People adopt animals like dogs, cats, and various species of birds, but not all pet owners have the same mindset and priorities. Not all of them understand that pet animals, too, have emotions. They are more than showpieces and objects of fancy. Studies have shown some pets, especially dogs, are capable of experiencing and exhibiting different emotions, much like humans. They remember people who had been kind to them and also those who treated them badly. In fact, you can find many videos on the web that prove that animals do have intelligence and they have emotions too.
Creating a Conscious Connection with the pet you have
It is not just enough to shelter an animal as a pet and offer food and basic necessities. It is important that you establish an inner connection with the creature. This will benefit both of you in the long run. While there is no single formula for bonding with an adopted pet, and every pet has a unique temperament, you can try the tried and tested tricks.
Be patient- As a responsible pet owner, you have to give your pet time when he or she needs it! After bringing home any animal, be it a puppy or a cat in distress, give some time so that the creature can feel at ease in the new place. Similarly, do not rush to feed your pet as per your whim. Some pets may not like specific foods or can be a little fussy. Try to understand that they too have likings and emotions like humans. When you give them time and space, the bond will grow deep.
Try to understand issues bothering the pet– Initially, it may be hard for you to figure out what issues are making your adopted pet uneasy. It is true that some pets simply take more time than others to settle in a new place. However, at times, they feel uneasy for a long time. If this happens with your pet, try to observe and fathom what is bothering the animal or bird. Is it bright light or excess humidity, or a loud sound that is causing distress? Try changing the location. If you are unsure about the root cause, seek expert assistance.
Spend some time with the pet– You may have a crazy schedule, but it is still necessary to extract some time exclusively for your pet. It can be at the beginning or end of the day. Spend some time with the bird or animal and talk or cajole so that he/she can feel your affection and emotions better. Sometimes, you can bathe the animal or give him/her a relaxing massage.
Indulge in outside activities– Most pets love spending active time with their owners. So, it would be nice to take your beloved cat or dog out for a walk. As it is, they spend a lot of time in captive conditions, and a breath of fresh air will do good for them. However, ensure that you keep the pet away from the chaos and the crowd. If there is no riverside or beachfront, consider taking your pet to a park in the vicinity.
Enjoy a trip together- It may not be possible for every pet owner, for sure. However, if you can, try to take a tour once each year and take your pet along. Not all airlines or public transport companies are pet-friendly, but with effort, you can find some way out. Plan well and take your beloved pet for a vacation. This will be good for both of you. Change of atmosphere and spending time together will only make the bond stronger. Your pet will not be subjected to separation anxiety that kicks in when you leave him/her at home.
To bond with your pet, it is important that you look after his/her health. An ill or distressed pet will be harder to bond with. Sometimes, inner ailments may make a pet animal behave aggressively. So, ensure the pet is checked by a vet from time to time. Also, ensure the animal gets the necessary vaccinations and medication from time to time. There are many other ways to connect with your pet better. Offering treats, petting after you are back from work, and grooming the creature well show favorable results in this regard.