Unspoken Love: Form A Closer Bond With Your Pet

An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language

Martin Buber

If you’re a pet owner that knows that your furry friend is more than just an animal, you’re in the right place.

We know that pets are family and their role in our lives is bigger than we ever could have imagined.

Pet ownership comes with a lot of emotions. Most of them are happy and rewarding, but there are also plenty of moments of panic and frustration when we don’t know how our pets are feeling. There are only so many things we can do as humans, but one of the most important ones is building a strong relationship.

Form a closer bond with your pet in 5 steps

The unspoken bond you have with your pet is one of the closest ones you’ll have in your life.

They’ll be there for you during all of life’s ups and down, proving that actions speak louder than words.

A pet’s love is rewarding and special, but the verbal and biological barrier does make a difference at times. As much as we wish our pets could talk, we’ll forever have to rely on body language signals.

Building a strong bond takes time. Whether you’re training a puppy or getting a rescue pet acclimated to a new environment, creating that perfect environment that nurtures a healthy human-animal relationship comes with its challenges.

You’ll miss physical cues and have to deal with messes, but it will all be worth it once you reach that special level of friendship that only pet owners know about.

Luckily, pets show their discontentment just as easily as they show their love. Set yourself up for success by forming an even stronger bond with your pet.

1. Set a routine (to the best of your ability)

Most animals are creatures of habit. You likely have a feeding schedule in place, but you may want to extend your pet’s routine to involve other activities such as bathroom breaks (for dogs) or play time. Setting a routine builds trust between you and your pet while helping them feel happier and more secure in their environment.

2. Engage in play time

It’s easy to throw a few toys to your pet and call it a day. Actively engaging in play time with them helps strengthen your connection. It will also be a source of fun and relaxation for you, since you’ll be able to reconnect with your inner child as you and your pet bounce excitement off each other.

3. Build a hands-on grooming experience

Certain grooming techniques should be left to professionals, but doing as much as you can yourself will build a stronger bond with your pet. Activities like brushing is a relaxing experience for both of you.

4. Have meaningful cuddles – and lots of them!

We likely give our pets head scratches or quick strokes as we pass them, but these are often quick gestures that aren’t filled with a lot of meaning. Just like humans, animals crave prolonged affection. Don’t be afraid to show your pet some love by giving them long cuddles while maintaining eye contact. Let your furry friend curl up next to you, and show them that they’re an important part of the family with some meaningful cuddles.

5. Give them space

Although animals love attention and affection, they are also individuals who need their own space. Accept the moments that they want to spend alone by creating designated spaces for them. Even if your dog or cat loves curling up or sleeping next to you, they will also appreciate having their own beds or dens where they can relax or retreat during moments of overwhelm. Giving your pet alone time builds trust and shows them that they have autonomy within your house.

Building any sort of bond, whether with a human or animal, takes time. Keep on giving your pet quality time to form a meaningful and mutually beneficial bond.