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Can you give your dog too much love?
Dr. Nelson says that you can “spoil” your dog by never allowing him any alone time, which creates an extremely dependent relationship. You and your dog do need some time apart. After all, as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Plus, boundaries can help your dog understand what’s expected of him and behave better. “Too much affection can also mean that you can give your dog positive cues at the wrong time to back up bad behaviors, which can lead to behavioral problems like separation anxiety, vocalizing for attention, and/or damaging items in the home to get attention,” Dr. Nelson explains. In fact, these are the things you do that your dog actually hates.
But as long as you’re fostering a healthy relationship, bring on the love! After all, a loved dog is a happy dog. “Dogs are the most selfless creatures on the planet, so give them an inch [and] they’ll give you back a mile,” says Dr. Nelson. “Be assured that the affection you give will be returned in spades.” That benefits you in some tangible ways, too. “Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease anxiety in humans, lower your heart rate, and increase the release of endorphins (joy hormones) in the brain,” she adds. “So not only is it fun to play with your dog—it’s healthy, too.” Next, find out some other things your dog wishes you knew.
The Signs You’re Not Showing Your Dog Enough Affection
Can you give your dog too much love?
Dr. Nelson says that you can “spoil” your dog by never allowing him any alone time, which creates an extremely dependent relationship. You and your dog do need some time apart. After all, as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Plus, boundaries can help your dog understand what’s expected of him and behave better. “Too much affection can also mean that you can give your dog positive cues at the wrong time to back up bad behaviors, which can lead to behavioral problems like separation anxiety, vocalizing for attention, and/or damaging items in the home to get attention,” Dr. Nelson explains. In fact, these are the things you do that your dog actually hates.
But as long as you’re fostering a healthy relationship, bring on the love! After all, a loved dog is a happy dog. “Dogs are the most selfless creatures on the planet, so give them an inch [and] they’ll give you back a mile,” says Dr. Nelson. “Be assured that the affection you give will be returned in spades.” That benefits you in some tangible ways, too. “Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease anxiety in humans, lower your heart rate, and increase the release of endorphins (joy hormones) in the brain,” she adds. “So not only is it fun to play with your dog—it’s healthy, too.” Next, find out some other things your dog wishes you knew.