How To Make Your Dog The Most Loyal Pet Possible. Having a dog at home brings a different level of fun and delight, especially if they are naturally trustworthy and affectionate. If you have a furry buddy, you totally understand how incredible their companionship is. But just like people, every dog is unique. You cannot expect all canines to be innately submissive and loyal.
So as a dog parent, the real challenge is teaching your dog how to be faithful to you. Continue reading to learn 5 tips on how to make your dog the most loyal pet possible.
How To Make Your Dog The Most Loyal Pet
Choosing Dogs With Loyal Breed
If you are still thinking about getting a dog and want an easy way to have a loyal pet, you can spend some time researching. Talk to a dog breeder or browse the internet to find naturally loyal dog breeds. Although dog temperament varies, some breeds are genetically more faithful than the rest.
You may want to select a pup with a playful and adoring breed, especially if you have kids. It’s easier to develop bonds with loving types of dogs because they thrive on your fondness for them.
We are not saying that other dogs don’t have a loyal quality. However, building a connection with independent canines is proven a lot trickier than that of docile ones, particularly for new dog parents.
Here are some of the most affectionate and remarkably trustworthy dog breeds you may want to consider:
- German Shepherd
- Akita
- Golden Retriever
- Newfoundlands
Establishing Trust
Do you want your dog to listen to you? Do you want them to be submissive and obey you? Then you have to learn how to respect your dog’s space. Let him come to you, and when he does, let him feel that it’s safe with you.
It’ll take a lot of time and patience, especially for dogs that experienced abuse from their previous owners. However, once a dog feels like it can trust you, it will devote its life to trying to please you. That’s what makes them so pure; they only want your sincere affection and love.
If you can’t seem to get your new dog to trust you, try these techniques:
Take Things Slow
We know it’s hard to contain your excitement around a dog. However, getting too energetic around an unadjusted canine can trigger its fight or flight instinct. You could get hurt. Try to stay soft and calm when you’re near them.
Don’t Force Yourself With Them
You probably want to start being best friends with your pup asap, but if he isn’t ready with intimacy yet, you have to back down. Give him his space.
Go For A Walk
Since dogs are pack animals, they instinctively follow their leaders. And in their little world, followers must approach the leaders. That said, it’s best to take your dog on walks and let him feel that you’re the leader. He then will feel a sense of respect and security around you.
Using Positive Reinforcement
When training your dog and teaching them to have a more loyal personality, use only positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is a technique that involves rewarding your pet with treats, gentle belly rubs, or light petting when he does something correctly. You can start with the basics, teaching them to sit down, calm themselves, and lay down, and slowly work your way up to more complex sets of training.
However, you must make sure to use positive reinforcements that work best for your dog. It’s not the same for every canine; you should know your pet’s specific preference. That way, it’s a more effective and fun experience for your pup.
Proper Use of Positive Reinforcement
When teaching your dog, say potty training, it’s important to reward the dog after correctly doing good behavior. You must give the rewards at the perfect time. You can’t wait too long or give the reward too early. Or you risk the dog misunderstanding the command you associate with that treat.
Instilling Loyalty at the Very Beginning
You must know that instilling loyalty in a dog does not happen in one sitting. It’s step-by-step progress, and it starts the moment you decide you want to adopt a dog.
Before you bring your new friend home, you have to at least be prepared. Get all the items and necessities for your dog. It’ll be even better if you make time to visit a pet supply store. You can ask for professional advice on what supplies to buy for the type of dog you’ll adopt.
Make sure you attend to all your dog’s needs. Feed him, play with him, groom him, and make time for him. It’s like a way of saying to your pet that all these things are coming from you. Once your dog understands how you provide for all his needs and more, instilling and retaining loyalty is easy.
How Long a Dog Go Without Food? Watch This Video.
Be Loyal To Your Dog
Last but not least on our top 5 tips on how to make your dog the most loyal pet possible list, be a loving and loyal owner to your dog.
The most effective way to impose loyalty on a dog is through reciprocation. You can train your pet to obey you and follow all the rules you create. But in return, be there for him. Dogs develop a more genuine sense of faithfulness faster if they feel their owners are protecting them and paying attention to their physical and emotional needs.
Respect Their Independence and Space
Dogs, much like humans, value their independence and personal space. While the bonds we form with our pets are strong and affectionate, it’s crucial to remember that they also have moments where they need some ‘me time’. This individual space can be both physical and emotional.
Recognizing the Signs:
Just as we have our moments of wanting solitude, dogs too will give off signals when they prefer to be left alone. This can manifest in them seeking a quiet corner, being less responsive to calls, or gently evading physical touch. It’s essential to observe and respect these signs rather than forcing interaction or dismissing them.
Creating a Safe Haven:
Every dog should have a space that’s exclusively theirs — whether it’s a specific corner of a room, a dog bed, or a crate. This acts as their sanctuary, a place where they can retreat and relax. Family members, especially children, should be taught that when the dog is in this space, it’s their alone time.
Balancing Togetherness:
While it’s tempting to involve our pets in every activity, sometimes they appreciate watching from a distance. For instance, if you have guests over and your dog chooses to observe from their bed rather than mingle, that choice should be respected.
Encouraging Independent Activities:
Promote activities that your dog can enjoy solo, such as puzzle toys or chew toys. This not only gives them something to engage with independently but also fosters self-confidence.
Avoid Clinginess:
Building a loyal and affectionate relationship with your dog is wonderful, but there’s a thin line between affection and over-dependence. Make sure you’re fostering a sense of security in your dog rather than making them overly reliant on your presence.
Conclusion
Indeed, dogs are purely wonderful creatures. They are there for you when you are happy, and they’ll stick with you even when you are not. After you establish a strong bond and connection with them based on trust, their loyalty is incomparable. And they even become an important part of the family.
If you want your pets to have your back anytime, remember that their loyalty, affection, and commitment will all depend on how well you treat them. On top of our 5 tips on how to make your dog the most loyal pet possible, you also have to be patient and loving. Respect its boundaries, understand its temperaments, and cater to its needs. Once you do, you will definitely get yourself a reliable lifetime friend.
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