Building a Bond

• Daily Walks: Consistent walks not only meet your dog’s exercise needs but also build trust as they associate you with fun and adventure.

• Playtime: Engage in interactive play with their favorite toys—tug-of-war, fetch, or puzzle toys that stimulate their mind.

• Training Sessions: Short, positive training sessions help your dog learn and grow while strengthening your bond through teamwork.

• Reward the Good: Celebrate positive behaviors with treats, toys, or verbal praise. This encourages your dog to repeat those actions.

• Avoid Punishment: Focus on redirecting undesirable behaviors rather than scolding. Dogs learn best when they’re shown what to do, not just what not to do.

• Be Consistent: Use the same words and gestures for commands to avoid confusion. For example, stick to “sit” instead of switching between “sit” and “stay there.”

• Celebrate Small Wins: Every new skill or behavior learned is a step toward a well-adjusted, happy dog.

Dogs thrive on consistency. A predictable routine helps your dog feel secure and builds trust. Here’s what to include:

• Feeding Times: Stick to the same time each day for meals.

• Exercise Schedule: Plan regular walks and playtime to release energy and prevent boredom.

• Quiet Time: Create moments of calm, like cuddling on the couch or just sitting together, to build your emotional connection.

Keeping your dog’s mind engaged is just as important as physical exercise:

• Puzzle Toys: Use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to keep them entertained.

• Scent Games: Hide treats around the house or yard and let your dog sniff them out.

• Training New Tricks: Teaching simple tricks like “shake” or “roll over” is a fun way to bond and keep their brain active.

Building a bond doesn’t happen overnight, especially with rescue dogs who may have experienced trauma. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remember that your patience and love are the foundation of your relationship. 

Providing enrichment during feeding and playtime keeps your dog mentally engaged, reduces stress, and can even help with behavioral challenges. Here are some ideas to make meals and play both fun and stimulating: Enrichment feeding and play aren’t just about keeping your dog busy—they’re about creating moments of joy, building trust, and helping your dog feel confident and happy. With these activities, you’re not only nourishing their body but also enriching their mind and spirit.

Turn mealtime into a fun and rewarding activity:

• Slow Feeders: Use slow-feeder bowls or mats to make your dog work for their food, which can help with fast eaters and improve digestion.

• Puzzle Feeders: Toys like Kongs, treat-dispensing balls, or puzzle bowls challenge your dog to think and problem-solve to access their food.

• Scatter Feeding: Scatter kibble around a safe area, like your yard or living room, and let your dog “hunt” for their meal. This taps into their natural foraging instincts.

• Frozen Treats: Stuff a Kong or similar toy with kibble, wet food, and peanut butter (xylitol-free!) and freeze it for a longer-lasting snack.

Engage your dog’s body and mind with activities they’ll love:

• Scent Work: Hide treats around your house or yard and encourage your dog to sniff them out. You can start small and gradually increase the difficulty.

• Interactive Toys: Toys that squeak, crinkle, or move on their own keep your dog entertained while stimulating their brain.

• DIY Games: Use cardboard boxes or old towels to create puzzles for your dog. For example, hide treats inside a box and let your dog figure out how to open it.

• Tug-of-War: This classic game is not only fun but also a great way to build trust and teach impulse control (e.g., “drop it” command).

Why not merge the two for the ultimate enrichment?

• Use treat-dispensing toys during playtime.

• Turn training sessions into feeding time by using kibble or treats as rewards.

• Create an obstacle course with small challenges your dog has to complete to get their food.