Have you ever said something endearing to your dog when she least expected it, like while you were walking her? Try it. Chances are she will quicken her step in delight. Or maybe she’ll be confused but will appreciate the cooing nonetheless. Here are 5 other ways to show your dog you care. For very little effort, you can have an even happier, more secure pet.
1. A soft blanket in the dog bed. A dog doesn’t need a blanket. But she will get that you are fussing over her. Also, while you’re apt to wash the bed itself very infrequently, you can wash the blanket once a week or so. It’s not because the dog minds a dirty blanket. It’s that she knows what clean is, and what it means — which is that you love her. She will also appreciate the warmth of the blanket just out of the dryer.
Ditto: a warm towel to dry her when she comes in from the rain or snow. Aaahhhh, that rubdown feels good!
2. It’s not funny unless your dog is in on it. Your dog slips and falls while running to address the mailman “emergency” at the front door. Or a branch becomes stuck in her fur as she tries to chase down a squirrel, and she’s walking funny and trying to attack it, making her the easy butt of a joke. You laugh because she’s such a goofball, but it’s not amusing to her. She may be afraid of the mailman and trying to protect the house. And the stick is unnerving her in addition to making her physically uncomfortable.
Imagine if someone laughed at you if you felt anxious or got something stuck in your hair. It would make you feel bad. Dogs are very forgiving and won’t hold your reaction against you, but imagine how much better your pet would feel if you took her situation seriously. Long story short: If it’s not funny to your dog, it’s not funny. She needs your understanding at those moments. She’s not engaging in physical comedy.
3. A less upsetting bath. As many people know, even dogs who love the water balk at bathing. To make it easier on your pet, don’t keep the flow too intense and make sure the water is warmish rather than hot, since your dog’s (literally) thin skin is more sensitive than yours. If it feels just right to you, it’s probably too hot for the dog.
Another trick: Water down the shampoo so that it’s easier to apply and quicker to remove. And speak in cheerful, soothing tones, even while she struggles to get out of the tub. Finally, have extra-fluffy towels on hand both to dry her off and for a nice round of cozy hugging. Extra points if the towels have just come out of the dryer and are still warm.
4. Rain, rain go away. While some dogs are fine about going out in the rain, others loathe it. Some don’t want to go out the door and into the wet weather, while others will look back at you as if requesting that you shut off the water. If that’s the case with your pet, ditch the umbrella and wear good rain gear so you’re not struggling with an extra piece of equipment as you work conscientiously to keep your dog away from splashes caused by cars going past and negotiate your way around puddles. Some dogs also appreciate rain gear — little raincoats and booties so the water touches them as little as possible.
The best possible solution for dogs who hate the rain is to teach them to do their business somewhere very close to the house so they can relieve themselves without having to take a walk. (See the May 2022 issue of Your Dog for how to train your pet to “go” on cue.)
5. Return the adoring gaze. When your dog looks right into your eyes, she is telling you she loves you. Tell her back with your own eyes. If you do, you will both feel a surge in oxytocin, otherwise known as the love hormone. It’s just like what babies and their mothers do, creating a positive experience associated with the strengthening of an emo-
tional bond.
