Bonding with Your Dog

Part of the joy of dog ownership is developing a human-animal bond. This connection can be extra meaningful to highly sensitive individuals. Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, offered up some exercises to get started:

• Spend quiet time together. “Reading, meditating or simply sitting together strengthens emotional bonds,” Ellis says.
• Practice training and learning tricks. Training with positive reinforcement fosters communication and trust, according to Ellis.  “I love doing training together to grow bonds and if you want, you can aim for some AKC ribbons together!”
• Try scent work or nose games. “[This] encourages teamwork and is mentally stimulating,” Ellis says. You also get to learn how to read your dog’s signals and build trust. 
• Give your dog a canine massage. Yes, it’s a thing! Ellis says it can relax both of you.
• Nature walks or hikes – Provides grounding and connection to both the dog and the environment.
• Listen to some music. “Many dogs respond positively to calming music,” says Ellis, adding: “Many dogs absolutely love sound bowls and you can even find dog sound bowl events in some cities.”

What Makes a Dog Breed for Highly Sensitive People?

While there are certainly breeds that Ellis says are better for sensitive souls, like golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and whippets, she also recommends focusing on an individual dog’s personality. If you need guidance when discussing a potential pup, highly sensitive people should look for:

• Calm temperament: A dog who isn't overly excitable or reactive. On the other hand, if a highly sensitive person thrives on routine and structure, a high-energy breed might be better for them. 
• Affectionate, not demanding: A balance between being present and allowing space.
• Emotionally intuitive: Some dogs naturally pick up on emotions better than others.
• Low-reactivity: Less likely to be startled or stressed by loud noises. This is particularly important for anxious people and trauma survivors, who want to avoid big reactions or barking.
• Adaptable, easygoing: A dog that can handle routine changes without distress.
• Low-maintenance grooming needs: If sensory sensitivities are a factor, avoid a dog who needs lots of hands-on grooming.

“Many breeders will test for these qualities or [you] can have a trainer help you evaluate a rescue pup,” she says, adding that adopting a rescue dog from a shelter is also a great way to choose a pet based on their established temperaments. 

Another piece of advice? Adopt a dog older than one year. “Many believe it may be harder to bond when they are not a puppy, but puppies can actually be really stressful,” Ellis tells us. “There won't be any problems bonding with an older dog.”

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