The bond between dogs and people
/With Valentines day just around the corner, I though it appropriate to focus on the human-dog relationship. Those of us who have owned and loved dogs know how special the love and bond is between our dog and ourselves.
In fact in the US, over 66% of households own a pet and collectively spend over $136 billion per year! Pet spending has increased nearly every year for the last several decades and there’s no sign of it slowing down. Now more than ever, people consider their pets family members, not just companions.
Not only are people buying Valentine gifts for their partners, they are dropping huge dollars on their other loves, their dogs!
Building a strong bond with your dog may take some time, especially if you did not get them as a puppy. Perhaps you rescued an older dog who has had previous experiences, routines, or even trauma that may affect how they connect with you. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will help build trust and strengthen your relationship over time.
If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship with your dog, here are some meaningful ways to do so:
1. Train Together
Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s a shared experience that strengthens communication and trust. Consider exploring activities like:
🐾 Agility – A fun, fast-paced sport that builds confidence.
🐾 Rally obedience – A teamwork-based activity with structured exercises.
🐾 Dock diving – Perfect for water-loving dogs.
🐾 Canine freestyle – Dancing with your dog to music!
🐾 Basic obedience – Reinforces manners and deepens mutual understanding.
The more time you spend engaging in activities together, the stronger your bond will become. You might even discover a new hobby you both love!
2. Build Trust Through Positive Reinforcement
Trust is the foundation of a strong bond. These fear-based training techniques may be harmful to the relationship you have with your dog. Avoid harsh corrections or punishment-based training. These fear-based training techniques may be harmful to the relationship you have with your dog.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviors with treats, toys, and praise.
Another key to trust is understanding your dog’s emotions. Pay attention to their body language and remove them from situations that make them uncomfortable. When your dog feels safe and understood, they’ll be more connected to you.
3. Show Physical Affection
Just as humans need to feel loved and appreciated, so do dogs. Studies show that physical contact in shelter dogs reduces their stress. So too, will physical contact enhance the bond between people and their pet dogs. Try different types of touch to see what your dog enjoys most:
Belly rubs
Ear scratches
Gentle stroking
Cuddling
Every dog is different, so learn what makes yours happiest!
4. Spend Quality Time Together
Dogs don’t just need food and shelter—they need you. Strengthen your bond by making time for activities like:
Daily walks – Great for exercise and companionship.
Interactive games – Tug, fetch, or hide-and-seek.
Talking to your dog – Yes, they love it (and they especially enjoy baby talk!).
The more quality time you share, the more your dog will see you as their trusted companion
5. Make Eye Contact
It might sound surprising, but gazing into your dog’s eyes can increase oxytocin levels—the same hormone that strengthens the bond between human parents and their babies.
Yes it is true. Eye contact between dog and owner has been found be comparable to the bonding between human parents and their infants when they gaze into each others eyes. This is according to a study by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviourist at Azabu University in Japan.
So next time you’re snuggling with your pup, take a moment to softly hold their gaze—it’s a simple but powerful way to strengthen your connection.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re gifting your pup a special treat or simply spending time together, remember that the greatest love story of all might just be the one between you and your dog.
A photoshoot with a beloved dog is also a great idea for your Valentine’s gift. I love capturing special moments between people and their dogs, photos that show the love between them. These are always happy photos and make me smile!
If you want timeless memories of your special relationship with your pets, don’t wait until it is too late! Do it now.
Related: Bonding with a new puppy- check it out.
I had the privilege of photographing Maggie, a wonderful senior dog and her family. You can clearly see the love and bond that they share with each other!
This post is part of a 52 week photographers circle in which I am participating. For more on the love between people and pets visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH.
