Strengthening Your Bond: Avoid These Common Mistakes with Your Dog
Improving your relationship with your dog isn’t just about spending more time together or providing treats. It’s also about avoiding common mistakes that can undermine trust and clarity in your relationship. I strongly believe in the importance of building a bond based on trust, understanding, and clear communication. Let’s explore some common pitfalls to avoid for a healthier relationship with your dog!
1. Honesty is the best policy
Trust is the foundation of any positive relationship, including the one with your dog. When we “trick” them, like calling them inside from the garden under the pretense of going for a walk only to shut the door and get back to work, we’re eroding that trust. Repeatedly deceiving your dog in this manner can damage the relationship and make them less responsive and trusting over time. Honesty is important in every relationship!
2. Be Consistent and Clear
Dogs thrive on clarity and consistency. If your rules and expectations are inconsistent – like sometimes allowing your dog on the sofa and other times reprimanding them for it – you create confusion and uncertainty. This inconsistency can harm the trust your dog has in you. Make sure your boundaries and expectations are clear and consistent to build a more trusting and understanding relationship.
3. Pay Attention to Their Body Language
Communication in any relationship is a two-way street. This means not only communicating your expectations to your dog but also listening to what they’re communicating through their body language. Ignoring signs of discomfort or distress can harm your relationship. It’s important to recognise and respect their feelings, especially in situations they find challenging. For necessary procedures like nail trimming, take the time to desensitise and train your dog so that they’re prepared for them and don’t experience undue stress.
Building a strong, positive relationship with your dog is about more than just love and affection. It requires understanding, consistency, and respect for their feelings and boundaries. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can foster a deeper bond based on trust and mutual respect. If you’re struggling with any of these aspects, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified and ethical professional.
Contact DogNerd for Guidance in Strengthening Your Canine Relationship.
Website: dognerd.uk
Email: info@dognerd.uk
Phone: 07555 514 596
Empowering Owners, Transforming Dogs – DogNerd.
See how we can help
Behaviour rehabilitation
Many behaviour problems are linked to how your dog is feeling. Fear, anxiety and pain all influence how well your dog is able to cope with his environment and routines.
Dog training
Dog training is offered for all dogs: puppies, adolescents, seniors and newly adopted rescue dogs.
Book A Free Consultation Call
Unsure on where to start? I don't blame you, finding the right dog trainer can be a challenge in itself. Book a FREE 30 minute consultation call to find out more about how I work and how I can help you with your dog!
Given the dedication required to provide each dog and their owner with the personalised attention and training they need, I am only able to work with a limited number of clients at any given time. I sincerely believe in offering my services only when I am confident in my ability to deliver the outcomes you're seeking for your dog.
Related posts
Tips & Tricks is dedicated to providing every mama and papa with exclusive advice and information on how to take care and deal with their furry friends.
Does Your Herding Dog Lunge At Cars?
Have you ever been told that your Border Collie just needs to watch cars until they get used to them? Or maybe you've heard that you should reward them with treats as cars pass by, hoping they'll start associating vehicles with positive experiences? If your dog won’t even take ...read more →
Snuffle Mats & Kongs Aren’t Calming Your High-Energy Dog?
When it comes to dogs with big feelings and even bigger energy, focusing exclusively on “calming” activities might actually be doing them a disservice.
Reactive Dog Myths!
As a dog trainer who specialises in working with reactive dogs, I often hear misconceptions about reactive behaviour that can leave pet owners feeling frustrated, confused, or even hopeless.
Supporting Our Dogs Through Firework Season
Firework season is upon us: here are some tips on how we can best support our dogs through this challenging time.
Help! My Dog Barks At Other Dogs!
Why do our dogs sometimes bark and lunge at other dogs, and what can we do about it?