The principles that are in Gary Chapman’s popular book, The Five Love Languages . Can also be applied when training your dog. You have to do some testing to see what your dog loves and once you know it, use it to your advantage to make your dog’s life better. Keep reading to learn about the five love languages of dogs.
Five Love Languages
Acts of Service – taking your dog outside, exploring new areas, meeting new animals and people
Gifts – food and toys
Words of Affirmation -verbal praise
Touch – Petting, grooming, scratching
Quality Time – cuddling, walks, training sessions
How to Determine Your Dogs Love Language
Observe your dog’s reaction when presented with each love language.
Acts of Service: Take your dog outside- do they seem excited or get bored quickly and want to go back inside? Do they like being in bed with you or prefer the ground? Do they like playing with other dogs?
Gifts: when food is given are they excited or is it routine? When you give them a toy so they light up or are more interested in you petting them.
Words of Affirmation: Does your dog light up when you talk to them? Do they wag their tail and his energy goes up?
Touch: does your dog offer their head to pet them or turn away? If they grab a toy that may be more rewarding for them then pets
Quality time: Engagement with your dog on walks through eye contact and training. Talk to your dog so they enjoy this time.
Note you can combine and change love languages based on situation and environment.
How to Utilize that Love Language
The difference between using a love language and utilizing a love language is the intention behind the action.
The intention of randomly giving your dog a treat is to make YOU feel like you’re a good dog owner. However, the goal here is for you to actually be a good dog owner and for your dog to reap the benefits.
