Do you want to make your dog happy? Did you get a new dog? Now it's time to get to know him better and form a healthy bond with him! It is important to get to know each other, especially in the first few weeks that your new four-legged friend will be with you. In this article, we show you 5 games that will strengthen the bond between you and your dog and help them settle into their new environment.
1. A new chill area
Not only cats, but also dogs love to explore new corners and caves. If you have a larger table or a sofa with a coffee table, it's easy to build a new hideout for you and your dog. Take an old yoga mat and roll it up to create a small tunnel. Clamp your tunnel between the sofa and the coffee table (or in a place of your choice where your yoga mat doesn't immediately unroll again). Now you have a small (or large) tunnel in which your dog can snuggle up. Put some treats in the tunnel to show your dog it's a safe new place and stay close to show him not to be scared.
2. Hide with treats
Dogs are best known for their amazing sense of smell, which they use to pick up and track even the smallest of scents. So that your new dog can not only strengthen this instinct but also explore its new surroundings, a game of hide-and-seek is a good idea. Take some treats and hide them anywhere in a room of your choosing. The treats should be placed where your dog can reach them without hurting themselves. Have your dog wait outside the door while you hide the treats. When you're done, open the door and let him sniff out all the nooks and crannies of the room.
3. Hide with you
If your dog is a little more familiar with his new surroundings, you can let him search for you too! Again, have your dog wait outside the door of your room or in a place where he can't see you. Then hide behind a curtain or under your bed, for example, and call him. Ideally, your dog can follow your scent and find you in your hiding spot. Not only does he get to know your smell better, he also learns to follow your call from a distance.
4. Grooming
Ok, this idea isn't really a game, but it still helps to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Regular grooming is important for dogs and therefore you should brush your dog thoroughly from time to time. Well- some dogs love to be brushed and some dogs hate it. Ideally, your dog enjoys your gentle brushing and learns to relax and remain still around you.
That's it for today! I hope you found some inspiration and want to try one or the other tip. If you want to know even more about the life and care of your dog, read our blog and subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss anything.
