Building a relationship, not just behaviours

In the month of February people around the world will celebrate Valentines Day, a day to celebrate love, affection, and friendship through gestures like sending messages, giving flowers, chocolates, and cards. When thinking about showing our love to our canine friends we might consider, a new toy or tasty chew, a walk in their favourite place, or a play date with a canine friend!

Let’s consider if we could instead think about what our dogs benefit most from. For me, it would be consistency, understanding and time. Our dog’s benefit from connection that it is always present and available. Most dogs love to work with us humans and if we have a two-way communication, with us listening to them, then they offer more, because they feel secure and motivated.

This may look like you choosing to spend five minutes a day, every day practicing some focus or engagement games with your dog. These exercises should be fun for both you, and your dog, so that is not seen as a chore, or another thing to tick off the list.

These small moments of one-on-one time build trust and have an impact on longer-term training goals. Clear communication reduces frustration on both sides. When dogs understand what’s expected of them, they’re more confident and more relaxed. Everyday dog training situations like walking on the lead, meeting people or settling at home become easier because the dog feels supported rather than managed. That sense of emotional safety is what allows trust to grow.

A relationship is changeable; you will have great days together and sometimes more difficult days. The aim is to create some time each day to build training foundations that can adapt as life changes! So, with one small habit, even if it is a tough day, you can still maintain this connection time to maintain and build your relationship.

Instead of spending money on a gift for valentines day, I encourage you to think about one small way you could invest in connecting with your dog that you can easily commit to every day! Here are some easy, quick ideas;

Boost that recall cue!

When making your food (whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner) try using a dog friendly bit of food for a bit of recall training.

1.Keep a bit of food (like a blueberry/strawberry/piece of chicken) in your hand.

2.Move quickly into another room as you use your recall cue ‘come’

3.If your dog comes running, then reward with the food.

4.If they do not come running, then next time show them the food before running to another room!

Find it

When waiting for the kettle to boil. Get a handful of treats/or their biscuit kibble if you feed dry food.

Show your dog a piece of food, gently toss it a short distance away and say “find it” as it lands. Let them sniff it out and eat it, then wait for them to naturally reorient back to you. When they do, mark that moment with a calm “yes” or praise, and repeat.

As your dog gets the idea, you can gently increase the challenge by placing food slightly out of sight, scattering a few pieces, or playing in the garden. The key is keeping it easy enough that your dog stays relaxed and successful.

What makes this game so valuable is that it encourages natural behaviours like sniffing, which helps dogs regulate their emotions. It also builds engagement, because your dog learns that checking back in with you leads to good things happening.

If you are looking for private dog training or group puppy classes and would like support in building strong training foundations and strengthening your relationship with your puppy or dog, I’d love to help!

You can book a free discovery call to find out more about how we can work together.

Thinking of planning a trip away with your dog to spend some valuable time together as a family? Then why not try the Netherlands!! Christine from Wag Friendly's Blog! has some great dog friendly restaurants to visit with your canine friend!