The relationship between a human and their dog is a special bond built on trust, loyalty, and love. However, like any relationship, it requires effort and care from both sides to maintain that connection. Sometimes, due to changes in lifestyle, negligence, or misunderstandings, that treasured bond can become weakened or damaged. The good news is, with some work, an owner can often rebuild their connection and restore that loving friendship with their furry companion.
Common Causes of a Weakened Bond
There are a few key reasons why a dog and owner’s relationship may start to fray:
Lack of Quality Time Together
Dogs are pack animals that thrive on human interaction and play. If an owner stops spending real quality time with their dog – playing, exercising, training – it can lead to boredom, anxiety, and frustration in the dog. This damages the foundation of trust and enjoyment you’ve built together. Make an effort to dedicate focused daily time to positively engage with your dog.
Change in Family Situation
Major life changes like moving homes, marriage, new babies, or divorce can impact your bond if you don’t help your dog adjust to the transition. Be patient, keep to routines when possible, and make sure your dog feels secure.
New Pet in the Home
Adding another pet divides your attention and can make your original dog jealous. Manage the introduction carefully, give your dog plenty of love, and train the pets to get along.
Long Work Hours or Travel
If you suddenly start leaving your dog alone for very long hours or take frequent long trips, they can feel abandoned and anxious. Hire a dog walker, enroll them in doggie daycare, or have a trusted friend care for them in your absence.
Lack of Training & Discipline
Without continued training and reinforcement of commands, your dog may stop listening or respecting you. Set aside time each day for even basic obedience training to maintain your leadership role.
Overly Harsh Corrections
Punishing your dog too harshly can damage your bond by eroding their trust in you and creating fear. Always use positive reinforcement as your primary training method.
Signs Your Bond is Weakening
How can you tell if your relationship with your furry friend is starting to fray? Watch for these signs:
Less Excitement to See You
If your dog used to exuberantly greet you at the door or follow you everywhere, and now seems more indifferent to your presence, it indicates the bond is weakening.
Increased Misbehavior
Attention-seeking behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or ‘accidents’ in the house can be a sign your dog is acting out due to feeling neglected.
Changes in Energy Level
A noticeable decrease in energy, playfulness and engagement may reflect a dog’s sadness or anxiety about the state of your relationship.
New Aggressive Behaviors
A dog that suddenly growls, snaps, or bites when approached – especially by familiar family members – can indicate fear, mistrust, or lack of respect for humans.
Change in Appetite
If your dog shows decreased appetite or a lack of interest in favorite foods or treats, it can be due to stress or depression from the weakened bond.
Excessive Destructiveness
Dogs may become very destructive, chewing up furniture, shoes, or other household items out of boredom, frustration or attempts to get attention if ignored.
Loss of Training
A dog ‘forgetting’ or deliberately disobeying trained commands shows they no longer view you as the leader.
Separation Anxiety
A panicked reaction when you leave, trying desperately to follow you or escape, reflects insecurity in the relationship.
Ways to Rebuild Your Bond
If you recognize symptoms that the connection with your dog is damaged, don’t panic. In most cases, you can take steps to revitalize that loving relationship again.
Carve Out Quality Time
Set aside at least 30-60 focused minutes each day playing games, exercising, grooming or training your dog. Remove distractions and make it positive fun time together.
Go to Training Classes
Attending new training courses together strengthens communication, trust and your bond. Working as a team builds confidence in each other.
Reinforce Commands
Spend 5-10 minutes several times a day working on basic obedience commands to re-establish you as the consistent leader. Use lots of praise and treats.
Add New Activities
Try out a new hobby together like agility, nose work or disc dog to spark renewed mutual enjoyment and cooperation.
Recommit to Daily Walks
Regular long walks provide critical bonding time, exercise and mental stimulation. Make them fun by varying routes, bringing toys or treats.
Show Physical Affection
Gently petting, brushing and massaging your dog releases ‘feel good’ hormones in both of you. Spend relaxed time together.
Play Interactive Games
Engage your dog’s mind and build coordination through games like tug-of-war, fetch, hide & seek or food puzzles. Keep training sessions short and rewarding.
Reinforce Calm Behavior
Counteract any attention-seeking misbehavior by lavishly rewarding quiet, calm, polite conduct from your dog. Set them up to succeed.
Consult a Trainer or Behaviorist
For serious aggression issues, depression, or anxiety, enlist help from certified dog trainers or behaviorists. They can guide you on rebuilding trust.
Preventing Damage to the Bond
While it’s possible to repair strained relationships between dogs and owners, the most effective approach is proactive – preventing that damage in the first place through proper care and training. Here are key tips:
Meet All Your Dog’s Needs
Provide sufficient physical exercise, mental stimulation, affection, supervision and training from puppyhood through adulthood. A happy, secure dog bonds closely with their family.
Train Consistently
Use positive reinforcement to instill good manners, impulse control and obedience from your dog’s first days home. Daily training strengthens your communication and leadership.
Manage Major Life Changes
When introducing a new home, spouse, child or pet, take it slow and reassure your dog through the transition. Stick to routines and make sure they still feel loved.
Avoid Harsh Punishments
While correction is occasionally required, focus on rewarding desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones. Use force-free methods to build trust.
Spend Individualized Time
Set aside quality one-on-one time with each of your dogs every day. Meet their unique physical and mental exercise needs. Rotate walks, play and training with each dog.
Practice Leadership Skills
Use a confident, benevolent approach when interacting with your dog. Be consistent, patient and fair as you guide and train them. Your dog will look to you for security.
Make It Fun!
Training, exercise and play should be positive, wag-inducing experiences for you both every single day. A happy dog bonds closest with their owner.
Conclusion
The treasured bond between dog and human brings us joy and unconditional love. But it requires ongoing effort and mutual care from both sides. While challenging times can temporarily weaken that connection, in most cases owners have the power restore it through renewed focus on your dog’s needs. Rebuilding a damaged relationship just takes time, consistency and lots of patience and praise. With diligent training, attention and fun, you can reinforce your position as your loyal companion’s trusted leader and friend for life.