Connecting With Your Dog

Our lives are very busy. Many of my clients work 10-12 hour days, leaving them with little time for anything fun, let alone time to connect on a meaningful level with their dogs. However, taking the time to make that connection has huge payoffs, for you and for your dog.

Petting your dog lowers your blood pressure, evens out your breathing, causes the release of endorphins, thus making you feel better. You know what? Your dog reaps those same benefits. Have an older pet? Consider T-Touch, a method of massage for animals that is gentle and effective in making them feel more comfortable.

Sit on the floor with your dog, or invite them up onto the chair or couch with you. Share time and space. They won't mind if you read a book or watch TV...just invite them to share your space. This is what dogs do with each other. Share space. They don't have to be doing anything necessarily.

Obviously, exercise is important for you and your canine companion. Why not exercise together? Walking is a terrific form of exercise. Maybe work up to jogging or running if your canine companion is built for such endeavors. Maybe a little agility work would be fun. You don't need expensive equipment for this. Have your dog walk on a park bench, jump over rocks, weave in and out of trees. Even an empty children's playground can be used to exercise your dog.  Get creative.

Sleep with your dogs. Yes, you heard me. Let them sleep in your bedroom. You don't have to have them on the bed if you don't want to. But keep them in your bedroom. A dog sleeping in the same room as you is actually getting a social benefit in just being near to you. See, you don't even have to be awake to be spending quality time with your dog!

Share with your dogs. Share your love. Share your snacks. Share your time. The benefits for you both are immeasurable.