Trust is the only thing that will survive in a relationship. Peyton, my dog, is a deep and trusting friend. However, there are times when he looks at me and turns away. Pets who don't follow orders often run in danger by chewing dangerous things or running on the streets. Being a good pet parent is all about building relationships with your pet.

There are many ways to increase trust

Peyton and me have been working together with a trainer in order to build a stronger bond that is based on trust. To earn her trust, there are other things that I must do besides the daily walks. I can take him along on my errands and play fetch with him, which will make him feel special and connected to me. Peyton is my favorite thing to do, and I have been trying to make it a priority to spend more time with him.

Get a massage for your pet

Massages are my favorite thing. I know they release hormones that can help people relax and heal. Peyton loved a massage, so I gave it to him. He relaxed and breathed deeply, trusting that I would take care of him while he slept.

Make your pet feel special

Making your pet's food more enjoyable is another way to make them feel special. Peyton loves food and I know that he enjoys small treats. To make sure that my pet is safe and healthy, I talked to our vet and now I add meat, eggs, or broth to his kibble.

Peyton and I have been playing games together to stimulate his brain as well as his body. We have started agility classes and upgraded the ball to a Frisbee. I also play hide-and-seek with Peyton's treats. We also found other games for dog, which we will be trying soon. These are also great games for cats. They need as much playtime and attention as dogs.

Keep it consistent and offer rewards

Animals need consistency, so it is important to reinforce all these activities. Peyton should know that he can expect both his walks and dinner. The trainer's view of behavior and attention seeking is this: Dogs seek attention and if they don’t get enough, they will seek out bad attention. You want your pet to be able to get praise and good attention.

Take pleasure in the bonds of companionship

My efforts to bond with my pet have many benefits. Research has shown that companionship with a pet is not only a way to alleviate loneliness but also a medically useful thing. Pet owners who are over 65 experience fewer hospital visits and lower levels of depression. Caring for pets can be a motivation to keep people engaged in their lives, even if they are suffering from chronic illness. People who have had heart attacks in the past are much more likely to live for the first year after having a pet. Pets can help ease the pain of life's setbacks. All of this depends on you and your pet building a strong bond.