The bond between an owner and their dog is something unbreakable. They are not called “man’s best friend” for nothing. Coming home to a smiling dog with a wagging tail will put a smile on anyone’s face! The bond with your dog is something special and of high importance in the beginning stages of getting to know each other to gain trust. The greater the bond we have, the more resilient and confident the dog will be, making them resistant to separation anxiety and trauma. This is particularly important for rescue dogs, as they have been abandoned before and need reassurance you are their forever home.
The bond I built with Lola was relatively quick, but it took some time to gain her trust. It took a few months before she slept in the same room as me, but eventually she wanted to be close to me! It taught me patience. Discovering I had chronic Lyme and Mold Toxicity was hard, but she has made this whole journey more bearable in the process!
Benefits of Bonding with your Dog
Bonding with your dog is beneficial for both the person and dog. Dogs are so in touch with your emotions and sense sickness or sadness before you even do! Lola will not leave my side if she senses that I need her, and this is a special bond for the both of us. Also, bonding with your dog can improve their recall, their desire to please you and your bond inspires them to learn new things from you!
When a dog creates a bond with their person or family, they feel safe and secure. This allows them to trust you and feel confident in situations that would normally scare them! This was very important in Lola’s case as she was very scared of the world when I rescued her. Slowly but surely we built her confidence and trust in others again. It is still a work in progress!
As I said, when I first got Lola she was suspicious of many things – including new people on our walks. Now, when I say hello to someone on our walks and they would like to pet her, she willingly lets them pet her! She knows that I wouldn’t put her in harm’s way. Pushing any dog outside of their comfort zone or ignoring their need for space can dent that trust, so be mindful of keeping their faith!
How to Improve Bond with your dog
Lucky you, if you are already feeding, bathing and walking your dog – you already have some kind of a bond with them! Below is a list of inspiration to increase your bond more:
1. Start a Hobby Together
Finding a hobby that you can do together, especially if your dog is energetic – like Lola who is a Aussie/Border collie mix, is such a great bonding activity. Flyball, agility, herding cattle, or Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are some great examples! Lola and I just started practicing agility and we are both really loving it. I don’t have a yard yet, so its a small indoor agility set to get the party started! Next summer, I plan on taking her out on the SUP with me for the first time, with a life vest of course. Also, doing some enrichment games or indoor scent games can be a great hobby to do together. Expect long pupper naps after because mental work is just as tuckering out as physical exercise!
2. Play Together
Overall, spending time with your dog is what the dog wants and is rewarding! You are their world! Playing games together helps strengthen the bond with their person. Additionally, playing a game can help use up any excess energy!
All I say is “Do you want to PLAY?”, to Lola and the tail wags goes wild! I like to work in some obedience training while we play, which is a win win. For example, I have her sit and stay after I throw a treat or lay down first then we play hide and seek. When I first rescued Lola, she never showed interest in playing or playing fetch at all. It wasnt until 6 months later, she let her playful side show! It took patience and lots of encouragement. It took trial and error on what she liked, which was key. Putting a treat in a nerf ball was way more appealing then just a ball – also lots and lots of praise was needed for her to build her confidence! Also, puzzles worked best for her as she is a smart little cookie.
Check out another blog on “Cost Effective ways to Mentally Stimulate your Dog” here!
3. Grab a pup cup at the local coffee shop
One of our very first bonding experience was hitting up coffee shops for pup cups. They are essentially whip cream in a cup. Our local coffee shop knows her by name now! She knows the word pup cup and gets super excited for her car ride to get her treat. Plus, if its nice weather, I sit outside and work while we work on socializing.
4.Find a sport to do together
Some dog breeds are super athletic, while others are not! And thats ok. For some with chronic illness, this is a very personal decision. Lola is very active. It worked to help me get out of the house! Long – term, I knew I wanted to get back into hiking, running, rollerblading and water activities with her.
In the future, getting Lola involved in Agility as a sport sounds fun, but we will see how the cookie crumbles! I do not want to put pressure on her, just find whats fun for her. Also, yoga. How cute is it seeing a dog do “down ward dog”?! #goals
5. Cuddle up
Enjoy some cuddle and calm time together. Talking to them calming about your day, while gently petting them or massaging them is great therapy for you both! This strengths your bond to your dog in so many ways! While Lola is very energetic, she is the best cuddle bug at night when we are winding down. When I am not feeling well, she leans into that and I get extra snuggles!
Key Takeaways
It is hard to deny the benefits that can be gained by working on the relationship you have with your dog. Both you and your dog will be healthier and happier for it! Rescuing Lola has been one of the best things I have done in my life. She gives me so much purpose and her loyalty to me is unparallel to anything I have experienced!
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Happy Healing!
Lola and Amy
This blog is for informational purposes only to share our healing story and offer hope for a better tomorrow and not give up on yourself. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. Please work with your healthcare professional before starting any treatment plan for your safety.
Hiya! My name is Amy. I am a Lyme Warrior navigating my healing journey with my emotional support dog, Lola by my side! I rescued Lola girl in 2022 when I needed her the most, she is an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Mix with lots of love to give. Buzz along with us as I share all things pet therapy, dog training and my personal healing journey from Lyme and all the things that accompany it!