Blog #3

For my inquiry question, I am researching on bonds with pets. My first round of research is how we bond with pets. This first step of research is essential because I am not sure how we bond with different pets. For example, it is easy to tell how people bond with dogs, they play and walk together. But with geckos, for example, there are no specific ways of “bonding” with them. I may think we are bonding by touching my gecko, but I would not know if my gecko thinks that it is bonding.

Adopted family members benefit greatly from the social and emotional support that pets provide. The American Humane Society estimates that in 2012, 164 million, or 62% of American homes, had a pet. Pet owners can have relationships with some of the people in their lives who are just as close as they are to their pets, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. A lack of empathy for the loss of a pet might impede many grieving pet owners’ ability to go through a healthy mourning process because the relationship between them can be so important. (1)

Some ways to bond are:
1. Communicate consistently.
2. Offer comfort.
3. Discover your pet’s preference.
4. Do more of your pet’s favourite activities.
5. Teach your pet something new.
6. Cuddle with your pet.
7. Give your pet his own space.
8. Learn the canine language.
9. Pet your pet. (2)

Some other ways we bond are:
Training
Not only can teaching your dog new tricks improve their manners and behaviour, but it also strengthens your bond with them and is a psychologically stimulating hobby. Your dog must be tuned in to you throughout training to receive direction. Their confidence will grow as they learn new orders and receive goodies and praise from you. If your dog is more experienced, you can teach them fancy new tricks or engage them in mental exercises like agility or nose work.
Exercise together
Exercise is always beneficial for both us and our dogs. Walking or running with your dog can be rather enjoyable when done side by side. Walking or running beside your dog can be an excellent way to strengthen your relationship. Additionally, make sure the activity you choose is appropriate for the breed and activity level of your dog. Running behind you while you ride can be beneficial for breeds that are high-energy and can handle endurance. A pleasant stroll can help if your dog is overweight, elderly, or of a short-nosed breed. (3)

Some pet owners neglect their pets, putting their bond at a halt.
Provide your pet with regular wellness care
Maintaining your pet’s health and companionship for an extended period can be achieved with routine wellness and preventive treatment. Animals are now enjoying longer, healthier lives, which has raised demand for advancements in veterinary treatment due to the human-animal link. It’s possible that your pet dislikes vaccinations occasionally and becomes fearful of veterinarian examinations. Nonetheless, comfort and reassurance can be given by talking quietly to your pet before, during, and after their test. If an unplanned accident or illness requires expensive veterinarian care, think about getting pet health insurance like Trupanion.
Schedule home grooming sessions for your pet
Regular brushing or washing is an excellent method to build a strong bond and spend quality time with your pet. Always get advice from your veterinarian before deciding on a shampoo and creating a bathing schedule. Cats don’t usually need to be bathed because frequent washings can damage their natural oils and perhaps cause skin dryness. Daily brushing is the best approach to prevent matted fur and gently examine your pet for any lumps, bumps, or anomalies on the skin. Regular at-home grooming sessions can also make sure your pet feels more at ease when seeing the clinic. To prepare your pet for the handling they may experience during a veterinarian checkup, make sure you handle their ears, paws, and tail gently during at-home grooming sessions. (4)
It is important to take care of your pet’s hygiene just as much as we do. 

Some people have a more difficult time bonding with their pets. It is important to take it slow, but here are some tips from a professional dog trainer:
1. Keep your pet close and supervised.
2. Gently interact and play with your pet.
3. Hand-feed your pet.
4. Reward good behaviour. (5)
I can prove that this method works. My past gecko, Choco, would refuse to eat and starve for a month. We tried many different ways to get her to eat like putting her favourite fruits in her food. During those times, she was very skeptical and would bite anyone who tried touching her. Then we got the idea to hand-feed her, and she started eating. Then she started to become calm and healthy. There is nothing wrong with your pet not bonding with you, it is important to take it slow. 

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope some of these methods can work on strengthening the bond between you and your pet.

Resources:
1 https://www.theravive.com/today/post/the-extraordinary-bond-between-people-and-pets-0001853.aspx
2 https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-owner-relationship/how-to-bond-with-your-dog
3 https://houstonspca.org/easy-ways-to-strengthen-the-bond-with-your-pet/
4 https://animalemergencycare.net/5-ways-to-strengthen-the-bond-with-your-pet/
5 https://www.24petwatch.com/blog/pro-tips-how-to-bond-with-your-dog