Bonding games with your dog - growing together instead of just playing

What are bonding games?

Bonding games are targeted activities that strengthen the relationship between dog and human. It's not just about "playing", but about real bonding: building trust, improving communication and creating shared experiences that bring you closer as a team.

We - Lui & Paulina - use bonding games in everyday life, in training and especially with dogs with behavioural problems or insecure dogs. They help to create orientation and security - and have fun at the same time.

Why are bonding games so valuable?

Dogs learn in relationships. When they feel connected to us, they are more attentive, more willing to co-operate and much more stable in everyday life. Encourage bonding games:

• Trust

• Eye contact and attention

• Self-efficacy

• Impulse control

• Enjoyment of joint activity

Bonding games can be a valuable door opener, especially for dogs with a history, after a move or with new arrivals.

Examples of bonding games

1. Follow me without a Leash

Walk together through the garden or a secure area - without a Leash, without a command. Just walk together, sometimes stop, sometimes change direction. When the dog comes along: praise. The aim is not control, but connection.

2. Hide & find

Hide briefly on the walk (e.g. behind a tree). Observe how your dog reacts. If he searches for you and finds you: have a party! This strengthens your dog's attachment and orientation towards you.

3. Recall with jackpot

Practise the recall - but make it special. When the dog comes, give it a real reward (game, favourite treat, running together). This way, he associates: "Coming to you is awesome!"

4. Body language games

Move slowly towards your dog - does he stop? Does he move away? Then try to arouse his curiosity by inviting him with body language (e.g. crouching down). No pressure - just communication.

5. Tug-of-war games with rules

Pull, win, let go. Tug-of-war games are fun - but with rules (start signal, stop, swap). They promote impulse control, co-operation and closeness.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We recommend bonding games as part of everyday life - not as a compulsory programme, but as time together. It's not about performance, but about genuine bonding. And yes: you can laugh, dance and run around the garden - the main thing is that you are a team.

We always adapt the games to the dog:

• Puppies: short, gentle impulses

• Anxious dogs: little pressure, lots of structure

• Strong characters: clear rules, lots of praise

Our conclusion

Bonding is not created through commands, but through shared experiences. Bonding games are not "games", but real relationship work - loving, clear and at eye level.

If your dog follows you because he wants to - and not because he has to - then you have already taken the biggest step.