Building a healthy relationship with your dog is one of the key elements in the process of raising and living with a pet. Contrary to popular belief, a relationship based solely on obedience is not enough. A dog that merely follows commands but does not trust its caregiver may show fear, insecurity, or aggression. So how do you create a bond based on respect and trust? It is worth looking at a few basic principles that will help in building a strong, healthy relationship with your dog.
Relationship vs. Obedience – What Is More Important?
Obedience is certainly an important element in raising a dog, but by itself, it is not enough to create a healthy relationship. A dog may be obedient, but if it does not trust its owner, it may feel threatened and insecure at any moment. Therefore, the relationship with the pet should be based on a strong foundation of trust, respect, and appropriate energy from the owner.
Trust – The Key to Building a Strong Bond
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, both with a dog and with other people. For a dog to feel safe, it must be certain that its caregiver will not expose it to danger. Introducing a dog to situations that may frighten it — for example, forcing it to interact with unfriendly dogs — leads to a weakening of trust. A dog will not trust its owner if it feels that they are not providing safety.
It is also important to remember that "advocating" for your dog in difficult situations — such as driving away another dog that is bothering it — helps rebuild trust. In such moments, it is crucial to be a source of support for the dog and to show that it can rely on you.
Respect – The Dog as a Partner, Not a Subordinate
A dog has the right to be respected, and as caregivers, we should set boundaries that teach it how to behave in the human world. Frequent breaking of commands or ignoring the owner's instructions is a sign that the dog does not respect its caregiver. It is important that commands are consistently enforced. When a dog understands that every word carries a specific action, it becomes not only more obedient but also more emotionally engaged.
It is also important to ensure that the dog takes its caregiver seriously. When a dog perceives us as someone it can ignore, it begins to behave in ways that complicate daily life, such as jumping on guests or ignoring commands. That is why it is so important to be a leader for the dog, someone who sets the rules and does not allow them to be broken.
Owner's Energy – A Key Element of the Relationship
A dog reacts to the energy its owner projects. An owner who shows confidence, consistency, and calmness becomes a natural leader for the dog. It is the owner who sets the rules and decides what is allowed and what is not. The dog perceives its caregiver as someone who ensures safety and gives clear guidance on how to function in the human world.
Well-balanced owner energy allows the dog to feel secure. The dog should treat its caregiver as an authority figure whose decisions have weight and consequences. In this way, the dog does not view the owner as a "clown" to play with but as a boss worthy of respect.
Rules for Building a Healthy Relationship with Your Dog
- End Unproductive Social Interactions – Not every dog needs to greet every other dog or be petted by strangers. It is worth striving for the dog to maintain neutrality in contacts with other dogs and people, which helps avoid unnecessary reactions and tension.
- Play and Training – Time spent with the dog should be full of play and training. During shared activities, the dog gets to know its owner as someone it wants to spend time with and learns the rules that apply at home.
- No Free Access to Everything – A dog should not have unrestricted access to toys, food, or places reserved only for humans. Such rules help maintain order and show the dog that it has its place and boundaries.
- Freedom Dependent on Behavior – A dog's freedom at home should depend on its behavior. If the dog is not yet fully obedient, it should not be allowed to run freely around the house or have access to areas meant only for humans.
- Meeting Physical and Mental Needs – A dog that has enough physical activity and intellectual stimulation will be more willing to cooperate and behave better. Meeting its needs, both physical (e.g., through walks, running) and mental (e.g., learning tricks or playing search games), helps build a positive relationship.
Summary
A healthy relationship with a dog is based on trust, respect, and the owner's appropriate energy. A dog that feels safe, understood, and treated with respect will be more willing to cooperate, allowing for harmonious living together. It is important to treat the dog as a partner who needs a guide — someone who will help it understand the rules of life in the human world and provide a sense of security.
