As we celebrate National Dog Day 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible bond we share with our canine companions. Whether you’re welcoming a new dog into your home or looking to strengthen your connection with your long-time furry friend, there are countless ways to nurture and deepen that special relationship, and our expert staff members have come together to share their best tips.
From daily routines to playful activities, these 10 simple yet effective practices will help you and your dog form a lasting connection that brings out the best in both of you:
- “To build the bond between you and your puppy or dog, spend a few minutes each day massaging. Massage will also help your pup be more comfortable with body handling for things such as nail clipping, and vet exams.”
– G-Lee Bridges, Puppy Socialization Manager
- “Figure out what kind of physical praise your dog likes. Most dogs do not want to be pet on their head. Your pup might prefer a good chin or chest scratch, a scratch at the base of the tail, some long strokes on the back or sides, a belly rub, or simply just leaning against you. Your dog will be sure to show you what they like and will ask for more!”
– Stephanie Koret, Placement Manager on our Training Team
- “Tug is a great way to work on connection, to release stress, and to work on self-control. Start by playing at home and in familiar places to build the pup’s interest in the game.
When our Puppy Raisers play tug with their Pup on Program, we ask them to be sure the pup waits until they give the cue ‘get it’, which signals the dog to grab the toy held by the Raiser. We also ask Raisers to practice having the pup release the toy at the command of ‘out’. Using these cues can help your dog understand how to handle their excitement.
Remember to keep tug toys out of reach when you are not actively using them with the pup. This helps the dog to view the toy as interactive with a human or fellow dog and not something they can enjoy by themselves (particularly not by destroying them, as many tug toys won’t stand up to chewing).”
– Kerry Lemerise, Regional Puppy Program Manager (East)
- “Consistency is key! Most dogs thrive on a predictable routine and consistent expectations. Be patient with new four-legged family members and help them adjust to your household routine. Be generous with praise and reward your dog as they begin to understand what is expected. Enjoy your time with your dog, and they will do the same!”
– Caryn Fellows, Trainee Manager on our Training Team
- “Hide and seek is a fun, interactive way to engage with your dog at home! It is a great way to practice the ‘stay’ and recall commands as well. Have your dog ‘stay’ in one area of your home, find a hiding spot, and then practice their recall to see how quickly they can find you!”
– The Client Experience Team
- “Enrichment is the key to a happy and healthy pup! Enrichment can be anything that stimulates your best friend’s senses.
Here are some of my favorites:
Visual – Leave on a movie or hang a disco ball!
Tactile – Get a new fun brush or play with the blow dryer
Olfactory – Create scent boxes your pups can find or try spraying animal safe baking extracts on different toys
Auditory – Leave different types of sounds and music on at home
Changing up your dog’s day to day is super important, and your dogs will love anything new they get to experience through you!”
– Caroline Walsh, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Trainee
- “Take a nice long walk with your new dog every day. Since dogs love sniffing, exploring, and seeing & hearing new things, they’ll be grateful to you for the fun outing, and will begin to associate you with that good feeling. Daily long walks are also great because a well-exercised dog makes for a calm dog, one who can transition to a new home more easily.”
– Anna Gasner, Released Puppy/Dog Adoption Program Manager
- “To help form a connection with your dog, find out how they like to play! Dogs often enjoy interactive play with people so look at play activities that involve a human dog partnership, this could be throwing the ball, playing tug, or holding the bone while the dog chews on it.”
– Miranda Beckmann, Foundation Manager on our Training Team
- “Make special treats for your dogs, such as Kongs, lick mats, or dog-friendly ice cream!”
– Meghan Davis, Training School Kennel Manager
- “Hugs, kisses, belly rubs and, of course, treats!”
– Maria Lazarro, Breeding & Brood/Stud Foster Program Manager
