Building a happy life with your dog: Tips for a happy, well-adjusted home

Whether you’ve just welcomed a new dog into your home or have been sharing your life with one for years, establishing guidelines is crucial for maintaining harmony and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and secure!
Understanding your dog and helping him understand you is the foundation of a happy relationship. When everyone’s needs are acknowledged, harmony naturally follows.

Here’s how you can create a balanced environment while fostering a loving bond with your furry companion:

• Learn to understand how your dog communicates. While breed characteristics may play a role, remember that every dog is an individual and not defined solely by their breed.
• Manage shared spaces effectively. A dog is not a toy and sometimes needs their own space.
• Remember that you guide your dog in daily life. This doesn’t mean imposing your will but rather accompanying them and showing them the way.

How to improve your relationship

1. Be consistent
It’s important to define what you want to teach your dog, especially at home. There are no universal rules—it’s okay if you allow your dog on the couch; they won’t think less of you! What matters is understanding your dog. For instance, if your dog tends to be possessive about space, you may need to establish some “rules” regarding how spaces are used.

The whole family must follow the same guidelines. If everyone enforces different rules, your dog will struggle to understand what they can and cannot do.

Example: If your dog becomes particularly bothersome during meals, ensure no one gives them food from the table. Even if one person slips them a treat, the dog will never learn that begging at the table is inappropriate.

2. The house belongs to everyone
It’s more effective to teach your dog how to behave at home than to simply restrict their access to certain areas. Restricting access doesn’t solve the issue; it merely avoids it. For example, if your dog steals food from the kitchen, blocking their access won’t address the behavior. Instead, try to understand why they’re doing it and address the root cause. Perhaps your dog is bored at home, and providing more environmental enrichment or adjusting their walks could resolve the issue.

Pro Tip: Start teaching your dog about coexistence from the first day they arrive. Don’t limit their access—instead, understand and guide their behavior.

3. Reinforcement and correction
Positive reinforcement means giving a reward when your dog does something you like, so they’ll want to do it again. For example, if your dog sits when you ask, you can give them a treat or some praise to show them that sitting is the right thing to do. This way, they’ll learn to repeat that behavior in the future.

This approach is the most effective way to teach your dog certain behaviors, but this doesn’t exclude the need for corrections. When discussing corrections, it’s essential to clarify that they should be immediate and never physical.

Example: If your dog greets guests calmly, reward them. If they start jumping on guests, you can guide them to repeat the entrance calmly.

Pro Tip: Dogs exhibit certain behaviors because they’ve been reinforced, even unintentionally, by us. Don’t punish them, especially puppies who are still learning. Instead of getting frustrated, guide them toward the desired behavior.

4. Training and education
It’s never too early or too late to start helping your dog learn. Training is a valuable tool for building a strong bond and improving communication between you and your furry friend. By understanding each other better, you’ll create a more harmonious life together.
Education focuses on teaching your dog how to navigate everyday situations, such as staying calm when guests arrive or walking politely on a leash. It’s the foundation for a well-behaved dog and involves understanding their individual needs and personality—not just their breed traits.

Training takes this a step further by refining skills and exploring activities that bring out your dog’s natural talents. Canine sports, for example, are diverse, fun, and suitable for all dogs, including mixed breeds. These activities allow your dog to channel their energy, develop patience, and improve self-control, all while deepening the bond you share.
Not only does training keep your dog mentally and physically active, but it also strengthens your relationship. It’s a chance to work together as a team, creating trust and mutual understanding.

Pro Tip: While breed traits play a role, focus on what truly excites your dog. Try different activities or sports to discover what they enjoy most.

Pro Tip: Finding the right trainer takes time, so choose someone who is a good fit for both you and your dog.

5. Absolutely avoid physical punishment
Education and training are rooted in patience and mutual understanding. Physical punishment damages the relationship with your dog, leading to fear and withdrawal.

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling in a particular situation, it’s okay to take a step back or try again later.

Reassurance: Even if your dog is challenging to train, success is only possible with patience and persistence.

6. Keep your dog physically and mentally active
To ensure your dog leads a happy and fulfilling life, it’s essential to provide the right balance of physical and mental activity. Every dog is different, so their needs will vary, but here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Physical activity: Small dogs generally need about 1-2 hours of daily exercise, while larger breeds may require 2-3 hours. These are only suggestions, not strict rules. Pay attention to your dog’s energy levels and preferences.
   
• Mental activity: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. It challenges your dog’s mind and helps prevent boredom. Start with short, simple activities, as your dog may tire quickly at first, and gradually build up their mental endurance.

You can use puzzle toys available in stores or create simple games at home to engage your dog’s brain. Mental activities should encourage your dog to think and problem-solve, such as searching for hidden treats.

Pro Tip: Try the “cup game.” Take a few cups (plastic is best) and hide a treat under one. Shuffle the cups and let your dog sniff and figure out where the treat is hidden.

7. Be patient and empathetic
When working with your dog, it’s essential to remember that progress takes time. Not everything will happen immediately, and that’s okay. Training is a learning process for both of you—you’re not just teaching your dog; you’re also discovering the best ways to communicate with them.

Don’t let fear or self-doubt creep in, worrying that you’re not doing enough or moving fast enough. Every dog has their own pace, and it’s important to respect that.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that you’re not working with a machine, but with a pet who has emotions of their own. There will be tough days when progress feels slow or even nonexistent. Some days might feel like you’re taking two steps back instead of forward.
This is completely normal and part of the journey. Embrace the process, stay patient, and remind yourself that consistency and compassion are key to building a strong and trusting relationship with your dog.

Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins, like when your dog waits patiently at the door before going outside.

When to seek professional help
It’s always a good idea to start training with a professional. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad pet parent; it simply helps you understand your dog better.

The relationship between dog and pet parent
For years, the idea of the "pack leader" has been widely promoted, suggesting that dogs need to see their owner as the dominant figure in a hierarchy. However, this concept has been debunked by the scientific community.

The relationship between you and your dog is not about dominance or control. It’s built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. Your dog looks to you as a source of guidance, but this doesn't mean you must assert dominance. Instead, your role is to be a reliable and positive presence in their life.

Here’s how your dog sees you:
• A point of reference: Your dog turns to you when they need direction, whether it's about where to go, how to behave, or simply finding comfort. You’re the one who helps them navigate the world around them.

• A safe base: In situations where your dog feels scared or uncertain, you are their safe place. They trust that you’ll protect them and provide a sense of security.

• A life companion: Dogs form strong emotional bonds with their owners. They see you as a lifelong companion who shares in both the joys and challenges of life, offering love and care in return for their loyalty and affection.

By nurturing these aspects of the relationship, you create a strong, healthy bond with your dog that’s rooted in partnership, not power. Trust and respect will be the foundation that guides your interactions, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

Conclusion
Building a happy and well-adjusted life with your dog isn’t about dominance or control but about understanding and respect. By being a point of reference, a safe base, and a loving companion, you foster a relationship where trust and communication thrive. Remember, a happy dog is one that feels secure, loved, and valued for who they are.

With patience, consistency, and a commitment to positive reinforcement, you and your dog can build a life together full of joy, companionship, and mutual respect. By prioritizing these values, you’ll ensure that your dog enjoys a balanced, fulfilled life – and so will you.