As dog parents juggling hectic lives, we often feel guilty about not having enough hours in the day to spend as much quality time as we'd like with our pups.
I know all of us at Mighty Paw wish we could pack in more adventure and emotional bonding with our dogs each day.
National Dog Week is a good reminder that our dogs deserve all the attention and love we can give and then some. So what better time than now to jump into deepening our bonds with our dogs?!
Here's the good news...
Building the bonds you and your dog both thrive on doesn't require massive time investments or complicated activities. These 9 simple ways to bond with your dog can easily fit into any schedule and create a strong relationship that lasts a lifetime.
1. Transform feeding time into quality time.
Feeding time is one of those things that happens regularly anyway, and it offers easy opportunities to bond with your dog. Instead of simply putting food into a bowl, make mealtime interactive.
Try using puzzle feeders like lick pads or lick bowls, or slow-feed bowls that provide mental enrichment while your pup eats. You'll be transforming a routine meal into a rewarding experience that engages your pup's mind and releases "feel-good hormones" in your dog's brain with the act of licking. Most dogs love the challenge, and the mental stimulation is both energizing and relaxing. Lick pads and lick bowls are also a great way to turn a snack time into a mentally stimulating, stress-relieving moment by slathering on some natural, healthful peanut butter or other spreadable food.
If you happen to have a new puppy or new dog, hand-feeding portions of a meal also helps establish trust and is another reminder that good things come when engaging with you.
2. Master the art of hide and seek.
Hide and seek isn't just for kids – it's one of the most effective ways to bond with your dog while providing excellent mental stimulation. This game taps into your dog's instincts and creates excitement around finding you.
Start simply by hiding in an obvious hiding spot while your dog is in another room. Call your pup's name and let your dog seek you out. The moment your dog finds you, celebrate with treats, praise, and cuddle time. As your dog gets better at the game, choose more challenging locations.
This activity is perfect for busy families because it can happen anytime – morning, evening, or whenever you have a few spare minutes. Most dogs absolutely love the thrill of the hunt and the reward of finding their favorite human.
3. Create sacred cuddle (aka massage) time.
In our busy lives, it's easy to forget that simple physical contact is one of the most powerful ways to bond with your dog. Cuddle time doesn't require any special equipment or training – just your presence and paying attention to what your pup enjoys.
Even 10 minutes of focused cuddling while watching TV can strengthen your connection significantly. Practice mindful massage instead of just petting. Pay attention to how your touch affects your dog. Notice which areas your dog enjoys most, with how much pressure, and when your dog has had enough.
Long strokes from head to tail are calming for most dogs. Belly rubs are beloved by many dogs, but some find them overstimulating.
Try this dog massage therapist secret: gently stroke the underflap of your dog's ears. That can stimulate the many nerve endings there, creating a pleasurable, calming sensation.
It's important to respect your dog's personal space as well. If your dog moves away, don't force interaction. Building trust means letting your dog feel comfortable approaching for affection on your dog's terms.
4. Turn training into bonding time.
Training sessions don't have to feel like work. When you teach cues or new behaviors, you're not just improving your dog's manners – you're spending time together and learning to communicate effectively. Not to mention you're helping your dog feel more comfortable out and about in the world, making more adventures together more doable.
Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) but frequent. And always positive! Use high-value treats and celebrate successes enthusiastically and immediately (use an easy-access treat pouch to always have treats handy). Dogs love to learn and love feeling successful and rewarded. Make sure you give your dog early and easy wins. Soon your pup will associate learning and adopting new behaviors with positive rewards and quality time with their favorite human.
For a new dog, consistency in training creates security and predictability and helps your pup understand what's expected. Even older dogs love learning new things, and the mental stimulation keeps their minds sharp.
5. Exercise together for double benefits.
Exercise is essential for your dog's physical and mental well-being, but it's also prime bonding time. Whether it's a morning walk, afternoon jog, or evening fetch session, shared physical activity strengthens your relationship naturally.
Most dogs have different energy needs, so tailor activities to your pup's capabilities. A leisurely neighborhood walk might be perfect for older dogs, while younger dogs might need more vigorous activities to burn excess energy.
The key is being fully present during exercise. Put away your phone and focus on your best friend. Notice what excites your dog, what your dog is curious about, and how your dog communicates with you through body language.
Two dog parent favorite must-haves to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe, and to keep you both in sync during exercise:
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A durable, comfortable harness that evenly distributes the force of any pull
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A traditional 6 ft leash with double handles for better control and safety
6. Create enriching chew session routines.
We all have many times in our day when we're home but have to focus on something other than our dogs. If you regularly use those times to set up a great chew session for your dog next to you, you'll be sharing a space in your dog's day that your pup is hardwired to treasure.
Why? Chewing is an instinctive self-soother for dogs. Your dog's brain is built to release "feel-good" hormones with the act of chewing that send messages throughout your dog's body that relieve stress and make your pup feel naturally happy and calm. A good, long-lasting chew can keep your dog happily occupied for hours, even long enough to get you through your seemingly never-ending zoom call.
A few long-lasting, healthful chews loved by dog parents, canine nutritionists, and of course, dogs(!):
Bonus for physical and dental health: all of these chews (along with our other healthful options) help keep your dog's teeth clean, helping fight plaque and tartar buildup and massaging gums.
7. Establish playtime rituals.
Playing shouldn't be random – you'll want to make play part of your daily routine. Whether it's morning fetch or evening puzzle games, regular play sessions give your dog something to look forward to.
Start playing at the same times each day if possible, and your dog will begin anticipating your play sessions. The predictability builds security while the fun creates positive associations for both of you with each other's presence. Regular play prevents boredom and challenges your pup mentally and physically.
8. Share new experiences.
Dogs are naturally curious, and exploring new things together creates shared memories that strengthen your bond. It could be as simple as walking a different route, visiting a new park, introducing a new toy or treat, and always remembering to let your dog sniff on every outing as much and as long as your pup's heart and brain desire!
The key is experiencing novelty together. Your dog will appreciate your guidance in new situations, and you'll constantly learn more about your pup's personality and preferences. These shared adventures become part of your rich relationship history.
9. Practice positive communication.
Learning to communicate effectively with your dog is perhaps the most important bonding skill. This means understanding your pup's body language, respecting signals, knowing what your dog likes, and responding appropriately to your dog's needs.
Positive communication also means always using encouraging tones, celebrating successes, and maintaining patience during challenging moments. Your pup picks up on your emotions and energy, so staying positive helps your dog feel comfortable and secure.
Making it all work in busy lives
The beauty of these ways to bond with your dog is that they integrate seamlessly into existing routines. You're already feeding, walking, and caring for your dog. These strategies simply make those activities more intentional and connection-focused, allowing you to truly spend quality time together.
This National Dog Week, why not commit to incorporating just a few of these bonding activities into your routine? Your dog will notice the difference, and you'll discover that growing your strong connection with each other pays off in life satisfaction, reduced stress, and the pure joy that comes from a genuinely solid relationship with your dog.
Here's to a happy and strong bond with your pup!
We know with our own Mighty Paw crew the priceless value of connecting with our dogs. Building bonds isn't just about making your dog happy – it's about creating a strong relationship that enriches both your lives, creating an unbreakable connection within your whole family.
In everything we do, we're here to find ways to help you give your dog the biggest, best, fullest life we all want for our pups. We're committed to creating high-quality products that are healthful, safe, and practical for everything you need for all your adventures together.
