In our 7 years in the pet service industry and having met thousands of pets (cats, dogs, birds, reptiles), we have understood how special it is to form a bond with them. Whether it is a 30 min or an hour-long walk/visit, I have observed that every pet has a love language.
Just like humans, pets have 5 love languages: Physical touch, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and quality time. According to Dr. Gary Chapman (author & counselor), the 5 love languages describe five ways that people receive and express love in a relationship.
While the book was written for humans, it can certainly be applied to a pet. Do you know what your pet's love language is?
Physical Touch
Is your pet by the door when you arrive waiting for cuddles & belly rubs? If yes, then your cat or dog's love language is physical touch. Pets communicate their emotions through physical touch and they enjoy when their human is close to them.
Lapdogs, cats and, yes, even lap reptiles appreciate physical attention from you to feel loved. So go ahead, pet away!
Words of Affirmation
If your pet's love language is words of affirmation, then you certainly have noticed that their tail goes up whenever you say "that's a good boy/girl". Expressing affection through spoken words or praise will not only strengthen your bond but will also encourage them to repeat positive behaviors when in training.
Not just humans verbalize words of affirmation but pets also show appreciation through barks, howls, meows, and purrs.
Gifts
Who does not love a thoughtful gift? I have yet to meet a pet who does not love gifts. Dogs absolutely go bonkers for squeaky squirrel-shaped toys and, as for cats, well some like feather wands but most appreciate catnip and a good old cardboard box.
Surprise your fur baby with a long-hour visit from one of their favorite sitters at TAILS UP while you are away.
Pets also show their love by sharing gifts with their owners. Dogs may share their toy or soggy treat with you and cats may bring you a mouse or lizard (if you live in Florida) — it's the thought that counts, right?
Acts of service
Planning an impromptu beach date for your pup or a cuddle session with your dog/cat is a great way to be present and express your love. Making sure ears, eyes, and teeth are routinely cleaned will keep your pet the happiest. Most rewarding is receiving a howl or purr from your pet.
For Tails Up, it is important that every pet we take care of feels loved by doing acts of service during our check-in (brushing fur, wiping paws). As a pet service provider, establishing a relationship & bond is a joy because every pet looks forward to our return.
Quality Time
Through the eyes of your pet, you are the only one that matters, and spending quality time with you is very important. Put your phone away and give them undivided attention while going on a long evening walk with your pup or cuddle on the couch with your cat, they are just happy to spend a 1:1 with you, their human.
The bond between humans & pets is very special. In the 5 love languages, there is no rule of thumb (paw in this case) in how you can show them love. Mix & match love languages and create special memories with your pet.
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