More often than not, how we express our love for dogs does not resonate with their "canine mentality". When it comes to showing dogs just how much they mean to us, it's important to understand how to do so in ways they can understand. That's why this Valentine's Day, we rounded up our top tips to show your dog just how much you love them.
- Spend time together and do something fun. Dogs are social animals and respond well to interaction. Whether you spend time teaching your dog a new trick or walking a different route, your dog will not only feel loved but this time will also provide a great opportunity to strengthen the bond you have with them.
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- Gently rub your dog's ears. Did you know that dogs' ears are full of nerve endings? They send impulses throughout the body and if you gently rub their ears, you will trigger the release of endorphins. Try it out and watch your pup melt into a ball of happiness.
- Gaze into their eyes. Dogs express themselves through their facial expressions and over time, they have learned to recognize humans' as well. How crazy is that? In a recent study, dogs displayed the capability to respond to positive, negative and neutral facial expressions of humans. Try it out yourself! Next time you look at your pup, raise your eyebrows and see if they wag their tail.
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- Let them lean. Dogs also express affection by leaning on members of their pack. In a way, this is their version of a "hug" because they are making physical contact to display affection. Take notice when your dog does this and try to leaning on them to reciprocate the love.
- Snuggle it out. As pack animals, dogs feel comfortable and secure with close contact. If you allow your dog to sleep in bed with you, then you are displaying the ultimate sign of affection because you are the most vulnerable when you sleep. If you prefer to keep your bed dog-free, don't worry because any cozy spot provides great opportunities for snuggles.
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- Respect any dogs' space. Hugs are a natural way for humans to express love but to a dog this gesture can be threatening and unwelcoming. Additionally, there are times when dogs don't want to snuggle and as a pet parent, you want to be sure you recognize any signs of discomfort and allow your pup to have their own space.
- A clean dog is a happy dog. Grooming may not be on your dog's favorite list of activities but it's important for their overall health. Regular bathing maintains healthy coats while nail trimming prevents injuries and brushing their teeth decreases their risk of disease. If grooming your dog is hassle, let us do the dirty work at Camp! We have a wide range of grooming services and our grooming areas are specially designed with comfort in mind.
