding with your four-legged friend through a thorough brushing session can be very pleasurable for them, as petting and stroking are known to reduce stress levels in dogs.

By providing a good brushing to your canine companion, you are showing positive reinforcement that it appreciates and will recognize every time you pick up the brush.

This activity gives you an opportunity to really get acquainted with your pup’s physical features, for instance, noticing any changes in their appearance or any lumps or bumps that should be checked by a vet right away.

With regular brushing sessions, the two of you can relax together and create a lasting bond that goes beyond the basics of feeding and walking.

Let Them Run Around In The Backyard

Not only will it provide them with some helpful physical activity and mental stimulation.

Spending time outdoors can be just as beneficial for you.

Playing catch or chasing each other around the yard can help release stress, as well as bond the two of you by creating positive memories.

Moreover, quality outdoor time is also a great way to reinforce good behavior in dogs – something that’s key to making sure they grow up into happy and healthy dogs!

Feed Them Their Favorite Food 

little brown white dog looking at a dog food bowl

What’s more, picking out a specific treat or food just for them shows them that you are taking the time to take care of them and get to know their individual tastes.

There are a lot of human foods that are healthy for dogs.

As an added benefit, this kind of positive reinforcement will also help encourage desirable forms of behavior from your pup, as they learn that good actions lead directly to a reward.

That being said, it’s important to offer these snacks in moderation so as not to disrupt their diet and harm their health.

Train Them In New Tricks 

Training a dog new tricks is one of the most immersive and exciting ways to deepen your bond with your canine friend.

Not only does teaching a dog something new allow you to show them love and affection while they learn, but it also provides an opportunity for you to grow closer to them as they progress and accomplish their goals.

Training also helps create mutual trust and respect between you by giving your pup something positive to focus on instead of any behavioral issues you might experience otherwise.

The whole process is enjoyable for everyone involved, making it a fantastic way to foster a strong relationship with your furry pal.

Let Them Sleep In Your Bed (Or At Least On Your Bed) 

white brown little dog sleeping

Many dog owners swear by the therapeutic value of having their pet sleep in their beds with them.

Not only do humans and dogs alike benefit from the comfort and closeness of being together at night, but such a sleeping arrangement can be a great way to create a strong bond between you and your pup.

Studies have even suggested that allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you can reduce stress levels and help both of you to relax.

Just be sure that your sheet-sharing companion is house-trained and doesn’t disrupt your quality of sleep!

Go On Car Rides With Them

Going on car rides with your dog is a wonderful way to bond and strengthen your relationship.

The fresh air and scenery can do wonders for both of you, whether you’re taking a simple drive around the neighborhood or going off on an exciting adventure.

During these car rides, you can create special memories together, such as singing along to the radio or handing out treats during rest stops.

You won’t be just providing fun for your dog but will also give them a chance to explore, smell, and see the world from their very own spot in the backseat.

This could help them stay excited about all kinds of activities after they have left the car.

All in all, going on a car ride with your pup is a great way to form a lasting connection between you two!

Communicate In A Consistent Way

brown dog sitting in front of a woman

Dogs are incredibly astute and can easily pick up on inconsistencies in our behavior from day to day.

When you communicate with your pup in a consistent way, they learn to rely on your cues for when it is time for a game or meal or even when toxic plants should be avoided.

Additionally, consistent communication helps the two of you understand each other better over time so that you can work together more effectively by translating commands into expected behaviors.

Establishing open channels of consistent communication will go a long way in creating a lifelong bond between you and your pooch.

Get To Know Your Dog’s Preferences

Taking the time to get to know your dog’s preferences is a great way to build a strong bond and relationship with your furry family member.

Learning about their likes and dislikes will help you find fun activities that both of you can enjoy together, whether it’s going for a walk in the park or cuddling up for some much-deserved quality time in front of the TV.

Many people forget that dogs are unique individuals and respond differently to different sensations.

By taking the necessary time and recognizing your pup’s individual preferences, you’ll be shortly rewarded with an even closer bond than before!

Make Your Dog’s Life Comfortable

white dog is enjoying getting brushed

Showing care and attention to their needs is one of the best ways to show them you love them.

Ensure they have plenty of physical activity, mental stimulation, and an environment where they can interact with family members in order to keep them healthy and happy.

Make sure that whatever resources you provide your furry friend are suitable for their age, size, and temperament.

If possible, let your dog know that you’re there for them whenever they need some extra love, whether it be through snuggles on the couch or playtime at the park.

Grooming Them Regularly

Grooming your dog can be an enjoyable experience – it’s an activity that requires and rewards patience, gentleness, and concentration.

Not only does regular brushing remove dirt and debris from the coat, but it also helps to distribute natural oils throughout the fur.

Grooming your dog also allows you to identify any potential health problems before they become serious – ticks, fleas, skin irritation, mats in their fur, etc.

Taking a few moments each day to bond with your dog during grooming time is one of the best ways to create a strong connection between you and your pet.

Related: How To Keep Ticks Off Dogs

Give Your Dog His Own Space

Allowing your dog to have their own space is a great way to bond and help them feel secure.

Creating a space – either inside the home or in the backyard – that is exclusively theirs helps dogs learn where they are safe and accepted.

Doing something each day that focuses just on them, such as brushing, playing catch, or taking a leisurely walk outside their special spot, can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your pooch!

You will both appreciate the time shared and the memories created from such an extra special bond.

Give Lots Of Love And Attention

Spending quality time with your canine companion is one of the most important parts of being an owner.

It’s essential for a strong and healthy relationship, and it helps your pet to truly understand that you care about them.

One of the best ways to show that love and create a bond is to give lots of attention when interacting with them.

Be present in their space, provide belly rubs or head scratches, and don’t skimp on praising them whenever they’ve done something especially cute.

Not only will giving love strengthen the bond between you and your pup, but it can even add positive behavior as they learn that kindness is a part of their life.

So don’t forget: showering your furry friend with lots of love isn’t hard, but it’s definitely rewarding!

many dogs walking on grass to the camera

Take Them To The Dog Park 

Taking your dog to the dog park is one of the best ways to bond with them.

Not only will you be able to give them the opportunity to play and socialize with other dogs, but it’s also a great way for you to interact with other pet owners, too.

Dog parks can provide a safe and fun atmosphere for your pup and you – plus, some of your dog’s favorite toys or treats can make it even more enjoyable.

Furthermore, regular trips to the dog park can help teach your pup socialization and obedience skills that they may use in everyday life!

Before You Go…

You now know the ways to bond with your dog.

If you want to learn more, read the following article too!

Dimitra Kokologianni, DVM
Dimitra holds a Masters’s degree in public health and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She is a versatile professional with over 7 years of experience. Her passion for animal welfare and preventive medicine makes her an excellent resource for our readers.