With National Pet Month upon us in April, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the unconditional love and joy that our dogs provide us. At A&T Trained Dogs, we believe that demonstrating love to your dog is about nurturing a deep, last bonding built on trust, care, and fun. Though a quick pat on the head or a doggy treat will never go amiss, the profound nature of love between human and dog definitely requires a lot more.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a new pup into your home or have an older stalwart who’s been with you for years, there are endless new ways to express your affection and ensure your dog feels truly treasured. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly that.
You can show your dog you love them in practical, heartfelt, and fun ways, from quality time through to thoughtful care routines. Want to see your dog as happy as they can be? Let’s dive in!
If you’d like personalised advice on strengthening your bond with your dog, contact us today—we’d love to help.
Why Showing Love Matters to Your Dog
All dog owners will know that their four-legged friend is much more than a pet—they’re part of the family, loyal to the last, and they thrive on love and companionship.
Dogs and humans have the same brain structures that produce emotions, meaning your dog has access to all the basic emotions you have, such as joy, anger, shyness, and affection. So, when you shower your dog with affection, it doesn’t just make them feel good—it can strengthen the bond between you, lower their stress levels, and even improve their physical health.
How can you tell if your dog feels loved? There are the telltale signs: the tale wagging, bright eyes, relaxed posture, or that overzealous nudge for more cuddles. Unlike cats, a dog’s feelings are mostly unambiguous, making it far easier to see how they’re feeling. Let’s break it down further.
The Science Behind Canine Affection
There’s real science behind the shared affection you have with your dog, all tied up in a hormone called oxytocin, which you might hear called the “love hormone.”
There’s an element of magic to it, for you need only share brief eye contact with your dog for you both to experience a surge of oxytocin. This creates a feel-good loop that enhances your connection. Playing with them, stroking them, and giving them praise will all do the same thing as well.
The release of oxytocin in your dog is what keeps them bounding over to you, tail in a frenzy, when you walk in the door. It’s a genuine thrill for them to see you, and how they express their love.
Ways to Show Your Dog You Love Them
As no two dogs are the same, there’s no one-size-fits-all routine for how to keep your pet feeling as loved as possible. However, there are near universal ways to express your affection that will go down a treat, so make sure to incorporate them into your relationship for the best chance at a happy pup.
Spend Quality Time Together
Like most people, a dog can’t get enough of undivided attention. In fact, there are few things that say “I love you” quite like it for them. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll through the park, a rowdy game of fetch in the garden, or simply chilling out together on the sofa, spending time with your dog is precious and essential for your relationship.
Though the length of time doing this is important, what’s more so is the quality—those moments where it’s just the two of you and nothing to get in your way. As a result, it should be a daily habit, whether it’s a 10-minute playtime or a cuddle by the fire.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and have a bit more time on your hands, a weekend outing to the seaside or open country could be the highlight of your dog’s year. As social creatures, they thrive on routine and connection, so these shared experiences are invaluable to them.
If you’re looking to spice up your walks, our dog training services can teach your pup some fun skills to make every outing even better.
Learn Their Love Language
You may have heard people talking about their “love language”—ways they prefer to give and receive affection. Dogs have the same thing, and you’ll know better than anyone else what your pet’s is. For some, it’s a good belly rub. For others, it’s the arc of a tennis ball as it flies through the sky over the local park, a competitive game of tug-of-war, or a good brushing.
A golden retriever—know for its gentle and affectionate nature—will often lean towards cuddling and general physical attention. Chow Chows and Ridgebacks—loyal guard dogs—will demonstrate love and loyalty by protecting their owners and homes. And French Bulldogs—excitable as any—show their love during playtime.
By tuning into your dog’s preferences, you can prove to them that you’re paying attention to what makes them tick, and, most importantly of all, that you care.
Not sure where to start? Chat with us via our contact page for breed-specific tips.
Feed Them Well
You’ve probably noticed that your dog loves food, and it can be hard to resist those pleading eyes when they’re ready for an early lunch. But giving your dog a consistent, nutritious diet is a practical way of showing you’re invested in their health and happiness.
