7 Bonding Activities To Do With Dogs

Few relationships among species are as symbiotic and nurturing as man and his loyal companion, the dog. It's a relationship that has continued to grow throughout the ages. Within the past half-century, dogs have found a special place inside the home, recognizing them as beloved family members. 

But some of these bonds can take time and include developing strong and consistent communication, offering comfort, training, and spending quality time together. So, other than dog training, make sure you make time and go out for some activities. If you’ve been wondering how to bond with your dog, we’ve devised seven fun-filled activities to help deepen the relationship between you and your pup.

Follow along to learn more about exciting bonding activities to do with your dog that are sure to get your pup's tail wagging.

#1 Hit the Road, Jack

Other than long walks, road trips can be a terrific way to bond with your new dog or young puppy. Whether an overnight camping trip or a cross-country adventure, the new sights and smells are bound to bring excitement to your lives.

Before you take to the road like Steinbeck and his beloved poodle Charley once did, remember to:

• Ensure in advance that wherever you’re staying is pet-friendly, or you may have some last-minute trouble-shooting to sort out.
• Bring some of your new dog’s favorite things, whether the tugging rope, a favorite blanket, or the frayed-edged frisbee that gets their eyes wide and full of excitement.

Then, once the car’s packed and ready to go, put on some tunes, lower the windows, and let your pup stare gracefully into the great unknown. Let their tongue hang sideways in the wind, and take a moment to tell them just how much you love them.

#2 Picnic in the Park

Did you think the red and white checkered picnic tablecloth was just for lovers? Think again. Surprise your pup with a picnic in the park. Find a shaded and quiet area, break out the sliced apples and freshly prepared sandwich for you, and a portable bowl of natural dog food for your hungry pup. 

If, as a pet parent, you’ve never taken your furry friend on a picnic date, here are a few things to consider:

• Bring a comfy blanket for your pup
• Have plenty of water
• Pack a couple of treats for dessert
• Take along a couple of toys

Also, think about making time for a walk or some exercise before the picnic. Doing so will help your pup work up an appetite and eliminate any excess energy that may stand in the way of a relaxing afternoon together. A little fetch beforehand could make Milo think twice about chasing every other squirrel up the oak tree. 

#3 Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday

Celebrating your dog's birthday may only happen once a year, but if your pup is truly a part of the family, why not make their day extra special? Making your dog’s birthday an annual celebration is a heartwarming way to let them know how much they’re loved and appreciated. 

So, if you’re looking to praise your pup on their special day, check out some of these fun ways to celebrate:

• Arrange a dog-friendly playdate – Dogs are highly social animals, and all canines can trace their roots back to the pack. So, if you have some friends with dogs, consider organizing a small get-together. Whether at home or meeting up at the dog park, a little social interaction may be a fun way to celebrate another year around the sun. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with your dog's body language
• Give them a gift – Another way to show your pet some affection and how much you appreciate them is by giving them a present. And, believe it or not, many dogs enjoy wrapped gifts just like their human companions. They, too, enjoy the anticipation, suspense, and adrenaline rush of opening a present. Just be sure to keep a close watch while doing so to catch them from consuming anything other than the tasty treat that awaits inside. 

#4 Take a Siesta Together

Not all activities have to be active. Dogs love napping just as much, if not more, than humans do. And cuddling can go a long way when it comes to bonding with your pooch. Physical touch is a meaningful way to bond with your dog, even if it’s as simple as giving them a scratch behind the ears or a good ol’ belly rub.

Bonding this way will make your dog or young puppy feel safe, secure, and loved. It is also one of the easiest ways to learn how to build trust with your dog. The best part is the benefits go both ways. Yes, it's been proven that pet owners may experience less stress, and a boost in self-esteem, and lead more active lifestyles (despite the siestas) than non-pet owners. 

#5 Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Some say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Well, Dr. Ludwig Huber would beg to differ. He’s a cognitive biologist and senior author whose research shows that teaching older dogs new things can increase their motivation, essentially shaking up those old dog symptoms of passivity and replacing them with drive and purpose.

While it may be easier to train a dog early on, it’s never too late to teach an old dog something new, despite the proverb. It may be more of a challenge to reshape behavior, especially in an older or adopted dog. Still, with a bit of love and patience, you’d be surprised how capable and willing dogs of all ages are to learn.

So if you want to bond with your pooch, try teaching them a new trick, such as:

• Rolling over
• Walking backward
• Playing dead
• Giving a high-five

Let your pup put on their thinking caps from time to time—you might even find it to be one of the most amusing ways to spend quality time with your pup.

#6 Go Off The Beaten Path

If you really want to awaken your pup's spirit, and possibly your own, is there anything quite like the great outdoors? Venturing off the beaten path—AKA the old neighborhood loop—is an exciting way to deepen your bond, and the best part is: it’s free!

Unless, of course, you have to pay for a park entrance. But even then, it's a small price to pay for the wild sensations of wading across a crystal clear stream or bouldering along valleys and hillsides. 

The benefits are practically endless when it comes to hitting the trail. Plus, having a dog will often draw your attention to sights or sounds you may not typically notice—or even help strike up conversations with strangers that would have otherwise been avoided.

If you still aren’t sold, check out these reasons why getting outdoors may be an attractive bonding activity for you and your pup:

• It’s a terrific way to stay fit.
• Hiking with a dog tends to give people an extra sense of security.
• It gives your dog plenty of mental stimulation.
• It’s an inexpensive way to bond.

If you opt for the hike, remember a few essential items, including a:

• Leash
• Harness 
• Dog bowl and drinking water

You’ll also want to do a little research about the regulations for dogs wherever you decide to wander.

#7 Be Beach Bums Together

Whether oceanside or lakeside, the beach can be the perfect getaway for you and your pup. It’s an ideal place for dogs to burn any excess energy, whether sprinting across the sandy shores or splashing around in the tide. Depending on the breed, some pups may only like to get their paws wet, while others may jump right in. 

Plus, let's face it—dogs were born to run free. What’s more, the beach is ideal for socialization and time off the leash. So let your dog reconnect with their canine roots, retrace the remnants of its ancestral pack mentality, and live it up on the beach for a day or two. 

That said, here are a few things to be mindful of when taking your dog to the beach:

• Ensure the beach is dog-friendly
• Bring plenty of drinking water
• Be aware of the temperature of the sand
• Don’t let your dog drink salt water
• Consider a life vest for your pup

And if you really want to make it memorable, prepare in advance, and help keep your pup cool with some healthy frozen dog treats.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: The Way to a Dog’s Heart is Also Through Their Belly

While a road trip to the beach or exploring a trail together may be exciting activities to do with dogs, we don’t want to overlook one of the most important—and perhaps most loving ways—to create a strong bond with your pooch, which is the daily ritual of feeding them.

Food is an essential way to show our dogs how much we care about them. We understand that most people barely have enough time in the day to cook for themselves, let alone their dog. But thanks to Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, giving your dog a healthier, more convenient, and more affordable natural pet food has never been easier. 

If you’ve been wondering how to switch your pup to a true raw dog food diet without breaking the bank, look no further. Choose from one of Darwin’s three consciously-sourced recipes and make healthy raw meals a new way to create a strong bond with your pup. 

Sources: 

American Kennel Club. 5 Ways Dogs Help Humans Be Healthier and Happier. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-ways-dogs-help-humans-be-healthier-and-happier/

NBC News. Scientists Prove Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks. Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing. https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/computer-training-dogs-could-help-stop-old-canines-decline-ncna846066