4 Ways to Increase Your Bond with Your Dog This Winter
In the dog days of summer, it is easy to find ways to bond with your dog. From long walks along the beach to hours playing with pals at the park, each day brings a new opportunity for bonding. While bonding activities might not come as easily during the winter, they are still plentiful. Here are four simple ways to increase your bond with your dog this winter:
Enjoy Those Winter Walks
If you have warm clothes for you and your pup, bundle up and enjoy a few winter walks. Check the weather before leaving to ward off any unexpected weather conditions. Instead of venturing far from home, try to do a few extra laps on a shorter path so you can get back easily if you need to. If the weather is really frigid, don’t stay outside for more than 30 minutes. Booties, jackets, and sweaters are helpful (and warm) accessories for your dog during winter. Pay close attention to your dog during the walk. If he or she seems uncomfortable at all, it’s time to wrap up your time outside.
Work on New Tricks
Training sessions are the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup. With no distractions, you can both focus all your attention on each other. Whether you are potty training a puppy or teaching your pet how to high-five, winter is the perfect time for learning. As your pet earns praise for performing the appropriate tasks, he or she will want to continue to please you. Working together in this way is a great way to enhance your bond and enjoy special time together.
Make Homemade Treats
Baking is a way to share love through food. If you are looking for a great way to bond with your dog this winter, consider spending the day baking tasty, homemade treats. Dogs can enjoy the fruits of your labor, and you can enjoy spending time making something tasty and nutritious. If your pet is heavy on the smarts, you might want to find ways that they can help you with the baking. Maybe they can fetch your rolling pin or be your official taste tester when you are trying out a new recipe. Making homemade treats is an easy way to feel closer to your pet this winter.
Snuggle Up for Movie Time
Sometimes all you need to bond with your dog is to spend some time together. Take advantage of the winter weather by snuggling up on the couch under your favorite blanket. Make some hot chocolate for yourself, put on your comfiest clothes, and invite your fur kid to get cozy with you. The simple act of being together is all you need to increase the bond you already share. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can even cook a meal you can safely share.
Are you ready to put a couple of these ideas into action to increase the bond with your dog this winter? Have a great time.
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