Building a strong bond with your pet is one of the most rewarding feelings that comes with being an owner. Seeing your furry friend’s tail wag as you walk through the door is something that any owner would want to come back to; however, sometimes you may need to break the ice before your pet feels comfortable enough around you.

Quite like humans, some pets may find difficulty trusting their new owner, and this may be down to one of many different factors. The way that you interact with your pet each time you’re around them directly affects their level of trust, all down to the simple actions you take.

In time, through proper care, and attention, your pet will likely start reciprocating your love as it learns that you are someone to trust. Small steps go a long way, and in this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the actions you can take to strengthen the bond with your pet.

Why Might Your Pet Be Holding Back?

Every pet’s life tells a different story, all with different backgrounds, and characteristics that define their personalities. When it comes to strengthening the bond you have with your pet, it’s important to remember that something that works for one owner, may not work for you. There’s a wide range of reasons that your pet could be holding back, such as:

Past Experiences

Particularly for adopted, or rescued pets, they may have had experiences of neglect from precious owners, leading to a lack of trust towards humans.

Independent Personality

With your pet’s identity comes their own temperament, and behaviour. Certain pets are quite simply more reserved than others, regardless of breed, or previous experiences. It’s important to remember that some pets show affection differently to others.

Health Issues

Part of the reason your pet may not be interacting with you is through illness, or injury affecting their behaviour. If you suspect this may be a factor, inform your vet to get them checked out.

Lack of Socialisation

Perhaps the explanation of your furry friend’s reluctance to trust you is that social interaction is new to them. Deprivation of social interaction in their early stages of life may be a factor for their attitude towards you. This also applies to your level of interaction with your pet, leaving them alone for long periods of time may stress them out.

How You Interact With Your Pet

The key to creating a bond with your pet is the way that you interact with them. Pets depend on body language and tone to understand you, using intimidating gestures can confuse or threaten them.

They Need Time to Adapt

When adapting to a new environment, your companion may experience stress, or anxiety. If something in your pet’s surrounding has changed recently, it may just be that they need time to adjust.

If you’re a dog owner still wondering why your pooch may be holding back? Visit the Blue Cross’ article to learn more about Stress in Dogs.

Bonding With Your Dog

Whether you’re looking to create a bond, or simply strengthen the bond with your pet, there are plenty of actions you can take. No matter the situation, you can always do your best to show your pup that you care. Often, you may find that the smallest of tweaks to yours, and your pup’s lifestyle will show the best results. Find out about some of the best ways you can bring you and your pet closer below:

Spend Quality Time Together

The most important thing you can give your pet is time. Give them attention, belly rubs, cuddle time, and make sure you don’t ignore them! Pets value each second of time you spend with them, in time, your furry friend will become accustomed to you, and your bond will be much stronger for it.

Ensure Their Safety

When you make your pet feel safe, trust will likely follow. Ensuring that their surroundings are secure, using a lead in busy spaces, and ensuring that their accessories are in good condition goes a long way.

Particularly for dogs, and cats, you should ensure that they’re equipped with a durable tag, designed to last through their adventures. As this is an essential step of ensuring their safety, it’s important to have a clearly readable tag with your information engraved clearly.

Discover our high quality range of Brass Dog Tags, and Cat Tags, for a long-term ID solution.

Training

Another excellent way of bringing you and your pet closer is through training. Not only does training place you and your pet as a team, but your pet will view you as someone to learn from, which helps to establish respect while encouraging good behaviour.

If you’re looking to train your dog through intense exercise, you may want to check out our Agility Collar Tags - the perfect ID tag for dog sports!

Implement a Consistent Routine

Pets thrive off consistency, and creating a clear routine that you can both stick to on a daily basis is a fantastic way to help your pet feel at ease. A balanced daily routine will not only keep your pet fit and healthy, but they will learn to depend on you, deepening your connection.

It is also important to keep things interesting, switching up exercise, and training exercises to keep your pet entertained.

Look After Their Health and Wellbeing

A happy and healthy pet is far more likely to develop a deep connection with you. Make sure your pet is getting a sufficient amount of exercise, with a balanced diet to match. Each pet is different, and it’s crucial to ensure you do your research to find the right routine.

You should consult your vet regularly to ensure that you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. Checkups will help to make sure that your pet isn’t suffering from any illnesses, or injuries that you may not be able to recognise. Your vet will be able to advise you on any steps you may need to take to be able to better their health.

Summary

Through care, love, and trust, your pet should develop a strong connection with you in their own time. With what is most likely a few simple changes, you will be able to feel the reward of your pet’s face lighting up as you enter the room!

Especially for dogs, exercise will always be one of the most important factors of your pet’s happiness, so get out and explore the world with them! Before you take on your adventures, you’ll need to remember The Control of Dogs Order 1992, stating that every dog in a public space must be equipped with a legible dog tag showing your contact details.

When you choose our deeply engraved tags, you’re choosing endurance, beauty, and reliability. To get yours, click here.