All You Need Is Love...& A Dog

Ah February, the month of love!

While the human world celebrates Valentine’s Day; teddy bears and flowers might not mean the same to your dog as they do to your significant other. And you definitely can’t show them you love them by gifting them a big box of chocolates! So how do you show your dog you love them in a way that they understand? It might sound easy, but each pup is different and has their own idea of what “love” looks like.

Here are a few ways you can communicate with your fur friend in an affectionate way that is appreciated! 

Body Language

Did you know that there are certain things you can do with your body to show your dog he/she is adored? For instance, eye contact is very important in the canine world. It can be viewed as a threatening or dominant move if a stranger is involved. However, according to Dr. Brian Hare, author of The Genius of Dog, when your dog is staring at you they are “hugging you with his eyes.” Try to pet your pup and give a relaxed loving look. What about raising your eyebrows? Based on a study of Behavioral Processes, dogs will raise their eyebrows (specifically the left one) when they see their owner, and show less facial expression when a stranger welcomes them. In turn, this leads us to believe that having a more expressive face and raising eyebrows could convey a positive message. 

Feed Them By Hand

Starting out as a puppy it is important to establish who is the pack leader and food provider. Feeding your dog by hand will allow for a positive foundation. There are many veterinarians and dog behavior specialists who will recommend that you feed your pooch by hand to also help eliminate aggression. This is an easy and intimate step that can result in a very beneficial outcome.  

Cuddle in Bed

Not only is it proven to help reduce anxiety, sleeping with your pup can be another way to show them they are loved. Gregory Berns, author of How Dogs Love Us, discusses research gathered through many years of exploring the canine mind. This research shares that when a dog sleeps with his human, it is the “ultimate display of affection” mostly because this is a time where the dog is at its highest vulnerability. When we sleep with our dog, we are telling them we trust them enough to be vulnerable around them as well.

Train Your Pup

When you have a dog that is lacking confidence, positive reinforcement is the perfect way to help build their self esteem! Training through positive reinforcement will help your dog to trust you more. Through this trust the relationship you share with your canine friend will start to grow stronger. And through the process you will begin to learn how to better communicate and understand your pup. 

What is Your Dog Telling You?

Of course we want to show affection to our most loyal companions, but it is important to know that dogs communicate differently than we do. Yes, we all know they don’t speak our language, but they also do and don’t like certain things. Pay attention to what your dog is really telling you through the body language being displayed. It will help you to respect one another and is another great way to show your love! 

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Your dog will appreciate these more than any diamond necklace (or collar). They love you and want nothing more than to be your best pal. Because we love them so much we want them there for every special occasion, especially the ones we hold most dear to heart. When you want to make your pet a part of a family photo shoot to document the love, or even want to include them in your BIG day, just remember FairyTail Pet Care is a click away.