Learn how to really connect with your dog and bond on a deep level.
The following story was taken from an article created by Steve Duno for the modergodmagazine.com
"In 1924, a Japanese professor named Hidesaburo Ueno would each morning say goodbye to his dog Hachiko then walk to the train station to head for work. At three o’clock, Ueno would return home to find Hachiko sitting by the tracks, waiting for him. Every day for over a year, the big Akita would be there, waiting.
On a day in May of 1925, Hachiko walked as usual down to the station to wait for Ueno’s return. But, sadly, the professor had suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage at his school that day. He would never again return to his faithful Hachiko.
Though given to another family, Hachiko escaped each day and returned to the professor’s home in hopes of finding him. When this failed, the dog began the old ritual again, arriving each day at the station at precisely three o’clock, to wait. Hachiko did this every day for the next ten years until his death."
This is an amazing story which shows how strong the bond can be between a person and their dog. This is an ancient bond which has existed for thousands of years and is something that we have lost in the modern age. We will look at what type of bond you have with your dog and how you can improve this for a deeper connection.
Signs of a Strong Bond
Your dog is obedient and follows commands immediately.
Desiring to be near you
Regularly checking up on you when you off the leash on walks
Protective in threatening situations
loves physical interaction with you
Matching your pace when walking
Good at communicating their needs, You understands their needs on a deeper level
Signs of a Weak Bond
Does not respond to commands
Doesn't like physical contact with you
Lack of focus and eye contact
Tried to run away often
No desire to play
Dog Bonding Exercises
You can start by getting back to basics with obedience training. This will help your dog focus and respond to commands. Check out some basic commands and some advance tricks you can use here.
Exercise your dog regularly with at least one walk a day with discipline. If you don't show a dog what to do or lead them then they will lead themselves causing problems. When going for walks have set times for doing certain things. When you leave the house exit the garden first with your dog behind you. When on the walk have a set time for walking and a set time for sniffing around calling the dog when it is time to move onto the next exercise. We also recommend including games such as fetch, Swimming etc to really challenge your dog physically and burn off that energy. This will build a really strong bond as long walks and discovering new placed together will be a new experience for both of you.
Play hide and seek with your dog regularly and make a real fuss when they find you.
When it comes to feeding time then do it at specific times of day giving them a routine. I normally feed my dog after a walk and at the same time everyday.
Dogs want to feel like they have jobs to do so whenever you teach them a new trick or play a game then focus on the activity and give them a lot of attention.
Teach your dog a new trick or game every month to make, You can find some fun techniques to use here.
Remember to exercise, discipline and reward your dog and you will see the bond get stronger and stronger. This will not happen over time and will take time so stay consistent and enjoy the journey.
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