The occasional treat is, of course, welcome, so long as it goes alongside a balanced daily diet that’s tailored to their age, size, and energy levels. High-quality dog food, so long as it meets your dog’s nutritional needs, will really help them thrive.
For an extra touch of love, you surprise your dog with the occasional homemade treat—something like plain cooked chicken, a dollop of peanut butter (so long as it’s xylitol-free), or a frozen carrot for a teething puppy. Little extras like these will show your dog that they’re valued, and they’ll love the attention as much as the taste sensation.
If you’re unsure about what’s best for your dog’s diet, our experts at A&T are happy to advise—just reach out through our contact page.
Keep Them Healthy and Happy
To go alongside the fundamental of showing your dog love (fun, games, and affection), it’s important to make sure they live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. And all it takes is a little effort in the daily care.
Regular Grooming Sessions
Comfort and healthiness are big happiness factors for your dog, and regular grooming is essential to achieving these. Breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Schnauzers all need brushing to prevent tangling and to reduce dander—a nightmare for any allergy-sufferers in your home.
Similarly, a monthly bath with a mild, dog-safe shampoo will keep your pet’s coat fresh and their skin happy. It might also double up as a fun treat for your dog if they’re happy in water.
With gentle strokes and words of affection (and maybe a few treats thrown in too), grooming can be a positive experience for your dog. Nonetheless, we know it can be daunting, especially if your dog gets frightened at the sight of a brush. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, our Posh Paws Dog Grooming service will pamper your pup while keeping their coat in top shape.
Vet Check-Ups and Exercise
It’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a check-up. That way, you can catch any health concerns early, be it problems with their teeth or their joints. Coupled with daily exercise, your dog is well on their way to having a life filled with vitality.
For more sedentary dogs like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Pug, a brisk walk or a run-around in the garden will keep them fit and mentally sharp. But for more active breeds like the Border Collie or the German Shepherd, you can up the ante with longer outings and stimulating games.
If you’re struggling to meet the demands of your active dog, A&T’s doggy daycare can give them a fun, social environment where they’ll be happy and well-looked after while you’re out.
Create a Safe Space
Like people, dogs feel much better knowing they have a sanctuary where they can relax and recharge. Making the effort to put together a cosy nook for your pet—ideally kitted out with a soft bed, toys, and blankets—can give them the perfect safe space.
Creating a sanctuary like this will demonstrate the respect you have for your dog and their need for security and downtime. This might be especially important if you have a rescue dog, or just one who’s only recently come into your life and needs time adjusting. It’s a simple act of love, but it will go a long way.
Strengthen Your Bond Through Training
Training is, of course, a great way of helping your dog acclimatise to cohabiting with people, and will help make them safer, alongside yourself, those in your household, and other dogs you might encounter together. It can build your dog’s confidence and communication skills, all while strengthening your relationship.
Positive Reinforcement
Often, the key to a successful dog training programme is positive reinforcement, which often comes in the form of treats. Being proactive with rewards when your dog nails a command will build trust, unlike being quick to punish them if they get something wrong (this will only confuse or upset them). The key is to be consistent and kind.
At A&T Trained Dogs, we know this can all be easier said than done. If you need support, our dog training services provide expert training for dogs of all ages and temperaments.
Teach Fun Tricks
You take your training up a notch with some special tricks, such a roll-over, spin, or shake hands. It’s a strong bonding exercise, playful, and provides your dog a stimulating challenge (alongside attention, of course) that they’ll thrive on. Intelligent breeds like Poodles, Collies, and Dobermans get the most out of these brain games, but any dog can learn with patience and encouragement.
Conclusion
Working out how to show your dog you love them can be tricky, but it all boils down to actions that make them feel safe, valued, and joyful every day. National Pet Month is an ideal time to start working on that bond and making the effort to show your four-legged companion that you love them.
At A&T Trained, we’re passionate about helping you and your dog thrive together. Whether you’re browsing our dogs for sale, seeking training support, or treating your dog to grooming, our team is here for you. Visit our about us page to learn more, or contact us online or by calling 01524 587315. Let’s make every day a celebration of your dog’s love!
